Marian Network - Nov/Dec. 2012

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Marian High School

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State Volleyball Photo Essay p. 16

7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402-571-2618

www.marianhighschool.net

Volume 57, Issue 4

November/December 2012

A Need for Peace:

Deaths in Benson spark city-wide movement marieroubidoux amarrah Wernsman seems like your typical junior. She has plenty of friends, she’s involved in various extracurriculars, and is almost always seen with a smile stretching across her face. However, Wernsman has had anything but a typical life. Born into one of the worst abuse cases Nebraska has ever had, Wernsman and her two brothers stuck together and reached the light at then end of the tunnel.

Wernsman and her younger brother were adopted nine years ago by a loving family, virtually incomparable to her biological home. However, due to the grave amounts of abuse and neglect he went through, her other brother, Anthony Ray-Sanders, remained in foster care and different facilities until a family finally found him.

Ray-Sanders was scheduled for adoption on Dec. 25, 2008, but the day never came for him. On Nov. 8, 2008, Ray-Sanders was sitting in his living room, home alone. His soon-to-be adoptive cousin thought it would be funny to pull a prank on the 15-yearold and wandered over to the house - with a loaded gun. After firing several shots outside to make sure the gun was loaded, he walked inside, put the gun to

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Ray-Sanders’ head, and pulled the trigger. One “prank” changed Wernsman’s life forever.

Red and black may seem like harmless colors, but for Montrell Wiseman, a 16-year-old junior at Omaha South High School, these were the colors that cost him his life. Wiseman had his whole life ahead of him; he was a bright student with no criminal past, but was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Police say a car full of men drove around rival gang territory in north Omaha in the early morning hours of Oct. 21; they spotted Wiseman wearing a red shirt - a rival color - and opened fire. He lost his life for no reason, simply because of gang and gun violence.

Eriana Carr was a well-liked 16-yearold junior at Benson High School. She was on honor roll, an Avenue Scholar, and involved in basketball and cheerleading. Carr was described as an outgoing girl with a positive outlook on life no matter where it took her. As she was standing on her front lawn with her cousin, Nakia Johnson, on Oct. 30, shots came from a car driving by.

Although her cousin believes the bullets were meant for herself, Carr unfortunately took the fall.

See Gun Violence p. 3

Operation Others: A gift that gives back poornaramasubramanian

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t is Call-In Day. It is also the day that junior Helen Burns is especially looking forward to. As a member of the Operation Others Core Team, she has the opportunity to answer calls from families who want to sign up to receive food on Delivery Day, the biggest event of Operation Others. “I can’t tell you how many times people called me their angel. It really warms your heart and makes me think about how much I am given and how I have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives,” she said.

The holidays are a time when many are thankful for their blessings, and in that spirit, give back to their communities. Operation Others (OO) is an opportunity available through which

Catholic high school students can get involved in their community.

Seniors Anna Hautzinger and Ellie Hupp, and juniors Ellen Townley and Helen Burns serve on the OO Core Team, representing Marian and coordinating Marian’s events.

Starting in August, there were a variety of service opportunities available for students including events such as a volleyball/dodgeball tournament, 5K run, pancake breakfast, pasta dinner, and Trick-or-Treat for Cans.

While the Trick-or-Treat for Cans benefited local families in need, the other events were fundraisers for their biggest event, Christmas delivery week.

See Operation Others p. 9

Morning Melodies. Sophomore Baylie Moravec and freshman Kateri Determan play the tenor saxophone and alto saxophone, respectively. On the morning of Saturday, Dec. 1, the band was up bright and early. WOWT Channel 6 News was sponsoring their annual food drive for the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. There were several locations around the city where people could give donations, including the HyVee in Papillion and the Aksarben Village area.The band went to the Aksarben Village location and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. they played holiday favorites such as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” After the food drive was over, WOWT had received 12,000 pounds of food, way over their previous amount of 7,000 pounds in 2011. photo by sydneyrhoades

Cheaper by the Fifteen:

An inside look at Marian sisters’ unique family eileenbaca

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ife can get pretty crazy when you have a dozen siblings,” senior Anna Forbes said. “We have to do a lot of things that ‘normal’ families don’t have to. We get to church half an hour early just to get a pew big enough to fit all of us.”

“Yeah, and we have to drive a 15-passenger van, and you can never show up

at a popular restaurant, because you’ll have to wait forever to get a seat,” freshman Maggie Forbes said.

Anna and Maggie have a very unique family. They have 15 people in their family, 16 if you count their dog. “My friends find it an accomplishment when they can name all my siblings,” Anna said.

See Forbes Family p. 7

Freshman Track Star p. 10

How to Stay Fit in the Winter p. 11

Hurricane Sandy p. 2

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Jo Mount, Washington Post

Hot Chocolate Reviews p. 15

[ 2 ] News

The Network [ November/December ]

Marian Community Affected by Hurricane Sandy

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boardwalk had been uprooted and washed away.

Although some places were hit hard, others were not. ”My uncle lives in New York but he didn’t lose power or have to be evacuated.

He lives three blocks from the evacuation cut off line.

My aunt lives in New Devastation. New York homes sit broken and flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on Nov. 2. More Jersey. She did not have than 70 lives have been taken and many are still without power. Photo courtesy of Spencer Platt/Getty Imto be evacu- ages. Used with permission. ated, but a whole week, including her friend, brother couple when they were in Ireland and they she lost power for three days,” sophomore and fiancé who all helped the Red Cross have a house in New Jersey. Their house Katlyn Martin said. and National Guard effort by delivering was completely destroyed but they got out “Not much media coverage is going food to those in apartments who couldn’t safely,” freshman Delaney Thomas said. on now but there is still a lot of work to leave their homes.

“It was definitely easy to think that the do and a lot of aftermath to think about,” The Marian community has been helpend of the world was coming when all of Fredrickson said. “Even if people [Marian/ ful in their efforts also.

A bake sale was lower Manhattan went dark, but I do not Omaha community] can’t exactly donate held by the Emergency Response Team on believe it was a sign,” Fredrickson said. their time, money donations would be Nov. 20 and collected $405.30.

They are “I do think that this type of severe helpful.” also organizing a dance for January, but no weather speaks volumes about climate Fredrickson wasn’t hit directly where final decisions have been made. change, so hopefully people will start payshe lives because she is on the border, but For some Marian girls especially, Huring attention and taking action,” Fredricksaid she had hosted a few guests for almost ricane Sandy hit home. “My parents met a son said.

Fresh Faces in Student Government Take on New Roles

emilyjohanek & sarahreynolds nxiously awaiting their turn in line, 27 freshman girls mentally prepare themselves for their panel in front of their whole grade on Wed, Nov. 1 to determine their new class officers and Student Board (StuBo) members. That evening, 155 students out of 204 freshmen girls voted online.

The Class of 2016 elected Sofia Hingorani, Sara Flaxbeard, Julia Nulty, Jenna Taylor, Devon Gottsch, and Mary Kate Mulhall as their class officers and Darbi Mercer, Claire Davis and Ally Kmiecik as their Student Board members.

The class officers, under the supervision of moderator Shawn Gray, are excited for a year full of new opportu-

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nities. As a class officer, Taylor is looking forward to making a difference in her class and learning everyone’s name.

“My favorite thing about my class is that everyone is very open and loves talking to new people,” she said.

The newly elected StuBo members follow suit in their school spirit. “I want to represent my class in a way that they fully deserve. I will bring a big voice to Student Board, full of ideas coming from the students themselves,” Davis said.

With the new members elected, Marian’s student government grew by nine and multiplied its talents and enthusiasm for Marian. “The girls are great at listening, but to directions and feedback from their class,” Gray said.

StuBo Superstars.

Darbi Mercer, Ally Kmiecik and Claire Davis show off the new faces of Student Board. The girls are looking forward to planning events throughout the year, especially Surprise Day and Christmas Dance.

Fresh and Fine. The six newly elected class officers pose together at the beginning of their reign. (left top to right) Sara Flaxbeard, Devon Gottsch, Julia Nulty, Sofia Hingorani, Mary Kate Mulhall and Jenna Taylor are all excited for the new opportunities that class officers will bring to them. photos by emilyjohanek & sarahreynolds

Core Values Evident in AdvancEd Review Process

annamandel ost Marian girls would think cording to the AdvancEd handbook, the Marian is such a good school team observed processes and activities that we wouldn’t need to be in the school and looked for observable observed by a review team, but on Nov. evidence of classroom environments that 28 and 29 the AdvancEd team observed are conducive to student learning. TeachMarian. ers were to conduct class as usual during “There are two levels that Marian went their observations. through. The first level is a state law. It The interview process included freshis the accreditation step to make sure men, upperclassmen, alums, donors, and Marian is a college prep school. Every parents. school in Nebraska has to do this,” Head The third step was the Principal’s Reof School Susan Toohey port which Mrs. Toohey said. presented a written reThey were imThe second level Marport. “The report shows ian opted into is called we want to go as a pressed with the where the AdvancEd review. school,” Toohey said.

