Marian Network Student Newspaper - August 2020 by Marian Student Publications

THE NETWORK MARIAN

VOLUME SIXTY-FIVE • ISSUE ONE •August 2020 MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL • 7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134 • MARIANDIGITALNETWORK.COM

So, it’s been a while

Welcome back, Crusaders!

Staff Editorial by MaddieGenoways

alking through the front doors at Marian, you’ll probably notice that a lot more has changed than just backpacks and hairstyles. When we left for spring break, none of us ever expected that while we were gone, our whole world would turn upside down. Many of us are more familiar with the halls of Marian than our own houses, yet it seems we’ve all joined the freshmen in their “first day at a new school” jitters. We’re in completely uncharted territory, both educationally and life-wise. But that’s just it: this is new and scary for all of us! No one has any idea where this school year is headed, so the best thing for Marian to do right now is stick together. Whether it be through the screens of face shields or through the screens of computers, we can be scared and uncomfortable and have terrible face mask acne together. Above all, we need to remember that this is not forever. This pandemic does not define our futures, and we don’t have to let it define our school year, either. Although we may not be a hospital full of health

care workers and sick patients, we are a school with a responsibility to return to school safely. Here is how we plan to do so. In order to keep your classmates and teachers safe, please take note of your own health and symptoms each morning before coming to school. If you feel any possible symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, consider the people you could hurt by spreading the virus. Even if you don’t feel seriously affected or don’t want to attend classes online, remember that masks and shields can only compensate for so much selfishness. Online classes can be tricky, but nothing is more difficult than knowing that you’ve potentially endangered your friends, classmates or teachers. So for your safety and the safety of the community, please wear a clean cotton mask each day at school, sanitize and wash your hands regularly, and please— do not endanger yourself or others based on the belief that the danger will pass without communal effort. Make these sacrifices and know that you are protecting others, possibly even saving lives. There is no greater heroism right now than compassion for others and their safety.

NatalieCusick

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he days where Marian girls used to squeeze an entire homeroom into one row of bleachers at Mass and eat elbow-to-elbow during lunch seem like ages ago. Sweaty Welcome Dance parties and 180-girl Field Day huddles are a distant memory. We’ve officially begun the “new normal,” and with it, we’re entering the “new Marian.” The “new Marian” is physically distanced, disinfected and masked. You won’t be seeing below the eyes of a single face from the time you walk through the doors of Marian until you get into your car at the end of the day. What you will see, however, is “hand sanitizer in each classroom, disinfectant wipes in each classroom, hourly cleaning of our restrooms by custodial staff, and directional signage for traffic flow,” according to Principal Susie Sullivan’s emailed message to the Marian community on July 15. In fact, most everyday Marian procedures will look different this year. “We will not have all school Masses together. Mass will be said from our new chapel and students will watch it together. We will not offer the Eucharist, at least in the first semester,” Sullivan said. A big adjustment for Marian girls will be finding new ways and places in which to start their mornings. “Unfortunately, students will not be able to congregate in the hallways in the morning. Students will be able to congregate in the cafeteria, quad, west gym, Haddix, and Student Services. There will be a limit on the numbers of students in each area. Once those spaces are filled, students will go to their first block class,” Sullivan said. Students and staff will follow new rules and receive points for breaking them. Removing your mask will immediately result in points, and social distancing will be strongly enforced at all times. Although Marian’s “new normal” is a positive situation that protects its students and staff, it does come with a few losses. Student Board’s annual Welcome Dance has been cancelled along with curriculum night, and future events will be decided on as we move closer to them.

Marian’s teachers, staff and administration are making additional sacrifices to make this school year happen and have been working twice as hard as usual to coordinate and provide classes of both online and in-person students the best education possible. Principal Susie Sullivan and President Mary Higgins have worked tirelessly each day during the summer to make our school safe and accessible. Please be patient with your teachers, especially now, as they try to manage their and their own family’s health, as well as protect the health of their students. That being said, it is important to remember that new health procedures at Marian are in place to protect not only ourselves, but also those around us. Let’s do our best to keep Marian’s doors open and its students and staff healthy. Remind your friends to wash their masks at night, share sanitizer instead of germs and make sure to clean up your work spaces. Marian should always be a place where students and teachers alike can feel safe and informed, so, as this year’s Network staff, we promise to do our part to get you the information, news, and uplifting stories you need to stay safe, smart, and smiling through this

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ith so many changes, it may feel like we’re starting back at an entirely new school, but the Marian we know and love is still here. It just looks a bit different than we remember. “In true Marian fashion we will adjust and embrace the change as a community,” senior Abby Jacobsen said. If you look beyond each and every change, a Marian tradition is still in place. Even though we are eating lunch in different locations such as the cafeteria, quad and west gym with two or three people to a table, we will still be enjoying our favorite Marian lunches and desserts. Welcome Dance may be absent, but we will still hold our annual Walk-A-Thon. When we are not physically together at Masses, we will be praying collectively as one community unified in faith. Class retreats will still be held, and no matter how they may be adjusted, they will still bring each class closer together at heart. Whether in-person or online, our connections with our teachers and the other half of the alphabet will persevere through a new sense of gratitude for those around and apart from us. “I think we will all still be happy just to be at school, see our friends, participate in activities, and follow traditions, even if those things don’t look the same as they did last year. I think the spirit will still be there, even if it isn’t the same,” junior class officer Josie Golka said. While Marian is going to continue to reinvent its procedures throughout the year, and the “new normal” will probably never feel anything less than “new,” the Marian community will one day relish in the effects of these changes. When students can go to college in person and mosh pit at their favorite artists’ concert someday, everyone will look back and thank the administration for making us wear face shields in the hallways. Students won’t remember how sweaty half of our faces were throughout the day, but they will remember all the days we spent in school because that protection allowed us to. Marian girls might not have the memories of a 2020 Welcome Dance or first day of school assembly, but that is one small sacrifice we can make for the safety of others and the education of ourselves.

