Marian High School Network Jan-Feb 2015

The Network Marian High School

7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134

www.MarianHighSchool.net

Volume 59 Issue 4

January 2015

New chemistry allows basketball team to bounce back maggiemainelli

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Megan Anderson said. “One game someone may be the top scorer and the next, the main rebounder.”

A better bond may have been the beginning, but an even better defense has brought Marian’s points allowed per game down by 20 points. Last year, the team allowed an average of 61.5 points per game. This year, the team has done a much better job of managing each game, bringing the average points allowed down to 41.4.

“Our defense has improved, and we're communicating a lot better,” senior Kailey Bachman said.

For Coach Lisa Schmidt, the work put in outside of the season is very valuable, but she, too, feels the difference in team chemistry. “The girls put in a lot of summer work and truly believe they can compete.

They’re playing for each other and not themselves,” Schmidt said.

Since last season Coach Schmidt has also established the Basketball Leadership Team (BLTs). The BLTs are the juniors and seniors on the team that are expected to lead by example and make the younger girls feel *as of Jan. 27 welcome. The five BLTs this year include seniors Kailey Bachman

fter last year's disappointing 3-20 record, the Crusader basketball team has more than improved.

It only took four games for the team to accumulate more wins than the entire previous season. And after winning their first six games in a row, the team had established itself as a powerhouse instead of an underdog.

This success was unexpected after not only losing last year's senior class, but also losing four seniors who decided not to return to the team this year. So, what is the reason for the triumph?

According to the players, the answer is solid team chemistry.

“What our team has come to learn this season is that it is a team sport and each game can bring a different leader to the occasion,” sophomore

Varsity Season at a Glance*

Graphic by maevenelson

She shoots, she scores Senior Cassie Jones shoots a basket in the game at home against Burke on Jan. 5. The Crusaders went on to defeat the Bulldogs 55-48. Photo by maggiemainelli and Cassie Jones and juniors Tehillah Alphonso, Holly Banark and Mary Kate Mulhall. They met several times

over the summer and fall to discuss their roles as leaders and team goals.

See Basketball: Page 12

Prom committee undergoes changes, announces ‘Frozen in Time’

kathleenbever

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ince the end of the previous school year, preparations for Prom 2015 have been in full swing. The theme, “Frozen in Time,” was announced on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

“We were inspired by looking at Pinterest and wedding sites and, in small part, by the popular movie [‘Frozen’]. We also sifted through prom magazines like Stumps and Anderson’s,” English teacher and Prom co-moderator Mrs. Amy Bauman said. The colors for Prom are silver, white and ice blue.

“The theme, ‘Frozen in Time,’ is not intended to mimic the movie ‘Frozen.’ In that, I mean that it will not be cartoon-ish. We plan to take our inspiration, in part, from the frozen landscape of the movie — the land of Arendelle — with castles and ice forests, for example. It is one magical moment in time — Prom 2015,” Bauman said.

Planning Prom is a detailed task that requires months of planning.

Bauman and fellow English teacher Miss Megan Piernicky worked as co-moderators; together, they chose the theme and decorations for Prom.

Similar to previous years, Post-Prom is being planned by Marian Moms.

In the past, juniors were allowed to apply to be on Prom Committee during first semester to help choose the theme and other aspects of Prom along with co-moderators Bauman, Piernicky and fine arts teacher, Ms. Rachel Misiolek. However, this year, changes were made to the traditional committee.

Students are still involved in planning for Prom. Junior Journalism I students Ally Kmiecik, Sophie Knoblauch, McKenna Simpson and Erin Wolf worked together to create the Prom announcement, which announced the theme and colors, the

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In-Depth Healthy eating

date, time and location of Prom, the price of tickets and the dress code. “We will be soliciting ideas and help from juniors regarding decorations and setup,” Bauman said.

In February, juniors will be invited to sign up to help with the staging of Prom.

Junior Caitlin Ricker was originally interested in becoming involved in Prom Committee, but she had a hard time finding how to contribute her ideas with the changes.

She said that even though juniors have the opportunity, it is not likely that she will help set up the morning of Prom.

See Prom Committee: Page 11

“The theme, ‘Frozen in Time,’

is not intended to mimic the movie ‘Frozen.’ We plan to take our inspiration... from the frozen landscape of the movie... with castles and ice forests, for example. It is one magical moment in time.”

-Mrs. Amy Bauman

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Features This isn’t the real me

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Photo Essay Winter Formal

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The Network [March 2015]

[2] News

Choir pops concert standards Robotics Club kathleenbever

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arian’s Ninth Grade Choir and Select Women’s Choir held their annual Pops Concert on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.

“Pops Concert is very different from other concerts mainly because we get to sing songs that are known and popular,” sophomore Julia Manganaro, an alto in Select Women’s Choir, said. “It gives the audience a chance to hum along and have fun with us.”

“Overall, I think Pops went well,” junior Molly Fisher, a soprano in Select Women’s Choir, said. “People seemed to enjoy the concert and although we made a few technical mistakes for the first show on Saturday, we came through in the end. I think everyone in the choir enjoyed themselves.”

“My favorite song was definitely the Bruno Mars medley. Our costumes were spot on, [and] the dancing, which was choreographed by [senior] Charlotte Wortmann and Mrs. [Michelle] Delisi was really cool,” Manganaro said. “It was just a fun song to do.”

Even though Pops Concert is an annual tradition that began in the early ‘80s, it has gone through a transformation over time. “My Pops experience has definitely changed a lot over the past two years,” Fisher said.

“When I was a freshman, we didn’t have the Performing Arts Center (PAC), so we sang in the old gym.” She said that costume changes were stressful because there wasn’t a real backstage like the one that is in the PAC. “Having the opportunity to sing in the PAC now is amazing,” Fisher said.

Seniors in Select Women’s Choir are offered the opportunity to bring in family members and sing with them.

Julianna Curley and Emily Welchans sang duets with their fathers at this year’s Pops Concert, and Charlotte Wortmann sang with her brother Ryan, a sophomore at Creighton Prep, and her sister Rachel, who graduated from Marian in 2014.

“I’ve been looking forward to singing with my dad since freshman year,” Curley said. She and her father, Mark Curley, sang “Anyway” by Martina McBride.

“My voice teacher suggested it, and

when we listened to it, we thought it would be a cute song to do,” Curley said.

Welchans and her father sang “Knee Deep” by Zac Brown Band. “I picked a song that was easy to sing because my dad isn’t big into singing; he did band in high school rather than choir. I wanted to pick one we both liked, and Jimmy Buffett is one of his favorite artists, so the choice seemed obvious,” Welchans said.

The Wortmann siblings decided to sing “Hakuna Matata” from Disney’s “The Lion King.” “I figured we would need some comic relief during the concert because sometimes it’s hard sitting through a long concert where everyone is being serious the whole time. It’s always fun getting a good laugh out of the crowd. We even decided to take a selfie on stage,” Wortmann said. “We have a great time singing together and it’s a lot easier to blend voices while harmonizing when you all sound the same.”

Curley, Welchans and Wortmann all agree that their experience with their families at Pops Concert has positively affected their relationships.

“I think it’s made us closer and helped our trust because you have to trust the other when you’re on stage, and so it’s carried over to our lives off stage,” Curley said. “We’ve been singing together our whole lives so I think we kind of take the bond we have for granted. We are all best friends and it’s just one more thing we can do together before life starts taking us separate directions,” Wortmann said.

Students who participated in Marian’s Pops Concert readily agree that preparing for the performance took hard work and dedication. “I think the hardest part about Pops Concert was learning the music and the dancing in just a few short weeks. It took awhile to really get the music down, and once you add dancing to the mix, it’s a whole new dimension. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” Manganaro said. “Our hard work definitely paid off. We put a lot into the show and we gave it our best! Both shows went well, and in the end I think everyone was happy with the outcome.”

A father-daughter duo Senior Emily Welchans and her father perform the song “Knee Deep”

by Zac Brown Band. Other seniors sang with their family members as well. Juliana Curley and her father performed “Anyway” by Martina McBride while Charlotte Wortmann and her two siblings sang “Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King.”

C’mon Ninth Grade Choir The Ninth Grade Choir sings the Elvis Presely song “C’mon Everybody” at Pops Concert.

The Ninth Grade Choir was later joined by the Select Women’s Choir. Photos by kathleenbever

The Robotics Club participates in two competitions per year, one in September and one in February. The most recent competition took place at the Strategic Air & Space Museum on Feb. 22. The team placed first in lab notebook and presentation.

Althought the competitions are over, it’s not too late to join! Contact Mrs. Genoways for more information.

Green Thumb

Science Club

Club

The Science Club is open to students interested in scientific investigation. Contact Julia Griffin or Lily Foley for more information about their upcoming forensics activities.

The Green Thumb Club is open to all students that have an interest in nature. Members are currently working on plotting and transplotting plants. They are planning on taking a field trip to the plant rescue in Benson on March. Contact Faith Vinton, Isabelle Swanson or Rachael Steier for more information.

Graphics by erinmartinez

College for the community: Marian weighs in on Obama’s college promise megansmith

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ree college: sounds like a dream, right? If President Obama has his way, it will be closer to reality rather than fiction.

In his State of the Union Address on Jan. 20, Obama proposed the idea of two free years of community college for all citizens, labeled as America’s College Promise. Keeping in mind that “by the end of this decade, two in three jobs openings will require some higher education,” his hope is to create easy access to higher education for those who can’t afford the increasing college tuition rates. Students who choose this route must keep their grades at a certain level, graduate on time, complete a community service requirement, and more.

As foreign as the idea may seem, two regions of the country have already tested the program (the city of Chicago and the state of Tennessee) and have seen success. If the government piloted the program across the entire nation, it’s estimated that it would impact the lives of more than 9 million students.

For future Marian seniors, this could mean a stark change in college choices.

Senior Melia Markham knows this all too well; because of the steep costs of her first choice college, she is unable to attend the school of her dreams.

While the high-priced tuition rates for schools around the nation have not deterred Melia from attending a different four-year university, they have helped shape her approval of president Obama’s proposal.

“I think that because I have been raised the way that I have and also because I go to Marian, I would still choose a four-year university, but

I think it’s a great option for other people who don’t have the same circumstances that I do, and I also think it has great benefits to it,” Markham said.

Markham also stressed the fact that the benefits the program offers must be earned by each student.

“I know a lot of people don’t know about the community service and the good grades policy that president Obama did address in the State of the Union, and so I think that’s a huge part of it because people think it’s just a handout, but really there are requirements to get into the program,” Markham said.

For some, however, the requirements to enter the program don’t quite pass the test. America’s College Promise could cost more than $60 billion in taxes over 10 years. On top of high taxes, the possibility of four-year universities to increase their tuition due to a lack of students may arise. For seniors like Emily Worth who plan on attending four-year universities, this could put an extreme dent in college plans.

