Marian March Network

Spring Play P. 8

Marian High School 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402-571-2618

www.marianhighschool.net

Volume 57, Issue 7

The Network

Filming Her Way to the Top: Senior Claire

March 2013

photo courtesy of the Hacker family

#TaylorMetLauren

Andersen shares her unique personal dream rachelrensch

I

t may seem like just another day while walking through the halls, but for senior Claire Andersen, this scene is a little bit different. “I think in movies, which is really hard to describe, but when I think, I build up scenes in my head,” Andersen said. Andersen hopes to one day become a film director, creating a variety of films ranging from documentaries to sci-fi movies. “I want to create a story that unfolds and has the ability to enrapture audiences,” Andersen said.

Recently, Andersen has begun pursuing this dream through the Omaha Film Festival (OFF). OFF has a section dedicated to screenplays, and after the finalists are decided, actors are chosen to perform these screenplays live during the festival. This year, Andersen was chosen to act in five of the screenplay finalists, which

included two shorts and three features. She played a teenage mother, a party girl, an assistant to a man whose business is getting revenge on women who have cheated, a nerdy little sister, and a girlfriend of a badminton player. The festival was held March 6-10 at Omaha’s Regal Stadium 16.

The OFF was first established in 2005, and was designed to give aspiring, independent filmmakers a chance to show off their talents. More than 500 entries come from around the world, and from those entries, 90 are chosen to be in the festival. The categories of films include narrative features, documentaries, short films and animated shorts. Tickets to the Omaha Film Festival can range anywhere from $8 to $85, depending on the number of days you want to attend.

See Film Festival p. 4

Hanging With Fame. In last month’s issue, the Network covered the story of Lauren Hacker, a 5th grader from St. Margaret Mary who is battling leukemia. Lauren and her family were trying to get Taylor Swift to come to the hospital and meet Lauren while Swift was in town for her concerts. The family created several YouTube videos and many students around Omaha tweeted with the hashtag #TaylorMeetLauren. The family was eventually able to contact some members of Swift’s management and set up a meeting. Swift visited Lauren in her hospital room on Saturday, March 9. She was able to stay with the Hacker family for about an hour. She sang the song “Fearless” and listened to Johnathan, Lauren’s 8th grade brother, play some Jason Mraz on his ukulele and joined in with his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” At the end of the visit she was able to sign some photos, guitar picks, and other things and had a bag of goodies for Lauren. Phil, Lauren’s dad wrote on their caringbridges.org blog that it was “a great afternoon for everyone and I’m sure Lauren will remember it for many years to come.” The Hacker family also extended their thanks to all of the Marian girls for their continued prayers and support.

Message in a Bottle Omaha locals bring help to Southern Sudan marieroubidoux

I Spring Break Trips p. 4

n the United States people walk straight to their medicine cabinet when they have a headache and take an ibuprofen pill to relieve their symptoms and then continue to carry on with their day. The headache subsides in a few hours, like it was never there in the first place.

However, 8,000 miles away in Africa, kids hobble around on untreated broken legs and starve to death because of parasites in their stomach, because they are unable to get the medical help or attention they need. Two pain reliever pills

Talent Show p. 3

may not seem like much, but for the villagers in Africa, it can mean life or death.

One email sparked it all. Julie Cornell Randby, a former Channel 7 anchorwoman, received an email from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) which explained that there was a grant for $5,000 for international reporting. Randby pitched a story with a local interest by an international opportunity to help.

See Service for Sudan p. 2

SWC in Chicago p. 5

[ 2 ] News

The Network [ March ]

Service for Sudan: Omahans bring medical aid

Continued from p. 1

what you want to do when you hear it, you want to help boxes in their store for people to bring any bottles of pain him. It’s inspiring, really,” Randby said. One of the things reliever or vitamins they had. Boxes started overflowing as Randby is most excited for is seeing Dumba in action. viewers who saw the segment purchased and dropped off “I’ve heard he’s tireless and compassionate. He loves his their donations. people. When he shows up at these places he’s like a rockThe community started coming together and donations star, people walk miles just to get help from him,” Randby continued to pour in, which meant Randby and Dumba said. The team works from sunrise to sundown, helping could now focus more on their actual trip to Africa. They as many people as they can. After sundown, they pack up rounded up a team of 25 people to accompany them on their things and start their journey to Sudan - the biggest trip yet. heading to the next “The team consists of Dr. Dumba and me, a village. “It’s incredible, photojournalist to document our trip, and many the amount of people doctors and nurses from the area,” Randby said. they help. You see the Randby and her photojournalist are putting need of the people and together an hour-long documentary and also it’s so rewarding to doing stories for the news. They hope to show help.” the people of Omaha how the rest of the world However, as they lives. “It’s crazy because you can make such a began to plan their difference with just a $5 bottle of medicine. I trip, the team decidjust feel like if you know about something, it’s ed they needed help.