02 News

August 2020

Coffee hot spots surround Military Ave. EmilySalzman

arian is known for many different aspects of student life. Whether it be the traditions or the school spirit, the school is proud to share these features with the outside world. However, one part of being a Marian girl that many people outside of the school’s community might not be aware of is the average student’s need for a morning coffee. Whether it be hot, iced, or blended, Marian girls will never pass up an opportunity to get that extra boost of caffeine in the morning. Lucky enough for most student drivers, there are a variety of cafes to choose from that are in very close proximity to the school. A few of these shops that are in close proximity to the school are Scooters, Dunkin’ Donuts and Classic Rock Coffee. The latest addition to the list is Starbucks, which is being built just north of the Freddy’s at 72nd and Military. The addition of the Starbucks is not well known by too many girls, yet, but as the school year begins, it is bound to catch the attention of the Marian coffee-drinking crowd. The current manager at the Starbucks on 114th and Dodge said that he believes the new store will be opening at the end of August or early in September. However, with other coffee shops near Marian having been present for longer than this Starbucks, the preference for some students might be to stick with the coffee option that they have become accustomed to in past years. Junior Ryan

Sully is one of these students that plans to stick with her usual coffee provider in the upcoming year. “I usually go to Dunkin’ Donuts because it’s pretty cheap. I have heard of the new Starbucks being built, and I will be going to that, but I will most likely stick to Dunkin’, because Starbucks is pretty expensive for many mornings before Marian,” Sully said. That is also a factor that goes into choosing morning coffee: how the price of the drink compares with surrounding shops. At Classic Rock Coffee, a 16 ounce hot latte costs $4.50, and they also offer a 10 percent student discount if you have your student ID. At Dunkin’ Donuts, they have a 14 ounce hot latte for the same price, and they too offer a 10 percent student discount. Scooters has 16 ounce hot lattes for $4.45 and, although they don’t have student discounts, they do send out punch cards as well as cards for either a free small drink or half off a medium or large drink. And finally, at the new Starbucks, you can find a 16 ounce (grande) hot latte for $3.65, and if you order using the Starbucks app, you can receive stars and when you reach a certain amount of stars, it will earn you a free drink. Whether the biggest concern is price, menu size, or quality, Marian girls will definitely be able to find a coffee shop that best suits them for this upcoming school year.

New Director of Diversity and Inclusion ready to tackle challenges in community LexiKetcham

arian has recently new, the administration hired Miss Devin is allowing her to decide Owens as the Director of what her goals and Diversity and Inclusion. responsibilities will look Owens was born and like. Her first goal as the raised in Omaha, where she Director of Diversity attended Brownell Talbot, and Inclusion is to get Holy Cross and Morton to know Marian and the Magnet Middle School. students. “An importMarian’s first She graduated from ant part of this work is Director of Benson High School in listening, and I intend to 2012 as the presiding class Diversity and spend a lot of time just Inclusion, president. She started at doing that: hearing the the University of Nebraska Miss Devin Owens. needs and wants of all at Lincoln, but ended her students,” Owens said. degree program of Journalism and Mass She hopes to create safe spaces where Communications at the University of everyone can thrive. Nebraska at Omaha with minors in EthSome of her plans include increasing nic Studies, Sociology and Art History. the population of students and teachShe is currently a Digital Content ers of color, offering more courses and Strategist at Omaha Community Founactivities that elevate the voices of people dation, a cheer coach at Benson High of color, providing learning opportunities School, and she owns her own adverfor students and faculty to deepen their tising and marketing agency, Less the understanding of race equity and creatAgency. ing a culture where all feel welcome at Owens was trained at the Center Marian. “One misconception about DEI for Equity and Inclusion and has been work is that it’s only for BIPOC (Black leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Indigenous People of Color). However, (DEI) work since 2018. She is passionate when we all feel safe to be our authentic about sharing stories and elevating the selves, it’s better for everyone,” Owens voices of marginalized communities. said. “Being a Black woman, I understand The plans and goals Owens has for what it’s like to be overlooked. Therefore, Marian will create a more diverse and I have always been committed to DEI inclusive environment. Her hours will be work because to deny the intersections is posted outside of her office in Student to not tell truthful, meaningful stories,” Services. She plans to be in her office Owens said. Monday through Friday for all students Since Owens’ position at Marian is to share their stories, ideas and concerns.

Omaha summer events schedule feels heat from coronavirus JessicaBrusnahan

Map out your morning routine: four coffee spots around Marian offer choices. Graphic by Molly Monahan & Maddie Genoways.

Servites stay strong during pandemic RyleeGregg

arch 2020 meant many different things to different people. Lives were put on hold as everyone made arrangements to stay at home due to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. For the Marian community, many students had to turn their homes into a place of learning and cope with online school. For the Servants of Mary, however, it meant something entirely different. Sr. Jackie Thorn is a familiar face for most Marian girls. She greatly enjoyed working at Marian every day as well as attending sports games as often as she could. However, she spent most of the summer in the Convent, which is a drastic change from before the days of the pandemic, but she hasn’t let that get her down. She has taken on greater responsibility by serving as one of the Motherhouse coordinators, “which means we try to keep the house running smoothly and help the sisters when needed,” Thorn said. Furthermore, she and the other sisters go to the chapel for a half hour of prayer before each of their meals. “We’re especially praying for a cure to this illness right now,” she said. One of the recent highlights in the

lives of the Servites was the July 18 graduation ceremony. Thorn was able to attend the physically-distanced ceremony at Baxter Arena, and she was excited to be there. “I was so pleased to be able to go. I loved seeing everyone, even though we were wearing masks.” Despite the craziness of recent months, it hasn’t stopped Sr. Jackie and the Servants of Mary from living their lives and continuing their mission to serve others. COVID-19 might mean minimal trips outside of the convent and more card games being played, but they have never stopped thinking about and praying for the Marian community. Students can wave to Sr. Jackie in the Campus Ministry office this fall, but the doors will remain locked for students. Sr. Jackie smiles through the struggles of COVID-19, but really misses seeing students’ faces. Photo by Rylee Gregg.

aseball and swimming: two summer essentials, both put on hold. This summer was about to be another busy one. Every four years Omaha becomes a sports hotspot, with the College World Series (CWS) and the Olympic Swim Trials both set to start in late June. Thousands of dollars in revenue flow in, from event tickets to hotels and restaurants to taxi services. With large outbreaks of the coronavirus from March through May across the country, many sports teams and organizations postponed or cancelled summer events. Notably, the NCAA (National College Athletics Association) and USA Swimming, hosts of the CWS and Trials respectively, did away with their summer event schedule to help stop the spread of the coronavirus to fans and players alike. With the cancellations of these two events, Omaha lost an estimated $140 million in revenue this year. “[This virus] has really hurt our Metropolitan hospitality,” said Tim Darby, president of the Nebraska Hotel and Lodging Association and general manager of the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Omaha. Omaha may not have any active professional sports teams, but fans are prominent, even within the Marian community. At least 54 percent of the 149 students who answered the Network August survey planned to attend both the CWS and Trials. One such fan is sophomore Georgia Foley. As a CWS season ticket holder and past attendee of the Swim Trials, Foley was ready to spend her summer watching for home runs and first-place finishes. “I was devastated when [the events] were cancelled,” she said. But it’s not just the fans and players who are suffering. The loss of these two high-demand sports shows hurt Omaha

businesses and forced them to rethink event schedules and financial plans to accommodate virus safety measures. Berkshire Hathaway, owned by local billionaire Warren Buffett, called off their Annual Shareholders Meeting in early May due to concerns over crowd size. Also in Omaha in early spring were two games of the NCAA March Madness tournament. Darby said the combined loss of Berkshire’s convention and the college basketball games took another $60 million in hotel and entertainment revenue from Omaha this year. One small business that has been hit particularly hard is Blur Parties, a tailgate staple established in Lincoln in 2008. With sports and other large gatherings hanging by a thread this summer, Blur owners Eric Gomon and Stacy Leners have been struggling. “We are both pretty defeated,” Gomon said. He explained that Blur hasn’t seen any income for months. Without the CWS, their main summer event, Blur was already in a financial crisis. Since football is one of the biggest money makers in Nebraska, a lack of tailgating events this fall could “be the final nail” for Blur and many other sports-centered businesses in Omaha and Lincoln. Both the CWS and Swim Trials are set to stay in Omaha for 2021. The CWS has been in Omaha since 1967 and the Trials since 2008.

