Marian High School Network Student Newspaper - February 2021

THE NETWORK MARIAN

VOLUME SIXTY-FIVE • ISSUE FIVE • FEBRUARY 2021 MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL • 7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134 • WWW.MARIANDIGITALNETWORK.COM

“ As social media companies have gotten more involved in news...the difference between how they present themselves and how they actually function has been reaching a

breaking point.”

- Becca Lewis

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phd candidate at Stanford University

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Free speech on social media: where is the line?

NaomiDelkamiller

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or Marian girls who use social media, the decisions being made to ban certain accounts and content is concerning. Junior Sydney Schroeder said she believes that “people can say, do or post whatever they believe in as long as they respect others and do so in a peaceful manner.”

In the fallout of Twitter’s decision to ban former president Donald Trump from its platform, a national conversation has been ignited around free speech on social media.

“Free speech frequently crosses into hate speech when others begin arguing and get angry. Slur dropping and tone raising become apparent in these situations,” Schroeder said. “[However] I don’t believe anything political should be taken down unless it promotes violence, or any illegal activity.”

The decision to ban and remove content may seem strange in the context of social media, but Becca Lewis, a PhD candidate in communication at Stanford University, has been researching the process for months. “As social media companies have gotten more involved as intermediaries in news and political coverage, the difference between how they present themselves and how they actually function has been reaching a breaking point,” Lewis said. “We need to acknowledge [Twitter and Facebook] as editorializers so we can hold them accountable for what they actually do.”

Mary Catherine Ruesch, Marian’s digital media coordinator, said that people equate the right to assembly with the right to use social media as a meeting place. “[Yet] with that comes rules,” Ruesch said. “Twitter is a company, they have their own brand to promote, and company values to uphold. If they feel like someone is violating that to an extreme, it is their right to ban someone or remove them.” Ruesch has a unique perspective on the matter, as she is responsible for all of Marian’s social media accounts. “If I shared something that did not uphold Marian’s brand, the six core values, the administration would have every right to

take it down.”

Ruesch sees social media as a marketplace of ideas and a platform for engagement. However, she has noticed a shift in its use, citing the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the summer of 2020. “In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, people were stepping up and being vocal. People were no longer afraid to expose the injustices they felt,” Ruesch said. “People have realized that their voice matters.”

Courtney McGann is the head of the social media management team at KreativElement, an internet marketing service in Omaha, Neb. “The word ‘censorship’ leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and for good reason. It’s a slippery slope,” McGann said.

Yet, she views terms and conditions as a safeguard for the social media company to “help them carry out their fiduciary duty to their audience to shut down hate speech, stop scammers, help stymie the spread of misinformation and a lot more.”

Due to the liability placed on social media companies, McGann does not see unrestricted platforms as a solution to the current controversy. “As the standards of our news organizations have crumbled, we have now had to say that these social media platforms have a responsibility to their users/community to step in and uphold certain standards,” McGann said.

Platform leaders like Jack Dorsey and Mark Zuckerburg are facing an ethical dilemma: Is it possible to uphold the right to free speech and simultaneously halt the spread of misinformation and violence? In the coming years, there will likely be widespread reform around the use of social media, but there is no doubt that free speech is being redefined, leaving many users wondering “Where is the line?”

Freshman Anna Egermayer checks her socials.

Photo by Naomi Delkamiller

02 News

February 2021

WHAT DID IT COST TO COME BACK TO SCHOOL? Estimated money spent by the Marian administration in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic

- $68,000 TECHNOLOGY - Computers for CAD - Zoom licenses - Upgraded iPads for teachers

- $150,000 SANITIZATION - Sanitizers & wipes - Electrostatic sprayers - Infared camera - Face, desk, & table shields

- $120,000 PERSONNEL

+ $175,000 GRANTS - Federal PPE grants - Donated supplies - Applying for additional grants to cover costs

- $163,000 The rest of the costs were paid for out of Marian’s Capital Budget.

Source: VP of Finance, Joan Becker

- Additional paraprofessionals - Expanded mental health services

Cost of in-person and hybrid fflexibility learning opportunity = priceless.

Infographic by NaomiDelkamiller

Aqua Africa helps struggling communities, gives essential gift of water to many QuinnFindley

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t Marian we dread getting last in Walk-a-Thon for the 4-mile walk around the neighborhood, but this is an everyday ritual for many families in the villages of African countries.

Aqua Africa is a non-profit organization founded in Omaha that is dedicated to providing clean drinking water and power to the rural communities of South Sudan.

Mr. Buey Tut, Executive Director and co-founder, has lived through these hardships first-hand.

Born in South Sudan in the midst of the civil war, Tut saw the extremes of poverty in the community around him.

Growing up with only sons in his family meant that they had to help their Water well set up mother gather water, which

by Aqua Africa in a traditionally is domestic work Southern Sudanese designated to the women. This village. Photo courtesy gave Tut an experienced view of Buey Tut. on the gruesomely tough work the people of his community had to do just for the basic necessity of water.

“I don’t think a lot of people clearly understand the difficulties of accessing water. It’s not that you just go get water; one, it’s that you have to search for it, and once you do, it’s transporting it,” Tut said.

For Tut’s mother (with the occasional help of her sons), a routine day consisted of a roughly six mile walk, carrying up to 80 pounds, or 10 gallons, of water on her shoulders. And when the wet season turned to the dry season, the river was barren and families then had to look to other sources, like personal wells, to provide water. Six miles, 80 pounds, every day.

After leaving South Sudan, Tut’s family moved to Ethiopia, where his mother is from. His father, who was involved with Ethiopian politics, was taken as a political prisoner for about a year by the Derg. Officially known as the Military Government of Ethiopia, the Derg was an authoritarian government that followed fundamental Marxist Communist beliefs.

The Derg was eventually overthrown by a less harsh party which released all political prisoners and granted asylum to Tut’s family. With the help of the Geneva Convention, his family was able to receive help as refugees. They then moved to Minnesota with travel documents as their only source of identification.

Eventually, Tut’s family moved to Omaha, where

they still live. In 2011, when the civil war ended in South Sudan, Tut, who had recently graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, connected with some friends. The group agreed that they wanted to go back to South Sudan and bring the American values of democracy while still being able to physically help the communities.

So came the idea for Aqua Africa- an organization with firsthand experience of the struggle. They not only provide clean drinkSouthern Sudanese woman ing water and power for a carrying a 40-gallon water growing population, but container back home. Photo teach the values of democcourtesy of Buey Tut. racy to communities that are accustomed to a chief or leader controlling everything about them, including their water.

“If we were going to provide access to clean water, we wanted to also impart us being South Sudanese Americans. We wanted to bring back the American values of individual freedom and institutions. So wherever we drill one hand pump we have a program called micro democracy, where we go into a community and we allow them to elect members of their own community to serve on their own committee that controls the water,” Tut said.

Aqua Africa utilizes hand pumps as a main source of water. A hand pump is pushed deep into the ground and extracts water from below the surface.

These allow the people in the water-deprived communities to access water where they are, rather than walking miles on end to find a natural source.

“It has both implicit and explicit goals. Implicitly, we get to teach what democracy is at a rational level, to show them practical application. Explicitly, we have the micro democracy water committee, and now you give power to the people,” Tut said.

“Now we have an institution, we have a group of people that were democratically elected that were trained on how to manage water systems. Not only people who were elected to dominate a community like an authoritarian lead, they were specifically elected,” Tut said.

Aqua Africa continues to grow throughout South Sudan to provide safe, clean drinking water and power, while imparting democratic principles. To help continue makAqua Africa ing this a possibility, scan the code donation website to the right to donate.

Plans for new track, soccer field add to exciting list of updates at Marian JessicaBrusnahan

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ttention, athletes: it’s time. After the past few years of extensive construction on Marian’s academic facilities, the athletic grounds are getting a facelift.

“We [the Marian administration] did a feasibility study a few years ago, but the track was not one of our top three priorities,” President Mary Higgins said. It’s almost a running joke at Marian how poor the track looks right now. Higgins even remembers when she saw a baby duck swimming in a puddle a few years ago.

Current athletes, especially track and cross country runners, are ready to leave the weeds and pebbles behind and have a flat surface for their best sprints yet.

Freshman Grace Sparwasser, who ran cross country for the first time this fall,

Marian Athletics

Track & Field

Proposed view of track and field.

Source: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

“can’t wait until [the track] is redone.”

As for the soccer field, Marian is currently the only Class A high school in Nebraska without a turf field. Turf is so prominent nowadays because the material doesn’t get soggy like real grass, which will help prevent game cancellations.

Junior Bella Washington hopes to see the new field and use it often before she graduates. “It would be a lot easier to make passes [on the new turf ],” she said, highlighting how helpful the material will be to player performance.

New athletic grounds have been anticipated for a long time but were put off because of the school building upgrades that were finished last year. The grounds will soon include a new crow’s nest and LED

scoreboard for the soccer field, a true press box and ticket booth (which in the past have consisted of a fold-up table and chair by the softball field), a larger concession stand with an additional athletic training room and perhaps biggest of all, a plaza to center the whole project and provide a gathering spot for fans and athletes alike.

There will also be maintenance and support issues solved, such as an improved drainage system, more modern and uniform fencing and new lanes for parking in the lower lot.

These grounds, costing between $3-4 million, will emphasize Marian’s stronghold in Nebraska high school athletics.

“Athletes can be proud of and excited for [these] facilities,” Higgins said.

Proposed view of soccer pitch.

Source: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

Proposed aerial view of southeast complex.

Source: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

Marian Athletics

Soccer Pitch

Marian Athletics

Aerial from SE

Athletic Director Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs noted the “momentum going as a school” among other building projects and hoped the updates “will attract more recruits” to continue Marian’s winning tradition.

There is also a possibility of rental openings for the track and soccer field in the future to bring in more revenue for the school.

Higgins has kept in contact with the architect and institutional donors for the past few months trying to finalize drawings and see “what will really fit.”

Conversations started in the summer of 2020 and have continued into this new year. Despite COVID-19, Marian has received generous donations for this new Crusader Plaza athletic project.

Marian Athletics

Proposed view of Crusader Plaza.

Source: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

February 2021

News 03

Music Therapy: What is it? Why should you know about it?

FrannieCihunka

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or most people, music is a part of their everyday life. From the radio to TV shows to classrooms, music is found everywhere. But how many people know music can be used as a form of therapy?

Music therapy is an area of therapy that uses music to help various patients for many different reasons. Board-certified music therapists can conduct group or individual sessions to use music to achieve their clients’ goals and create a treatment plan. Marian alumna, Class of ‘96, Colleen Bahle, aunt of current students Ryan Sully ‘22 and Grace Sparwasser ‘24, has been a music therapist for 20 years with a current focus on mental health.

“Each music therapy session is different depending on the population with whom we are working,” Bahle said.

“Music therapists work with children and adults with disabilities, autistic people, people living with Alzheimer’s, mental health issues…basically any population that you can think of there are music therapists involved, somewhere in the world!”

Emily Wadhams is a local music therapist and owner of Omaha Music Therapy. “I think music therapy is important because I think that a lot of people do not respond as well to traditional therapies, and music can allow them to be successful in a way that traditional therapy may not,” Wadhams said. “Music is one of a few things in our world that actually activates all parts of the brain when it is used. The whole brain lights up under the MRI machine, so we know that sometimes music can reach pieces of the brain that other things can’t.” Applied music interventions have been shown to improve memory and motor function as well as enhance emotional processing and creative problem solving, making music therapy a versatile and powerful tool to improve the daily lives of those afflicted with almost any illness or issue.