Julie Cornell Randby your obligation to help,” Randby said.

“We really wanted to Recently, Marian got involved in the miscollect vitamins and sion to help. Journalism classes started a drive medicines like Tylenol to raise as many bottles of pain reliever and so that we could spend more money on expensive medvitamins as possible, but still wanted to do more. The girls ication like the malaria vaccine. We’re travelling to five challenged Mount Michael, an all-boys boarding school, different villages and the last thing we want to do is run to bring some friendly competition to the service project. out, so we started asking for help,” Randby said.

In an effort to get the whole school involved, journalism With prior experience at Channel 7 as a reporter and girls went around both lunches on March 20 and March anchorwoman and with a husband as the chief meteorol21 to collect any spare change students were willing to ogist, Randby had connections in order to promote her donate. While the whole school wasn’t collecting physical story and word spread like wildfire. bottles of medicine, they were still helping to purchase “The word spread at the [news] station and we did a the bottles which could potentially promote and save short segment on it which helped get the story out there. lives. $196 later, the school as a whole collected 35 bottles Churches and schools started getting involved collecting of medicine, journalism classes collected 61, and Mount pain reliever and vitamins. And then CVS [pharmacy] Michael contributed 66 for a grand total of 162 bottles of told us they were looking for a service project and offered pain reliever and vitamins going to Africa. to help.” CVS recently opened up 17 new stores in the “I’m really touched by the generosity of people. Even Omaha area, and as a way to get involved in the commuthough Africa is far away, we have a local connection. We nity and also get their name out around town, they offered can all turn something small, like a bottle of medicine, to help Randby with her collection. All locations set up into something big, like saving a life,” Randby said.

“

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Dr. Joseph Dumba, father of Marian senior Nyoke Dumba, is a doctor at Methodist Hospital here in Omaha, but grew up in a village in Kajo Keji, South Sudan. He saw how he and the other people in his village lived and how much help they truly needed. He moved to the United States and was willing to do any job that would work with his school schedule. He worked his way through college and then continued on to medical school, knowing that one day he wanted to go back and help his people in Africa.

He went back to Africa a few years ago and set up traveling medical clinics under the mango trees in the villages. Hundreds of people showed up from miles away just to receive the medical attention and help they needed. Villagers were given vitamins and pain relievers to help with any injuries and received the malaria vaccine which prevents malaria for 6 months. Dumba has been back multiple times since then and continues to help his people.

Healing Kadi, Dumba’s organization, has plans to set up medical clinics in several of the villages in Kajo Keji.

Sometimes, this is the only medical attention they’ll get until Dumba comes back the next year.

“I met Dr. [Joseph] Dumba a few years back when he first started going to Africa, and I loved his story. He jokingly said I should come to Africa with him someday, and then I found out about the [Andy] award,” Randby said.

The Andy Award is a grant from UNO which grants $5,000 to a media organization to cover an international issue of importance that also directly ties to the metro area. The award is based on three major criteria, but mainly focuses on how the project can bring awareness and connect to Nebraskans. After pitching her story idea and applying for the award, Randby told Dumba about her idea. “He got so excited, but I kept reminding him that I didn’t know if I would win!” Randby said.

With a story like that, it wasn’t long before Randby found out that she was the winner. “Winning was probably the easiest thing I’ve done the whole time! After I heard Dr. Dumba’s story I just knew I had to help; that’s

We can all turn something small, like a bottle of medicine, into something so big, like saving a life.

Color block results Junior Fore: Teeing Up the Spirit

Emerald & Dark Purple

Senior Safari: The Search for Spirit

Orange & Kelly Green

Speech Team Ends Season Strong, Finishes Fourth Sharing Medals and Laughs. Junior Julianne Faur, sophomore Katlyn Martin, junior Caroline Hendricks, junior Sarah Brashear and junior Haley Minnick pose in celebration of their success at the State Speech meet on March 20.

photo courtesy of Sarah Wangler

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haleysnyder he speech team arrived in Kearney, Nebraska for the state competition on Wednesday, March 20. The team prepared to compete by practicing their speeches, having a huge team meeting, pre-visiting The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and having a team dinner.

The team dinner is a tradition that the speech team never fails to do. “Every year, we go to Whiskey Creek for dinner, and someone takes the peanut bucket,” junior Monica Spence said.