No foul balls to catch this year because of the cancelled CWS. Photo by Emily Salzman.

August 2020

Opinion 03

Differing opinions: was 2020 or 2021’s senior year more cancelled? LilyWeindel ‘20

issing out on the last quarter of high school was rough, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t as bad as I expected back in March. Having all my friends with me, even virtually, made it more bearable. We were able to find creative ways to make up what we missed and stay safe while doing so, such as a picnic “prom” with my close friends and graduation parties later in the summer, which gave me a taste of the typical senior year experience. If you asked me how I felt about losing my senior year in March, I probably would’ve started crying on spot. It felt like the end of the world, I wasn’t getting anything that I had spent my entire high school career anticipating. Asking me in July, however, as an incoming college freshman, enrolled in my courses and making friends with people who’ll be on my dorm floor, I am not nearly as upset. What makes high school special isn’t the dances or graduation, or even Field Day, it’s the people you spend your time with. It took me until senior year to find an established group of friends, but I ended this year with a group of girls who truly supported me and were only a FaceTime away. I came to realize that I didn’t need a real prom or another Marian Mom’s Lunch (though I would appreciate one);I just longed to experience the connections that I had gained in the hallway. Though I did miss out on singing my last demo, I’ve come to accept that high school is just

another part of my life and #442home isn’t that important to the course of my entire life. The friendships I made, however, are. So really, I don’t feel like I missed out on my senior experience. The things that I missed out on I was able to live without, and life goes on. I have bigger and better things than my prom. I think it’d be harder to be a freshman or a sophomore during this time, because they missed out on experiences that they don’t know too much about. You may not have a solid group of friends yet and that will make figuring out the whole high school game a bit more challenging. So for the freshman (or current sophomores) who missed out on their first year without knowing what was supposed to happen, you have three more years. Though it may not be certain right now, you’ll get all the fun Marian traditions sooner or later, and make friends who’ll stick with you through the ride.

MollyMonohan ‘21

s an incoming senior, I am already terrified of my future. The inevitable process of deciding on the right college, my future career and leaving home are enough to petrify any senior. On top of all of that, the Class of 2021 is missing out on what is supposed to be the best time of our high school experience. Although the Class of 2020 also missed out on events like prom, a normal graduation, and the chance at taking home first place at Field Day, the incoming seniors might not get a chance to experience a senior year at all. I feel as if the Class of 2021 has gone unnoticed due to the sudden changes in everyone’s lives. Since the graduated seniors were forced to suddenly end their whole high school careers online, nobody thought about what might happen to the incoming seniors as the pandemic continued to worsen. Seniors usually go into their last year with their heads held high, their hearts full of

excitement for a year full of lasts. However, my class is going into our senior year with uncertainty and anxiety. In order to safely practice social distancing, a lot of normal activities will be different. High school will not be the same without gathering with friends in the halls and squeezing more than ten girls together to eat lunch at a round cafeteria table. With restrictions and pending cancellations such as high school football, volleyball, basketball, dances, pep rallies and Field Day, I am worried I am missing out on the “high school experience.” Will I ever get to go to a prom? Will I end my beloved Marian Field Day career with a fourth place victory? Can I be sure which college I want to attend if I cannot go on in person tours? Will we get a senior retreat? Will I have a traditional graduation ceremony? Due to sudden changes and uncertainty I have found it difficult to keep my head up and a smile on my face. However, the pandemic has made our community stronger. Even if it is regulated, all of us would be more than happy to return to school. Not seeing my friends, going out to eat or leaving my house without a mask has made me greatly appreciative of the people and community around me. Despite all these never ending questions and worries about future plans and cancellations, I am grateful to have the chance to come back to school and see all of my friends, even if it is a safe distance of six feet.

Asking Around: What do you think about switching to a full block schedule? Freshman Cece Elkjer

Sophomore Courtney Long

Junior Ivy Isenberg

Senior Eden Opiyo

“I’m excited to use block scheduling, because it’s different than what I’ve done in the past.”

“I like the idea of having all block days, because I won’t have as much homework, and it’ll give me more free time.”

“I expected Marian to switch to all block schedules because everyone got used to it and liked it when we were online.”

“I do not like block days, because it makes the day go by slower for me. I get bored after a while, especially if it’s just lecturing the entire time.”

Block schedule creates new learning environment in the face of uncertainty MiaDunker

ost-corona Marian will experience a load of changes, including a new weekly schedule. This year, instead of three days of forty five minute-long classes and two block days with 90 minute-long classes, there will be five block days with two special schedule days, one typically on Wednesday with a late start and a 10-minute homeroom and one on corresponding days (typically on Thursdays) with an hour-long activity block I have always seen block days as a nice break from the normal, faster-paced schedules of Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. It was relaxing to be able to slow down and only have to worry about four classes instead of eight, and the extra day to do homework was a bonus, but my view

of block days changed with online learning. While quarantine is obviously necessary for our safety, online school and I were not a good match. I disliked it not only because we couldn’t be in class together, but also because of there being four block days a week. Even though I enjoyed the classes I was taking, the 90 minute-long classes seemed to drag on. Plus, only going to classes twice a week made me feel disconnected from the material. While I am glad we are able to go back to Marian, I’m worried that some of those problems will carry over into this

years’ schedule. The structure of three days of normal length classes with two block days struck a happy balance between being able to keep moving through class work and taking time to slow down and go more in-depth with certain topics. I’m interested to see how the new schedule impacts the classes themselves and what we’re learning this year. Having each class either two or three times a week instead of four means that classes have to be completely restructured. At first glance, I was happy about potentially having a lighter workload, but I also wonder if having

Network is THE NETWORK The a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High

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

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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 at the left. Or call us at 402-571-2618 x1134. An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found at mariandigitalnetwork.com

less time in class is going to translate into more work at home. We all learn differently, but I personally learn best in class with others, not on my own. I can see how going to classes three times a week instead of four could lead to more individual work outside of class than before. Overall, I’m skeptical of this upcoming year’s schedule, but I really won’t know until I try it. We’ve been hearing it a lot these past months, but these are uncertain times- and that goes for everything about returning to school, including the schedule. I may not know how this new schedule is going to affect me and my classes this year, but we’re all going through the same process of adjusting to our new reality together.