Sessions with clients are individualized depending on the client’s disability or disease and on what they need that particular day. Both Bahle and Wadhams can do group or individual

sessions, but that doesn’t mean their sessions are the same. Every activity serves a different purpose which is wholly dependent on its patient.

Bahle’s sessions usually start out with a meditation to help ground her patients. “I started using this method a few years ago because a very large portion of our approach at the clinic is getting clients out of their negative or ruminating thoughts and learning to be in the moment.” Bahle follows the meditation by asking her clients what they experience during the meditation or having a mental check-in. Based on their responses, she chooses the treatment or intervention of the day.

Treatment can be improvising on instruments, singing songs together or emotionally analyzing songs picked by her or her clients.

“We almost always talk about what they were feeling or thoughts they had during the intervention,” Bahle said. “I might lead the discussion in what we call ‘resource oriented’ questioning. It basically helps them turn their attention to what tools they used to get through the situation, or what surprised them about themselves while playing.” If her clients are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, she changes course. “On these days I structure the group and pull into my neurologic music therapy background, using interventions that I know will activate their frontal lobe (making them concentrate and make decisions, but not about their current problems).”

However, Bahle’s sessions focus on mental health improvement, so this routine would be different for a different

patient. Still, all music therapists need a general knowledge of psychology to help their patients.

Although music therapy may seem like a group of people singing or playing instruments, maybe laughing or even dancing, there is much more going on underneath the surface. While Bahle is currently focused on mental health, Wadhams works with many populations, from Alzheimer’s patients and hospice to people with disabilities. “I think one of the best parts of my job is that people go, ‘I don’t understand how this is doing anything,’ and I’m like, well, let me tell you what we’re doing! We’re working on fine motor skills and we’re working on decision making and impulse control, we’re working on socialization, improving quality of life and memory recall and all these things all wrapped up into one tiny little nugget of time.”

Molly Fisher ’16, daughter of counselor Mrs. Joanne Fisher, has her undergraduate in music and is currently seeking her master’s degree in music therapy. Fisher interned with Hillcrest Hospice and traveled to hospice houses around the state to provide relief and comfort to those individuals. She got to see firsthand the psychological effect music can have. “There was this woman who was in her final few days and her husband had joined us for the session.

I was singing James Taylor because she was a big James Taylor fan. She had very severe dementia, so she did not recognize her husband. Her husband actually started singing with me and, for a moment, she looked up and she grabbed her husband’s hand and there

Music is one of a few things in our “world that actually activates all parts

of the brain when it is used. The whole brain lights up under the MRI machine, so we know that sometimes music can reach pieces of the brain that other things can’t.

“

Local Music Therapist Emily Wadhams

was a moment where it seemed like she recognized what was going on. That was definitely a moment for me where I was like, ‘Okay, this is worth it.’ It was sort of her saying goodbye, I think.” Feats like this happen every day in the life of a music therapist. These therapists get to use music to make changes in their patients’ lives.

For any aspiring music therapists at Marian, both Wadhams and Bahle recommend learning and practicing your instrument, researching the field and volunteering. “Music doesn’t need to be involved!” said Bahle. “Just getting to know different kinds of people and their strengths as well as their needs is something that you can’t learn from a book.

Even volunteering to hang out with the Sisters next door is a great first step.”

As for the future of music therapy, both the music therapists and Fisher, who is working toward her degree, are hoping the field will be more widelyrecognized and have the credibility it deserves. “I would just like to see music therapy be more widely-recognized and respected,” said Wadhams. “Music therapy is an allied health profession recognized by the federal government, and yet most people say, ‘Playing a piano? You need a degree for that?’ Before I die, I would love to be able to say ‘I’m a music therapist’ and have people know what that means.”

There is no such thing as a “typical” music therapy session because each time the treatment is wholly dependent on the client’s needs that day. The diversity of musical treatments is what allows this field to grow in so many areas and help so many different people. Music therapy is a continually expanding field as the world continues to learn more about the brain and music’s effect on it.

Music has an effect on humans every single day and it can be a powerful and helpful tool to help the psychologically and physically afflicted. Music therapy is beginning its momentum to one of the most important and effective forms of treatment around the world, and its importance will only continue to grow.

Graphic by MaddieGenoways

Temporary COVID-19 teaching practices might outlive the pandemic

NaomiDelkamiller

W

hen Mr. Tom Baker attended high school more than 50 years ago, it was a different time. High in the Berkshire Mountains of Norfolk, Conn., he sat quietly in his seat, took notes, and carried physical textbooks instead of electronic ones. Now one of Marian’s most tenured social studies teachers, he is in the midst of an unprecedented shift in education where virtual learning has the potential to become a normality, and he is still acclimating to the situation.

However, for Ms. Colleen Follis, Marian’s newest student teacher and Creighton University senior, this is normal. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Follis was unable to spend time in schools last spring, making the 2020-21 school year her first official introduction to a career in teaching secondary education. During undergrad, Follis took a Technology in the Classroom course at Creighton. “Professors knew that this was the direction that school was heading, but they had no idea it would be this extensive or this quick,” Follis said.

Nonetheless, Follis said the challenges of the pandemic in the classroom have not deterred her from continuing to pursue a career in teaching. “There is still lesson

planning that you always do, the materials learning environment with a technology “command” center. Within it, teachers are similar and I get to help instill a love have the ability to display resources via of learning in students,” Follis said. a document camera, divide classes into Others have embraced the technology virtual small groups and work 1:1 with challenges, like Sarah Pattrin, a professtudents online. “Technology has helped sional development creator and instructional facilitator at Omaha Public Schools the district overcome challenges in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” (OPS). “With the district’s 1:1 TechnoloPattrin said. gy Initiative, we have been able to ensure This new technology-centered educaall students in our diverse population have tion environment has Baker anxious for equal opportunity to learn,” said Pattrin. the OPS is return using of Microsoft in-perTEAMS son for both classes. hybrid “I and 100% hope remote edulearning cation models. doesn’t Since March lose 2020, the teachers flavor and staff of a Ms. Colleen Follis stands in front of Ms. Megan Piernicky’s have colone on laborated to classroom and leads the AP English Language class. Photo by one relationship create a new NaomiDelkamiller

between teachers and students,” Baker said. “This interaction is where the real learning takes place because it allows kids to come to their own conclusions.” Since 1977, Baker’s teaching pedagogy has been centered around student ownership of their education, making him a fierce advocate for the in-person experience.

While he understands the need for the virtual option at this time, Baker said he is praying that it is only temporary.

On Jan. 12, OPS announced that elementary students will be returning to a full in-person learning model on Feb. 2. “A remote learning option will still be available,” Pattrin said, “something that could be around for the foreseeable future until the vaccine is more widely available.”

According to the Marian administration, Marian teachers are scheduled to receive the first dose of the Moderna vaccine in late February through the Archdiocese of Omaha.

While it is not clear what this will mean for COVID-19 protocols inside the school, it is the first step to the safe return of classroom life, no matter what it looks like.

04 Opinion

Seasonal depression, the SAD truth and how to deal with it Column by MaddieGenoways

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t happens every year. Summer ends, school starts, you work hard and think you’ve finally hit your stride. Then it creeps in, little by little. In September, you feel a little strange, in October, the walls are closing in, in November, you’re on your last leg, by December, it’s a blur and you just don’t see the point in trying anymore.

Why does that happen? Why does it feel like there’s a vacuum attached to your head sucking all the good out? I’ve got your answer, or at least one of them: seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD or plain old seasonal depression. We know it, we hate it, so how on earth do we deal with it?

First we have to understand what seasonal depression is. Scientifically, it is caused by an imbalance of serotonin and melatonin in the brain resulting from a lack of sunlight. In layman’s terms, as we see less and less sunlight and miss out on the vitamins it provides, we are chemically coded to feel worse. Thanks, human brain!

Seasonal depression usually manifests itself in exactly what it sounds like:

taking walks, exerdepression. The cising, doing yoga, stay-in-bed, weightdrawing in coloring on-your-chest, low books or journaling energy bummer in all can help to alleviate its glory. The severity symptoms and keep varies from person your mind occupied. to person, from a With depression, it’s serious case of the easy to fall behind, wintertime blues to so holding yourself the need for mediaccountable and staycation and therapy. ing on top of work I fall somewhere are essential skills to between the two, as maintain. do nearly 10 million In my own expeother Americans. rience, when I feel For severe cases, seasonal depression people affected by seasonal depression creeping in, I make a Illustration by MaddieGenoways can be hospitalized, point to talk to someput on medication, or receive specialized one every day about how I’m feeling–usulight therapy to simulate real sunshine. ally a friend or my sister. Sometimes, just But for less serious cases, treatments are saying “I felt bad today, but tomorrow relatively simple. will be better,” can help. It’s easier to keep Ms. Faithe Patrick, a mental health going, knowing that someone cares and understands how you’re feeling, even if professional here at Marian, recommends there isn’t much they can do about it. staying physically active as a method of I try to stay outside for as long as keeping depression at bay. Activities like

February 2021

there’s light to try and counteract the biological aspect. Never underestimate the power of good music and a long walk.

On days when I can’t be outdoors, I try to maintain a healthy light cycle inside.

Think of how cats find the nearest beam of sunlight and nap there. That’s kind of what I do but less graceful. It’s much easier to open the blinds and sit in the sun than it is to bundle up for the cold. Not getting enough sunlight interferes with your sleep schedule and keeps you feeling tired all the time, which is why making the most of what you have is so crucial.

I am not a professional, and I don’t know your story, but I’ve done my fair share of research, and I do know that a lot of people care about you, even when your mind tells you otherwise. Your brain is a part of you, and it needs to be taken care of just as much as the rest of your body.

Seasonal depression means your brain is tired, and hasn’t taken its vitamins. Except you can’t pop a couple Flintstone gummies and call it a day, you have to take care of that part of yourself before you can start to get better.

LGBTQIA+ students don’t have a voice at Marian until they have a voice in the Church Opinion by GaeaKaan & NaomiDelkamiller

M

arian High School follows six core values, each of which is imperative to the success of our school. Marian prides itself on how these core values compliment each other for a well rounded high school experience, but what happens when these values create contradictions?

Due to the immense importance of upholding a Catholic identity at Marian, LGBTQIA+ students are caught in the undercurrents of a Church that does not fully accept their identity and a school that cannot defend it.

Empowerment is an innate quality of almost every Marian girl who walks through the door and is nurtured through recognition of diverse members in the community. The addition of a Director of Diversity and Inclusion and the creation of an IDEAS club has brought an inclusive message to Marian and provided a safe environment for all students, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identification, but what more can be done?

The power of the Catholic Church has complicated the progress of acceptance of LGBTQIA+ members at Marian because of beliefs set by the Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Catholic Church that interprets the Word of God (CCC

85). In part III section II article VI of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “[Homosexuality] has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained.”

The lack of answers can cause confusion for LGBTQIA+ at Marian and beyond, discouraging young members of the Church to stay involved.

“Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always NaomiDelkamiller declared that… under no circumstances can [homosexual acts] be approved” (CCC). How can something that is not understood be discouraged due to upholding a tradition that is arguably outdated?

This traditional stance has been contradicted by the Pope’s teachings about

LGBTQIA+ issues on multiple occasions, adding more confusion to the situation.

In 2020 Pope Francis said, “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family.

