Marian Network Newspaper - January 2022

NEWS QUINCEAÑERA PAGE 2

The

SPORTS WINTER ATHLETES PAGE 13

PHOTO ESSAY WINTER ACTIVITIES PAGE 16

THE BUZZ

VOLUME SIXTY-SIX • ISSUE FIVE • JANUARY 2022 MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL • 7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134 • WWW.MARIANDIGITALNETWORK.COM

Single gender education allows students to thrive in an

accepting environment and become

confident,

thinking

leaders in the world. Story on page 7.

Photo Illustration by MaddieAdam & ElleianaGreen Photos by AnnaRasgorshek

02 News

Long-awaited Quinceañera surprises AP Spanish V student

EliseMoulton n Dec. 13, Eileen Jacinto Lopez was surprised with a Quinceañera hosted by her Spanish class and family. After waiting almost two years, Jacinto Lopez was finally able to celebrate her fifteenth birthday.

Quinceañeras are widely celebrated among Latino families. They mark an important milestone of entrance into womanhood when a girl turns 15.

Jacinto Lopez’s mom began planning her surprise quince when Jacinto Lopez was 14. The Quinceañera was supposed to take place sometime in April 2020. However, due to COVID, it had to be canceled. “When I spent my birthday alone in quarantine, it felt lonely. Almost every girl cousin of mine had a quince and growing up around that made me want to have one of my own even more. So when I didn’t have the chance to have my own quince, I was heartbroken,” Jacinto Lopez said.

Jacinto Lopez and her family tried planning a sweet 16 however, due to family issues that was not possible either. After her sweet 16 was canceled, Jacinto Lopez didn’t have any hope left.

Early into the first semester AP Spanish V students studied Quinceañeras. During this time Jacinto Lopez shared with the class that her quince had to be canceled and

she wouldn’t be able to celebrate her special day. Mrs. Amanda Pritchard, Jacinto Lopez’s Spanish teacher, decided to throw a quince for her after hearing the sad news.

“I figured I would call her mom to make sure it was a good idea, and then things took off! Mom was thrilled, and wanted to help. She had already purchased a lot of the decor, and wanted to invite family and friends, too,” Pritchard said. Jacinto Lopez’s class planned for the surprise during days that she was absent from school. “Once [Principal] Mrs. [Susie] Sullivan got involved, we got the PAC lobby reserved, and Mrs. [Michelle] Delisi helped with a lot of the set-up, too,” Pritchard said.

Since this was a surprise for Jacinto Lopez, she was unable to pick out her dress. “I always told my mom that I wanted my dress to be gold or rose gold, so my mom chose it for me,” Jacinto Lopez said.

At a traditional Quinceañera there is a grand entrance, waltz, surprise dance, coronation, father and daughter dance, family dance, and a baile [dance] afterwards. Jacinto Lopez’s father was unable to attend so they chose to do a mother-daughter dance instead. “Obviously we couldn’t do what is traditionally done, but the mother and daughter dance did

Family and Flowers The Jacinto Lopez family poses with her “15” sign made entirely by teacher, Mrs. Amanda Pritchard.

Photo Courtesy of Joe Mixan

AnnaRasgorshek very year since 2005, the Louisiana State University’s Tiger Girls have placed in the top 10 of 100’s of teams at Universal Dance Academy (UDA) nationals. In 2021, the Tiger Girls were denied the opportunity to compete at nationals by their school, who cited “lack of staff in the training room.” The Tiger Girls made national news with a trending petition asking LSU to reconsider their decision.

“Telling these kids they can’t compete is confusing, and degrading them in comparison to other athletes, while they are still held to the same standards. Taking away this opportunity to compete and grow in their craft as dedicated athletes minimizes this program to only beautiful girls who stand on the sideline supporting other athletes, while never getting the opportunity to compete themselves.

They are so much more than that,” Tiger Girls alumni and choreographer Sammy McFadden said in a statement on Instagram.

While they weren’t able to compete, they were still allowed to dance

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January 2022

A Successful Surprise Eileen Jacinto Lopez with Mrs. Amanda Pritchard after the much anticipated surprise.

Pritchard teaches Jacinto Lopez in AP Spanish V. Photo by ElleianaGreen

happen,” Jacinto Lopez said. She also danced with her siblings and had the coronation.

Cupcakes and agua de horchata, a drink consisting of water, rice, cinnamon and vanilla, was served at the quince. “There isn’t a specific dish that is special to a Quinceañera, but a typical plate would be birria [beef], orange rice, beans, and tortillas with any type of beverage,” Jacinto Lopez said.

“I was very surprised when I walked into the PAC lobby. I was not

expecting my Spanish class, friends, and family to be there. I felt very loved and thankful,” Jacinto Lopez said.

“It was such a pleasure to be able to put this together for Eileen! I loved that we could do this for her,” Pritchard said. Putting this small surprise together for Jacinto Lopez was an opportunity for Spanish students to learn more about a quince and attend an event with similar symbolism. “It was a win-win for everyone,” Pritchard said.

Make-up With Mom Eileen Jacinto Lopez’s mom helps her with her make-up as she finishes preparations for her surprise celebration.

Photo by ElleianaGreen

A Grand Entrance Students from Honors Spanish IV and AP Spanish V, guided Eileen Jacinto Lopez to her family and a mariachi band.

Photo Courtesy of Joe Mixan

A Dance With Her Daughter Eileen Jacinto Lopez opted for a special mother-daughter dance, rather than the traditional father-daughter dance.

Photo by ElleianaGreen

at football and basketball games.

“We’re the low hanging fruit, since we aren’t bringing in the money, we don’t have ticket sales, things like that, we typically will be the ones that are pushed aside first,” Tiger Girl Rebecca Tierney said in a statement to the LSU Wire.

Ultimately, the Tiger Girls did not end up getting to compete in 2021.

In 2022, the Tiger Girls were back to send a message. “The Tiger Girls brought attention to disparities between male and female sports because it showed how most of the time, male-dominated sports have priority over female-dominated sports, LSU’s dance was dedicated to any female athlete who has felt neglected because of their male counterparts. That is an important message to deliver to dancers so they know they are worthy and that women deserve as much respect as men in sports,” dance team sophomore Ella Turkel said. Their hiphop dance to “Like a Boy” by Ciara sent the message loud and clear: they wanted to be treated with respect. The

Tiger Girls took home the gold in hiphop for the first time in 12 years and their dance went viral.

“LSU’s victory showed me the impossible. Their team had to push their administration to let them compete at UDA College Nationals. This victory proved their administration wrong.

This victory led to inspiration for the Marian Dance Team (MDT). We are all inspired by their amazing message,” junior Payton Vosik said. Their message, bringing attention to disparities between male and female college sports, was felt by athletes around the country.

The MDT is no stranger to being treated differently. Dance is often dubbed as a “girl sport,” which makes it difficult to be taken seriously. “I hate how dance is considered a ‘girl sport.’ It’s categorized as that because people don’t think girls are qualified to do sports that boys do. But in reality, boys would not be able to do half the stuff we do at the level we do,” junior MDT member Lily Dencklau said.

Due to COVID-19, the dance team was not allowed to compete at nationals last year. “I feel like we relate to them. I feel like we had a really strong pom performance last year, and I feel like we had so much potential to do good. I feel like we are more motivated than ever because we have two routines that we have worked on since August,” Vosik said.

The team hopes that their six months of work pays off at nationals in Orlando, Florida this year. “I definitely feel like our team is much more motivated this year after not going to nationals last year. We are working harder than ever to show that the Marian Dance Team is a force to be reckoned with. All of our hard work that has been put into these routines will hopefully pay off at Nationals in Florida,” Turkel said.

The dance team will compete at UDA nationals on Feb. 4 in both pom and jazz, hoping to follow in LSU’s footsteps and bring home the gold.

More than a dance: LSU Tiger Girls bring light to gender disparities

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January 2022

Kellogg’s strike generates support, action, settlement

News 03

ElleianaGreen or 77 days, employees at Kellogg’s local cereal plant went on strike demanding the creation of a new contract to benefit workers. Beginning on Oct. 5, a team of 417 employees left their positions to picket outside of the factory until a negotiation was made.

“They were trying to take our health insurance away. They were trying to take our cost of living away. They were trying to implement an alternative work schedule,” Dan Osborn, President of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), said. While the company brought in record profits with the rise of COVID, “we worked with our numbers short. We worked 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. We felt we had some pretty good leverage for this contract. So our initial task was to eliminate the two-tier system.”

The two-tier system, implemented in 2015, provided an upper and lower level with different benefits for each.

“What the union originally wanted was everybody at the same wage as the upper tier, which right now is about $34 an hour,” said Jay Mulkey, a facility manager at the factory. “And the people coming in [at the lower tier] get $22 an hour. It doesn’t make sense for us to pay people that are not going to stay around the same wage.” Mulkey, like many other non-participants, believes in an apprenticeship period to prevent everyone in the plant from making the same amount of money.

Members of the union, on the other hand, called for equal pay for equal work.

“The lower tier employee gets about $11 an hour less. They get fewer vacations, they have higher health insurance premiums and less vacation pay,” Osborn said. “We’re doing the same jobs, but just for less pay and benefits.”

Soon, all national attention was prepared for the right,” Osborn said. directed on Kellogg’s as major news “My dad’s restaurant, Jackson’s outlets rushed to plants in Nebraska, Takeout, catered at Kellogg’s from Michigan, Tennessee and Pennsylva2019 until the beginning of COVID,” nia. senior Brejea Glass said. “We had a lot “I don’t think they were anticipatof customers that worked at Kellogg’s ing the level of the traction that we and they always talked about long gained,” Osborn said. “They certainly hours and bad pay.” Glass and her famunderestimated ily heard about our will and our the increased strength. A lot of mistreatment other local unions of workers in town wouldn’t from their cross the pickcustomers and et line.” Union made the dePacific, another cision to stop local company catering for and supplier of them to stand raw materials, in support. refused to bring As traction in train cars of about the strike factory supplies and boycott to support the picked up, strikers.

Glass’s social Soon, both media timesides of the aisle lines became were showing flooded with support for the information workers. about the President strike. “I Joe Biden, Vice remember President Kamala reading an Harris, Senator article about Bernie Sanders, the boycott Representative and several Don Bacon, and customers Illustration of Kellogg’s Governor Pete came in and Frosted Flakes mascot Tony the Tiger Ricketts were some talked about

by ElleianaGreen of the many promiit,” Glass said. nent political figures that sympathized Jackson’s Takeout had since stopped with the strikers. Governor Ricketts, in catering for Kellogg’s and was satisfied his powerful letter to Kellogg’s CEO, with their decision.