“This is a more critical Marian submits the true compassion review in looking further report to the state which that oozed from has 10 days to review into Marian and its teachings,” Toohey said. the report. Next, the the building.

The review team oblevel reviews Susan Toohey National served and interviewed the report. The National community members level has until January of the school on Nov. 28 and 29. Most of to review the report and decide on the the team members were teachers, profesaccreditation. sors at local universities, principals, and “This is very important and special counselors. They are knowledgeable of because it is an international accrediting the high school environment, making the body,” Toohey said. If approved, Marian review process easier to conduct. will be accredited internationally.

The process of the accreditation is inOn Nov. 29, the faculty met with the depth and includes three steps. The first review team, who presented their final is a self-assessment which the teachers report. The meeting included feedback evaluate themselves and their teachings. from the team with ways in which the There are five standards to their assessteachers could improve, but also any acment: purpose and direction, governance complishments and strengths in what the and leadership, teaching and assessing for teachers are doing. learning, resources and support system, Mrs. Toohey was pleased with the reand using results for continuous improve- sults. “The team was overwhelmed at how ment. the girls and everyone here at Marian The second step includes interviews. lives the core values. They were impressed More than 90 people were interviewed with the true compassion that oozed from and 36 classrooms were observed. Acthe building,” Toohey said.

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alipaasch urricane Sandy was destined to hit the east coast on Tuesday Oct. 29, as it rocked New Hampshire, North Carolina and many states in between. The superstorm affected millions.

New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island were left without power and basic necessities for approximately a week.

Ashley Fredrickson, ‘04, who currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, was there to experience it first-hand. “I have to admit I was a little scared the night leading up to the storm. Being from Nebraska I’ve never experienced a hurricane before so the not knowing what to expect part was a little nerve-wracking,” Fredrickson said.

Hurricane Sandy left more homes and businesses without power than any other storm in history. If this superstorm reaches the estimated damage costs, it will be ranked the second costliest storm behind Hurricane Katrina of 2005. The battle isn’t over yet and many people struggle to get back to “normal.”

Hurricane Sandy is reported to have cost the United States about $30 billion to $50 billion in damages and has also been reported to have taken more than 100 lives.

Much of the public transportation was affected and shut down. “This was worse than any sort of weather disasters I’ve been through in the Midwest - I’ve never seen this type of destruction from a storm before, both from a structural and human standpoint,” Fredrickson said.

The stock market also suffered its first shut down in 27 years. In New Jersey, the cities of Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken experienced power outages and flooding. Many parts of the Seaside Heights’

The Network [ November/December ]

News [ 3 ]

Leadership Training Offered Right Here At Home

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Gun Violence:

holding these roles.

Sophomore Molly LaFave also attended the first workshop. “My favorite part of the workshop was when our group leaders described a bug, and each member of the group had to draw what they heard.

It helped me see that everyone interprets things differently, and that you have to be very specific when giving instructions,” LaFave said.

The second session was held on Dec. 3.

This session focused on organizational and interpersonal relationships. Sophomore Emily Young, was one among the forty girls who attended this workshop. This workshop was beneficial and also fun. “I really liked when we performed skits that showed different situations at Marian because some girls had really creative ideas, like running in slow motion and singing.

It was really neat to see everyone outside of the classroom, showing their talents,” Young said. Young had such a great time, and she can’t wait for the upcoming sessions. “I plan on attending the next two sessions and maybe the one after that,” Young said.

The advanced leadership training workshop also was held on Dec. 3. This session was only open for juniors to attend. Junior Maddie Carlisle went to this workshop and it was definitely time well spent. “My favorite part was an activity called Zoom.

We all had a picture that only we could see, and we had to put the pictures in order by explaining the picture to everyone

Affecting The Omaha Community Continued from p. 1 She was the third Benson student to die from gun-related violence this year alone.

Needless to say, Benson High School and the surrounding metro area has had enough. They knew that something had to be done.

Going to Marian, gun violence never seems to pop up on the radar screen.

Students seem to go to a safe school that’s enveloped in love and compassion, and do everything they can to live the six core values that Marian is built on. Benson is 2.17 miles away from Marian, yet Marian girls never consider gun violence to be a personal issue.

“At Marian, we’re pretty sheltered.

We don’t have to worry about people bringing guns to school or people dying

from getting shot, but other people are constantly scared,” junior Alex Stock said.

“It [Benson] isn’t that far away, but I’m never scared that I could get shot. It was a really eye-opening experience,” junior Liz Wiggs said.

Twelve Marian girls and three faculty members attended the Students for Peace Rally held at Benson High School on Nov. 2 for the fallen students. Students from Omaha South and Benson attended the Peace Rally, as well as teens from other schools across the area. Everyone that attended the rally was asked to sign a Pledge for Peace. The pledge states that signers will do everything they can to eliminate violence at school, at home, and within their community.

else,” Carlisle said.

Fourteen seniors were chosen to be small group leaders at the workshops.

Before each session they are trained and given specific instructions and tips on leading their small group.

Senior Gini Yost is one of the small group leaders. “My favorite part about being a group leader is meeting the underclassmen and teaching them what I have learned about leadership,” Yost said. They lead group discussions and serve as great role models for younger students.

“My advice would be to be yourself and not be afraid to try something new or make a change you want to see,” Yost said.

Not only are the workshops a learning experience, but they are also a time to have fun. “Although it sounds like school, it is actually exciting,” Sisson said. “It was time well spent, and it wasn’t boring like I thought it would be,” Van Dyke said.

The next session will be held on Jan. 16 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Girls are strongly encouraged to attend the sessions.

Marian is very fortunate to have these free leadership training workshops available to students. Marian has so much to offer and it will be beneficial to take advantage of an opportunity such as the leadership training workshops.

“We feel like Marian students are really good leaders in general, but leadership is also something that can be learned,” Sisson said.

Omaha Teen

Although many Marian girls are unaware of the violence and misconduct going on in our own community, Wernsman wants to bring the issue to light. “I don’t see how girls can turn on the TV or go through the day without knowing about the violence in Omaha,” Wernsman said. Ms. Kathy Janata and Wernsman are working on starting a Peace Club here at Marian that will focus on promoting peace and getting Marian involved in ending the violence around the community.

If you would like to join the movement, you’re encouraged to sign the Pledge for Peace and attend future peace rallies. The violence in Omaha can’t be solved overnight, but with a community effort the problem can begin to get better.

Source: Benson Peace Rally T-shirt Slogan

sarahtownsend eing a strong leader is easier said held for juniors. It is recommended that than done. Marian’s Leadership they attend at least one.

Training Workshops allow students The first session this year was held on to learn new techniques, and they provide Nov. 13. This session focused on decision an opportunity to practice their leadership making and communication. Thirty-two skills in a fun and exciting environment. girls attended this session. Sophomore This is the Lizzy Van third year the Dyke was workshops have among taken place. these English teacher attendees.

Ms. Susie Sisson, “I signed english teachup so I er Ms. Megan can run Piernicky, and for class math teacher Ms. officer or Maria Hahn are any other the moderators leadership for the workpositions shops. Sisson at Marian,” Leading The Way. is a former Van Dyke Seniors Lisa Satpathy and Annie Coder lead a student board said. This group of underclassmen at Marian’s Leadership moderator, session Workshop on Dec. 3. Students were encouraged to and Piernicky was a great improve their interpersonal and organizational skills and Hahn are learning through several activities. the current experiphoto by meganwoodruff student board ence, and moderators. Leadership is something that many new skills were learned. “I learned is important to them and the Marian com- that it is more important to listen than to munity. “Leadership is kind of our thing,” be the one heard sometimes,” Van Dyke Sisson said. said.

Throughout the year, a total of five In order to be an officer of a club, editor sessions are being offered for freshmen in student publications, student board and sophomores. It is highly recommendmember, class officer, or any other leaded that they attend at least three out of the ership position, a total of three out of the five sessions. Two advanced sessions are five sessions are required to be capable of

Movement Today Tomorrow Will Prevent Sorrow

Speakers Bring All-School Reads To Life nicolamccutcheon

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ot many people can say that they’ve spoken to a New York Times Bestselling author, but 350 Marian girls can. On Oct. 31, Marian juniors and seniors had the opportunity to FaceTime with Deborah Harkness, author of the upperclassmen all-school read, A Discovery of Witches.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was facilitated by history teacher Mrs. Kim Remmick, speech teacher Mr. Luke Ostrander, and secretary Mrs. Karen Brown. Remmick was the head of the All-School Read Committee that chose A Discovery of Witches as the upperclassmen book, and The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan as the underclassmen book.