They are children of God. You can’t kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this.” This is complicated because many Church leaders outside of the Pope disagree with him, the Magisterium in particular.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church sexual orientation is not the issue.

The person regardless of his or her sexual orientaGaeaKaan tion deserves rights and dignity. Because of the Church’s teaching that every sex act needs to be open to procreation, they have determined that all LGBTQIA+ activities and encouragement of the community itself cannot be deemed morally acceptable.

Where does this leave LGBTQIA+ members who feel like they do not have a

place within the Church?

Inclusion at Marian continues to suffer from members of the community who oppose it, creating a situation that can cause administration to feel caught between a rock and a hard place when trying to show support for its students. Where does this leave students who need support on this journey more than ever?

Catholic identity will always be significant to our school, but part of that identity is to live like Jesus, who embodies compassion and love for all. Although we cannot shake the foundation of the Catholic Church or of the Marian administration, we can continue to love and support each other as students.

At the end of the day, we are Marian sisters and this kind of bond only exists among us.

It is our job to uphold Marian’s values when the administration can’t. We have out and proud students here, and it’s time to show them some love. Bring your girlfriend to prom, use your pronouns, and next time you are told to break up with your boyfriend, break up with your significant other because we are empowered, even if we haven’t fully established our spirituality or sexuality.

An apathetic face leads to a new found confidence, living with RBF

Column by QuinnFindley

I

n seventh grade, I was sitting in my American history class, counting down the minutes until my teacher would stop talking about his bike ride through western Nebraska, when he called my name. I begrudgingly looked up and held eye contact, trying my hardest to avoid looking at his grey chest hair peeking out of the neon orange Adidas polo he sported every Friday, and he said, “You know what, Quinn, you have that same apathetic look as your brother.”

At the time, I didn’t think anything of it, but throughout my life I’ve noticed a pattern. My teachers ask if I’m paying attention even when I have pages full of notes, my boss tells me to look friendlier when checking out customers, my mom asks me “What’s wrong?” when I get home from school. But the thing is, I can’t change this. It’s the face I was born with.

Today, this is commonly known as RBF, (to be school-appropriate, let’s say resting brat face) for women. And honestly, I’d like to thank my RBF for

himself off mid-question and said, “You the character development I now have. look like you’re having a bad day. Don’t Having an apathetic face has led me to worry about it.” I was actually having an not only find a previously undiscovered above average day, but it became even self-confidence, sense of empowerbetter after dodging that bullet. ment, and meet the friends The empowering sense of that I now spend all my having a certain effect weekends with, but it on others taught me to has enabled me to own the look. grow a tougher skin Typically, when and not take everya man has an thing to heart.

Over time, I’ve apathetic resting face, at first glance learned to pride he seems concenmyself on the fact that it’s hard for trated-- a man who knows what he’s me to physically put doing --but when a on a fake act. I believe woman has a face like that when I do expresthat, she is seen as rude sively show emotion, it is completely genuine. My face has QuinnFindley or vain. For example, when I first started work at Coneflower helped me at work: my manager Creamery, I was not well-liked by my boss called me over, about to ask me to clean even though I did my work efficiently; I the hot irons–which usually resulted soon found out that he thought I seemed in at least one second–degree burn on unfriendly, even though in reality I was my arm-but when I walked over he cut

just nervous and did not want to talk his ear off on the first shift. But over time as I began to have deeper conversations with him during the slow winter hours, we began to grow close and I was eventually promoted to a management position because he trusted me like “one of the guys,” and even gave me a nickname, conveying that he then saw me as not simply a high school employee, but a friend.

In my freshman year at an all-girls high school, I felt the need to constantly be aware of the facial expression I was displaying because I feared that people would be afraid to talk to me otherwise; however, within a few weeks, I soon left that fear behind and let myself develop into who I’m supposed to be.

I now know that if I really want to achieve something, I have the power to do it and I don’t need to be afraid of what others will think. It has also taught me to not fear asking for help.

From my unapproachable face, I have found a deep self-confidence.

Opinion 05

February 2021

Ignorance in the workplace continues to cause issues for employees ttig Ma

Opinion by CourtneyThompson

han lie Zie ‘21

e currently live in a pandemic, plain and simple. There are guidelines and rules set by the government during this pandemic that the public is supposed to follow. They are not difficult to understand. Wear a mask, stay six feet away from each other, and stay home when you can.

One of these is the easiest to follow, wearing a mask. All you have to do is put a piece of paper or cloth over your mouth and nose. That’s it. Although the rule is foolproof, some people have a hard time following it for the basic safety of others. So, for those who wouldn’t do it, governors, mayors and other public officials issued mask mandates to

cities, Omaha being one of them.

Though it is the law, some people still have an issue following the simplest rule. These people are a menace to all those who work in customer service.

As a restaurant employee, I have witnessed this atrocity many times, as have many of our schoolmates. Why don’t people want to wear masks?

They are easy to get used to, and they certainly do not go against any constitutional right.

That’s the comment that always gets me. I work as a host at the Olive Garden on 75th and Dodge, and have no issue asking a maskless guest to wear one. As my establishment does, most places offer disposable masks upon entry. I don’t understand the big deal.

How is it hurting you? It’s not. Put a mask on. Protect yourself and those around you. Don’t be ignorant.

To me, it is so simple. If you wear a mask, you protect others from getting the virus, and yourself ! They’re not hard to breathe in. My sister, Cassie Thompson Soles ‘12, is a nurse at Nebraska Medicine. Every day, she wears a disposable mask, a KN-95 mask, and a face shield.

She can breathe just fine, just as the rest of “People usually just roll the world can.

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“Masks aren’t mandated in the pool at Lifetime, but I point guests to the front counter where we have masks for people.

They should know to wear them.”

Lifetime Fitness

“I say ‘you can put a mask on or you can leave. I can’t serve you without one’. They act offended like I’m rude, but I’m just doing my job.”

Scooters

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Biden mask mandate update

The Biden administration released two executive orders on Jan. 20 and 21 in regards to protecting the federal workforce as well as in domestic and international travel. The first order requires masks to be worn at airports, bus stations and other transportation hubs, and on planes, trains, ships and buses.

The second order requires masks to be worn on all federal property.

KalaChristianson ‘24

“They’re not required, but they’re required. People know they should wear them and still don’t.”

Runza

their eyes like, ‘really’.

This one girl tried to put a napkin over her mouth, and wouldn’t stop complaining about going to her car.” eCreamery

COVID-19 vaccine finally set to be distributed, but when?

Opinion by GaeaKaan

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ecent development of a COVID-19 vaccine has brought about the debate regarding its distribution. Millions of individuals around the country are re-entering society, getting back to work and attending school while COVID-19 cases continue to skyrocket, thus making the need for a vaccine all the more evident.

However, the matter of when children, teens, and the general public are set to receive the vaccine remains seemingly unknown to the general public. This uncertainty and lack of substantial answers from our government continues to concern not only myself, but my peers across the country.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has given guidelines for vaccination order, but, ultimately, it is up to the individual state to decide the distribution process for the vaccine. The current Douglas County order includes following a process broken down into phases, then in tiers outlined within each group.

Phase 1A is made up entirely of healthcare workers, each being broken up by tiers. This phase was completed, meaning hospital staff members, ER and EMS nurses, COVID-19 vaccinators, and a few

TheNetwork Marian High School, 7400 Military Ave., Omaha NE 68134 netpaper@omahamarian.org

MHSbeat

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other healthcare workers have been given two rounds of the vaccination, taking about two weeks to be implemented.

Phase 1B was originally outlined with four tiers, but is now reduced to three with an ongoing focus on those 65+ and individuals 18+ with ongoing medical conditions. Tier 1 includes first responders, utility workers, homeless shelter employees, and educators. Tier 2 focuses on those in grocery, agriculture, and funeral homes, followed by Tier 3 which includes all transportation (public transit, gas stations, postal service, bus, air, etc.).

As a high school student, it is difficult for me to understand the reasoning behind the distribution order. It scares me that my age range isn’t on any list provided by the Douglas County Health Department to receive the vaccination; even the United States CDC has yet to release any information in regards to when students will have access to a vaccination. The government is made up of people aged 35+ meaning representation for young adults and our generation is absent, not to mean they simply forgot about us, but I can’t shake the feeling we are being overlooked.

I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of concern our

The Network is

government seems to have for the future of our country. The students in schools across the country, whether it be a primary, secondary, or higher education are this country’s future. Our safety should be a priority of the government, or at least of enough importance to provide some information as to when we will be able to receive a vaccination that has impacted all of us in lifechanging ways.

I say all this with an understanding of the reasoning behind the distribution, and I don’t mean to take away any importance of the groups set to receive the vaccine. COVID-19 has proven that the virus has more dangerous effects on older individuals than their counterparts.

However, students and the younger generation should be prioritized along with the others, or potentially have a more efficient way of distribution.

a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A Catholic, AdvancED accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of the N.H.S.P.A and the N.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community.

Students, faculty and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. Letters must be typed, signed, and sent to the address below. Or call us at 402-571-2618 x1134. An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found at mariandigitalnetwork.com

Our contributions we will make to the future of the United States seem pretty important to me, and I personally can’t wait to pass out after seeing the needle.

“It scares me that my age range isn’t on any list provided by the Douglas County Health Department to receive the vaccination.”

Managing Editors: NatalieCusick & NaomiDelkamiller Copy Editor: RyleeGregg Photo Editor: AnnaKidder Graphics Editor: MollyMonahan Online Editor: LexiKetcham News Editors: MaddieGenoways, JessicaBrusnahan & EmilySalzman Feature Editors: AnnaDailey, MollyMonahan, SophieStevens & AnnaKidder

Opinion Editors: CourtneyThompson, LexiKetcham & GaeaKaan Indepth Editor: QuinnFindley Sports Editors: MaryCateTabor & SophiaVirgillito Entertainment Editors: FrannieCihunka & MiaDunker Photo Essay Editor: GraceVirgillito Adviser: Mrs.MarshaKalkowski

06 Feature

Mock Trial team goes virtual AnnaDailey

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arian’s Mock Trial team, coached by Carnot know which school they will be competoline Nelsen ’10, had a virtual season this ing against until the actual trial begins. With year due to COVID-19. Although the season many good Mock Trial teams in Omaha, it can was different, the team continued to compete be scary to not know exactly who you will be against other schools and worked together to facing. “In my opening, I refer to their witnessget the best outcome possible. “They have really es often so I need to be adaptable when using shown they want to learn and improve, and pronouns because each team will change the they are eager to come out on top this year,” gender of that witness,” Birkel said. “We just Nelsen said about her team. The team had prepare as much as we can and get ready to try their first trial on Jan. 20. our best!”

The timeline of the Mock Trial season was Although the trials were virtual, competdifferent this year. “The season started in late ing in one requires just as much hard work October, which is unusual because normally we and preparation as one in person. Senior Lily start in August and compete in October,” junior Dugan was a witness on the team and had to Malerie Birkel said. “Because of COVID-19, draw conclusions from a witness statement. they pushed it back, so we started late October “It is definitely nerve racking when you’re on and our first trial was in the stand, whether it is on January.”

Zoom or not, the whole The virtual season has process of not knowing the created opportunities for the questions the other team team to bond more, accordis going to ask is kind of ing to senior Katie Hedrick. scary,” Dugan said.

