Marian Network Feb/March 2016

The Network

MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL 7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134 www.MARIANHIGHSCHOOL.net VOLUME 60 ISSUE 5 FEB 2016

Marian students shine at annual Pops Concerts mollymiller ops Concerts have been a Marian tradition for as long as most faculty and staff members can remember.

“We had Pops when I was in high school,” choir director Miss Lauren Morrissey ’09 said, “but back then it was in the West Gym, and we performed for the whole school.”

Mrs. Rachel Misiolek ’98, chair of the Fine Arts Department and instrumental music director, remembers it as well. “When I was in high school, Pops was the only concert performed for the student body as an event to get students to sign up for choir, which is why it happens around registration time. It was held in the cafeteria,” Misiolek said.

“When I first started teaching at Marian, it had been moved to the West Gym and a few band students participated as pit musicians. We were invited to play a few pieces as featured groups for the first few years I taught here. When the string program was started, it was decided to separate the groups for that one concert,” Misiolek said.

Pops has been undergoing change since then. The concerts now take place in the Performing Arts Center.

The instrumental music program

P

All for the Best Maria Determan ‘19 and Juliet Kolterman ‘17 stand singing alongside fellow choir students during the opening act of Pops Concert. Choir performed on Feb. 13 and 14. photo by andreahuber

held their concert, entitled “Marian with us. The high schoolers enjoy goes to the Movies,” on Feb. 9. It getting to play with a larger group and featured selections from Handbells II, getting to know the younger students.

Band, String Ensemble, and a comAfterwards we have a small reception. bined band with grade school students This year we served popcorn to go from the Music in the Catholic Schools with our movie theme,” Misiolek said.

Honor Band.

Senior Hannah Saalfeld has been in “The music selections chosen this the Marian band for four years now. year were all crowd pleasers, from She has been playing the flute since handbells playing a medley from ‘The See Pops: page 2 Wizard of Oz,’ to orchestra playing ‘Linus and Lucy’ from the new Peanuts movie, to the Band playing ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Star Wars.’ What is really special is the fact that the grade school students prepare music and then join us for a rehearsal before Music teacher Mrs. Rachel Misiolek directs the String Ensemble at the Feb. the concert 9 “Marian goes to the Movies” Pops Concert in the Performing Arts Center. and are able to The band and Handbells II also performed that evening. perform music photo by collettegillaspie

Are you smarter than a StuBo member?

Student theories amp up Surprise Day hype

noellepick

O

nce the third quarter of the school year starts, there’s only one thing on the majority of the student body’s mind: Surprise Day. Simply uttering these two little words in the hallway can spark comments and rumors that circulate throughout the school in a matter of minutes.

“I thinks its gonna be next Wednesday [March 2] because I heard someone talk about it, and they said it has to be before Spring Break … Most teachers give tests Thursdays and Fridays, so Wednesdays are perfect,” senior Maddie Duncan said.

The date of the annual event is determined by the Administration and coordinated by members of Student Board. While many teachers may claim to know the date of Surprise Day, only those involved in the Administration or Student Board are aware of the actual date. This knowledge of coveted information puts many of these people under constant scrutiny.

This is freshman Cori Johnson’s first year on Student Board and first experience with the infamous Surprise Day cross examination.

“When everybody thought the 19th [of February] was Surprise Day, in the fifth block my whole class called me ‘it’ because they were so mad that it wasn’t Surprise Day, and they [were pretending] I wasn’t there. There was a girl who stared at me for five minutes straight asking ‘When is it?’ over and over again,” Johnson said.

As a Student Board member, it is Johnson’s responsibility to make sure

Surprise Day runs smoothly. Her roles differ from cotton candy moderator to gym supervisor.

Freshman, sophomore, and junior Student Board members take turns working shifts, while senior members are allowed to enjoy their final Surprise Day. Perhaps the most surprising thing about Johnson’s classmates’ intensity is that they have not yet experienced Surprise Day for themselves. “They have no idea what to expect, but I’m really excited that the freshmen are getting so in to it,” Johnson said.

Mrs. Lori Spanbauer’s Block D Theology II class is comprised of sophomores anxiously awaiting the arrival of their second ever Surprise Day. These students often hypothesize and record their Surprise Day theories

on the dry erase board before class begins.

Spanbauer considered sophomore Rayna Bartling to be a “ringleader” of these brainstorm sessions. “We walk in and pull our resources together and get everyone to say what is going on,” Bartling said.

Her theories usually revolve around uncharacteristic behavior of Student Board members or strange occurrences around the school. “A weird smell in Soph Hall will arouse a lot of suspicion,” Bartling said.

For junior Annika Zimmerman, the mystery surrounding Surprise Day is one of the best parts. “Not knowing [the date] makes people curious and the idea of a surprise is exciting,” Zimmerman said.

Occasionally, students can guess

Whiteboard wonders Katherine Martin ’18 and Rayna Bartling ’18 scribble Surprise Day suspicion notes on Mrs. Lori Spanbauer’s whiteboard in Block D. The girls were feeling antsy due to the Surprise Day anticipation heating up. photo courtesy of raynabartling

it is Surprise Day just before the reveal. An unusual announcement or unexpected pep rally are often precursors to the highly anticipated announcement. “Freshman year, as soon as the announcement started, I knew, but all other times it has been a surprise,” Zimmerman said.

This will be senior Maddie Duncan’s fourth and final Surprise Day, and Duncan is very familiar with various theories surrounding it.

“People see if anything is going on, and they also listen to announcements that week and base it off that. Also, they check out what StuBo people are wearing, like tennis shoes or a shirt under their polo,” Duncan said.

Every year there is some worry about the hype around Surprise Day overshadowing the actual event, but Duncan has always been surprised, especially last year.

One of the reasons students love Surprise Day so much is that it breaks up the monotony that often occurs during the last semester of the school year. “The long winter months make me so bored, and Surprise Day is something I can look forward to,” Bartling said.

Surprise Day without secrecy is like April without Field Day. Without the hype and excitement leading up to it, the concept of getting your face painted and racing your best friend through an inflatable obstacle course is not as thrilling. Despite the ambiguity surrounding Surprise Day, there is one thing that students can count on: expecting the unexpected.

2 • News

The Network Feb. 2016

Polar Plunge 2016 Pops Concerts allow students to shine Who: Marian plungers, families, friends, companies What: Raise money to run into a freezing cold lake When: The month of February Where: Lake Cunningham Why: Raise money for Special Olympics Nebraska History of Polar Plunge • The first Polar Plunge was 15 years ago in Kearney.

• It began as a club at Marian in 2004 with only 4-5 girls.

• For the first couple of years, Marian was one of the only schools that raised money to plunge.

• By 2008, big companies began to get involved and started raising more money than Marian.

• Mr. Baker moderated the club from 2004-2011.

• To encourage girls to participate, Baker would roam the freshman halls and challenge them to get their parents to plunge as well.

• Mr. Andrew Bauer agreed to take over the club in 2011.

• $4,659 was the total amount raised from Marian in 2016.

• Marian has raised an estimated $89,559+ since 2004.

Favorite Memories “My favorite memory [of Polar Plunge] was running into the water because it was super cold and numbing. It was something I had never experienced before,” freshman Caroline Drew said.

“I liked the build up on the day of the plunge. It was fun to watch people chant before plunging,” sophomore Caroline Lahey said.

“My favorite memory from this year was probably while we were waiting in line to plunge. By this time, you have to take off all your blankets and jackets so that you are wearing what you will be plunging in. We all were huddled together because Marian was 16th in line to plunge,” junior Bella Carollo said.

“It was joyous because I plunged all four years, and I figured it was a good way to end it,” senior Morgan Stessman said.

“I don’t have a single favorite memory––it has been fun to see how much the girls raise every year,” moderator Mr. Andrew Bauer said.

Freezin’ for a reason Cora Ridenour ’17 and Emma McGill ’16 waddle into the freezing water. Both girls raised money and took the plunge. photo courtesy of annettegriffin

graphic by allykmiecik and lindsaymuse

was her solo. “It was my last she was in fifth grade. chance to perform a solo for the She enjoyed playing with Marian Music Department, so the middle schoolers at it was a really cool, emotional, the instrumental concert. sentimental moment for me.”

“It went well,” Saalfeld Sophomore Kathryn Morey said. “Some of the middle enjoyed her second year of school girls look up to us, participating in Pops. She parand want to go here, so ticipated in four songs. “I liked that’s cute,” Saalfeld said. involving dance with the music.

“The goal of the inIt was cool to involve two things strumental pops concert I really like,” Morey said. Morey is to get people excited said it was a really fun experiabout music and show ence and plans to continue in what Marian has to offer choir.

Charismatic choir the entire choir perfomed “New York, New York” as instrumentalists coming For freshman Jolie Peal, a finale song for the audience that night. All the girls were all smiles and here. We invite the this was her first year singing loudly for everyone to enjoy. photos by elsiestormberg MCS Honor Band to participating in Pops. perform with us so She participated in the that those students four Ninth Grade Choir can get a taste of songs as well as the final what it would be like song. The hardest part for to perform as a high her was staying with the school student,” Misimusic as she was dancing. olek said.

She liked seeing the show The choir students come together at the end. took the stage the “It was cool to see the sonext weekend for two los, because I hadn’t seen concerts, Feb. 13 and them until the concert,” Jamming junior Gigi Hausman ’17 Dramatic Duo close friends Maria 14.

Peal said. She also plans her heart out during her solo Determan ’18 and Megan Doehner ’18 If the instrumental belts to continue with choir.

“Goodnight My Someone” from The performed “What is this Feeling?” from and vocal concerts were Music Man. This year’s Pops Conthe musical Wicked. to be combined into certs were huge successone, the result would easily be an es, showcasing the amazing talents of Michelle Delsi ’74. “They usually event lasting more than four hours.

Marian’s singers and instrumentalists. don’t have a hard time learning the “It is a challenge to plan a concert that moves, because they are dancing on The concerts have been a Marian trais equally enjoyable for the audience dition for decades, and they continues risers, so it’s not too complicated,” and an educational experience for the to exhibit the abilities of the students.

Morrissey said. performers,” Misiolek said.

“I thought the concert went well.

This year’s concert included 21 Vocal performances featured the It’s really nice to be in the PAC, songs, featuring several small group Select Women’s Choir and Ninth instead of a classroom like freshman and solo numbers. In order to have a Grade Choir. Marian Momentum, the year.

It’s amazing that we have that solo, the girls had to audition in front new show choir, made an appearance space to perform,” Saalfeld said. of a panel of fine arts teachers includfor the first time at Pops Concert, too.

“We do wish more students would ing Morrissey, Delisi and Misiolek.

The choir girls only have a short come to our concerts and support the “They get to choose what songs they time to prepare songs for the vocal musicians for all the time and hardsing for their solos,” Morrissey said. concert, as well as learn the choreogwork they put in to produce excepSenior Tehillah Alphonso sang raphy. “It’s a pretty fast turnaround tional performances,” Misiolek said.

“Make it Rain.” She already knew the from our Christmas concert,” MorWatch for announcements with song, but she had to cut a portion of rissey said. “We start learning songs details of the Spring Concert. Like the it to fit the time requirements. “It was the Monday they get back from Christmas Concert, the Spring Condifficult to transition between each break.” In addition to singing, the cert will be a free event to see Marisection of the song,” Alphonso said. girls also learn choreography, taught an’s major performing groups, vocal Alphonso said her favorite concert to them by dance instructor Mrs. and instrumental. of the year is Pops. Her favorite part Continued from page 1

Teachers slip ahead in ‘Human Trivia Crack’ anyalindholm

O

n Wednesday, Feb. 17 during extended homeroom, eight teachers and eight students, two representing each grade, went head-to-head in a live game of Trivia Crack. Student Board organized this in place of the annual spelling bee.

“We wanted to give more students a chance to participate and make it more entertaining for people to watch.

We thought of a few different ideas to replace the spelling bee. We considered a geography bee, a Marian trivia game, and making a spoof off of the old ’90s geography show ‘Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego,’” junior Bunny Nelson said.

Student Board finally decided upon Trivia Crack, a popular app in which players can challenge their friends on their knowledge of random trivia questions from different categories.

The six categories include geography, science, entertainment, history, art, and sports.

Freshman and sophomore members of Student Board dressed up as characters to symbolize the different categories involved in the game. “We thought this would add some pizzaz to the game by having the characters come to life. The girls made their own costumes with the help of Mrs. [Ash-

ley] Bauer,” Nelson said.

In order to play, the students signed up with Mrs. Bauer, and Student Board The wheel of knowledge Ella Wente ’17 reaches for the wheel to find out what cathandegory she picked. Her teacher partner, English teacher Ms. Susie Sisson was ready picked for whatever challenging question was to come. photo by anyalindholm teachers. correctly in a row in the same catego“We were excited to get the teachers to ry, that team would lock in that charparticipate and tried to choose teachacter. The first team to end up with the ers who hadn’t been involved in a lot most categories locked in would be the of activities and who weren’t biased on winner. a certain category,” Nelson said.