But how does one get a Bestselling author to talk to a school? “Basically, we just asked,” Remmick said. She sent an email to Harkness’s assistant who figured out the

touch with, so Remmick contacted several logistics of the visit. Harkness was unable college professors with a specialization in to physically come to Marian, due to a Egyptology. scheduling conflict, so FaceTime became Dr. Kimberly King from the UNO the best option. The video conference went smoothly and was a great experience Department of History came to speak to the freshmen and sophomore classes on for all who attended.

Oct. 24 about “My favorite hieroglyphics thing about the and Egypall-school read assembly was tology and when we got to their relation ask questions to to The Red the author bePyramid. cause it allowed “She us to interact helped me with her face-tounderstand face,” junior the book and Trying Something New. Leah Plofchan Egyptian culFreshmen and sophomores dig in and try some said. ture more, ” Egyptian-style food while at The Red Pyramid Riordan was event on Oct. 24, which featured Dr. Kimberly freshman harder to get in King who specializes in Egyptology at UNO. Macie Kubat

said.

The All-School Read Committee tries each year to focus their book choices on a different genre in order to please everyone. In past years, this committee has been made up of several teachers and staff members.

To try something new this year, the 2013-2014 all-school read book is being chosen not by a general committee, but by a specific department. Science teacher and department chair Mr. Jeff Hacker is heading the search for next year’s allschool read.

“I’m super jazzed. We’ve looked at about five different novels and have narrowed it down to two, and I’ve been in contact with one of the authors,” Hacker said. “I’m also looking forward to an opportunity to easily incorporate a sciencebased novel into the science curriculum.”

[ 4 ] Opinion

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y eyes were fuzzy and dull from staring at my computer screen for too long. My mind felt the

theresakennelly

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t’s time for Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and of course, the infamous Christmas tree... who could forget that? Well, the next big question that is surely on everyone’s mind is, “Do I get a real or fake Christmas tree?” I am here to tell you what you should choose, and let you know it could possibly save you from a traumatizing experience.

Buy an artificial Christmas tree.

Now, you all are probably thinking, how could getting a fake Christmas tree save me from a “traumatizing experience?”

Let me enlighten you. Picture this: a 5-year-old on her birthday choosing the family Christmas Tree. This 5-year-old was me, and boy, was I proud to pick the tree. As we searched around the tree farm, I found the award-winning tree and made sure it passed all the “Kennelly Christmas expectations” (this included the right height, size and overall look).

As we brought it home, I was ecstatic to decorate the Christmas tree. We put on all the ornaments, ribbon, garland, and of course, topped it off with the bright shining star. I went to bed that night the most content 5-year-old; I knew being 5 was going to be a great year for me.

But the next morning, everything took a turn for the worse. When I woke up, I made my way downstairs, as I passed the Christmas tree in the family room, I froze dead in my tracks.

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Now, as a 5-year-old, I was only afraid of two things: spiders and the fact that Santa always knew what you were doing. No, Santa was not standing

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in front of my tree. Instead, our entire Christmas tree was absolutely covered in spider webs. I frantically ran into the kitchen screaming that spiders had overtaken our Christmas tree.

Little did I know when I chose that “award-winning” tree, it was filled with tiny spiders.

Disgusting, I know.

It was heartbreaking, as well as completely repulsive, taking down all the ornaments, garland, and ribbon a day after we put the Christmas tree up. Everything was covered in spider webs, not just the tree.

As tears streamed down my 5-yearold face, we removed the tree from our house and put it on the end of the curb with all our other trash.

We now had no tree for Christmas and little spiders crawling around our house. At that point, I didn’t even think Santa was going to come because we had no tree.

Well, Santa did come that year, but going without a Christmas tree when I was 5 is something I’ve never forgotten.

Each year as Christmas time rolls around, our family has come up with an easier more suitable idea for Christmas trees: we buy the artificial

We now had no tree for Christmas and little spiders crawling around our house.

ones.

Now they may not have the wonderful smell a real Christmas tree does, but there are air fresheners and scented candles for that. With an artificial tree, you don’t have to worry about all the nursing that comes with taking care of a tree such as watering it.

Also, who likes having the sticky tree sap in their carpet or stepping on pine needles that you find in your carpet in April? A real tree costs money each year, but with an artificial tree you are saving money because it can last for quite a while.

I am, by no means, a person that settles for “fake” things, but going through such a disturbing experience, I will definitely be seeking a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree for years to come.

So, as you all are going out to get your Christmas tree this year, just remember that that beautiful spruce tree could carry with it... thousands of little spiders.

Real Trees Rock

Going all natural for Christmas

photo by gabbymaenner

same way.

If you are anything like me, then you must find it quite easy to stare at your computer screen all night... until morning. It is unbelievably easy to gaze upon pictures of cats for hours and hours.

Somewhere between watching YouTube videos about the Illuminati (scared me to death... but we’ll save that anecdote for another column) and googling “what to do when your bored” (yes, the wrong use of ‘your’ came up on Google - shame on you, Internet people), I realized that I was simply scrolling through life.

It was at this moment that I made an important breakthrough: technology stifles imagination. I stepped back and looked at the reflection of myself in my darkened computer screen. My eyes looked tired. I looked bored and uncreative.

I was lost somewhere between the www. and the .com and I needed to find myself. Where to look...

Lex Go Google?

Nah. Instead alexisvinton of googling myself, I opened the blinds in my bedroom and saw the real world. And the real world was brighter than my computer screen, even with the brightness turned almost all the way up.

Then I stepped outside. And then I stepped back inside because I needed shoes (I didn’t want the real world to ruin my argyle socks). Once I was finally back outside, it was wonderful. My childhood memories of pretending to be a monkey-spy came rushing back.

As a child, I didn’t have a computer, a cell phone, or an iPod, and I rarely watched television. This generation of kids will never experience their parents’ wrath after drawing on the carpet because they draw on iPads rather than with markers and paper. They will never have to sneakily read under the covers with a flashlight because their Kindles have built-in lights.

These kids will never have the PBS program schedule memorized because they will watch whatever they want whenever they want on Netflix.

Children these days don’t even know how to flush a toilet. It is a downright shame.

I used to make up stories and daydream for hours because I had nothing better to do. Now, children will simply turn to the nearest electronic device to keep themselves occupied.

After realizing that, like the newest generation of children, I was slowly losing my imagination, I decided that I must do something about this. I went to my basement and found some of my old stuffed animals and made up a dramatic storyline for them to follow. And, quite frankly, I had a wonderful time. I encourage you all to do the same. Put down your cell phone and pick up your Legos or go read an old Magic Treehouse book. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Once you’re done playing, put these things in a safe place for your kids to play with one day because a world without imagination is like a world without argyle socks: quite cold.

The Itsy Bitsy Spiders Choose Christmas Trees Over Waterspouts

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Scrolling Through Life: Children lose imagination between the www. and the .com

The Network [ November/December ]

laurentussey

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ome people call me “Woods Girl.”

Just kidding. No one calls me that except myself.

I coined this name after discovering that my house and where I live are different from my friends’ houses and neighborhoods.

I live in the woods. Trees have surrounded me since birth.

Hence the name, “Woods Girl.”

My parents raised me to believe that nature is beautiful and that I should always appreciate the outdoors. I don’t know about you, but when I think outdoors, I think trees: mighty and looming trees that have been around for hundreds of years.

These trees are real, and these trees have helped the human race since time began.

Now that the holidays have finally arrived, I highly anticipate the annual Tussey family adventure to find our perfect, 7-foot-tall Frasier fir tree for Christmas.

I love the experience of wandering through rows and rows of Christmas trees, inhaling their familiar perfumes, and feeling their prickly branches. Once the flawless fir is found, we pay its cost and hoist it atop the car. No, this task is

not as easy breezy as it sounds, and no, our process has never resembled anything like the Griswold family tree adventure in Christmas Vacation. It usually takes us 20 minutes to tie the tree on top of our car, thank the men helping us, and safely exit the lot.

Nevertheless, this entire tree escapade is a tradition.

It is what makes Christmas a reality for me. I could never imagine a family that doesn’t pick out a tree together. Sadly, I imagined wrong.

There are families out there that keep their trees in boxes because the trees that they consider “Christmas trees” are fake.

Fake trees are a bunch of baloney.

Fake trees are like the guys in Santa costumes without real beards.

“HE’S A FAKE!!” This is what I yell at all the fake trees I pass by during Christmastime (quote courtesy of Buddy the Elf, thank you very much).

Where is the authenticity in a fake tree? Where is the Christmas spirit in a fake tree? It’s sure not in their PVC plastic branches. Fake trees don’t smell like fresh pine. They are stiff, rigid, and nasty (said in a sassy That’s So Raven voice).

Yes, I understand that real trees can be messy and require care, but they add to the overall Christmas ambiance in a home during the holidays. My family has also never encountered any problems with bugs on our trees over the years. There are not nests of spiders hiding in every real tree waiting for another family’s house to invade. Besides, I have learned not to fear arachnids and I am not one to shriek in their presence.