Steve Cahillane, urged the company to As support continued to increase, prioritize their workers and work tothe strike continued, while non-particiwards a settlement. “I think Kellogg’s pants continued to work. only anticipated the left coming out in “We had to park at an offsite locasupport of the Union, but they weren’t tion. We got on a bus every day. Then

we got driven in,” Mulkey said. “As we came into the perimeter, all of the workers were out there. For the first few weeks they tried to block our bus and shine flashlights in the bus. They held up signs and called us names.

They were our own employees.”

Inside the plant, workers were temporarily replaced to continue production. “It didn’t take them very long to figure out how to run stuff,” Mulkey said. “We were running cereal within a week. Over the course of the three months there was only one production line we didn’t run.”

Kellogg’s attempted to continue as usual until word of a national boycott caught wind. “The key to approaching the settlement was the boycott,” Osborn said. “It was really gaining traction and data was showing a large percentage of people were going to boycott Kellogg’s. It gave us a lot of momentum.”

While replacement workers continued production, they could not compete with the workers on strike. On top of this, when consumers stopped purchasing Pop-Tarts, Cheez-Its, Rice Krispies and Froot Loops, profits fell and Kellogg’s could no longer stay passive. On Dec. 21, a new contract was ratified and went into effect. “I am pleased we can compare where we started to where we are now,” Osborn said. “We got another 5-year contract. I think everything’s gonna be a little bit better.”

Ultimately, though, Osborn doesn’t believe the result would have been the same if workers hadn’t come together to fight for their rights. “If you’re an individual in the workplace, you have no voice,” Osborn said. “When you come together with others, you know you have a voice. True power is derived from numbers.”

FionaGautschi n January of 1973, the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case was decided in favor of Roe which held that women have the right to abortion without excessive government restriction.

The Roe v. Wade ruling states that abortions cannot be banned in the first trimester; second trimester can have restrictions and states can choose to ban third term abortions. Since then, there have been many calls from the Pro-Life community to challenge this case and end abortion in the U.S. In the past year there have been two important court cases to challenge Roe v. Wade. The first being the Texas Heartbeat Act enacted in September 2021. The law bans abortion after a detected heartbeat at six weeks.

This is different from previous state abortion laws, as it is the first abortion law to be enforced by private citizens through civil lawsuits rather than relying on government officials. This enforcement by private citizens makes it easier for citizens to sue facilities or anyone who performs abortions.

“It’s not a matter of whether it’s constitutional or not anymore, because the state is not the one enforcing it,” Social Studies teacher Mrs. Jillian Roger said.

The court case that could impact

the future of abortion in the U.S. is the Mississippi law. “The Mississippi Abortion law makes abortions illegal after 15 weeks, intentionally one week earlier than the second trimester,” Roger said.

“I do not believe that abortion is okay after any point after conception, but I am very glad that we are beginning to see regulations,” Marian Students for Life club leader, senior Izel Capan said.

In May 2021, the Supreme Court heard Dobbs v. Jackson, the case regarding the Mississippi abortion law.

The Supreme Court will likely hear the case again this June. “Mississippi’s law prohibiting most abortions after 15 weeks was not a ‘dramatic departure’ from viability, and gave women enough time to make the choice to end their pregnancies,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said.

In a statement to the New York Times, The Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents the Jackson Clinic, said “that a reversal of Roe would leave large parts of the south and midwest without access to legal abortions, and preganant women who cannot afford to cross state lines to get a legal abortion would attempt to end their own pregnancies.”

Students attended the March for Life on Jan. 29 in Lincoln. Senior Sydney Witkowski attended her fourth march this year.

“I’m disappointed we weren’t able to go to D.C. for the march this year, but I’m so excited to be at the march in Lincoln for a cause that’s important to me,” Witkowski said.

The decision from the Supreme Court awaits and activists on both sides have continued to fight for their cause.

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Decision looms in highest court: Fate of Roe v. Wade

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“The difference now is that there is a six person conservative majority on the Supreme Court, that looks like they are willing to overturn Roe v.

Wade,” Roger said.

This issue is close to the hearts of many and especially students in the Marian Students for Life Club.

“Everyone has the right to life, as stated in our Constitution. In my eyes, we are all equal, and we all deserve the same chances life has to offer,” Capan said.

Seniors Kennedy Beecham, Sydney Witkowski and Jaley McKee stand at the March for Life. They attended this event in Lincoln on Jan. 29. Photo by LanyGregor.

04 Opinion

Nebraska is home, but it’s time to go:

Students stay close to home:

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New experience, different state KathrynStec

or some it’s a no-brainer about where they want to go to college; for others it’s a huge decision that takes lots of time, several visits, and multiple pros and cons lists. For me, the only decision I was certain of was applying only to out of state schools.

The thought of spending another four years in the same state that I grew up in, when I had the opportunity to leave, was painful— and quite frankly, the last thing I wanted to do.

However, for other seniors, it is the complete opposite. The thought of going out of state, away from home and everything they know, is the last thing they want to do.

When I began applying to colleges, not one Nebraska school was on my list. It was my goal to leave Nebraska and find a school where I knew almost no one who was going. I’m ready for a new experience, a new city, new people, and an entirely new life.

I loved growing up in Nebraska, and I will undoubtedly have an amazing time when I come back and visit. After all, this is where I’ve spent my entire life. But taking the opportunity to start a new chapter in my life in a completely new place sounds like the best choice for me.

Although going out of state can be more expensive, there are several scholarships available that can reduce the price and potentially make it the same cost of staying in state.

Going out of state for college is going to force me out of my comfort zone and make me grow up.

Being five hours away at the University of Missouri in Columbia is what

I need to push myself to experience new things and grow out of my hometown.

I want a new challenge and experience that will give me a fresh start.

For me, going out of state for college is the first step in creating my own life, separate from everything that I’ve ever known.

It comforts me to know that other people around me will be in the same situation, away from home and in a completely new setting. That is all the security I need to have confidence in my decision and not be scared for what is to come.

Going in blind is going to be hard, and I know there will be struggles, but it’s the best choice for me. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and away from home will help me to grow into the person I will become.

Nebraska will always have a place in my heart but it is time for me to leave.

Go Tigers!

January 2022

New experience, same state GigiSalerno

aturdays in the fall mean one thing to my family: Husker football.

Standing in the stadium, even as a little girl, I couldn’t wait for the day when I would be able to cheer from the student section. But as the years went on and high school started, my mind ventured to places like CU Boulder, UC Santa Barbara, the University of Oregon and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It wasn’t soon before the halls were filled with girls complaining about staying in-state and the undeniable look of disappointment when someone brought up going to Lincoln in the upcoming years. That was it, I had to get out of Nebraska.

By the time that my senior year rolled around, I was overwhelmed with college and scholarship applications, desperately trying to increase my ACT score, and working to maintain my GPA, despite a very real and ever-present case of senioritis.

The convenience of staying in-state in terms of cost, being closer to family and friends, and the sense of familiarity led me back to my childhood excitement about UNL. For most, in-state tuition is cheaper than out-of-state tuition. At Lincoln, it costs about $9,690 for in-state tuition and $26,820 for those coming from

other states. I still haven’t figured out what I want to major in, but am interested in the fields of psychology, sociology, criminology, education, communication, marketing, business, sales and real estate, just to name a few. Going into college undecided, without an idea of my possible future salary, it’s unrealistic to choose a school that I would walk out of with a mountain of student loans. Just to give you an idea, my second place school costs an average $38,284 – not including the costs of housing, flights back home, food, or textbooks. Insane, right?

It’s no secret that there is a negative connotation associated with state schools. Staying in state is said to be high school 2.0 with no excitement or adventure. But if that’s not the college experience you want, it is not the one you’ll have. Looking back at my four years at Marian, the group of girls that I walked into the doors with freshman year are different from the ones I will be leaving with this year. If anything, I will have the confidence to be more outgoing if there are a few familiar faces around campus.

Within the state, the different schools also have completely different vibes. Creighton has much more of a city-centric atmosphere while Lincoln is more of a typical college town. Each school has something unique and special to offer, as long as you embrace it.

While staying in-state is not the right decision for everyone, it definitely is for me. My college experience will be what I make of it and I am so excited to see where the next four years take me. Go Huskers!

Illustrations of Nebraska and Missouri by ElleianaGreen

Dress down dynamics change: Dressing comfy vs. trendy

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AveryKinnison

t’s the end of the day, and you are listening to the announcements. You don’t pay too much attention until you hear them announce that tomorrow will be a dress down day. You wake up the next morning and head straight to your closet, but one question arises in the back of your mind: what type of outfit should I wear?

Dress down days are a great time for students to let loose and wear whatever they want for a change.

Though wearing uniforms is a great way to maintain focus in classes and reduce the stress of choosing outfits, it’s nice to have a few days in the school year to show up to school wearing something other than the plaid skirt and blue polo. Students especially look forward to the monthly free dress for philanthropy where they can dress comfortably while sup-

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gets boring and lacks self-exporting local charities. While in the past, dress down days have been a pression. At this point, I feel time for students to show up to obligated to wear the same thing so I won’t stand out school in their comfiest pair of among my classmates. sweats and a hoodie, many Maybe it’s time for a have begun to use them as an opportunity to pull out change in how we treat our their trendiest ensembles. dress down days.

Especially this year, I have For me, dress down days noticed that while upperhave always been the few classmen continue to wear times in the year where I show up to school wearing sweats and hoodies, many underclassmen have placed a the clothes that I rolled out new meaning on dress down of bed in. There’s nothing days. Sophomores and freshmen like showing up to school in your sweats to find everyone now come to school wearing their most in-style outfits and accessories. wearing the same thing.

Some even Since my freshman Sophomore Shelby Gerken models her coordinate year, this has always outfit on Marian’s free dress for philanbeen the norm, but their looks of thropy day. Photo by AveryKinnison wearing the same type the day with classmates. of outfit every time

The Network is

I admire this shift in the dynamic of dress down days because it encourages more self-expression. No one feels obligated to wear the same thing as everyone else, and everyone stands out in their own way.

I think that this new take on what to wear for a dress down day should stick around.

By choosing to dress more expressively, we can encourage younger students to be themselves and wear whatever makes them feel most comfortable and confident. Not to mention that choosing to dress this way helps give students a general idea of what they want to wear in college every day.

Dress down days should promote self-expression rather than make students feel obligated to look like everyone else.

Managing Editors: ElleianaGreen & AnnaRasgorshek a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, NebrasCopy Editor: ElizaTurco ka’s only Class A Catholic, AdvancED accredited college preparatory school for Photo Editor: ClareDegan girls. The Network is a member of the N.H.S.P.A and the N.S.P.A. It is our goal to Graphics Editor: LivBirnstihl provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. StuOnline Editor: GigiSalerno News Editors: dents, faculty and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors.

