Marian Back-to-school 2022 August Network student newspaper

The

THE BUZZ

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

Girls work on a greenhouse and play different games with the children of the Dominican Republic during their time off. The trip, May 28 - June 8, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow closer to each other, God, and those they served. Photos by chaperone, Ms.CaitlinGaule

Dominican Republic leaves lasting impact on student, staff community AshleyJohanek fter more than 2,000 miles of flight, 16 students and two faculty members reached the Dominican Republic. From May 28 to June 8, these girls spent time learning about the culture and the people, while serving those around them.

Though their time in the D.R. was different than previous years, they made the most of not being able to stay with host families. The girls still immersed themselves in the culture, meeting many new faces.

Teresa, a cook at ILAC (Institution for Latin American Concern), explained to senior Ryan Sully how important it was to make time for others throughout the day. After seeing examples of this, Sully and senior Anne Masek, “were inspired and brought back their ideas of Dominican hospitality and time.”

“When we entered a house they dropped everything they were doing, welcomed us with open arms and showed us true hospitality. They were so genuinely happy that we could be with them and couldn’t wait to share their own stories and experiences.

They always put others before themselves. This shows their true commitment and love they have towards every person,” Masek said.

During their time in the D.R, the girls helped to build a greenhouse for a female-run sustainable community in a mountain region in La Vega.

Masek recalls the hard work they put in to help create this successful structure, while having some fun. “When we first arrived, there were poles all around, boulders peeking out from the soil, and weeds covering every square inch,” Masek said. “At the end, the poles were up creating a structure for

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the greenhouse, boulders and rocks D.R. and the impact it had on them. “I were shoveled, and all the weeds were would definitely recommend this trip out. This was one of my favorite parts for anyone who wants to experience of the trip because even though it was a different culture,” Inda said. “It was hard manual labor, we made it fun. We the best experience of my life and I would sing songs to pass time, talk for loved being outside of my comfort hours, and no matter what we were zone. The people were all amazing feeling inside, we always worked hard and so open to teach you, and the kids and tried our best.” were so kind and fun. It also pushes Both Sully and Masek fondly you to work relationships like never remember the moment when some before, and the outcome is amazing.” children showed them an incredible “Our group of 16 girls grew so place. “They were so excited to show close by the end of this trip,” Masek us this cool spot they go to, especially said. “We had deep talks almost every on hot days. We followed their lead night, and we shared our emotions as they led us up to this magnificent openly as the trip went on. We also waterfall. We had to got incredibly close to the hike through some trees, people who lived in and “It was but when we got to the around the campo. There the best destination, it was amazwas one man who guided ing. The boys’ faces lit up with the work of the experience us when they saw how happy greenhouse. His name we were that we could see of my life...” was Carmelo. His saying, this spot they love. They “Si se puede,” meaning Meghan happily jumped in and “You can do it,” will were splashing each other always stay with me. We Inda ’22 left and right. It made me would chant this when the overjoyed to see how pure their happi- heat was getting to us or when we felt ness and smiles were at that moment,” like giving up. He always reminded us Masek said. that we can do it.”

Along with an exciting trip full “There was a group of people of memories to treasure, many stories who stayed at the EcoLodge (where were ready to be told. Masek said, they stayed when they worked on the “One night at ILAC, Ryan Sully cut greenhouse) who helped make our 10 inches of my hair off. A group of stay enjoyable,” Masek said. “They us gathered our headlamps, three hair prepared our food, killed our tarantuties, found scissors and brought a bag las, and captured the bats that would for the clippings. We all met on the sneak into our cabins. These people top of a roof we had access to. I sat will forever hold a special place in my down and she proceeded to cut my heart, as they were with us through hair in three slices, then cleaned up the it all. It was one of the hardest goodends. I couldn’t believe how much she byes I’ve ever had to say. Many of us had actually chopped off.” were emotional when we had to give Masek, Sully, and senior Meghan them one last hug and wave goodbye,” Inda reflected on their time in the Masek said.

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Anna Rasgorshek Co-Managing editor

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AUGUST:

8/20 Walk-A-Thon Kickoff • Bake sales, food days, calling grandma - raise the most money as a class to walk the shortest distance!

8/27 First WAT collection!

SEPTEMBER: 9/3 WAT collection #2 9/10 WAT collection #3 9/17 LAST WAT collection!

Meet your class goal!

9/24 Walk-A-Thon • The money raising (hopefully) pays off! Arrive at Marian, walk your path as a class, celebrate at the finish line, and GO HOME EARLY! OCTOBER

10/25-29 Gnimocemoh spirit week 10/29 Scary movie day - Bring your pillows and blankets!

NOVEMBER

11/24-28 Thanksgiving break

DECEMBER: 12/20 Christmas break begins

JANUARY: 1/5 Break is over. Halfway there!

FEBRUARY: IT’S SURPRISE DAY! Or is it?

The speculation begins for the beloved Surprise Day. MARCH: SURPRISE DAY?!

3/24 Color Block • Field Day colors, themes, and committees are picked.

APRIL: SURPRISE DAY?!

4/13-17 Easter break 4/18-22 Field Week 4/19 Walls night 4/22 Field Day • A handmade mascot and costumes walk into Baxter Arena. Mrs. Sullivan says “no crying unless you’re a senior!” The most iconic tradition is back again. Show your class spirit with costumes, mascot, demo, judges booklet, decorative walls and cheer!

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Meet the 2021-2022 Networkco staff!

21 senior Honors Journalism II students create the monthly newspaper. Each month, we’ll introduce you to a few of us and tell you a fun fact or two!

Year at a glance

Elleiana Green Co-Managing editor

Eliza Turco Copy editor

5/13 Seniors’ last day 5/22 Graduation 5/25 Last day for students Summer break begins!

02 News

August 2021

Students to kick off this year ‘Footloose’ style KenzieDarrow

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he new school year typically starts off with auditions for the fall musical. This year Marian will be putting on the production “Footloose”.

Marian performed “Footloose” in the fall of 2011. The musical is based on the 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer and the remake that was released in 2011 starring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough.

Students can stream both versions through Hulu or Amazon. “Footloose” follows a city boy from Chicago as he moves to a small midwestern town where dancing and rock music is illegal. With the help of his new friends, he attempts to change the rules.

Auditions start on Aug. 16 and end Aug. 19 and will be held in the Kish Auditorium from 4-6:30 p.m.

Mrs. Michelle Delisi, who has choreographed more than 40 musicals, has a great message for anyone interested

in this year’s fall musical. “Students should consider auditioning for “Footloose” because it’s a high-energy musical with great songs and storyline. There is also an opportunity for dancers who are looking just for a dance part,” Delisi said.

Returning musical member, senior Cali D’Agosto is excited for another opportunity to make memories.

One memory D’Agosto holds from previous years includes, “just sitting before practice after school because everyone in the musicals are so nice and easy to talk to!” D’Agosto said.

Much like D’Agosto, junior Bailey Sommer also looks forward to this year’s musical. “You are able to find a place that you like whether it’s the lead on the stage or working the spotlight behind the scenes,” Sommer said.

As Sommer mentioned, there are

many behind the scene roles for students interested. For those who love to create, there are many opportunities to help make the sets and props. There are also roles available for students who would like to help with makeup and managing costumes. Finally, there is a need for musicians who would like to play in the orchestra.

Ms. Madeline Reddel is a new face leading behind the scenes. Reddel will be teaching ballet and tap, and choir, along with directing the show choir and vocals in the musical.

Reddel is not only looking forward to getting to know all of her new students, but is also “pumped to share awesome music with students. We will be singing tons of different styles of music this year so get ready!” Reddel said. Two fun facts to know about Reddel are that she is a triplet and sings around Nebraska in jazz bands

during her free time.

“I’m really excited for our music department to Ms. Madeline Reddel, new have such a fine arts and music instructor fresh, new energy!” senior Josie Golka said. Golka has had roles in “Freaky Friday” last spring, “White Christmas” in the fall of 2019 and “The Sound of Music” in the fall of 2018.

Golka, like many other students, cannot wait to start a new musical this fall. Questions about auditions or the musical can be answered by Mrs. Delisi. Students can stop by Delisi’s office or email her at delisi@omahamarian. org . The musical will be performed from Oct. 21 to Oct. 24. Don’t forget to lace up your Sunday shoes for “Footloose”!

Money, cryptocurrency and you: Time to invest?

ElizaTurco

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ash really is worthless. The federal reserve estimates every $1 bill costs only 6.2 cents to print.

A briefcase full of 100k, like in the movies, would only have $6,200 worth of linen. And if you tore it up, even a little, you’d have nothing. Yet, if that briefcase contained a stainless steel frame or a gold lock, suddenly, you’re back in business. If we stopped more often to consider the true value of money, we wouldn’t be so confused by this new up-and-comer: cryptocurrency.

So, what the heck is cryptocurrency? It’s online money. And why is it valuable? Because the world decided it was.

Social Studies teacher Mrs. Jillian Roger has spent time exploring the world of crypto. “I believe I learned about crypto on a podcast a few years ago. I associated it with people buying drugs on the dark web.

Then I started investing in stocks in January 2020. I used Robinhood which has the option to buy crypto. I put $5 on a meme stock that I thought

was funny Dogecoin. I figured if I validating it. It is independent. It is could spare $5, it was worth a gamble. global. And now, it’s quickly growing in respect as a real-deal currency I don’t use it as currency, it’s just an option. investment.”

“I think there To further explain, cryptocurrency, as defined is a future for crypto. A lot of people

by Oxford Languages, have lost faith in it is, “a digital currency in as big players have which transactions are tweeted to manipverified and records maintained by a decentralized ulate the price.

But as the world system using cryptography, becomes more inrather than by a centralized terconnected I see authority.” Basically, every time you use your Dogethis as a way to get around exchange coin or Bitcoin to make a rates and failing trade or purchase an item, Illustration of Dogecoin governments,” Roger the information of the sale is

by LivBirnstihl added to the token. The actual said. code is changed to add your purchase Bitcoin continues to be the leading example. In the early 2010s, to its history. Someone could look at one Bitcoin, one virtual token, was $3 that Bitcoin (or 1/80th of the Bitcoin) and trace it back to you. (to purchase in USD). Now they go Also, no government is managfor $39,736.60 apiece, but the prices fluctuate by day, hour, and sometimes ing this tender. Although you can buy in with nearly any country’s currency, minute. Try searching for their value online, wait for a beat, and refresh there is no central economy adding inflation, defining exchange rates, or the page. The value will have shifted,

maybe by a thousand, or just a few bucks.