I understand that fake trees are supposedly more environmentally friendly, and by purchasing a fake tree, you lessen the tree compost buildup. I am in no way against this. The entire beginning of this column is me blabbing about my tree-hugger beginnings. I’m all for keeping this planet green, but fake trees are also guilty of hurting the earth. They are made of polyvinyl chloride (aka vinyl), which is the most environmentally offensive, nonrenewable, petroleum-derived plastic ever.

In the end, no one wins the green battle. I remain pro-roots and believe in the realness of trees during the holidays.

This year, “Woods Girl” is decking the halls with real boughs of holly, so fa la la la la, la la la la to that.

The Network [ November/December ]

Mizaur Musings

Opinion [ 5 ]

The Internet:

Overexposed jessicamizaur

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ur dear Internet, the wonderful world wide web, beloved information superhighway; oh, how I adore thee. A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, and cyberspace by any other name would still provide just as many pictures of cute baby seals... potentially too many baby seals. Is that even possible?

Unfortunately, yes. Online humor is like currency; when there is too much to go around, it doesn’t hold as much comedic value. Anyone who spends a good amount of time lurking around on image boards and archives knows all too well that twitter is a place where memes go to die (two words: parody accounts) and that if you end up in the wrong part of Tumblr– well, it’s almost as bad as the weird part of YouTube. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the term, an Internet meme is a funny image or concept that spreads via the web. When a meme goes viral, it reaches a tipping point. A solid example of this is Rebecca Black’s

infamous “Friday” music video which racked up over 160 million views in a little less than two months.

Although the jokes preceding it were entertaining at first, jokes get old. There can indeed be too much of a good thing– just look at what the Internet has done to cats. Even as an animal lover, I have to admit that I get tired of seeing cuteness exploited for likes and retweets on my newsfeeds day after day. (Note: I do still visit kittenwar.com on a pretty regular basis, and if you haven’t, I highly suggest that you do immediately.)

What I do like about memes is that they’re international; people from all around the entire world are in on one big inside joke. They give us conversation topics to fall back on as well as endless amusement that’s just a click away. But, alas, a person can only listen to Gangnam Style so many times before sanity starts depleting. The Internet makes spreading information effortless, and I suppose overexposure is the inevitable downside.

Small annoyances aside, I am still thankful for the internet and for the time being, still amused by cute baby seals.

Taking a Stand in the Write Direction gabbymaenner

I

remember the feeling I had on my very first day of school. First. I sat in my kindergarten desk and felt like a big girl even at my young age. My teacher went through the standard classroom rules, which, I soon found out, would repeat year after year. But now here I am, a senior in high school, realizing that there are several of us who have forgotten one of the basics: Respect school property.

This rule is simple. It means no writing on desks, bathroom stalls, or anywhere else you shouldn’t be. I remember sitting in first floor classroom sophomore year and reading all the names and comments on the backs of the little wooden chairs.

I don’t see anything particularly wrong with this (in fact I found it quite entertaining most days), but it comes to a fault when something negative is written about someone else.

Taken from the November Network Survey, about 88 percent of Marian girls have seen some sort of writing in a place that it shouldn’t be. Sadly enough, 53 percent of Marian girls say they have read something derogatory towards another Marian girl or teacher.

This is bullying and it needs to stop here. Writing something about someone else is just as bad, if not worse than, saying

it. I remember sitting in homeroom last year and her coming in one morning informing us of something written in the bathroom stall. Other girls chimed in saying they saw the same thing. I couldn’t help but wonder how so many girls saw the same derogatory thing. Suggestions for the future: Tell someone. Erase it. Do something. Writing (even in pencil) is more permanent than words.

I’m not writing this to yell at some girl for writing rude comments or mean gossip, I’m just asking her to think before she speaks, I mean writes, because her words do affect others.

Now, I know there are girls out there who doodle and scribble flowers and hearts on every desk they sit in. Offensive?

I don’t really find it to be. But try to understand that you are not the only one to sit in that desk all day, and you also don’t want to be the girl that leaves scribbles for someone else to clean up.

Respect school property. It’s really simple; I promise you. Keep doodles and notes to notebooks and rude comments to yourself. Student Board gives us entertaining Small Stall Talk each month, so please spend your time reading that and refrain from writing out your personal gossip for everyone to read.

Apocalypse: Calling All Believers

I’ll Be Here For Christmas: What About You?

L

D

sarahreynolds

et me begin by saying, you are a fool. You have eight days left of your entire life and here you are, reading this article. Don’t get me wrong, I am flattered that you are still reading, but if you do decide to quit now, feel free to meet me and the 2012 Believers Fan Club in a half hour for skydiving and cliff-hanging.

Now, if you just rolled your eyes at the previous statement, then I am here to tell you that you are in for a rude awakening.

Whether you come to your senses by the end of this article or you wait until the 21st of the month, I can assure you that the world is indeed ending and our time is running out.

So consider this a warning, a HUGE flashing red light, arms flailing, alarm-sounding kind of warning. However, if you are one of those non-believers who feels the need to have solid facts and a substantial theory behind the madness, then allow me to validate.

In 2009, the film 2012 marked an incredible step in the history of apocalyptic believers. As the first few scenes unfold, John Cusack steals an aircraft to give his family a bird’s eye view of the Earth crumbling to pieces as volcanos erupt, cities fall into the ocean and earthquakes separate the ground. And then it happens.

The event that was not half as horribly jaw-dropping in 2009 as it is now: New York City is struck with a hurricane.

Now, if you are trying to tell me that this wasn’t some kind of perfect foreshadowing, then the best of luck to you on the 21st. And if that isn’t enough proof, let’s take a gander at what the Mayans have been correct about thus far.

They predicted the moon phases of the year in amazing accuracy. Considering their calendar was based off the solar system’s rotation, how could it be wrong? Better yet, another prediction was that “Great Birds will come from the sky and end a great city to the north at 9-11-01” (facts from the trusty squidoo.com). Sound familiar?

Thought so.

So, whether or not you are about to throw on your harness and meet me and the 2012 Believers Fan Club or not, beware. Beware of what is to come and cross your fingers that John Cusack will save you a seat on a stolen aircraft. And if you still do not believe, then in the words of Joe Rogan, an official celebrity believer, “Evidently, fear is not a factor for you.”

whitneyhayes

ecember 21, 2012. Some believe this date is the up-and-coming doomsday. I believe it is four days before Christmas. While doomsday believers will be heading for their cellars with armfuls of Spam, I will be trying to guess my Christmas presents underneath my tree.

Call me crazy for not believing that the world will end on this day.

Maybe my logic is way off the mark, but the doomsday “facts” just don’t add up to me.

A major factor in the doomsday theories is the Mayan calendar.

Mayan scholars claimed the ancient civilization’s calendar predicted doomsday. The hard thing for me to grasp is the fact that these ancient mayan’s, with no technology, were able to predict the end of the world millions of years after their own existence.

Also, the Earth has been around for more than four billion years. If it’s sturdy enough to stick around for that long, then why would it be ending within the next several weeks?

Many people feel that Earth is in danger of being hit by another planet, thus causing the end of the world. The closest planet to Earth is Venus and it is more than 25.7

The Network

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

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

million miles away from Earth. Again, that’s 25.7 million miles away. Do you really think that any planet out there will be colliding with Earth anytime soon? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Another theory is that a meteor will crash into Earth, causing mass destruction. Reality check people. The last big impact on Earth was 65 million years ago and that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Since then, 65 million years have come and gone, and technology has flourished.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) now has a Spaceguard Survey to find large asteroids near Earth.

And guess what? NASA has determined that there are NO threatening asteroids as large as the one that killed the dinosaurs.

And if you think that the recent hurricanes have anything to do with doomsday then get a history lesson. Remember Hurricane Irene? Or maybe Katrina? If the world pulled through those, then I think it will survive.

Sorry if your world has come to a crashing halt, no pun intended, but these facts check out.

So quit buying into the mayhem and stop stocking up on non-perishable food items. The world will not end on Dec. 21. After all, if it did, we wouldn’t have Christmas.

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

[ 6 ] Features

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Italian exchange student Carol DeBiagi (left), shows excitement when her host, sophomore Elaine Hart (right), shares with her that they will be seeing the lights downtown later that night.

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Q & A with Carol DeBiagi

The Network [ November/December ]

alipaasch

W

hen a fellow Servite Italian student passed up the chance of a lifetime to study abroad in America for a month, 16-year-old Carol DeBiagi happily volunteered.

DeBiagi stayed with sophomore Elaine Hart from Oct. 18 to Dec. 1.

Hart became DeBiagi’s host when she heard about the exchange program from her brother’s friend who was hosting another exchange student.

“It was different, for awhile it was weird having another person live with you but about after the first week she just felt like part of the family.” Hart said.

This was not DeBiagi’s first time in America; she went to Miami, Florida on vacation with her parents.