“Students with low income already get free community college through the Pell Grant, so it would further privatize and increase expenses for four-year universities, hurting all college students, not just the people wanting to get free college,” Worth said.

Whether or not free community college is a decision that will benefit or hurt students across the nation has yet to be determined, but for now, the only option is to wait and see if president Obama fulfills his college promise.

News [3]

The Network [January 2015]

Director, original script bring excitement to Marian theater kaylasullivan

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arian’s 2015 spring play, “Cursing Mummies,” promises to be a laugh-out-loud comedy with interactive scenes performed in such a way that audience members may feel as if they have entered an alternate world where they are partaking in a live version of the board game, Clue.

The play, written and directed by Mr. Michael McCandless, follows a murder mystery “who dun it” plotline after an archaeology professor with recent treasure findings is found murdered at his own celebration party.

The large-production comedy is a far cry from last year’s modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s somber Romeo and Juliet. However, Marian thespians are excited about the new undertaking. The girls were able to read the script prior to auditions.

One theater hopeful, sophomore Kate Schwaller, was especially enthused about it.

“I think it’s very funny and very, very good. I’m really excited to see it come to life a little bit more,” she said Schwaller was cast to play voice overs, stunt doubles, and other various roles.

“It’s funny. It’s weird. It’s my kind of humor,” agreed senior Elaine Hart,

who has been in other Marian theater productions such as the “King and I,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Little Mermaid.” For her final performance at Marian, Hart was cast as Lavinia Russell/voice over.

There was excitement in the air after school in the Performing Arts Center Jan. 12, 13, 14 as 52 students (representing Marian, Prep, Central, Omaha South and Omaha North) prepared to audition for the play.

The students were asked to bring a picture of themselves and to change out of their uniforms to help Director Michael McCandless distinguish them from one another and to help them feel more relaxed. McCandless directed Marian’s musical “42nd Street” in 2006 and was asked to come back and direct this year’s spring play.

Marian fine arts teacher, Mr. Luke Ostrander, typically directs Marian’s theater productions, but he has decided to focus on speech this spring.

“Speech season second semester completely overlaps the production of the play, and getting the girls ready for districts, state, national qualifiers, and nationals takes a lot of time. I felt last year that I was just stretched too thin, and wasn’t giving the students in

Ready voices Students practice lines and get into character at the Jan. 14 final afternoon of auditions in the PAC lobby. Photo by kaylasullivan

Junior dodge ball tournament promotes Special Olympics A erinmartinez

of homeroom 320. “A lot of juniors herd of juniors heading towards played in the dodge ball tournament the East Gym on Wednesday because it was a good competition mornings, geared up in workout and a fun way to destroy the other clothes, may be a common sight for homerooms,” White said. “Another the next couple of weeks. Members reason juniors did it was to raise of the junior class are currently money for Polar Plunge.” participating in a dodge ball Homeroom tournament 314 ended as a way up being the to raise winner of the money for tournament. the Special “Even though Olympics. we lost the Students first game and turned in got out pretty a liability early, we were sheet and pretty much paid a fee of unstoppable,” $1 in order White said. to join their Dodge, duck, dive Homeroom 313 wins the junior “We may not have homeroom dodge ball tournament. Photo courtesy of Evelyn won on the court, teams and Benda but we won in compete for Tom Baker’s heart.” the championship.

All money raised at this tournaSocial studies teacher, Mr. Tom ment is going toward the Special Baker is the teacher who organized Olympics. “I really think that the this event. “When I first started Polar Plunge in this school, that was an easy Special Olympics in an important cause. It links you with a part of the way for us to raise funds,” Baker said.

“I had the big [dodge ball] tournament community that you don’t necessarily have a strong link to. The tournament at the school as a fund raiser as well. could also bring about a sense of class I thought it would be fun for students unity,” Baker said. to go to the gym in the morning and There are plans to expand this fund throw things at each other.” raiser to the senior class, and possibly Junior Maggie White participated the rest of the school in the future. in the tournament and is a member

both activities the attention and time I would have liked to,” Ostrander said.

The change in leadership will add a different dynamic to the play. “It might be a challenge because we don’t know him [McCandless] very well, but Bio-diversity Potential cast members fill out the bio sheet during the it’s easier for Jan. 13 night of auditions. “I wasn’t nervous because Mr. McCandless auditions because made auditions fun and laid-back,” junior Devon Gottsch said. he doesn’t know Photo by kaylasullivan you. There’s no prejudice,” Schwaller said. which I had never done before,” Sophomore Jessica Olmstead he said. Despite his nerves, the was chosen to be a voice over/stunt audition turned out to be a positive double/various role member of the experience. Although he did not find a cast. “He seems like a generally happy homecoming date, McCandless marks guy, real free-flowing… I like that,” she this audition as the moment “the bug said. bit” and he became motivated to be McCandless has many reasons to involved with the theater. be happy. This will be the seventh He majored in theater at Creighton production of “Cursing Mummies,” University and later moved to celebrating its 10 year anniversary. It Boston for professional experience. was performed at Creighton Prep in Eventually, McCandless found himself 2005 and has since been seen in other back in Omaha with the desire to theaters in Nebraska, Arizona and teach his passion to aspiring actors Virginia. and actresses, and he is active within McCandless, an Omaha native, has the city’s performing arts scene. been teaching theater at Creighton “I still act professionally at University for 25 years. He was first practically every theater in town,” he introduced to the performing arts said. during his sophomore year of high McCandless said he is thrilled to school when a friend convinced him mark the 10th anniversary of his play, to audition for a musical at Marian.

“Cursing Mummies,” by returning to “I have to painfully admit that my Marian, the place where his theater impetus for auditioning was to find a dreams were realized. date for homecoming,” McCandless Marian students and boys from said. area high schools hope to use this fun “I was nervous because I had to and unique opportunity as a way to sing in front of people for the audition grow in their fine arts dreams as well.

Class exposed to media reality tayloreicher

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t Marian, students are required to take religion classes all four years. During their second semester, sophomores study a sexuality unit.

In that unit, students learn about everything from Photoshop within the media to sexually transmitted diseases.

“This unit ties into religion beautifully because God loves us passionately and tells us everything we need to know about how to have healthy relationships, healthy selfrespect and a healthy attitude toward sex and sexuality,” religion teacher Mrs. Lori Spanbauer said.

The documentary “Miss Representation” is often one of the students’ favorite parts of the unit.

“I think it helps them understand the reasons why the media so often disrespects and degrades women, and that this is intentional; therefore, we don’t have to buy into it,” Spanbauer said.

This documentary shows the struggle women have to be perceived as powerful as well as how the media uses Photoshop to drastically alter women’s appearances.

“The heavy focus on the media at the beginning of the unit is to give students background on how and why sex and violence play such a huge role in our society, and how and why women are not treated well in society,” Spanbauer said.

Sophomores in Spanbauer’s class

felt the same way.

“I feel like women aren’t treated with respect in the media. All of the Photoshopping that’s done shows women they aren’t good enough,” sophomore Kiera Leppert said.

Classmate Megan Anderson agrees.

“Photoshop gives the public impossible standards. It gives them a false representation of what they should look like,” Anderson said.

Part of the film focuses on how women are represented in the news, especially female politicians.

Politicians like Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton are often critiqued based on their looks.

When Sarah Palin was running with John McCain in the 2008 Presidential Election, she was criticized for spending too much time on her appearance.

The opposite is true for Hillary Clinton who has been criticized for not spending enough time on her appearance.

“I was surprised to hear how news anchors focused on Hillary Clinton’s looks so much,” sophomore Amalea Poulos said.

Spanbauer says the sexuality unit is an important part of religion classes.

“God’s guidelines are often very counter to our cultural values and norms, so we have to keep our eyes on Christ so as not to blindly follow and internalize the unhealthy messages of our culture,” Spanbauer said.

The Network [January 2015]

Opinion [4]

Lizzy is here: A letter to my biggest fan

The Staff Speaks: No one gets us

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here’s no easy way to say this, so we’ll just get right to the point.

Our generation is lazy, apathetic and overall, doomed.

Most of us are unable to vote, so we don’t care when it comes to politics.

We are more concerned with what we are going to wear to that party this weekend than we are with the problems occurring in other countries.

We would rather sleep and bingewatch Netflix for hours than work on our large amount of homework, which we have all put off until the last minute.

Teenagers these days are disrespectful to authority figures and feel as though they are entitled to all that they are given.

An adult from any other generation might tell you those things, but they would be wrong.

As seniors on The Network staff, we know what it is like to be under the spotlight of our older relatives. Every family gathering has been filled with “When I was your age we didn’t have Google to write our papers for us,” and “Kids these days are too lazy, they care about nothing.”

Our generation is not doomed, just misunderstood. We are tired because of the unavoidable amount of student debt waiting for us in our future as we realize that our hard work in high school can’t even begin to prepare us for the next couple years of work in our future.

We are not apathetic. If anything, we care too much. It could just be a trait common among Marian students, but teens our age are consistently more willing to debate our values than any 30+ year old. We are not lazy, we just have too much on our plate.

With seven classes a day, hours of homework, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs and the necessary nine hours of sleep, it’s reasonable that most of us would want a little time during the day to relax.

Older generations don’t realize that when they tell us how much harder their lives were as teens, they fail to realize how much is expected of us, as well as the large amount of pressure put on us to be the perfect generation.

ear Mystery Lizzy Van Dyke, This is just what you wanted, isn’t it? To get a rise out of me?

Well, congratulations, you’ve done it. You can imagine the sheer horror on my face as I parked myself in the third floor window bathroom stall only to see “LIZZY VAN DYKE WAS HERE” scrawled across the wall. The inalterable look of helplessness and confusion on my face was comparable to the expression given when walking into a friend’s house and the dog jumps around between my legs.

Immediately, I thought to myself, This is an abomination! Do my eyes deceive me? This fraud deserves a disciplinary point for her sinfulness!

(Scratch that idea, someone would have had to be watching…). But after going back and forth for a while in my head, I concluded that I have nothing but respect for you; hats off to you, mystery Lizzy.

Not only do I find your method of @ing me especially courageous

good laugh, I will always be “HERE.” and flattering, but the act of simply I am ignoring the possibility that the pulling out a pen and scribbling on message you were originally trying to the door ignites an indescribable fear convey by framing me for vandalism and excitement within me. Although, is exactly the opposite — that you do I’m slightly offended that you think not want me here. “was here” is as creative as I would Yours truly, get. I would like to think that after

The Real Lizzy Van Dyke mustering up the audacity to leave my *I do not condone vandalism. mark, I would at least write something Although it is creative at times, it of substance like, “Dance like no one is illegal and worthy of disciplinary is watching!” action.