Again, a strange phenomenon to consider: how can money be so inconstant? It’s reflective of how much interest is present in that type of currency. Many websites that track the price of gold will show the same shifty nature, although maybe a day is needed to create waves.

As crypto continues to soar, doubts remain on its validity as marketplace tender and true worth. In the words of Mrs. Roger, “I don’t think I’m going to cash out my 401K to buy Bitcoin though.”

Cryptocurrency, as it lives and breathes online, can be purchased through apps like Robinhood, bought via Facebook, or exchanged on Venmo.

Each currency is different, like its own economy, and can be learned about through articles, Reddit and Twitter discussions, and fellow users.

As our world becomes entrenched in online culture, our currency seems bound to follow.

New renovations in the community LivBirnstihl

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t’s official, Marian renovations are starting back up soon! After years of construction focused on the building, it’s time for the athletic department to get upgrades of its own! The new additions will not only drastically improve the training experience for all the athletes, but will also formulate a deeper sense of community among Marian athletics spectators.

New Upgrades Include: - Parking lot re-pavement - Softball press box - LED scoreboards - Concession stand

“It’ll be nice to have a field that can be used rain or shine. I think having new resources will make us stronger as a team.”

- Soccer player

Hannah Tate ’22

- New gathering center

Renovations are expected to cost about $4-$5 million.

Graphic by ElleianaGreen

Illustration of renovations by LivBirnstihl

August 2021

Bluvas earns scholarships for future as Distinguished Young Woman

FionaGautschi

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s students spend hours scouring public speaking and interview skills. the internet for scholarship op“I definitely have learned a lot from portunities, there are many local and this experience and hope to utilize national programs to aid in covering these skills in the future,” Bluvas said. costs for education. Senior Abigail Throughout the process, contestants Bluvas was able to earn scholarships are judged on self expression by and learn valuable skills through the being asked questions in front of an Distinguished Young Women Proaudience. Bluvas was asked about her gram. Bluvas initially found out about past volunteer experience and how the program through her friend Hanna that impacted her as a person. BluPohlman who inspired her through vas answered by speaking about her her experience with DYW. Pohlman fulfilling experience at camp Monroe participated in the contest in July of Meyer, a day camp for children with 2018 and ended up receiving a full disabilities, where she has volunteered ride scholarship for the past five to the Universisummers. ty of Alabama.

At the end “I decided to of the weektake part in end-long proDistinguished gram, there was Young Women a public closing because it is a ceremony for national scholparents to watch. arship program Girls got to see that promotes all of their hard leadership and work throughout talent in young the program pay women, and off when they rewards scholfound out what arships,” Bluvas scholarships they said. won during the The ceremony. Bluvas Abbie Bluvas ‘22 program starts was awarded Photo courtesy of AbbieBluvas off at the state scholarships to and local level with many contestants, Arizona State University, Ohio Unias the levels rise, fewer contestants versity, and several other universities stand. In March of 2021, Bluvas throughout the country. The scholarfound out that she had qualified for ships she received ranged from $1,000 the at-large program. This program to $12,000 a year. “I will keep all of was hosted over a weekend beginning these scholarships in mind during my July 9. That Friday night, Bluvas was college search process,” Bluvas said. placed with a host family that she “The atmosphere was very poswould spend two days and nights with itive and we formed a sisterhood over for a positive experience. The host the weekend,” Bluvas said. Through families all have either had a daughter creating a positive environment for who has participated in the program young women, the program helps girls or they have participated themselves. succeed while forming lasting bonds Bluvas was placed with the Venteicher with each other. Bluvas plans to keep family, parents of Brooklyn Venteichin touch with all seven of the other er ’15 who participated in DYW. girls in the program.

During the weekend Bluvas parTo apply for the DYW program ticipated in a day-long workshop on visit distinguishedyw.org.

Honk! Your carpool is here

News 03

Adventureland ride raises concerns

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round four people die at amusesound working order.” According ment parks every year in the to the Des Moines Register on July United States, said the Kansas City 15, inspectors found out that the raft Star in a July 8 article. While the was repaired and put back to service likelihood of an individual dying at an about 1 hour and 45 minutes before amusement park is very low, 11-yearthe casualty. They also discovered old Michael Jaramillo was 1 in 750 that the raft did not overturn seconds million. after launch. Instead, it toppled while Jaramillo’s family decided to reaching the end of the raft’s course. take a family trip to Adventureland Adventureland noted that the bladin Altoona, Iowa for his older brother der on the raft was deflated after the David’s birthday on July 3. While mishap. A bladder assists to stick the there, the family decided to go on the boat to the water. Investigators are Raging River ride like many others still unsure if the bladder’s deflation that day and thousands of people since was the cause or effect of the catastro1983, when the ride opened. The ride phe, leaving the cause unknown. The was running smoothly until the 1,700 Raging River ride has been shut down pound boat flipped over, trapping the since the incident and the 1,700 pound two brothers and severely boat has been removed from the injuring the father as ride. Adventureland attorwell. Michael died ney, Guy Cook, said in from his injuries an interview with Des and left David in Moines Register, critical condi“Adventureland tion. According wants to get to to a CNN the bottom of report on what happened here July 8, David Illustration of Raging River ride because this is a very was transported unusual and extraordiby ElleianaGreen to a Des Moines narily tragic event that’s hospital and has been in a medically never happened before. So something induced coma since July 3. Michael’s different was at work on this day.

Pastor, Christian Shields said, “He has Because in almost 40 years of launchsome brain activity and has woken ing tens of thousands of boats, one has up a few times from his medically never capsized before.” induced coma.” The hospital has also Across the country, several taken away some of his life support other amusement parks are prioritizequipment. However, David is still ing safety because of an increase in in critical condition and unable to accidents. According to a SmartAdvocommunicate. cate blog on June 2020, Disneyland, Senior Alyson Tule Martinez Six Flags, Cedar Fair, Universal, and was there a day after the incident.

SeaWorld parks have experienced She said she didn’t hear about the the most deaths and injuries in the occurrence until July 5. “I would not past 10 years. However, the worst go on the Raging River ride, but I roller-coaster incident in U.S. hiswould still go back to Adventureland. tory happened right here in Omaha.

I’ve been going since I was a child The event happened at Krug Park on and I love getting on rides,” Tule July 24, 1930. The Big Dipper roller said. Junior Tamyiah Nielsen said, “I coaster ride fell, killing 4 people and would still go to Adventureland, but I injuring 17 people. wouldn’t feel safe.”

As amusement parks age and The Raging River ride was become more conventional the probclosed due to the pandemic in 2020. ability of getting injured increases The ride reopened on July 3, the significantly. If you ever feel unsafe day of the incident. However, the on an amusement park ride please Iowa State of inspection said “the say something to an employee. Your ride passed inspection and was in precaution could save lives.

ElleianaGreen

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ou never know who lives right around the corner. Finding a ride school doesn’t have to be a hassle. Marian represents seven counties. Find a lifelong friend, a fellow coffee connoisseur, and a study buddy all while helping the environment. Even though your time at Marian is temporary, the bonds formed will last forever. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find a carpool today!

Graphic by JordanMoser

04 Opinion

Mental health over medals, Olympic gymnast teaches powerful lesson

August 2021

Opinion by AnnaRasgorshek Content warning: This story briefly mentions sexual abuse imone Biles left the Olympic floor after a scary vault with an injured ankle in 1996. However, until recently, USA gymnastics (USAG) had a long histocase of the “twisties” on vault. ry of prioritizing medals before an athlete’s mental “The twisties”—When your brain and body disconnect, you suddenly do not know where you and physical health. In the 2020 Netflix documentaare in mid-air. ry “Athlete A,” former national champion, Jennifer The twisties are incredibly dangerous for Sey, talks about how Strug had no choice, and how gymnasts at the time were powerless. gymnasts—especially Biles, who is performing at As someone who admired Strug as a child, an inhumane level of difficulty. When you get lost seeing the vault from this point of view made me in the air, you have no idea where you’re going to land: your feet, your back, or even your head. sick to my stomach. Knowing the USAG’s dark history made me worried for Biles, and left me This risk was enough for her to pull out of team finals, and later she pulled out of every event wondering if once again, the organirs zation would put a gold medal over “To me, that’s except the beam finals, announcing that she needed s go a R to prioritize her mental health. In choosing not to someone’s safety.

A nna more imprescompete, Biles’ teammates were able to find success Athlete safety has never seemed them. While Osaka and Biles shined a to have been a real concern for USAG. sive than all light on athlete mental health issues this in places they had not expected. She was expected In fact, the USAG swept sexual abuse the medals to take gold in every event, and her withdrawal summer, the conversation is far from over. of more than 265 gymnasts, including allowed teammate Sunisa Lee to win gold in the These days, athletes are expected to alone.” all-around competition, and teammate Jade Carey to Biles herself, under the rug for years. be perfect. Simone Biles gets bashed after win gold floor finals. Her absence in vault finals also Despite many complaints (the first a small mistake. Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams being in 1997), Dr. Larry Nassar continued to work allowed veteran MyKayla Skinner to step up and are berated for showing emotion on the court. Fans win silver, her first Olympic medal. Biles stayed and for the USAG until 2015. Biles opened up about call for players to be traded after a missed opportucheered her teammates and opponents on in every this abuse in her Facebook Watch show: “Simone nity on the court or the field. Every high and low of vs. Herself.” Simone talks about how she still has event, truly embodying the Olympic spirit. an athlete’s career is public, and every performance Despite this, many took to Twitter to call Biles to recover from the abuse day-by-day, as she is the is put under a microscope. only survivor still competing for the USAG today. un-American.

Athletes are not characters made to entertain After pulling out of the team finals, Biles To me, that’s more impressive than all the medals us, athletes are human, too. In fact, the Internationwas immediately compared to Olympic athlete and alone. Allowing Biles to step down and prioritize al Olympic Committee says that 35% of athletes American hero Kerri Strug, who completed her final herself was a step in the right direction for the orga- struggle with mental health issues at some point in nization. their careers.

Biles is not the first athlete to come forward As someone who could never catch a touchwith their struggles with mental health. Earlier this down, hit a home run, make a free throw, or even do year, Naomi Osaka dropped out of the French Open a cartwheel—I know I have no place telling athletes with mental health issues. After dropping out, Osaka what they should and should not do, especially was fined $15,000. Soon after, she withdrew from when it comes to their mental health. I have taken Wimbledon to spend time with friends and family. plenty of mental health days in my life, why would Both Biles and Osaka faced immediate backlash.