DeBiagi had many ‘American’ experiences during her time in the United States. “We went shopping at night on Black Friday with my dad, and she [DeBiagi] was so shocked on how long the lines were,” Hart said.

The family also enjoyed an extended weekend break in Chicago, the two girls enjoyed sight seeing and more shopping.

DeBiagi left on Dec. 1 to return to Italy with hopes that one day she will make another visit to America.

graphic by bizzyboulay

”I’m asking for pepper spray for

when I go jogging by myself.”

- Freshman Megan Keyser

“I’m asking for extended curfew because I think it’’s a bit ridiculous for an 18-year-old to have an 11:15 curfew!”

- Senior Emily Mullen

What do you want for Christmas?

“I’m asking for money to help pay for my March for Life trip. March for Life is an opportunity for pro-lifers to stand up for what they believe in.”

- Junior Simone Duryea

“I’m asking for a rescue dog because I want to save an animal’s life.”

- Sophomore Marie McCusker

Confessions of a Hindu Christmas Celebrator

opinion by poornaramasubramanian

“C

hestnuts roasting on the open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose... na na na na na na naa...”

For all of you who have been celebrating Christmas ever since you were little, I know you just finished that line in your head and are probably wondering why I can’t remember the words.

Well, I have to say, cut me a little slack.

Let’s just take account into the fact that I am Hindu, and only started celebrating Christmas when I was in the sixth grade.

Yes, you heard that right, the sixth grade.

Seeing as how celebrating Christmas wasn’t part of our religious services, it only became part of our lives when we realized that Christmas is truly a cultural holiday and that anyone can celebrate it.

That first Christmas, we were novices at the holiday. We had a relatively small, plastic tree and decorated it with lights, a gold tinsel garland, some snowman ornaments, and a gold light-up star on top. We made gingerbread houses and even baked and decorated sugar cookies to set out for Santa.

Now, I’d like to make a small note: even though that was our first time celebrating Christmas, this is not to say that we had never done anything “Christmas-y” before. We attended Christmas parties, gave presents to our school teachers, and would never fail to drive around admiring the lights.

Nowadays when December rolls around, we hang up Christmas lights, put up a bigger tree with more ornaments and of course, give and receive gifts. Over the years, the quantity of our Christmas decorations has even accumulated into a couple of big cardboard boxes, quite an accomplishment, if you ask me.

Since Christmas is such a popular and national holiday in the US, it is nearly impossible for us to not partake in the cheerful festivities, especially because it really is everywhere you look, including in the stores, on the radio, at schools, and at work. Christmas may not have the same meaning for my family as it does for those of the Christian faith, but we still do participate in and enjoy the fun “activities” that come with the Christmas season.

Although I haven’t watched all the classic Christmas movies and often forget the words of Christmas carols, it’s safe to say that I have still had my fair share of gingerbread house-making and cookie-decorating. As each year goes by, I progressively feel the Christmas spirit more and more each year. After all, when the whole country takes part in the holiday season, how can one not feel the spirit?

Features [ 7 ]

The Network [ November/December ]

Forbes Family: sisters learn to live with big family Continued from p. 1

“Life can get pretty hectic,” Maggie their enormously large table. “We have a made for kids. There is a trampoline. They mastime at the Forbes house looks like said. lot of food at our house,” Anna said. a picture of Santa’s workshop. “Everyone have a movie theater equipped with a “Our parents never wanted the number “My mom makes something for every- popcorn machine and an enormous array draws a name and they get a sibling, of kids in our family to affect the number one, so she’ll make hot dogs and macand they’re in charge of getting them a of movies. There’s even an ice rink in the of things we and-cheese for the little ones, present,” Maggie said. “Everyone gets winter, and the size of their family makes can do. So pasta for the kids that are a like 6 to 8 presents. So the family room is it possible to have a real game of hockwe’re always little bit older, and lasagna for filled with around 105 presents Christmas ey. They have boxes and boxes of dress doing a hunus. There is always some sort morning. “We go through at least 16 rolls up clothes from dance and Halloween dred things,” of vegetable, bread, salad, and costumes. If your bike has a flat tire, there of wrapping paper,” Anna said.

Anna said. dessert,” Anna said. are a dozen you can use in its place. And, “There are pros and cons for having Every Milk is at the table and the there’s always someone to talk to. a big family, but overall, I like it,” Anna child plays a older children help the youngWhen it comes to the holidays, Christ- said. sport except er children for Joan, a eat and sophomore pour their at St. Louis drink. It University, looks like Senior Anna Forbes a scene Paul, who is 4 and has from Down SynCheaper drome, and Liam, who is almost 2 and is by the Dozen. too young to play. Dr. Robert Forbes and Anna and Maggie Mrs. Donna Forbes spend a substantial don’t always like amount of time driving kids from place being in a big family. to place.

They have responDr. and Mrs. Forbes’ mornings are sibilities that most full of driving. Anna and Maggie drive teenagers don’t have. to school. Dr. Forbes takes John to Prep, “I have to drive my and Patrick, Andrew, Maria, Peter, Ben, siblings around a and James to St. Margaret Mary school. lot,” Anna said. “And Then, Dr. Forbes goes to work at Omaha we have to take care Imaging, where he is the co-owner. of our siblings a lot.

While Dr. Forbes takes the kids to And it’s really hard to school, Mrs. Forbes, a homemaker, takes study when there are care of the three youngest children. Paul twenty kids running goes to a special school in the mornings, around.” “We run out and Tommy goes to preschool in the after- of hot water all the noon. After all the children are picked up time,” Maggie said. from school, their night is full of driving Having 13 Forbes Family Photo. From left to right: Patrick, 13, James, 7, Maria, 12, Andrew 12, Joan, everyone to their sports practices. children in a family 19, Anna, 17, Paul, 4, Peter, 10, Dr. Robert Forbes, Mrs. Donna Forbes, Tommy, 5, John, 14, Eating is another thing that the Forbes does have some perks, Liam, 1, Maggie, 14, and Ben, 8. Photo by Stacie Kinney/www.friedlandstudio.com. Used with family does differently, and not just due to however. Their house is permission.

“ ” Our parents never wanted the number of kids in our family to affect the number of things we can do. So we’re always doing a hundred things.

Freshmen Celebrate the Holidays in Their Own Cultural Ways meganwoodruff

W

hen freshman Aliyah Jabenis wants to have a private conversation with her dad, she speaks

in Hebrew.

“It’s kind of fun because my mom and my brother don’t know how to speak it, so we have our own way of communication,” Jabenis said. Jabenis’ fluency in Hebrew stems from the fact that she was brought up in the Jewish religion and is a practicing Jew at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha.

While most students at Marian are preparing for Christmas, Jabenis’ family celebrates Hanukkah, which began on Dec. 9 and will last for eight days.

This Jewish holiday commemorates the historical rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and emphasizes the dedication of the Jewish people to God and His commandments.

“During Hanukkah we light eight candles, one for each night,” Jabenis said.

“Each night we get one present. We always go to services and pray in Hebrew at the synagogue and at home.”

Although Hanukkah is Jabenis’ religious holiday celebration, her family also has a Christmas tree and exchanges presents on Christmas because it is a national holiday.

Freshman Nithali Sridhar, whose family practices both Hinduism and Catholicism, also has a unique take on the holiday season. Her Christmas celebration is similar to any Catholic family’s, other than the fact that it usually involves a stop at the Hindu Temple in Omaha.

“My mom is Catholic and my dad is Hindu, so my family is kind of a mix. I just kind of take the good out of both reli-

gions,” Sridhar said.

Although her parents believe in different things, she finds that they are both very respectful of the other’s beliefs. Her parents’ decision to raise the family in both religions was made with this idea in mind.

“We both respected each other’s religions and wanted our kids to be aware of both our backgrounds, cultures and religions. We wanted our kids to be able to fit in and participate in both of our families’ religious traditions when they meet their cousins, relatives and grandparents,” Sridhar’s mother said.

Sridhar has not personally made a decision about what religion she will choose to practice as an adult, but plans to continue to keep her mind open to both belief systems.

On Nov. 13, Sridhar’s family celebrated Diwali, a Hindu holiday which is known as “The Festival of Lights.” Different regions of India hold different beliefs about Diwali, but the main idea is the celebration of light, which symbolizes goodness in the Hindu religion.

Sridhar says that although her family does take time to stop at both the Hindu Temple and Catholic church on Diwali, their celebration is very minimal compared to the celebration in India.

“In India this is a huge celebration.

People travel to spend Diwali as a big family. In my dad’s family, they wake up at five in the morning, before sunrise, and they burst one round of fireworks. Then they put coconut oil in their hair and they take a shower. It makes their hair really thick and healthy,” Sridhar said.

Other parts of their family’s celebrations in India include receiving blessings from elders, visiting the temple, praying, wearing colorful dresses, eating a large lunch feast and decorating their house with oil lamps.