After a tie of three categories locked Each student was paired with a in for each team, it was time for a teacher, and they spun the wheel of bonus, final question. The teachers categories. Members of Student Board ended up victorious, answering the then asked a trivia question, and the final question “What country is Mount first person to answer correctly won Everest in?” correctly. English teachthat category. er Ms. Megan Piernicky buzzed in to If a team answered two questions answer immediately. “Nepal!”

3 • News

The Network • Feb. 2016

Junior artist uses talent and heART to help young girls

anniesoener hree years ago art teacher Mrs. Ashley Bauer was a brand new addition to the Marian faculty and staff. Bauer had an idea that was beneficial to Marian recruitment and young female artists.

That’s when an Art I student of Bauer’s, Lauren Weis, came into the picture. Weis was a freshman at the time, and her experience of teaching art camps at her elementary school made Weis the perfect candidate for Bauer’s project.

As middle school girls are very impressionable, Mrs. Bauer wanted a current Marian student to help show these young ladies what being a confident, independent, thinking leader is all about.

She and Weis collaborated to make the project a success.

That summer, Bauer put her plan in action and created the I heART Art Lessons for young female artists.

The girls, ages middle school and younger, participated in the workshops once a week for ten weeks during June and July. They improved on a variety of skills, from drawing, painting, pottery, and 2-D projects. The workshops are currently taking place every Tuesday.

“I just helped the girls the first year; last year Mrs. Bauer had me show them how to do a project. It's mainly helping the girls with projects and having an actual student from Marian be able to talk about her experiences,” Weis said.

The girls participating in the art workshops aren’t the only ones learning

T

to expand their imagination. Weis says these students have taught her to be more creative in her own artwork.

“The girls just do things that I wouldn’t think of doing, and it’s inspiring,” Weis said.

She said the girls’ projects during the year are completely random, while the summer workshops tend to be more structured.

The artwork Weis has helped out with this school year is all over the board, from oil paintings of clownfish, dandelions, and snowy nights, to a recreation of a Hispanic tile.

The junior feels lucky to not only be a mentor, but she also loves to get the girls excited to be future Marian students.

The opportunity for these young ladies to express themselves through the workshops will be beneficial throughout their Marian experience.

Weis plans to continue her involvement with Mrs. Bauer’s workshops. She hopes to minor in either studio art or art history, Helping young hands Lauren Weis (right) ‘17 gives pointers at Marian’s I heART Workshops. Weis has been and feels lucky to be offered this volunteering at Mrs. Ashley Bauer’s workshops for the past two summers, as well as once a week during the school year. photo courtesy of ashleybauer opportunity.

Both Bauer and Weis inspire these young girls to explore their inner Marian girl by introducing the importance of self-expression through art.

HALON flies higher than the birds to understand nesting patterns

They're a class act: Marian A Speech moves to Class B kellyndaly s a new year of speech competitions rolls around, the Speech Team is going through a big change.

The Speech Team, along with their new coach, Ms. Halli Tripe, are adjusting to competing in Class B. “The reason Speech is Class B and our sports are Class A is because they double our population as a single-sex school to come up with the Class A figure. But for speech, since it's not a gender specific event, it doesn't matter if you're all boys or all girls. It's still the same number of people you're pulling from, which puts us down a class,” Tripe said.

Classification also depends on the number of teams competing in a specific event, with all schools divided evenly between the classes.

“From year to year, we’re really close on the border for Class A or Class B. So this year, we’re Class B,” senior Speech Team member Emma McGill said.

Change, however, is not necessarily a negative thing.

“Since we’re in Class B, and we’re a bigger team and a bigger school, we’ll have, hopefully, a better shot at winning State,” McGill said.

This switch has not greatly impact the Speech Team until now, as they gear up for districts.

One of the main concerns of the team regarding districts isthe amount of girls that will continue on from Districts to State. In Class A, the top four in each category advance, where in Class B, only the top three advance.

“In the regular season tournaments, it doesn't really affect us at all, because we compete against the same schools … so when we go to Districts and State is when it really matters, because in districts, we’ll only be competing against Class B schools, which are a lot of the smaller schools,” McGill said.

A

The team’s new drawing pool of competitors has sparked newfound rivalries.

“In the past, it would be more of these Millard schools, but now our biggest competition is going to be Skutt,” Tripe said.

The Speech Team is taking this year of change in stride and continuing to excel.

They have placed fifth overall in the Lincoln Southeast and Thunderbird tournaments, fourth in the Turkey Talk tournament, and second in the Papillion La-Vista South and the Creighton Prep tournaments.

They have also had countless individual awards in each category.

The Speech Team is now preparing for their District tournament at Millard North. They will be sending 19 girls on March 12 to compete for a spot in the State tournament on March 24-25, held in Kearney.

The team is currently planning their trip to nationals this summer. Their continued enthusiasm and dedication will carry them through their regular season and help them continue with their tradition of winning.

“In the past, it would be more of these Millard schools, now our biggest competition is going to be Skutt.”

Ms. Halli Tripe Speech Teacher/Coach

collettegillaspie s far as Marian extracurricular activThe goal of Project HALON is to test if ities go, the Project HALON (High sound pollution in altitudes from 65,000Altitude Learning Over Nebraska) club 328,000 feet above sea level affects birds and has set the bar extremely high—65,000their nesting patterns.

328,000 feet high.

Prior to this year, there were very few Science teacher Mrs. Sharon Genoways girls involved with Project HALON. moderates this freshman power team.

Genoways discovered this club after When asked about her role in the club, taking a summer class at UNO from Mr. however, she mentioned that the club Derrick Nero, one of the heads of Project members make HALON. her job easy.

“I was looking at “They are pictures of the previous totally self-sufyears’ launches, and ficient. I just I noticed something: leave out the there were virtually no supplies, and girls. I figured our girls they work. The could do this, and Mr. girls even set Nero said he would love up their own to have more females schedule,” Geinvolved,” Genoways noways said. said.

The team Like Genoways, is working to Philips feels that the launch a high whole experience is altitude weathempowering.

Easy as Pi Annie Foley ‘19 and Lauren Philips er balloon near ’19 work on Raspberry Pi. The club hopes to “Project HALON is a space. The NA- send their creation to space April 11. photo by really exciting expericollettegillaspie SA-sponsored ence that not a lot of simulation women get. There is no competition is set for April 11, provided reason why women can’t get more involved. that the weather is a “go” for takeoff.

We are kind of on the forefront of it, and Over the past couple of months, freshwomen are taking over the field,” Philips men Caroline Drew, Annie Foley, Carolyn said.

Griffin, Julia King, Abby McGill, Audrey Takeoff seems to be the most anticipated Ana Otwell, and Lauren Phillips have aspect of Project HALON. been working to develop sensor packages “I am excited to see them at the actual that will attach to the balloon. launch and see the experiment come full “The sensor package is called Raspbercircle,” Genoways said. Otwell feels the ry Pi. It is a software system that allows us same way. “I am ready for the day when we to download information and collect data actually get to send Raspberry Pi up into from the near space container,” Otwell space and and see what our results can do,” said.

Otwell said.

The girls described meetings as both As for the years to come, the freshman “random” and “fun.” Caroline Drew, team collectively voiced their interest in whom the girls call “Nancy,” gave her take. continuing Project HALON. “At meetings, we analyze data, experiment “We would be in good shape. We will with sound sensors, and just learn how have done it before, so we will really know to control everything. We plan to start what we are doing,” Drew said. designing the balloon and find out where When it comes to the future of Project the computer goes,” Drew said.

HALON, these girls know how to “planet.”

4 • Opinion

The Network • Feb. 2016

I will defend Facebook like it is my nonexistent firstborn child T hree things defined middle school: silly bands, side buns, and Facebook. My little tween self would religiously check Facebook day and night.

I didn’t want to miss all the drama and juicy scandals happening on the World Wide Web. I could have been paid big bucks because I knew almost every detail about everyone. It got to the point where I recognized people in public because I had seen (stalked) them on Facebook. Whenever I met someone new, I would pretend I was interested in their life story when they talked to me. Too bad I already knew every detail of it.

As high school approached, more and more of my friends were spreading their wings and flying over to Twitter. They posted less and less to Facebook until my dashboard slowly became weak and uncultured. The gossip and “like my status for a rate” were nonexistent. On average, I was only getting one or two likes on my posts or shared videos. (Thanks, Grandma.)

One time, when I was 10, my mom accidentally left me at a rest stop on the border of Wyoming and Nebraska.

Besides the tumbleweed rolling across the interstate, the place was desolate.

The only sign of civilization came from little rain boots or bawling my eyes out two odd people. A man responded to watching military homecomings. me in a rapidly-spoken foreign lanNot only do I take long, romantic guage with flamboyant hand motions walks to the fridge, but my heart has when I asked for a cell phone. The oth- opened and has spread the love to the er was a lady with a shaved head and Internet. I could star in a Nicholas two pit bulls, so you can picture my Sparks movie about me and my souldilemma. I felt so alone until, 15 minmate, Facebook. Spinning on a beach utes later, I could see our in slow motion with my gigantic RV flying down laptop in my arms is column by devongottsch the interstate when my sure to be a box office mother realized what she hit. That’s the only love had done. I never let her I need in my life. Sorry, live it down to this day.

Mom. Moral of the story, I was Facebook has been completely solitary and with me through it all. It not too peachy about it. accepted me through my This feeling of abandreadful awkward stages donment and utter sadthat consisted of neon Gottsch-ya ness was reincarnated high-top shoes, Buckle Covered once again. As Facebook jeans, and planking on activity dwindled, that every single surface I empty feeling I received could find. at the horrid rest stop started to rekin(Fun fact, I used to have an entire dle itself. album dedicated to this odd fad on It’s fine I’m fine. I will still defend Facebook entitled “Plankinggg like a Facebook like it is my nonexistent first bo$$,” but that’s beside the point.) born child.

Facebook has gotten me through I do not care how much hate I hear my brightest and darkest of days about Facebook. I will always be an (darkest meaning my sixth grade avid supporter. I constantly find myscene phase, but we won’t go into deself scrolling through my dashboard tail). I have become so cultured thanks literally “LOL”ing at videos of pugs in to Facebook. I now know how to prop-

erly execute a waterfall braid and deal with the awkwardness of being a third wheel. (I think we’ve all been there.)

I remember the day in sixth grade when my grandma uttered the words every grandchild dreads, “Will you help me make a Facebook account?”

Fast forward seven years, and now, my Grandma has more friends than I do. I get excited when I check Facebook to see I have nine notifications, then come to realize they are all from my grandma.

It’s okay, though. Grammy and I bond when we are at the dinner table and talk about the videos and posts we shared with each other. The rest of our family looks at us like we have three eyes, but Grammy and I just channel our inner Taylor Swift and say, “The haters gonna hate.” I feel warm and fuzzy inside when she shares my posts on Facebook just show to me off to her Ya-Ya friends.

Thank you, Facebook. My experience has proven to be worth the time. I have met new people, opened my thoughts to a brighter world, and grown closer with my Grammy. Those are irreplaceable experiences, and I never knew just a few mouse clicks and a website created by a college student could make such an impact.

Gillaspie sends greetings from DMV via Pony Express I

celebrated my 18th year of life on Jan. 21 of this year. This birthday marked the milestone of almost-adulthood. Now, I can get a stomach tattoo of Old Man Jenkins from “Spongebob.” I can follow my rapping dreamz and legally change my name from Collette to LettieG (Check me out tho’.)

I can become a confident, independent, thinking spender, open a bank account, and quickly close it because I have no money. I can choose not to vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. I can pierce my elbow just to be angsty. What I didn’t realize, though, was that I would have to get my driver’s license renewed.

After two weeks of driving illegally (whoops), my dad and I made our way to the DMV. For those of you who don’t know, the DMV stands for Don’t Move, Victims. Imagine a nursing home rec room, fill it with deadened spirits, the skeletons of people who didn’t make it until their turn, the smell of cigs, and the sound of a little girl’s toy playing “Let It Go” on repeat.

My dad and I were trapped in this dingy waiting dungeon for around 43 days. At the beginning of our extended stay at Motel 6’s stinky little brother, my dad made the walk of despair to pick up our waiting number. A-123 was the number on the crinkled receipt, and the approximate wait time was 156 minutes.

At the DMV, the number A-123 has no meaning. A creepy robo-lady

We want to hear your opinions!