On Thursday, they returned to UNK and participated in warmups.

A warm up exercise Spence describes as the “biggest tradition” is singing “Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer as a team.

After competing on Thursday, the following girls placed at the state

competition: Sarah Brashear received sixth in Poetry, Haley Minnick received second in Dramatic Interpretation and Caroline Hendricks received third in Dramatic Interpretation, Julianne Faur received fourth in Original Oratory and Katlyn Martin received second in Extemporaneous and fifth in Informative.

Luke Ostrander, speech coach and teacher, is extremely proud of his team’s fourth place finish and explains that their performances at state were the best he had seen all season.

“Not only did the team do well at state, but a few girls have also qualified for three national tournaments this summer,” Ostrander said. Therefore, the speech team will be represented by the qualified team members in Birmingham, Philadelphia and San Antonio.

graphic by sarahtownsend

Five-Star Freshmen: Checking Into Field Day Periwinkle & Red Sophomore Sweets Bright Gold & Fuschia

Opinion [ 3 ]

The Network [ March ]

No Shame in Solitude

L

Lex Go alexisvinton

Confident, Indie(-pendent), Thinking Leaders

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he cliché high school rule of thumb is to either try to fit in or get beaten up. It is popular belief that somehow, by being exactly the same as everyone else, become popular.

However, after some keen observation (also referred to as creeping for intellectual purposes) I’ve come to notice that the new trend today is to not fit in. By being completely different from everyone else, we fit in. We try to be independent or, as the hip young folk refer to it, “indie”. It’s cool to stand out and be totally different.

Suddenly, everyone and their mom claims to be “indie”. Rather than jumping on bandwagons, we jump off and maybe even get run over by it. This will increase our whole “tortured-soul” “no-one-understands-me” “I-just-got-run-over-by-thebandwagon-because-I- refuse-to-conform” mentality.

Maybe this is just a Marian thing. Since everyone is a confident, independent, thinking leader, we feel the need to lead/be confident/be independent differently than everyone else.

Nowadays, listening to the radio is considered lame. Listening to some band consisting of a girl with a pixie cut, a keyboardist with a thick ginger beard, and some random dude who might actually be a homeless man that you’ve probably never heard of, is the coolest thing ever.

I’m not saying that being your own person is a bad thing. In fact, it’s a very good thing. It appears to adds some variety to our otherwise unambiguous school.

But does it really add variety if everyone is being different? If everyone is trying to be different, doesn’t that actually make us all the same? It seems as if every girl is either “quirky” or “awkward” when in all reality they are just about as normal as everyone else. And if you seem to think you are “awkward”, then you should come have a chat with me. I know a little something about true awkwardness.

It used to be everyone’s goal to fit in.

Now not fitting in seems to be everyone’s goal. We all try to top each other’s weirdness. We are all either the obnoxious “deal-with-my-personality-or-don’t-be-myfriend” type or the quietly misunderstood teenager. And although this seems unusual, we like unusual because it’s different.

So rock on confident, indie, thinking leaders. Be yourselves, whether it’s to fit in or to not fit in. Either way, you’re one of us.

abels: an inevitable part of the schooling experience. Grade school was no exception–every class had a horse girl, a pants girl, a read-a-wholebook-in-a-day girl. It’s simply how the universe works.

Maybe you were horse girl. Maybe you were pants girl. Maybe you were book girl. Maybe third grade was sort of a dark time for you and you were all three. Hey, it happens.

I, myself, was identified as third mentioned. And now, years later, my awkwardness has (somewhat) worn off, I’ve stopped living in the margins of book pages, and whaddya know? Does-sheeven-talk girl actually talks to people now.

Although it was nice to find out that my vocal chords are functioning, some things haven’t changed a whole lot. I still prefer to spend a majority of my time alone. And guess what? That’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with doing things by

yourself. In fact, doing things by yourself is great. I’m not sure when the disconnect in today’s society occurred, but people seem to think they can’t even do the most personal of activities alone (You can go to the bathroom by yourself, I believe in you. Think of it as your first step towards independence).

Start small–Stay home every once in awhile. Take a bubble bath, read your favorite book. Go to the mall alone. Grab a quick lunch by yourself. Learn to be comfortable, and eventually confident, with the idea of solitude.

When you spend time alone, you are able to shape yourself rather than be shaped by those around you. You are able to develop a unique collection of beliefs, opinions, and interests and ultimately know yourself better altogether. It is easier to learn how to love yourself when you learn about yourself in the absence of other’s opinions and judgements.

jessicamizaur

Self-acceptance is a key part of happiness; self-awareness is a key part of success.