Managing Editors: Natalie Cusick

Opinion Editors: Natalie Cusick,

& Naomi Delkamiller Copy Editor: Rylee Gregg Photo Editor: Anna Kidder Graphics Editor:

Indepth Editor: Quinn Findley, Anna Dailey & Naomi Delkamiller Sports Editors: Mary Cate Tabor

Brusnahan & Emily Salzman Feature Editors: Molly Monahan, Sophia Stevens, & Anna Kidder

Grace Virgillito Reporter/Photographer: Courtney Thompson Adviser: Mrs.Marsha Kalkowski

Molly Monahan Online Editor: Lexi Ketcham News Editors: Maddie Genoways, Jessica

Rylee Gregg & Gaea Kaan

& Sophia Virgillito Entertainment Editors: Frannie Cihunka & Mia Dunker Photo Essay Editor:

04 Indepth

August 2020

Activism at Marian

How Marian girls are finding solutions to difficult problems

FrannieCihunka enior Callie Cavanaugh marched with friends, signs in hand, along “It is very 72nd and Dodge this past June. The protest ended with a rally in Memorial Park. “I easy for girls to stay inside their was motivated to protest because I wanted bubbles of privilege unless we to use my voice and presence to help edumake things mandatory.” cate others about the Black Lives Matter Movement, police brutality, and the history Callie Cavanaugh ‘21 of persistent systemic racism in this country,” said Cavanaugh. She described the to harmful language and microaggresprotest as peaceful. “The environment was sions,” Roubidoux said. “We need to take so empowering, there were chants, inspirmore accountability for our actions and ing speakers, and the energy was positive the culture we contribute to.” Roubidoux and hopeful.” stressed the importance of showing others Senior Tory Roubidoux went to a protheir biases too. “...confronting the issues test that wasn’t as peaceful, but equally as within your own INNER circle is super powerful. “The protest was extremely enerimportant. You can’t educate everyone, so gized, you could feel the public unrest over sometimes it comes down to just standing George Floyd’s death- not JUST his death, up for your own morals and being able to but the years and years of suppression say: ‘At least I said something.’ ” and mistreatment the Black community In a recent Zoom meeting between stuhas faced,” Roubidoux said. “Right before dents and administration, Senior Lauren the first flash-bang was thrown by police Harris added to Roubidoux’s thoughts and forces, there was a moment of silence and pointed out that “The people who aren’t in that moment, I knew these protests were involved need to be involved.” At the same unlike anything I had ever witnessed in my meeting, Junior Justyce Cribbs called on lifetime thus far.” the White student population saying, “Use As powerful as the protests were for your privilege for a reason.” these students, it also reminded them In the digital age, it’s easier than ever that the U.S. still has a ways to go before to support the movement. You can sign fixing the racial disparities in this counpetitions and make donations in one click. try. So how else can the Marian student Support the black community, and listen to body create real change? Self reflection their needs. If you’re old enough, vote. The helps individuals recognize any biases they more you educate yourself and others, the may have and work to erase them. “As a smaller the problem gets. Change happens predominantly white school, we as students one person at a time. should recognize how we may contribute

UNSURE 27.5%

27 %

41.6% 15%

STEPS TAKEN

a Professional development for faculty and staff a Faculty diversity committee a Creation of an African American studies class a History and English classes increased multi cultural focus a Cultural awareness

Source: August Network Google Survey

Microaggressions can cause marginalization

QuinnFindley s defined in the English Dictionary, a microaggression is “a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority.” Microaggressions stem from societal stereotypes and a lack of diversity education. For example: continually mispronouncing the name of a student with a non-English sounding name

after being corrected, complimenting a student with a different background on their English, assuming the physical abilities of a student based on their race or touching a student’s hair and asking if it is natural can all be defined as microaggressions. The base of a microaggression is assuming a person’s abilities and background from exhausted stereotypes in society and a lacking effort to correct them. The use of microaggressions can cause

minority groups to feel marginalized in their own community. Prejudicial actions can be subconscious or learned through the culture one is raised inmaking self awareness and reflection vital to ensure welcoming communities. By continuing to acknowledge differences that set you apart from others while simultaneously embracing the qualities that bring you together, Marian will grow into a safer space for students and teachers alike.

e ntis Sha

Are you confident that Marian (your fellow peers,faculty,staff and administration) will make the changes needed for a more inclusive community within the school?

eno

153 RESPONSES

ie G

33.3%

at rian a M ve at I lea ake th me n e “Wh .m., I t ssion ho 3 p ggre ” roa ith me. n ‘22 mic w arso

videos a Black and Hispanic students began meeting with Mrs. Sullivan in the spring of 2019 a Diverse educational opportunities for students a Job advertisements expanded to multiple cities

dd Ma

YES 33 % UNSURE

As the years passed, acts of racism and police brutal continued behind the public eye, but still happened non theless—until May 25, 2020—when Minneapolis polic officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck. F a 46-year-old Black man and father of one, was su by Officer Chavuin for nearly nine minutes as pedestri ans stood by. The event was caught on camera and later posted to social media, triggering an emotional respon all around the United States and once again bringing t BLM movement back to the forefront of American cu Once Floyd’s murder occurred, an explosion of civil unrest followed... exposing the unjust murders of Elijah McClain: killed for looking suspicious with a hat on as was walking home at night; Breonna Taylor: shot by po during a no knock warrant for her boyfriend’s alleged d possession; Atatina Jefferson: shot in the presence of he nephew for a reported call of her front door being open Stephon Clark: shot for holding a phone that supposed looked like a gun… and countless other lives. Though the need for change started through forms awareness on social media, such as resource lists to lear about the movement and links to petitions, it soon took the streets. Protests in big cities like Minneapolis, Chic Philadelphia, and even Omaha arose. In Omaha, one of the protests ended with a devasta story. James Scurlock, a 22 year old black man, was sho killed by Jacob Gardner, owner of bars. The death of this young man rattled the Omaha

s by

UNSURE YES 52 %

hough it was suppressed and hidden away in the hearts of passionate people for decades, the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement has always been alive, begging to break free. In the early 1950s, the Civil Rights Movement began around the United States. The Black community simply demanded equal treatment as the white community in existence beside them. When the change that was sought after still hadn’t occurred by 1960, Malcolm X, an Omaha native, cited the famous quote “By any means necessary” and rekindled the movement. On July 13, 2013 a Black 17-year-old boy, Trayvon Martin, was shot to death by the police in Sanford, Florida while walking home to his father’s condo. Instantly after his death, the community began to call for justice, and so the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement officially began. Then on July 17, 2014, Eric Garner was suffocated by police during an arrest in New York. As he was being choked, he pleaded, “I can’t breathe,” begging for the police to loosen the chokehold on his neck, leading to his death. This murder caused an emotional reaction in America, leading to protests, rallies and acts of passionate civil disobedience in hopes of gaining retribution for the lost life. Professional athletes wore T-shirts quoting, “I can’t breathe” to warm up in front of crowds of thousands, celebrities used their influence to advocate for petitions of justice and musicians participated in #TheShowMustBePaused movement to make it easier for the public to devote time to the BLM movement.

ic aph Gr

NO 15 % %

30.9%

NO 42 %

YES 31 %

STUDENT POLLS

Are you aware of what Marian has already done in the last two years to improve programming for diversity and inclusion?