“We are allowed a little For Mock Trial, the more liberty than usual,” team doesn’t get the results Hedrick said. “If the team of the competition right dynamic changed at all, it away. Last year, the team was for the better because didn’t know the results until we have downtime that the end of the entire season. allows us to talk with one “It’s not a matter of being another.” guilty or innocent, but how In normal times, the many points the team gets Marian’s Mock Trial team. Photo by team would compete at the overall based on arguments, AnnaDailey courthouse. This season, they how the witnesses perform, came to Marian to Zoom into the trial. “We objections and opening/closing statements,” are going to split up into two classrooms so we Dugan said. The team is currently waiting for can spread out and take off our masks. We will the regional results. each use our own computer to Zoom into the Despite the challenging aspects of this trial,” Birkel said. season, Nelsen has seen her team work harder For the freshmen on the team, they haven’t than ever before. Days before the first trial, had the experience to compete at an in-person Nelsen said, “I have noticed the team is workcompetition. Nonetheless, the team made the ing together better and showing more drive and best out of the situation. As an attorney on the focus despite the difficulty of only ever meeting Mock Trial team, freshman Riya Kumar has via Zoom.” The team meets later in the evening been grateful for the help of upperclassmen. due to Nelsen’s busy schedule, so meeting via “The team works incredibly well, and everyone Zoom has been practical in this sense. has been so helpful since this is my first year,” Although the team couldn’t always meet in Kumar said. “They’re the best to work with, and person, the girls did as much as they could to we all want what’s best for each other. We all enjoy the season. Kumar has been excited to have the same goal, and we are working hard to do Mock Trial since seventh grade, and is still get there!” excited. “It’s super important to continue doing At the first competition, Marian competed what you love even though we’re in a pandemagainst Elkhorn High School. The team does ic—while also being safe!” Kumar said.

February 2021

Marian seniors recommend classes for underclassmen SophiaVirgillito

African American History taught by Mrs. Jillian Roger

“In African American Studies, taught by Mrs. Roger, you get to learn how life is for African Americans back then and now. I liked the conversations we had with one another and how you can begin to understand why people might think differently than you.

I recommend this class if you are willing to become educated about these topics.”

- Nellie White ‘21

Mobile App Development

taught by Dr. Sharon Genoways

“I love mobile computing class taught by Dr. Genoways because it is hands-on learning, and I love the small class size. There is also never any homework. I learned so much about computers, and how to code, which will be really helpful with the current job market.”

- Eva Watson ‘21

Harry Potter, Philosophy and Feminism taught by Mr. Tom Baker

“I would recommend this class because it’s so unique and fun, but you also learn a lot.

Even if you’re not very into Harry Potter, I think you would still enjoy the class. And philosophy really affects every aspect of the world so no matter what field you’re going into, it’s a good thing to learn about” - Clara Glock ‘21

International Issues

taught by Mrs. Katy Salzman *on yearly rotation

Creative Writing

“The class is fast paced, but there are a lot of in-class discussions. I recommend this class, because it helps you stay informed with what’s going on in the rest of the world.”

-Iris Cunningham ‘21

taught by Ms. Halli Tripe

“Writing short stories for class helps me try out different styles and techniques with my writing that I wouldn’t normally get to use in another class. I would recommend this class to underclassmen because it’s really fun, and it makes you a better writer. I would also say this class makes writing really enjoyable, even if you’re not someone who normally enjoys it.”- Emily Beyer ‘21

Find 10 Marian-themed pictures in the Quad!

MollyMonahan

Find the correct answers on the online Network: mariandigitalnetwork.com

Key:

1. A Marian cookie sundae 2. The 2017 Senior Field Day winners; signed , sealed, and delivered mascot 3. Surprise Day cotton candy 4. Mr. Baker striking a pose 5. A number one WAT ribbon 6. Mrs. Sullivan’s glasses 7. The Servants of Mary Cross 8. A mask (other than on Mr. Baker) 9. A Marian Network 10. Marian class ring

07 Feature

february 2021

Aby Acevedo receives full scholarship to Notre Dame, inspires others AnnaDailey

of getting an education had ith a 17 percent accepevaporated,” Acevedo said. Howtance rate, getting into ever, they wanted their children Notre Dame is near impossible to have what they weren’t able to. without a lot of perseverance and “The mindset they put into me, hard work. Senior Aby Acevedo like if you do receive a good eduhas utilized these qualities to cation that opens doors for a lot not only get admitted to Notre of opportunities,” Acevedo said.

Dame, but she has been awarded “They worked a lot of long hours a full ride scholarship. to be able to pay for stuff, so President Mary Higgins first seeing that in them encouraged met Acevedo while preparing me to work hard in school.” for MarianFest in 2019. AcevAlthough Acevedo is an edo was selected to speak about outstanding student now, she tuition assistance and how it faced struggles in her early years helped her attend Marian. “I of school. “I was the student who knew that she was friendly, and was always pulled out of class to every time I saw her, she was receive remedial help,” Acevsmiling,” Higgins said. “I never edo said. “When homework saw her crabby, rude or in a bad was too difficult or I did not mood. She is always incredibly understand the instrucpleasant.” tions, I could not rely on Acevedo’s inspiring the help of my parents speech at MarianFEST who could not speak about her background English.” Acevedo is the reason did not let these behind much of challenges her drive and hold her motivation in back; she school. Her overparents left came school at the them ages of 10 and and 13, and decidindividually ed to came to put in a America great deal from Mexof effort ico in hopes and work to of pursuing a Graphic by NaomiDelkamiller make herself better life. They and parents became citizens while in Ameriproud. ca. “Both knew that their dreams Acevedo’s journey to Notre

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Dame began when she applied to QuestBridge, a nonprofit program that helps top students from low income families pursue a higher education. “They had this cool program for juniors. It wasn’t for college yet, but it was to have admissions help,” Acevedo said. She was one of 3,000 selected for the program, out of about 13,000 applicants. “That gave me the confidence that maybe I did have a chance.”

For the next step of the QuestBridge process, Acevedo was selected from an even larger group of applicants. “Around 20,000 applied, then they pick about 8,000, and then only about 1,000 are actually admitted to [QuestBridge’s selection of colleges] with a full ride,” Acevedo said. “I knew my chances were low, so it wasn’t the only thing I was banking on.” She kept other colleges on her mind such as UNO and UNL while waiting for the decision.

Acevedo’s application obviously stood out on the desks of admission officers. For her essay, she wrote about overcoming the challenges of not being able to speak English when she began school and her parents not being able to help her with homework.

“I was in history class and it was my last block of the day,” Acevedo recalls when she logged into her QuestBridge portal and read the news. It read that only 90 students received a full scholarship to Notre Dame. “I was

Mrs. Denise Eoriatti officially joins community SophieStevens

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thing around veryone has the kitchen.” seen her, She has worked but many aren’t here with him aware of all she since 2019 and does for Marihas always been an. COVID-19 helpful. has created “I plan to challenges and continue with changes for this work as every person long as I am in the school here,” Mrs. system, but for Lunch assistant and afternoon security worker, Mrs. Denise Eoriatti said.

Mrs. Denise Eoriatti, serves pizza in the cafeteria. Photo by SophieStevens Before she Eoriatti, these came to Marian, she worked at ally start my day around 6 a.m. challenges have led her to a phone company for 35 years explore new roles in the Marian getting the grab-and-gos and and eight years in a payroll and community. food ready for distribution. I Eoriatti takes part in helping then serve food to the students, benefit company.

Although she has a lot on around the kitchen and making and then I head outside from her plate, Mrs. Eoriatti says sure traffic moves along quickly 3 to 3:30 p.m.,” Mrs. Eoriatti she enjoys her job. “My favorite after school. She has taken said. Then she supervises stuover for Mr. Richard Hutfless dents in the cafeteria until their part of the day is getting to talk to the girls during lunch. I outside after school, who super- rides come. vised the parking lot. She keeps Her husband Mr. Tim Eori- enjoy serving them and seeing traffic flowing and makes sure atti said, “She pretty much does how their day is going,” she said. that cars are not stolen. “I usueverything for me, and every-

Aby Acevedo ’21 poses with Notre Dame flag pennant in the Haddix Academic Center. Photo by AnnaDailey shocked, because I didn’t expect it, especially from Notre Dame.”

What seemed to just be a normal day at school changed Acevedo’s future forever.

Acevedo’s success in school has not gone unnoticed by her classmates. “Aby’s accomplishment is super inspiring to me because she always works hard and diligently in everything she does,” senior Gracie Kerr said.

“She puts her best foot forward every day to accomplish her goals, and now it’s paying off in an extremely big and exciting way.”

Acevedo plans to go down the pre-med track while at Notre Dame. “I know they have a kind of neuro major, and I want to do that because they said that’s the best pre-med major there,” Acevedo said. “I hope in the fu-

ture some time to go to medical school.”

“I’m so proud of Aby for her perseverance and for pushing through to get where she is,” Higgins said. To follow up on her inspiring speech at MarianFEST in 2019, Acevedo will be speaking at the 2021 virtual MarianFEST. “I think people are going to stand up in their living rooms and cheer for her,” Higgins said.

Acevedo is proof that dreams can be attainable, and she advises others to believe in themselves.

“After reading those numbers and thinking, oh, only 1,000 will get in, there was a moment when I thought I wouldn’t even apply,” Acevedo said. “It starts with belief because that gives you the confidence to work hard and write a really good essay.”

New paras enjoy atmosphere RyleeGregg

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iss Lindsey Decker ’14 began working at Marian at the beginning of October to supervise classrooms when teachers are gone.

“My job basically entails watching over students and making sure they are on task and being productive,” Decker said. She also watches over three Mandarin classes as the students are taught via Zoom. “A highlight of my time here has definitely been meeting all of the nice, sweet girls.” s. Euwanda Jennings is a more recent addition to the staff, starting her duties as a paraprofessional on Nov. 9. She, like Decker, helps out the teachers and supports office staff. “My favorite thing about Marian is the calm, friendly atmosphere,” Jennings said.

“They’re both willing to hop in and sub when needed,” assistant to the principal, Mrs. Michelle Delisi said. “They always thank me, and I feel like they’re just a really good presence in the building!”

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Miss Lindsey Decker

Ms. Euwanda Jennings

6th and 7th graders take practice placement exam, attend workshops Photos by MaryCateTabor from Jan. 23

Art Workshop

Science Workshop

Kindness Workshop

Cheer Workshop

“The workshops provide a great opportunity for these girls to meet some of our awesome teachers and staff and learn something new!” - Recruitment Director Mrs. Molly Woodman

femin

08 Indepth

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g women n i er o w ian commu f o ar ni t M

"Female strength is displayed as a woman who values and uses all of her gifts."

- Mrs. Michelle Delisi, Assistant to the Principal

"When women empower each other toward the finish line or help another woman take a step upthat is evidence of female power."

- Mrs. Jen Christen, Assistant Principal "Female "Female strength means much beyond physical strength to me attributes to me. A is knowing you w oman who rises to can do anyc h a llenges, is able to thing, dreaming remain positive in you can, and adverse situations, and having the elevates others around courage to her is my view of a actually do it!" woman with female strength."

- Mrs. Kris Hennings, - Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs, Assistant Principal Assistant Principal & Dean of Students

, phic Gra sy of te cour ceEllis Gra

"Female strength for me means inner resilience...

It is built over a lifetime with faith as the foundation of support as you experience joy, sorrow and a belief in yourself and abilities.

-Mrs. Susie Sullivan, Principal

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"Whether wearing a pencil skirt, slacks, or a warm-up suit... it is important for Marian students to see female leaders in action!"