Visit the online Network and leave us feedback!

croons seemingly random letter-numand I started laughing hysterically. ber combos over the speakers. “Now Several deadened spirits glanced serving R-102.” “Now serving ω-27.” longingly at us, pining for an excuse to “Now serving Й-1064.” All I heard was experience happiness again. the French narrator from “Spongebob” Several people opted out, yelling saying, “Two hours lay-ta.” phrases along the lines of “Mother People of all ages were packed Fletcher!” and “Darn it!” My dad and I shoulder-to-shoulder with my dad finished out the wait like we finish our and me in the dank inferno. A bikdinner plates. We never back down er lady named Trixie said she spent from a challenge. I liken our wait to the past three Christmases waiting that of Walt Disney World’s attraction at this DMV. Soarin’ on a Three little Saturday after column by collettegillaspie 4-year-old girls Christmas. pranced around However, the the room. By only ride I the time they experienced were served, it was my roller was time to get coaster of their learner’s emotions. permits. The The clock creepy robo-lastruck 4 p.m., dy crooned and Bodean, I Coll-Ette As I See It the number a chubby and “Д-1970.” An red-headed old man by the League of name of Chester struggled out of his Legends Marksman, told us that they seat and inched his way to the door. would be locking the doors. We were He was 34 when he first entered this essentially trapped. If you think being prison. in the DMV is bad, try being caged At the rate the line was moving, my there. dad and I decided to leave this DMV in A young couple feebly scratched the search of any other DMV besides this glass on the locked door. Every apaone. We drove around for 45 minutes. thetic soul in the vault turned slowly We never found another DMV, and toward the noise. The man pointed at we even stopped at home. By the time his waiting number and pointed at the we came back, two people in line had television screen showing that he was moved. Absolutely delirious, my dad up next. No one made an attempt to

The Network

open the door for the couple. Remember, DMV stands for Don’t Move, Victims.

Miraculously, the robo-lady sang the glorious number A-123. “Chariots of Fire” came over the loudspeaker, and my dad and I slow-mo’ed to the greasy door. We stood in front of a bleach blonde lady at a computer who looked like she seriously regretted her decision to work for the government.

I took yet another less-than-mediocre license picture.

Meanwhile, the female, bleach blonde version of “No Ragrets” complained to her coworker about a mental health appointment she had to make right after work. “If Alfonso can leave early fer physical therapy, I can leave early fer ma appointment. It’s physical therapy fer ma brain, dangit!”

After the picture, some more complaints, and some eye tests, I was a free woman! My license was completely renewed except for one little caveat. We had to pay for the license in another room, which, by that time, had closed for the day. I should’ve renewed online.

I hope to get out of the DMV by graduation. If not, please mail my diploma to my home address. For those of you who need to go to the DMV, please plan accordingly. Bring a mini-fridge and change of clothes for at least a week. Don’t plan any major events for the next couple of months.

You’re going to be there a while.

Managing Editors: tessamclaughlin & clarawertzberger Copy Editor: kathrynbaginski Photo Editor: elsiestormberg The Network is a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A, Cath- Graphics Editor: makenziefuss olic, North Central Accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of the N.H.S.P.A, N.S.P.A. Online Editor: noellepick and the C.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. Opinions Sport Media Director: lindsaymuse expressed on opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community. Students, faculty and friends Front Page Editor: marykiscoan are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. All letters must be types, signed, and sent to this address: News Editors: allykmiecik & anniesoener The Network, Marian High School Opinion Editor: racheljohnson 7400 Military Ave. Feature Editors: kellyndaly, makenziefuss, anyalindholm & annporter Omaha, NE 68134 Or emailed to us here: netpaper@omahamarian.org Indepth Editor: collettegillaspie Or call us at 402-571-2618 x 1134 Sports Editors: devongottsch & lindsaymuse An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found here: Entertainment Editors: andreahuber & mollymiller mariandigitalnetwork@wordpress.com Photo Essay Editor: megankeyser Follow us on Twitter @MHSbeat Adviser: marshakalkowski

Feb. 2016 • The Network

Opinion • 5

It’s raining Ben: Let me get my umbrella

Will you accept this rose?

Duh, it’s a no-brainer

I

C

column by racheljohnson

t’s a Tuesday morning. I’m walking into school, still half asleep but in a pretty decent mood. I sit down in the hallway to enjoy 10 more minutes of peace before the first bell rings, and then the realization hits me—“The Bachelor” was on last night.

My decent mood quickly deteriorates as talk of Olivia’s huge mouth and Ben not giving so-and-so a rose dominates the conversation. As I sit and mind my own business because I have absolutely nothing to contribute to the conversation, I begin to reflect on “The Bachelor.”

Who signed off for this show to be in existence?

If someone actually expects to find her “true love” by living in a house full of girls and sharing a boyfriend, she is mistaken.

I think that even devoted viewers could vouch for the fact that the show is unbelievably staged. The producers cater to a specific group of people and do whatever it takes to entertain and maintain that audience. I’ve tried to give it a chance, as my mom and sisters are avid fans, but I find myself unable to take it seriously and hardly find it entertaining.

According to “People” magazine,“The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” have been on TV for 13 years, and only six couples are still together.

Yes, you read that correctly. 13 years.

SIX couples. Let’s not forget that there have been 33 seasons including both “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.”

The “real” part of reality television got lost somewhere along the way.

The unrealistic dates and destinations seem like a good idea until the show’s over and the happy couple is forced to eat take out in Ben’s bachelor pad.

What happens when the cameras go away, and they no longer have to put on a show for an audience?

I would be willing to bet that those

who are pro-“Bachelor” would argue it gives a sense of hope that we might all find this “true love” that has happened at most 18 percent of the time on the show. I don’t mean to be cynical, but the idea of love the show portrays is a distorted version of what it actually should be.

The girls and guys on the show are essentially competing for a husband or wife, and something about that doesn’t sit well with me.

I hope that when the

time comes, things will naturally fall into place, and the fate of my relationship won’t be determined by whether or not I receive a rose.

I’ll never understand why “The Bachelor” has been so successful.

Sure, the people are pretty attractive, and they travel to places I’d love to go to, but the message behind the show doesn’t seem right.

Well, you heard it here first.

Someone actually doesn’t like “The Bachelor.” For now, I will continue to sit quietly on Tuesday mornings and bite my tongue while everyone I know raves about last night’s rose ceremony as if it were the results of Color Block.

column by annporter

ontrary to popular belief, Monday is the best day of the week. The start of the week, homework, and stress mean nothing to me, because Mondays mean “The Bachelor” is on.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with “The Bachelor/ Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise.”

“The Bachelor” franchise has been a part of my life for six years, and I have been a fan ever since Ali Fedotowsky’s season. She got me hooked on the show, and I fell in love with her trying to fall in love. I don’t know if I am most drawn to the love story, the attractive contestants, or the drama, but the show is irresistible.

When I first started watching “The Bachelor,” I had to record it secretly because my parents didn’t approve of it. They thought it was a trashy show and still make fun of me for watching it, but that doesn’t stop me. Every Monday at 7 p.m., I stop everything I am doing, do a little dance, and run downstairs because I know it’s “Bachelor” time.

One of the most amazing parts of watching “The Bachelor” is being a part of “The Bachelor” community. I cannot go to school on Tuesday unless I have watched the latest episode because I don’t want anyone to spoil it. One time, I went to watch the latest episode, and to my shock and disappointment, my DVR didn’t record it!

I ran upstairs crying and texting my friends to see if I could come over to anyone’s house to watch it. Everyone was already too far into it, so I set my alarm for 5 a.m. the next morning to watch it online before school.

My mom has supported me through

the latest glorious season by making popcorn for dinner a few too many times to set the mood for “The Bachelor” viewing party I have all by myself.

This season is by far my favorite. Ben is tall, dark, and handsome, and any girl would be lucky to have him. I sit on the edge of my seat every episode, rooting for my favorite girls and tearing up every time Ben flashes that breathtaking smile. I even printed out a bracket at the start of the season to choose who I thought was going to make it all the way.

“The Bachelor” is not just a show for teenage girls who go crazy for all of the beautiful people, but many parents, especially dads, are into the show. Even though my dad is not a fan, I have talked to many of my friends’ dads about who their favorites are.

Many “Bachelor” haters disapprove of my obsession, saying the show is all fake and the producers make up the whole plot. I agree that the producers sometimes tell certain people to start drama in order to raise TV ratings, but I believe the connections and action are mostly real. I fall in love with almost every bachelor or bachelorette and stand behind all of their decisions, except when I hate the person they choose.

Seeing girls cry over dumb, insignificant things on national television brings joy to my heart, along with some second-hand embarrassment.

The drama creates a much more entertaining show, but the love feels real. Many of the dates on the show are cheesy, but the romance is worth it. The show wants people to know that love is truly out there and can be found in the most unexpected ways.

It brings hope to people like me who have been boyfriend-less their whole lives that someone is out there. Maybe even a guy like Ben the babe would someday fall for me.

Staff Speaks: Embrace true Field Day Spirit T

he most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching! Not Christmas, not summer, but Field Day season. We all know the main purpose of Field Day is not only class bonding, but also school-wide bonding. Field Day is a precious tradition that Marian holds dear, and it is something that is completely ours.

Field Day is a precious day in April in which every Marian girl dresses up in their class costumes, frantically works on the hardest part of their demonstrations, and gets excited to express their class’ spirit. To those of you who haven’t experienced Field Day, demonstrations are routines choreographed to popular songs.

Each class takes a few songs, changes the lyrics to match their theme, then performs in front of the whole school, plus the family and friends of students. After demo, judge’s booklet presentation, cheerleader performance, and more, judges tally up their votes, and a winner is announced.

Any Marian student could meet any Marian graduate on the street, and one of the first questions out of their mouths is almost guaranteed to be, “What were your Field Day themes?”

Although Field Day has changed from the first marches down Military Avenue and softball games in Benson Park to an all-out performance at Sokol Arena on Creighton’s campus, all Marian girls can remember their Field Days with fondness.

Field Day not only teaches us some of life’s most important lessons, but also forces us to put them into practice. If you don’t want to work with others, cooperate, and compromise during Field Week, you’re in for a rude awakening.

You will see problem-solving like never before when ordering 900 yards of Caribbean green fabric for costumes, panicking during crunch time for walls, putting the finishing touches on mascots and judges’ booklets, and practicing skits. Learning our student-choreographed demonstrations is one of the most exciting yet frustrating things you will encounter in high school, and watching the cheerleaders perform for the first time is a moving experience.

When the big day actually arrives, each girl excitedly puts her costume and final touches of makeup on.

Cheers are perfected, costumes are tai-

“If you think of a big project on a professional level, you would never publicly downgrade the people you’re competing against. Everyone would just work their tails off and enjoy what they do ... I just want everyone to step back and enjoy the memories they’re making.”

See full interview at mariandigitalnetwork.wordpress.com

lored with duct tape, and excitement is at an all time high.

Finally, the time arrives. Classes parade to the Sokol Arena, cheering and smiling until their faces hurt.

Everyone sits down, and the festivities begin. Each class cheers not only for their own spirit, but for the spirit of every other class.

It is especially heart-warming to see bonding between Big Sister and Little Sister classes. It is safe to say each class does indeed find their spirit in the end. For those who have not yet experienced the joys of Field Day, get excited! It is right around the corner.

With all this being said, the intensity of competition can get a little out of control. Tension between classes can rise to unhealthy heights. Rude tweets,

President Mary Higgins ’69

Instagram posts, or any other social media bashing does not make anyone better or cooler than anyone else.

Trust us, The Network staff knows exactly how Field Day can get. Whether it’s lack of oxygen from blowing up balloons for walls, or something completely different, it’s easy to take things too far. Take some time out of your day to remember we are lucky to have Field Day, and school unity really is the true purpose. What other way would you want to end the year besides a week of sewing, gluing, drawing, painting, acting, and cheering?

The Network staff is getting extremely excited as Field Day quickly approaches. We are more than ready to get our healthy competition on and have a lot of fun!

6 • Feature

The Network • Feb. 2016

Unsung heros: Marian girls celebrate special bonds with mothers kellyndaly

T

his Feb. 28, 255 Marian girls and their mothers gathered for a morning of motherly appreciation. This year, at the Marian Mother Daughter Mass and Breakfast, the Marian community celebrated the everyday heros that often go unnoticed: moms.

In the busy life of today’s Marian girl, finding a free moment to be with one’s mother can be a difficult task.

The yearly Mother Daughter Mass and Breakfast offers a chance for Marian girls and their mothers to take a break from their lives and appreciate their special mother-daughter relationships.

Junior Haley Keenan enjoyed some overdue bonding time with her mother, Mrs. Kristin Keenan. “We’re always in a hurry, so just spending a few uninterrupted hours with Haley [was my favorite part],” Mrs. Keenan said. This was the Keenans’ second time attending the Mother Daughter Mass and Breakfast.

This event celebrates the special bond that forms between a mother

do. She’s and a a great daughter. role mod“I think el,” said we have Keenan. that speOne cial little special bond that mothmakes er-daughher be my ter best little relationpal,” Mrs. ship in Elena the halls Kuiper, of Marian mother of Forming bonds Anna Steinike ’16, Mary Townley ’16, Emma is that of freshman McGill ’16, and Abby McGill ’19 hold hands with their mothers while freshman Hana Kui- praying the Our Father. The Mother Daughter Mass and Breakfast was held Feb. 28 and was full of prayer, laughter and bonding.