I judge athletes for doing the same? Mental health Two of the greatest athletes in the world were lais finally being taken as seriously as physical health, beled “weak” because of mental health issues. The and I love seeing athletes leading the way. stigma around mental health remains a problem in Seeing big-name athletes like Biles begin to America today. Taking the time to step down and prioritize their mental health over entertaining us Illustration of Sunisa Lee & Simone Biles focus on mental health is incredibly impressive for has made me prouder than the medals, awards and

by AnnaRasgorshek anyone, especially athletes who have all eyes on trophies ever could. he

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Promoting justice for ‘Black Widow’ tragedy Opinion by ElizabethMonzu O

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outfits were realistic and not just designed for her body. Even her regular clothes looked like what someone would actually wear and they fit her character. This might have been because “Black Widow” was directed by a woman, Cate Shortland. She was less focused on Black Widow’s appearance than her character and developing this character.

In the end, Scarlett Johansson might get justice for her character and herself because she filed a lawsuit on July 29 against Disney, saying her contract was broken. She is losing money because she never said Disney could release “Black Widow” on Disney+. Whatever the outcome, I just want justice for Black Widow.

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focused on it.

The “Black Widow” movie, however, focused solely on Natasha and revealed most of her past. But it was too little too late. Why after 11 years did they finally decide to make a Black Widow movie? Fans had been wanting this movie for so long because her past is so interesting and because she is such a complex character. She was groomed to be a spy and assassin, but she chose a different life for herself. This movie made me want more of Natasha’s past and more movies focusing on her. However, that wouldn’t be possible because (spoiler alert) she died in “Avengers: Endgame.” Black Widow could have had three solo movies but instead had one because they started too late.

The other tragedy of Black Widow was the sexualization of the only female Avenger of the original six. Her costumes always seemed to be more revealing and outlined her body. She was something to look at, not something to be valued for her skills and character. Although this mostly stopped around “Avengers: Infinity War,” which came out in 2018, the big improvement came with Scarlett Johansson’s own movie. All of her fighting

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n July 9, my time of waiting was over. After many delays, the highly anticipated Marvel film, “Black Widow,” came out in theaters and on Disney+ with premier access. I watched it in July as I am a big Marvel fan. Originally slated to come out May 1, 2020, the release date was pushed back three different times. It was a great movie with lots of action, as expected. It was so amazing to finally see Black Widow in her own solo movie, especially after having it delayed from its initial May 2020 release date. The new characters were funny as well as major to the plot and Natasha’s development, and it was great to learn more about Black Widow’s past. It was a good combination of humor, seriousness, emotion, and action.

But this is not a review.

Black Widow, or Natasha Romanoff (played by Scarlett Johansson), has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2010, and her first solo movie just came out in July 2021. That is 11 years and much too long for an original Avenger to get a solo movie.

She has been sidelined while some of her fellow Avengers have gotten three solo movies, including Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. The movies Black Widow has been in have hinted at her complicated and painful past, but they never emphasized it or

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Illustration of Black Widow

by LivBirnstihl

06 Feature

August 2021

Mia Nelson crosses the Atlantic Ocean to come home ElizaTurco

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o, she doesn’t have a British accent.

years of play under their belts. She was still only 16.

“I’ve had girls I’ve played against be like ‘how old Senior Mia Nelson, Class of 2022, has reare you?’ and I’m just like ‘16’ and they’re conturned to our hallowed halls this week. She’s spent fused. ‘How? I’m 28!’” the last two years living abroad in England, This didn’t stop Nelson from stepping around and on the Royal Air Force’s up to the prized position of starting Mildenhall Base in Suffolk. “My center back. step-dad is a pilot and flies the RC More important to Nelson 135. There are only two bases: than her impressive career Omaha and England. So we though was the connections were like ‘Oh, great… Do we she formed with fellow want to go to England?’” players. “Playing with Nelson saw relocating the women’s team, they as part of typical military life have such amazing stories, and, although sad to leave amazing backgrounds. And her “amazing school,” was I just remember hearing changed by the opportunities, atsome of these things and feelmosphere and perspective England ing so much respect for them as provided her. a woman, a mother, as a person.”

As a top soccer player, Nelson Nelson said. “They’ve lived in Italy, Mia Nelson ’22 smiles as her mom Germany, Japan...all these places joined the Essex Girls Regional Talsnaps a first day of sophomore year and overall I came to respect them ent Club right after making the move. photo. Nelson left for England [her teammates] for what they’ve “They’ve beat Arsenal and Manchesduring the 2019-2020 school ter,” Nelson said and paused. “I know. done, for what they’re doing, for year.

I was on that team. But when you turn their story, for who they are basi16, you actually graduate and choose cally.” your own school or club, so I played for Cambridge The size of Nelson’s dreams has changed United Women first team.” because of her time spent in England. “It opens my Nelson’s new club was division one. Teams entire viewpoint of where I want to go in the future. were packed with soccer veterans with 15 to 30 Obviously, that’s really up to where God is taking

me, so I’ll have to figure it out, but I guess it [time in England] opened up doors. I had just Omaha and now, I have the world.”

Outside of this life-altering realization, Nelson’s days were spent like any other high schoolers’, “It’s just like Omaha. It’s 40 minutes to an hour to get to school, go, maybe do sports, come back,” Nelson said. “Whereas on weekends, we’d all be going to Cambridge or London.”

So, she’s back! With a packed schedule of APs and college applications to complete, Nelson is, fortunately, “Not nervous at all.” “My best friends are so excited to be back together. We don’t have a lot of classes together, but just being back at Marian, with the atmosphere and all, is what I love.”

Mia Nelson’ 22 stands in front of Buckingham Palace. Her family spent weekends sightseeing.

Graphic by BaileyKollasch Photos courtesy of MiaNelson

Customize YOUniform

ShannonMonahan

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t Marian, we take pride in having uniforms. Many students think that having a uniform is so much easier than waking up in the morning and having to pick out an outfit. As much as we love our uniforms, it makes it hard to be unique with a school full of girls wearing the same exact thing. That is why adding accessories is so crucial for being unique. Many students find uniqueness in makeup, jewelry, hair accessories, backpacks and more.

“I usually find some shoes that I feel comfortable in and that I really like and use bracelets and rings to bring out my personality!”

-Micah Loucks ‘23

“I customize my uniform by wearing jewelery and cute socks and shoes!”

-Joie Ferrara ‘23

“Most of the time, I would accessorize with my rings and my hair—on the days I actually brush it.” -Beth Lilleskov ‘23

Illustrations by LivBirnstihl

August 2021

Opinion 05

Own your ‘Hot Girl Summer’ all year long

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ith life in Omaha returning to normal, I designated the summer of 2021 my Hot Girl Summer.

This title, however, was not of my creation.

In August of 2019, rapper and songwriter Megan Thee Stallion released “Hot Girl Summer,” a single featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign. While the song itself racked up more than 100 million views on YouTube, its title consequently birthed an even more popular slang term.

Megan Thee Stallion, affectionately known as the “H-town Hottie” and “Hot Girl Meg,’’ coined the term

what makes them feel like a “hot girl.”

During my Hot Girl Summer, I channeled my inner Megan and focused on what brought me confidence. I spent time with people who encouraged me to embrace who I am and emulate the fearlessness of Megan stepping up to the mic. I experimented with new eyeshadows and shimmery pink lip gloss because it made me feel beautiful, not so I could impress the boy I’m crushing on. I stopped mimicking the lifestyles of those I can’t relate to (spoiler alert: I’ll never look or live like Kendall Jenner!). In order to channel the hot girl energy that Megan Thee Stallion exudes, I spent my Hot Girl Summer growing more comfortable with who I am.

Remember, hot girls, that confidence is a journey, and it looks different for everyone. Whether your Hot Girl Summer was spent dancing on tables, reading on a park bench, or simply enjoying a day with no plans, I hope that time away from school allowed you to embrace your inner hot girl.

As we return to the halls of Marian and begin another school year, I refuse to leave Hot Girl Summer behind. While schedules will

inevitably fill up, and days will grow frustratingly short, the importance of strengthening confidence never disappears. Warm summer mornings must give way to brisk winter nights, but Megan is a hot girl all year long, so why shouldn’t I be, too?

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“hot girl” on the cover of her 2019 record “Fever.” On the cover of the album, Megan can be seen sporting a cheetah print two-piece-outfit, with text beside her that reads, “she’s thee hot girl and she’s bringing thee heat.” Her lyrics call upon hot girls to know their worth, and girls all around the globe have accepted this call to action with enthusiasm.

So what is a hot girl, anyway?

Does one have to rock a two-foot ponytail and six-inch heels, like Megan, to be a hot girl? Is it really a hot girl summer if it isn’t spent partying with Cardi B? In order to capture the true essence of a “hot girl,” one must look to the Stallion herself.

When asked what Hot Girl Summer is in an interview with The Root in June 2019, Megan explained that it’s “basically about women … being unapologetically them,” and Megan does just that. Megan Thee Stallion is the personification of girl power and confidence. Her energetic beats, commanding lyrics, vibrant style and glamorous selfies promote self-love and unapologetic confidence. While “Hot Girl Summer’’ may mean world tours and luxurious parties for Megan, her music inspires listeners to find

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Opinion by MelinaPiperis

Megan Thee Stallion

Gossip Girl reboot: Is it worth your time?

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

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edly a cornerstone of the show. In the reboot, however, the fashion is modernized and minimal. The show tries too hard to cater to trends today, and in doing so, loses its originality. Viewers can no longer look to the show for trendsetting styles, instead, they watch the show and see basic styles they can already find in their closets.

This cast will never be as iconic as the original as the acting and the plot are sloppy. Unlike the original, these characters lack chemistry and confidence, making scenes seem corny and fake. While viewers could dream of themselves living the lives of elites in the original, the reboot is messy and lacks storylines viewers would want to be a part of.

Not only this, but in efforts to modernize the show with the use of social media, the reboot becomes extremely cheesy. The original captured old money and fame because of family ties. In the reboot, fame is tied to social media presence. Worse, the “Gossip Girl” creators are revealed as teachers at Constance hoping for obedience in the classroom. This alone is illegal and creepy. Even though younger generations are addicted to social media, modernizing “Gossip Girl” results in making it predictable. While several other shows successfully capitalize on modern technology and social media, “Gossip Girl” is not one of them.

As school starts back up, and teenagers look for new TV shows to binge in their free time, do not waste your time on this show. While it was interesting to see a modern take on a television classic, the reboot will never be able to fill its shoes. Julien Calloway will never be our Blair Waldorf.