Furthermore, I have a tremendous appreciation for the Da Vincis and Picassos who, depending on their style, look at the bright royal blue doors as so much more than what they are — as their canvas. But that’s besides the point — I guess I just Behind the Curtain wanted to let you know that your work does not go unnoticed.* If you’re out there, Wallflower, if you’re reading this, just know that despite “LIZZY VAN DYKE” not technically being “HERE,” that I’m always here for you. Whether you need a shoulder to cry on or just a lizzyvandyke

Shower Thoughts With Lizzy:

Reality TV helps me escape reality I

, Samantha Jo Chaney, have a shameless love for reality television. I love it all, from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” to “Dance Moms”. I can watch it any time, anywhere. There is nothing quite like watching middle-aged women yell at each other about party planning.

I am aware that most, if not all, of what you see when watching reality TV is fake. I just can’t help watching “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”and getting really into the whole Kourtney-Scott situation. I love to just sit on the couch on Sunday nights with some popcorn or a bowl of Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream and get my weekly dose of Bravo and E!.

The Real Sam Chaney

samchaney

My love for the Kardashians and the Jenners is never ending. New situations arise from episode to episode, however they always end the same.

Kim always cries; Kylie tends to rebel; and Kourtney is always scared of something.

But my favorites aren’t limited to Hollywood’s favorite problematic family: any show that starts with “The Real Housewives of...”is automatically on my must watch list. Middle-aged women trying to act like teenagers give me life.

What would I do without said middle-aged women’s hair extensions and fake tan? How would I make it through a long week without seeing what my favorite housewives are up to?

It is so easy to forget about my problems and watch Tyra Banks tell yet another model that she just doesn’t have “it.” For some reason, the problems of others create a great way to escape my own.

Something is almost magical about being a fly on the wall and watching someone’s life unfold. Except instead of a fly on the wall, you’re more like a cameraman in the middle of the

The Network The Network is a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A, Catholic, North Central Accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of the N.H.S.P.A, N.S.P.A. and the C.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. Opinions expressed on the opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community. Students, faculty and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. All letters must be typed, signed, and sent to this address: The Network, Marian High School 7400 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 Or emailed to us here: netpaper@omahamarian.org An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found here:

http://www.mariannetwork2015.wordpress.com Follow us @MHSbeat Also follow @MarianStuBo Pics or it didn’t happen! #marianyearbook2015

room filming something that wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t written to happen, but I mean, it’s basically the same, right?

Some people hate reality television, and I totally understand. It’s definitely not for everyone. I don’t like all reality shows, like “Total Divas” for example.

As much as people don’t like reality TV, there will be an equal number of people like myself (and my mother) who just can not get enough.

As much as reality TV haters want the genre to go extinct, I don’t think that reality TV will be ending any time soon because of all of the spin-offs that come from our beloved shows, including “Kourtney & Kim Take Miami”, “Don’t be Tardy...”(a spin-off of The “Real Housewives of Atlanta”) and “The Bachelorette” to name a few.

However, all spin-offs are not created equally; some are far superior to others. Some spin-offs were created with good, if not great, intentions (“It’s a Brad, Brad World”, spin- off of “The Rachel Zoe Project”, on Bravo) but just don’t have what it takes to make it in the reality television world.

Love it or hate it, reality television is going to be around for awhile, and I can promise you that I will be watching for as long as possible.

Power of the Press Managing Editors: katiepallesen & megansmith Copy Editor: kathleenbever Photo Editor: emmiemcminn Graphics Editor: sarahmullen Online Editors: erincarollo & erinmartinez Front Page Editor: maevenelson News Editors: tayloreicher & anabellemcdonald Opinion Editors: samchaney & charlotteelsasser Editorial Writer: erinmartinez Feature Editors: emilybashus, blairkellner, laurenwarner, & annawinkeler Indepth Editor: kaylasullivan Sports Editor: maggiemainelli Entertainment Editors: lucyfindley & lizzyvandyke Photo Essay Editor: mariavaladez Columnists: samchaney & lizzyvandyke Adviser: mrs. marshakalkowski

Opinion [5]

The Network [January 2015]

To squash or not to squash — that is the question

No more bug’s life

Spare the spiders

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katiepallesen

irst, I see it out of the corner of my eye. I know it’s there, swarming around me, waiting for the right moment to pounce. Next, I hear the buzz. Buzz. Buzz. I know it’s a mosquito. Last is the most dreaded part of the experience: the landing. I feel the bug land on my arm. Even my quick athleticism and strength cannot get me to the mosquito in time to prevent the sting.

The sting — the primary reason I am in full support of bug killers. Bug spray just doesn’t seem to cut it. For those lucky superhumans who can swat the bug prior to the sting, more power to you. If you can, kill the bug, and save yourself from the painful sting and the accompanying red spot, welt and annoying itch that can last from a few hours to a few days.

The most well known diseases carried by mosquitos alone include malaria, yellow fever, West Nile and more. It’s just not worth the risk.

You never know which little creepy crawler is actually carrying the disease.

Then you can’t forget the classic fleas and ticks. It is so scary to think I could have a tick sucking my blood and passing on Lyme disease, or

some other harmful disease, and not notice it until it’s too late.

Last and definitely least is the spider.

I have never heard of a spider carrying a disease, but there are plenty that are poisonous. Knowing exactly which spiders are poisonous is not on my list of priorities, so the safe option is to view them all as dangerous.

My motto is: safety first, bugs last.

I don’t mean to look at creatures of God with such disgust, but I can’t help but feel the need to protect myself when bugs are around.

The occasional ladybug or butterfly will not completely set me on fire with rage, so I often spare them. But if anything with a stinger or annoying buzzing noise sticks around me for too long, consider it bug juice.

anabellemcdonald

ll you can hear is your own piercing shriek. All you can feel is your body frozen with terror. All you can see is a jet-black, eight-legged creature the size of a plump clementine hanging out on your wall.

To many Marian girls, including myself, the scene is a nightmare.

Personally, I haven’t seen a spider bigger than a dime without shedding a tear in the past five years.

Luckily, I can always count on my courageous father to rescue me from my hysteric state.

While crying out in fear as my dad comes to dispose of the creature, there is one phrase that I always shout out: “DAD, PLEASE DON’T KILL IT!” Yes, spiders and other creepycrawlers are terrifying. Yes, I don’t want them anywhere near my life.

But do these opinions of mine give

me the right to end the life of a fellow inhabitant of Earth? If at all possible, I believe that bugs’ lives should be spared, no matter how frightening they can be.

Now, it isn’t the bug’s fault it ended up in your sink, is it? Mr. Bug was simply crawling along, having a normal day. He possibly was on his way home to greet Mrs. Bug in the hole in your yard. He simply took a wrong turn and ended up all lost and confused in your dirty, toothpaste-caked sink. There was no malice in his acts.

Mr. Bug deserves to be gently scooped from the sink and released into the wild backyard. He deserves to live. Along with my conscience turning me off from bug killing, there is also the fact that it is simply disgusting.

Back in the not-so-good old days of my bug-killing ways, I experienced some horrifying sites.

Sights of wriggling, half-dead caterpillars and spider guts smeared on my bedroom wall haunt my memories.

Really, this was some stuff straight out of a Stephen King book.

Now, when you choose a merciful path, your home is gut-free and you can have the satisfying feeling of knowing you saved a life.

Muddling through my miserable mid-year crisis megansmith

I

didn’t realize I was having a midschool-year crisis until I sat down to write this column.

I’ll get to it later, I always told myself. Even though this was one of the assignments I looked forward to the most, I was so unmotivated to write a column about being unmotivated that I spent more time thinking about it than writing it. What defines a mid-school-year crisis? I would ask myself while pushing off assignments and replies to emails by searching for Winter Formal dresses online and binge-watching “Buying Log Cabins.”

There I was, dragging my 5-foot3-inch self through a 2-foot tall snowbank while complaining about the weather, when I suddenly became aware of just how hard my mid-school-year crisis had hit me.

The cold realization crept through my feet (although that could have been the snow soaking through my socks and tights) and all the way to my head, as I understood just how much the mid-school-year crisis had consumed me.

The first thing I realized was how concerned I was with the weather. Every day, I had to know just how early to set my alarm due to the snow. I had to know what the weather would be like at least two weeks in advance just so I could drop off a book at the library.

Whatever I did, there was always this underlying concern about the weather and the snow.

After that, I started to notice how often classmates shared stories about sliding on the ice on the way to school or spread rumors about a snow day. Forget the Surprise Day rumors; if Brandi Petersen from KETV said anything close to the words “snow day,” it was all over campus. Even the teachers were involved with the hype; if I looked hard enough during a lecture, I could

catch that extra five-second stare my teachers held with the window while watching the snow fall.

And it wasn’t just at school, it was at home, too; the 10 o’clock news became a waiting game for the forecast, and each second leading up to the weatherman’s predictions left my parents on the edge of the couch.

Once the first snow day rumors

started to spread, my motivation for schoolwork began to drop. Why do homework if we’re not going to have school tomorrow? I asked myself.

I even stayed inside more often on the weekends, unwilling to leave the comfy confines of home and a cup of hot cocoa my mom made me to stay warm.

Even after the first few cups and

my mom politely saying, “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to hang out with friends instead of watching ‘Buying Log Cabins,’ I still decided to stay in on Saturday nights just to see if the featured couple chose the modern log cabin or the lakeside fishing home.

The following Monday would hit me like a log, as teachers handed out assignments once again instead of suggesting that we prepare for the upcoming finals like they had last semester. In between classes, conversation would stick to Winter Formal, Surprise Day rumors and of course, THE WEATHER. Because what else happened in January?

There weren’t any finals to procrastinate and complain about, Christmas and New Year’s Eve had long since passed and nothing exciting was looming around the corner.

So now that I knew I was having a mid-year crisis, how could I escape it?

The best advice I’ve discovered thus far was this: to challenge myself to stay focused.

Instead of spending study hall dress shopping or hiding away at home under twelve layers of blankets, I challenged myself to actually do my homework (even on a snow day) and go out on the weekends.

I felt better each time I did the impossible, and slowly, I found myself less preoccupied with the weather and my lack of motivation. I realized how important it was to overcome the mid-year crisis, not only so my grades didn’t drop below the temperature, but also so that I didn’t dig myself into an even deeper mid-year crisis.

So, here’s my challenge to all of you experiencing a mid-school-year crisis; whatever level of crisis you may be on, try to scrape together what motivation you have left and keep going.

You’ll be thankful you did when you’re the one relaxing while everyone Cartoon by megansmith else is having a mid-year crisis.

[6] Features

DIY: Decorative candle

Graphic by annawinkeler

Tutorial by freshman Nina Oleynikov

Materials: -packing tape -candle -tissue paper -blow dryer -scissors -Sharpies -wax paper

1

Trace the size of the candle with a Sharpie and draw your design on the tissue paper.

2

Cut out your design and tape it onto the candle.