149 RESPONSES

QuinnFindley

The movement’s past and present

Indepth 05

August 2020

the years passed, acts of racism and police brutality ued behind the public eye, but still happened none—until May 25, 2020—when Minneapolis police Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck. Floyd, ear-old Black man and father of one, was suffocated fficer Chavuin for nearly nine minutes as pedestriod by. The event was caught on camera and later to social media, triggering an emotional response und the United States and once again bringing the movement back to the forefront of American culture. ce Floyd’s murder occurred, an explosion of civil followed... exposing the unjust murders of Elijah ain: killed for looking suspicious with a hat on as he alking home at night; Breonna Taylor: shot by police a no knock warrant for her boyfriend’s alleged drug sion; Atatina Jefferson: shot in the presence of her w for a reported call of her front door being open; on Clark: shot for holding a phone that supposedly like a gun… and countless other lives. ugh the need for change started through forms of ness on social media, such as resource lists to learn the movement and links to petitions, it soon took to eets. Protests in big cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, elphia, and even Omaha arose. Omaha, one of the protests ended with a devastating ames Scurlock, a 22 year old black man, was shot and by Jacob Gardner, owner of The Hive and The Gatsby The death of this young man rattled the Omaha

community and compelled the community to stand up for justice. On 72nd and Dodge, the location of the main protests, a billboard based off of the mural on 14th and Farnam St. was put up to remember the life of Scurlock. The movement not only reached the city of Omaha, with the citizens holding protests and supporting black business owners, but it touched Marian High School as well. After a controversial #BlackLivesMatter post on Marian’s Instagram page, students expressed personal hardships they have endured and courageously brought previously unaddressed racial disparities directly to the administration. Because of the recent exposure, Marian’s administration felt a strong need to make changes as well . Multiple meetings were held over Zoom in which students were encouraged to share their honest opinions and ideas to ensure a more inclusive environment at the school. “Marian understands that we don’t understand,” Principal Susie Sullivan said. She followed with, “This is too important to mess up.” To help navigate the conversation, Marian invited Annette Crowder, from Omaha Public Schools and Cynthia Robinson, a University of Nebraska at Omaha professor to give helpful insight and provide a more comfortable setting for all the students who were brave in voicing concerns. At the meetings, multiple students voiced their opinions and opened the eyes of the Marian community. Robinson said, “[To] treat racism as its own virus- aggressive [to] make sure it doesn’t come back.” See chart below:

STEPS PLANNED

a A Student Diversity Board a The hiring of a Director of Diversity and Inclusion a Enhanced handbook policy relevant to racist behavior a School wide racial awareness conversations in small group settings

a Alumnae diversity board a A student-planned multi cultural night a Additional student participation in Inclucity workshops a Student-led programming for peer to peer teaching

“We need someone who has experienced racism. We want someone like us.”

Izzy Soto ‘22

What some students are seeking:

Action. Awareness. A seat at the table.

NaomiDelkamiller

arian girls have the opportunity to proactively transform the school’s trajectory moving forward. In June 2020, dozens of students opened up about their personal experiences as a member of a minority community at a majority white school. “We need someone who has experienced racism. We want someone like us,” junior Izzy Soto said, a Latina student. Soto believes a more diverse staff would make it easier for students to speak openly about their experiences as a minority. “It’s tiring to explain racism to someone who doesn’t know how it feels. If I were ever to have a racial problem I would feel more comfortable going to anyone of color.” Soto’s comments were echoed by other students with the desire to be understood without speculation and a factor in the administration’s

Chart by Naomi Delkamiller

“Wit divers h a student it color y board, ev ery at Ma repre rian will be s Laure ented.” n Harr is ‘21

WHAT WENT DOWN

Poster from The Union for Contemporary Art

@OmahaMarian makes a statement

arian’s first public statement regarding race after the death of George Floyd was a controversial start. The June 2 Instagram post made by @ omahamarian featured a student-made mural from February 7th, which was created in honor of Black History Month. Marian’s president, Mary Higgins, said the intent of the post was to “authentically express a message of support and compassion.” “We did not want to be silent,” she said. The photo was accompanied by

decision to hire a diversity coordinator. However, it is not just current students seeking change. “Even though I won’t be at Marian next year, I want it to be a better place for the people after me,” alumna Agoum Monydhel said. “This school needs to be pro life for all shades,” Monydhel said. Her hope is an example of allyship. As a Black woman, she is speaking to improve the Marian community and ensure the wellbeing of those after her, despite knowing she will not witness the results firsthand. Effective allyship can be manifested by amplifying unheard voices, educating oneself and supporting various policies to create a more just society for all. Some minority students at Marian feel the message of allyship is inconsistent and recently explained that vocal support from staff, students, and administrators is easily contradicted by the presence of a majority white staff, optional school-wide diversity activities rather than mandatory ones and an absence of a zero-tolerance policy against racism. Administrative participants heard these concerns loud and clear and have since turned the criticism into positive change. With the help of staff and administration, Marian girls are transforming the school’s trajectory before the school year has even started. A diversity coordinator has been hired for the 2020-2021 school year, mandatory faculty/staff diversity training is scheduled and a Diversity Studet Board will soon join the ranks with other student-led initiatives at Marian. As a result of these dynamic changes and other planned action steps, this next year will be a significant step towards a more inclusive community for all Crusaders.

a short caption that wrote, “Compassion. Empowerment. Community. We stand with and support our students of color.” Reactions to the post were a combination of support and criticism- some comments expressed gratitude that Marian had said something about the matter, others were critical that the school did not say enough . Within minutes the post had hundreds of responses from Marian students, along with other Instagram users, who felt it was a “disappointing, bland and insensi-

Photoillustration and article by Naomi Delkamiller tive way to show support.” The post was deleted two hours after its initial upload due to students and faculty being targeted in the comment section. With over 200 likes and hundreds of comments the greater Marian community made it clear that Marian needs to “be better.” While this statement can sound vague, three Zoom meetings between students and administrators throughout the month of June has made that request more clear. See chart for action steps.