Aidan per, said.

Marian photo by kellyndaly Remmick girls are and her taught to be confident, independent mother, history teacher Mrs. Kim leaders, but these lessons start well Remmick. The pair have an amusing before their freshman year. A mother dynamic and love to poke fun, but the is the first role model in a young girl’s love they hold for each other is clear. life and the lessons learned from a “We are so similar that sometime’s it’s good, sometimes it’s bad,” Mrs. Remmother last a lifetime. “I’ve always mick said. “We work well together, but been able to look up to her, and she we also really can fight.” looks out for me in everything that I

While each mother-daughter relationship is unique, the love and respect that each of these pairs has for each other is immeasurable. Each of these daughters looks up to their mothers as heroes in their lives, truly emulating the Mass’s theme of “Embracing our Heroes.”

“My mom’s my hero because I can always go to her … She’s always a good role model for me,” Kuiper said. “She’s just always there for me, and that’s what a mom’s for.”

These mothers have embraced their roles as heroes in their daughters’ lives. “I know that my mom is still a guidepost for me, … and I just want to be the same for [Aidan],” Mrs. Remmick said.

No matter the dynamic between these mothers and daughters, the message from each is clear: mother-daughter relationships are an important part of a girl’s life. Mothers guide, nurture, and are truly ever-present heroes in the lives of their daughters.

bring ‘frosh’ perspective to artwork BURN ignites creativity in Marian students Students clarawertzberger kellyndaly

E

very semester, as the newest ediand then we all as a staff talk about it tion of Marian’s literary magazine and critique it, … it’s really construcBURN is passed out, praise can be tive and just the creative spin that heard throughout the halls for its they always put on it is my favorite beauty. For eight weeks leading up part,” Christen said. to the release of each Once the pages are edition, those on the complete, the finished BURN staff work tiremagazine is sent to be lessly. The girls meet printed at Automattwice a week with ic Publishing. Each additional outside issue costs $1800, work to create the which is around $3 finished product that per magazine. This is presented to the cost is covered by student body. Each student fees. issue has about 18 A previous literary written pieces and 22 magazine was part of art and photography the English curricupieces. The final prodlum and published uct comes from high through the creative quality content and writing class in the Sneak peak the BURN staff has the passion of the 22 supplied the cover of the spring late 1990’s titled “The BURN staff members. issue of BURN. This cover is subject Fifth Season.” Former to change and the full magazine “I don’t think peo- will be released in early May. photo English and speech ple realize how much by beccawilliams and design by teacher Mr. Luke abiknapton [work is involved],” Ostrander restarted BURN moderator the magazine as an Mrs. Jennifer Christen said. “They extracurricular activity in 2011 under really want to do a good job featuring the name BURN. the students.”

“I was very interested in it. Mr. The publishing process for BURN Ostrander was going to let it go, and begins with choosing which pieces I was letting go of the Speech Team, will be featured. Each semester, the so we kind of just swapped roles,” BURN staff receives countless subChristen said. missions that go through a rigorous Working on BURN is a creative and anonymous voting period until outlet for those who may not have the featured pieces have been chosen. any other opportunity to be artistic.

This past issue alone, the BURN staff “If you’re kind of like me and received 206 submissions. you’re not super creative on your own “The only reason why the mag… it’s kind of a chance to see someazine is so good is because of the thing that you’ve done published and students here [at Marian],” Managing also just, like, be creative in your own Editor senior Cassie Heisey said. “We way,” Heisey said. wouldn’t have anything to design if It takes a special talent to be able they didn’t submit photos or writing.” to take someone else’s artwork and Once the pieces are chosen, present it in a unique and creative Heisey, along with Co-Managing Edi- way. These Marian students have an tor senior Makenzie Fuss, decides the eye for design and a passion to touch layout of the magazine. From here, the hearts and minds of others. pages are assigned to different staff The staff is currently hard at work members, and the page designing on the next issue of BURN. Their goal process begins. is to distribute by early May. Teamwork is highly valued among Though the BURN staff may restaff members. Each girl assists in the main modest in taking credit for their making of each page. work, it doesn’t go unnoticed.“I think “We have a night where we show they’re all very unique and have good different versions of the pages that creative personalities. I’m always just the staff members have designed … amazed,” Christen said.

F

or freshmen Ashley Straub and in several of their six shared classes Ashley Stanek, art has begun to and homeroom, which has caused mean something new. Though the some difficulties. girls sketch on their own, they have “It is cool to have Ashley squared in found that Marian offers more ways most classes,” Straub said. “Both being of creative expression than they ever Ashley S caused a little confusion in imagined. the beginning of the year, but now I In this case, those with the same think everything is well … It is usually name think alike. According to Art I hair color that separates us.” teacher Mr. Jeremy Cisco, both AshIt is the middle of second semester, leys have shown amazing skill. “It’s and the girls easily stand out on their just interesting to me that they both own, especially in their respective art have the same level classes. Over the of craftsmanship,” months, art class Cisco said. “It’s has also begun to just a very high stand out to them. level of craftsman“It’s just differship you don’t see ent from any other in Art I. It’s not kind of school something that you subject, because it’s teach; it’s someusing all these difthing they just ferent materials,” bring to the table.”

Stanek said. “Like Straub once [with] Math, you took lessons with a “Frosh” talent Ashley Stanek (left) ’19 and always have this Ashley Straub ’19 pose for a picture in the art Gretna artist, and room on Feb. 18. Stanek and Straub draw, way of doing someher lessons were sketch, and paint their way through Art I. photo thing, and you have enjoyable. “... It’d by clarawertzberger to do it that way, be very realistic, and there’s a right but here at Marian it’s broadened my or wrong. Whereas with art, there’s no view of all the mediums,” Straub said. wrong.”

For Stanek, a feature of a Marian Straub has appreciated what Mariart class isn’t just the mediums. “For an’s Art I class has given her. “I think me, it’s hard to make art when I don’t it is important to branch out because have a specific project that’s given to then you can figure out what kind of me. That’s why I like art class a lot … artist you are,” Straub said. “When an I’m given something, and I can build artist branches out, they can experi[on it,]” she said. ence their own style and what suits Stanek’s passion for taking art to them.” the next level hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Stanek and Straub have used their “Stanek is very creative in her use of talent in other academic areas. Rematerials,” Cisco said. When Cisco cently, they created 3-D objects for a told his students to create an animal presentation after reading “Outcasts or object out of classroom materials, United” in their Block F Honors Commany students painted colored pencils position and Literature class. Stanek or rulers into the shape they wanted. drew custom Food Stamp cards to Stanek used actual pencil shavings to go with her project on what services create the tails of an elegant peacock. refugees can use in America, and Despite the challenges, Stanek and Straub created a woman in a burka to Straub find joy in taking an art class. represent Jordanian women’s role in “... I don’t focus on homework when society.

I’m doing art. It’s a time to do what The two talented freshmen plan you want,” Straub said. “For me, it’s a on focusing their skills in Art II and way to relax and have fun, to get away beyond. “Seeing the portraits, I cannot from things that overtake my life.” wait to be able to do that,” Stanek Oddly enough, Art I is one of the said. “Marian is able to shape you, and few classes that the girls, who refer to I want to do that, and I want it to look themselves as “Ashley squared,” do amazing. And I know Marian is going not have in common. They sit together to help me with that.”

Feb. 2016 • The Network

Feature • 7

Marian girls show compassion, boost morale as ‘volunteens’ andreahuber ne way Marian girls are making a difference in the community is by volunteering. According to the February Network survey, almost 10 percent of girls put their time and effort into volunteering at hospitals around the Omaha area. From delivering newspapers to holding babies to working in the gift shop, these hospital volunteers do it all.

Senior Melissa Bohan, a volunteer at Children’s Hospital, has been volunteering an hour and a half every week for two years now. “I get to rock babies, clean toys, play board games, and do whatever the hospital needs me to do,” Bohan said. “Each week is different, and I always look forward to seeing patients.”

Senior Taylor McHugh also volunteers at Children’s every week.

She works in Kids Camp, supervising and playing with patients and their siblings at the clinic connected to the hospital. “I have learned to be thankful for what you have in life and give back to others in any way possible,” McHugh said.

Senior Julia Griffin does much of the same work volunteering at Methodist Hospital. She makes deliveries to

O

patients, restocks the nurses’ stations, tients love seeing young people in the and cleans medical charts. Griffin has hospital so it makes their day when been volunteering since her sophoyou start a conversation with them.” more year and is also a volunteer suInteraction with people is key when pervisor, delegating tasks and making volunteering at a hospital, and making sure everything gets done. “I love it! I someone’s day is always a plus. “I love look forward to each Monday aftervolunteering because it really has an noon. It has been one of my favorite impact on the patients, and I get to high school put a smile on activities, and their faces when I will definitethey are going ly continue through a hard volunteering time,” Bohan at the hospital said. “The most in the future,” rewarding part Griffin said. is getting to Griffin’s interact with cousin and the patients and fellow Marian hopefully make All in the family Carolyn Griffin ’19, Julia Griffin ’16, and Lauren student sophtheir day a little Klingemann ’18 pose with other family members omore Lauren better.” while volunteering at Methodist Hospital. Teen hosKlingemann Klingemann pital volunteers help out in any way possible from also volunteers holding babies to cleaning toys. photo courtesy of and Griffin also juliagriffin at Methodist. get joy every “I absolutely Christmas out love volunteering at Methodist. It of caroling to the patients. “I would gives me something to look forward to say the most inspirational and someon Mondays,” Klingemann said. “The times the most embarrassing stories most rewarding part of volunteering come from Christmas caroling to the is meeting so many different types patients,” Klingemann said. “[Once, of people all in the same place. The pa-

Ladies celebrate Galentine’s Day

allykmiecik all of her friends hold a place in her ccording to Buzzfeed’s list of heart. However this year, she decided ‘23 Reasons You Need To Celeto celebrate with a new furry friend. brate Galentine’s Day,’ the holiday is Her family decided to adopt a pupdeemed as a whole day for girls to get py on Feb. 13. The little pup’s name together with their gal-pals, cherish is Luna, and “she is just the sweetest fond memories, and talk about how little pea I ever did see,” Poulos said. much they adore each other, preferaShe already has a pet bunny and was bly in song. not really expecting another pet. “I If Buzzfeed isn’t an impressive usually just straight chill with some enough source, fictional “Parks and Reese’s that my mom gifts me, so this Recreation” television star and idol of was a nice change,” Poulos said. many, Leslie Knope, who coined the Cute puppies and yummy treats name for the holiday, claimed “Feb. aren’t the only way to celebrate.

After 13 is only the greatest day of the year,” all, the day is dedicated to celebrating and with all the hype about this estrogen-filled holiday, it’s hard to disagree. a girl’s sisters! In that spirit, a gaggle of freshman girls celebrated their However, the February Network Survey shows that, 48.2 percent of the friendship at Champion’s banquet area with a fun brunch.

195 responses do not celebrate Gal“We made cookies and cupcakes entine’s Day and 10.3 percent do not and talkunderstand ed about it. Marian is Field Day an all-girl’s the whole school full time,” of love and freshman excitement Hallie Falk that takes said. just about Freshevery opman Laura portunity Tooley to celebrate was also in anything, so A special Valentine gift attendance this holiday Amalea Poulos ’17 shows off her new puppy, and was seems like Luna. Poulos spent her ‘Galentine’s Day’ cudimmensely something dling with her new furry friend. photo courtesy of amaleapoulos proud of that would the decorabe all the tions she helped prepare.

“We made hype in these halls. a balloon heart for a photo booth to Senior Rachael Steier celebrated take pictures in front of.

It look me, Galentine’s Day cooking up some like, four hours,” Tooley said. The girls festive concoctions for her and her both exclaimed that the event was friends. They chowed on pink waffles entertaining and something they hope for breakfast. to continue as friends.

“Michaela Moriarty made us a Overall, Galentine’s Day seems to heart-shaped cake,” Steier said. The be a celebrated and appreciated holigroup of choir girls spent the day day for those who choose to partake. bonding over laughs and some deliWhether it be a date with one’s gal cious treats. “It was a great group, and pals, or cuddling up with a cute furry we all make each other laugh a lot, friend, mark Feb. 13, 2017 on the which is always fun,” Steier said. calendar now.

It’s just a day for ladies The day isn’t only about spending to celebrate ladies.

As Leslie Knope time with human gal pals, but instead would say, “It’s wonderful and should any friend a girl appreciates in your be a national holiday.” life! Junior Amalea Poulos is a fan of Galentine’s Day because she said that

A

we were] asked to sing ‘Mary Did You Know’ and we thought that we knew the words but we just didn’t. After the ‘Mary did you know’ part, we both stopped and looked at each other. It was pretty embarrassing.”