Attending a Catholic school has been a unique experience for both Jabenis and Sridhar. “At first, being in theology was really awkward. We had a survey on our faith, and it was difficult saying that I hadn’t decided what my faith was or that I wasn’t completely Catholic,” Sridhar said.

However, in time, both have found the Marian community to be very accepting of their religious beliefs.

“In theology class I’m able to talk about my religion, and Mr. Golka likes to ask me a lot of questions. One time I was able to teach the class some Hebrew,” Jabenis said.

Jabenis and Sridhar say that outside of the Marian community, many parts of their religious beliefs are misrepresented or misinterpreted.

“At Marian, everyone does a really good job of being tolerant of my religion, but in America, I witness a lot of stereotyping,” Jabenis said. “For example, a lot of people think that we [Jews] don’t believe in God. But we really do, we believe in the same God as Christians and Catholics. ” Sridhar especially emphasized her desire for people in her community to learn and understand what other people believe.

“I think the most important thing is that we should be accepting of other religions,” Sridhar said. “Even though we haven’t all been exposed to them, we should still keep an open mind.”

Marian girls particH Many ipate in fun family traditions during the holiday Here are the O season. descriptions of some L students’ traditions.

I White Elephant Elephant is a D funWhite way to give and steal within a group.

A gifts Players are able to either Y choose a gift or steal

T R A D I T I O N S

a gift that has already been given and the game ends when the last person chooses or steals their present.

Pickle Ornament

The pickle ornament tradition is a tradition that many families participate in. An ornament shaped like a pickle is hidden in the Christmas tree and the first person to find the ornament either gets to open a present first or gets a special gift. graphic by annamandel & marieroubidoux

[ 8 ] InDepth

Rethinking the Nature of Service opinion by jessicamizaur

B

eing a coffee fiend, there is nothing I love more in the winter than a warm peppermint mocha on a Monday morning. Once during my junior year I got up to the Starbucks window and was surprised to find out that the person in front of me had paid for my drink. It was only 7 A.M. and my day had already been made, thanks to a complete stranger. This is my favorite kind of service, the type that is not conventional: random acts of kindness.

Service is not about counting the number of hours you rack up; it is a way of life that should not be left at the door when a person leaves a homeless shelter or an old folk’s home. Service is the way you treat those around you on a day-to-day basis–it is approaching life with a genuine compassion for each person you meet. Compassion does not

photo courtesy of Ozy Aloziem need to be demonstrated through grand gestures. As Mother Theresa once said, “We can not do great things, only little things with great love.”

Things that may seem insignificant, even just returning someone’s smile in the hallway, can turn around a person’s bad day. For those of you who are familiar with Postsecret, I once read a postcard with “if one person smiles at me on the way, I will not jump,” scrawled across a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. The message of this secret is so simple but so powerful. The kindness of a stranger never fails to be infectious.

For the past year or so, I have occasionally received anonymous postcards with meaningful quotes and encouraging compliments. I have no idea who the sender is, however, this person continues to renew my faith in humanity whenever I am feeling cynical. I am inspired to brighten others’ days as this person does mine.

Helping others feel comfortable with themselves is of utmost importance. It is through our daily actions that we create the environment that those around us must live and develop in. I believe that simply being an open minded and accepting person counts as a form of service.

Recently, Creighton University set up a “Things to do before I die” wall.

It gave students a place to express themselves as well as learn from and appreciate each other’s dreams and humor. There have also been Operation Beautiful post-its sprinkled throughout the halls and bathrooms at Marian. It is small things such as these that create a positive atmosphere.

During the holiday season, the theme of giving back is often stressed. However, unlike most schools, Marian does not give a required number of service hours to its students because the administration trusts that we will do service on our own. No amount of service hours is a get out of jail free card for a lack of demonstrating everyday kindness. Remember to pay it forward, always.

Compa

Pass i

Marian girls are always giving bac through Operation Others, adopting at various philanthropical organizat and beyond, Marian girls can alway compassion throughout the world. spirit of giving lingers in the air alon Christmas cookies. It is important to holidays. Through these examples o have discovered that giving is of Christma

Freshman Addison Baffert & Elizabeth Loschen, Junior Maggie Gell & Freshman Sara Flaxbeard, Senior Jackelina Valadez & Sophomore Chrissy Blount, Fre

assion:

it on

ck to the community. Whether it is g families in need, or volunteering tions throughout the Omaha area ys be seen spreading warmth and During the Christmas season, the ng with the scent of pine and warm o remember to give back during the of service and others, Marian girls s the true meaning as.

eshman Jade King & Mallory Edwards, Junior Abby Pritchard & Freshman Shayla Taute

InDepth [ 9 ]

Student Board Steps In haleysnyder

S

tudent Board does more than just plan fantastic events for the Marian community. This Christmas season, Student Board (StuBo) has chosen to partake in a program called Adopt-A-Family, or AAF. AAF is supported by the Salvation Army and strives to support families in meeting their Christmas-related needs. It is designed to allow these families to have a jolly holiday without having to stress about purchasing gifts and other household necessities.

Once a family is selected, their general information and wish lists are sent out to their sponsor. Items on a wish list can include presents that for the children, certain food for the family, and even payments to help with certain utilities like their electricity bill.

Salvation Army emphasizes that the donations must be delivered to the family’s home a week before Christmas Day. Also, they require the sponsor to provide enough food for the family for four to seven days while participating in the AAF program.

The family that StuBo is responsible for supporting consists of a single mom and four children. One child asked for books, crafts and accessories, while another would like a pair of jeans and Legos. The mother, however, would prefer household items like silverware, dish towels and bath towels.

“We [Student Board] are funding this by ourselves and are mainly focusing on giving our family a meal and warm clothing. After we have done that, we will try our hardest to give the mother and children the presents they have asked for,” Senior Student Board President, Sarah Reynolds said.

In order to fund this, StuBo is not holding a fundraiser. Instead, they are using the money they have already collected prior to starting the AAF program. They are using money from dances that they have hosted already this year and using money from the StuBo fund.

StuBo is planning to give the family a Hy-Vee or Bakers gift card in order for them to purchase the food of their choice. “Basically, we are striving to provide our family with a happy, stress-free Christmas,” Reynolds said.

Operation Others:

Approaching biggest event of the year Continued from p. 1 On Nov. 17, OO hosted a turkey drive where turkeys were donated.

These turkeys will be distributed to families in need in the metro area around Christmastime, during Delivery Week. In addition to these events, they also hosted a food drive and collected oatmeal and cereal during Mission Week.

“All of these events lead up to Delivery Week. This year it is Dec. 1922 and this is the week where we prepare boxes of food for over 1,600 families,” Hautzinger said. “Dec. 22 is the official delivery day where anyone is welcome to pick up a food box and deliver it to a household that we assign them to,” Hupp said. Hupp and Hautzinger have been involved in OO since freshman year, but their involvement increased significantly when they were selected for the core team at the end of their sophomore year.

Delivery Day goes further than just helping out families in need in the metro area, it also makes an impression on the girls volunteering at the event. “Seeing the grateful faces is the most uplifting feeling in the world,” junior Rachel Ervin said. Ervin has been involved in OO since her freshman year. “I’ve learned how hard many people have it and OO gives me the opportunity to help them,” she said. Burns has been a dedicated member of OO ever since she was in fourth grade when her sister was on the core team at Duchesne. For her, it is something in which her family gets involved and has even become an annual family tradition.

Those newly involved in OO have also been affected by their experiences. “I have earned satisfaction just knowing that every little thing you can do to help is greatly appreciated. Although I haven’t been in OO for long, I just like the feeling of knowing that you are helping someone who really needs it,” freshman Catherine Mormino said.

Freshman Madison Golden was motivated to join OO after her experience with the organization during a project she participated in with her confirmation group. “I’ve learned that anyone can help out even if they do so by doing small things. Operation Others wouldn’t be able to function if people didn’t help volunteer or give a cans and boxes when donations come around. Even the smallest things help give back to the community,” she said. Both Golden and Mormino plan to participate during Delivery Week this year.

Although Delivery Week and Operation Others aim to give back to the community by helping families in need, the girls involved also benefit from their unique experiences, no matter their role in the organization. “It has given me probably 50 friendships I never would have had otherwise. Being a part of something that helps so many makes me feel like I am making a big impact on the lives of others,” Hupp said.

“It’s not just an act of service, but it’s an act of kindness and love towards your community. You aren’t just helping a family or individual, you’re also helping yourself see life from a different perspective,” Ervin said.

[ 10 ] Sports

The Network [ November/December ]

A True Bluejay Shows Her Colors Y erinmcquillan

photo & graphic by haleysnyder

ou may know her as the freshman whose campaign for class officer involved a poster with a picture of her and her Bluejay idol. While most freshmen would have used a picture with Justin Bieber or a member of One Direction, Mary Kate Mulhall idolizes someone in a whole different ball game.