3

The Network [January 2015]

World language studies benefit, inspire students A emmiemcminn

wave of relief rushes over abilities are improved along with enrich the experience. members of the sophomore standardized test scores.

“It’s interesting to see the difference class when they are registering “I think the biggest benefit of between the way the natives speak for next year’s classes as they learning a foreign language is to be their language versus the way you realize they have fulfilled the able to communicate with people all are taught to speak their language,” world language requirement. around the world. You are also able to Munchrath said.

However, some students go above understand their culture,” Señora Beth Learning foreign languages is one the requirement by continuing Shanahan, chair of the world language of her many interests, and she plans Spanish, French or Latin because department, said. to continue her language education in there are countless benefits to “I think learning Spanish has her future beyond Marian. taking a world language — besides improved my memory, and it has Foreign language education not improved English. always been something that I have only helps academically, but also At Marian, 583 out of 641 been motivated by academically which culturally. Having the ability to students are currently enrolled in a may have inspired me in my other communicate with people native to the world language. land while visiting Sixty-four is a huge help. It percent take can make traveling Spanish, 23 easier and create percent take new opportunities.

French and 13 “When I was percent take in the Dominican Latin.

Republic, I Typically, was able to four years communicate of a world well enough to language are have inside jokes recommended with natives and for college. understand daily Two-hundred conversations. and twentyThe relationships five of those I made because 583 Marian I knew another students are in language was my honors language favorite part of classes, meaning Table talk On Thursday, Jan. 22, senior Taylor Munchrath participates in a table discussion in learning another French I. Photo by emmiemcminn that they went language,” beyond the twoMunchrath said. year language requirement. Only subjects,” senior Taylor Munchrath “My roommate spoke French and 89 of those students went on to said. being able to help her added even take a fourth year.

Problem solving and multitasking more to me being able to understand Memorizing vocabulary, are two more cognitive benefits and communicate with them conjugating verbs and completing that come from learning a world because I felt I was able to improve listening activities are not always language. her experience as well as mine,” the most coveted part of world Munchrath took Spanish for Munchrath said. language classes.

However, three years, and she is currently It is an accomplishment to learn all of these components of learning taking French I. She traveled to the a foreign language, but it takes hard another language are proven to Dominican Republic on a service trip work to become fluent enough to hold increase academic achievement. with Marian in June 2014. Having a a conversation in that language. Once As the brain is developed and previous knowledge of Spanish is not one reaches that level of conversation, challenged in a new way, reading a requirement for this trip, but it can the rewards are endless.

Honors Independent Research class brings about new learning opportunities to seniors blairkellner

T Cover the candle in tissue paper. Use a blow dryer on high to melt the tissue paper into the candle.

4

Peel off the tape. Wrap the candle in wax paper again and continue to use a blow dryer.

5

here are many different types of classes that are offered at Marian, including the newest class, Honors Independent Research. This class gives students the opportunity to learn how to write APA style college papers while in a high school environment.

Students even get the opportunity to work with Creighton professors to perfect their paper and topic, although the course does not count for college credit at Creighton. The class is currently only available to seniors at Marian and is offered as an honors course.

Each student chooses a topic that she works with the whole semester.

The students had various check-in dates, but do most of the work on their own.

“My topic was about how caffeine affects teens’ academic ability,” senior Kiera Johnson said.

Johnson was one of the 13 students who were the first to take the class last semester.

This semester, however, only three seniors are currently taking the class.

“I chose to stay in the class because it’s going to really help me next year, and one of the Creighton professors told us, ‘No one is going to make fun of you here.’ It’s like

taking an actual college course but without all the pressure of a college course,” senior Elaine Hart said. This allows the seniors to learn skills in advance that they will need for the next four years.

Social studies teacher Mr. Tom Baker and science teacher Mrs. Sharon Genoways are co-teaching the class — a new way of teaching that hasn’t been previously tried at Marian.

“It’s really funny when Mr. Baker and Mrs. Genoways jokingly fight back and forth, but it’s actually really nice that there are only three girls in the class because they’re able to help up us a lot more individually,” Hart said.

Johnson reflects on her experience last semester. “My favorite part was learning new things and hearing everyone’s ideas.”

At the end of the semester, the students had the opportunity to present their findings in the Kish Auditorium in front of students, faculty, the Creighton professors and anyone else who wanted to view the presentations.

These presentations took place about a week before finals. This presentation and the paper counted towards their final grade.

This semester, the girls currently in the class will again present their findings at the end of the school year.

Fall semester students and topics: 1. Caroline Arens: The Social and Behavioral Effects of Video Game Play 2. Amber Bridgeford: Ranking Literary Merit Objectively 3. Sarah Cronin: Determining the Feasibility of Running Desalination Plants on Solar Energy 4. Kiera Johnson: The Impact of Caffeine Enhancing Teen’s Mind State and Improving Test Scores 5. Morgan Leatherman: Factors Contributing to the Quality of Life per Region in the United States of America 6. Hallie McNamara: An Analysis of Diabetes Patient Care in Developing Countries 7. Sarah Mullen: Pain Objectified: The Factors of Pain Effects 8. Alexandra Regan: Preterm Infants and Altered Pain Sensitivity 9. Meg Shonsey: The Use of Religion to Cope with Stress in Adolescents Today 10. Meg Stahlnecker: Contracting an Eternal Community-Assocciated MRSA Infection with No Hospital Affiliation 11. Maria Valadez: The Effects of Music on Dreams 12. Brooklyn Venteicher: The Effects of Practicing a Musical Instrument on ACT Scores 13. Kayla Young: Impact of Concussions on Social Interactions and Situations

Features [7]

The Network [January 2015]

Staying connected: Advantage or disadvantage? Maintenance worker pursues I nursing career tayloreicher

n today’s world, avoiding technology can be very difficult. Society relies heavily on technology for everything from work to communicating with peers. There is always a beep of a smartphone or laptop pulling people back to their device.

Schools have started to implement more use of technology to enhance learning for their students. Marian has a One-to-One program, which allows each student to have an iPad. “[My iPad has] notes for almost all my classes, so I have to refer to it a lot,” junior Clara Wertzberger said.

Fellow classmate Julia Griffin agrees with Wertzberger. “I use my iPad the most because during school I use it for classes, taking notes or Ebackpack.”

Although iPads can encourage learning and be used effectively in the classroom, it’s no secret that they are

also used for social media and games outside of the classroom.

The average teenager spends an average of 7.5 hours using media a day, according to the Washington Post. While some Marian girls may fall into that category, others recognize the importance of disconnecting.

“I think it is extremely important to disconnect from devices and interact with others. I think that there is so much to do other than be on your devices and social media. Interaction is very important in relationships and friendships, and I believe the only way to form these relationships is to talk on the phone or be together in person,” Griffin said.

Wertzberger has a simple solution to the technology epidemic. “To lessen the reliance on technology, I think we should start to practice better habits, like putting away your device when

Q&A

you’re with friends.”

Many people have limited their use of technology in social settings by stacking their phones in the center of the table and the first one to grab their phone has to pay for everyone’s meal. The restaurant Applebee’s has recently filed a trademark for “No Tech Tuesday,” although the chain hasn’t released any other information about it yet.

As technology continues to develop, society will become more and more reliant on it, but Griffin welcomes the positive changes it will bring.

“I think technology has created so many opportunities in medicine, mathematics, inventions and more. It is a wonderful addition to our society and we are very fortunate to benefit from these things,” Griffin said. “I am very excited to see what technology does in the future!”

The Van Men:

uestion nswer

What you didn’t know about Richard & Wayne

Mr. Wayne Downie

What is your favorite part about Marian?

“I was hired when Ms. Kish was the principal.

She was introducing the new people and she said, ‘Richard was sent by God.’ I was so embarrassed.” -Richard Hutfless Mr. Richard Hutfless

How long have you been working for Marian?

I don’t work, I’m just here. I’m in my tenth year (since 2005).

What is your favorite part about working at Marian?

My favorite part is being able to interact with the girls and the people I work with.

How long have you been working for Marian?

Since August 1993 (almost 23 years)

What is your least favorite part?

I don’t like having to give tickets when [students] don’t follow the rules.

What is your favorite Marian lunch?

I don’t really eat Marian lunch, I bring a sandwich. I like the potato soup. I eat breakfast at 4 o’clock. So I want lunch at 9.

There’s no place like home Richard Hutfless (left) and Wayne Downie (right) both agree that being security men at Marian has been the perfect retirement job!

Photo & graphic by charlotteelsasser

It’s the girls, especially after school when I get to meet people. When Marian added the tagline “Where Girls are First,” it stuck!

What is a day at Marian like for you?

I work 11- 6. It goes so fast. I look forward to getting up and being here every day. It’s a good retirement job. I’ve worked for 50 years, and I started when I was 11 years old. In 50 years, this is the first job I’ve had where I work Monday through Friday and get weekends off.

Stickiness factor

Bumper stickers take over the parking lot

samchaney

E

ven if you didn’t notice him in the halls, Shane Beck the maintenance man has worked at Marian for sevenand-a-half years. Now, he has decided to leave Marian and pursue his dream of becoming a nurse. “I started thinking about becoming a nurse a long time ago. I had taken some classes and then decided not to. Then my wife decided to become a nurse and got accepted to nursing school and inspired me to pursue nursing. Now we are going through nursing school together,” Beck said.

Beck is currently attending Iowa Western Community College for the first two years of nursing, and then will attend either Methodist College in Omaha or University of Iowa. “There are prerequisites that you have to have to get considered, and I had taken all the classes before, and I only needed one more thing, so I took a three-week course online and then I got accepted to nursing school,” Beck said.

Since Beck had wanted to become a nurse earlier in his life, he had already taken most of the classes he needed to get into nursing school. To even be considered to become a nurse, he needed to be a CNA, a certified nurse assistant. “I then had to become a CNA in February of 2014. One of my daughters had to become one, too, so we went through the process together,” Beck said.

Beck started at Marian in July of 2007. While Beck was working at Marian, his daughter Miranda was a student and graduated in 2014. In fact, he said that his favorite memory at Marian is that he was able to work at the same place that his daughter went to school. “I looked forward to seeing her in the hallways and being able to talk to her while she was at school.”

Beck is excited for his future as a nurse with his wife. “Now that all of our kids are gone, we are not tied down to any certain place, and nurses are needed everywhere. We have a dream of becoming traveling nurses together,” Beck said.

Even though he is excited for his future, he will miss Marian and all the friends he has made over the years.

“I am really going to miss the guys in the maintenance department; I have worked with them for a very long time. I am going to miss the faculty and staff and I appreciate how kind everyone has been. I, of course, plan on visiting,” Beck said.

“I got it because I’ve ran since I was in 4th grade and it’s always been something I do.”