Also, if you do not know yourself, how can you stay true to who you are in the midst of the pressures of society?

As the universe continues its course, more horse girls and pants girls and book girls will be born. They’ll all turn out fine. I did (I think). There’s nothing wrong with being a little lost, and there’s definitely nothing wrong with kickin’ it by yourself while you’re trying to figure it all out. photos by sarahtownsend & emilyfisher

Senior Synchronized Swimmers

Freshman Tai Woodard & Class Officer Sydney Pelster

Sophomore Charlotte Elsasser

Talented Students Bring Unity to Marian staffeditorial

M

arian is a special place.

Through compassion, understanding, and humor, Marian contains an unique environment that was held true at Marian’s talent show, held on Feb. 27 in the East Gym. More than 700 students, teachers and staff fell silent when the sound board blew a fuse before the second act.

The wave of silence showed discipline, respect, and school unity for sophomore Charlotte Elsasser’s voice and guitar performance of “Fast Car.” Moved and impressed with all of our Marian sisters, we were proud to be Marian girls.

The acts ranged from gutsy freshman Tai Woodard, who received third place for her acappella performance of “Titanium,” to the hilarious senior synchronized swimming skit and dance, which received the second place trophy.

To fully prove that Marian can be a truly unified school, first place went to

the winning duo of junior Roni Perez and senior Lauren Tussey, who sang an original song by Perez called “Leaving to Go.” The duo reminded the classes that Marian is one school, not just four separate classes.

We are extremely proud of every act that had the confidence to step in front of the whole school and showcase their talents. Each performance radiated strength and unknowingly brought all the classes together.

As the first act of senior Kate Johnson was announced, the senior class chanted the loudest for their beloved classmate.

When Johnson finished her performance, not only was her class yelling obnoxiously, but the entire gym cheered for her amazing voice. This pattern was repeated for every act and by the end of the talent show, we and all the students were extremely proud of every student who had the guts to perform in front of

The Network

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

An electronic version of this paper can be found at: Visit our website: Twitter: @MHSbeat www.omahamarian.org/netpaper http://www.omahamarian.org/netpaper Instagram: @thenetworkstaff

Mizaur Musings

the entire school.

At Marian, we are truly a unique group of girls and this talent show continued to display our genuine uniqueness. The last two acts of large senior groups showed how we have grown in confidence over the years. This talent consisted of pure humor with a bit of ridiculousness that ultimately displayed the beautiful personalities of each Marian girl.

With Field Day approaching and as the competition among the classes intensifies, we must remember this talent show. The silence that filled the gym as Elsasser began singing and the unity among the classes as we celebrated our school’s talent are admirable. We must remember to not tear down others simply because they are not in our class but rather, when a student does something well, we must recognize and celebrate in her achievement.

Managing Editors: laurentussey & meganwoodruff Copy Editors: nicolamccutcheon & poornaramasubramanian Photo Editor: sarahreynolds Front Page/Graphics Editor: sydneyrhoades Online/Convergence Editor: jessicamizaur News Editors: rachelrensch & sarahtownsend Opinion Editors: eileenbaca, & megandennis Feature Editors: gabbymaenner, annamandel, erinmcquillan & annapope Sports Editors: emilyjohanek & haleysnyder InDepth Editors: lauraatherton & alipaasch Entertainment Editors: bizzyboulay & theresakennelly Photo Essay Editor: mariacorpuz Columnists: jessicamizaur & alexisvinton Reporters/Photographers: whitneyhayes & marieroubidoux Adviser: mrs.marshakalkowski

[ 4 ] Features

The Network [ March ]

Film Festival: Senior gets her start at Omaha event Continued from p. 1 “I first got involved with the OFF through my job shadow on February 15,” Andersen said. “I job shadowed a man named Aaron Zavitz, who runs Silver Screen, Inc. [a production service for Omaha wedding videos and photography]. He told me about the film festival and invited me to audition for the Writer’s Theatre. I thought it would be a good experience,” she said.

Andersen first started making films in fifth grade. While thinking back on her past filmmaking, Andersen remembers a movie-making situation that didn’t quite go as planned. “A prop had broken

when my actors and I were in the middle of the forest. So I called my parents and asked them to bring me some super glue.