Although it may not seem like a big deal to most people, meeting and getting a picture with Creighton University junior Doug McDermott was an overwhelming experience for Mulhall. She remembers the exact date she met him, Jan. 15, 2012. “I cried right before I met him,” Mulhall said.

She has what you would call a “Creighton obsession.”

To continue her obsession with McDermott, her favorite player, Mulhall had the perfect outfit to dress up as him for Halloween this year.

She came up with it when Bridget,

her sophomore sister, got her a jersey signed by McDermott for Christmas last year. “Bridget has just gotten used to me being obsessed,” Mulhall said. Mulhall also has a wall full of pictures of McDermott and the team in her room. She was ecstatic when McDermott liked two photos of hers on Instagram.

The Mulhalls have been attending Creighton games since 1988. “I’ve been going my whole life.” Mulhall said. Not only does Mulhall follow Creighton basketball, but she closely follows soccer as well.

She plans to attend the Missouri Valley Tournament in March in St. Louis and said, “I think they’ll do really well this year and easily get to the NCAA tournament.” Mulhall is excited for the current basketball season and has high hopes for the team.

23% of Marian girls* confirmed that they are obsessed with Creighton basketball *189 Marian girls participated in The Network Survey

QA

Seniors Sign For College Sports

&

haleysnyder

O

With Varsity Coach Mrs. Lisa Schmidt about the upcoming basketball season

You’re the varsity coach this year...are you planning anything new or different for the season?

“I’m sure the girls will notice some changes. My emphasis for this year is ‘hustle and heart will set us apart.’ My goal is to get the girls to play hard every single game, play more up tempo, and really push the ball. Everyone needs to come support us at our games - I think we’ll be a fun team to watch and will feed off the energy of the crowd!”

What excites you the most about the upcoming season?

“I am excited to see the amount of improvement we’re going to have from beginning to end. There’s a ton of potential on this team - I think the kids might surprise themselves at how much they’ll improve. It’ll be a fun season.”

What should the players expect from you as a coach during practices?

n Nov. 14, seniors Lexi Elman, Maggie Heim, Katherine Nelsen and Annie Wolfe signed athletic contracts in order to participate in sports programs at their future colleges. With their proud and supportive parents standing behind them, they each signed, one by one, eagerly awaiting the start of their college seasons.

During her volleyball career at Marian, Lexi Elman broke two school records: season kills with 498 and career kills with 1121. She was also recognized by the Lincoln Journal Star and was named Super State Selection. Her junior year, she received metro-first team and second team all-state. Elman will be attending University of Pacific in Stockton, Calif. to play volleyball as a 6-rotation outside hitter.

“I am looking forward to be on a new team and traveling around the country to play volleyball,” Elman said.

Maggie Heim has played on Marian’s varsity volleyball team all four years of her high school career. She also assisted her team in 2009 when Marian took the state title for volleyball. Being a multi-sport athlete, she lettered in basketball her freshman year, in track her sophomore and junior year and in volleyball all four years. Heim will be attending Ohio State University for volleyball as a setter.

“I am stoked for the really high intensity of

playing in the Big 10. It will be a completely different experience, but I love that it’s way out of my comfort zone,” Heim said.

Although Annie Wolfe will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney for volleyball as a middle hitter, many of her accomplishments were achieved during her basketball career at Marian. She broke a school record during a basketball game her junior year by scoring most points with 37 points. Not only did she receive all-metro for her participation in varsity basketball but for varsity volleyball as well.

“I am excited to play for a top division II program in the country with great competition and being close enough so my family can watch me play,” Wolfe said.

Katherine Nelsen has been given multiple awards from organizations other than Marian throughout her tennis career. She was awarded Nebraska Tennis Player of the Year in 2012. Nelsen was given the opportunity to play on the Girls 18’s National Team and the Missouri Valley team. Also, she took the state and metro title in 2012 for #1 singles. Nelsen will play tennis at Creighton University next year.

“I am most looking forward to excelling as a tennis player, as well as connecting with my team. The girls are so nice and I can’t wait for traveling season!” Nelsen said.

“I am all about positive energy. I like practices to be fast-paced and I want them to constantly be doing something. I am an encourager, and I want practices to build their confidence, but also push them because I expect them to do their best every day. I also want the girls to enjoy playing the sport. It’s a good mixture of being challenged and having fun.”

Any thoughts on state basketball?

“State is always a goal, it’s the ultimate end game. I think we have a chance to surprise everyone and make it to state. A lot of it will depend on how much the team is willing to sacrifice to reach that goal.”

graphic by laurentussey

Off To College! (Left to right) Seniors Katherine Nelsen, Annie Wolfe, Lexi Elman and Maggie Heim take a picture together after they sign their sports contracts. They proudly wear t-shirts from Creighton University, University of Nebraska Kearney, Univeristy of Pacific, and Ohio State University. photo by haleysnyder

The Network [ November/December ]

Sports [ 11 ]

Taking the Plunge:

Non-starters Do More Than Warm the Bench

Dive Team Prepares for A New Season

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graphic and photos by sarahtownsend & bizzyboulay

arian is home to lots of sports Free Falling. Senior Katie Lang teams. From volleyball to practies her pike at practice on Wed, Nov. soccer to golf and tennis, 28 at Brownell-Talbot’s Theisen Pool.

Lang has been on the dive team for four Marian has a sport for everyone. While some teams may get loads of recognition, years and strengthening her friendship with her teammates is her favorite part. not every Marian team gets a lot in the photo by emilyjohanek spotlight. Marian’s dive team started practices on Nov. 16. The team has four members this year: freshman Maggie Forbes, junior Elena Lisko, senior Kellyjo Steier, and senior Katie Lang.

Lang has been on the team the past four years. She was encouraged to join the team freshman year by Steier. “I had actually never dove before freshman year (I couldn’t even jump in the water without plugging my nose) but Kellyjo told me try it out and I ended up really enjoying it,” Lang said.

A typical dive meet consists of 11 dives. Even simple dives can be judged harshly. “The judges are really particTalbot. The late night practices can be ular when it comes to the way you take inconvenient, but it’s the only way to off the board, your form in the air, your gain pool time. The Marian girls are not entry into the water, how big of a splash alone at their practice. They are joined by you had, little things like that,” Lang said. the Prep dive team, and both teams are With such specific criteria, it can make coached by Cathy Hausman. Lang says it learning new dives a daunting task. is fun to practice with Prep boys, but can “The hardest thing about diving is be difficult at times. “I’m not going to lie, definitely learning new dives,” Steier said. sometimes they can be distracting because However, Steier also considers the new they’re loud and don’t like to listen somedives she has learned as some of her bigtimes,” Lang said. gest accomplishments.

Another difficulty that the team has run For Elena Lisko, diving is a mental into is finding a coach. Over the past few sport. “What people don’t know about years they have had a new coach nearly diving is that it is a 70 percent mental every year. This year is the first time that game. The rest of the 30 percent is physitheir coach has been able to come back. cal conditioning. Divers know how to get All the girls agree that although it has themselves to do things they are scared of been difficult to switch coaches each year and think are impossible,” Lisko said because of having to adjust to coaching The dive team practices from 8 to 10 styles, they like having Hausman as their p.m. several times a week at Brownell coach. “Coach Cathy is an amazSmart Dive. ing coach. She pushes me to do Junior Elena the dives I am afraid to do, and Lisko warms up always has belief in me,” Lisko for practice on said.

Wed, Nov. 28 Even though they may have at Brownell-Talsome troubles with finding bot’s Theisen coaches, late practices, and Pool. Lisko mastering new dives, the dive considers team is close. “The atmosphere diving to be 70 percent a menat practice is very lively and suptal sport and porting,” Steier said. “My favorite only 30 percent part of diving is strengthening physical. bonds with my teammates,” Lang photo by emilysaid. johanek

Beginners 1. Planks on your hands for 30 seconds 2. 15 pushups on your knees 3. 50 jumping jacks 4. Get a timer and run up and down your stairs as fast as you can for 30 seconds

meganwoodruff

T

here are only six players on the volleyball court at one time. But those six players wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for the other players on the bench.

Junior Morgan Lubeck, who made the varsity team this year, embraced her role as a non-starter. “My personal goals were to accept my role on the team and help the team in whatever way I could. I wanted to push my team in practice to make them better and prepare them for challenging games in the season,” Lubeck said.

Although Lubeck was not always playing during games, she put a special focus on contributing during practice and being engaged.

“I always tried to keep the practices focused and lighthearted. I joked around a lot between points and drills to make practice less stressful and more fun.

You always get better when you're having fun,” Lubeck said.

In addition to adding a positive spin to the practices, Lubeck also pushed the starters in their weakest areas.

“Since I was a nonstarter, I was able to watch the team during games and see what the weaknesses were. I would make a mental note during the games and make sure to target that weakness during practice, like an opponent would do after watching tape,” Lubeck said.