Volunteering can also be useful in deciding a career. “I have a passion for math, science, and medicine, and each Monday I am only able to feed [that passion]. I want to be a physician, so volunteering at the hospital motivates me to pursue my goal,” Griffin said.

The same goes for Bohan. “Volunteering really helped solidify whether or not I want to work in the medical field someday. I would truly recommend someone who is considering [this field] to volunteer, because you get to practice being in a hospital environment and interacting with patients,” Bohan said.

“The most rewarding part of volunteering is making someone’s day in such a small way. It is a priceless reward to see someone’s smile or hear their gratitude,” Griffin said. “I volunteer not for the recognition but for the small impact I can make in my corner of the world.”

Slam Poetry encourages individuality lindsaymuse

Passion in poetry The Slam Poetry coach, Lindsey Baker, helps the girls with their latest poems with the help of Natalie Ashbrook ’16. Baker attends every meeting to assist her team. photo by clarawertzberger

M

arian Slam Poetry is a unique club that allows girls the opportunity to explore and express individuality through poetry. It is officially a three-year-old club, but it often flies under the radar of all the other clubs and activities offered at Marian.

Slam Poetry is not only a club offered at Marian, but it is a unique experience that allows individuals to learn about themselves. This team of individuals expresses its thoughts and feelings through poetry. Each person selects a topic of interest, and then begins her own unique writing preparations.

The group meets on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., under the guidance of a Louder Than a Bomb (LTB) coach Ms. Lindsey Baker and in-school moderator Ms. Adriana Magistro. Together, they create and share their poetry in order to work out the kinks, create captivating presentations, and practice forms of self-expression.

The meetings have a free flowing atmosphere where someone can offer up whatever they have written in their notebook that week and get advice.

Right now, the poets are choosing their individual and group pieces that they want to present in competitions.

Because of all of the outside practice hours, senior Natalie Ashbrook is most excited for the upcoming competitions. The competitions take place in March and April. Marian competes in three bouts, unless they make it to the semi-finals.

Marian’s Slam Poetry team participates in competitions as a part of LTB, which is a poetry league that consists of bouts between contestants from Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas.

“The best part of competition is being able to share a piece of yourself and then having someone come up to you and connect with what you said,” Ashbrook said.

It takes a long time to prepare for a poetry performance, with lots of writing, rewriting, and stress. Sophomore Julia Veik understands the time and the effort it takes to craft just the right poem.

“I usually spend a lot of time just doing free write … the best time for me to write is at night in one sitting, but if I don’t get it [the poem] done, then I lose my train of thought,” Veik said.

The Slam Poetry team has evolved from a small group of about 12 members to a club well-recognized by the Marian student body. One of their appearances was to students in the Thanksgiving prayer service, during which they composed and presented a group piece on gratitude.

Members of the poetry team have discovered that presenting their own work means overcoming sweaty palms, but that it is worth the snaps of the audience. They are open and accepting of all, and they would love to welcome anyone interested in sharing their original poems.

PHOTO

Bennett

1s

Bennett

Marian girls break the barriers of their “play pens” to show that stereotypes do not define Marian students.

Marian girls do NOT attend daycare opinion by kathrynbaginski arian is a daycare.

They have AP Coloring and Honors Naptime.” This horrifically fictitious stereotype runs rampant through many Omaha high schools, labeling Marian girls as lazy and childlike.

Once, some family friends from a nearby high school brought my sister a diaper and some crayons as a gift because she chose to go to Marian.

This reputation negates the

“M

tremendous effort Marian girls put into their work.

Sure, some teachers do assign coloring for homework, but it’s not for AP Coloring; it’s for Anatomy and Physiology.

Anatomy students work their messy buns off to get good grades and learn more about the human body.

Some Marian girls draw pictures for homework. They’re not light-hearted pictures of a sun wearing sunglasses; they’re

3D models for Calculus BC. Hardworking Marian mathematicians can spend two hours on just three problems and sometimes only get an answer for two. By then midnight has arrived, and those mathematicians go to bed.

With busy schedules, late nights, and high expectations, it’s no wonder that a few Marian girls can be found sleeping in the library.

Elizabeth Brison ’18

Megan O’Konski ’16

Lily Watkins ’18

Lauren Elliot ’19 Kayla Gilbride ’16

Without occasional power naps, those ambitious girls would go crazy and lose focus.

Field Day and Surprise Day provide Marian girls with breaks from their packed schedules so they can relax, have fun, and bond with classmates.

We learn more than just the lessons in the classroom. We learn sisterhood, compassion and creativity.

Marian and “daycare” are far

from synonymous. Marian girls are ambitious, kindhearted, hardworking, talented, passionate, and a million other adjectives.

Today we are going to look at specific examples of how other schools view Marian girls. We aim to show that Marian is not always perceived in a negative light.

After all, we should be proud to sport our royal blue shirts and plaid skirts.

Students weigh in on the truth behind Marian’s school motto.

Students muse on mighty Marian confidence

story and photos by clarawertzberger arian will help you said student needs to succeed become confident, academically, socially, and independent, thinking emotionally. Such attention leaders!” This phrase is simply is not paid at other frequently thrown around schools, or if it is, certainly school, according to senior not to the degree that Marian Megan O’Konski.“I think it’s pays,” sophomore Lily Watkins cheesy how often we throw it said. around, but I would definitely Sophomore Elizabeth Brison agree that most Marian girls was introduced to the idea of are confident, independent, Marian confidence in a slightly thinking leaders,” she said. strange way. “I remember at According to the February Freshman Retreat, one of the Network survey, 100 percent seniors described all of the of freshmen hope this girls as turtles ‘who would motto will apply to them by not only learn to break out of graduation. For the most part, their shells, but throw it on upperclasswomen said the the ground and stomp on it,’” motto holds true.

Brison said. A year later, Brison “Extra attention is paid rated herself as 100 percent at Marian to make sure each confident in the February student receives the support Network survey.

“M

8 • Indepth

Brison pointed out, though, that her confidence level is not the standard. “Marian does a good job of helping us all, but it can take a little longer for some students to become confident, independent, thinking leaders, because not everyone can be as loud and flamboyant as some of the girls naturally are,” Brison said.

O’Konski agreed and said her introverted nature can prevent her from speaking up as much as other girls might.

However, she will graduate with the knowledge that Marian has given her another gift. “I am very independent and strong in my beliefs, so I will fight to the end for anything that I think is right,”

O’Konski said.

For some, Marian doesn’t always inspire confidence on its own. “I think it’s also everyone’s own personal growth through high school, and that’s what helps them become more confident,” senior Kayla Gilbride said. If she were to choose one Marian event that helped her feel confident, Gilbride said it would be Field Week.

“During that week and that period, the class is just so united and everyone cares about everyone’s opinion, and everyone’s important in the process,” Gilbride said.

“Individually, you feel like you’re making a difference, and everyone cares about what you

have to say, and that boosts your confidence.”

For Gilbride, confidence came when she was a leader in Walls for Field Day, but for freshman Lauren Elliot, the Marian motto has yet to stand true. “It’s hard to just feel like a ‘confident, independent, thinking leader,’ especially as freshmen,” she said, “but all of my teachers and classmates are so confident in me that I am beginning to feel confident in myself.”

Elliot, Brison, and Watkins will hear the Marian motto many more times. For “confident, independent, thinking leaders” O’Konski and Gilbride, the motto will stay with them for years to come.

Tori

2018 likes Bennett This is what I think of when someone says #marian. view all 2018 comments Central High School Bennett is a sophomore at Central High School.

PHOTO

PHOTO

Nash

1s

Tori

2017 likes Tori This is what I think of when someone says #marian. view all 2017 comments Skutt Catholic High School Tori is a junior at Skutt.

Nash

2017 likes Nash This is what I think of when someone says #marian. view all 2017 comments Mount Michael Nash is a junior at Mount Michael.

Kassi

1s

PHOTO 1s

Kassi

2016 likes Kassi This is what I think of when someone says #marian. view all 2016 comments Mercy High School Kassi is a senior at Mercy High School.

Grace @duchesnesenior

This is what I think of when someone says @OmahaMarian.

facebook

Search for people, places, and more perspectives

5:30 PM - 1 Mar 2016 2,016 RETWEETS

Josh · 2016 subscribers March 1 at 5:30pm near Roncalli

2,016 LIKES

Reply to @duchesnesenior Max @creightonprepfreshman

Marian is a great school. The people I know from Marian are very kind and respectful. I always see Marian girls supporting any and every activity they are involved in. They are very energetic and enthusiastic about all that they do. Marian produces hard-working, passionate people.

Like

·

Share

2016 people like this.

This is what I think of when someone says @OmahaMarian.

facebook

Search for people, places, and more perspectives

Atziri · 2017 subscribers March 1 at 5:30pm near Bryan

5:30 PM - 1 Mar 2016 2,019 RETWEETS

Subscribe

Marian is an all-girls school, so it is very strict over there. It is not a very diverse school.

2,019 LIKES

Like

Reply to @creightonprepfreshman

The Network • Feb. 2016

Subscribe

·

Share

2017 people like this.

Indepth • 9

10 • Features

The Network • Feb. 2016

Salsa runs through freshman’s veins

graphic by racheljohnson

noellepick

A

urgent: school-wide tissue shortage please help combat stuffy noses, and bring in a box of tissues to your homeroom teacher.

Servite Corner:

Sr. Justina Tsoku, O.S.M. clarawertzberger

I

f someone was to look at the life Bachelor’s in Social Services, then of Sr. Justina Tsoku, OSM, he or later a Master’s degree in Religious she would learn that a person’s roots Studies. In 1984, she transferred to have a huge impact on who they are. the Servants of Mary in Omaha. She Sr. Justina was born in Heidelberg, began teaching religion to freshmen South Africa. Her family foundation in Room 205 of Marian. is incredibly strong and, according “Coming to Marian High School to Sr. Justina, different than what was a new experience and challenge many Americans are used to. in many ways, leaving one continent “... In my culture, you are never for another, and culture for anothon your own,” she said. “Here, you er,” Sr. Justina said. “The welcome I reach 18 years [of age,] they give you received was awesome.” a car, they give you the keys, and you Spanish teacher Molly Raabe ’89 are out on your own. This doesn’t was one of Sr. Justina’s students happen in African culture … You in her second year of teaching. “Sr. belong to the family from childhood Justina is one of my favorite teachto adulthood.” ers,” Raabe said. “She really inspired Sr. Justina’s mother had a strong me to learn another language and to devotion to the Sorrows of Our do the very best I can … She gave us Lady. Though Sr. Justina did not a worldview which, back in the 80s, know much about women’s religious maybe not everyone was exposed orders, she began to learn a lot in a to.” short amount of time.

Sr. Justina did not limit herself to “My last year in high school, I was teaching. She was a certified Home educated by Health Care Dominican Aide, and, even Sisters. My after retiring, mother still visits the grew up in elderly at SkyLesotho, line Retirement and many Community just times she across the street talked from the conabout the vent. Sr. Justina Holy Famhas spent her ily Sisters entire life endshe had Sr. Justina Tsoku, OSM, with Kate Kellen ’18, lessly devoted known,” Sr. Allison Martin ’18 and Bayleigh Weibel ’18 to others, never Justina said. considering Justina’s mother was also a mempersonal gain and always hoping to ber of the Solidarity of Our Lady of improve the lives of anyone she can.

Sorrows, and further encouraged her She can do this, she said, because of daughter to pursue vocational life. her upbringing.

At the advice of a local Servite “We have in our culture a saying priest, a 17-year-old Justina decid[Nelson] Mandela used to say: ‘I am ed to join the Servants of Mary in because you are. You are because Swaziland. Her mother and family I am,’” she said. “Your existence were overjoyed. Sr. Justina became depends heavily on me, and my exisa teacher, the typical ministry for tence depends heavily on you.” a Servant of Mary, and taught a Sr. Justina said when she would variety of subjects to the children in tell that statement to Americans, Swaziland. In addition to teaching many would not understand. Howmath and English (and everything ever, she believes that this saying is in between), she also had to teach a powerful tool for Marian students, in multiple languages, including especially anyone discerning their South African Dutch, Zulu, Sotho, future.

English, and Swazi. Throughout her “There should be an inner feeling lifetime of teaching, Sr. Justina was that you are not alone,” Sr. Justina able to travel around the world to said. “Therefore, this intertwining places like Germany, Ireland, and and interrelationship means you do Rome. Sr. Justina is currently trying matter in the lives of others and the to learn Swahili to strengthen the lives of others do matter to you … connection between the Servants We are connected.” of Mary here and the Sisters in the Congo.