MaddieAdam, Letters must be typed, signed, and sent to the address at left. Or call us at 402-571MakDarrow & ElizabethMonzu 2618 x1134. An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found Feature Editors: at mariandigitalnetwork.com Adviser: Mrs.MarshaKalkowski CarliAhsan, ChiomaAloziem, FionaGautschi & BaileyKollasch

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

Opinion 05

January 2022

Illustration of fashion evolution by ElleianaGreen

Isolation, social media deteriorates innocence, emphasizes maturity StaffEditorial ou might be familiar with the feeling of walking into Urban Outfitters, seeing a squad of 12-year-olds and wondering “am I too old to shop here?” That feeling when your younger sibling gets a package from Zara, or Dickies, or one containing a mini-fridge for their skincare routine, may be too much to handle. Especially when you add their Tik Tok account with more followers than, probably, they can count. When 9-year-olds tell you Snapchat is dead and Discord is the new indie thing, do we have any choice but to believe them?

In a world where Justice and Toys “R” Us are going out of business, the concern is growing for the plugged-in minds of iPad kids. Gen Z and Alpha are exposed to more media than ever before and because of COVID-19, they are experiencing a warped version of childhood. All these factors create an overwhelming consensus that kids these days are growing up too fast.

It’s difficult to compare generations or to dispute the discrepancies between them because they are all products of a deeply unique time. So, overarching themes can be called on to analyze the normality of kids today. Do they play outside? Do they love cookies and pop-up books? Do they spend their time playing endless variations of tag at recess? Do they have hyperfixations for seemingly random things like sea animals, buttered noodles, or Spider-Man? Basically, what they care about and how they spend their time compared to hundreds of previous generations will determine if Gen Z and Alpha are truly growing up too fast.

First, the definition of growing up is a monster to tackle. For a kid to grow up properly they must be slowly exposed to the real world. A kid doesn’t do taxes, an adult does. A kid doesn’t watch “Criminal Minds,” an adult does. It’s all a societal effort to shield innocent children from a less-than-perfect world. Slowly, as their minds develop and they gain the capabilities to understand big ideas, protect themselves, and thrive, we let them take on a little more weight. They can watch PG-13 movies. They shop for their own clothes and manage their own chores.

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Companies deceive, consumers believe

For iPad kids, though, it might be that they took the whole world into their hands as soon as their chubby thumbs pressed the home button. There was no siphoning out the bad to preserve the good. It was the internet. Everything. All at once. This had a startling, if not drastic, effect.

Before they could even learn about themselves, Gen Z and Alpha had all the answers, sometimes before they even asked. Eight-year-olds around the globe who are logged in to their parents’ Netflix account can watch “Bridgerton” whenever they want.

Let that sink in.

“Gen Z and Alpha are certainly growing up too fast. They have the forbidden fruit of knowledge, opinions, and content as accessible to them as a GoGo Squeeze.”

The crux of the issue is that media exposure influences kids, even indirectly. When youth are thrown into a pool of content on Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Netflix, or even Discord, the likelihood is that they are not the target audience.

Addison Rae may be gifting her presence to all of humanity, but it impacts young minds the most.

Here is someone popular, cool, and owning the sphere in which you spend your time. You should be more like her. Who cares if she’s 12 years older?

Even kids who are separated from tech ‘til that fateful thirteenth birthday when they finally get their iPhone will have influence trickle down through friends and shared content.

In our current era of encouraged isolation, children’s physical worlds are small, constantly fluctuating, and unstable. Some schools across the U.S. have been unable to return to in-person formats.

The presence of essential role models and friends dropped off without revival two years ago. Radically, it’s likely that Gen Z and Alpha’s greatest source of stability is their electronic devices. They can chat with friends, laugh, play and learn.

A sub-par reality drove kids to a life on the internet. A place without baby proofing: sharp countertop corners, open stairwells and lit fireplaces.

There is no 18-year-old Vanessa Hudgens wearing layer checkered vests and newsboy caps like in “High School Musical” to aspire after. Kids are exposed to the same popular influencers just like the rest of us. So if your 10-year-old sister wants to try Kim K’s shapewear line because Justice’s “play shorts” just aren’t giving her the shape she desires, don’t be so surprised.

Gen Z and Alpha are certainly growing up too fast. They have the forbidden fruit of knowledge, opinions, and content as accessible to them as a GoGo Squeeze. Yet, it’s not fair to call their childhood less honest than previous generations. They live in a different world, and they will go on to create a different world.

Don’t be afraid to talk to parents about setting internet restrictions. Maybe living online requires the same oversight as real life, the same preventative provisions to protect childhood innocence. Expand the logic. If your parents wouldn’t take a 7-year-old you to a PG-13 movie, then maybe little bro’s Netflix user should have a content filter on it.

Encourage your younger siblings and friends to look for themselves outside of the world wide web.

Ask them questions. Seek out the person behind the Supreme hoodie. Take them to the park, invite them to watch “Sing 2” and help them pick out a Halloween costume.

Ultimately, remind them that it’s okay to be a kid and that the weight of the world is not yet on their shoulders.

“Many people who see the typical leaping bunny symbol don’t question its validity any further.”

- Sophomore Tee Kuon

Editorial Cartoon by LivBirnstihl

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06 Feature

January 2022

The happiest place on earth is not so happy after all SydneySchroeder

Disney goes the distance

Thousands more people showed up than expected, asphalt melted womiaras. Prince Charming. Happily en’s heels and there was an issue with ever after. Seems like perfection the water. It seemed that whatever — right? However, the one and only bad thing could’ve gone wrong went Walt Disney had a far from perfect wrong. life. From losing the rights to his first After some reworking, Disneyland animated creation, to bankers rejecting (and later Disneyworld in Florida) beMickey Mouse more than 300 times, came known for what it is now. After Disney had to go through many hardships for his vision to take flight. Still, the strike in the ’40s, there still seems to be a payment problem among emDisney devoted his life to making ployees. According to the Los Angeles families happy — a vision which is Times, Disneyland’s attendance has projected on employees. gone up significantly since 2000 but The magic of Disney has touched the pay has dropped 15%. the lives of students and staff. From growing up “Almost all “Workers at the Anaheim resort are paid so little with the classics to of the workers I that more than 1 in the entire school 10 report being have encountered absolutely losing their mind when really put in the extra homeless at some point in the last “Encanto’’ was effort to make sure every two years,” the released, the LA Times said. guest has a very magic of DisThe workers that ney can be seen ‘magical’ trip work full time arthrough the spirit experience.” en’t sure whether to of Marian. “What I - Sophomore Sophia pay for needed food find so amazing about or the rent. Krupka finds Reinhardt Disney,” Assistant Printhis “surprising because cipal Mrs. Jennifer Christen Disney is a giant empire that is said, “is that he was rejected so many known for keeping families happy.” times but still kept pursuing his vision.

People focus more on the product, or His family worked for him with no quality of entertainment given to them profit just to support a vision he had.” rather than those who produce it.

His determination to make families happy has lasted well into the 21st Whistle while you work century. While Disney’s vision has Disney workers come across as come to fruition, the events leading up such happy and kind souls. “The basic to Disney’s peak became a subject of guidelines they had us follow were controversy. called The Four Keys— Safety, CourIt’s the green you need tesy, Show and Efficiency. Courtesy is really where that excellent customMickey’s fame was growing, and er service comes in,” alumna Ellen so was Disney’s new company. There Juracek Adam ’13 and former Disney was a setback — the Great Depresworker said. Their work sion. With this came the first issue contract requires them with worker pay. History.com points to be happy, but out that money became a bit of an issue and so did paying his employees. The Los Angeles Times argued According to animation historian and that it’s author Jake S. Friedman, Walt Disney hard to be was granting unfair wages to workers happy if resulting in what became known as there the Disney strike in 1941. Even his is a best friend, Art Babbitt, went against Disney in support of those being paid unfairly. Disney had been strongly opposed to unions his entire life and his best friend actively pushing his workers towards joining a union enraged him. After Disney was sued, workers’ wages were raised by 25% and each striker received 100 hours in back pay. However, the family unit he created was never the same.

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struggle to support your Disneyland family. Even though the pay Students who Disneyworld is above federal minimum have visited Other Disney wage ($7.25) workers still Disney before Properties struggle to get by, but still 2022 do so with a smile on their face.

At the Disney theme parks, workers need to encompass this magic. “There was also a “Disney Look” expectation. Your costume had to be clean, unwrinkled, and worn according to guidelines with all applicable pieces,” Adam said. However, keeping a permanent smile and perfect look on Disney has shown to be a good cover- Statistics from survey of 198 students. up for the realities workers have faced Infographic by BaileyKollasch. over the years. to love,” senior Anna Krupka said. It Where dreams are born gives children a nice happy ending to Disney, a name which brings a climactic plots relevant many years sparkle to children’s eyes, casts a later. dark shadow on the people behind the The core values are taught to scenes. Nevertheless, Fandom and Ro- prepare students to handle real world botics Club came together January 22 situations and challenging environfor 6th and 7th grade trivia night over ments such as Disney. Since her time the topic of all things Disney. “Disney at Marian, Adam utilized such values is something universally known and in her day to day work life as has something for everyone to an intern at Disney and relate to,” sophomore Soafterwards. “Com“The Walt phia Reinhardt said. Mrs. and Disney Company passion Molly Raabe followed community by noting that “in the expected excellence are the most past few years when from its Cast Members. applicable, we have done Disparticuney trivia, we have They have some of the larly on found all the events hard days to have a wait list.” best customer service you of dealUsing Disney as a will find anywhere and ing with go-to ice breaker has difficult proven to be that’s a reputation they guests,” effective. want to keep.”

Adam said.

Disney Even to this day, - Ellen Juracek tends to appeal Adam believes that Adam ’13 to the audience’s Disney is a great place emotions that are to work and having the core comfortable to come values as a foundation, she was able back to. “Disney has a to experience the magic of Disney as a nostalgia factor that workplace. keeps people hooked The workers for the theme parks and makes it easy strive to keep the magic alive which can greatly impact a child in a positive way, but the reality is workers are not so happy after all.

Ellen Juracek Adam ’13 interned a second time for the Disney College Program as a Merchandise Cast Member at World of Disney in Disney Springs, Florida.

Everything the light touches: Disney’s kingdom Illustration of the Disney Castle by BaileyKollasch

Disney went on to create other major known films such as “Bambi” and “Snow White,” but he still wanted something bigger. He came up with an idea that would eventually become every child’s dreamland — Disneyland.

The launch of Disneyland in Anaheim, California was eventful. It earned itself the name “Black Sunday.”