-Brooklynn Venteicher ‘15

@ Marian “My sticker symbolizes Down Syndrome acceptance. My best friend’s little sister, a dear friend, and several other people I know have Down Syndrome, and they are the best, sweetest, most lovable and loving people that I know. The sticker is a good way to raise awareness and acceptance because so many people notice it and ask about it.” -Kateri Determan ‘16

“Once I was at a stoplight and a car full of adult men pulled up next to me and started yelling, “NOPE. NO. WE ARE NOT READY. ARE YOU READY? WE ARE JUST NOT READY!” -Kenna Silvey ‘15

“I figured it would be best if people just assumed I was a bad young driver because then they would pass me, and I’d have no one behind me to worry about!” -Clara Wertzberger ‘16 Bumper stickers courtesy of Brooklynn Venteicher, Emmy Witzenburg, Molly Fisher, Kateri Determan, Clara Wertzberger and Kenna Silvey.

Graphic by emilybashus

The Network

[8] In-Depth

Don’t count the calor Make the calo Fad is bad

Learn which diets aren’t worth the time or risk

Marian Girl

erincarollo

“L

ose weight fast! Look good now! Make a few small changes to your diet and you could look like Kendall Jenner in just a few days!” It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of fad diets, especially when there are rumors flying that THIS diet isn’t like the rest, THIS diet worked for a friend’s cousin’s girlfriend’s aunt and is “completely safe.”

Don’t let the advertisements sway your better judgment. This year, be sure to complete your new year’s resolution the healthy way, and stay away from these ineffective (and potentially dangerous) diets.

The Lemonade Cleanse

The Raw Food Diet

The Acai Berry Scam

This diet has different variations, but mostly consists of a morning quart of salt water and then 6 or more glasses of organic lemonade throughout the day for 10 days straight. The lemonade is meant to flush toxins out of the body.

This diet only allows the dieter to eat food that hasn’t been cooked. It advertises raw food as “better” for the body because without cooking, the food’s enzymes are kept intact, supposedly increasing the nutritional value of the food.

This fruit was originally praised by Oprah, but has since become an online scam charging people anywhere from $40-80 per supplement. It’s advertised as a “miracle” metabolism booster that will produce effortless weight loss.

Drawbacks:

Drawbacks:

Drawbacks:

While the dieter may lose some fat from the severe lack of calories, he or she will likely lose muscle, bone, water and be at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Any weight lost is likely to be quickly gained back once the dieter begins to eat normally again.

Besides the obvious risk of contracting salmonella, raw food is tough on the digestive system. Eating only raw food can cause can cause bloating, indigestion, constipation, weight gain and malnutrition.

While acai berries are chock-full of antioxidants, there is no medical evidence that they have any effect on the metabolism. If you buy into the acai trend, the only thing that is guaranteed to get lighter is your wallet.

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“My favorite healthy food are these special peanut butter protein cookies that my mom makes. I eat them an hour or so before an athletic performance.”

-Kennedy Gochenour ‘18

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Graphic by emmiemcminn Smoothies have been trending as a quick and simple healthy food for years. Creative blends can include almost anything: bananas, peanut butter, strawberries, yogurt, protein, ice cream, frozen berries and more! Smoothies are a popular breakfast item, but they also make a great snack to satisfy any craving!

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ecessary diets or temporary fa More and more, people are ea gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan fo various health reasons or by perso choice. There is always news about healthiest food to eat, smartest liqu drink or smartest way to exercise.

Marian girls are exploring some these options to see how they can b improve their health. Marian train Dudley gave this advice for those t a new eating pattern. “The first thi someone should consider is: Will t improve my health, performance a body image?”

Those who don’t like consuming animal products often consider go vegetarian or vegan. Senior Lauren Smith decided to become vegetaria in fourth grade after a friend had g vegetarian. She is happy with her decision, and hopes to continue to meat out of her diet.

“If I can, I would love to [contin being vegetarian]. I love the health lifestyle,” Smith said.

According to The Raw Food Wo million people in the United States are either vegetarian or vegan. The difference between the two is that vegan also restrains people from e animal by-products like cheese, m eggs.

More recent dietary trends have started to appear and grow within last few years. Celiac Central says t in the United States, the sales on g free products have risen, with $2.6 billion spent on the products in 20

In-Depth [9]

[January 2015]

ries... ories count!

EAT

THIS

Not

THAT

Healthier options for the foods that you love to eat!

Graphic by annawinkeler

Avocado In 1 tablespoon: 14.6 calories 1.3 g of fat

Mayo

In 1 tablespoon: 90 calories 10 g of fat

l Healthy Eating Tips:

e for people to make personal resolutions or positive changes in er — even cookie-loving Marian girls. A few of Marian’s healthiest o-to foods and advice for inpiration to eat nutritiously.

“I really love fruit (strawberries, apples, pineapple, raspberries, bananas) and wraps or salads with a vinaigrette dressing and grilled chicken!”

-Hallie McNamara ‘15

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“I drink a glass of OJ fortified with calcium after school to get a serving of fruit and strengthen my bones!”

-Kathryn Baginski ‘16

In 1 candy bar: 188 calories 7.9 g of fat

In a Tall: 400 calories 16 g of fat

Snickers In 1 candy bar: 250 calories 12 g of fat

Graphic by erincarollo & kaylasullivan

abits stem from unique diets

ads? ating or onal t the uid to

Vanilla Iced Vanilla Frappuccino Latte

the end of this year, gluten-free sales are expected to rise to about $5 million.

Products include unproccessed items like seeds, nuts, eggs, meats, fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

According to statistics, going glutenfree is quite the trend, even though only 1 percent of Americans are actually diagnosed with Celiac Disease (although many go undiagnosed).

Freshman Madeline Robertson and sophomore Isabelle Swanson are both allergic to gluten. “Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disorder where you can’t absorb gluten. Your intestines shut down,” Swanson said.

Even though a low percentage of people are actually diagnosed with Celiac Disease, according to a Huffington Post study, 30 percent of adults see the appeal and are trying gluten-free eating.

This means the majority of people going gluten-free are not necessarily required to be gluten-free.

“If you want to be healthier, it’s a good idea, but you need to have selfcontrol to not eat things like pancakes and cupcakes,” Robertson said.

For those willing to try something different, another trend is the Paleo Diet, created by founder Loren Cordain.

Cordain is a specialist in the nutrition field and in exercise physiology. The Paleo Diet focuses on straying away from processed foods, while still being able to enjoy yummy foods. Cordain wants participants to avoid foods with anything including dairy, grains, processed foods and starches. To replace these items,

fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood and nuts are encouraged.

While not participating fully in the Paleo diet, sophomore Lucy Boever eats and stays away from similar foods the diet recommends. “I eat more easy-todigest foods and stay away from sugars,” Boever said. She started this type of diet for health reasons, but definitely sees the all-around benefits. “It’s really healthy too, even if it wasn’t for my stomach. I feel better when I do.”

For these dietary needs, it is important to see how each girl can adjust when going out to eat. Smith says it is easy for vegetarians to find food when eating at restaurants.

“Almost everywhere has something for vegetarians,” Smith said. She did add that it is harder to find options at fast food restaurants.

For those who are gluten-free, both Swanson and Robertson agree that it also isn’t too hard to find restaurant food to fit their diets. Both girls said restaurants have expanded their menus over the years. Boever said that for her, eating out is pretty easy but can be a hit or a miss.

“There are many restaurants and companies who take into account people with allergies or specific diets. At the very least I can rely on a salad!” Boever said. Although they have different cases, each of the girls has figured out a healthy habit that best fits her lifestyle.

As Dudley said, “Concentrate less on a ‘diet’ and concern yourself more with ‘lifestyle.’”

Cinnamon Ham, Egg & Cheese Power Crunch Bagel with plain cream cheese Sandwich In 1 bagel: In 1 sandwich: 340 calories 15 g of fat

610 calories 24 g of fat

Baked! Lays Ruffles Cheddar & Barbecue Sour Cream In one serving: 120 calories 3 g of fat

In one serving: 160 calories 10 g of fat

Sources: www.fatsecret.com, fritolays.com ndb.nal.usda.gov, eathis.com, nestleusa.com caloriecount.about.com, nestleusa.com sandiegodealsandsteals.com, starbucks.com www.foodbeast.com, panera.com www.medicalnewstoday.com, walmart.com, snickers.com

The Network [january 2015]

[10] Features

I S

emilybashus & blairkellner

S

elfies, throwbacks and hashtags, oh my!

Instagram has changed the game when it comes to sharing and editing photos. The app offers 24 different filters that users can choose from to make their photos turn pro. Instagram was introduced in October of 2010, and now has more than 300 million users.

Unlike Facebook or Flickr, Instagram allows users to follow their favorite celebrities to see what they are up to.

Keep in mind that these celebs who are Instagram-ing every second of their lives also have access to

‘

T H

I

S N

T

R E L M E A T H E Models identified online. Photo illustration by sarahmullen

professional hair and makeup, which totally defeats the purpose of a filter.

Chances are, looking at Kim Kardashian’s latest selfie isn’t going to do great things for one’s self esteem.

Despite these high standards that teenage girls face, only 11 percent of 132 surveyed Marian girls said they consistently edit their photos.

“Kelvin is my favorite because I have sunglasses that make everything look like the filter,” senior Julia Tatten said.

Now the question of whether or not photo editing is appropriate has risen. Hashtags such as #nofilter and #beoriginal were created to empower

Instagrammers to not edit their photos.

Freshman Molly Miller is one of the girls at Marian who commonly uses filters. “I use filters because I’m pale in the winter,” Miller said.

To others, adding a filter is never an option. Out of the 132 Marian girls surveyed, 15 percent or 23 girls said that they don’t use Instagram filters.

People don’t need to edit their photos to be beautiful. Lots of Marian girls seem to agree that a filter is unnecessary when posting a picture on social media. More than 71% of surveyed students say that a filter on pictures is unnecessary.

This percentage poses the question of whether or not girls think filters actually are necessary or if they are simply following a social trend.

Marian alum Conner Rensch ‘07 started her own social trend on Monday Jan. 6 when she came to speak to Marian girls. She challenged students to post an Instagram picture with no makeup, no hairstyling and no filter. Join the movement to prove that Marian girls are beautiful without photo editing. Post an all-natural selfie with #Iamenough in the caption and tag Conner (@ crensch). Then challenge five friends to do the same.

Katlyn Martin brings ambition and smiles to hallways erincarollo

T

he morning walk down senior hall is often a grim one. Girls have their noses stuck in textbooks, backpacks double as pillows and everyone’s eyes are half shut. There is, however, one consistent exception: Katlyn Martin.

Amidst sleepy murmurs about yesterday’s math homework or what went down over the weekend, Martin’s cheerful “Good morning!” is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. She says getting to greet her classmates each morning is one of her favorite things about attending Marian.