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 Adviser: Mrs.MarshaKalkowski

Managing Editors: ElleianaGreen & AnnaRasgorshek Copy Editor: ElizaTurco Photo Editor: ClareDegan Graphics Editor: LivBirnstihl Online Editor: GigiSalerno News Editors: MaddieAdam, KenzieDarrow & ElizabethMonzu Feature Editors: CarliAhsan, ChiomaAloziem, FionaGautschi & BaileyKollasch

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erena Van Der Woodsen. Blair Waldorf. Nate Archibald. Chuck Bass. Are you imagining the Upper East Side, high fashion, and old money yet?

As one of the many who dreamed of marrying Chuck Bass someday, when the “Gossip Girl” reboot hit HBOMax over the summer, I watched it immediately. With the original “Gossip Girl” being one of the most watched TV shows among this generation of teens, I was wary of the sequel. Nevertheless, I watched the reboot so you don’t have to.

Set in New York, the reboot follows the lives of today’s Manhattan elite attending Constance Billard, a feeder school for the Ivy Leagues. Overcome by wealth and social media fame, these teenagers face conflict in their school environment and personal lives. When Zoya Lott, the secret sister of Queen Bee Julien Calloway, arrives at Constance, and a suspicious “Gossip Girl” account surfaces on Instagram, these Upper East Sider’s lives are turned upside down and their relationships are put to the test.

While the original lacked representation for people of color, the reboot stars two Black leads.

Sisters Julien and Zoya are played by two biracial women. As a woman of color watching the show, it was empowering to see a progressive change in the series as the original only starred one Black woman of color as a supporting role. Even so, the show still lacks darker-skinned representation. The show also showed progress in representation as several other characters are shown embracing their sexuality. A major supporting character, Luna, is played by trans Mexican-American actress, Zíon Moreno. While progress has been made for diversity among cast members, as the series progresses, I hope to see more.

At first glance, I expected an exciting new series, but as I continued to watch, several elements of the show did not work.

The original show found instant success in editorializing the fashion.

Playing off of the preppy look, the show found success in elaborate accessories and shoes to accompany boring school uniforms. Fashion was undoubt-

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Illustrations by ElleianaGreen Opinion Editors: AveryKinnison, MelinaPiperis Indepth Editor: JordanMoser Sports Editors: AshleyJohanek & KathrynStec Entertainment Editors: ShannonMonahan & EliseMoulton Photo Essay Editor: ClareDegan Reporter & Photographer: SydneySchroeder

August 2021

Feature 07

Amazon: Now delivering to space

Ready for Takeoff

Virgin Galactic- Launched July 11 Blue Origin- Launched July 20 Space X- Will launch October 31

Graphic by ElleianaGreen

Commentary by AnnaRasgorshek

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veryone’s going to space these days. Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Elon Musk- even Justin Bieber and Brad Pitt have a ticket. But what’s the point? These 11-minute trips aren’t anything compared to NASA’s trips - they are not for the purpose of exploration and education.

These are just short trips that allow people to be able to say- “I went to space.”

While it’s 11 minutes of fun for these billionaires: Amazon employees and the environment don’t agree.

While Elon Musk’s SpaceX flight is working to raise up to $200 million for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the $5.5 billion price tag on Jeff Bezos’ flight has only rubbed Bezos’ employees the wrong way.

Amazon is notorious for having horrible working conditions.

Frostbite.

No bathroom breaks.

Constant layoffs.

Unsafe.

Denying medical accommodations.

“One of the worse experiences in my life” “I want to thank every Amazon employee and every Amazon customer, because you guys paid for all of this,” Bezos stated in a press conference after landing.​​This statement after the flight left Amazon employees even more agitated than before. Controversy began to stir on

Twitter- as this flight could’ve gone to employee health insurance, improved working conditions, a better environmental footprint and liveable wages. In fact, the $5.5 billion that went to this 11-minute flight could have given every Amazon employee a $4,200 bonus.

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin company is one of many in the rapidly growing space tourism industry.

Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin Group, also expanded his company into the space tourism industry with the Virgin Galactic. The Virgin Galactic group alone “targets flying 400 flights per year per spaceport” CEO Michael Colglazier said. 400 flights a year? That could destroy the environment.

It is believed that 1,000 space tourism flights will warm Antarctica by 1 degree celsius. In addition, one flight alone releases 100 times the amount of carbon that a long haul flight does. Long haul flights are responsible for 50% of the airport industry’s carbon emissions.

While space tourism might seem fun, the environmental impacts and costs are impossible to ignore.

Climate change is already a huge problem, and $5.5 billion trips to space aren’t helping the earth in any way.

Space tourism is one small step for billionaires, and one giant (backwards) leap for the environment.

Jobs and friends? Consider the opportunities and decide yay or nay ElizabethMonzu

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verwhelming, intimidating, not feeling like you belong. Getting a new job can be all of these. As teens start to want to earn their own income so they can save for college, help out their families, or simply learn life skills, getting a job is the right step.

Going to school with 700 girls, there are bound to be a few at each job. Girls who work at Hy-Vee, eCreamery, Aquatots, and Stories Coffee Company are just a few who employ multiple Crusaders. Working with classmates can make learning a new job less harrowing and bring excitement into a boring workday. However, some people may disagree, citing this as a way for teens to not open up as much to the other employees and kids their age.

Nevertheless, the benefits do outweigh the cons, especially since having someone a teen knows working with them might actually make it easier to talk to their colleagues.

Having a classmate working with them could make it so that both meet more people and can bond with others. When a teen is just starting a new job, it can be terrifying trying to fit in, learn all the rules, and do the training.

However, when you already know someone, it can make the process easier and more relaxed since you know you are not alone.

Senior Kate Timmerman works with several Marian girls at eCreamery, including three other seniors, and she agrees. “It’s nice having a familiar face at work and if you ever have questions you always have someone to ask,” Timmerman said. It might be easier to ask questions of people teens already know and they would feel more comfortable with that before they meet others. It is intimidating starting a new job and overwhelming trying to learn everything. How-

ever, a familiar face may ease these feelings.

People may feel self-conscious about asking a ton of questions to people they don’t know, but a friend may make them feel like they can ask anything they need to ask. Plus, it would be easier to ask your friend to cover a shift that you can’t make. Workers may feel more comfortable asking a favor of someone they already know and they would easily have their friend’s phone number to ask.

However, senior Sydney Witkowski said there is a con to needing coverage.

She works at Olde Towne Nutrition with other senior Haley Hoffman. “I would need coverage for a shift, but my classmate would more than likely not be able to take my shift since most of our conflicts are with school,” Witkowski explained.

Timmerman said another con is not meeting as many new people, she said she has still met many new people. “I love meeting/working with people not from school. I think it’s nice to have a balance of new and familiar faces,” Timmerman said.

Witkowski agrees. “It’s rare for two best friends to get hired at the same place, so I’m really thankful that Haley and I have the opportunity to have so much fun at work together,” Witkowski said. “I’ve also met so many girls my age and younger that I never would have met if I wasn’t working at Olde Towne Nutrition.”

Employees can be more engaged when they already have people they know working with them, and productivity is better, even if it is just a job for teens. “It is really important to build work bonds with others, not from school,” Timmerman explained.

In all, the benefits of working with classmates are endless, and there may even be a referral bonus in it for you if you recommend someone who ultimately gets hired.

Senior Haley Hoffman (pictured bottom right) and senior Sydney Witkowski (pictured second from right, top row) with their Olde Towne Nutrition coworkers. Photo courtesy of SydneyWitkowski.

SCAN TO SEE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES ON THE DAILY BULLETIN

08 Indepth

Photo courtesy of ShelbyGerken

Dear Freshman Class of 2025, Welcome to Marian! Whether you are excited, nervous or both for your first year here, we are so happy to have you here. Everyone here has been in your shoes and I’m sure all of us would change a few things if we could go back to our freshman year.

Here are a few things that might help you have a great freshman year. First of all, don’t weigh your backpack down, trust me, your back will hurt. Your locker is there for a reason and you’ll have plenty of time in between classes to get your things. You should join as many clubs and activities as you can! Even if you think you might not like it, give it a try.

Try out for a new sport or try out for the musical, what do you have to lose? You might be surprised.

Lastly, really put yourself out there! Go all out for Gnimocemoh and Christmas spirit week and Field Week, go to all the dances, cheer loud at sports games, and participate in class. Even a simple, “Hi!” in the hallways can be the start of friendships.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other classes and your big sisters; everyone here is on your side. If you put out a good effort and good attitude toward Marian, I promise it will give back to you. Can’t wait to see you in the halls!

August

Class of 2025 Frosh Hall Marian High

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an you grab the mail?” As a young kid and even now, it’s exciting when there’s something for you in the mail. Thumbing through each envelope in hopes of seeing something with your name on it, your excitement growing with each passing stamp.

You pass the water bill with dad’s name on it, a flyer from an organization you’ve never heard of (prompting you to wonder how your address

Sincerely, Shelby Gerken ’24

Dear Sophomore Class of 2024, If I could give any advice to my past self, I would encourage myself to savor every moment of sophomore year.

Although it seems like sophomore year is the most boring year because you are no longer the doe-eyed freshman, you’re too young to experience junior burnout, and you’re not restless enough for the infamous senior slump, I think sophomore year is the perfect year to try new things - especially at Marian - because now you are familiar enough with the environment and are more confident to try different clubs, sports, and more opportunities.

There is so much you can accomplish at Marian, and only four short years to try and achieve all that you can. So, try to make as many new friends as possible, join a million different clubs and teams, and remember not to fall into a monotone routine, but to soak in every moment of Marian from glorious Field Week and Surprise Day to stressing about finals or the ACT. I hope you all realize how special Marian is and how lucky you are to have a chance at the multitude of opportunities that it provides both academically and socially. Most importantly, I hope you all appreciate your Marian sisters because it all goes by in the blink of an eye.

Photo courtesy of MaggieStessman

“Welcome to Marian, class of 2025! We are so excited to see you have a successful year, including Walk-a-Thon, Surprise Day, Field Day, and more. As moderators, we are here to help!”

- Ms.Halli Tripe (English) and Ms. Esther Hamra (Art)

Class of 2024 Soph Hall Marian High

Sincerely, Maggie Stessman ’23

“Sophomore is the year classes come together. I can’t wait to see how they impact the school in a positive way and am so excited to have a front row seat to that process as class moderator.” - Mrs. Jaime Piernicky (Math)

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Welcome Class of 2025! We are excited to have you at Marian and watch you transform into confident, independent-thinking leaders inspired by faith over the next four years!

Principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan

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made their mailing list in the first place), the phone bill with mom’s name on it, and then you see it. A crisp, white envelope with your name on it.