January 2022

Feature 07

Single-gender education: Marian girls and Prep boys should just stay put

Commentary by MelinaPiperis

I

t was just before dismissal when I stepped into Creighton Prep, gripping my laptop to prove I had reason to be there. Arriving after a long day at Marian, the overload of testosterone came as a shock. As I waited anxiously for my interviewee to arrive, the afternoon bell rang and the halls flooded with students. I noticed several heads turn for a second look upon realizing my presence, as a girl, in an all-boys school. I was greeted by stares of confusion and not-so-subtle attempts to decipher my being there. But what shocked me the most was those who didn’t notice me at all, and how they acted when only surrounded by their fellow boys.

I am grateful to call myself a Marian girl, but admit this has not always been the case. During my underclassmen years, I often found myself wondering what a co-ed high school experience would be like. I longed for the cliches of high school romance movies, and more opportunities to befriend my male counterparts. For whatever reason, unbeknownst to me, my parents adamantly sent me to an all-girls school. I had no choice but to adapt. In time, I realized the importance of the opportunity I was given.

Every Marian girl can testify to the obvious perks of an all-girl environment: you can show up to school with unbrushed hair, never bother putting on makeup, and freely speak about those who aren’t allowed in our school halls. Junior Maria McLeay mentioned that she doesn’t care what she looks like at school because she comes here for her education, not to impress anyone. She appreciates that her classmates and teachers have made Marian a non-judgemental environment, and feels comfortable coming to school as she is. But many students are unaware of the academic benefits of all-girl and all-boy schools.

Single-gender education has proven to benefit students in numerous ways.

In the absence of gendered desires to impress, the classroom becomes a more relaxed and welcoming environment. Junior Christina Kleinsmith explained that in an all-girls school, students “are able to speak their minds without fear of others judging [them].” Students generally do not

feel pressure to prove expectations about their biological sex, allowing them to behave naturally.

Junior Cecilia Urbanski noted “this sort of constant performance is draining and can take energy away from more important things.” She believes all-girl education “limits that exhausting element of competition that can occur at our age.” Students are also more likely to take risks in single-gender environments because the fear of embarrassment in front of the opposite sex is eliminated. Single-gender education, in addition, has resulted in higher college acceptance and attendance rates than co-ed schools.

Fr. Tom Merkel, former president of Creighton Prep and current vice president of Creighton University, shared that “having one gender allows a school to tailor its educational methodology to that gender.” As a result, he explained, “boys and girls focus on the reason they are in school … to learn.”

Since gender stereotypes are significantly less prominent, single-gender schools can place full attention on education and extracurriculars.

Merkel believes that “the single-gender environment is ideal for young men and young women.”

Historically, schools around the world only admitted male students, and the United States was no exception. Harvard was founded in 1636 for the purpose of educating men. It was not until 1920 that the school admitted female students, after 100 years of women applying for admission.

Post-secondary schools for women were not founded until the early 19th century, and only offered an education equivalent to that of a modern high school. Given the academic disregard of women throughout American history, it’s clear that women must be empowered in their education, as they are in all-girl environments.

But why is all-boy education still valued and practiced in our current society? To better understand this, I drove down 72nd Street to the Jesuit-founded Creighton Preparatory School.

Upon entry to the all-boys school, I was bombarded by the rowdiness of Prep’s environment.

The commons bustled with energy and booming voices bounced off the walls. Television screens broadcast live sports games that entertained some students. Others competed in heated ping pong tournaments.

In the midst of the chaos, I talked to Mr. Thomas Hoover about the Photo of senior Jacob Dasher (left) paintculture of the all-boys school. ing at Creighton Prep. Photo courtesy of Hoover said his favorite thing Jacob Dasher.

about teaching at Prep is “all of it.” The theology teacher explained that the school’s culture was rooted in tradition, competition and ambition. As for the learning environment, he described it as refreshingly “unfiltered.” In Senior Network staffer Melina Piperis smiles outside of Creighthe single-gender ton Prep, moments before walking into her interview. Photo by FionaGautschi environment, large co-ed public school. “It allows Hoover described me to focus better,” he explained, “as how students strip down their ego well as get more one-on-one help from and embrace authenticity, even if it teachers.” is unpolished. He admires his stuAs for the primarily male envidents’ lack of self consciousness in ronment, Dasher has been allowed to the single-gender classroom, and their focus on his future and himself as a unique way of showing affection to man for others. Creighton Prep has each other. After 31 years of teaching provided him with the opportunity to at Creighton Prep, Hoover’s “see deeper into [himself] and find greatest mem- [his] true passions such as art,” which he plans to study in the future. While ory is simply he acknowledged backlash towards “every day.” all-boys schools, Dasher is grateful He is grateful for the education he has received and for the opportunity to teach feels that Prep has adequately prepared him for college. at an all-boys Mrs. Katy Salzman, who formerly school, and taught at co-ed and all-boys schools, to laugh shared her experiences teaching only alongside his students every girls. After beginning work at Marian, she immediately noticed the joy day. (and singing) that fills the hallways.

After Salzman loves teaching young women speaking because they “are not afraid to conwith Hoover, front challenging issues and respectI gained a fully debate them.” She admires newfound apher students’ “openness to learning preciation for different positions,” and “willingsingle-gender ness to try new things.” In addition, education. While the all-girls expeSalzman commented on the supportive rience is intimately familiar to me, I nature of the Marian student body, and had never realized the humility that commended her students’ “tendency to all-boys education fosters. All-girls build up one another.” Still, she noted schools empower young women to rise up– we are taught to be confident, that “teaching is teaching,” and she has found value in every environment courageous, and comfortable with she has taught in. our capabilities as young women. But I grew up in a house divided: four all-boy education does something kids, two Prep boys and two Marian much different. It creates a supportive girls. My siblings and I have spent environment that promotes healthy masculinity, and allows young men to hours arguing which of the two embrace their academic, extracurricu- schools is better, who received more homework, and whether or not Field lar and emotional depth.

Day or Christmas in the Cage was Merkel described Creighton Prep more iconic. While this rivalry has as “delightful, fun and rambunctious with a commitment to excellence in all led to bickering in the past, it’s our Prep and Marian educations that have things for the greater glory of God.” brought us closer. My brother Stavros The all-boys environment, in his opinion, allowed teachers to “tailor its told me at Creighton Prep he was able to get to know himself outside of the educational methodology to that genfemale context. Boys were encouraged der.” Merkel’s goal during his years to embrace their masculinity without at Creighton Prep was to “help each catering to the interests of girls. My young man understand his worth and sister and I experienced a similar phepotential in the sight of God,” along nomenon at Marian. We never worried with developing students’ talents for about living up to male expectations, themselves, “others and the broader and were unafraid to explore new opcommunity.” Merkel stated that Prep portunities and authentically express “is expert at understanding young ourselves. men,” and believes that “the same is I am grateful for the foundation of true for single-gender girls schools.” empowerment and independence that Creighton Prep senior Jacob Dasher all-girl education has instilled in me, enjoys all-boys education for a multiand am confident it will reward me in tude of reasons, including the smaller the years to come. learning environment compared to a

“All-girls schools empower young women to rise up – we are taught to be confident, courageous, and comfortable with our capabilities as young women.”

08 Indepth

January

New Year, New Res

Commentary by GigiSalerno he does her 10-step skincare routine in the morning and at night. She makes her bed, complete with silk pillowcases. She wakes up without an alarm to go to an early morning yoga class. She sips on green juice while listening to a motivational podcast on the way to school. She always has her homework done.

She’s just “that girl.” She’s the girl that many of us aspire to be, especially when looking to reinvent ourselves throughout the new year.

But we’re not practicing being “that girl” in 2022, we’re focusing on being “this girl.” This is the year to truly embrace ourselves, flaws and all. It is important to dedicate time to selfcare and focus on bettering ourselves, but it’s just as important to cut ourselves some slack: binge the latest season of “The Bachelor,” eat that box of chocolates and take that 30 minute (2 hour) nap.

Because, if we’re being honest, “that girl” isn’t even “that girl” all the time. It’s unrealistic to compare ourselves with a glamorized “productive day in the life” that we’ve seen on

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TikTok. That content is curated to appear exactly as the creator wants it to. It’s something we’re all guilty of. We try to present the best possible versions of our lives online, which can end up being damaging in the long run. By showing a fraction of our lives online, we set unrealistic standards that others might also try to compare themselves to.

This standard is set and exemplified by influencers. 61.7% of survey respondents admitted to comparing their own lives to influencers and 44.3% felt that their lives were boring in comparison. However, influencers also wake up with acne, go through tough breakups and lay in bed all day, just like all of us have. They don’t tend to show that side of ourselves to the internet, so why would we? Hello – because it needs to be shown! Movements to make Instagram casual again and represent the most authentic versions of ourselves are so important to end this cycle of self-depreciation.

It’s important to show the world the real you, whether through social media or when

meeting a new group of people, instead of hiding behind the shell of yourself that you think they’ll like. Hint, hint: the real you is so much better. This will lead you to find your truest friends, who love and appreciate the real you!

Throughout the new year, focus on yourself.

Try to make positive changes in your life, while still accepting and being true to yourself.

She snoozes her alarm a few times before finally rolling out of bed. She looks around her messy room to find her uniform for the day. She blasts her morning playlist on the way to school. But, today, she actually brushed her hair! She’s “this girl” and she’s working to make improvements in the new year, while still accepting herself just the way she is.

Illustration of the Times Square Ball

by JordanMoser

This girl > that girl: Focusing on yourself in the New Year

Psychology plays into New Year’s resolutions

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ElizabethMonzu resolution that is just put together on the spot, on the day of New Year’s will most likely fail. A resolution that is met needs to be specific, realistic, and thought through. One way to make a resolution happen is to write it down because it increases the likelihood of you meeting that resolution go from 40% to 100%.

Habits, though, are the things that could really make or break a resolution. Habits on average take 21 days to form or to get rid of. Therefore, if people aren’t putting enough time and effort into changing a habit, then the resolution won’t be met. Freshman Darian Jones isn’t a huge fan of

resolutions because so many people don’t succeed. “New year’s resolutions are just an idea that is meant to cause positive change in one’s life, but ends up filling them with guilt because they fail to reach this goal,” Jones said.

Psychology teacher Mrs. Amy McLeay knows all about motivation and how it can be difficult to find. “People make resolutions for all kinds of reasons, personal growth and social influence are likely the biggest contributors,” McLeay said. Many resolutions are about bettering health through exercising and eating healthy. Only about 10%

How long do you keep your resolution?