“I just try to remember that no matter how bad my day might be, there is always someone who is having an even worse one and probably has a very good reason to be upset,” Martin, or as she is commonly referred to by her classmates “Kmart,” said. “My bad days usually revolve around little things that aren’t a big deal. As long as I’m not starving, or homeless, or dying, there is always a reason to be happy. I always try to be cheerful in the morning and say hi to everyone because someone might be having a bad day.”

Martin’s optimistic mindset isn’t just limited to the halls of Marian.

“I want to be the governor of a state, or an ambassador, or part of the UN until my kids go to college and then

Extemp guru Katlyn (“Kmart”) chats with junior Emily Mckenna during speech class. Katlyn has become a mentor for her younger teammates, especially in extemp. Photo by erincarollo I’ll run for president,” she said when asked what she wants to do later in life. She explains that she’ll wait to run for president because she wants to take the interests of her future family into consideration. “From what I understand, the president doesn’t have a lot of free time. So if my kids are out of the house then I don’t have to worry about not being there for them.” (Read more about Katlyn’s ambition to be president through Journalism 1 reporter Ally Kmiecik’s story found at mariannetwork2015. wordpress.com) Martin’s inclination towards a career in politics becomes obvious as soon as her almost four years of

involvement on Marian’s speech team is examined. “She’s developed leadership skills on the team to help with the novice teammates,” Mr. Luke Ostrander, Marian’s speech team moderator, said. “She’s really our head person in charge of extemp.” Extemp, or extemporaneous, is a particularly challenging public speaking category that requires the speaker to come prepared to write a speech on any given current event topic in 30 minutes or less. “She’s kind of our extemp guru because she’s had such success after winning State last year,” Ostrander elaborated. “She helps the novice girls learn how to do them, how to organize things, file things, [and

she] runs practices with them over lunch sometimes or before and after school.”

On Jan. 17, Martin had the chance to present her informative speech about the Constitution to the American Legion, a group dedicated to serving veterans.

“She’s been able to use things from speech to help her get scholarships and to go places, other than just tournaments,” Ostrander said. “She’s really developed her tone and her ability to be informative, persuasive or inspiring.”

Through her talents in speech, bubbly salutations and constant flow of fun facts, Martin definitely brings something special to Marian.

When asked if she had any advice for underclassmen looking to be as successful, she said, “Try to get to know all of your classmates as soon as possible; it has been one of the most rewarding things for me to be able to go up to anyone and talk to them or feel comfortable sitting at any table during lunch. Also, keep an open mind; that’s a big one. The best way to lose friends is to be so set in your opinions that you aren’t able to even listen or consider different options.

Oh, and Sour Patch Kids will, more often than not, come out in two’s in the vending machine.”

Marian girls show off unusual pets Fiji the parakeet

Romeo, Juliet and Kevin the peacocks

“I got her from my sister’s friend for $50.

When my sister’s friend originally got it, it was about $200.

She eats cat food, is nocturnal and can roll into a ball. [The quills] spike up when she is scared.”

-Katie Swett ‘17

Graphic by kaylasullivan

“We got him a month ago “They can go in the barn during bad from Petco weather. It is connected to an outside for $21. He aviary (through a doggy door) where belongs to they can stroll around showing off their my brother tails and flying up onto perches.” but my -Abby Drobny ‘15 whole family likes him — sometimes he scares me. He eats seeds and drinks water. His wings are clipped so he can’t fly away. My dog tried to eat him.”

-Lauren Klingemann ‘18

Elsa the hedgehog

The Network [January 2015]

Winter Formal: Behind the scenes $0

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Features [11]

Prom Committee

Contiued from page 1 “If I had planned the event I would be more than happy to help set up, but since I didn’t I would rather just show up to Prom and see the decor,” Ricker said.

Junior Noelle Pick agrees. “I think your experience at Prom is based on what you do and who you go with, but I don’t really understand why there was no Prom Committee and I’m not sure if decreasing student involvement was necessary,” she said. However, Bauman and Piernicky decided that the changes would be beneficial.

“Miss Piernicky and I felt that meetings of a student committee each month were not always necessary or useful,” Bauman said. “We also determined that the podcast and the set-up/decorating for prom were really the key events where students would be most involved and effective.”

The changes that were made to the traditional Prom Committee have made the process of preparing for Prom more efficient. “It is not that much different than last year; all the same preparations need to be made.

We are just looking to streamline the process and still have some student input and creative ideas,” Bauman said.

Graphic by kathleenbever Senior Sarah Bohnenkamp was a member of Prom Committee last year, and understands how the changes to the traditional Prom Committee can be positive. “I think that traditionally, the junior class plans Prom for the senior class, so I’m interested to see what is different,” Bohnenkamp said. “I think that the new way might allow students who are interested in creating a podcast or setting up [for] Prom to do that without committing a lot of time to parts that they may not be interested in.”

While changes have been made to Prom Committee this year, some traditions have remained the same.

Each year, the senior class votes for a few of their classmates to represent them as Prom Princesses. Sadie Ahsan, Libby Bost, Faith Carter, Mary Hilton, Fiona Kennedy and Lizzy

Schumacher were chosen as this year’s Prom Princesses. The princess who received the most votes during the voting process will be named Prom Queen.

Prom 2015 will take place on Saturday, March 28 at Scoular Ballroom, located at 2027 Dodge Street. “We like the layout, and the venue has recently been completely remodeled. It is already a beautiful space,” Bauman said. Prom starts at 9 p.m. and ends at midnight. Tickets will be sold for $30, whether a student chooses to attend by herself or with a date, and they can be bought in March.

“I am looking forward to seeing the finished product — the dramatic effect of all the planning and work. I am also looking forward to the students’ reactions,” Bauman said.

Students reflect on the importance of volunteering emilybashus

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71% of girls do their own hair for free 93% of girls spend $100 or less on a dress

Average Flower Cost: $10

17% of girls spend between $25 and $50 on painting

their nails

80% of girls spend $10 or less on asking their date to the dance

Tickets: $15 Average Dinner Cost: $30 st:

tal Co

ge To Avera

$152 Graphic by lizzyvandyke

t is no secret that Marian feeding bottles, and I also work girls have hectic lives—many in the gift shop,” Hahler said. go to school for eight hours, Across town, senior Claire then go to after school clubs, Gulseth volunteers her sports, or work. Eventually time at Lakeside Hospital. they head home to do a few Gulseth became interested hours of homework before in volunteering at a hospital retiring to bed, only to through the Marian Service complete the same tasks the Fair, and she later decided next day. On top of all of these on Lakeside because of its activities, a large number of proximity to her house. Gulseth students at Marian also make has been volunteering her time time to volunteer regularly at Lakeside since July of 2013. after school and on the “I make cookies for patients weekends. They venture out all and then walk around to their across the city to help give back rooms and pass them out,” to their communities.

Gulseth said. Her favorite part One of the sites that Marian Lend a helping hand Senior Maddie Neppl poses with some of of volunteering at Lakeside girls travel to is Munroe has been meeting her fellow the children at Compass. Photo courtesy of Maddie Neppl Meyer, located on 42nd and volunteers.

Emile. Munroe Meyer offers Senior Maddie Neppl spends around through all the parents and it day camps for people ranging from a lot of time on 33rd Street helping was really fun,” she said. two-and-a-half to 21 years of age who tutor children at Compass Ministries.

Junior Avery Shepherd also suffer from developmental disabilities.

She has been volunteering here since volunteered at Monroe Meyer this past The goal of Munroe Meyer is to give July 2013. Neppl got started helping fall. She heard about Munroe through them the normal day camp experience at Compass Ministries through her the Marian Service Fair. She really while socializing with peers. church, Christ Community. The youth enjoyed spending time with all of the The volunteers are assigned a group at her church is partnered kids. “My favorite part was seeing the buddy and together, they participate with Compass Ministries and often kids be so excited that we were with in activities such as cooking, playing hosts fundraisers to benefit the them,” Shepard said. on the playground and swimming. organization.

Marian girls are also regular Sophomore Mary Kate Garriott has The mentors help the kids finish volunteers at hospitals across Omaha. been volunteering at Munroe since the up their homework and play games Freshman Grace Hahler started winter of 2011. She heard about this with them. “I think our presence as volunteering at Bergan Mercy in opportunity from senior AnnMarie mentors has a really positive impact,” September when her cousin, senior and sophomore Lilianne Hauser Neppl said. Neppl has had a lot of Morgan Leatherman, asked if she because they had been volunteering rewarding experiences during her time would like to join her. Leatherman had there for a while. Garriott’s favorite at Compass but her favorite moment been volunteering at Bergan Mercy part since she started volunteering was, “When I was trying to explain a since the summer before her freshman was the talent show last year. “My math problem to a little girl and a light year. Hahler has different duties when group was superheroes and my buddy bulb clicked on and she got so excited. she is at the hospital. “Sometimes I go got really decked out and dressed It was really fulfilling,” she said. to the NICU and put together breastup as Captain America. We paraded

[12] Sports

The Network [January 2015]

Basketball

Continued from Page 1 “[The BLTs’] positive energy, enthusiasm, communication, and intensity can be contagious, and that’s reflected in the gym almost every day,” Schmidt said.

The team has also experienced a new addition to the coaching staff.

Mr. Peter Cunningham now assists in coaching the varsity and JV teams.

“We share the same basketball philosophy, and it’s great to have another coach at practice and games emphasizing fundamentals and the importance of defense,” she said of Coach Cunningham.

Because of the emphasis on defense, the team was able to implement a new, more aggressive zone defense.

The head JV coach Megan Salcedo, a 2008 Marian graduate, and Coach Cunningham work with both the varsity and JV teams. “[Coach Cunningham] and Megan help create a positive atmosphere at every practice with their energy and passion for the game,” Schmidt said.

Jones has been playing on the varsity level since freshman year, but she said this is the first time she’s on a team she can be proud of. “I actually feel good about telling people our record,” Jones said. “This year we want it more.”

Though there is talk of a trip to State, the team is still taking things one game at a time. The team goal is to compete in every game, no matter the

opponent.

“I hope to finish out our season strong by winning more than half the games we have left,” Bachman said. An unimaginable feat last year, a winning record, will be expected this season.

Coaching pointers JV coach and varsity assistant Megan Salcedo, a Marian ‘08 alum, gives sophomore Megan Anderson tips on the bench during the game against Omaha South on Jan. 22. The Crusaders defeated the Packers, 75-67 at home. Photo by maggiemainelli

First home meet springboards swim and dive team’s spirit katiepallesen

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lthough it wasn’t Jan. 1, the swim meet on Friday, Jan. 2 was a day of firsts for the Marian swimming and diving team. The first home meet against Lincoln Southwest was held at University of Nebraska Omaha’s Wellness Center pool. Marian cohosted the meet with Creighton Prep.

There is plenty of work that goes into hosting a meet. It was Prep and Marian’s responsibility to provide the timers, set up the timing system and contact and book the officials to come.

Because Marian does not have a pool on campus, the girls use the UNO pool daily for practice, making it an easy location for the first home meet.