When my parents finally brought the glue it was starting to get dark, so we wanted to film everything real quickly. We glued the prop back together, but the prop was supposed to go over the face. When one of the actors put it on, she told me that the glue was very strong smelling. So, thinking logically, I put the prop on and took a deep breath. The fumes from the glue ended up burning my throat for a few days afterward. After that, we called it quits.” During her sophomore year, she

Spotlight On Junior Bailey Kelly

What is the most interesting fact about yourself?

- My full name is 100% Irish.

(Bailey Marie Kelly) Who is your role model?

- My Grandma Kelly

If you could be a celebrity, who would you be?

- Betty White

Do you have any superstitions?

- Ghost are real!

Which time period would you like to live in?

- Late 1700s or the Civil War era Do you have any special or hidden talents?

- I write poems and songs

graphic by annapope

began to make a webshow for YouTube.

As she started to realize that becoming a film director was her dream job, she decided to attend a summer camp hosted by the New York Film Academy at Harvard University the summer before her junior year.

Andersen was accepted and plans on attending Columbia College of Chicago where she will master the art of filmmaking and after, start to make her way to becoming a director. “In all reality I will probably start out getting coffee for people, and will have to work my way up the ranks,” Andersen said.

Andersen has many film directors that she looks up to, including Alfred Hitchcock, and Steven Spielberg. “Alfred Hitchcock is a genius! He was able to film a whole movie with the use of one room and a window. Even with such a limited amount for a set he was able to create a suspenseful movie,” Andersen said. “I grew up with his [Steven Spielberg] movies and he was my first idol,” she said.

Although Andersen still has a ways to go to achieve her movie-making dreams, she feels that starting with OFF as an actor and having a film shown in the festival one day will help her along.

Delkamiller Encourages Service Opportunities for Faith Students lauraatherton ave you ever found yourself saying, “I wish I could volunteer, but I never have any time”? Then consider religion teacher Mr. Kory Delkamiller your genie.

Delkamiller has been working towards developing a program for seniors in Faith Commitments class to have the opportunity to go on service site visits during school. “Any senior who has an open study hall before or after faith class would be able to have an excused absence from class and go to Madonna school and help in the classroom,” Delkamiller said.

Madonna School and Worship is an organization that serves individuals of all ages that face cognitive and developmental disabilities and strives to help them to become as independent as possible. The Madonna School is located at 6402 North 71st Plaza, about a 5-minute drive from Marian.

Delkamiller has established a partnership with Michelle Urvan, Principal of the Madonna School. Urvan is excited to have this partnership with Marian. “We want to make sure we fit a schedule that meets the Madonna School’s needs. We still need to work

H

out what times they want us and when seniors will be able to fit it in their schedules,” Delkamiller said.

Delkamiller hopes to begin this project as soon as possible as an opportunity for his fourth quarter seniors, but ultimately is working towards making this an official program in the 2013-2014 school year. Details that are still being worked out, such as whether or not seniors without open campus will be able to participate.

Delkamiller is also looking to make connections with retirement homes that are within 15-minute distances of Marian such as Skyline Retirement Community, located just across Military Avenue. He is looking to be in partnership with three or four different service contacts.

“We know there are girls who want to volunteer, but it can get difficult to schedule after school. We want girls to have this opportunity during the day,” Delkamiller said. Giving back to the community is one of Marian’s core values and with programs such as this, it makes it possible for Marian girls to learn and grow in their community through service.

(Left) Oh, Canada! Marian students stand in front of Lake Massawippi which sits opposite Collége Servite in Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec, Canada. Marian sent twelve students and two teachers to Quebec over spring break.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Hertel.

(Right) ¡Vamanos! Eleven Spanish students and two teachers travelled to Madrid and Málaga, Spain to take language courses and immerse themselves in Spanish culture. The girls pose in front of Alcazaba, an old Moorish fortress. Photo courtesy of Mr. Andrew Bauer.

Marian Spring Break Trips

California Girls. Twelve Marian girls and two teacher chaperones traveled to Anaheim, California over spring break as part of the ISSN exchange program. Students spent time at Servite High School as well as Disneyland and Huntington Beach. Photo courtesy of Donald Annarella.

Students travel around the world to Spain and Servite schools in California and Quebec graphic by annapope & erinmcquillan

The Network [ March ]

Features [ 5 ]

When I Was Seventeen...

1980s

Graduated from Marian in 1989.

Popular Fashions:1980’s bad.

Flipped collars, pastels, big chunky necklaces. It was bad.

Popular Restaurants: Burger King on 72nd because that’s where all the Prep kids went.

Biggest Fads: Sunglasses, Esprit, Tom Cruise, and we embraced the “mom jean” (high waist).

Weekend Life: Always went to Prep games. Went to movies at Westroads. (It was a big deal if you had a friend that worked there and could get you in for free.)