Infographic by ElizabethMonzu

38.9% say less than a month

Source: 162 students survey

by Network in Google from January 2022

11.7% say a year or more

36.4% say 1-3 months 0.6% say 9-11 months

4.3% say 7-9 months

8% say 4-6 months

of people keep their New Year’s resolutions for more than a few months, said Mark Griffiths, a professor of behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University. This is because many people make their resolutions too vague, unrealistic, or on the spot. Therefore, they are difficult to achieve, and it’s easy to lose motivation.

“The motivation to achieve a goal and follow through takes a mindset of communication, intention, and accountability,” McLeay said. Have someone else help hold you accountable, like a workout buddy or someone sharing the same goal.”

Martin Seligman, who has a PhD in psychology, works at the University of Pennsylvania, and founded Positive Psychology, has said New Year’s resolutions should be instead about looking at the past year, doing a self-review and seeing which areas of life to improve. They shouldn’t cause stress and shouldn’t be made out of pressure or obligation. Seligman says to write out the specific steps needed to meet resolutions.

Thinking about the different areas of life as a whole is beneficial and then set smaller goals in each category that are definitive and attainable.

Knowing one’s strengths will help write a resolution by making ones that build them up.

Seligman also says if it’s been a debilitating or stressful year, making a resolution in the New Year sets up more stress and pressure. Freshman Shelby Woodard agrees. “I would rather grow in my own time, not according to the changing calendar,” Woodard said. Even though many resolutions at New Year’s end up not being met, if you make one be sure to make it realistic, positive, and specific.

y 2022

Indepth 09

solutions

New Year’s resolutions to inspire your 2022 MaddieAdam

Diet culture, the predator that’s hiding in New Year’s resolutions

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JordanMoser he New Year. A time for fresh starts, personal growth and of course, resolutions. New Year’s resolutions revolve around looking back at the previous year and seeing where you could improve. For some, that’s trying to not procrastinate, drink more water or to not drink as much Dr. Pepper (yes, I said it). For many though, it means trying to get to the gym more, eat healthier, or even losing some weight. In fact, according to NPR, more than half of resolutions in 2021 had to do with fitness; specifically weight loss of some kind. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to develop fitness or healthier habits, but an unforgiving predator hides within these resolutions: diet culture.

What is diet culture?

“To write a memory from every day.”

Gabi Hern ‘25

Diet culture, as a general definition, is a set of societal expectations that tells people (especially women) that there is a certain way one should look, how one should eat, and that one is ultimately unworthy if they fail to adhere to these standards.

“Women are always held to a more perfect physical standard,” Athletic Trainer Mrs. Melissa Brusnahan said.

“Media in general has always portrayed women in a particular, physically acceptable vision. So, young girls and women try to model that. It’s gotten better over the last 10-ish years, but the media still puts a ton of pressure to look a certain way.”

The physical and mental effects of diet culture

Diet culture is unforgiving in that it can attack the mental and physical state of the body. Physical Education teacher Mrs. Beth Dye describes it as a “roller coaster” going up and down.

“That’s a great point,” Brusnahan said. “You feel great because you lost 10 pounds and then you gain five back, so you feel awful,” she said as an example. The physical roller coaster then becomes a mental roller coaster.

“The mental strain that it puts on you… your body is a whole mind, body, spirit. All three of those are interconnected and when one of them is out of whack, the others are too,” Dye said.

Revising resolutions stemming from diet culture

Making resolutions and keeping them can be hard enough. Revising those same resolutions and trying to keep them might seem harder, but it could be better in the long run of a year. “I think you have got to be realistic with the goals you’re setting,” Dye said.

Find what works best and roll with it.

“Yeah, and acknowledge that you’re gonna have plateaus and ups and downs. Don’t give up,” Brusnahan said. “If that’s working out three times a week and eating right, but then you fall off, start back up on it again. Even if it ends up being once a week, you’re doing something consistently.”

“To drink a gallon of water each day.”

Madison Kilton ‘22

“To pack a healthy lunch.”

Meg Raabe ‘22 “To lift every day, eat healthy, and read more.”

Payton Kincaid ‘23

The predator can become prey

Resolutions are a great way to reflect and take action on what can be done for self-improvement. However, it’s societal expectations like diet culture that can make these resolutions less than helpful.

Regardless of what your resolution may be, truly make it your own.

Photos courtesy of students featured

“To focus on myself more (self care).”

Elise Rose ‘24

10 Feature

January 2022

A cruel world: The truth behind animal testing and being cruelty-free

MakDarrow

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assed in 1966, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) was the first federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport and by dealers.

However, the law still fails to cover over 99% of animals tested upon today, despite being amended 8 times in the past 56 years. Animals such as mice, rats, birds, invertebrates, fish, farm animals, amphibians and reptiles are not covered by the AWA. This means that laboratories are not required to report these animals or any other species not protected by the AWA. “The Animal Welfare Act is like a band-aid for a bigger issue. While we see more animals being covered in the updated 2006 Act, there are still living creatures that fall through the cracks and that companies exploit,” junior Megan Schneider said.

The U.S. government has tasked numerous agencies with overseeing the tests performed, along with treatment of the animals. The Public Health Service oversees two federal agencies responsible for most testing on animals: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agencies require written assurance of compliance through the Office of Laboratory Welfare, which dictates vertebrate animal care in federally funded laboratories.

The agencies are frequently criticized for an extreme lack of enforcement, inadequate oversight, and failure to carry out follow-up or on-site inspection of facilities after a violation has occurred. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) are also heavily scrutinized for their additional absence of prosecution against violators and scarce protection of animals being tested upon.

Animal testing

Many believe the lack of strong legislation against animal testing is at fault for the more than 110 million animals killed each year in U.S. laboratories. This lack of enforcement is what senior Liliana Vargas holds accountable for the ineffectiveness of policies that have been set. According to the Humane Society International (HSI), animals will undergo numerous procedures “for purposes of research into basic biology and diseases, assessing the effectiveness of new medicinal products, and testing the human health and/or environmental safety of consumer and industry products such as cosmetics, household cleaners, food additives, pharmaceuticals and industrial/agro-chemicals.”

During these tests, animals may undergo food and water deprivation, prolonged periods of physical restraint, genetic manipulation, forced exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases, infliction of wounds or burns to study healing, infliction of pain to study physiology, ear-notching and tail-clipping for identification, behavioral experiments designed to induce distress, manipulations to create mir-

ror diseases such as cancer, stroke, or depression, and death.

Companies can be involved in animal testing on five levels. While rare today, companies may test their finished products before putting them on the market. Some companies will place a “finished product not tested on animals” label on their product; nonetheless this does not mean they are cruelty-free. For instance, companies may test new or altered ingredients before putting it in their product.

It is important to note that despite a company not personally testing on animals, they can still be responsible for animal testing.

Countless companies will either label themselves as “cruel-

results are increasingly accurate. By using microfluidic chip testing (microfluidic chips made of tissue samples from throughout the body linked by micro channels for blood flow), silico models (advanced computer modeling techniques), microdosing, imaging studies, tissue bioprinting, human volunteers and patient simulators, nearly all animal testing can be replaced.

“Now that there are alternate meth-

reason it is crucial to know the PETA, Choose Cruelty Free, and Leaping Bunny logos to prevent falling for elaborate marketing schemes as Leaping Bunny previously stated. Companies remain legally free to declare anything regarding animal testing in their labels, due to claims not being regulated by the FDA. Cruelty-Free Kitty and HSI are also great resources to learn more about animal testing, being cruelty-free, and substituting animal tested products for cruelty-free ones. “I look on the Cruelty-Free Kitty website when I want to look for information,” Vargas said.

HSI even had a viral short film, “Save Ralph” that used stop-motion animation to tell the story of a tester rabbit.

“It really hurt my soul because it’s brutally honest. Animals think it’s normal for them to go through it because they have never experienced anything else,” Carranza said. “It made me stop and think what these poor animals must feel every day of their lives. It opened my eyes,” Vargas said. Although it was hard to watch at times due to realistic and gruesome depictions, Carranza and Vargas recommend others watch the film.

There are several ways to join the fight to end animal testing. Common ways are by shopping cruelty-free and signing petitions calling for change in legislation. A more direct approach would be to call out companies that test or falsely claim to be cruelty-free, demand government agencies enforce set policies to protect these animals, and encourage alternate methods of testing to all companies.

ty-free” despite buying ingredients Illustration of animal testing by MakDarrow from suppliers who test on animals, ods, we should try those. Animals are or be owned by a parent company put through the tests even though they that performs animal tests. When don’t work, and that isn’t right,” freshtalking about parent companies, it’s man Jasmine Carranza said. Using alimperative to know that a company ternate methods is crucial to decreasmay remain cruelty-free after being ing the amount of inhumane treatment bought by a bigger brand that is not and animal cruelty in laboratories. cruelty-free. The last level of animal Animal cruelty and cruelty-free testing surrounds third parties. For Animal cruelty is the infliction by example, any company that sells humans of suffering or harm upon their product in mainland China will any animal. In order for a company indirectly finance animal testing. to be certified as cruelty-free, While a growing amount of more they must “not conduct or than 41 countries have banned animal commission any animal tests testing, China requires most foreign on ingredients, formulations, When purchasing everyday products, companies to test their finished cosor finished products and that metics products before selling in their they pledge not to do so in the watch out for animal tested items. market. future,” People for the Ethical Shop these cruelty-free A common argument amongst Treatment of Animals (PETA) alternatives: those in support of animal testing is said. that scientists should continue to test PETA is one of three charproducts on animals before a product ities and nonprofits whose Dove Degree can enter the market to ensure the cruelty-free certification is Kosas Axe safety of humans. When an animal is valid and deeply researched. harmed by a product, the product can Another non-profit is Leaping still be sold to consumers. On the flip Bunny. “I love using Leaping side, a product that was proven to be Bunny. Their website is easy to safe in animals does not mean it will understand and they offer ways YSL LUSH be safe in humans. “I always think of to get involved,” Schneider Chanel Glossier it as if I was the animal, would I want said. to be poked and prodded just to make Leaping Bunny, also resomeone’s skin soft?” sophomore ferred to as the Coalition for Kamarra Howard-Foster said.

Consumer Information on Cos“95% of drugs tested on animals metics, was formed by eight Benefit Elf fail in human patients,” HSI said. It’s national animal protection Tarte NARS for this reason that despite over 85 groups. Leaping Bunny formed HIV/AIDS vaccines showing great in response to companies “desuccess in nonhuman primate studies, signing their own bunny logos, they failed in protecting humans. One abiding by their own definition AIDS vaccine shown to be successful of ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘animal in monkeys, not only failed to prevent friendly’ without the particCrest Tom’s the development of AIDS in humans, ipation of animal protection Colgate Hello but increased susceptibility to the dis- groups,” Leaping Bunny said. ease in some cases. According to the The final dependable charity is Check for these symbols: Humane Society of the United States, Choose Cruelty Free. despite invasive experiments in the Education and change U.S. ending in 2015, “280+ chimpan“As someone who only uses zees are still waiting to be moved out cruelty-free products, it takes of labs and into sanctuaries.”