The first senior night was also celebrated at this meet. To celebrate and honor the seniors, the team formed a tunnel for them to walk through as their names were called. The seniors’ swimming accomplishments and advice they had for underclassmen were announced as they walked. The seniors enjoyed the recognition for the work they’ve put in over the years.

“Senior night was so much fun! It was our first home meet ever and a ton of students and alumni came to cheer us on. I really liked knowing that people cared enough about swimming to come watch, especially because I know how boring swim meets can be. I hope that we do well for the rest of the season so that they have something to cheer for at the end,” senior Molly

LaFave said. already qualified for state diving, and champions, by a mere four points.

The seniors have provided a they say they cannot wait to see what Fourteen swimmers have already positive atmosphere for their the rest of the season has in store for qualified to compete at State. underclassman teammates so far them.

While the swimmers have plenty this season. “The seniors keep us The dedication swimmers and of seniors to lead the team, the divers focused on our goals and they’re divers have to their sport, teammates have none. Even without seniors, they really supportive and are always have done their part in representing and school is what makes them so encouraging the entire team,” junior Marian. They are able to see the successful. Both the swimmers and Mary Beth Apker said. divers are on a mission to perform leadership from the seniors on the “Any time there is a coaching well at State and plan to keep swim team and relate it to their own change, there is anxiety and a fear of improving until they get there. situation, so not having seniors has the unknown. The seniors have helped not been detrimental to their season.

Keep following the success of the with the transition by embracing swim and dive team, and be ready “It is kind of nice knowing that we the change and supporting the new to support them Feb. 27 and 28 will all be together next season,” philosophy I have brought with me. during State at the Devaney Center in sophomore Taylor Carter said. Carter Their leadership has helped form a Lincoln. and sophomore Kelly Straub have championship team,” swim coach Pat DiBaise said.

The swim team has had a successful season so far.

“The season is going really well.

We’ve won all dual meets except one,” freshman Lily Nelson said.

The only loss was to Lincoln Southwest, the Dive in Juniors Savannah Nichols and Jenna Gornall take warm up dives before the home meet at UNO against Lincoln Southwest on Jan. 2. Photo by katiepallesen current state

Team managers go from winter athletes to sideline successes lucyfindley

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eaving a sport can be extremely difficult for some athletes, and sometimes impossible. For Marian’s basketball and swimming and diving teams, four out of the five team managers previously played the sport.

They take their love for sports to a different level. Being a team manager requires more than just passion for the sport — it requires positivity, support and the ability to do tedious bookkeeping and scoring for the team.

The team managers this year for varsity basketball are seniors Katie Philbin and Bella Carnazzo and junior Madalyn McKeone, and the swimming and diving team managers are senior Alison Harrahill and junior Lauren Manganaro.

Each week, the managers spend a significant amount of their time helping the teams and making sure everything is in line. Philbin, Carnazzo and McKeone are required to go to at least two basketball practices per

week and attend every game. Either Harrahill or Manganaro is required to go to each non-morning swim practice and meet.

To become a team manager, one must speak with the coaches to let

them know she is interested. The head coach will usually ask the prospect a few questions about why she is interested in managing the team, and they will make sure their schedules will collaborate well with the busy schedule of the team. Many coaches prefer managers who have experience with the sport because they don’t have to spend a significant amount of time early on teaching the managers the basics of the sport, but managers Winter sports team managers Madalyn McKeone, who have less Katie Philbin, Bella Carnazzo, Alison Harrahill and Lauren experience are Manganaro. Photo by lucyfindley welcomed, too.

To some, a team manager may not seem like an ideal position because managers don’t actually participate in the sport, but to these dedicated girls, it’s a different story. “I’m glad I chose to become a swim team manager because I love seeing all my friends and watching them do so well,” Manganaro said.

Another factor that might make being a team manager seem less than ideal is the possible separation between the athletes and the managers. “The basketball team is very gracious of everything we do for them. They always give us high fives when they come out, and thank us for doing everything from bookkeeping to giving them water. It has been exciting to travel with the team and see how far they’ve come since the beginning of the year,” Carnazzo said. It’s not hard to see how crucial and dedicated the team managers are, and their work doesn’t go unnoticed.

The Network [January 2015]

Varsity M Club returns to serve community megansmith

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or the past few years, lettering in varsity sports at Marian was almost equivalent to becoming a superhero. After working hard for months at perfecting their skills, all while maintaining their grades and social lives, students were given their letters at the end of the season only to find they had no place to put them. As interesting as this Clark Kent-esque life for a letter may sound to some student athletes, others felt there was something missing from the honor of lettering in their activity.

Junior Anya Lindholm was just one of these students.

Her solution? To bring back Marian’s Varsity M Club.

“I felt that there was a need for comradery and a support system amongst the athletes from the various sports at Marian because some of the choices

and sacrifices we have to make are unique in order to balance academics, service and social life, with the yearround demands necessary to be a varsity athlete here,” Lindholm said.

Lindholm has been a part of the club’s creation process each step of the way. She first earned her letter during her freshman year for her accomplishments on Marian’s swim team, but wanted to find a lasting way to celebrate those achievements.

Before any work could be done, however, Lindholm had to look to Marian’s athletic department for ways to get her idea past the starting line.

“Anya came to me and explained that [Creighton] Prep has the Letterman’s Club and said ‘I’d like us to have this Letterman’s Club,’ and I said, well that’s really weird, we used to kind of have [a Letterman’s Club]...,” club adviser and Dean of Discipline Ronda Motykowski said.

Motykowski was a part of Marian’s original Varsity M Club in the 80’s when she was a student. The group was well known for organizing the banquet for all sports teams, which has since then changed into each sport holding their own banquet.After Lindholm approached Motykowski about the reformation of Varsity M Club, the two formed a mission statement and created plans before their first meeting. They decided to open the group to anyone who

lettered in a varsity sport from as early as last year’s winter sports up until now, and those who decide to join Varsity M Club must provide 10 hours of service and attend regular meetings, along with the requirements for participating in a Marian sport.

So, what exactly is the club planning to do?

“We were looking at used uniforms and what to do with them, and used equipment and what to do with that.

We also have the garden that we put together for the Servants of Mary, so this is a great place to throw a little more help into that. But now, we’re going to discuss wellness opportunities for the entire school,” Motykowski said. The group also hopes to look into coaching youth sports as a part of their service hour requirement.

When asked about the shift from a focus on sports teams to a focus on service, Lindholm explained that her experience as a swim team member helped her decide what direction to move the club in.

“I thought we should center it around service because everyone in a varsity sport has to fulfill some service component and I thought it would be a good thing to do,” Lindholm said.

In a short few months, these girls will no longer only be recognized as varsity athletes, but as superheroes dedicated to service.

Why do you wear your sneakers?

“I wear mine because of sports and gym class.”

-Olivia Tate ‘18 Graphic by maevenelson

Style

Comfort

P.E.: Olympics or just another class? samchaney

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hen walking into the locker room to change, students are most likely thinking one of two things: “I can’t wait for physical education today, I’m about to kick some serious badminton butt!” or “Another day, another badminton game with my mediocre partner.”

Senior Kelly McGonigal is part of the group who lives for P.E. “I’m a lazy senior and it pushes me be better in not being lazy,” McGonigal said.

She takes weight training and openly admits to treating the class like the Olympics.

On the other side of the P.E class spectrum lies freshman Chloe Dolan who couldn’t care less about the class.

“I don’t find it challenging, so I don’t

It’s only weird if it doesn’t work

Sweating Truth Sports column by maggiemainelli

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o, how exactly did Marian’s softball team do so well this year? Was it the talent? The coaching?

No, it was the Blistex placed oh-so strategically in the pocket of Coach Mike Heard.

Weird, right?

Before every game, Coach Heard made sure his medicated balm Blistex was in the pocket of his sweatpants. The man truly believed it gave him, and the team, good luck. Now, why in the world would that make sense? What could the contents of his pockets have to do with the outcome of a game?

In the sports world, it’s easy to come across people like this. A player or a coach will latch onto a totem from a win and not let go until all of its luck runs out. They’re what we call “superstitions.”

And yeah, Heard’s Blistex is weird, but I don’t even want to get started on the month my club team needed our rubber chicken named Clark in the dugout to feel confident going into a game.

I like to believe my personal State superstition was at least a little practical. I kept a picture of the Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer in the pocket of my softball pants. “The Hoz” has an impeccable hitting stance, in which he keeps his back elbow up.

So, I kept the picture to cure my chronic weakness of flying out as a reminder to keep my back elbow up. His looks may have been the reason I laminated the picture in the first place, but in the end, it helped with the flying out thing, too.

Similarly, many athletes have mental superstitions, something specific that they think about while at the plate, on the free throw line or at the service line.

I’ve been told by different coaches to think about different things when I’m up to bat: “line drive, line drive, line drive” or “right back at the pitcher” “I wear them because “I wear mine because or my personal favorite, nothing.

I just always have and I like them and they’re Somehow, when an old coach said, “clear your heads of everything,” I I like the look.” really comfy.” heard, “play any Justin Timberlake song -Kaci Kirchhoefer ‘18 -Olivia Putnam ‘18 you can think of in your head.”

I think that was my best hitting season.

The thing about superstitions is that they’re only guaranteed to work if you will them to. They can also be distracting. It can be fun to joke around with a rubber chicken in the dugout, but try,” Dolan said. When she laces up the benefits of having a break away that can also make it easy to lose focus her tennis shoes and strolls into the from their time consuming studies on the game. Your team can’t just rely gym she treats it just like any other in order to concentrate on their class. overall physical wellness,” Ms. Ronda on having your superstitious totem to lead them to victory every time. And “You get out what you put in, it’s Motykowski said. just because you have that fiery pic of up to you. Don’t be afraid to go hard Whether students like it or Zac Efron in his Wildcat jersey tucked because you’ll sweat, be heated, or not, they are required to take two into your sweatband, doesn’t mean you smell bad,” McGonigal said. semesters of physical education at don’t have to getcha’ head in the game.

The girls like Dolan don’t condemn Marian. There are four different You still have to practice hard and play the girls who try hard, in fact they gym class options: lifetime fitness, your best. encourage them. “Keep doing what dual sports, team sports, and weight So maybe superstitions should be you’re doing because it will pay off in training. the end!” Dolan said.

If looked at from the right way, P.E. best used like this: every time you step onto the field, court, ice or track, dive The physical education teachers can be a time to blow off some steam into the pool or simply get onto the encourage their students to use P.E and be stress free. treadmill, give everything you have. But class as a chance to get away, a chance “We are making sure that they if you’re having an off day, just put that not to stress about the quadratic see the importance of keeping an formula for about 40 minutes. everyday balance to their already busy Blistex into your pocket and do the best you can.

“Many students are starting to see lives,” Motykowski said.