However, the reality is that unless it’s your birthday, a holiday, or another joyful occasion, your chance of receiving an exciting piece of mail can be slim to none. Fear not though - it’s the first day of school and you’ve got mail.

Dear Junior Class of 2023, Junior year is the peak of high school as we know it.

This year is going to expose so many truths about your habits as a student and a chance to confront them, no matter what they are.

Do not feel so intimidated! Consider yourself saved because I’m about to expose three mistakes I made as a junior for the sake of your well-being.

1) Your agenda will be your best friend. Allow it to help you plan ahead so that you’re not stuck on a Thursday night with a ridiculous amount of homework to complete by 11:59 p.m.

2) Plan ahead so that you are in bed by 10 o’clock at the latest. The last thing you need is to lose any beauty sleep. Trust me, I’ve had to learn the hard way.

3) Always, always, always study for those small quizzes. If you prepare well, they can be a big help to your grade. If not? Well… you get the point.

In addition, you are now a Big Sister! Take pride in leading your little sisters and know that they look up to you as an upperclassman. Remember to meditate often and always reach out for help. Allow yourself to lean on your classmates as you all grow together. I’m here for you always! Just say the word.

Photo courtesy of ShantisePearson

t 2021

Class of 2023 Junior Hall Marian High

Much Love, Shantise Pearson ’22

Hello Seniors, Class of 2022!

I hope your senior year is off to a great start! I wanted to offer you some advice for your senior year that I wish I knew going in last year. Hopefully, this will offer some assurance for the year ahead: (1) Make an effort to connect to those around you.

Marian is a place that has forged many friendships over the years. You never know who might have been your friend if you never try to talk to them.

(2) Start working on your college applications early!

Deadlines can sneak up on you when you have lots of homework. Even if you are unsure where you want to go, still submit applications to your potential colleges before the deadlines. It will save you some trouble later.

(3) Eat all the ice cream sundaes that you can. They are amazing.

With that, I want to wish you luck. Senior year is such an amazing opportunity to make lasting memories and rekindle old friendships before college, but it can also be difficult to balance your life. Amongst all the college applications and ACT scores, don’t forget to make time for your friends and family. Before you know it you’ll be moving into your dorm room. Savor every moment and have fun.

Photo courtesy of GraceEllis

Welcome to 3rd floor, Class of 2023! It is going to be a great year! Your Class Officers and I are excited for you to experience Junior year traditions this year!

-Mr. Craig Panning (Business)

Class of 2022 Senior Hall Marian High

Best of luck! Grace Ellis ’21

Be Safe.

Be Smart.

Be Servite.

The future is incredibly bright for the senior class! I’m excited to see you grow into this new leadership role and strengthen not only your bond with each other, but work together to build an even stronger Marian community.

-Ms. Megan Piernicky (English)

10 Feature

Crystals, Catholic Church teachings, and tradition ShannonMonahan & ElleianaGreen

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he second commandment in Catholic teaching says: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” If a person puts all their belief in something other than their faith in God, it could be a problem.

Consider crystology. Is believing in crystals a sin?

The basis of the power of crystals today comes from the ancient Sumerians who used crystals in magic formulas to aid healing and boost positive energy. In traditional Chinese medicine, they can be used for healing. Are people today using them as they were traditionally intended? Or, have crystals become just another trend for some?

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” states that all practices of magic, sorcery or even wearing crystals is reprehensible. Due to a rise in new forms of ‘spirituality’, in recent years the Vatican released a document titled, “Jesus Christ: The bearer of the water of life.” This document groups different spiritual practices including psychic healing, the use of crystals, meditation, and herbal medicine as a form of ‘New Age religion.’ Rather than being an organized form of religion, ‘New Age religion’ includes several different religious and cultural traditions. The Church states that participants

of ‘New Age religion’ are no longer putting their faith in Jesus Christ, instead they are looking inward to find revelations within themselves. The Church believes that only God alone can bring about the change that ‘New Age religion’ seeks to manifest.

Finally, the Church believes that ‘New Age religion’ is nothing more than a cultural movement in rejection to western society.

“Crystals are, in fact, very beautiful and I’m sure that’s the draw to wanting to carry them around,” theology teacher Ms Sara Greisch said.

“Crystals are dangerous in that they open your soul up to a dangerous spiritual realm. The heart and soul of Catholic teaching is centered around the mission of Jesus Christ. We should put our trust in God. Crystals take our attention away from that central message of Catholicism and place importance on worldly items,” Greisch explained.

Despite Catholic Church teachings, many still use crystals today.

The rise in the popularity of crystals is not new. Crystals have been a healing property of several cultures for thousands of years. While the ancient Sumerians were the first group historically cited using crystals for their

August 2021

healing powers, the ancient Greeks believed many crystals had the healing properties considered by some today. Over time, the use of crystals spread throughout China and overseas to Native tribes in the Americas.

For many, using crystals is not a trend. Instead, Illustrations of crystals serve as a connection crystals by to their culture and their past. It’s ElleianaGreen very easy to look at a crystal and admire it for its beauty, but are people today really aware of the cultural value crystals have for many groups of people?

While some people today may use crystals for a few months and cycle into a new ‘spiritual trend’ later, crystals serve as an extremely sacred spiritual practice for others. Before using crystals, research the long faith history and cultural significance of them.

If using crystals, it is important to respect the different cultures and faith traditions involved and realize that what may be a trend for you, is a sacred treasure for others.

Reduce, reuse, recycle trends?

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ith every new decade comes a wave of trends rics necessary to create clothing for certain trends While fast fashion may come off as a smart and style choices unlike anything seen before. serves less of a purpose. Since trends are rotating way to market the latest fads without the risk of From accessories to various articles of clothing, the losing momentum, it has proven to be an extremely like clockwork, the term “fast fashion” has become concept of “fashion” is ever changing. That being toxic cycle that is not only harmful to the fashion all too familiar, but also all too dangerous. said, is “new” fashion ever really new?

Fast fashion is the process of large scale comindustry, but to the environment.

With the recent social media revolution makEarth.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated panies like SHEIN creating cheaply made clothes ing it easy to spread information and communicate and accessories to keep up with the latest trends be- to raising awareness of the issues facing the enviefficiently, it takes essentially no time at all for fore they die out. It has become an effective way for ronment and proposing ways to fix them, explains anyone around the world to gain access to the latest consumers to purchase clothes that stay up to date that “fashion production comprises 10% of total fashion. This is a quick switch from even 20 years global carbon emissions...It dries up water sources with what’s “in”, and do it in a cost effective way. ago when the exposure to worldwide fashion trends and pollutes rivers and streams, while 85% of all While Monday is no stranger to the ins and were much more limited. textiles go to dumps each year.” outs of fashion development through her time as Just in the last 10 years, it has become diffiWith the notoriously quick turnaround of runway and advertisement model where creating cult to determine the difference between innovative new ideas are celebrated, she understands the appeal trends in the last decade, the fashion industry has trends and ones borrowed from years past. had no choice but to transition to more synthetic and ease of fast fashion.

This raises the question of whether or not curfabrics versus natural ones in the past; this is just “I’m fully guilty of using websites famous for rent fashion can even be coined as its own. Though fast fashion methods. I think the main appeal of it is another culprit in the widespread effect the fashion it’s not uncommon to see people constantly pushing the fact that it costs basically nothing to get clothes industry has on pollution. the limits of their wardrobe, it’s easy to trace back that I like and it’s just a couple clicks away. The But, there’s no reason why today’s culture the origins of most modern outfits. can’t adapt and commit to a safer and more environonly downside is that it’s rare a top I get lasts more Miniskirts? First created in 1964. than a month or two, but I think that’s especially the mentally friendly trend cycle.

Bell bottoms? Normalized by the disco era of point.”

Considering that clothing pieces like high the 1970s. waisted jeans, (a trend brought to light in the 80s), Biker Shorts? A workout staple of the late 80s. have made their return, it’s easy to find compaDoc Martens? An essential for any 1990s teen. nies such as Levi that are dedicated to using Senior Sadie Monday said she feels like her the highest quality denim for your next outfit wardrobe resembles that of the late 1990s and instead of jeans more heavily produced with early 2000s. polyester which, according to Matt Simon, a “A lot of what I wear consists of cropped science journalist for Wired.com, “account graphic tees and ripped jeans. I definitely nofor 22 to 51% of [microfibers] found in the tice a lot of similarities between what I wear deep-sea Arctic, shallow suburban lakes and what I see in movies from the 1990s around Toronto, and the Huron and Ontario and 2000s and I think a lot of girls relate to Great Lakes.” that,” Monday said.

Yes, there is a sense of ease knowing While fashion trends from decades that there are easy ways to purchase the ago are constantly finding their way back latest trending clothes, but in the long into pop culture, there is still a substantial run, the environment needs to be saved; amount of trends that have been developed acid washed jeans do not. on their own; but, even then, there’s a Though fashion is really nothing catch. more than just a concept, today’s culture Due to the overwhelming, constantly is based on using ideas it already knows progressing power of the internet, few and utilizing them in new and inventive trends have the ability to last longer ways. In the future, it’s hard to determine than a month or two. When a trend whether or not trends will evolve and becomes less popular and starts dying change like they do now, but there is no out, it can also cause various issues with question that what is seen as modern and pollution and extreme amounts of waste Illustration of former fashion inspriation Princess Diana and current new today will be merely a style “throwback” released into the environment since the fabtomorrow. fashion sensation Bella Hadid by ElleianaGreen

August 2021

New Spanish teacher joins the all-girls community

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ith every new school year comes new teachers. Señor John Paul Franco, who was hired to replace Señora Cassie Craig, will be teaching three Spanish I classes and three Spanish II classes.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the faculty, staff, and every student,” Franco said.

When he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he studied business. Teaching was always in the back of his mind, but he never saw it as a career for him. He took a few Spanish courses and fell in love with the subject, but he didn’t think he’d have the opportunity in his college timeline to pursue a minor in the language. Franco then decided to travel to Guatemala for a summer and spent two months at a Spanish school and then another month backpacking around countries in Central America. After graduating, he didn’t feel ready to start his professional career. He followed his dream of traveling and joined an English language assistant program in Badajoz, Spain. He spent eight months there teaching English.

After returning to the states, Franco worked in insurance for a couple of years. He said he found it extremely boring and missed being in the classroom and school environment. He started his journey to become a teacher and began taking classes to make

New Spanish teacher, Señor John Paul Franco.

Photo courtesy of SeñorFranco

his career change.