CCF Leaping Caring loads of research to find out if A growing number of labs have Rabbit Bunny Consumer brands are truly cruelty-free,” turned to alternate methods whose Schneider said. This is one Infographic by ElleianaGreen

Make the switch

Soure: Peta.org

Government action

January 2022

Features 11

Hollywood hates aging: ‘The Golden Girls’ versus ‘And Just Like That’ JordanMoser etty White, one of America’s most beloved celebrities, died in December 2021 just a few weeks shy of her hundredth birthday. Leaving behind an unforgettable legacy, she was a pioneer of modern television, best known for her role as Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls,” an advocate for animal rights… The list goes on and on. Deemed “America’s grandmother” by areas of pop culture, it’s clear her accomplishments go far beyond her maternal demeanor to all.

Except Hollywood hates old people. Especially old women. “I think that’s true because they want old people to look ‘better’,” junior Addie Burroughs said. “They use young people to play older people and now they’re trying to make older people look younger.”

Recently, fans made a connection regarding age between the cast of “The Golden Girls” and the cast of “And Just Like That,” the reboot of the “Sex and the City” series. Both sets of characters are in their fifties.

Their fifties?!?! A shock to many, fans tried to figure out what Hollywood is doing differently when it comes to portraying women’s age. “I

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feel like today maybe they’re playing into the idea that 50 is the new 40…

I also think it’s all about wardrobe and hair and good lighting,” English teacher Mrs. Amy Bauman said. The hair turned out to be a big factor.

“I honestly think it’s the hair,” Burroughs said.

“And the makeup.

They want

women to age a certain way so they alter their looks.”

However, there’s also the question of demographics these shows appeal to. “Part of the premise of ‘The Golden Girls’ is that they were all either widowed or divorced,” Bauman said.

“Maybe the presumption was that

Illustration of Betty White and Sarah Jessica Parker

by ElleianaGreen

they’d be older [than their fifties] and appeal to an older demographic.”

There’s more of a debate on what demographic “And Just Like That” is targeting. “I just think they’re trying to recapture what they had when they started the series… I don’t know how many people are buying it,” Bauman said.

Hollywood’s obsession with age isn’t new. So is it just that Hollywood hates old people? Especially women’s aging? Or is it the beauty standards society holds? “Look at Mr. Big [Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie’s, love interest]… no one’s really talking about that,” Bauman said. “There’s not as much of a beauty standard for men. I read in an article that Sarah Jessica Parker was savaged for having gray hair, but that’s just natural. There’s no shame in having grey hair.”

Whether or not it’s just the hair, the public definitely noticed the differences in the portrayal of ages between the two shows and continue to question Hollywood’s obsession with aging. Especially the obsession with women’s aging.

From Kalabasas to the kourtroom; Kim K wants to becomes a lawyer LivBirnstihl im Kardashian has recently made headlines after taking the first steps to become a lawyer by passing the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, also known as the “baby bar,” after failing three times.

Built on an image associated with a ditzy disposition, Kardashian has made steps to become highly educated, following in the footsteps of her father, Robert Kardashian. Although her famous family has capitalized on the almost “lack of talent” the daughters possess, it is clear that the women are anything but talentless.

In 2017, Kardashian took her first steps into the world of the criminal justice system.

Upon meeting Alice Johnson, a 61-year-old woman who was arrested for drug trafficking in the 1990s and given no chance of parole, Kardashian saw an opportunity to change a life and share Alice’s story.

After speaking with former President Donald Trump, Kardashian assisted Johnson in assimilating to a life outside of prison, and was able to help other women who were incarcerated.

This ignited Kardashian’s career in justice reform. Not long after the release of Johnson, Kardashian lead the First Step Act campaign, which supports conducive societal re-entry for newly released prisoners.

Under the introduction of this act, she managed to free 17 prisoners on death row for non-violent crimes and assisted in paying rent for an inmate struggling to readapt, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

After two years of work, Kardashian managed to make it a step closer to practicing law. In an Instagram post to commemorate the moment she passed the “baby bar,” Kardashian states that she “was told

K

by top lawyers that this was a close recognizes the difficult path Karto impossible journey… but [she] dashian has followed to reach such feels so good… achieving [her] a landmark accomplishment. goals.”

While many take the traditional Being the daughlaw school path, ter of Robert Kardashian optKardashian, who ed to become was a prominent an apprentice lawyer (most because of her notably for the busy schedule O.J. Simpson as a busicase), the nesswoman, stakes were influencer, and high, but her mother. This support has involved been widher closely spread. following Junior accomNina Mcplished Mullen belawyers, lieves that Jessica the actions Jackson Kardashian and Erin is taking Haney, to are a step understand in the right the ins and direction outs of the for future law, without generasitting in a tions of classroom. young This is a women. highly unpopu“Being Illustration of Kim Kardashian by LivBirnstihl lar option for someone of that law students, stature and status means essentially and according to the National Coneveryone is looking up to you in one ference of Bar Examiners, in 2015 way or another,” McMullen said. out of 13,084 test takers, only 3 took “For years, Kardashian was seen this path. as a ditzy reality star who didn’t As for the fourth test she took in have much going for her but I think October 2021, there was only a 21% by becoming a business woman and pass rate and Kardashian made the a lawyer, she’s showing the younger cut. Though this first step doesn’t generation that no matter who you mean she’s a real lawyer quite yet, are, how famous you are, how old she has passed the biggest milestone. you are, or whatever, that you can She will still have to take a second accomplish your dreams.” exam to complete her studies.

McMullen, like many others, While she has received wide

“No matter who you are, how famous you are, how old you are, or whatever... you can accomplish your dreams.”

- Junior Kyra McFadden

acclaim for this milestone in her law career, criticism hasn’t been far behind. Junior Kyra McFadden is skeptical if her impact is being interpreted in the way it should, but hopes for the best.

“I think it could encourage younger girls since she is such a famous and well known person, but also I think that she is known for a lot of bad things too,” McFadden said.“I think a lot of people underestimate her, and her becoming a lawyer could prove people wrong. Like I think she failed the “baby bar” exam and people had a lot of negativity about it, but her taking the real bar exam and passing could be like ‘you may think I’m stupid but look at me now’.”

Kim Kardashian’s transition from Hollywood “it” girl to criminal justice reform advocate has given her platform a new purpose. Through the backlash and criticism, Kardashian has found her calling, and it’s clear she isn’t stopping anytime soon.

12 Sports

35-second shot clock down to a vote for 2022-23 season

AshleyJohanek ver the holiday break, Omaha high schools were introduced to a possible new shot clock rule during the basketball holiday tournament.

Although it was experimental, a future state vote could make it a sanctioned rule of the game for the 2022-23 season.

“A shot clock really speeds up the game,” junior Sophie Shaffer said. “It messes with your mind when you’re on offense because you just want to get the shot up so you don’t get the violation.” When in possession of the ball, players have 35 seconds to make their play and make a shot, unless there are certain fouls that come into play allowing the shot clock to return to full time.

At the collegiate level, both men’s

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January 2022

and women’s basketball utilizes the with the shot clock as Omaha Bryan 30-second shot clock which was High School forfeited the only game changed from Marian had for 35 seconds the tournament. back in 2015.

Head coach The NBA and Tom Tvrdy WNBA use regrets that the a 24-second team didn’t get shot clock the experience which was like many other first installed metro teams in the NBA did. But he in 1954 as does mention the game how “it would had been too change the way low-scoring we play some before then. defensively.”

Senior Kate Timmerman stands on the court Marian did not When this during the Marian versus Westside High get the opportuni- School game on Dec. 21. Marian lost, 32-47. phenomenon Photo by SydneyWitkowski ty to experiment was first intro-

duced, Omaha Central proposed a shot clock rule for all classes, but it was voted down. They then proposed it for just Class A schools. On Jan. 12, Nebraska athletic directors in all six districts voted on the proposal, and three of the six districts were in favor, allowing the proposal to pass.

“In April, the NSAA voting delegates will vote on all proposals that passed at the district level, including the shot clock proposal for Class A. After that, the NSAA board will give its final approval for it to be fully ratified into the NSAA constitution,” athletic director Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs said. As of right now, 11 states across the country have implemented the shot clock rule. Could Nebraska become the next?

stunt for attention, but others think it’s much deeper than that. Players get hit constantly in football, leading to both major and minor brain injuries like concussions. Brown himself was knocked unconscious during a game in 2016 due to an illegal hit. According to an article by Dr. Chris Nowinski, a neuroscientist and Concussion Legacy Foundation co-founder, this injury constitutes a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it is plausible that the injury could have caused his abnormal behaviors.

In addition, Nowinski believes it is possible that Brown may have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the degeneration of the brain after repeated injury. This means that each time a player is tackled, it can be detrimental to the health of the brain. Some symptoms of CTE are impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, mood swings, and paranoia, which develops into memory loss and dementia with age. However, these symptoms show up years after a brain injury, and this condition can only be diagnosed after death. Other athletes who have been diagnosed with CTE are Phillip Adams and Aaron Hernandez, who both exhibited erratic behavior during their lifetimes.

If Brown is not suffering from CTE, there are other possible explanations for his behaviors in the past few years. A 2008 study on psychiatric disorders and traumatic brain injury published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment revealed that personality changes like aggression can be common after a traumatic brain injury.

Those who experience these injuries “can

impact emotional regulation and self control in stressful situations,” Moulton said.

According to Dr. Mullendore, losing time from a sport can be extremely depressing, comparable to the feeling of losing a best friend. “There is also evidence suggesting that athletes with underlying psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression and ADD/ ADHD are more likely to suffer concussions (and take longer for symptoms to resolve) than their fellow athletes who do not have psychiatric conditions,” Mullendore said.

Noticing when athletes are exhibiting erratic or abnormal behaviors and keeping them out of games can prevent further injury. Organizations like the NFL provide their athletes with immense support for mental and physical health, like mental health training and providing social workers and counselors to help both former and current players.

However, not every athlete is part of an organization that provides these services, and some athletes ignore the signs and continue to play. Receiving the correct follow up care after a brain injury prevents further damage to the brain, along with wearing the correct protective gear.

As researchers learn more about brain injuries and their repercussions as time progresses and as engineers design protective gear aimed to sense injury, understanding these behaviors as signs of serious conditions and not as a joke can potentially save lives.