Gym Shoes

Athletics

[Sports 13]

The Network [January 2015]

[14] Entertainment

Which Hillary Duff are you?

3. A crazy night on the town full of karaoke and milkshakes is in your future. Outfit of the day?

A. BYOS — Bring your own scarves!

B. Business casual — A t-shirt and jeans while I put in work behind the mic.

C. My big sis’ hand-me-downs. Ugh, drab.

D. Every brunette needs a blonde-with-removable-purple-hair-extensions best friend.

Graphic by lizzyvandyke

1. Your little brother shaves one of your eyebrows while you were sleeping…. What is your next move?

A. I asked my mom if we could send him to military school! He’s on my list, maggot.

B. Waiting for this to grow back will be like waiting for rain in a drought, useless and disappointing.

C. I guess it’s okay, eyebrow on fleek.

D. There’ll be people talking, they’ll talk about me.

4. If you could describe your awkward stage with the title of a song it would be….

A. “Picture to Burn” by Taylor Swift B. “Apologize” by One Republic C. “U Got it Bad” by Usher D. “Disturbia” by Rihanna

2. Your parents so totally don’t understand you. How do you ask for a later curfew?

A. Take a chill pill, parents! I need freedom!

B. Knowing that something is wrong for you doesn’t change the way you feel.

C. Call me crazy, Pops, but it’s pretty twisted how early I have to come home.

D. It could be London, Paris, maybe Tokyo, and who knows when I will get home!

Mostly A’s: Cadet Kelly

5. You're BFF needs a pep talk before a big date reminding her how killer her personality is.

It goes a little something like this...

A. Oh my gosh, you're just like a rock star.

B. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

C. When you like a boy, never be anybody but yourself.

D. You shine like the light from the sun.

Mostly C’s: Cheaper by the Dozen

Sophomore Claire Finken

Freshman Kayli Ratute

Mostly B’s: A Cinderella Story

Mostly D’s: Lizzie McGuire Movie

Junior Julia Nulty

Senior Abby Drobny

16

sarahmullen

The Problem aper means nothing anymore, unless it’s green and has Benjamin Franklin’s face in the center.

Everything is going digital, and books are no exception. Books are becoming overpriced and overrated when compared to the vast number of free articles easily accessible on the Internet. Kindle and iBook versions of novels are often cheaper and more convenient.

Above that, reading a book consumes extremely valuable leisure time that could have been spent watching Netflix or sleeping. In a rapidly moving world, taking time to sit down and read just may be out of the question.

The current disillusionment with reading books seems irreversible.

Stacking complaints against good old-fashioned book reading loom dauntingly, with few solutions in sight.

But, there’s a bookstore that is striving to bring reading back by resolving one major concern.

Money.

P

The Solution ight fills the store as thoughts glide effortlessly through the open air. Book shelves seven rows high stand invitingly in every direction, clearly labeled by topic or genre. The mind drifts off into a fantasy while it wishes it could absorb all the billions of pages of information.

It could — if only time allowed.

In such a fresh and welcoming place as this, even money can hardly inhibit the mind from infinite exploration. At Half Price Books, almost all books, with the

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exception of rare, collectible, or newly published works, are half the publisher’s price.

On a small budget after Christmas shopping, or maybe loaded with cash after receiving nothing but green paper from Santa, buying a book from Half Price Book is something anyone can splurge on.

In case back-to-school homework cuts down almost all free time, the store also sells CDs, records, movies and audiobooks to listen to while working. Reduced pricing on past magazines and various comic books offer reading options that take less time to finish.

This special bookstore on 123rd and Center has even more to offer, though — it buys used materials back. Anything printed or recorded can be sold for instant cash, whether it was bought there or somewhere else. The purchasing price varies on a case-tocase basis, but if the offer is too low, there’s always the option to keep the item instead.

In case the book isn’t available in the store, visit Half Price Books website at hpb.com to find more than 120 million titles from independent sellers.

The early spring months can easily roll by as dull and wasted days, but don’t let time slip away.

Even reading for 45 minutes every night (the average length of one Netflix episode) will make the mind that much more knowledgeable and creative. Allow ideas to flow and words to paint spring with life and entertainment. Most of all, don’t use money as an excuse to avoid picking out a new book to start. As one year closes, another book opens and is waiting to be read.

n ‘16 sma es St

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Low prices give customers the fREADom to explore

NOW

Starbucks Other Other Childhood photos provided by: Makenzie Fuss, Gwendolyn Johnson and Morgan Stessman; Photos and Graphic by: charlotteelsasser

Entertainment [15]

The Network [January 2015]

“Board” no more: Spielbound changes cafe game laurenwarner T welve-hunded board games.

Twelve-hundred ways to entertain oneself for hours on end. Welcome to the Spielbound Board Game Cafelocated at 32nd and Harney, near Midtown Crossing.

In a nice hidden cove of downtown Omaha, Spielbound customers can be treated to a coffee shop and board game wonderland, all at one convenient location that opened last September. Similar to other coffee shops, the cafe offers teas, cappucinos, espressos, hot chocolate and more.

After getting a drink and finding a seat, it’s time to explore some of the 1,200 board games. There is a wide

array of classic games and modern games. From Yahtzee to Scattegories, to Blokus to Monopoly, there is something for everyone.

Before beginning to play, it’s important to evaluate how often you want to come play games. To fund the cafe, each customer has to pay a gaming fee. At first it might seem like a rip-off, but compared to an arcade or going to the movies, it’s a great deal. For one day admission, a customer pays a $5 fee.

For the intense gamer who might want to come more often, there are membership options. For a onemonth membership, a customer pays a $20 fee. If a customer wants to

pay for consecutive months, it is $15 each month, and a year pass is $150.

Teachers can receive a 20 percent discount on the year membership.

The cafe is open from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. on weekdays, excluding Monday, and is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Although to some this might not sound like a fantastically fun Friday night, it’s definitely a great way to change up the usual weekend question, “What should we do tonight?” With a wide array of games and a group of friends or family, Spielbound can provide hours of out-of-the-box entertainment and laughter.

coordinates live music, and on Thursdays she offers a Bible study.

For people who are able to afford their meal, there is a box where donations are accepted, and customers can not only pay for their meal, but also pay for others who may not be able to afford it. It works as a sort of pay-it-forward initiative.

Those who are not able to pay are still welcome to order food, and “pay” for their meal (which costs around $6 to make) by doing some type of chore that helps the cafe run.

“Seventy percent of our patrons are low to no income, giving less than $3 for their meal. We get 100 percent participation from our patrons, either by1their monetary donation or by their voluteer time.

We consider volunteer time just as valuable as monetary donations,” said Weber.

This might not be the typical highdining cafe, as some of the food is definitely interesting, with creative combinations of soup, salad and pizza offered each day. But if a costumer is willing to branch out and try new things, there is definitely something yummy on the menu that will pleasantly suprise. It’s a unique place and one of the lesser-known gems of downtown Omaha.

Take a step in and grab a different half-day lunch with your friends. Be fed knowing this lunch will not only feed you, but will also feed those in the Omaha community.

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Sci-Fi: For when you want to get out of this world

An act of grace: Local cafe shares the love

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arian girls like to eat. A lot.

Commonly seen at Panera, Chipotle and Noodles & Company, Marian girls are ready to branch out to new half-day lunch-date places. Take a look at another cafe in downtown Omaha: Table Grace Cafe, located at 16th and Farnam, open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The name of the cafe reflects its mission. Opened in April of 2011 by chef Matt Weber and his wife, Simone, Table Grace Cafe is a unique place to dine. The food at the cafe is not priced, but instead paid for by donations. When entering the cafe, guests order off of the menu, find a seat, and enjoy the friendly, Christian atmosphere. On Tuesdays, Simone

Rom-Com: For when you need to smile

Graphic by lizzyvandyke

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Tearjerkers: For when you just need a really good cry

1 Games galore Pictured are some of the 1,200 games that can be found at Spielbound. Customers can choose from a wide selection of games at the cafe. 2 Food for the soul This meal resembles many served at the cafe. Each day, a different soup, salad and pizza combination is offered.

Photos by laurenwarner

Pass the winter months with flying colors Open your mind at the Joslyn Art Museum

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that appeal to any taste. Some of the permanent collections include American Indian collections, Ancient art, art of the Americas and a collection of modern and contemporary art. The temporary collection, “BAM! It's a Picture Book: The Art Behind Graphic Novels,” an analysis of the sequential art style of comic books, is open now through March 29.

As the Joslyn's most recent attraction, “In Living Color: Andy Warhol and Contemporary Printmaking," comes to a close, it is making room for the next temporary exhibit called “American Moderns, 1910-1960: From O'Keeffe to

Rockwell.” The exhibition features American art that illustrates American life from the Great Depression to the World Wars to the invention of new technology. The exhibit starts Feb. 8 and ends on May 17.

Marian art students have studied the works of both Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol and applied what they learned in their own projects, such as ink printmaking and colored pencil drawings of flowers.

Admissions to the exhibit and the museum are free for everyone 17 and under and college and high school students with a student ID from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Graphic by mariavaladez

ith winter in full swing, it becomes increasingly difficult to entertain oneself indoors. Fortunately, Omaha is full of attractions, like the Joslyn Art Museum, that make passing the time a little more bearable.

The Joslyn Art Museum, located at 2200 Dodge Street, features over 11,000 works by artists from Jackson Pollock to Claude Monet.

The museum has an open atmosphere full of natural light, which is great for anyone who is looking to clear their mind and admire art. There is also a cafe and gift shop full of a variety of art-themed gifts.

The museum has a plethora of temporary and permanent collections

Classics: For when you just want to live in a different time period

“[16] Photo Essay

The Network [January 2015]

Marian’s Winter Formal:

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hts danced with 1. Feel the lig tudent body s e th f o rs e West Gym Membe g lights in th ent Boardin g n a h c rthe colo r the Stud y, Jan. 24 fo on Saturda e. formal danc sponsored ce floor rprised up the dan nts were su e 2. Fogging d tu s l, a and a ter Form g machine fo During Win a h it w t h ed by the nig were provid s throughout a tr x e th o fetti. B burst of con . y DJ Hot Bo

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3. Pointing towards the future, dancing in the past Boys stop dancing in the middle of a festive crowd to pose. Two-thirds of Marian girls attending the dance brought a date.

4. Let’s be formal Seniors Katie Philbin and Faith Carter danced the night away with their friends, alongside 348 of thier Marian sisters.

5. Put you r hands in th e air Students danc ed with passio n to the music that was play ing. Songs in cluded everyt from “The Cup hing id Shuffle” to “Shake it Off, courtesy of D ” all J Hot Boy. 6. You can’t make me dan ce Junior Maken zie Fuss laug he d as she urge date, Creight d her on Prep junior Jackson Trip dance with he p, to r.

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Photos by tayloreichor, charlotteelsasser, blairkellner & maggiemainelli