-Ms. Mary Higgins, President

#GetRidofUnhealthyGenderRoles

Opinion by FrannieCihunka & MollyMonahan hat’s a dress? It’s just a scrap of good attitude. If a man wearing fabric that has stereotypically a dress is seen as a woman, that been assigned to women to wear. But shouldn’t be a bad thing. It’s really, it has no meaning. So then really misogynistic, actually, that why is it controversial for a man to a man wearing a stereotypically wear a dress? The December issue feminine piece of clothing is seen of Vogue featured Harry Styles on as insulting. the cover modeling a Victorian style This idea of “bring back Gucci gown. While some praised the manly men” was brought about singer for expressing his feminine by conservative author Candace side, others criticized him for not Owens, who replied to the phosticking to the stereotype of a man toshoot on social media outlets, and circulated the hashtag “Bring such as Twitter and Instagram, in back manly men.” It’s been a month, disapproval, saying “There is no and we still cannot understand why. society that can survive without We think our first question is: strong men. The East knows this. why? Why does it matter? We’ve In the West, the steady feminizaalways thought of clothes as a means tion of our men at the same time of expressing yourself. Why should that Marxism is being taught to clothes be assigned to certain genour children is not a coincidence. ders? Women wear pantsuits and Bring back manly men.” they’re powerful, but men wear As a result of this statement, dresses and are emasculated and many have responded in support of ridiculed? People still fall back on Styles. His loyal and adamant fans, stereotypes about how women are other celebrities, and men everyweak and dainty. So if a man wears a where have stood against Owens’ dress, something typically assigned claims. Actor Zach Braff said in supto women, they are weak? The last port, “Our whole life men and boys we checked, women have a higher are told to be manly. Life is short. Be pain tolerance than men. We knew whatever you want to be.” a girl who was curled into a ball What makes us the most angry with period cramps before a show about this #BringBackManlyMen choir performance and went out like thing is how it is promoting toxic nothing was wrong. Marian girls masculinity and unrealistic images can do three all-nighters a week and of men. This hashtag promotes the come out with good grades and a stereotype that men must be strong

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and show no emotion, because emotion is a sign of weakness. This mold men must fit into is so damaging to their mental health. Men actually commit suicide more than women do. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, white males made up 69.67 percent of those who committed suicide in 2018. Not to mention, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in this country. All of these toxic stereotypes make men feel like they can’t express emotion or be vulnerable.

Men deserve to have their emotions validated.

So yes, this hashtag and controversy angers us. Because number one: who cares? It’s a dress. A cute dress, at that. We would kill to wear that gown at prom and look as majestic as Harry Styles does. What we’re trying to say is clothes and makeup have no gender, nor should they. And number two: it’s healthy self-expression, which should never be degraded or invalidated.

We need to stop promoting this unhealthy image of masculinity and the degrading image of femininity. We can’t put each other into boxes of strong or weak or macho or dainty.

Gender normalities, generated from a toxic society, have recently been challenged by inspiring individuals, like Harry Styles, and should continue to raise discussion.

Men are usually taught the idea of “boys are just being boys,” when they are aggressive, physical, being told not to cry and forced to wear only masculine clothing. Styles, along with many others, continue to challenge the idea of masculinity being seen as only one stereotype, one way of life and one piece of clothing.

ninity

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gender

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Indepth 09

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Dr. Jill Biden sets example for all women, plans to keep working RyleeGregg

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mpowerment is a familiar concept for Marian students, as it’s one of the core values taught to students over their four years. Since the school’s founding in 1955 by the Servants of Mary, women in the Marian community have been lifted up for their skill and talent. However, outside of the all-girls environment, not every woman is treated as such. Females have historically had drastically different expectations than men, and their success can be seen as a threat, when it should be celebrated.

However, one particular woman has taken great steps forward for feminists everywhere.

Dr. Jill Biden has begun to revolutionize the role of women in the White House. She has decided to keep her “Dr.” (Ed.D—a doctorate in education) title for the duration of her time as First Lady, as well as continuing her teaching career at Northern Virginia Community College. She hopes to give a voice to educators across the country and identify herself with the working class.

This is a historical first for the wives of the President, as they have traditionally been expected to drop their careers in favor of the duties that accompany being the First Lady.

As women continue to take strides forward and break down gender roles,

The Bold Type

it only makes sense that this would be reflected in the presidency. It’s become almost uncommon that the roles of men and women are maintained in our society as they are in the White House.

As Dr. Biden takes these strides forward, she’s working to make the idea of the submissive housewife disappear altogether.

Students have been inspired by seeing the values they are taught in classes reflected in the world outside of Marian.

“It gives a great example of progressive feminism and speaks to the fact that you don’t have to put your life on pause just because your partner advances in their line of work, even when it’s one of higher authority,” freshman Kenadie Rudloff said. “Her willingness to go against the pattern of the past really helps to break down stereotypes around women in places of government power, and even in the home.”

“I’d just say more power to her,” Dr. Renee McGill commented on the issue.

She hopes that Biden will “keep wearing the hats that are important to her and being that role model for those of us who do choose to juggle the different job titles and find fulfillment in that.”

Dr. McGill started teaching English in 1993, then started her PhD eight years later. “For me, my title means that

I accomplished a goal that I had set for myself.” It was no easy feat for her to earn, and the process ended up spanning nine years, as she was also raising her four daughters and continuing to teach parttime throughout the process of earning her doctorate. “Those years were really fun for me because it was flexible, and I got to have more time with the girls, believe it or not.”

Her situation was not unlike that of Dr. Biden, who also made the decision to return to school while she had young children at home. She’d been active in continuing her education, earning two master’s degrees while teaching at various schools on the east coast. When she married Joe Biden and took on the role of raising his two sons from a previous marriage, she definitely had a lot on her plate; however, she continued to make her own education and passions a priority, finally receiving her doctorate in 2007.

An article published by the Wall Street Journal in December of 2020 only served to fuel the fires of controversy when author Joseph Epstein criticized Dr. Biden’s decision to keep her title while her husband is in office. He said that the title “sounds and feels fraudu-

The Handmaid’s Tale

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Gilmore Girls

Girl Boss

Graphic by MollyMonahan

lent,” and repetitively compared her title to the honorary doctorates he received during his time in academia.

“I thought [the article] was really problematic and very patronizing,” Dr. McGill said. “I mean, here’s a woman who cares about access for education for everybody. She cares about retention and keeping people in community colleges. And he’s making fun of that?”

The position that Dr. Biden now holds is invaluable to educators everywhere. “I do think that there’s a belittling of educators going on. You know, she’s just a teacher, so of course she would step down when she got to be First Lady,” Dr. McGill said as an example.

However, in this day and age, it’s become increasingly less expected for a wife to defer to her husband. So, why is it different at the presidential level? In a country where things are changing and developing all the time, our leaders need to move on from tradition and focus on where our true values lie. Working women shouldn’t be shamed for doing so at any level, and Dr. Biden’s case is no different. As she tweeted herself, “Together, we will build a world where the accomplishments of our daughters will be celebrated, rather than diminished.”

TV shows every girl

should watch

to feel

empowered

Feature 10

February 2021

Sr. Jackie excited for school return

MaryCateTabor

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hile Marian is conThe Campus Ministry tinuing on during the team and Marian communiCOVID-19 pandemic with ty won’t have to wait much precautions and a plethora of longer, because the Servants changes, one thing is missof Mary received the first ing: the physical presence of round of the COVID-19 the Servants of Mary in the vaccine at the beginning building. One Sister who of the year and recently Marian girls once saw anyreceived the second round where from the lunchroom on Feb. 9. Two weeks after to Campus Ministry is now a few walls away in the Servite Motherhouse.

To keep herself safe along with all of the other Sisters, Sr. Jackie Thorn continues her job from the comfort of her room in the Sisters’ convent. She does her job as she normally would but through Zoom. She regularly Zooms into meetings Sr. Jackie Thorn (right) walks into 2019’s Servite Mass surrounded with Campus Ministry to talk about by students and other Sisters. upcoming events and Photo by Daisy Owen ’20. contacts people like priests and lectors for the Sr. Jackie gets her second upcoming Masses. vaccine, she will be allowed “I have really missed the to gradually come back into pastoral care she has for the the building to continue students; she always does her work for the school and an amazing job checking student body, bringing the up on the well-being of the community together along students,” Campus Minister with the other Sisters.

Deacon Kevin Fuller said. “It “Marian doesn’t feel the is going to be nice for Mrs. same without their loving Kolterman and I to have our presence in the building,” third voice in Campus Minjunior Annie Ellerbeck said. istry back in the building.”

“We are so lucky to

have them as a part of our community, and I can’t wait to see them in the hallways soon,” Ellerbeck said.

Sr. Jackie shares the same appreciation for the students.

“I really miss all the girls and being able to say hello in the hallways,” Sr. Jackie said. She has not been out much since March, besides the occasional run to the grocery store and to get medicine.

Being stuck inside, the Sisters are trying to make the most of the time they have on their hands.

“I have added more prayer time to my day and try to go to the chapel two extra times every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” Sr. Jackie said. The Sisters got to spend Christmas together, because they were not able to see their families. They exchanged gifts and got to have the Christmas party they do every year.

Soon Sr. Jackie and the Servites who work in advancement will be joining the student body and staff back in the building. Until then, Sr. Jackie continues to send her weekly prayer emails at the start of the week. “Remember, God loves you,” Sr. Jackie said.

When you soon see Sr. Jackie in the halls, don’t forget to say hello and give her a wave.

What two-word personality types make up the Marian student body?

Infographic by MiaDunker

Source: 182 girls surveyed

Pets help owners endure pandemic AnnaKidder

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and social isolation. Interactions with animals can help people manage their long-term mental health conditions. For these reasons, it is clear why having a loving pet has become more appreciated during these times.

Freshman Melany Kriener is the owner of a male English Pointer named Sebastian. She calls him ‘Bash’ for short. “Every day I spend time with him, whether that’s playing with him or snuggling,” Kriener said.

“Sebastian has helped me through this pandemic by cheering me up,” Kriener said. “He’s always there if I need to take a break from all my homework, when I’m tired of looking at a screen or just need to take a break from life.”

Sebastian has provided Kriener with plenty of laughs during the pandemic. “One time when I had just finished working out using a yoga mat, my dog came and sat on it. But it wasn’t any old position, it was a downward dog!”

Kriener said.

“He’s a super silly dog, so that has definitely helped boost my mental health.”

“At the beginning of quarantine, my parents finally Freshman Melany Kriener’s dog Sebastian doing downward dog on a yoga mat. agreed to get

or pets, the COVID-19 pandemic did not create many changes to their daily habits. While they continued to go about their typical lives, their owners’ routines suddenly came to a halt, giving pets more time to spend with their loving companions. Whether it is an increase in play-time, lack of travel by their owners or their owners’ need for more cuddles, most pets are getting the attention they deserve. And, in return, pets are helping their owners survive these unprecedented times.

While research about how pets can impact their owners’ mental health has been going on for years, the positive effects have been more apparent during the pandemic.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), pets can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness

a puppy,” freshman Jane Kidand Luna), two guinea pigs der said. “I think it was perfect (Gilbert and Nutmeg), one timing.” They welcomed an dog (Gunner) and one parOld English Sheepdog named akeet (Tweety). “I consider Frances, or ‘Frank’ for short, into them my family, and I would their family. do anything for them.”