After growing up in all-boys environments, at home with four brothers, high school at Creighton Prep, and the all boys school in Spain, Franco is both excited and nervous about the change of scenery and learning experiences at Marian. “I’m a big sports fan so I’m hoping to help the basketball team. I don’t know a ton about Marian, so I can’t wait to learn about Field Day and all the other little traditions,” Franco said. “Learning about the community, culture, and making a positive impact is

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important to me. I want to help each of the students accomplish their dreams, reach their potential, and discover themselves and their interests.”

He is currently a member of the Creighton Magis program, a group dedicated to helping develop teachers in Catholic schools. He strongly believes in one of their main principles, “We’re not just teaching academics, we’re teaching life skills and young people how to become good people,” Franco said of the program. Marian has found success with the program as they have had several Magis teachers over the years, including Señorita Caitlin Gaule, Mr. Peter Cunningham, and Mrs. Jillian Roger.

The World Language department can’t wait to welcome Señor Franco. “He’s coming with a great attitude, fun sense of humor and positive energy. It will be a nice balance to have the male perspective on things in the Spanish program. Señorita Gaule and I feel like we’ll all get along well and share great ideas as we collaborate for Spanish I and II. We’re looking forward to working with him. I’m sure the students will have a blast in Señor Franco’s class, too! He’s a very kind person who loves language and helping kids learn—the perfect fit!”

Spanish teacher Amanda Pritchard said. ¡Bienvenido a Marian, Señor Franco!

The future of Step Club remains uncertain, but legacy lives on

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ho rocks the house? The Marian Step Team rocks the house!” The Marian Step Team has been around for more than three years.

The club was initially created by alumni DaVine Francis ’18 during her senior year. “She wanted to bring a piece of New York and her childhood to her Marian sisters,” Jacquie Paul ’21 said.

After DaVine graduated from Marian, Jacquie Paul ’21 and Nayah Mbilain ’20 took over as the new Step presidents. “Jacquie and Nayah were great at being presidents, they pushed us to work hard, always helped us when we needed it, and cheered us on,” senior Isabel Soto said.

“I enjoyed the family we created and how it was always so fun at practices,” Soto said. “I am also honored to be a part of history and be able to show what women of color can do.”

Paul and Mbilain soon began teaching routines and cheers to the newly recruited steppers. The two quickly decided that they wanted the team to perform for the first time at winter sports pep rally in 2019. The steppers started learning new routines and practicing every Wednesday and Friday. They created steps that went along with “Power” by Kanye West and created a step song about Marian history.

Senior Jenna Christensen said, “I thought it

was the coolest thing ever, I hadn’t seen anything like it before. I remember being mesmerized and hoping it would never end.” Soon students and teachers started asking them to perform more at basketball games and other events. The following year the presidents started teaching more cheers for varsity basketball games.

They planned on performing again at the spring pep rally in 2020. They wanted to outshine their winter presentation. The routines were inspired by Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” performance at Coachella. The steppers started having practice every day and even had practice during spring break.

However, the performance was put on hold after the world went on lockdown.

The steppers had no idea what to do. They were so pumped and ready to perform. They came back the following year and had to make a tough decision. Paul did not know if she wanted to continue with the performance, or drop it so that new members could just learn cheers. The step team soon decided that they were not going to allow any new members because they would not be able to pick up the performance in a couple of months.

They also decided that they would have a video shoot for the Beyoncé inspired performance.

In the video they made steps to “Diva,” “Drunk in Love,” “Black National Anthem” and “Already” by Beyoncé. They received amazing feedback and the students enjoyed watching it during Field Week.

After the video shoot the steppers faced a predicament. Paul was graduating and they needed a new leader. The team also had significantly decreased in size as well. As of right now they still have not decided if the club should go on. “If we do decide to continue the club, don’t be afraid to join, everyone is welcome,” senior Sanaa Slaughter said.

The step team first performance in 2019.

Photo courtesy of MollyWoodman.

Where’s Mr. Jun Shao? Beloved teacher makes mark on faculty and students

BaileyKollasch

W

hen Mandarin teacher Jun Shao came to the United States in 2019, he came with a history of teaching English and Japanese at Changchun Foreign Language School in China, but he later returned home to Changchun City, Jilin Province China with a piece of the Marian community. Shao planned to have his teaching visa last for two years, but time passed quickly after his arrival in 2019. His time in the United States was up. He was reluctant to leave behind the community he had embraced.

Although he wanted to stay, Shao wanted to be in China for his unwell mother and his soon-to-be-married daughter. Thus, he departed on June 19.

An absence has been left behind since Shao’s departure, larger than his name on the Marian staff list. He was the teacher who taught his students how to play Chinese hacky sack—jianzi—with his wife and the sentiments behind the Moon Festival as well as what it is through celebration in the quad with imported moon cakes. His classes may not have had many students, but Shao succeeded in creating an interactive Mandarin class where his students could receive the individual help they needed.

“In American culture, Mandarin is deemed as a difficult language to learn. But he told us that

Mandarin is very easy to grasp once you are able to understand the characters and know the learning process,” said senior Anna Krupka, his student since 2019.

Shao had also hit the jackpot and found a genuine friend in science teacher Dr. Sharon Genoways. The two had connected through looking after one another, as Dr. Genoways is the host mother for Shao’s niece, Fannie, and continues to help Shao’s transition home go smoothly. Chatting every once in a while, even to this day, the two staff members formed a friendship transcending time zones and distance.

“He developed such a devotion and love for Marian in the time that he was here...He told me that he and his wife would love to try and come back, but it’s going to take several years,” Genoways said.

Not only did he have to part with a community he had come to love, Shao had to undergo two quarantines to confirm he had not brought the coronavirus back to China with him. One quarantine took place in Detroit and only lasted for a couple of days before he could resume his journey home only to quarantine once more in a hotel after his flight to

China for two weeks. July 23 marked Shao’s release from quarantine and he was free to fly to his home city of Changchun. His expedition had taken about a month and a half, but Shao was finally home.

Even after going through the inconvenience of traveling between two nations, Shao is firm in his desire to return to the United States and the community.

Despite Shao’s change in residence, he wanted to continue teaching Mandarin. This would not be an easy feat however. Mandarin class will become an online class with another teacher as an in-class monitor and the four levels of Mandarin taught in pairs. Students would be taking Mandarin class during the first blocks of the day--A and E--but, for Shao, it will be around 9 p.m.

Mandarin class will not have the same fun activities, such as making dumplings, as they have had in the past with it becoming an online class. Nevertheless, Shao’s strong bond with the community is reflected in his students who have grown to love Mandarin class and its teacher--with or without special class activities. Cooking dumplings isn’t what made Shao’s class a success-- it was his excitement and passion for teaching the language.

12 Sports

August 2021

Marian continues use of NeuroTrainer

A virtual reality headpiece to train all students ClareDegan europlasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt to that day. changes by forming new connections, to create Attention flow “is a multiple object tracking better performance is triggered by the NeuroTraintask that requires extreme focus followed by decier system. NeuroTrainer has been used by some sion making,” Anderson said. Similar to the PADL, Crusader athletes in the past, but has the potential the training is personalized and users can adjust the to be used by all students in the fall. Created alongdifficulty level as they achieve success. The “heightside the National Science Foundation, NeuroTrainer ened state of performance it creates is what some “Combines virtual reality and neuroscience-based people refer to as ‘being in the zone’ where you can tasks and gamifies them so they are more engaging react quicker and make the right decision,” Anderand fun,” business developer of NeuroTrainer Sarah son said. Because NeuroTrainer allows for users to Anderson said it helps anyone who wants to be make decisions quicker, athletes use the Attention more “in the zone.”

Flow mode before games, tournaments and compeThe combination of virtual reality and neurotitions. “Using NeuroTrainer before games activates science creates an engaging experience personalized flow states and helps you perform at your best,” for athletes who want to further their skills. From Anderson said. Similarly, using NeuroTrainer before there, “NeuroTrainer’s proprietary systems pass the practices “will improve the likelihood of whatever prefrontal cortex and stimulate the occipital and you learn sticks,”Anderson said. parietal lobes,” Anderson said. This action eases Freshmen will start using NeuroTraining in the mind and triggers neuroplasticity which allows part of the health curriculum at Marian. “This is an the user to achieve high performance levels. The exciting opportunity because it is the first gradevisual tasks involved within NeuroTraitor increase wide rollout of NeuroTrainer in the country which the speed of the user’s decision making and enhance makes Marian a leader in bringing neuroscience into their hand-eye coordination. NeuroTrainer “stimthe classroom,” Anderson said. Many colleges and ulates both sides of the brain creating reward and professional teams across America use NeuroTrainfocus that release neurochemicals to optimize longer. Some of these include the UNO Hockey Team term learning and skill,” Anderson said. and Creighton University athletes in the Metro area.

There are two training modes involved in NeuroTrainer “is now the tool of choice for NeuroTrainer: “PADL,” created to improve learnathletes to get an edge on their competition by ing, and “Attention Flow,’’ designed to improve training their brain,” Anderson said. Along with the performance. PADL makes the user use peripheral class of 2025, 20-40 juniors will use NeuroTrainvision to retain information and complete tasks that er to understand how training can help improve challenge the brain to its maximum. This triggers performance during class. In addition to the freshneuroplasticity and makes retaining information man and juniors, all Marian athletes have access to simpler for the student during class. This mode is NeuroTrainer technology. best used before class and before studying in order Students and athletes in the 21st Century face to fully retain all the information a student learned many distractions that interrupt focus. For exam-

N

New rules spark hope for athletes KathrynStec

U

nlike professional athletes, those puts into creating videos that generate who play at the collegiate level millions of views. have never been allowed to monetize On June 30, the NCAA antheir name, image, and likeness per nounced an interim policy that allows National Collegiate Athletic Associaall division athletes to gain profit off tion rules. their name, image, and likeness that Over the past couple of years, went into effect July 1. In agreement more athletes and fans have discussed with the new policy, athletes must the idea of allowing college athletes continue to follow their state NIL to make a profit off their name, imrules. Athletes are jumping at the age, and chance to likeness help promote (NIL). their name This can and many include have already profits signed brand from deals and brand in instances deals, like Prince’s, merhave already chandise started creatwith their ing merchanname on dise. it, being

in video Larry Mann, games, and even Photo of Sedona Prince from NBCSports executive vice social media president of content. sports marketing agency rEvolution As TikTok has become a large Marketing, told CNBC that he “exsocial media platform, college athpects a wide range of athletes to feel letes have taken to the app to create significant, but not dramatic, bencontent about their lives and sports. efits.” Mann goes on to say that he However, because of the previous believes this new policy could make NCAA restrictions, athletes with a a difference for women athletes who large following were not able to profit do not have as many opportunities to off their content the way a normal play professional sports after college. creator could. Because of the previThis is just an interim policy, ous NIL restrictions, Sedona Prince, but the NCAA is hoping to work with a 6’7 basketball player at the Universchools and the courts to make this sity of Oregon who has a TikTok fola permanent policy and compensate lowing of two million, has not been student-athletes for their time and rewarded for her time and effort she hard work.