06 Feature

August 2020

Iceland cancellation saddens many AnnaDailey

or 42 Marian girls, summer 2020 meant an exciting adventure to Iceland. The trip was planned more than two years in advance and took a lot of preparation and effort from students, parents, and faculty. The trip was originally supposed to occur in 2018, but was pushed to 2020 due to schedule changes. Girls and faculty were excited to spend time in Iceland’s beautiful nature and experience a different culture. On June 27, it was announced that the trip had been completely cancelled. In late April, French teacher, Mrs. Janet Tuttle, chaperone of the trip, sent out an email announcing that the trip would need to be pushed back a few months due to COVID-19. There was still hope about enjoying the beauty of Iceland and experiencing a Marian-hosted trip when it would be safe to do so. Science teacher, Dr. Sharon Genoways, chaperone of the trip, found it promising that the trip would occur as cases continued to drop in Iceland. “Once I heard that Iceland had the virus under control and had no reported cases, I was so excited. But, because the U.S. is unable to follow social distancing and mask rules, Iceland has decided that no U.S. travelers would be admitted for the foreseeable future,” Dr. Genoways said. This means that there were limited options about how to handle the status of the trip. Dr. Genoways and Mrs. Tuttle worked together to decide how to handle the situation. In the best interest of all those attending the trip, they decided to cancel it altogether. “We have totally cancelled and requested a refund of our money,” Dr. Genoways said. “The future of travel is too uncertain, and both Mrs. Tuttle and I did not feel that we could ensure that our

travelers could safely fly without risking exposure to the virus.” The decision to completely cancel the trip was not an easy one to make. “We considered moving the trip to second semester spring 2021 but we were very concerned that the travel company could go bankrupt—resulting in everyone losing a lot of money. As it is, we all lost a $99 non-refundable registration fee and, depending on the type of insurance selected, were assessed a $75 - $300 cancellation fee,” Dr. Genoways said. Although it was predicted by many that the trip would be cancelled, the official news was nonetheless disappointing. “I was really upset at first but I understand why the trip was cancelled,” senior Bridget McKay said. “This was going to be my first time ever going out of the country.” As girls prepared for the trip, they began to buy things necessary for the activities planned in Iceland. “I bought hiking boots, two jackets, and a wool turtleneck. This was probably over 200 dollars,” said junior Madison Adam. For those attending, the trip to Iceland was supposed to come with many awaited experiences. “Iceland is a treasure and there were so many things that I was excited to see - volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, whales, geysers” Dr. Genoways said. The Network surveyed the girls who had expected to go, and 25 girls who responded are planning on going to Iceland in the future on their own or with Marian if there is another trip before they graduate. “If the opportunity was to come again, I would love to go to Iceland in the future,” McKay said. All questions about the trip can be directed to Dr. Genoways or Mrs. Tuttle.

Marian welcomes new faculty faces Lexi Ketcham

Counselor Mrs. Laura Gelecki retired in May. Taking her position is Mrs. Anna Sully Sparwasser, former Mrs. Anna English, journalism and Sparwasser, speech teacher counselor at Marian. “In fact, Mrs. K. was my student teacher in my journalism classroom,” Sparwasser says. She is the mother of incoming freshman Grace and aunt of junior Ryan Sully. After working at Marian she worked in Chicago Public Schools, Boys Town and Omaha Public Schools. In addition, she was a school counselor at the American School of El Salvador in Latin America. Mrs. Sparwasser is now returning to Marian after 26 years to be a counselor for last names H-N. “I feel like I am coming home to Marian,” Sparwasser said. Ms. Jessica Jordano will be taking the place of former history teacher Mr. David Anderson. She will be teaching Pre-AP World History and Geography to freshmen and United States History to juniors. Ms. Jordano was born in Hawaii and was constantly moving throughout the country in a military family. In her New Jersey high school, Ms. Jordano was involved in political clubs and service clubs where she participated in church volunteering. She

attended the University of South Dakota where she worked in an extensive student-teaching program. After Ms. Jessica Jordano, teaching in social studies Lincoln, she moved to Omaha. “I love this city and now I am close to family and friends who also moved here. And of course, because it is the home of Marian,” Jordano says. Through Ms. Jardano’s teaching career, she has taught US History, World History, World Geography, American Government, Psychology and Religion to students ranging from grades 6-12. “I decided to come to Marian because it has an amazing reputation for excellence in educating young women who become empowered women of faith. I look forward to becoming part of the Marian community and contributing to the legacy,” Jorando says. She is excited to get to know her students and share her passion for history with them. As former Spanish teacher Señora Amy Brabec leaves Marian, Señora Cassie Craig will be transitioning to full time and both Señorita Caitlin Gaul and Señora Amanda Pritchard will be taking on an extra class. Señora Craig has been teaching for 10 years and three of those have been part time in order to spend

Not your typical traveling

SophieStevens

W hen COVID-19 became

I wore a mask any time we went in public places, like present in the gas stations, outUnited States and door restaurants, started to shut or at the outdoor everything down, shopping strips.” traveling became a She traveled to concern for many. two places in a car. People continued “In the Ozarks, to travel by car, but there were a lot of airports became people, but since desolate. everyone travels in When the masstheir own boats, it es entered quaranfelt like a regular tine to flatten the summer vacation curve, most took on the lake.” Elhers major precautions said that few peosuch as cancelling ple wore masks in plans and wearing public places, and masks. However, as it was that person’s quarantine persistAudrey Elhers ‘23 and Sarah Specht responsibility to ed and cancellations ‘23 stand in front of South Dakota’s stay safe. kept coming, people Many students began to get comfort- Mount Rushmore in late May. at Marian traveled able with the idea of during quarantine. According to a recent normal life with the virus and traveling poll of 165 students, 69.9 percent of started up again. students said that COVID affected their When boarding a flight, it is rectraveling plans. 30 percent of students ommended to social distance and wear said that COVID did not affect their a mask the whole time- some airlines travel. 62 percent of students said they intentionally leave the middle seat open to travelled and stayed overnight somewhere ensure there is comfortable space between outside of Omaha. flyers. Incoming freshman Phoebe Meier During my experience traveling, the traveled to Colorado during COVID and Omaha airport was not crowded at all, but said “We wore a mask everywhere we when arriving in Charlotte, North Carowent. Most places would not let you in lina, in late May, there were much larger without a mask.”Phoebe and her family crowds. When walking from terminal to traveled in a car because they felt it was terminal, there were people touching each safer. “In the public places we went, many other and even removing their mask. people were wearing masks and using When arriving in Orange Beach, Alahand sanitizer.” bama on May 25, 2020, it seemed it was a When traveling, it became very evident regular summer vacation, and a worldwide that if a person did not take precautions pandemic was not going on. Restaurants for themselves there were consequences were filled with tons of people, none of that reached far beyond their circle. Wearwhich were wearing masks. Boats were out ing a mask, hand sanitizing and social all day, and people were partying without distancing is something only that person caution. had control over, and if done here, they Sophomore Audrey Elhers, who would have a better chance of not getting traveled to South Dakota and the Ozarks spreading diseases, and keeping other at the end of May, said, “My friends and people safe.