There’s more to this story. Check out To continue her ministry as a a 2013 article for more of Sr. Justiteacher, Sr. Justina came to Amerna’s life at mariandigitalnetwork. ica twice for education: first for a wordpress.com.

t the age of 6, while most young tradition,” Inciarte-Balza said. children were learning the ABCs While some may immediately assoor how to tie a shoe, freshman Marciate salsa with the dancing lady emoji iana Inciarte-Balza and her red dress, for was learning to salsa Inciarte-Balza’s family, dance. “All my family it is much more casual. is from Venezuela, “Tradition in Venezueso it’s tradition that la is a long skirt and a everyone in the family traditional blouse, but knows how to dance,” usually we just do it for Inciarte-Balza said. fun in everyday, casual Salsa is a traditionclothing,” Inciarte-Balza al dance that follows said. the lively and contemInciarte-Balza is not porary beat of salsa only proud of her hermusic. It spread rapitage and family tradiidly throughout Latin tions, but she genuinely American countries in enjoys dancing. “The the 1960s and became Dancing queen Mariana Incibest part is having fun a cultural phenomand not thinking about arte-Balza ’19 and her mother show off their salsa skills. The enon, especially in it,” Inciarte-Balza said. duo performed and taught at a Venezuela.

Her Venezuelan recent Spanish Club event. photo Inciarte-Balza heritage has not only courtesy of juliagriffin learned to dance from nurtured her salsa skills, her mother, an avid but Inciarte-Balza also salsa fan. “When we go to Venezuela dances in other traditional styles, such for Christmas, she is always the one as merengue and bachata. The mulstarting the dancing,” Inciarte-Balza titalented Inciarte-Balza family has said. “She’s probably danced all her passed on these dances in the same life.” way they have passed on salsa.

Spanish Club members had the Every family has traditions unique opportunity to see Inciarte-Balza and to them. For some families, it’s board her mother dance at a Feb. 5 club games; for others, it’s baseball. event in the West Gym, but performFor Mariana Inciarte-Balza and ing for an audience is not the norm for her family, it’s traditional Venezuelan this mother-daughter duo. “We do it dances, such as salsa, that bring them at family reunions … It’s a fun family together.

Freshman Code Crusher gears up for future in tech tessamclaughlin

I

t’s no secret that the world of Information Technology, or IT, is dominated by men. Last summer, CNET reported that they actually make up about 70 percent of the tech industry as a whole. Code Crush aimed to change that. Freshman Abigail McGill was accepted into the program with the help from science teacher Mrs. Sharon Genoways. She was one of the 40 eighth and ninth grade female students from the Midwest attending the event.

Code Crush was a three night camp held at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, or UNO, from Wednesday, Feb. 24 to Saturday morning, Feb. 27 that had to do with computers, programming, and coding. McGill described the mornings as “mini classes” where they learned about bioinformatics, coding apps, and cybersecurity.

During the rest of the day, participants listened to speakers, engaged in panel discussions, and enjoyed other activities like going to the zoo and a UNO basketball game.

“As of right now, I don’t really know a whole lot about coding. I did robotics and had fun with that this year, which has taught me a little, but I mainly wanted to do Code Crush to learn more about IT and whether it is something I’m interested in,” McGill said. “It also just sounded like a neat experience that would be super interesting and a lot of fun.”

McGill and Genoways had the opportunity to stay on campus for the event, and were excited to begin their adventure. Before the event, she said, “I am not really nervous, other than I am still not entirely sure what to expect. I am excited to meet new people who are interested in a lot of the same things I am,” McGill said. The event

Abigail McGill ’19

enthralled McGill from one activity to the next. “I definitely had a lot of favorite parts of the camp! One was that we got to go to the zoo and learn how they use technology throughout the zoo, especially in the aquarium and the Africa exhibit,” McGill said. “Then we got to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, which was really cool.”

McGill also relished partaking in the mini classes every morning at the camp. “My favorite of the mini classes was one where we got to program a game on the computer and then download it on a tablet and see it work,” McGill said.

The girls at Code Crush even had the chance to see the IT world from someone else’s perspective. “We had a lot of opportunities to talk to and ask question to current IT students at UNO, alumni, and people who have jobs that have to do with IT, which was super interesting and gave me a better idea of what it would actually be like if I decided that’s the type of career I wanted to pursue,” McGill said.

By participating in Code Crush, McGill learned skills that could potentially spark a future career for her.

“Pretty much everything I learned was new to me, because I really didn’t have any experience coming in. That said, I did learn a lot, and it was a really great experience,” McGill said.

Feb. 2016 • The Network

Features • 11

Restaurants are more than just place to work andreahuber

R

gets along really well, so it doesn’t matter how old or young you are,” Plewa said.

When working at a restaurant, interaction with the customers is key.

“The best part about working at Harold’s is meeting all the regulars and getting to know them,” Plewa said.

“Some of the people that go in there every week are awesome, and I love hearing their stories!”

Of course, as with all jobs, accidents are bound to happen. “Within my first week of working there, I broke two dishes and dumped an entire container of pepper on the floor,” Plewa said.

Drew found her job at B&G’s in a more unique way than merely filling out an application.

“At a silent auction, my mom won an opportunity for a friend and I to ‘work’ there for free for a day as a fun experience, and afterward my boss

estaurants seem to be popular a restaurant,” Plewa said, “and I get workplaces for Marian girls. There a discount on the food, so that’s a is bound to bonus!” Discountbe a fellow ed food, and of student course tip money, working are definitely a plus. at any Freshman restaurant.

Caroline Drew Accordworks at B&G ing to the Tasty Foods on February 78th and Dodge Network as a waitress as survey, 11.6 Discounted food is the best food Harold’s is a well. “I definitely percent of great place for hearty, homestyle food for breakfast or enjoy working at a Marian girls dinner. photo courtesy of natalieplewa restaurant,” Drew work at a said. “I’d say the restaurant. best parts of working there are the The highest percentage are waitresses people who I work with and the fun at 40 percent, with the second highatmosphere and, of course, having a est being hostesses at 25 percent and small, but consistent, steady income.” the least being bussers at 10 percent.

From waiting tables to hostessing Coworkers can make or break a work atmosphere. Luckily for Plewa, to even working in the kitchen, a the people she works with add to the restaurant can be a very versatile and experience. “I only work with one rewarding place to work for a student. other high schooler on Saturdays, but Junior Natalie Plewa, who works none on Sundays. Even though there at Harold’s Koffee House on North aren’t a lot of young people, the people 30th street, works at the cash register I work with are really cool. Everyone and as a waitress. “I love working at

offered me a job once I turned 14,” she said.

As for Plewa, her connections helped her obtain a job at Harold’s.

“The restaurant I work in is family-owned, and I’ve known the family for a long time, so when they told my parents they had a position open, I applied right away,” she said.

High school jobs often get a bad rap, but these girls have proved that work doesn’t have to be so bad. “There isn’t really a [bad] part to my job; I love it so much,” Plewa said. “I work with some cool people, my bosses are great, and I love talking to everyone that comes in to eat.”

Students Working in Restaurants Based on a Feb. 12 Network Google survey of 204 students. graphic by annporter

Marian girls’ favorite snacks

Based on a Feb. 12 Network Google survey of 204 students. graphic by Wordle

What are we really eating?

“It’s just as bad for me, but I eat at McDonalds and every other place.”

From Gardettos to ice cream, Marian girls have always loved to eat. The real question is: what are we actually snacking on? Below are four nutrition labels found on the back of these popular snacks along with what students think about eating the foods now. Saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and monounsaturated fat are difficult terms that are defined below the nutrition labels and are taken from the American Heart Association website. graphic by elsiestormberg

“I didn’t really pay attention.

Maybe I’ll have smaller portions of it.”

Hana Kuiper ’19

Mariah Kaup ’18

Goldfish Nutrition Facts Serving Size 55 Pieces (30g/1.1oz) Servings Per Container About 6

Ben and Jerry’s Half-Baked Ice Cream Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1/2 cup (107g) Servings Per Container 4

Amount Per Serving Calories 140 Calories from Fat 45 % Daily Value Total Fat 5g 8% Saturated Fat 1g 5% Trans Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g Monounsaturated Fat 3g 0% Cholesterol 0mg 10% Sodium 230mg Total Carbohydrate 20g 7% 2% Dietary Fiber Less than 1g Sugars Less than 1g Protein 3g

Amount Per Serving Calories 280 Calories from Fat 140 % Daily Value Total Fat 16g 25% Saturated Fat 10g 50% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 55mg 18% 3% Sodium 80mg Total Carbohydrate 30g 10% Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 25g Protein 5g

Saturated Fat: Saturated fats are fat molecules that have no double bonds between carbon molecules because they are saturated with hydrogen molecules.

Trans Fat: Naturally occurring trans fats are produced in the gut of some animals and foods made from these animals may contain small quantities of these fats. Artificial trans fats are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid.

“It’s kind of gross. You don’t really think about that.”

Natalie Kemler ’17 Tostinos Pizza Rolls Nutrition Facts Serving Size 6 rolls (85g) Servings Per Container about 7 Amount Per Serving Calories 220 Calories from Fat 80 % Daily Value Total Fat 9g 15% 11% Saturated Fat 2.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 10mg 3% Sodium 410mg 17% Total Carbohydrate 26g 9% Dietary Fiber 1g 6% Sugars 2g Protein 7g Polyunsaturated Fat: Polyunsaturated fats are simply fat molecules that have more than one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule.

“It makes me feel like I shouldn’t be eating it, I should be eating healthy.”

Morgan Kahler ’16 Puppy Chow Nutrition Facts Serving Size about 1/2 cup (170g) Servings Per Container about 16 Amount Per Serving Calories 425 Calories from Fat 76 % Daily Value Total Fat 23.4g 36% Saturated Fat 9.3g 46% Cholesterol 18.4mg 6% Sodium 210.5mg 9% Total Carbohydrate 49g 16% Dietary Fiber 2.7g 11% Sugars 28.4g Protein 7.9g 16% Monounsaturated Fat: These fat molecules that have one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule.

12 • Sports

The Network • Feb. 2016

And they’re off!

Track season begins

Back again: Varsity Dance Team takes on State competition

A

F

marykiscoan

fter school hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, dedicated girls could be found sprinting up and down Marian’s halls. Track and field conditioning is complete, and that means the spring track season is currently underway.

Approximately 15 girls (mostly freshmen) who showed up to conditioning are excited to show other NSAA schools what the Marian track and field team is made of.

“I’ve never ran track, but everyone says it’s really fun.

When I played basketball for Marian, I was told that I could jump high and run fast, so I’m deciding to put those talents all together for track. I am excited to see where I stand among other Class A competitors in Omaha,” freshman Gorretty Ofafa said.

Rigorous conditioning is required to be competitive in any Class A high school sport. Conditioning consists of hurdle stretches, sprint build-ups, ladder exercises, and starts. Varsity Track Head Coach Mr. Greg Golka focuses especially on his runners’ running form.

The girls conditioned until the first day of practice and tryouts on Feb. 29.

“We believe that being a part of the track team should be a positive experience for everyone. We believe that the key ingredients to make that happen are: being a part of the team, hard work, dedication to improvement and fun. We welcome anyone to the team who is willing to live into the expectations of the team,” Golka said.

2016 Marian soccer team is #goals

anyalindholm

T

he soccer team is kicking off the season with a new head coach and tryout format. At their preseason meeting Coach Teresa Virgillito DeGeorge ’92 announced plans for tryouts that include agility testing and drills.

“She really got the team excited for the upcoming season. She pumped us up for the new soccer season because it’s her first time being the head coach,” senior Kenzie Meola said.

Tryouts will be longer and more intense this year, taking place at Omaha Sports Complex from Monday, Feb. 29 through Thursday, March 3. Practices will be held for two hours after school and early morning on Saturdays to review film from their games. The coach hopes to put more of an emphasis on watching film this season because it will help the girls learn from mistakes and make beneficial changes as the season progresses.

“My goal for the season is to have a cohesive unit of varsity players that plays to the best of their potential, to have a skilled passing team, and of course winning state is the ultimate goal,” DeGeorge said.

“I think Teresa will bring a new outlook and intensity to the Marian soccer program. She’s expecting a lot out of this season which will be a good thing for the whole team,” Meola said.

Tennis season soon to serve aces

tessamclaughlin

W

hile the tennis season isn’t in full swing yet, girls are getting amped to be back on the court. Varsity coach Mrs. Beth Dye is looking forward to the season, as well.

“I’m excited to get the girls back together as a team, and I’m also excited to get to know the newcomers that will join the Varsity team,” Dye said.

Tryouts were held at Miracle Hills on Monday, Feb. 29 and Tuesday, Mar. 3 in the morning before school.

The final day of tryouts will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 9, weather permitting. About 30 girls will try out for the team, and a maximum of 10 will make Varsity, while a maximum of 12 will make Junior Varsity. Day one practiced single matches, and day two practiced doubles.

The Junior Varsity team will be headed by Mrs. Miller, who has been a part of the program for about ten years.

“I think we should be very successful just because of the eight people returning from last year’s Varsity squad,” Dye said. The tennis community at Marian is excited for the return of a successful season.

Students are welcome to come support the team at their matches. Find out when they’re playing by checking the sports calendar on Marian’s website!

racheljohnson

plate and choreographed a new routine with an upbeat Britney Spears remix. The dance was fresh, challenging, and incorporated a different technique that would eventually earn them State recognition.