Caijah Anderson ’20 uses NeuroTrainer technology Photo by ClareDegan ple, social media has a huge impact on athletes and students that tunes the brain out of focus. This contributes to adolescents having shorter attention spans and therefore making it more difficult for them to pay attention in the classroom and on the court. NeuroTrainer encourages these young adults to focus and practice maintaining attention while studying and participating in physical activity.

NeuroTrainer leads to students improving test scores and being able to understand more material which ultimately can help students achieve scholarships. By combining NeuroTrainer and “Marian’s commitment to providing forward thinking opportunities for young women, our hope is to give all Marian women a competitive edge where they can use their most powerful tool, an optimized brain,” Anderson said. Marian students are able to use their brains best when given an opportunity to stay focused in a structured environment, and NeuroTrainer helps these young women to do just that.

“I am looking forward to using NeuroTrainer this year to improve my performance on the soccer field,” said midfielder, senior Emma Prososki.

NeuroTrainer will help Prososki achieve her goals on the field while at Marian and when she proceeds to play soccer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln next year. http://www.neurotrainerone.com/marian

There’s no crying in baseball Sports Column by MaddieAdam

J

une 26, 2021. The day that rendered baseball fans and players speechless.

Well, maybe not speechless.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that Vanderbilt would advance to the College World Series finals due to COVID-19 issues with North Carolina State. According to the university, eight players (including those who had been vaccinated) tested positive for the Delta Variant. Yet, none of Vanderbilt’s players were tested. Why? Every single one was vaccinated.

Absolute chaos ensued. It’s understandable for players and coaches to be upset. They worked their way to the CWS, beating number one Arkansas to punch their ticket to Omaha. Beyond this initial shock, fan behavior, especially on social media, was unacceptable.

People reasoned that Vanderbilt should have also been tested, but according to the NCAA, if everyone was vaccinated, the team did not have to test. Some thought that the NCAA was playing favorites by letting Vanderbilt advance. Others pleaded that the tournament be postponed two weeks until NC State players recovered. As a Nebraska native, I think waiting those two weeks would have been a disaster.

If I’m not going to a game, I avoid going downtown at all costs during CWS season.

Everyone who came into town from other states would have to extend their stays or find new hotels. There’s only so much to do in Omaha — the city would have thousands of bored people getting lost downtown, over-

flowing the zoo, making rush hour traffic a million times worse, and infiltrating our Midwest dialect with their strong Southern accents.

The bottom line is the NC State players should have been vaccinated. It was their choice not to, so they should have been prepared to suffer the consequences. Being upset with the NCAA makes no sense when they should have been upset with the unvaccinated players on the team who ruined the chances of winning NC State’s first ever NCAA championship.

In the end, NC State (and Mississippi State) fans got their wish — Vanderbilt lost. They did win the first championship game 8-2, then lost their last two games 2-13 and 0-9 against Mississippi State. I would say I was happy for Miss State, but after going to a majority of the CWS games, I did not have great things to say about their fans. Their behavior was extremely rude and borderline trashy. Booing players, adults, and the Vandy Whistler is one thing, but booing kids who are cheering for their team on the big screen is another. I’m passionate about my teams, but my parents taught me that respecting the competition is common human decency.

It’s not the NCAA’s fault this situation happened. Complaining about it does not bring the tournament back.

Those teams should just be thankful they even made it to Omaha.

Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) says in the 1992 movie A League of Their Own, “There’s no crying in baseball.”

I take this a step further by saying, there’s no crying in Omaha.

August 2021

Sports 13

Alumnae’s astonishing attempt to go for the gold

EliseMoulton

T

his summer, two Marian Alumni, Abi Knapton ’16 and Kelly Straub ’17, competed at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Diving Trials. The trials took place in Indianapolis, Indiana from June 6 to the 13.

Straub competed in the 3-meter springboard and made it past preliminaries and semifinals. She then went on to compete in the finals and placed 12th overall. In preparation for the Olympics, Straub practiced twice a day 6 times a week. “My training included weight lifting, dryland, and water practice,” Straub explained.

Knapton competed in 10-meter platform diving and 3-meter springboard. Knapton was the only diver at trials to advance to finals in two events: earning 5th on platform diving and 7th on springboard. Knapton prepared for the Olympic trials both physically and mentally. “Almost every diver will tell you that diving is like 90% mental and 10% actually diving,” Knapton said.

Knapton practiced visualization and reflection prior to the trials. This was an important process for her due to the new environment that she would be competing in. “As someone who feeds off of the energy of the crowd, I needed to mentally prepare for the capacity restrictions that would be in place. However I also had to prepare for the excitement that an event like the Olympic trials brings. I didn’t want to be so caught up in all that excitement that I psyched myself out during competition. It was a major balancing act,” Knapton said.

Preparing for the Olympics requires hard work and dedication.

“A typical day for me starts at 5 am.

I wake up, eat a small breakfast, then head off to lift,” Straub said. After her workout she heads to the fuel station to grab a quick, energizing snack before heading to her master program courses. Straub’s second workout of the day takes place from 4-6. “I come home afterwards, make an amazing dinner with protein, carbs and vegetables. I study as much as I can until I force myself to go to bed because recovery is a top priority for me,” Straub said.

For Abi, a typical day begins with a 7 am weight training along with a short practice in the water. After her

first workout she grabs a quick breakOlympics was training without her fast at the athletes dining hall with teammates. “They push me, supher teammates before class. “Then I’d port me, and give me the strength to have another longer practice at 2:00 continue pushing through the tough until 5:00, and then homework until days,” Straub said. bed,” Knapton said. Between breakBoth Knapton and Straub took fast and her second workout Abi will away their own rewarding lessons either go to rehab and recovery or just from the Olympic trials. For Straub take a nap. “Balancing it all is defithat was the power of a positive nitely a challenge when you first come mindset. “I was training alone without to college, but once you get the hang any teammates, and at times I got very of it, it becomes as easy as breathing,” lonely. I learned to have a posKnapton said. itive mindset and keep my Straub and Knapton shared their eyes on the goal: Olympic most rewarding experiences along trials,” Straub said. with the most challenging aspects Knapton learned of preparing for the Olympics. that she shouldn’t Straub explained that the most count herself out. “I rewarding experience was definitely went into meeting so many incredible the Olympic trials athletes with the same passion focused on doing for diving as her. “Everyone was well, but not really so genuine and wanted the best expecting to make for everyone. I also found that my the team since it was confidence im- UNL Female Student-Athlete of the Year, Abi Knapton only my mensely grew first trials,” prepares for the Olympic Trials. from going to Knapton Photo courtesy of AbiKnapton trials,” Straub said. Once said.

Knapton began competing at the trials, The most rewarding aspect for she realized she had more potential Knapton was having her coaches and than she showed. “I tend to doubt family there with her to experience it myself when I shouldn’t, and need to all. “This whole experience was 10+ show up with more confidence, more years in the making ‘I belong here’ rather I think back on my than ‘they belong here’ younger self who mindset,” Knapton just didn’t expect explained. much from herself, Straub but pushed on anyway, is currently a and can’t student at the help but University of feel like she Notre Dame. She would be really recently graduatproud of my journey,” ed with a major Knapton said. in Science PreKnapton found that the most professional and challenging part of preparing for the a minor in compasOlympic trials was Kelly Straub was named ACC Diver of the week. sionate not having a facility care in Photo Courtesy of UND.com to train in. “We have media pool at Nebraska, but not a 10-meter cine. “I am now a graduate student at platform, which is my specialty, so I ND, pursuing a masters of science in have to travel to Iowa or Missouri to management. I graduate and become train,” Knapton said. This was difficult a double-domer in May 2022,” Straub for Kanpton because it limited the said. time she had to practice on the platIn May, Knapton graduated from form along with time for sharpening the University of Nebraska at Lincoln her skills and getting consistent. with a Bachelors degree in psycholStraub explained that the most ogy. Knapton also had three minors; challenging part of training for the one in Humanities in Medicine,

Sociology and Gerontology. “My main goal is to go to nursing school and one day be a Nurse Practitioner,” Knapton said.

Not only did Knapton make it to the Olympic trials, she was also recognized as the 2021 Female Student-Athlete of the Year from UNL. “When I came in as a freshman, I didn’t really have any crazy expectations for my diving. I just wanted to see how far I could go. To me, getting this award was the culmination of all my hard work and dedication over the course of my athletic career,” Knapton said. Knapton is thankful for the role of her family, friends, and coaches who all helped her get to this point.

“I think a major component of getting this award is just sheer perseverance.

Everyone who was nominated for it persevered not only in their sport, but also in the classroom and in the community,” Knapton said.

Straub is taking a fifth year of eligibility to compete again for Notre Dame along with pursuing a masters of science in management. Straub said she does not plan on competing in the Olympic trials in 2024.

Knapton is moving to New Brunswick, New Jersey in a few weeks to begin diving there. “I am really excited about this because they have a platform facility I can train on while Nebraska doesn’t. Since platform is my main event, I’m hoping that helps me refine my skill while I continue training for the next Olympic trials in 2024. Somewhere in between all of that I’ll try to go to nursing school,” Knapton said.

“My advice to my fellow female athletes is to never doubt yourself.

You have so much more power and influence than you realize. Use your skills to better the world. Always have a smile on your face because playing a sport you love is truly soul enriching,” Straub said.

Knapton shared that there were many times in her athletic career where she felt like quitting, this could have been from a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year. “It is normal to feel that way, but do not let the bad days, weeks, or months win. If you love what you do, keep going. The struggles you face will only make you stronger.”

the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The NYTimes gave statistics saying that in 1952 women did not even make up 10% of Olympian athletes. In 2012, things began looking up as women were allowed to participate in every sport and in 2014, the IOC made it a goal to even out the gender ratio.

To accommodate this ratio, certain categories or events had to be tampered with. More popular sports such as swimming, gymnastics, soccer and track weren’t really impacted as much as less popular or less televised sports were. The major change was that more events for women were added such as rowing, surfing and soft-

Olympic fan, senior Lexi Rowe enjoys watching the summer Olympics as a former gymnast and upon hearing that the Tokyo Olympics would have greater gender equity, she was very excited. However she believes that “taking away categories for men to even out the ratio is the wrong approach.” Her opinion joins with families and athletes of these events who were unhappy with this decision in 2016.