“Because we got Frank during “I have definitely spent the pandemic, I have spent a lot more time with my pets of time with her,” Kidder said. during the pandemic,” Sed“She was always with me when lak said. “I’m an only child, I was doing remote learning, or which means I can get bored just when I was bored.” easily, so I always go to my Like most puppies, “she is pets for entertainment.” very energetic and requires a Her many pets have been lot of attention,” Kidder said. keeping her busy. “I’ve been Freshman Jane Kidder holds “Whenever I don’t give Frank working out with my dog by her puppy Frances. attention and I’m petting one running with him around of my other pets, she acts like a the block, training my bird them, they give me a sense of younger sibling and gets jealous.” to do little tricks and I’ve made hope, like everything is going to “I think Frank has improved cage ‘decor’ for my guinea pigs.” be okay,” Sedlak said. “A pet can my mental health because she Sedlak’s pets have given her definitely have a positive impact always makes me laugh, cuda much-appreciated distraction on your mental health because dles with me and makes me during these unprecedented you grow a special bond with play with her,” Kidder said. “I’m times. “I do think my pets have them and you start caring about very grateful that I had a puppy helped improve my mental them as you would a human to keep company during the health because by hanging out being.” pandemic.” with them and playing with “I like spending time with my pets because it’s therapeutic for all of us,” freshman Brianna Sedlak said.

“They get the attention they deserve, and I get a feeling of relief when I pet them.” She has three cats On the left, freshman Brianna Sedlak smiles as she holds one of her guin(Angel, Hailey

ea pigs named Gilbert. On the right is Sedlak’s parakeet named Tweety.

February 2021

Hope on the horizon Events to look forward to

February

Black 1 History Month

7

2

3

4

Last Snow Day*

Groundhog Day

8

10

14

15

16

No School

6

Virtual MarianFEST

12

13

No School

Dancing with the Dads (Cancelled)

Instrumental and Vocal Pops Concert

1

Ash Wednesday

21

Basketball Districts

23

24

26

7

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

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18

St.Patrick’s Day

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28

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National Public Sleep Day

4

April 5

BREAK

11

18

12

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6

2

3

EASTER

7

9

10

2

20

14

21

15

National High FIve Day

22

16

26

FIELD WEEK

Walls Night

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24

7th Grade Trivia Night

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29 FIELD DAY

4

11

13

25

20 Senior Retreat

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First Day of Spring

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National Crayon Day

5

1 7

8

12

13

14

SENIOR FINALS

17

18

19

Senior Honor Assembly

26

20 Senior Mass State Track

28

29

24

25

31

SophieStevens & AnnaKidder All pictures courtesy of Marian journalism *Maximum amount of snow days have been used. All inclement weather days will result in Elearning.

FINALS

27

State Tennis

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

Maryvale hosts similar tradition to Field Day, Gym Meet LexiKetcham D emo, costumes, mascot, cheer, walls, judges booklet. These may just be some random words to most people, but to Marian students, they scream two words: Field Day. This is one of Marian’s most long-lasting and highly-anticipated traditions.

Field Day is something that makes Marian unique from any school in the nation. It brings students together and teaches life skills. “There is a connection with every single alumna that ever went to Marian. It is such a learning environment. It’s collaborative, it’s creative, it’s group work. If Field Day is anything, it’s all those things,” President Mary Higgins ’69 said.

There is no other school in the country that has a Field Day like Marian, but have you ever wondered if there’s a school that does something similar?

Maryvale Preparatory, an all girls Catholic middle school and high school in Baltimore, MD has a tradition close to Field Day called Gym Meet.

Maryvale, home to 380 students, was founded in 1945 and is run by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Their Gym Meet was started in the 1950s by a PE teacher. Like Field Day, it takes place in the spring.

Gym Meet entails something similar to Marian Field Day’s demo. There are typical field games in the morning and Gym Meet in the afternoon. “The middle school is split into two teams, Red and Grey, while the high schoolers compete against each other by grade,” Maryvale Dean of Students and Upper School Assistant Head Jessica Randisi said.

Students come up with new themes each year, but keep their two class colors that they decide their freshman year for the duration of high school. A demonstration is performed where they march in formations and sing three songs that follow their class’ theme. The winners, voted by alumnae, receive a special felt banner, and one girl from each class gets a spirit award voted by the students.

Marian Field Day started similarly to Gym Meet in that typical field day games were played and it was held outside. Students paraded down to Benson Park with

May Day

State Soccer

Burn Showcase

Graduation

25

3

9

Prom

National Earth Day

12

Soccer Districts

16

23

6

Trivia Night with Prep

May Crowning

Spring Musical 8-11

13

COLOR BLOCK

Early Dismissal

May

State Swim

28

1

5

SPRING BREAK

CAB Black HIstory Month State DIving

3

State Basketball

StateDance Dance State

State Cheer Early Dismissal

2

National π Day

18

17

March

Feature 11

floats and a softball game was played by the girls, which between Field Day and Gym Meet, the idea and purplayed a large role in points earned. Eventually, the softpose are alike in that they provide unity and community ball game and activities were replaced with the large arena between the girls, classes and school as a whole. Marian event we know all too well today. and Maryvale are 1,164 miles apart, yet somehow have Randisi said that the purpose of Gym Meet is sistersomething so uniquely in common that creates a conhood, leadership, teamwork and community-building. nection between the schools that not many other high When asked about her thoughts on the similarities of schools have.

Field Day and Gym Meet, she said, “I think it’s really cool. I wish I had thought about this before; I hope to maintain a relationship with Marian.”

Higgins shares a similar opinion of another all-girls school doing something like Field Day. “Good for them. I think it’s a really healthy thing for the student body, even though the classes are competitive against each other. It brings the classes together, but in the bigger picture, you really feel a bond with the overall school,” Higgins said.

Senior class officer Lexxi Olsen, who has helped lead Field Day since her freshman year, said that Field Day is a unique and special part of going to Marian and helps students work together and solve problems with each other. “I feel like our Field Day brings our class so much closer, because we all want to reach the same goal. It’s a great way to bond with your class and school and I think more all-girls private schools should do this,” Olsen Marian Freshmen at the Fair pictured on top on April 12, 2019. Photo by Joe Mixsaid. an. On bottom Maryvale’s 2019 winners: Senior Scouts. Photo source Maryvale’s Although there are distinctions twitter. @MaryvaleLions

12 Sports

February 2021

Varsity basketball duo drives through their fourth, final high school season together, showing friendship, leadership SophiaVirgillito

two years has been really fun and exciting. he sports fans of the Metro-area They’re also really good leaders for the unare all too familiar with the names derclassmen on the team. They put in the Aryannah Harrison and Celia Hacker. time and effort for the team and it pays off This point guard and shooting guard duo in the games.” has started on Marian’s Varsity basketVarsity head coach Mr. Peter Cunningball team since their freshman year in ham has watched the two athletes grow the winter of throughout 2017-18. their past As they years playing are currently basketball for in their final Marian. high school “Their season, the leadership has two lead contributed to their team in the success we scoring. have had so In the far this year. week of Jan.7, They have both girls really made were ranked a point to be in the top ten positive leadof girls Class ers who lead A scoring. by example Harrison through their averages On Jan. 9, 2018, Aryannah Harrison shoots a free throw work ethic 19.8 points against Westside as Celia Hacker stands outside the lane. and competper game, as itiveness, but Photo by Evelyn Paul ‘18.

Hacker follows they also lead with 13.6 points. with their words by helping build their “Ary and C are definitely a threat on teammates up and establishing a strong offense and defense. I’d say that they are level of trust on our Varsity team.” harder to defend than most people are,” As a leader, Hacker puts emphasis on the third senior on the roster, teammate the team’s closeness.

Kate Asselin, said.

“I feel like Ary and I have done a This was reflected in Marian’s Jan. 5 good job at making sure that we aren’t just win against previously second-ranked ‘teammates’ on the court. We are friends Millard South. on and off the court, and it’s very importHarrison scored 26 of the team’s 69 ant to have a team that is close,” Hacker points and Hacker had 16 points, 9 of said. them being in the fourth quarter.

The performance of the Crusaders is Not only does Asselin compliment impacted by the two’s leadership and the their abilities on the court, but also their team’s chemistry. attitudes. She notes their verbal moti“When one of them [Harrison and vation toward her and the team during Hacker] is locked in and playing well, it games and practices. helps our team and makes us better. When “They’re really encouraging as teamthey are both locked in and playing well, mates...Playing basketball with them for

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2018

Not only have Harrison and Hacker we are a very dangerous team. Combine played on Marian’s team together, but that with when our whole team is locked they have also been teammates on the in and playing well, as we proved when Team Factory Girls Program. This past we beat Millard South, we know we can summer they both concluded their high compete with and beat anyone,” Cunschool AAU careers on the U17 team. ningham said.

The two work together, Hacker even The team’s current record is 7-8. described them Harrison as a “unit.” said she Discussions believes about how this team they can help has the their team and ability to each other are make it to frequent after the first games and couple practices. rounds of When the state asked what is tournaspecial about ment playing toor even gether on both further.

Marian’s team From and Team Facthe past tory, Harrison three said, “It allows Celia Hacker #10 and Aryannah Harrison #22 play defense years, us to learn against Millard South on Jan. 5, 2021. Photo courtesy of Marian more about has yet to Olivia Turkel ‘21. each other and the ways we both play, so make a state appearance. The Crusaders that when the game comes, we are able to were last in a state match in 2010. play and move off of each other better.”

Losses and wins are not new for these Their connection is both on and off two athletes. They’ve been playing basthe court. “We just have always been ketball their whole lives, playing with and each other’s cheerleaders, no matter if it against each other. Harrison even played was in basketball, soccer or even school,” for the junior Crusaders from fourth Harrison also said. grade until entering high school.

The two have supported each othThey’ve learned from each other and er throughout their careers. Both are built off the other’s playing techniques. committed to continue to play basketball “They know where each other will be in college as well. Harrison is to play at on the floor and they have a strong sense Peru State College and Hacker at Lake of what the other will do when the ball Superior State. is in their hands. That connection can be As this duo drives through their fourth difficult to build, but when you do, you and final season together as Crusaders, definitely notice the positive difference they leave an impact on the Marian basit makes on the floor. They are also really ketball program as leadership, friendship good friends which makes their connecand culture remain. tion even stronger,” Cunningham said.

2021

Meaning of ‘team’ obvious to Marian swimming, diving athletes JessicaBrusnahan

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eing part of a team, athletic or otherwise, is one of the best opportunities that life offers. You learn so many lessons, like how to support someone in their best and worst times and push yourself to be your best to help the team achieve their end goal.

Your teammates become your best friends, right next to you in some of your hardest and most rewarding experiences. A team is an endless source of energy, and no school knows that better than Marian. The athletes have a tradition of excellence that follows them everywhere they go, at times even putting a target on their backs for other schools to reach to beat.

One of Marian’s most successful sports in recent years has been swimming and diving. As per their team website, “Marian has a rich history in Nebraska Swimming & Diving…[with] girls…[competing] at State Swimming & Diving Championships for 47 years.”

Marian swimmers and divers boast a record of 14 State Championships, 10 State Runners-up, 22 Individual State Champions, 22 Relay State Champions and 51 NISCA All-American athletes. These statistics, while showing a winning tradition, don’t do much to explain how exactly the teams continue to excel year after year.

There is nothing more important to a team’s success than team culture. Some of the closest Marian teams have come out of the swimming and diving program.