Because the team competed in the Pom category, the famous kickline was not a part of the State choreography. Instead, the spirit girls included other challenging moves such as three toe touches in a row and a perfectly cleaned and timed ripple. “It was fun choreographing, but also a lot of pressure because we had a limited amount of time to make up a whole new dance,” Tatten said. Tatten said she is also proud of her team’s hard work and willingness to rise to the occasion.

Nihsen felt both nervous and excited about being the guinea pigs, because Marian hasn’t competed at State in a long time. Members of the JV team made the trip to Grand Island to support the Varsity dancers. They decorated posters, made bows, and cheered loudly to help ease their teammates’ nerves.

The moment the dancers took the floor, all of effort became worthwhile. “I was very nervous, but when I stepped on the floor, hearing all the screaming made me feel better,” Nihsen said. Her first State experience is one she will never forget.

Marian Varsity Dance Team’s dedication earned them a well-deserved place at State, and it looks as though competing at State will be a new tradition.

The girls now have one year under their belt, and this year’s experience will help Feeling the sass The Marian Dance team finishes out their season the underclassman dancers as they pursue with a sassy routine at State. The team earned seventh place in the State in the future. competition on Feb. 20. photo by elsiestormberg or the first time in almost 15 years, Marian’s Varsity Dance Team took the floor at The Heartland Events Center in Grand Island on Saturday, Feb. 20 to dance at the State competition.

Led by senior captains Ally Kmiecik and Taylor Nihsen, the team competed in the Pom A category and took seventh place. After weeks of dedicated practice, the girls’ hard work paid off.

Preparations for State began during Christmas break, and the team put in countless hours to earn their place.

Coach Mrs. Michelle Delisi ’74 was thrilled to see the girls compete again after 10-15 years and is extremely pleased with the dedication of the team. “I am so proud of these girls and how hard they have worked in a very short amount of time.

If any team can pull it off, it is this team,” Delisi said. The opportunity to dance at State meant extra practices, but the Varsity Dance Team was up for the challenge.

In addition to extra practices, the team’s spirit girls, juniors Bella Carollo, Mallory Grote, Allie Morrissey, and Laura Tatten, stepped up to the

Athletes push to conquer injuries makenziefuss

I

t’s in the news all the time. Professional athletes are out for the next few games because of a concussion or other sports-related injury. At Marian, sports injuries are no less prevalent.

Marian students are high-achieving in the classroom, in athletics, and in any other activity.

While this sounds like a positive statement, it can also be negative when it comes to the health of a student-athlete.

Sophomore Adelaide Stormberg has had a concussion since August. Stormberg got her concussion when she got kicked in the head playing soccer. “It’s really hard to be in school because of how loud it is, and I have had to change my classes. However, Marian has been very helpful with getting me what I need while I recover,” Stormberg said.

When a student-athlete has an injury, it is imperative that they do everything they can to heal properly. This includes sitting out of games and practices or even not coming to school.

Staying away from school is extremely important for students with concussions.

Anything from noise in the cafeteria, trying to focus on lectures and taking notes, or even watching a movie can set back the brain’s healing process.

“Making plot connections in movies is difficult for your brain. If you break it down, it makes sense why movies aren’t good for concussions.

It is stressful to your brain. That’s also why going to school is so hard. Focusing on what the teacher is saying and trying to take notes is difficult for a brain to handle, especially when it’s not working its best,” Mrs. Melissa Brusnahan, Marian’s athletic trainer, said.

Other sports-related injuries can be just as detrimental to an athlete. Taking time off of their perspective sports can hurt progress and morale.

Senior Kateri Determan had this experience in dance when she broke her left foot and severely bruised her right radius at the same time. “It was really hard for me to get back into pointe because my left foot is weaker anyway, so it was

hard to lose the strength I had worked so hard to gain,” Determan said.

However, Determan also said what she really remembered about this time was the kindness others showed her while she was recovering. “I especially remember Mrs. [Lori] Spanbauer, who would let me sit in her room when I was tired from all of the walking in the boot,” Determan said.

However, sports injuries don’t have to be the end of a student’s career! Determan has gotten back up on her tippy toes and still dances four times a week.

Brusnahan sees plenty of sports-related injuries, but the most common are sprained ankles and muscle strains. “If a student isn’t properly conditioned for a new season, or they are transitioning from one sport to another, it is likely they will get a muscle strain,” Brusnahan said.

Even with all the motivation in the world, listening to your doctors and athletic trainers is the only way to fully heal. Also, it is important to take care of the body to prevent injuries in the first place. This is why conditioning is so important for any sport, so athletes can begin their season on the right foot.

Sports injuries Out of 30 million children and teens playing organized sports, there are

3.5 million injuries each year.

51.1% of survey responders have had some other kind of sports

*based on a Feb. 11 Network survey of 204 responses

injury besides a concussion.

graphic by makenziefuss

19.5% of survey responders have had a sports-related concussion.

Feb. 2016 • The Network

Sports • 13

Just kept swimming: swimmers & divers take State runner-up T marykiscoan he Marian Swim and Dive Team Kelly Straub placed fourth in diving. placed second at the state meet “I was really happy with where I at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in placed. My goal was top two. I know Lincoln, Neb. on Feb. 27, 2016. State I went out there and did my best, diving took place on Feb. 25, and and it was great to see one of my best swimming took place on Feb. 26 and friends, Jess, take State. We push 27. one another all the time in club. She “The atmosphere was pretty exdeserved that win,” Knapton said. citing. I loved representing Marian.

After the divers were finished, the I wasn’t able to dive my first three swimmers competed their hearts out on Feb. 26 and 27. years in high school because I was too “During my race, I felt like new to the sport. I needed to focus on it was just me in the water learning the sport if I wanted a and that nothing else really shot at diving in college. mattered. I was just It was nice to finally be excited to be there,” out there competing freshman Sarah with all of my club Gosch said. friends. I also loved Marian placed how my friends second overall with 367.5 from school showed points, and the girls could not up to support me. ’16 ton nap be prouder of the team’s perforThat is a feeling K i Ab mance. Lincoln Southwest girls won I will never forget,” the title with 455 points. senior Abi Knapton said.

“My favorite part of state was defiKnapton placed second, junior nitely the end when we all got to stand Taylor Carter placed third, and junior

on the podium, even though we didn’t win. The whole team was super happy and excited to have done as well as we did!” Gosch said.

Baby there’s a shark in the water, just kidding, it’s Savannah Head coach Mr. Swimmer Savannah Nichols ’16 slices through the water in the 100m Fly. photo by lindsaymuse BJ Christiansen and dive coach Mrs. Becki Carter said they plan to stay at Marian to ensure that the school’s swim and dive team remains a threat to all in Class A of the NSAA. With enough practice, determination and Morning practices pay off The team proudly shows off their Class A faith, the Crusaders will continue to runner-up trophy. The girls received this award on the Feb. 27 State tournament. photo courtesy of brynnrobertson strive for the gold with future swim seasons.

Cheerleaders’ incredible athleticism pays off at State devongottsch

E

very sport requires hard work, dedication, and countless hours of commitment. Cheer encompases all these things, but with a little extra poise and sparkle. The Marian Cheer Team competed at the State ComMa petition As ddie hle Vo y S sik on Feb. 20, tan ’18 ek a 2016. Unlike ’19 nd past years, the squad split up in order to enter in both the non-tumbling and tumbling divisions.

With the help of head coach Allie Clark, the cheerleaders have taken a complete 180-degree turn towards excellence. With one of the longest seasons of any activity, the cheerleaders have been preparing their routine since last year.

“We started learning our routine in the fall. Summer was three days a week, and we practiced twice a week during school. Practice is bright and

early at 6 a.m,” freshman Cecilia The non-tumKolterman said. bling team wowed This was Kolterman’s crows with their first year competing at sharp motions and the Nebraska State loud voices.

Cheer and Dance Unlike preCompetition. vious years, the The experience Varsity tumbling was by far more squad consisted of MHS, we are the best Marian’s tumbling squad kicks off their perinvigorating than multiple girls with formace with loud voices, complex moves, and never before seen she expected. incredible flipping tumbling skills. photo by elsiestormberg squad clearly channeled their inner and tumbling capa“It was really interesting.

Beyonce because they were flawless. bilities.

I was actually expecting to The routine consisted of an upbeat “Almost all of the squad has had dance on a stage, but we just cheer with megaphones at the beginsome kind of gymnastics, dance, or performed on the floor level Elite Cheer back- ning, multiple dance sequences, and tumbling closed with jaw-dropping tumbling ground. Most of mat. It passes. us have tumbled wasn’t as “No one thought we could get secsince we were intimidatond place and we proved them wrong. little. We were ing as I Hard work definitely pays off,” Kolterable to utilize thought it man said. all those skills was going The girls with the bows and pointed to be, and throughout our toes are living up to Marian’s repumy team routine which had so set us apart from tation of excellence. Not only are the athletes humble, but the cheerleaders much fun,” Silver, blue, and white, let’s fight Marian’s non-tumbling other squads,” squad uccessfully shows off their hard work. are well respected and admired by the Kolterman Kolterman said. photo by elsiestormberg entire student body. said.

The tumbling

Players turned managers aid successful basketball team annporter aying goodbye to a sport is often a team up,” Simpson said. heartbreaking challenge. ThankThe pair had two very important fully, the Marian Varsity basketball jobs that they are responsible for team managers, seniors Julia Nulty during games: filling up water bottles and McKenand handing out na Simpson, towels. found a way to “Since Mr. stick around [Craig] Panning the sport they did the stats and love withMichaela McLeay out actually [’17] recorded slipping on the games, we a basketball were basically jersey. water girls. When “We have Michaela wasn’t been playing there, we had to basketball step up to the Still have head in the game Nulty ’16 and Simpsince kinderchallenge of filmson ’16 have retired their jerseys for Gatorade garten, but I ing,” Nulty said. bottles and scorebooks. photo by annporter think being a They say that team manager was what I was meant their water bottle skills helped the to do,” Simpson said. players score more points.

The two seniors have played many “We were actually pretty good at years of basketball and soccer together our job. There was never an empty throughout grade school at St. James/ water, so they were always hydrated.

Seton and high school. It only seemed As we filled up their water bottles, the right for them to end senior year as points went up, so we were basically managers. playing for them,” Simpson said.

“I am so glad we were managers It wasn’t all work and no play for together. We always tried to pump the the team manager duo. The girls loved

S

bonding with the team and never felt give me a pointer as a player, but then left out. They enjoyed talking to the she would look away because I’m not girls on the bench who she was looking and commentating for,” Nulty said. the games to each Even though other. Simpson and Simpson and Nulty Nulty sometimes are no longer playmissed playing the ers, their managing game, but they loved skills should not be still being around the overlooked. They love team. every girl on the team “If I was sitting at and always tried to practice and watchmotivate the players ing them do all these during games. annoying drills and “I believe that we punishments, I felt are the reason the blessed I was not out team had such a good there doing it also,” record. We were alSimpson said. ways boosting people “The only time I up, and they were ever missed it was never tired because when they were in of our water-filling an intense game and skills. We are the Power and loyalty will conquer Varsity basketball team members huddle I just wanted to go secret weapons. It during a game. This season has been in and snag the ball. is too bad that our one of the best seen in years.

Also, when there was photo by elsiestormberg skills fell short in the perfect amount Districts. The team of seats on the bench and Coach [Lisa] had such a good season and I loved evSchmidt walked down the line, and ery minute of being a team manager,” she looked at me like she was going to Simpson said.

14 • Entertainment

The Network • Feb. 2016

I became a foodie for a day, loved every minute of it

anniesoener

A

brief binge-watching of “Diners, tables shut down this December.

Drive-Ins and Dives” inspired me Flagship Commons is set up like the to ask myself the important question: previous food court’s rich sister. The WWGFD? (What atmosphere at The Would Guy Fieri Blatt feels much more Do). When it came like an actual sit-down time to review restaurant as opposed Flagship Comto the typical fast food mons, I felt ready to joint. complete the task For starters, the new at hand. I was no food court is extremely longer just Annie visually and aesthetiSoener from Marcally pleasing. Located Self-proclaimed foodie Annie Soener between the AMC ian High School; I was Annie Soener, tries out the pizza from WeirDough theater and Yonkers, the the review-writing machine minus the area is sure to get more attention. frosted tips.

I could not believe that this was As the beloved Guy Fieri once the same region of the mall that was said, “You don’t have to eat a whole once filled with the smell of Auntie cheeseburger; just take a piece of the Ann’s pretzels and tweens flocking to cheeseburger.” I took Guy’s enlighten- Aeropostale. Now, the place has a hip, ing advice. I wanted to review all eight outdoorsy, California-type feel that I restaurants at Flagship Commons, but think everyone can get on board with.

I am only one foodie with a duty.