more time with her children. Despite not having more free time throughout her week, she looks forward to teaching more. “I am excited to get back to a more Paraprofessionals: Mrs. Sarah Timpe, Ms. Pat Hannon, regular schedule Mrs. Ali Britt, Miss Hannah Hennings and not feeling like I am going in I want to make sure they have as much a million different directions at all times,” help as possible,” Hennings says. She will Craig says. be in charge of temperature taking in the Four new paraprofessionals, Mrs. Alimorning and mainly cover for teacher, but son Britt, Ms. Pat Hannon, Miss Hannah will provide help wherever needed. Hennings and Mrs. Sarah Timpe have Mrs. Britt was born in McCook, also been hired. Ms. Hannon said she Nebraska, but has lived in Wisconsin, has had a “diversified” career in education Mississippi and California. She studand public service. She has taught in high ied Economics and has previously been schools and colleges and given the last 25 a Grants Administrator and Teacher years to the state government. She grew Assistant. She chose to come to Marian up in Iowa and graduated from Duchesne because her daughter Paige will be an Academy. She attended Creighton and incoming sophomore. the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Mrs. Sarah Timpe is originally from Miss Hennings, daughter of Mrs. Rapid City, South Dakota. She studied Kris Hennings, is from Council Bluffs, Family Science with a minor in Ethnic Iowa. She has a degree in Applied Health Studies. She has had jobs in refugee setScience: Exercise Science, and since then tlements, homeless outreach, foster care, she has worked for the National AssoHospice and has been a campus minister ciation of Intercollegiate Athletics and in South Dakota. She got married this for a Medical EMR company, Cerner, in summer and is excited to help out at Kansas City. “I chose to come to Marian Marian this year. “I loved working in a because with everything going on in this Catholic high school in South Dakota, crazy world right now, teachers are really and was looking for the same sort of work being put into the front lines of covid and and community,” Timpe said.

Sports 07

August 2020

Summer conditioning starts off fall season

It’s game time!

MaryCateTabor

Marian completes construction of new athletic annex

AnnaKidder

ast year, Marian underwent some exciting changes- updates to the cafeteria, classrooms, hallways and a new library—but it didn’t stop there. This summer, Marian completed construction on the new locker rooms, which are located in the Athletic Annex right behind the concession stand. Along with the brand new bathrooms for officials, showers and lockers, there is also a new video room for Marian athletic teams to watch film from past games. In addition, there is designated PE classroom space. If you explore the space today, you’ll see art that is impressive in size and scale on the walls leading to the new locker room and in the original locker room hallway. The donor wall is still in the concept stage, but it will be completed soon. Athletes and physical education students will use the current locker rooms, while a few of the sports teams will use the new locker room. Athletic Director Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs said she’s “excited that we will be able to have enough space for our athletes to have lockers as well as for our visiting team to have a locker room.”

The completed athletic annex. Photos by NaomiDelkamiller.

his summer, Marian decided to continue with summer conditioning for sports with new procedural adjustments. Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Rochelle Rohlfs explained Marian’s plan to continue with training going into the school year while keeping up with Nebraska’s COVID-19 guidelines. Athletes were assigned different times throughout the day to train in designated areas at the school. Groups were spread out in the East and West gyms, along with a couple girls in the weight room. Strength and conditioning coach Ms. Lauren Barefoot had a unique workout plan for each sport. Ms. Molly Pettit and the coaching staff helped as they had been keeping everyone safe while continuing with workouts since June 1- with 16 different workout sessions each week. “Attendance has been higher than ever this year,” Rohlfs said, “so coaches had to constantly remind the girls to stay six feet apart, while drills and workout stations are adjusted to enforce social distancing.” Allowing weight rooms to open and summer conditioning to continue has given athletes an opportunity to continue

in their training and prepare for the upcoming season. “This year, there are three different age groups, and those groups are separated too. Seniors and juniors are together, all sophomores are together, and all incoming freshmen are together,” senior volleyball player Sophi Steffes said. “Each age group is split into three smaller groups. For example, I am in a group of about 10 girls that are seniors and juniors, and I condition and play volleyball with them.” For basketball, the workout stations have been moved to be six feet apart and masks are part of the process. We are required to wear masks moving from station to station and going to and from the school,” sophomore basketball player Sophie Shaffer said. “We also sanitize everything down after we use it.” After a long summer of training, tryouts were intended to start Aug. 10. The girls are hopeful for a season and a chance to continue their high school sports careers.

The Olympic Games: cancellations and controversies collide in Summer 2020 JessicaBrusnahan

he Olympic Games are a highly anticipated event for many sports fans. Watching the greatest athletes in the world compete at the highest level gives a thrill like no other. Nothing compares to the enormous feeling of pride upon seeing someone from your country win big. However, coronavirus has had a way of changing a lot of plans. In March 2020, when the virus first began to spread, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) just planned to postpone the games. However, when March, April and May presented large surges in coronavirus cases, the IOC decided to definitively push back the 2020 Summer Olympics to summer 2021, in late July through

early August. IOC president Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo explained that these decisions were made in order “to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community,” as quoted on olympic.org. Senior and competitive swimmer Rylee Trojan was beyond excited to see her favorite athletes in-person at the Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha and on television at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. “I think it was pretty disappointing hearing that the Olympics were going to be postponed, especially since there were so many people preparing for them,” Trojan said. Yet, she also under-

stands the dangers of such a crowd-gathering event amidst the pandemic. “I think there will be little to no spectators allowed and social distancing rules in place [at next summer’s Olympic Games],” she said. Even though this will be a drastic change from what the world of sports has known, Trojan is optimistic that between now and next summer there will be new research and a decline in coronavirus cases. She, like so many other fans, wants to see the Olympics continue as planned to give all athletes the full, wonderful experience of competing (and possibly even winning) for their country.

Athletes continue with summer club sports SophiaVirgillito

lthough the spring sports season got cut short for many teams, Marian athletes continued to work hard through the summer with their club sports teams. Junior Shannon Monahan, who had a spot on Marian’s JV Soccer team, continued her soccer career this summer playing for the 03/04 gold team at Gretna Elite Academy, a combination of Gretna Soccer Club and Elite Girls Academy (GEA). Club soccer is usually in the fall and winter, while the high school soccer season fills the springtime. For most club players, tryouts were unlike anything in the past. Tryouts were not held for the returning players of GEA, like Monahan, but for members of other clubs wishing to switch this upcoming season. For the 03/04 gold GEA team, a small tryout was held with a couple girls from each team to help out. For other clubs, rather than a tryout, girls were offered spots on specific teams based on previous season play at their returning club. Girls were also allowed to reach out to other clubs, therefore receiving more offers and from there accepting or declining. Monahan said the biggest change she noticed this summer is that her team is, “doing more drills focused on footwork and not a lot of contact.” Along with club soccer, club basketball, which is usually set for the spring, has given athletes a chance to compete this summer.