Assistant swimming coach Kristy Kunkel, who graduated from Marian in 2011 and swam at the state meet for four years, explained her best experiences around the sport as equally balanced between swimmer and coach. Some of her favorite memories of her athletic career were the lasting friendships with teammates and “being able to swim…with [her] sister Kelly (‘08) and then keeping the tradition alive of Marian winning the 200 Free 10 years in a row,” Kunkel said.

Today, she still finds her passion for swimming in passing along her knowledge to the next generation of record-breakers. “My favorite things [are] seeing the

Photos from the Marian Swim and Dive Twitter.

Keep up with the girls @MarianSwimming. girls accomplish their goals and the fun that comes along with the process. Seeing girls put in all the hard work all season, and then at the end their faces when they go their goal times makes my heart so happy,” Kunkel said.

As for how the program has grown over the years, Kunkel has noticed a “more positive [team culture] regarding putting in the hard work in and out of the pool.” She notes that team members’ greater attention to decisions in and out of the pool has helped them to reach their full potential as athletes. Though the Marian swimming and diving program has not officially named captains for the past few years, Kunkel has seen more and more girls step up to lead their teammates and “hold each other accountable in order to have a successful year.”

It’s not just the coaches that see the wins pile up. The athletes have the most control of their performance at the end of the season, so it’s only natural that they determine what the team culture will look like. Sophomore Josie Hood felt that this year, despite all the challenges brought on by the pandemic, brought her and her fellow swimmers closer together. “The team is so welcoming and we always have so much fun together,” Hood said. With 26 girls, it’s hard to imagine there would ever be a lack of energy among the group. “I never fail to laugh at practice,” she said.

Senior Riley Sabin, who has been a part of the Marian swim program since she moved to Omaha her sophomore year, has also had many great experiences with her teammates.

“The environment is so amazing. When I tried out for the team I was so excited because I loved it,” she said. Much of what Marian emphasizes, and is especially prominent on its most successful teams, is the aspect of family. “I was able to meet so many new friends that I’ve been able to become so close to,” Sabin said.

If there’s one thing that’s abundantly clear from Kunkel, Hood and Sabin, as well as the unstoppable success of the Marian swim and dive program, it’s this: fun and failure never have, and never will, go together. When athletes are at the top of their game, and are dancing and singing at every moment along the way, there’s no telling what they can’t do.

February 2021

Marian girls compete in unconventional sports MollyMonahan

Irish Dance

Sports 13

Marian becomes first in the country to adopt new NeuroTrainer program EmilySalzman

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echnology has been advancing at rapid rates throughout iamh Corrigan, a junior, has the 21st century, and the current competitively particigeneration of high school students is pated in Irish Dance since experiencing this wave of innovation she was 6. On average, she being weaved into their education spends two to three hours at rapid speeds.

Marian is one of getting ready for her commany high schools in the country petitions by putting on her to bring more stylized technology, wig, getting her full costume such as iPads and 3D printers, into on and doing her makeup. the classroom in order to allow for “There’s so many little cosmetic students to experience a broader things that go into competing in range of learning both in and out of spite of the incredible athleticism it requires. The school. cultural aspect of Irish dance also really sets it apart While Marian is not unique in from other sports,” Corrigan said. Her family is Irish, integrating school-issued iPads into and they are very involved in the Irish-American the classroom, Marian is the first community in Omaha. “My parents wanted a way and only high school in the nation for me to connect to that heritage.” to bring a software known as NeuroTrainer into the athletic training room.

“NeuroTrainer is a performance nother star in a sport not enhancement system that uses common to the Marian virtual reality to help athletes train community is sophomore their brains, resulting in better Grace Stannard. Stannard performance,” Marian’s head athletic can usually be found on trainer Mrs. Melissa Brusnahan said. the ice, competing in NeuroTrainer is meant to help figure skating. “I think a athletes improve key functions lot of people don’t know when competing such as hand-eye how much work goes into coordination, reaction time, focus figure skating,” Stannard said. and decision making. It builds such “We are up at 4 in the mornskills in a virtual reality that presents ing–for me it’s every morning–and then some of us athletes with different tasks and also take dance to help get more movement for our training scenarios. This controlled, routines...Then we are also in the gym about four or challenge exercise environment five times a week working with a personal trainer, makes the training an overall enjoybecause figure skating is a huge strain on our bodies. able experience for the athlete.

If we don’t train and prepare every spare moment we have, we could seriously injure ourselves. I mean we are rotating three or four rotations in the air landing with an impact of five to eight times our body weight on a quarter of an inch blade on one leg.” Stannard has been competing since first grade ever since she overcame her fear of being hurt. She now has come to love the sport.

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Figure Skating

A

M

Horseback Riding

arin Momsen, a freshman, has spent her time riding horses competitively for 10 years now. She rides her horse in the hunters and equitation divisions, which are riding, but the points are based on style.

Competitive riding horses runs in Momsen’s family. “One day my mom told me that her old trainer had started a barn and that I was going to ride there.” Momsen also enjoys horseback riding because it is a sport where both men and women compete equally.

Raquetball

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ophomore Aya Khayati grew up watching her father and older brother play racquetball.

When she picked up her racquet and took her first swing at age 5, she loved it. Her dad is an avid racquetball player, which inspired Khayati to play the game herself.

“Since I was 5, I’ve played and participated in racquetball tournaments, but this year with COVID-19, I haven’t played as much as I want. I’m looking forward to getting back on the court and having some good games,” Khayati said. “There is a lot to like about racquetball. It is healthy. It is competitive.

It is a team sport, and it is an opportunity to build and nourish friendships and relationships.”

The NeuroTrainer system was founded by Dr. Jeff Nyquist, who has been studying the human brain for the past 15 years and has tried to find new ways humans can use their brain in order to improve their quality of life. He came up with the basis of the NeuroTrainer system by combining neuroscience with technology and giving athletes the chance to experience training on a whole new level that both challenges the mind and expands cognitive abilities, thus improving quality of competition.

“We were first introduced to NeuroTrainer by Ken Moreano, who was on the athletic department staff at Creighton University when Marian’s soccer coach, Teresa DeGeorge, was a player. Ken learned about NeuroTrainer and thought it would be an excellent fit for Marian athletes. He contacted Coach DeGeorge, who contacted me,” Brusnahan said.

NeuroTrainer is loaded onto an Oculus headset, which Marian currently has five of, along with hand controllers to accompany each headset. “The software loaded on the headsets engages the user in a virtual reality game/training session lasting 10-20 minutes. After a brief training session, athletes are encouraged to train four or five times per week to see the largest gains in cognitive functioning,” Brusnahan said.

One of the students who took part in the initial NeuroTrainer trial was senior Sarah Ritterling. “The activities are meant to be based on your level, but since it was the first time we ever used it, we took a test to give a baseline. It’s fun because there’s a leaderboard and you don’t really know what activity it’s going to choose for you that day. It’s fast and challenging, but fun!” Ritterling said. The system is meant to help train the athletes’ brains and, in the long run, help improve the athletic performance of the participant.

“One task is you have to pull the trigger on the paddle as soon as you see the ball to increase your reaction time. Another is you have to catch the ball and then swipe with the opposite hand at a different ball that is coming from a different direction to also help with reaction time and decision making,” sophomore basketball player Allie Mohr said.

The NeuroTrainer system was purchased through the Marian Booster Club in January 2020, and is already being used by softball, volleyball, cross country, basketball, soccer and swimming athletes.

“I believe that NeuroTrainer will help athletes improve and become an overall [better] player in their sport. Speaking from experience, I definitely think my reaction time has gotten faster, and I have become a better athlete overall,” Mohr said.

Sophomore volleyball player Maddie Balus uses the NeuroTrainer through an Oculus headset to improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, focus and decision making when it comes to a competition setting. Photos

by Natalie Cusick

Robotics Club builds teamwork and programming skills MaryCateTabor

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ant to be a part of a tight-knit group while learning new skills like programming and operating robots? The Marian Robotics Club is the perfect place that is open to all grades to expose yourself to new skills and opportunities.

The Marian Robotics Club, in its third year, works day after day to use teamwork to build and operate robots. The team has eight members this year with two freshmen, two sophomores and four juniors.

The team is currently competing in “league” competitions where instead of competing against other teams, they see how much they improve each time. They have competed in two so far and at the end of February, will compete in a virtual

tournament.

Each robotics match consists of six rounds that last for three minutes each. The first 30 seconds is Autonomous, where the robots are operated using only pre-programmed instructions. The next 2 ½ minutes is the Driver-Controlled Period where the team earns points by collecting and launching rings.

The final minute is called End Game where the team earns points by completing tasks. “The competitions have been very different from previous years, this year they are all virtual,” coach Dr. Sharon Genoways said.

With the competitions being all remote, they compete in the robotics room on the first floor at Marian.

They are able to upload a video of their performance, but are not required to; they rely on the integrity of those competing.

The team is coached by Dr. Sharon and Mr. Jeff Genoways, while physics teacher Mr. Matt Winterboer is always there to lend a helping hand.

“This is my first year in robotics and it has been an incredible ride.

Half way through I’ve learned so much and my teammates are so fun.

The coaches are out of this world.

They really are amazing,” sophomore Marianna Vazquez Rosas said.

The Robotics Club has introduced the team to the behind the scenes of programming and operating. “I love robotics. I love learning about the different competitions, games, traditions, companies, etc.

We build and code, and really just problem solve our way through everything. All of it is so interesting,” freshman Kenadie Rudloff said.

The club is open to everyone, even if you have no prior experience. The Robotics Club is accepting new members at any time and would love to have some new faces in the robotics room.

Sophomore Mariana Vazquez Rosas and junior Jada Williams spend their Saturday morning working together on building and programming their robot. Photo by MaryCateTabor

February 2021

14 Entertainment

Expanding your horizons: Zaika Indian Cuisine on 141st and West Center Rd. Review by MiaDunker

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aika Indian Cuisine is a locally-owned Indian rolls and the pakora were a little too greasy for my taste, kulfi, an Indian mango- flavored ice cream. It came with restaurant on 141st and West Center Rd. Their weball of the appetizers were very good, though you may not custard on top, which went with the sweetness of the site says their mission is to “provide fresh, healthy, nulike them if you do not enjoy spicy food. My personal mango ice cream very well, and was topped with choctritious and great tasting favorite was the samosa, which was olate cookie crumble. food at reasonable prices stuffed with potatoes and peas and was Overall, my family in a clean, friendly and the perfect balance of spicy and savory. dinner ended up costconvenient environment,” For my main course, I ordered two ing about $50. and I wanted to put that family-sized dishes, one vegetarian and I was also imto the test. one with meat. For the vegetarian dish pressed by the overall Full disclosure, I have we had the Malai Kofta, a rice dish with atmosphere of the actually had Zaika before; sauce and potato dumplings. The sauce restaurant. It had a it has recently become was very buttery but lacked any spice casual and homey one of my family’s go-to (I ordered it mild to be fair) and the atmosphere and was Indian restaurants. But, savory dumplings balanced the flavor very comfortable. Each in our pandemic world, nicely. It was good, but definitely my table has its own little Mango kulfi ice cream dessert.