Susie Sisson

Popular Fashions: Jeans rolled up at bottom, poodle skirts, crew cuts, hair slicked back with grease, t-shirts.

Popular Restaurants: Tiners (Dodge St.) drive-in, A&W root beer stands, Royal Boy Drive-in (Mister C’s).

Biggest Fads: Elvis, quartets, crew cuts, Frank Sinatra.

Weekend Life: Dances at Peony Park.

Popular Fashions: Big tops, oversized big v neck sweaters: “shaker sweaters,” popped collars, pegging our jeans, tight rolled jeans.

Popular Restaurants: Amigo’s fast food.

Biggest Fads: Really big hair, teased bangs.

Weekend Life: Cruise down South Locus Street in Grand Island.

Security

1 9 5 0 s Graduated from Benson in 1957.

English Teacher

Librarian

Popular Fashions: Mini skirts or really longs (granny skirts) hippie wear (hip huggers), wire rimmed glasses, long hair, bright colors.

Popular Restaurants: Diners, McDonald’s, local restaurants, Kings.

Biggest Fads: Beatles, anything English, white leather boots, mini skirts.

Weekend Life: Parties at houses, hang out at the A&W, dances at the school.

1960s

Spanish Teacher

Donna Broekemeier

Wayne Downie

Graduated from Grand Island High School in 1989.

Molly Raabe

1980s

Graduated from Carmel High School (New York) in 1968.

graphic by bizzyboulay, theresakennelly & gabbymaenner

New Safety Measures Hit Marian O poornaramasubramanian

n Feb. 28, Marian students experienced a lockdown unlike any others they had experienced before.

This was the first time that the Omaha Police Department had been present at Marian during a lockdown. “The police department approached Marian and asked if we would want to be a part of a pilot program,” Vice Principal Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs said.

The pilot program is a new program that will help evaluate schools and their safety measures for lockdown situations.

Rohlfs was already planning on re-evaluating the school’s safety plan, especially after the December Connecticut shooting.

Luckily, the outreach of the Omaha Police Department made it easier to get the ball rolling.

Although the faculty was aware of the latest lockdown drill, they will not be informed of the next one. “It will make

it more realistic and will be a better way to train them [students and faculty] in reacting in the heat of the situation and responding to the emotions as if it were a real situation,” Rohlfs said.

The Omaha Police Department left feedback after the lockdown. Although they thought that the school did very well overall, the lockdown did bring into light issues such as the protocol of a lockdown during passing periods or lunchtime: issues that will be addressed in the near future.

Officers Anthony Jones and Doug Johnson started the pilot program, in part inspired by the Connecticut shooting.

“We’d like to have more lockdown drills and more interactions with teachers. Who knows when or where the threat could be?” Jones said. “It makes a total difference between being in total terror and not knowing what to do or being afraid, but

at least having some idea of what to do,” Johnson said. The Omaha Public School District had already been conducting lockdown drills involving police officers, so the pilot program aimed to bring that awareness to the Omaha Catholic schools as well. Marian was one of the first schools to participate in the program, but many other schools have implemented the program into their school systems as well.

“Although each school is different in terms of population and layout, the one thing they have in common is that the students always look to teachers/authority for answers or commands to follow,” Jones said. Therefore, one of the primary goals of the program is to prepare teachers to think quickly during dangerous situations.

In addition to helping students and faculty feel more prepared for a situation, the program also holds benefits for the police department. “It helps law enforcement to

have contact information with the school and knowing the building layout helps law enforcement to respond better to a threat,” Jones said.

The program also includes the police officers following up with the school after the lockdown drills. The officers plan to hold workshops for the faculty as well as panels utilizing a “What If?” method with different scenarios in order to ensure that teachers can maintain a calm demeanor through a variety of situations. The officers are also open to conducting a similar panel with students, if enough students would be interested.

“We’d rather be prepared and never have it happen, rather than have it happen and not be prepared,” Johnson said.

“The preparation from the lockdowns can’t prevent any incidents, but they can slow them down,” Jones said.

Select Women’s Choir Competes in Festival of Gold Competition (Left) Their Final Trip. Senior members of Select Women’s Choir stand outside the Cadillac Theatre in Chicago before attending the musical Jekyll & Hyde. The choir also spent their time shopping on Michigan Avenue and eating deep-dish pizza.

(Right) Post-Performance. Sophomore Charlotte Wortmann and juniors Laura Davis, Sydney Wolf, Connor Silvey, and Rachel Wortmann proudly wear their royal blue choir robes in Symphony Hall.