Football player’s behaviors highlight deep rooted issues MaddieAdam uring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the New York Jets on Jan. 2, Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown put on a spectacle.

Brown ran off the field in the middle of the game, taking off his jersey and padding, along with his gloves and undershirt, which he threw into the crowd.

Brown claimed that he was injured and Buccaneers Coach Bruce Arians still made him play, prompting Brown to walk off in the middle of the game.

Coach Arians claimed that Brown never spoke to any trainers or doctors about an injury, and rather, Brown was upset that he wasn’t getting the ball. Arians then told Brown to leave.

Regardless of who is telling the truth in this situation, Brown’s reaction was alarming. This moment went viral on social media, prompting memes and commentaries from fans and celebrities. Behaviors like these are no stranger to Brown, who has been traded and picked up by three different teams in three years, due to dissatisfaction between both him and each program.

It wasn’t always like this, however. He played nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers without any major controversy until the 2018 season, his last year with the team. This begs the question: how can a veteran receiver go from being one of the best players in the league to being one of the most disgraced players?

Some think this was a

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exhibit behavior that seems immature to others and can appear very self-centered. People also routinely experience increases in depression and mood swings,” licensed independent mental health practitioner and licensed clinical social worker Sara Pattavina Moulton said.

Even if Brown is not suffering from these conditions, it is important to look at the larger issue at play. Athletes are continuing to play their sports while exhibiting signs of mental health problems.

Traumatic brain injuries and CTE do not only affect football players. It can affect athletes of any sport and any age. The mental and physical impacts of even a minor brain injury are incredibly concerning. “In general, concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can certainly cause mood disorders like depression and anxiety, in addition to affecting cognitive functioning,” said Dr. Sean Mullendore, a sports medicine and family medicine physician in Bellevue.

In fact, a 2019 study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 1 in 5 individuals can develop mental health issues up to six months after a minor injury and develop long term effects of brain damage if individuals do not receive follow-up care.

Receiving follow-up care is an important step in preventing further concussions or brain injuries. “Having more than one injury to the brain, including multiple concussions, exacerbates the possibility of emotional and cognitive problems following brain injury. It is definitely possible that a person might have an outburst because a brain injury can

“Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can certainly cause mood disorders like depression and anxiety in addition to affecting cognitive functioning.”

- Dr. Sean Mullendore

Illustration of Antonio Brown by MaddieAdam

January 2022

Sports 13

Meet the winter sport athletes

homore Emma K Sop oc h

KathrynStec

Bowling

Meet sophomore Emma Koch! Koch is on the Marian bowling team and loves how the sport is competitive, but she still has a lot of fun doing it. At tryouts, Koch was pretty nervous and was unsure if she would make the team, but she is so excited that she did. Although she has only been

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more Scarlett W o h ha op r

playing for about two months now, Koch is having so much fun with it and loves getting to know the other girls on the team. Come support Koch and the bowling team at their matches that are fun to watch with free admission.

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to

Dance

Here is Scarlett Wharton! Wharton is a sophomore on the varsity dance team and has been dancing since she was 4. This year, Wharton is super excited to go to Orlando in February with her team to compete in UDA Nationals, as they did not get to last year. She loves the team dynamic and the close bond she shares with all of her teammates, as well as how supportive the team is. Wharton and the rest of the dance team girls are working hard to bounce back

Basketball

Introducing Olivia Heinert! Heinert is a senior on the varsity basketball team this year and has been playing since she was in third grade. This season, she is most excited “to see the team grow as a whole and win some good games against some good competition.”

She enjoys spending time with her teammates, both on and off the court, and loves being able to compete and do what she loves with them. As a captain, Heinert is

n Maggie La hma mp s e ert Fr

Sen

ior Olivia Heine

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helping her team adjust to a new coach and finding the best way to play together as a team. She encourages students to come watch the basketball games because “the support means a lot and is very encouraging.”

Districts are Feb. 24-March 1, and state is March 7-11.

Next time in action: Friday, Feb. 4 at Papillion-La Vista High School

Swim and Dive

This is Maggie Lampert! Lampert is a freshman on the swim team this year and is super pumped for the season. She is most excited to “see the whole team dominate at metros and state while having a fun and exciting time.” Lampert most enjoys being able to get in a great workout while also having fun with her teammates. According to her, “swimming is a tough sport but with the right motivation and a positive attitude, while having fun along the way,

Wrestling

from last season by pushing themselves to improve their stamina to match the difficulty of their routines. To support Wharton and the rest of the team, come out to the Marian basketball games to watch their halftime shows.

Dance team and cheerleaders had a Showcase event on Jan. 28 to prepare for their competition season.

Follow the team and make sure to support them during Nationals @omahamariandanceteam

it will go by fast and you will have a great time.” The biggest challenge that Lampert faces is having a difficult practice after a meet when she is sore and hurting.

She, along with the rest of the team, get support from their mascots, Tiki and Broomy, who come to every meet, but the swimmers love student support as well.

The state meet is Feb. 24-26 in Lincoln.

Next time in action: Metros on Thursday, Feb. 10 at Millard South High School

ior Jun

Meet junior Gabrielle Johnston! Johnston had been interested in wrestling for a few years, but up until this year there was only boys wrestling. She went to a clinic this summer and fell in love with the sport and decided to get into Marian’s first wrestling team. Johnston is most excited to expand and improve her skills and bond with the team. Her favorite thing about this new sport is “the adrenaline rush I get before and during a match and the feeling of never knowing what my opponent could do, because there are infinite scenarios that could take place during a match.” Despite getting a concus-

Gabrielle Joh

nst on

sion after her third match, Johnston worked hard to get back to full contact and went on to win most of her matches at Metros and place in the top three in her division. Her message to students is to try out wrestling because it teaches athletes good lessons about mental strength and discipline. Be sure to cheer on the wrestlers as they compete at districts and state (Feb. 17-19).

Next time in action: Districts on Friday, Feb. 4 at West Point Beemer High School

Thinking of trying out for a spring sport? Here’s some info

Soccer

Tennis

Tryouts:

Tryouts:

14706 Giles Rd., Omaha 68138

3220 Ed Creighton Ave., Omaha 68105

When: Feb. 28 Where: Omaha Sports Complex Contact Coach Teresa DeGeorge at tdegeorge@omahamarian.org or Coach Monica Bosiljevac at mbosiljevac@omahamarian.org to sign up.

When: Feb. 28 @4 p.m.

Where: Hanscom Tennis Center Contact Coach Trish Faust at tfaust@ omahamarian.org or Assistant Coach Katie Schmidt at kschmidt@ omahamarian.org to sign up.

Track and Field Tryouts:

When: Feb. 28 Where: Marian Contact Coach Greg Golka at golkag@omahamarian.org to sign up.

All athletes, check to see if you have a physical and consent form on file before tryouts. Visit https://marianhighschool.net/athletics-2/tryout-information/

to verify and find the forms.

14 Entertainment

January 2022

Tragic ‘West Side Story’ adaptation was doomed from the start Review by ElizaTurco eople can’t seem to let go of tragic romances that pull on their heart strings and leave mascara dripping down their cheeks. “West Side Story,” a musical drama for the ages returned in film form Dec. 10, 2021 in theaters only.

“West Side Story” follows the romance of Maria (Rachel Zegler), a Puerto Rican immigrant to New York and Tony (Ansel Elgort), a New Yorker, claimed former gang member and ex-inmate. The couple faces backlash, as the tension between Maria’s brother’s gang of Latino New Yorkers, the “Sharks,” and Tony’s former gang, the “Jets,” grows during a turf war for Upper West Side Manhattan.

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Some say that this adaptation was doomed from the beginning. Initially planned to be released in September 2020, it was pushed back more than 14 months. Soon after the delay, allegations arose against leading man Ansel Elgort for sexual misconduct, discouraging some viewers from patronizing the production. The final straw for some of the remaining audience was releasing only in theaters.

Most movies in 2021 endured dual releases, asking cinephiles to stay home and access releases via Disney+ and HBO Max. “West Side Story” was exclusively in theaters, making viewers choose between possible Omicron exposure and the Broadway classic. While

Illustration of Maria by ElizaTurco

director Steven Spielberg and his team received criticism for the limited release, the general consensus was that “West Side Story” as a Broadway musical was meant to be seen in theaters.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” released the weekend after and sold $668 million in tickets, a number that makes the COVID concerns of in-person “West Side Story,” which sold a total of $36 million in tickets globally, seem minimal.

Unfortunately, the 2021 revival is unmissable. Rachel Zegler steals the screen with expressive eyes and a Broadway worthy voice. Ariana DeBose, who plays Bernardo’s (David Alvarez) girlfriend, gives her all in iconic dance numbers, songs and truly heart wrenching acting. Now, DeBose is nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe. The story, the acting, and experience leaves a mark on the hearts of its viewers.

All hope is not lost yet, however.

Disney+ expects to pick up the film for streaming in 2022. To recreate the in theater feels, snuggle up with a bowl of popcorn, box of tissues and a strong heart.

Source: imdb.com

Spider-Man keeps swinging through theaters, brings back audiences of 20 years Review by ElizabethMonzu pider-Man, Spider-Man does whatever a spider can! But it looks like the movie can do a whole lot more. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which premiered on Dec. 17 and was directed by Jon Watts, smashed box office records and crossed the billion dollar milestone in the movie’s second week in theaters.

This is for good cause. This Spider-Man movie surpassed all expectations even though there have been so many different versions. There were the Spider-Man films with Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, the Spider-Verse animated movie, and now the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) version of Spider-Man with Tom Holland at the helm. This movie still came up with fresh and original ideas while paying homage to the Spider-Man character and making sure Tom Holland’s Peter Parker grew throughout the film.

The movie boasts an A-list cast with Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Marisa Tomei and Benedict

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Cumberbatch returning as Doctor Strange. There are also returning favorites such as Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina and Jamie Foxx as Spider-Man’s villains, as well as surprise appearances. It was Marvel producer Kevin Feige that suggested they bring back the villains from the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man franchise and the “Amazing Spider-Man” films.

They took a risk, because it may have fallen flat if they didn’t let the villains have a meaningful impact. However, these villains truly added to the movie and helped Spider-Man grow as a character.

Willem Dafoe especially delivered with his performance as Norman Osborn, aka Green Goblin. He was as menacing and terrifying as ever, highlighting the conflict between his two personalities as scientist Norman Osborn and villain Green Goblin.

He made Tom Holland’s Spider-Man grow up by trying to pull out Peter’s bad side.