As for the food portion of my Flagship Commons began conreview, I ordered a Crunchy Blue struction in early July, and opened roll from YumRoll and mooched off its doors to the public Dec. 27, 2015. friends’ food for the sake of my wallet.

The original Westroads Food Court, I had already violated one of my adorned with palm trees and tooseveral unrealistic Lenten promises close-for-comfort distance between in which I vowed to stop spending my

paychecks on food.

I would give YumRoll a 10/10, although I experienced some stomach uneasiness after the fact. I later discovered that this was not the sushi’s fault; rather, I had scarfed the rolls down as if they were my last meal.

Guy’s words of wisdom about portion control was not something I took seriously enough, evidently. However, this did not take away from the experience. Any place that serves sushi at the rate of fast food is a place I trust.

If you’re into dropping $14 on a salad, please, by all means, go to Clever Greens. Personally, that is not my style. I would not like to spend any dollars or cents on a pile of leaves, but maybe that’s just me. I’m not a salad gal. When I am, I douse the thing with enough dressing that it might be a better choice to get a Big Mac. Sorry, Clever Greens, I think I am extremely biased as a devoted salad-hater. On a positive note, the salad was pretty, no doubt about it.

WeirDough, on the other hand, now that’s a movement I can get behind, folks. First of all, let’s just address that clever name. Secondly, one

slice of pizza via the kids menu only set me back $3. The service was great and the ‘za was far from mediocre. I have never met a pizza I didn’t like, and WeirDough kept my track record perfectly in line.

As I said before, I was unable to review the other four places: Amsterdam, Aromas, Juan Taco, and Yoshi-Ya Ramen. I merely took a sample and decided that, all and all, I fully endorse the concept of Flagship Commons. The new addition will definitely attract more customers, and it is no secret that the Westroads Food Court was struggling. I knew the place was doomed when Burger Palace shut down.

Overall, I give Flagship Commons two thumbs up. Excellent food, fabulous atmosphere, and exceptional service.

Valentine’s Day: Love it or hate it? photo by allykmiecik

Feelin’ the love?

“It’s so great. We all love each other here, so it’s a fun day. Plus, I got to eat a yummy breakfast.”

Joey Carollo ’19

“It’s a day full of lots of love!”

Alivia Hebenstreit ’19

photo by devongottsch

graphic by devongottsch

“We have a lot of people who order things and then cancel them on Valentines day because they get dumped. Awkward.”

Abby Birkel ’16

“Jesus didn’t have a bae, so I don’t need one either.”

Michaela Moriarty ’16

Students express individuality through collections racheljohnson

T

o say Marian girls are passionate would be an understatement.

Whether it’s a love for the musical, a sports team, or a stack of warm threefor-$1 cookies, each student’s passions contribute to Marian’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere. What students might not be aware of are the hobbies their peers have outside the walls of Marian. One way girls express these unique interests is through collections.

Many students value finding something that sparks their interest and starting a collection. Senior McKenna Simpson has been collecting stickers since she was 6. Over the years, Simpson has acquired approximately 2,200 stickers, each with its own special story. “I didn’t like using stickers because you can’t use them again, so I decided to keep them all,” Simpson said.

One of her favorites is from Romeo’s Mexican Food and Pizza that she got after losing her first tooth. The sticker is a picture of Bugs Bunny and says, “Ain’t I a stinker?” Simpson has saved stickers from the doctor’s office,

concerts, fifth grade teachers, and more.

While Simpson’s collection has accumulated over many years, junior Grace McMinn started her collection more recently.

McMinn began collecting dead flowers during her freshman year.

“Each [flower] stands for something different,” McMinn said. Her flowers represent various accomplishments throughout high school, particularly achievements in golf and tennis.

McMinn also saves and dries flowers from her parents’ anniversaries. She displays them on her desk and in various vases around her room.

“If you have something that’s meaningful in your life, it’s important to document it,” McMinn said.

She believes that saving flowers from events is the perfect way to document significant moments throughout high school.

Freshman Clara Roth also has a collection that represents a part of her life. At 8, she started collecting snow

globes. Her collection began when she traveled to different parts of Florida, but couldn’t keep all the names straight. She decided to buy snow globes so she could remember the name of each place she visited.

Roth’s collection has grown considerably over the years, and she has reached 20 snow globes from vacations, her dad’s work trips, and her aunt who lives in London. Her favorite snow globe is from Dublin, Ireland, because it represents her favorite vacation. Snow globes are symbolic of Roth’s travels, and she plans to continue her collection as she visits new places.

Many collections are specifically for display, but sophomore Makayla Sedlacek’s collection of Bath & Body Works mini hand sanitizers can be put to use. Sedlacek has collected 107 mini hand sanitizers since she was in sixth grade. She noticed she had quite a few and decided to continue adding to her collection.

Sedlacek, a longtime and diehard

collector, is unhappy with the recent change in Bath & Body Works’ hand sanitizer design and packaging.

Despite the loss of their signature design, she plans to continue collecting the hand sanitizers. “Collections are important, because it’s important to be passionate about something,” Sedlacek said.

For Marian girls, collections are more than just a hobby. They represent something that the collector is passionate about and sets them apart. Simpson, McMinn, Roth, and Sedlacek’s collections all contribute to their identities. They are reminders that everyone is unique and values different things. Whether it’s stickers, hand sanitizers, snow globes, or flowers, collections are not limited to certain objects. People collect for a variety of reasons, such as investment, enjoyment, and preservation of the past. Regardless of the motive, collections offer a range of benefits that many Marian girls enjoy.

'IJį ĆŠĆˆĆ‰ĆŽ t 5ľIJ /IJŠńğĿĸ

photo by kathrynbaginski

kathrynbaginski

I

’m racing through the streets of a dystopian Los Angeles, running for my life from the oppressive military government. I can hear propaganda blaring from the big screens all over the city. My heart is pumping rapidly and adrenaline courses through my veins.

I just haven’t left my bedroom yet.

Marie Lu’s debut novel “Legend� launches the reader right into the story, never slowing down even at the very end. The story of famous criminal Day and military prodigy June captivated me, even the second time around.

In what was once the eastern United States, the military dictatorship called the Republic wages war with its western counterpart, the Colonies.

June, who was born into the elite military class, is being trained for Republic success. Day, who was born in the slums, is the nation’s most wanted criminal.

The “New York Times� bestseller “Legend,� published in 2011, begins the trilogy about the unlikely friendent characters. After June’s brother is murdered, their two paths cross, and they unfold the mysteries and atrocities of the Republic’s government.

With a thrilling plot to keep readers hooked, Lu delivers many hard truths about real problems. She deals with biological warfare, the disparity between the rich and the poor, the

Extra day leads to creative planning elsiestormberg his day only occurs once every four years. It is a holiday originally celebrated in Ireland and was created

by St. Patrick. Also, he deemed the day acceptable for women to propose to men. By now, you are “bound� to have already guessed it. Leap Day, a longstanding Irish tradition, is the extra day added onto the short month of February. The original question was, “What are you planning to do on your extra day?� That was quickly trumped by school happening that day. Many were hoping for Surprise Day or praying for some extra sleep. Others have already made plans in advance for this extra day.

Sophomore Maria Determan explained what her original plans were for the day. “We have a group of people who go to Shakespeare on the Green every summer. There are about 10 of us and then a friend of my mom takes us every year. We decided, since we are an odd, eclectic group of people, to get together on an odd day.

We were going to get together and watch the movie ‘Leap Year’ and have a sleepover,� Determan said. Remembering school was that day, they quickly had to alter their plans. “Our plans got cancelled, but we are going to do

T

Determan said.

Many students are also planning on having tryouts that day for spring sports. “I am trying out for tennis that day,� freshman Peggy McGowan said.

With the luck of the Irish on this holiday and years of playing behind her, she is not so nervous. “I’m not as nervous because I have been playing since kindergarten. I played intramurals at Happy Hollow Country Club,�

McGowan said.

However, others do not have many plans.

“I have not really thought about it, but I don’t know for sure,� freshman Lydia Hogan said.

Considering this day only happens once every four years, it tends to be hard to celebrate your birthday.

Although no Marian students were born on this day, they will be celebrating with relatives and friends. Junior Emma Shoemaker said how a family friend commemorates his birthday. “A family friend usually celebrates his on March 1,� Shoemaker said.

Some even go by their actual age. “An old friend from elementary school is 3 this year,� sophomore Delaney Gunn said.

Having an extra day is a chance to do something creative or experience something new, such as a concert.

Freshman Reina Flores and her best friend Chloe Farrara planned back in November to go to a Hoodie Allen concert. “We don’t know because we have school now. It was supposed to be the half day for freshman registration, but then it got moved, so we going to do,� Flores said. The concert was general admission and was at Sokol Arena.

Another example of something fun to do is what sophomore Catherine Franco is planning. “I’m getting my ears double pierced,� Franco said.

At the end of the day, this holiday is a day to do something adventurous and exhilarating. It is a day that anything can happen, even a woman being able to propose to someone. It does not matter what is planned; it matters how you are able to appreciate it. Junior Audrey Lane summed it up nicely. “I will be enjoying my life and being grateful for the extra day,� Lane said.

First Impressions

‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ captivates audience tessamclaughlin

photo from imdb.com

‘Legend’ launches readers through harrowing dystopian journey

&ĝŠIJĿŠĎĜĝĺIJĝŠt ƉĆ?

B

efore I get into this, please read the books before you watch the movies. Also, some of you might think, “Excuse me, I already know everything about the boy who lived.� I get it, but to all you muggles who haven’t nitely read up.

J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter� series has been a second religion to children, teens, and adults everywhere Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,� was released by Warner Bros. in 2001 and succeeded in bringing the book to life.

A young orphan named Harry were killed by the story’s villain, Lord Voldemort (Richard Bremmer and discovers his magical background, he lives with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and cousin Dudley.

Harry’s unsatisfactory life takes an exciting turn on his 11th birthday nonstop action. He discovers the

H E L L O my name is

_____________________

First Impressions graphic by megankeyser

from Diagon Alley to the notorious Hogwarts castle.

At school, he meets Ron Weasley best friends throughout the series.

Together, they work to uncover the mystery of the Sorcerer’s Stone while

oppression of a military dictatorship disguised as a democracy. These issues

Director Chris Columbus transports readers from their sofa to the

yet Lu weaves them throughout the plot seamlessly.

watching Harry choose his wand or being sorted, they are right there with him, like his shadow. When Harry

these complicated situations, which is something readers don’t often get.

Although the teenagers in this book contain almost superhuman capabilities, they are still relatable. Their reactions to the Republic’s cruelty exemplify how confusing it is to face This book is 305 pages of blood-pumping adrenaline and heart-breaking tragedy, and the adventure doesn’t even end there. The “Legend� trilogy forced me to think outside the box and wonder how I tions. Lu taught me to take each day one at a time and, most importantly, to “try to walk in the light.� If we all strived to walk in the light each day, public would not seem so bad.

To start on the journey to the light, in the Marian library or on Overdrive, Marian’s digital library.

time with Hogwart’s Keeper of Keys and Grounds Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie

-

the cobblestone road with them. The of the books and onto the screen as the Hogwart’s Express totes the students In the heat of the action where Harry comes face to face with Voldemort

Maddie Robertson ‘18 -

his lightning-bolt scar, viewers can be sure their hearts will be racing. You can’t help but think, “What’s going to happen next?� This is the battle that will decide the fate of our hero and set the tone for the next movies. Columbus does not disappoint.

Honestly, if you haven’t seen or read “Harry Potter� yet, then you must be living under a rock. The series was brought to life beautifully on the big screen, so kick back with a butterbeer and enjoy the books on the big screen!

16 • Photo Essay

“beautiful” megankeyser & elsiestormberg

The Network • Feb. 2016

M

arian girls exemplify Coco Chanel’s statement, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself,” but sometimes forget it amidst the stress of second semester. Determined to remind the community, we approached 11 beautiful people and asked to take a few pictures of them. Some people were hesitant to be photographed after realizing they “had no lipstick on” or their “hair was a mess,” but once they warmed up to the camera we described the project. “We’re taking pictures of people we think are beautiful,” we told them. Their reactions ranged from surprise to joy to embarrassment, but each ended with a grin.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been called ‘beautiful’ before.” “Oh. Wow. I’m flattered.” *no response* “That’s a joke.” “I’m in the category of Beyoncé now.” “Alright. Thank you.” “Okay?”

1.

2.

3.

4.

7.

5.

8.

6.

9.

10.

1. Sr. Midge Petersen, O.S.M. 2. Emma Boever ’19 3. Danielle McMorrow ’17 4. Emma Hern ’19 5. Savannah Nichols ’16 6. Kyden Fleischer ’19 7. English teacher Ms. Adie Magistro 8. Assistant Principal Mrs. Michelle Delisi ’74 & Principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan ’80 9. Theology teacher Mr. Andrew DeLeonardis 10. Evelyn Paul ’18