I have only had their least favorite thing I ordered. For the grill, which can be used The Zaika Special Combo with samosas, takeout, and wanted to get non-vegetarian dish, we had the Shahi to build your own meal veggie patties, pakoras, egg rolls and curry the full experience, so I Chicken Korma, a spicy rice dish with chicken if you order off the grill menu, and they contributed to fries. decided to dine-in and try and a cashew almond sauce. This was definitely the warm, cozy feel of the place. I could also tell they some of their dishes I have a highwere taking precautions against COVID, with wellnever had before. light of my dinspaced tables and hand sanitizer at the door and at Zaika has an extensive menu, with vegetarian and ner. The chicken every table. vegan, meat and seafood options for both appetizers and was perfectly Overall, I would rate my experience at Zaika a entrees. Even though the menu is quite long, the way it spicy and the 9/10. The food was delicious, a bit pricey, but well was organized by meat or vegetarian and type of dish sauce was very worth it for the quality and amount of food you get made it easy to understand, even to someone unfamiliar rich and creamy. (my family had enough leftovers for three days). The with the cuisine.

I also ordered staff was friendly and accommodating, the serFor an appetizer, I decided to order the Zaika special naan with my vice was quick, and the environment felt authentic combo so I could try a good variety of their appetizers. dinner, which and homey. Whether you are looking to try a new The combo comes with a samosa (savory fried pastry), was delicious. restaurant that serves your favorite type of cuisine Shahi chicken korma, Malai Kofta and naan. two fried veggie patties, two pakoras (fried veggie fritFor dessert, Photos by MiaDunker. or you are looking to expand your horizons, I would ters), two egg rolls, and some curry fries. While the egg I had mango highly recommend Zaika Indian Cuisine.

Spring

musical

By MaddieGenoways Despite challenges and pushed back dates due to COVID-19 restrictions, Marian is pushing forward with the annual musical. Even though the show had to be delayed from its usual November run until the second semester, the show promises to be worth the wait.

This year’s musical, “Freaky Friday,” is a 2018 Disney adaptation of the novel by Mary Rodgers. The show follows Katherine (played by senior Amelia Zimmerman), a high strung mom planning her own wedding, and rebellious teenage daughter Ellie Blake (played by senior Elaina Carleton), as they accidentally switch bodies through a magic hourglass, and spend one freaky Friday navigating each other’s lives.

The show debuts on Thursday, April 8. Information about possible live stream performances and ticket information for the April 8 - 11 shows will be made available soon.

How music got Swifties through a pandemic Review by FrannieCihunka

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aylor Swift is most renowned for her were created and recorded in quarantine by songwriting ability and being able to herself and her collaborators Jack Antonoff take people on a musical journey. During a and Aaron Dessner. worldwide pandemic, when events, movies Jack Antonoff first worked with Swift on and albums were cancelled or postponed, Tay- her previous album “Lover” and has worked lor Swift dropped not one, but two surprise with other well-known artists like Lorde and albums. “Folklore” Lana Del Ray. He is also lead singer in was dropped in the the band Bleachers and former memsummer of 2020 and ber of the band Fun. Aaron Dessner is “Evermore” in the the founding member of the band The winter. These two National with whom Swift duets on the albums were perninth song of “Evermore,” “coney island.” fectly timed with the She also worked with the band Bon Iver, seasons, stresses and led by Justin Vernon, who is featured on emotions of the rollthe song “exile” from “Folklore” and the ercoaster year of 2020 title song “evermore,” as well as providing to bring us stories backup vocals on several songs from her “Folklore” and give us the good second surprise album.

Source: www.taylorswift.com cries we all needed.

Swift also revealed a third mystery My favorite part of collaborator “William Bowery” as her both of these albums was that most of the boyfriend of four years actor Joe Alwyn. songs weren’t specifically about her life, like “Bowery” co-wrote two of the songs from most of her more recent albums have been.

“Folklore,” “betty” and “exile,” and three songs The songs told stories and conveyed feelings from “Evermore,” “champagne problems,” “cowe could all relate to. ney island,” and the title song. Both of these Starting with “Folklore,” Swift wrote about sister albums are available on Spotify, Apple childhood nostalgia, mental illness and, most Music and most streaming platforms. notably, a full trilogy of songs about a teenBoth of these albums were written during age love triangle. Each of these songs may lockdown, and Swift took this as an opportube about some character, but listeners can nity to let her imagination run wild and take relate to them all. The three songs, “cardigan,” all of us with her. Every song was a full story “august” and “betty” are about a boy who with characters listeners can relate to. Through makes a mistake, the girl he hurts and the girl these albums, Swift reminded her listeners of unknowingly caught in the crossfire. better times. It’s hard The second surprise album “Everto rank these two sister more” has even more fiction, but we albums, but my personal see the characters in more difficult favorite is “Evermore.” situations: a wife realizing a problem I feel like this album in her relationship, a rejected proposal wrapped up the bad and even murder. Each of these alfeelings of 2020. There bums is filled to the brim with stories isn’t a song that I want and tragedies only amplified by the to skip. Each of them music behind them. is what I like to call an On these albums, Swift reverts to “emotional banger.” She “Evermore” a more country, folk-style of music. ended this album on the Source: www.taylorswift.com title song “evermore,” Listeners can hear her country roots on songs like “no body no crime” and which happens to be “betty” with the western instruments and my favorite. This song was really the perfect storytelling elements. However, Swift doesn’t way to close out 2020, because it reminds ditch her recent pop style as it can be seen its listeners to hold out hope in rough times. in songs like “long story short” and “my tears 2020 was stressful and sad and depressing and ricochet.” painful, but these albums and particularly this Swift recorded both of these albums from song reminds us that this pain will not be for her DIY studio in her home. All of the songs “evermore.”

February 2021

‘Love, Rosie’ shows long, difficult road from friendship to love MollyMonahan

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his Valentines Day, as some people go The movie can be found on Amazon to the movies or have a nice romantic Prime for free and it has an R rating for steak dinner with their significant others, language and some sexual content. “Love, other people are cuddling up with a blanket Rosie” moves at a fast pace through years of and some popcorn to live vicariously Alex and Rosie’s complicated lives. Viewers through romantic movies. My personal fawatch painfully as the two characters go vorite romantic movie is “Love, Rosie.” The in and out of each other’s lives through 2014 movie is a classic slow burn of friends other marriages, children, girlfriends and who secretly love each other. boyfriends, deaths and careers. I give “Love, The two main characters, Rosie, played Rosie” a rating of 4.5/5 stars and recomby Lily Collins, and Alex, played by Sam mend that you ditch your significant other Clafin, have been inseparable their entire and treat yourself to a nice night on the lives, but as they grow up they discover the couch watching “Love, Rosie.” cruelty of time. You may not see the name Sam Clafin and immediately think of a face or any movies, but Clafin has been known to play the handsome love interest in movies like “Me Before You” or the dreamy cut-throat yet loving Finnick Odair in the “Hunger Games.” Lily Collins, also a well known actress, is a regular in romantic movies. Collins stars in the heart throbbing movie, “Stuck in Love,” or in her more serious roles like in “To the Bone.” Collins and Clafin’s chemistry in the movie is enough to glue you to the edge of the couch.

For those of you like me, I love a good “will they, won’t they” romance where the characters are their own worst enemies in love. Alex and Rosie spend their senior year getting into new relationships, going to the beach, and dancing at prom. However, Rosie’s plan to attend Boston College with Alex and become an owner of her own hotel, gets a little bumpy. The two part ways but continue to stay in touch over messaging and letters, until their paths cross again “Love, Rosie” (2014) was based on a book by Cecilia Ahern. Book cover source: audible.com and again.

Girls celebrate Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day alternative

Entertainment 15

Break up with your significant other in 10 days Ten steps from GraceVirgillito and Mrs.Sullivan inspired by ‘How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days’

Tell them they look like they can’t swim

“Time for social distancing - your principal says so!”

- Mrs. Sullivan

Compare them to your celebrity crush

Go to their house just for their dog

Turn off their gaming system right before they are about to get a win Embarrass them in front of the boys

Get on ick TikTok

Choose your studies over them

GraceVirgillito

D

“2000s favs” by network spotify!!

by M

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un

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r

“Wear game gear for the team they hate.”

- Mrs. Sullivan

“Every time you go get food, eat theirs, but don’t give them any of yours.”

- Mrs. Sullivan

Gr ap hic

ump your boyfriends and call your it seems. Rally some of your closest friends best friends. With the chilly Feband get to decorating with fun Valentine’s ruary season upon us, we see images of Day colors and pick an agenda for the candy, sweethearts, love notes, etc. all in night filled with lively activities. Dress up accordance with the romantic holiday of and go out on the town, wearing a mask Valentine’s Day. and social distancing, of course! If you But we can’t forget about Galentine’s don’t want to go out, have a chill night Day! Galentine’s Day, the spin off holiday in. Watch empowering women movies or originated shows (listed on from Valenpage 9). tine’s day, is Senior Liza celebrated Heim plans to Feb. 13. It spend her Galenrepresents the tine’s Day with her importance best friends. of cherishing “We are going friends or to Target to go even family. shopping and get According supplies to make a to the Hinheart-shaped cake. dustan Times, Then we’ll go “Unlike Valhome and watch entine’s Day, ‘The Notebook,’” Seniors Liza Heim, Lizzie Pickering and whose origins Heim said.

Macey Carrico pose with their Galentine’s Day are shrouded in Make festive party creation. Photo courtesy of Liza Heim mystery, Galendesserts such as brotine’s Day is actually a direct by-product of ken heart cookies or pink and red frosted an American sitcom. The 16th episode of cupcakes. the second season of “Parks and RecreIf baking isn’t your strong suit, set ation” saw the reference to the day being up a karaoke station, have a dance party made. In the episode, Leslie Knope (Amy and sing break up songs to your heart’s Poehler) throws her annual Galentine’s content.

Day party for her female friends a day Sophomore Bella DeGeorge plans to before Valentine’s Day. do the same but throw a Galentine’s Day The day basically celebrates the love get together. ladies have for their other women friends, “I’m having a small get-together with whether they’re single or not.” my friends. I think we will just order some Galentine’s Day is meant to be spent food, eat candy and watch romcoms the with your girlboss besties as a day full of whole night.” treating yourself with flowers, chocolates Remind your girlfriends they don’t need and savory sweets. a date and according to Principal Sullivan, Throwing a safe and COVID-free “It’s a new year, it’s time for a new you Galentine’s Day party is much easier than without him.”

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February 2021

16 Photo Essay

MHS CHEER

At Mount Michael Benedictine High School

At Mount Michael Benedictine High School

Photos by Grace Specht ’21, Olivia Turkel ’21, Annie Ellerbeck ’22 & Cece West ’21.

At Mount Michael Benedictine High School

The Freshman cheer team consists of Ava Schroeder, Chloe Whitcomb, Christel Lare, Isabella Burrell, Kendall Anderson*, and Peyton Gregg*.

The JV cheer team consists of Annie Ellerbeck*, Brejea Glass, Ella DeSmet, Jackie Blossom, Joie Ferrara*, Kathryn Stec, Lauren Patterson, Lily Mausbach*, Lydia Wagner, Mariana Vazquez Rosas, Micah Loucks and Marin Krenzer.

The Varsity cheer team consists of Ava Jarecki, Beth Lilleskov, Carley Gregg*, Cilla Quinn, Cleo Wear*, Daley Mayer, Emily Crowe, Grace Diers, Izel Capan, Jadyn Anderson, Julia Quinn, Lauren Mendlik, Lauren Harrison and Regan Peake.

The coaches are Kayleigh Hanson and Sydney Bonta. * Names are squad captains.

Cleo Wear ‘21 & Julia Quinn ‘21