Photos by Connor Silvey and Colleen McQuillan.

[ 6 ] Sports

The Network [ March ]

Marian’s Trap Team Shoots Off in the Right Direction

eileenbaca he Marian trap team’s slogan is “Breaking Clays by Day, and Hearts by Night.” They are an extraordinary team who are wellknown throughout the state because of their accuracy and their adaptability to shoot in any kind of weather.

“We are the best long-range shooters in the state,” physics teacher and trap coach Mr. Bruce Esser said.

Marian’s trap team is the team to beat. They started nine years ago and have won four state championships since then. They are the only all girls team in the state, and have exceeded everyone’s expectations.

The first meet of this year ended well for the trap girls, with the team receiving third place out of 80 teams.

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It was windy and cold, but Marian’s team was the talk of the meet because of their positive attitudes and high accuracy.

Marian’s trap team teams up with Creighton Prep and practices twice a week with them in rain, snow, or shine.

Trap is a co-ed sport, competing side by side with men and women. They join other high schools in Nebraska for meets every Saturday that can last the entire day.

“The trap team is like a family,” Aim and Shoot. Senior Becca Flores shoots at a tar- senior trap member Brianna get during a trap practice. “When shooting, you don’t Rakes said. “Since, we spend so realize that it takes 85 percent mental focus from the much time with Prep, they have shooter,” she said. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Bruce Esser. become family as well.”

During a track meet, a small brick building shoots out orange disks, or clays, into the air for the athletes to shoot. Five boys and girls standing near each other then try to shoot the clays. One round consists of 50 clays for each shooter to shoot.

“I shot 40 out of 50 last meet, which was pretty good because it was really windy. The best shooters will shoot 49 or 50 out of 50,” sophomore Molly LaFave said. “The meets are really fun. It’s a great atmosphere and people are really nice to each other.”

“I love doing trap,” Rakes said. “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was easy to learn, and surprisingly really safe. Our team is great, and doing trap has provided me with lots of scholarship opportunities.”

Best Places to Run in Omaha Photo Source: amazonaws.com

Zorinsky: 3745 S. 168th Street Start:

Drive to the Zorinsky Lake entrance on 168th and Center (second entrance on the left). Begin at the stop sign near the entrance. Then, run north on the path towards the parking lot (if you start to see a bridge in front of you, you have gone the wrong way).

Continue down the path, through the trees and around the curves.

Finish:

Once you spot a red playground and numerous soccer fields, you are almost ready to stop and turn around. You will continue over a bridge and emerge from the trees behind the red playground. Touch the sign that reads “Zorinsky Trail Rules” and you’re done! Turn around and return to your car.

favorite part: The view of the lake and the shaded, tree-lined areas throughout the run.

Length: A little less than 3 miles

Memorial: North of 60th and Dodge Photo Source: deannefairfield.com

Start:

Park your car on the circle drive and begin at the statue located at the top of Memorial Park.

Finish:

Go down the stairs and to the pathway leading to the green bridge over Dodge. Then, run over the bridge and into the Elmwood park area. Take the path (next to the golf course) through Elmwood Park and continue until you reach the stoplight on Pine. Turn around and return to the Memorial Park statue.

favorite part: The multiple surfaces to

run on: concrete stairs, a bridge, and a pebble stone area.

Length: 3 miles Start:

Park in the Regency Lake and Tennis Club parking lot.

Then, run toward the business buildings on the cement path. Keep following the path over a bridge and past a park bench.

Finish:

Once you reach the apartment buildings, it’s time to turn around and run back toward the bridge. Then, return to the parking lot.

Favorite Part: The neighborhood atmosphere was peaceful and the trees were beautiful.

Length:

A little more than a mile

graphic by emilyjohanek & haleysnyder

Photo Source: pjmorgan.com

Regency: 606 Regency Parkway

The Network [ March ]

Entertainment [ 7 ]

to f ield day bows make ita guide bow-tiful

graphic by jessicamizaur

1

Measure any desired ribbon to be 19 inches in length.

2

(Optional) Using fabric glue, glue a decorative ribbon onto a thicker piece of ribbon.

3

Fold ribbon into the shape pictured above.

4

Pinch together the loop and the cross section you have just made into a bow shape.

5

Tie sections together in the middle with a thin ribbon.

Stick a bobbypin through the loop on the thin ribbon.

!

Your new bow is ready to wear!

John Green Novel Shoots for the Stars alipaasch

“A

s he read, I fell in love with the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”

This quote is from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, a novel about a teenage girl, Hazel, who is battling lung cancer.