Senior Celia Hacker plays for Team Factory Girls Basketball on the U17 team. The club basketball season normally follows the winter high school season. Hacker has started for Marian’s Varsity Basketball team since her freshman year. Each spring, club tryouts are held and teams begin to travel to tournaments, competing against other clubs on most weekends. This year, however, was different. Tryouts were postponed, tournaments were cancelled, and players were forced to put in extra work to prepare for the new summer season set for July. “The biggest part was that I had to choose within myself if I wanted to get in the gym and get better or stay home. Lots of people stayed home and it showed!” Hacker said. This club basketball season is crucial to the Class of 2021 players looking to continue their basketball career in college. Hacker said this has impacted her personal recruitment process, as college coaches are not able to physically attend games. Rather than standing on the sidelines, college coaches are recruiting through live streams on BallerTV. Athletes have just recently been allowed to go on visits to colleges looking to recruit them. Hacker has collegiate offers from Upper Iowa University, Lake Superior State University, Grand View University, Peru State College. Club sports impact athletes in many ways. They form relationships with coaches, friendships with different players from competing schools, and sports offered during off-seasons serve as both physical activity and a healthy physical and mental outlet. Despite the COVID outbreak, club sports allowed many athletes to continue through summer, on the sports they play.

August & September Athletic Competitions 20

19 Fall Sports Pictures 3-4:30

V Golf JV, V Softball @ Westgate

Virtual Fall Sports Parent Night

V Golf JV V Softball v Central

JV V Softball v Burke

1 JV V Golf F, R, JV, V Volleyball @ElkS

2 JVV Softball @ BellEast

3 XC JV Golf

8 XC

10 V Golf V Softball @Dill

JV Golf

V VB v Dowling JV V Softball v PLVS

14 JV Golf

Metro Softball

R Volleyball

15 JV Golf R, JV, Volley-

F, R, JV, V VB v MSHS

JV V Softball @MNHS

28 XC JV V SB@ MSHS F, R, JV Volleyball @LincEast

V Golf F, R, JV, V Volleyball v MWHS

JV Golf

F, R, JV, V Volleyball @Mil.North

ball

22 XC

17 V Golf

R VB

JV V Softball v PLV 23 V Golf

24 JV Golf

Softball v

Volleyball @PLVS

JV V

BellWest

F, R, JV, V

21 JV Golf

22 JV, V Softball @Skutt

28 JV V Softball @ Dill V VB@ BellWest

29 JV V Softball V VB @ BellWest

4 JV Softball @Burke

5 XC R VB@TVA JV VB@ Gretna JV V Softball @Ta-Ha

12 Metro

Metro Softball

18 VVolleyball@LSE VSoftball @Westside 25

Softball JV Softball @Skutt F VB@Skutt JV @WHS

XC V Softball @

Westside

V VB@LSE

26 XC R VB @

BellWest

V SB

See Marian’s online calendar for updates and full details: https://bit.ly/2POXuwO

8 Entertainment

August 2020

Stack 2 pieces of cotton fabric together ensuring all raw edges of fabric are aligned. Be sure that any fabric design is placed horizontally!

Follow these instructions to make a mask GraceVirgillito

If using elastic, pin one end of each piece ½” below the raw edges at the top and bottom corners of the mask.

Using ¼” seam, begin stitching around the outside of the mask. Leave a 2-3 inch opening along the fourth side of mask.

Turn mask fabric right-side out. Use a pencil to help push out the seams in the four corners.

Measure 2 or 3 evenly-spaced folds (approximately 1”) on each side of the mask. Make sure that the folds go in same direction.

Network staffer Madison Genoways ‘21 makes her own mask at the kitchen table. Photo courtesy of Dr. Sharon Genoways.

Graphic by MiaDunker

25-50% of people infected with Covid-19 are asymptomatic, according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC). It is highly recommended by the CDC to wear a mask even if you feel healthy.

Sew ¼” seam along the sides of the mask to hold the folds in place and close the small area of the open seam.

Press the mask, making sure to carefully line up and fold in the edges of the fabric that are still open using an iron.

Which mask are you?

Your mask is made & ready to wear to school!

The controversy over masks in Omaha GraceVirgillito

How would you friends describe you? A. Creative B. Confident C. Nice D. Reserved

What is your favorite color? A. Pink B. Blue C. Yellow D. Purple

Where would you want to go most? A. Los Angeles B. Colorado C. Italy D. New York

What is your favorite school subject? A. English B. Gym C. Science D. Math

mostly...

What activity would you do? A. Go out to dinner B. Watch movies C. Dress up and take pictures D. Stay inside and chill

earing a mask has become a norm for most communities, and many states require masks when going out in public or entering various stores around the area. However, there is controversy between whether we should or shouldn’t wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in America. Officials believe Americans should wear masks- whether they like them or not. However, some people don’t necessarily enjoy wearing masks and choose not to wear them unless it’s mandatory. Marian senior, Mary Claire Daubendiek said, “I believe wearing a mask is a simple and essential act of human decency. You lose nothing by wearing one, and you gain not only a defense against the virus for yourself, but you are also protecting the people around you. To protect the people around you, all you have to do is wear a piece of cloth on your face, which sounds easy enough; I even wore one while working out and was still able to breathe fine. I hope that people start taking wearing a mask seriously, because I want everyone to be able to go back to doing the things they love with the people they love sooner than later, without the threat of getting sick.” As of Aug. 11, there is a mask mandate in Omaha through Sept. 15, and it will be mandatory to wear masks in Marian. “I think having masks is a necessity for going back to school,” senior Emma Gunn said. “It’ll make communication a little more difficult, but we all have to do our part in our community to keep each

other healthy. Plus, it’s one more way that we can express ourselves while wearing uniforms.” As seniors attended Marian prior to the pandemic and experienced some of high school with a little more normalcy, freshmen are bombarded with new protocol and a new school. “I’m very scared for the new transitions,” incoming freshman, Mariella Virgillito said. “I understand wearing masks is mandatory, but it will be a big change. I think going to school and having all these new rules will be different and weird.” High school has been known to be a complicated time for teenagers—even before the added stress that comes with a pandemic. There is no simple solution to making any of it easier, but by wearing a mask and following new safety guidelines, the Marian community will be standing in solidarity to make the most of this unprecedented time.

Regina Anaegbunam‘23 and Avery Kinnison ‘22 model their creative masks. Photos submitted.