The whole movie was a moral

dilemma that dabbled with fate versus doing the right thing and helping people. The basic premise of the movie is that when Peter Parker’s identity got revealed, his life turned upside down and not in a good way. A spell cast

by Doctor Strange went awry, making everyone who knew Peter Parker from other universes come into this one. The stakes were high which made for an exciting and suspenseful movie. “No Way Home” handled the conflict beautifully, throwing in themes of sacrifice, revenge, redemption, and more.

Despite being a superhero movie with lots of action, “No Way Home” was emotional and poignant. The movie made Peter Parker have to choose some difficult decisions that could change the course of his entire life. “No Way Home” is about love and loss, and

most importantly what a hero has to sacrifice for the greater good.

Because it is a culmination of 20 years of movies and the most recent ones are in a trilogy, I would recommend watching the MCU’s version of Spider-Man before watching this newest release. I would also suggest at least knowing the basic premise of the two earlier Spider-Man franchises, if not watching them fully.

Spoiler alert: ‘Spider-Man No Way Home’ is worth the watch Review by ElizabethMonzu

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pider-Man: No Way Home” had loads of fan service that delivered on every level–especially with the return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. None of it was just for the sake of cameos, but everyone truly brought something to the movie. Willem Dafoe said himself he wouldn’t come back if he was just in it for a cameo and if he couldn’t do his own stunts.

Maguire and Garfield weren’t just in it to make the crowd go wild, but they helped Tom Holland’s Peter mature because their own movies

are already done. With the release of “No Way Home” there were trends demanding that Andrew Garfield get a third Spider-Man since his story was cut short. Garfield brought enthusiasm and energy into his role, and yet some of his lines were some of the saddest in the movie because of his Peter Parker’s past.

It was also refreshing to see Tobey Maguire fall comfortably into his role he played nearly 20 years earlier. There were many callbacks to his movies to provoke nostalgia and laughter in the audience. The theater

experience was amazing because it was full of people who had watched the different Spider-Men over the last 20 years.

Their entrance was perfect and all the Spider-Men’s shared grief and responsibility helped make a brother-like bond between the characters that was visible and well-executed.

The end battle had much camaraderie to offer between all the Spider-Men and seeing them all fight together was a never-before-seen experience.

Overall, this movie was crazy, bringing different universes together,

but the directors and producers did it in such an amazing way so as to not make it overwhelming or forced.

It all made sense in the context of the Marvel universe and what has been happening in it. It set up future Spider-Man and Marvel movies, and the bittersweet ending instead of tying it up in a bow was a great decision to make audiences want more. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” passed all expectations and is a five-star movie.

Illustration of Spider-Man by EliseMoulton

January 2022

Entertainment 15

Review: Can I un-meet your father?

Review by ChiomaAloziem

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right when she was about to delete the app Tinder, boom, she matched with the man of her dreams. He was everything she was looking for and more but he was overseas for work — wow. They texted every day until he came home, he even made plans to meet up when he got back. She got all glammed up and took an Uber. In the Uber, she met two interesting guys who just so happened to feel comfortable enough to open up about their love life. She got to the restaurant safely and met the man of her dreams — or did she?

The cast for this show is intriguing. In addition to Duff and Cattral, the show also has the “Grownish” star Francia Raisa playing the best friend of Sophie. It strangely has Josh Peck from “Drake and Josh” as Drew. In all honesty the rest of the cast I have never heard of but if you’re wondering it includes Tom Ainsley, Chris Lowell, Suraj Sharma and Tien Tram.

However, I do like the introduction with the original theme song and the Polaroid pictures. Lennon Stella’s voice was an excellent choice. I also like how the show is modern and up to date so it makes it a little realistic.

I love Hilary Duff and Josh Peck but the plot of this show is so overdone and predictable.

If you love cheesy comedies then this is for you, but it’s not my cup of tea.

I still have hope and will continue to watch this show. Maybe I’ll change my mind.

On Feb. 14, Mitski is coming out with a new album called “Laurel Hell.”

A PG-13 movie called “Marry Me” starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson will come out on Feb. 10.

A movie adaptation of the novel “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie is a PG-13 mystery/crime movie opening on Feb. 11.

The “Fantastic Beasts” movie will come out on April 15.

The third “Jurassic World” rated PG-13 will come out on June 10.

Scan and listen to the Network Spotify playlist curated by ShannonMonahan

Source: imdb.com

n Jan. 18, the series “How I Met Your Father” premiered on Hulu. Hulu is expecting to produce 10 episodes with each being about 30 minutes too long.

The show is a spin-off comedy of the show “How I Met Your Mother.” In both shows the future narrator starts off by telling their kids about how they met the love of their life. I did watch a couple episodes on CBS growing up because I didn’t have streaming entertainment services like Netflix. I probably shouldn’t have been watching that show at such a young age since the show is 14+. I didn’t like “How I Met Your Mother” but I decided to give “How I Met Your Father” a try.

The main character, future Sophie played

by Kim Cattral starts off the episode by telling her son how she found love in New York City. The episode flashes back to younger Sophie, played by the legendary Hilary Duff. Future Sophie informs her son about the dating scene in NYC — a hot mess.

Sophie had been on numerous dates but they never worked out for her. She was going to give Source: imdb.com up on dating, but

Infographic by ShannonMonahan

‘Selling Tampa’ encourages a false narrative for women of color Review by CarliAhsan

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ess real estate, more drama. The sister show to Netflix’s “Selling Sunset” highlights minority female agents in Tampa at Allure Realty. The concept for the show is empowering for females of color, but the execution is extremely disappointing.

Instead of showing off the real estate and their business, the show focused on the drama between the women. “Selling Sunset” was full of drama, but they also included numerous houses they were selling every episode. Some of the episodes of “Selling Tampa” didn’t even show a single house. They didn’t go into detail about what stages the houses were at or talk about the work they put into being in the real estate business.

On top of that, the prices of the houses being sold were noticeably different. While the markets are very different in the two areas, for the shows being sister shows, they should be equally luxurious, even if the prices do not reflect one another. On “Selling Sunset,” the houses were usually well over $10 million. It was looked down upon and rare if anyone sold a house for less than $10 million.

On “Selling Tampa,” the one house we did get to see sold, sold for about $8 million. Though few houses were shown in “Selling Tampa,” a stark contrast from “Selling Sunset,” the houses were outdated compared to the newly renovated and modern houses showcased in California.

This alone shows some of the discrimination within the industry. Cast members from “Selling Tampa” had to come out and say that yes, they do sell houses, they just weren’t seen in the show.

Shouldn’t a show celebrating minority women’s accomplishments show the houses they’re successfully selling? According to the producer of both “Selling Sunset” and “Selling Tampa,” it’s more important

to focus on the drama between the women. Instead of portraying the women as the respectable businesswomen they are, he chose to exaggerate their characters to make them fit the stereotypes better.

They seem very catty and aggressive, but off camera viewers can tell, by their social media and other public appearances, that is not how they act in real life. It is extremely disappointing for anyone of color to watch these women be turned into characters instead of showing off who they really are. This makes it seem like being themselves is not good enough for public entertainment.

Gucci, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior. Throughout both shows, the agents’ clothing is a topic of conversation as they tend to wear revealing outfits in professional environments. Respectable firms would not represent themselves like this – with crop tops and skin-tight dresses. The clothes they wear draw the viewers to be more interested in the outfits than the business. The filming of “Selling Tampa,” as many critics have pointed out, draws a lot of attention to the clothes and the women instead of what the show is meant to emphasize, the real estate. The directors do a lot of oversexualizing of the featured women. This is reinforcing an already discriminatory stereotype.

Another stereotype that this show enforces is that minority women are desperate for money. In “Selling Tampa,” the owner of the brokerage changes their commission split. This causes a lot of outrage, specifically from one female on the show, Rena. She is so frustrated with the upcoming decrease in her commission that she wants to leave the brokerage and open her own. The show follows her around as she looks at places for an office and talks to many people about the possibility of her opening one. In

some ways this can be seen as empowering for her to stand up and not let her boss take more money from her, but this also makes it seem like minority women are struggling for money. This is a large part of the show, so the stereotype is repetitively being reinforced. Overall, this show is not what it was made out to be.

If you’re looking to watch an empowering show about females and people of color, I wouldn’t recommend this one. As a woman of color, this show did not meet my expectations. Instead, “Black-ish” is a great show to watch with strong, female, minority leads. It also addresses many social justice issues in ways that are educational and impactful. Another show that is very real and honest about experiences for people of color, especially girls and women, is “Ginny and Georgia,” available on Netflix. This show does a great job at breaking stereotypes. It is relatable and recognizes many of the unspoken struggles everyone faces today. Shows like “Selling Tampa” need to do better and stop using false portrayals of women of color to make money and gain publicity.

Source: imdb.com

January 2022

Winter Activities

photo essay 16

Photos by seniors MaddieAuman, ClareDegan & AnnaRasgorshek

Freshman Margaret Hiatt and sophomore Ava Hastings approach the lane. So far this season, seniors Maddie Sophomore Martha Hinneh pins her opponent at the Metro Tournament on Jan. 6. Because of her first place win, Auman and Erin Connelly and junior Ella Mandolfo each Hinneh led her team to second place overall out of 14 teams. Photo courtesy of Jerrell Moore. have three turkeys, or three strikes in a row.

Junior Josie Hood swims breastroke in the 200 Individual Medley. Marian won their meet against Millard North on Jan. 18.

Dance Team members junior Payton Vosik, sophomore Riley Audino, juniors Ava Velinsky and Lily Dencklau, sophomore Scarlett Wharton and senior Kysa Holmstrom do firebirds as they perform at the Varsity basketball game during halftime on Jan. 22. They are competing at nationals in Orlando, Florida. on Feb. 4.

Debate Team moderator Ms. Halli Tripe does roll call of Debate and Speech Team members senior Sanaa Slaughter, junior Claire Bentley, senior Eliza Turco, freshman Caroline Jones, sophomore Tessa Brooks and freshman Lucy Kalkowski before their tournament at Bennington High School on Jan. 20.

Freshman Mackenzie Reidy placed first in Oratory Speaking.

Senior Avery Kinnison, sophomores Hailey Eriksen, Margaret McGill and Abi Howard, seniors Isabella Olguin Summers and Ashley Doehner, freshman Dominika Kouassi, and sophomore Macaire Harr pose as they perform their show choir routine. Their team “Momentum” won first place in their division at the Burke Bonanza Invitational on Jan. 22.

Senior cheerleaders Daley Mayer, Kathryn Stec and Annie Ellerbeck cheer sidelines during the home basketball game on Jan. 13. Seniors on both Dance Team and Cheer both celebrated their senior night during the game.

Varsity basketball senior Katie Sulentic receives the ball from her teammate during her game on Jan. 22. The Crusaders beat Bryan High with a final score of 80-5.