The book takes unexpected turns when Hazel meets the love of her life, Augustus, who is also battling a form of cancer known as osteosarcoma. The two meet at the beginning of the story in a support group for people who have had or still have cancer. They begin their friendship and find out that they share a love for the book, An Imperial Affliction by Peter

it’s easy to get into, starting with page one. The Fault In Our Stars was released in 2012 and quickly became a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller along with No. 1 Indie Bestseller and No. 1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller. This modern romance deserves four out of five stars for reminding us about the realities of cancer.

The Fault in Our Stars is now rising in popularity, with the book being turned into a movie.

It is still in production, with Wyck Godfrey as the producer.

Shailene Woodley, who plays Amy in ABC Family’s show, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, is being cast as Hazel Lancaster. The release date is yet to be announced.

Needless to say, if you haven’t read any of John Green’s books, such as Looking For Alaska and Paper Towns, this should be next on the top of your list, as well as the movie when it hits theaters.

Van Houten. Their relationship develops when they quote this book back and forth to each other. Although the love story begins like any other, it ends tragically beautiful.

This story is unlike because of the simple things the couple enjoys together, I fell in love with Augustus and the way he treated Hazel, reciting quotes from their beloved book.

Not only do you fall in love with the main characters, but also with their families who are their support systems throughout the book.

It reads very quickly because

Other Books by John Green: Let it Snow An Abundance of Katherines

Paper Towns

Looking For Alaska graphic by theresakennelly

photo source: inforum.com

   delicious dinner recipes made simple for any Cooking experience graphic by sarahreynolds

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Ingredients:

Kickin’ Quesadillas

2 flour tortillas 1 c. mozzerella cheese 1/2 c. grilled chicken or steak

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Mmmm! Mac & Cheese

 Ingredients:

Directions: Warm up medium sized pan on cooktop at medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and place one tortilla in pan.

Evenly distribute cheese on tortilla and top with chicken/steak. Place second tortilla on top and allow to cook 3-4 minutes or until brown.

Flip to other side and allow 3-4 or until golden brown.

Take off heat and cut into 6 pieces.

Yum!

1 c. macaroni 4 oz. cubed velveeta 2 tbsp. butter 1/2 c. milk pinch of salt and pepper Directions: Add two cups water to macaroni noodles in medium pot and bring to a rolling boil.

Take off heat and cover pot with lid.

Cook for 5-7 min.

Strain noodles and return to pot.

Melt butter into noodles and stir.

Add velveeta and milk until correct consistency.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Bon Appetit!

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 Poppin’ Grilled Panini  Ingredients: 1 chibatta roll 1 small onion 1 grilled chicken breast 1 small tomato 1 slice cheese

Directions: Preheat pan to medium heat.

Slice roll in half and butter one side of each half.

Slice grilled chicken in strips and cut two slices of onion and tomato.

Place sliced chicken on roll and top with onion and tomato.

Top with cheese of your choice and other half of roll and place in pan.

Place a smaller pan on top of panini to smash down.

Cook 2-3 min of each side and enjoy!

photos by mariacorpuz

Marian High School Presents the 2013 Spring Play:

A Grecian Plea.

Medea

Naidenovich playing the role of Nurse in Act II of Medea. The second act was titled “Medea in Disneyland,” and was a “Disney-fied” spoof of the original play. This act included Western accents, a fairy godmother and a chorus full of singing flowers.

The second act surprised the audience, who sporadically erupted in laughter.

Telling a Tale. Junior Samantha Mayfield performs her speech as the Messenger.

Mayfield poured her heart out in her soliloquy and truly grasped the audience’s attention.

A Concerning Matter. Junior Toni Ptacek, sophomore Kelly McGonigal, seniors Megan Han and Ally Pietrok and junior Roni Perez perform the roles of chorus members in Act I of Medea. Han was the Chorus Mistress and led the other members in synchronization. The director, Latin teacher Mr. Alfred Di Mauro, directed the 2007 performance of Medea as well. The student director this year was senior Lauren Gibbs.

The Network [ March ]

Nurse Knows Best. Junior Caroline Hendricks is instructed by senior Alexandra

Creighton Prep senior Jake Greve’s character, Aegeus, comforts junior Caroline Hendricks’ character, Medea. In this play, Medea begs Aegeus to let her stay in his homeland once she is exiled from Corinth by her husband, Jason.

The play was performed on March 8 and 9, and the Sunday matinee performance was cancelled due to a snowstorm. This show continues to follow Medea as she plans and executes her revenge against Jason and King Creon.