The contrasting opinion being that women are being shown in a new light has hit headlines, but whether or not it was achieved in the correct way is still up for debate.

Tokyo Summer Olympics even out gender ratio T SydneySchroeder

he Summer Olympics kickoff on July 23 in Tokyo began a domino effect of excitement throughout the world. Fans, anticipating this event due to the postponement in 2020, haven’t been disappointed. Despite lingering concerns with COVID-19, athletes persisted and according to USAToday, the Tokyo Games featured 399 events across 33 sports. Marian students looked forward to watching them and junior Lauren Mendlick thinks that “watching everyone compete is very cool and watching it inspires her.”

One particular thing that makes these Olympic Games stand out is that women’s participation is nearly equal to men’s at 49% according to

ball. This updated roster marks three consecutive Olympic Games continuously adding female events according to NorthJersey.com on July 22.

However in this fight to gain gender equity in the Olympics, many men’s teams were dropped.

According to CNBC, events such as women’s canoing were added but the men’s 200 and men’s kayak double 200 were dropped. Five events were added for women’s boxing but two men’s events were dropped.

The women’s coxless four event participated for the first time since 1992, however the men’s lightweight coxless four was dropped.

August 2021

14 Entertainment

Review by GigiSalerno

ttle et Tu “I believe it is somewhere in the neighborhood of slightly cringy, but not too horrible. For example, your mom’s clothes might be a bit cheugy.”

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Mr. C h

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“I think it is like someone that tries too hard?”

Mrs. Su e an tm Al “Believe it or not we were talking about this word this weekend when my children were all home.

They were making fun of a shirt that I had on and that’s the word they used to describe me. I proceeded to look it up and told them they were bullies.”

s teenagers at an all girls school, it is really easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Many of us don’t feel like we’re smart enough, funny enough, athletic enough, pretty enough. And living in a society where beauty is prioritized and rewarded, it can feel impossible to try to ignore the pressure of living up to these expectations. So if it’s something that affects and hurts us all in our daily lives, why are we guilty of putting that weight on others, too?

We are all guilty of judging others based on how they look. Sometimes, we talk badly about others and point out their insecurities. It’s easy to feed off of others’ problems to make yourself feel better about your own. But, we also prematurely judge those who somehow manage to live up to society’s standards of perfection. We can tend to feel that if they’re that gorgeous, with perfect skin, silky hair and sculpted faces, that they must be perfect rry Styles and E dS Ha in every other aspect of he of their lives as well.

Pretty privilege is the notion that people who are conventionally attractive are given more opportunities than those who are not. But you wouldn’t like someone more just because they’re attractive, right? You wouldn’t be so cliche that you would prioritize looks over substance?

So...let’s talk about Harry Styles. He’s undoubtedly one of the biggest celebrities of our generation. He can sing, act, is charming, but most of all, he’s handsome. But is he really worth all the hype? Sure, he has talent, but have you actually listened to his album this past year? Or is his just the first name that pops into your head when someone asks, “who’s your celebrity crush?”

Throughout his career, Styles has obtained 42 awards out of a total 119 nominations. His dedication and hard work has paid off, growing his fan base to about 35,384,650 monthly listeners on Spotify. While acknowledging that it takes talent and skill to maneuver throughout the entertainment industry, some of his success must be attributed to Styles’ style itself.

Whichever era of Harry was your favorite, nearly everyone has had a crush on him at some point or another. His looks and fashion sense have transcended him much further than his former bandmates and transformed him into an icon.

When listing celebrity crushes, while Harry Styles is usually at the top, Ed Sheeran’s name is rarely even mentioned. In fact, he has become a meme over the past several years simply because of his looks.

However, this criticism has not stopped Ed Sheeran from becoming one of the top singer-songwriters currently alive.

Despite constant feedback, Sheeran has obtained

AnnaRasgorshek & EliseMoulton

Graphic by LivBirnstihl

source: urbandictionary.com

nearly 70,000,000 listeners on Spotify each month.

He has earned 43 awards out of 107 nominations and every single he drops can reliably be found near the top of global music charts. When, in 2017, both Sheeran and Styles dropped albums, Sheeran’s single, “Shape of You,” sat at number one on both global and US charts for 12 weeks and his album “Divide,” was the most streamed album of the year, catapulting two of his former albums to numbers 3 and 16 for the year. In comparison, Harry Styles’ single, “Sign of the Times” was 19th in sales and his album, “Harry Styles” only made it to Billboard’s 39th spot on the year-end charts and did not even make the top 200 globally. According to numbers alone, one of these musicians is noticeably more talented and successful than his counterpart. And it would be that way, when half of the reason one is famous is not based on musical talent, but looks.

Although Ed’s albums and singles are more reliable and popular than any of Styles, it is Harry that we fangirl and obsess over. This begs the question, what

by ElleianaG would happen if each man kept their ree n own talent and voice, but switched bodies?

How much more popular would Ed Sheeran be if he looked like Harry Styles?

Likewise, would Harry even be on our radar if he looked like Ed Sheeran? And why do looks have so much to do with what we listen to, if it makes no difference to their voices what the men look like? Two words: pretty privilege.

Normally, when we hear those words, we think of the Kendall Jenners and Bella Hadids of the world. Our minds instantly associate them with supermodels and women as a whole. But this issue relates to a lot more than just those who are given a platform just for being attractive.

Men are gaining more and more fame in the music industry because of the attention listeners give to them based on their appearance. Fan attention has a direct correlation to how much a celebrity is talked about, and whether that talk is skewed in a positive or negative light. Harry Styles, an objectively attractive man who fits societal standards, is gaining more and more attention for a talent that doesn’t even come close to that of Ed Sheeran. Sheeran, who does not fit the average person’s definition of handsome, is constantly memed and humiliated on the internet, rather than being praised for his musical talents.

Pretty privilege is everywhere. We feel the pressure to become what society deems “beautiful.” We also continue the cycle of putting beauty over talent.

We decide who we listen to, what we watch, how we live our lives based on aesthetics. And most of the time, that jeopardizes exceptional musicians like Ed Sheeran, while uplifting mediocre ones such as Harry Styles.

Match the modern movie with its historical literary inspiration

Our Definition: The opposite of trendy.

Stylish in middle school and high school, but no longer in style.

Used when someone still follows these out-of-date trends. This may include but not be limited to fashion, habits on social media, usage of slang, etc.

n era

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A

1. Teen Beach Movie

A. Taming of the Shrew

2. 10 Things I Hate About You

B. Romeo and Juliet

3. John Tucker Must Die

C. Pride and Prejudice

4. Bridget Jones’s Diary

D. The Merry Wives of Windsor

Source: imdb.com

an

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Illustr atio n

Mr s.

Graphics by AnnaRasgorshek

KenzieDarrow

Pretty privilege: how being conventionally attractive takes precedence over talent

Answer Key: 1.B 2.A 3.D 4.C

Are you chuegy?

Entertainment 15

August 2021

Best or worst dressed: 2021 Met Gala predictions

F

ollowing every award show comes a “best” and “worst” dressed list. But, what about a night dedicated solely to fashion? The Met Gala is one of the most highly anticipated nights in fashion, with the biggest celebrities spending months customizing the perfect outfits to suit the theme.

The Met Gala, which will be televised on September 13, is an exclusive fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. This year’s Gala co-chairs are singer Billie Eilish, actor Timothée Chalamet, athlete Naomi Osaka, and poet Amanda Gorman, all chosen because of their distinct, influen-

New releases to watch for AnnaRasgorshek

gust 13 Au

Blake Lively: No stranger to the Gala’s “Best Dressed List,” we believe that movie star Blake Lively will be pulling out all the stops yet again.

In recent years, the actress has become very involved in stopping child abuse, specifically sex crimes against children. We predict that Blake will bring light to this very important issue.

Photo source: Apple Music

Photo source: Apple Music

gust 13 Au

Billie Eilish: We predict that co-chair Billie Eilish will opt away from her usual oversized look and showcase her new, more revealing sense of style. The musician is very vulnerable with fans through songs and interviews about issues that have personally affected her since a young age. Because of this, we believe that Eilish will dress to impress in an outfit that draws attention to mental health.

tial styles that are immediately recognizable to the public. “I don’t really know a lot about the Met Gala theme or anything, but I’m definitely excited to see Timothée Chalamet,” said junior Lauren Martin.

So, what exactly is this year’s theme? The 2021 theme: “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” means that the celebrities will dress to represent modern problems facing America. Due to recent social and economic movements, there are many opportunities for celebrities to draw attention to issues important to them this year.

Take a look at these fun predictions for how celebrities will dress...

gust 20 Au

Network Staff Spotify Playlist of the month

Playlist created by ShannonMonahan

Billy Porter: Billy Porter is known for his show stopping looks at previous Met Galas. No matter the theme or event, Porter is always dressed to perfection and usually makes a statement challenging gender norms. As a member of the gay community and an LGBTQ+ activist, we predict that the actor will make a statement on pride while rocking a shocking silhouette.

Graphics by AnnaRasgorshek

Photo source: lorde.co

Photo source: taylorswift.com

ember 19 Nov

Kim Kardashian: We predict that Kim Kardashian will stun audiences in a dress that focuses on the recent Black Lives Matter movement. With four biracial children of her own, this issue definitely hits close to home for the reality tv star.

Kim has definitely become a fashion icon over the past decade and we are very excited to see how she will portray a more meaningful, rather than trendy design.

Illustrations of Met Gala by AnnaRasgorshek

GigiSalerno

August 2021

16 Photo Essay Gra phic

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Soci a her f l Studie s ami ly in teacher, M Wat er for rs. Ka ty d, Ir elan Salzm d. an a n

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2 at n ’2 rk in e l l a u al P eM ddi Nation a M ali Den ka. s Ala

Mia Nelson ’22 in Cambridge, England.

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Grace D Ehler iers ’23 M s ’23 a aggie S n f ront of a w d Kathryn tessman ’23 Storbe ater fa Audre c ll in S teamb k ’23 pose in y oat, C olorad o.

zR sque . a V na sin aria iscon M W 2 , ch ’2 Dells usba consin a is ily M 5 L mp in W 2 ’ n a eena A C ely K e at UC h s A mil s ’23

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Tee Kuon ’2 4 spent three weeks in Gambela, E thiopia,visit ing family.

tops for ski ’23 s

Raczyn Isabella lombia.

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