Senior Lexi Elman, who started as an outside hitter all season, recognizes the impact that her teammates on the sidelines have on her performance and the team’s success. “The fans and the non-starters on the sidelines really don’t know how much of a role they play,” Elman said.

Elman also said that Lubeck was a great example of a team player.

“I love her. In practices, she pushes everyone to be better. On the sidelines, we always tell people to give information, and she was the best person to listen to.

“

You always get better when you’re having fun.

Junior Morgan Lubeck

Winter WorkOut

How to stay fit during the long winter months

It’s a dreary December day, and the weather outside is frightful. You are stuck inside with two options: 1) stay in your pajamas for the rest of the day while watching Gossip Girl, or 2) get off your fanny and go work out.

We have compiled two different workouts for beginners and experts. These workouts are easy to do at home so you don’t have to leave your house. Do these workouts three or four times a week to keep your strength up during the cold winter months.

Sophomore CharlotteWortmann (upper left) demonstrates the beginner’s pushup on her knees.

I would always hear her telling me about open shots on the court and tips on what to do,” Elman said.

The positive impact of the non-starters was one of the many components that brought the team together and helped them win 36 matches this season.

Seeded second coming into the state tournament, the team performed up to expectations in the first two rounds. The Crusaders knocked off No. 7 Millard North and then No. 6 Lincoln Pius X, both in three sets.

“We worked well together. We always talked about having fun while playing hard, and I think that’s what we did,” Elman said of the first two games.

The scene was set for a championship game against undefeated Papillion-LaVista South. The Crusaders, recognizing the challenge they had to face, approached the game with a positive mentality.

“We had nothing to lose, we had everything to gain, and they were the ones who had to defend the state title,” Elman said.

Although the Crusaders fought hard, they weren’t able to take a set from the Titans, who finished the season undefeated.

“I think we did really well on defense, but our only problem was that we didn't play like we had nothing to lose. We were playing very tense which I believe cost us the game,” Lubeck said.

Although the team came up short of a state title, Elman said that the overall state experience was positive and brought the team closer together in its last games of the season.

Lubeck, who plans to continue playing for Marian next year, is looking forward to another season.

“My goal for next year is to be an impact player. I want to be someone the younger players can look up to and an example of someone who works hard and always keeps it together,” Lubeck said.

“

sydneyrhoades

Freshman Rachel Johnson (right) shows the expert plank on her arms for 30 seconds.

EXPERTS 1. Planks on arms for 30 seconds 2. 20 pushups on your knees 3. 100 jumping jacks 4. Get a timer and run up and down your stairs as fast as you can for one minute

[ 12 ] Features

The Network [ November/December ]

Catching Up with Marian’s Language Clubs

poornaramasubramanian arian’s language clubs are always up to something new and exciting.

Check out what the language clubs have been upto lately and what events are in store!

M

Le Club de Français

Club de Español

Accomplished so far:

Accomplished so far:

Christmas Plans: - Christmas party

Christmas Plans:

Upcoming events:

Accomplished so far:

Junior Classical League

- “Donut Feel Good to be in Latin” breakfast - Toga Night at a varsity volleyball game - Lunch outing at Sons of Italy - Hosting a blanket collection - Movie night showing of “Rear Window”

- Registration breakfast - French lunch and movie “L’arnacœur (Heartbreaker)”

- Learning Christmas Carols in Latin to sing at Marian

- Mardi Gras bake sale - Chocolate and cheese tasting - Annual end-of-year dinner

Upcoming events:

- Two more movie nights - Cheering at a basketball game (like Toga Night) - The annual walk across Bob Kerrey Bridge - Service project

“I like that we get to learn about French culture and socialize at the same time.”

- Freshman Skye Manley

graphic by poornaramasubramanian & gabbymaenner

“I’m looking forward to walking across the bridge in togas!”

- Freshman Hannah Johnson

- Salsa-making - Halloween sugar skull decorating

Christmas Plans:

- Tamalada (Saturday, Dec. 8)

Upcoming events:

- Dancing event with Spanish food - Movie night - Restaurant outing “I got to learn how to make salsa!”

- Freshman Courtney Schincke

Baking a Difference

Marian’s baking club helps to show appreciation

rachelrensch Marian’s Baking Club is ll it took was keeping this tradition one woman alive while reminding to start a the troops that all that revolution. In the they do for America is early 1990’s, Jeanette appreciated.

Cram had the idea Over the weekend to start an organizaof Nov. 10-11, Marian tion called “Treat the volunteers were asked Troops” which would to bake the cookies send the deployed of their choice to be American troops donated to the troops. “I support through baked Nestle Tollhouse yummy treats such chocolate chip cookas cookies and fudge. ies,” freshman Allison Since then, Cram and Zuerlein said. The cookher baking friends, nicknamed “crumbs,” ies were to be 2-inches have prepared in diameter, placed in A Sweet Surprise. Sopho3,154,160 goodies for a non-zip bag, and tied more Natalie Lucas helps out the soldiers overseas. with a twist tie. Then, Iowa Cookie Crumbs by placThen, in 2007, Abon Nov. 13, eight baking ing bags of yummy goodies bie Crawford saw an club members along with into a box to be mailed. article in a magazine electronic communicaphotos by rachelrensch on this organization. tions manager Mr. Scott Inspired, she decided Peak traveled to Emanuel to help out with the cause. “I started with Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs to help 15 of my friends in my kitchen,” Crawford package, count, and mail all of the donated said. They decided on the name “Iowa cookies.

Cookie Crumbs” and now, 20 years later, There were many steps to packaging

A

the cookies in order to get them just right and ready to be mailed. First, six cookies were placed in a plastic bag with the top twisted and tied.

Then, the bags were laid out on four long tables in order to be counted.

After the counting, 20-22 packages were placed in a box then covered with all different kinds of candy as a filler. On top of the candy, shredded paper scraps were then added to fill the rest of the box. Finally, on top of it all, a letter was placed from the Iowa Cookie Crumbs thanking the troops.

Angela Altamore, who has worked Teamwork. Freshmen Sydney at Marian in the advancement office Bonnett and Lauren Manganaro work in the past, and a volunteer helping hard repackaging cookies from plastic with the packaging, knows first-hand ziploc baggies into more efficient small how these treats can make a differboxes at Emanuel Lutheran Church on ence. Her sister Christina Mason, a Nov. 13.

2006 Marian graduate, is currently in the Air Force in Afghanistan. “I’m In all, over 30,000 cookies were dovery grateful to all the girls who particinated from around the Council Bluffs and pate. It’s a really good cause and a great Omaha areas. Along with those cookies, way to show our support,” Altamore said. there was also 348 pounds of fudge. These The majority of the cookies are sent to Aftreats definitely succeeded in their goal: to ghanistan, while others are sent to Africa make the American soldiers’ lives overseas or Kuwait. just a little bit sweeter.

Black Friday Horror Stories

“I was with my mom at Westroads Mall at about 2 a.m. and she saw two gangs fighting. I think they ended up getting arrested, but people were knocking over trash cans saying there was a shooter.

People were running down escalators yelling that there was a gun.”

-Junior Nicole Meisenbach

“I was tackled by some woman because she was trying to run to the baby section of the store.

She was in a huge hurry, and I guess I was in the way.”

-Sophomore Katie Pallesen

“I had an allergic reaction while I was in Pink, and I was getting a rash and had a fever. I felt like I was going to pass out, so I told my friends that I should go to the hospital (and I did).”

-Senior Sammie Sandhoefner

S M T W Th F Sa 4

5

1

6

7

2

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8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11 12

“I was at Walmart with my mom by the men’s clothes section. I was waiting while my mom was looking at something, and this lady plops down on a shelf of clothes and opens her shirt up and starts breastfeeding her baby right there in front of me. This was about at 1 in the morning, and when I looked at her, she looked at me like I was crazy.”

-Freshman Hannah Uhl graphic by emilyjohanek

The Network [ November/December ]

Features [ 13 ]

Dancer Pointed Toward Success megandennis

I

n general, Marian girls are under a lot of stress. From homework and classes to sports and extracurriculars, learning to balance time is a part of being a teenager. For freshman Laura Theisen, this lesson comes into play every weekend.

Theisen is a part of a pre-professional ballet troupe. This troupe is located two and a half hours away, without traffic, in Kansas City, MO. “I drive down there every single Saturday for rehearsals,” Theisen said.

“My mom and dad trade off weeks driving me down. We usually leave my house around 5:45 in the morning to get there for my class that starts at 10,” Theisen said.

During the Kansas City Ballet troupe practices, Theisen takes a technique class to warm up and improve. Following that, she takes a variations class. In this class, she learns a famous variation from a ballet.

After her practices, she does get a little downtime on her Saturday. “My mom and I usually go to Noodles and Company for lunch and when I go with my dad I usually go to Jimmy Johns or Mr. Goodcents,” Theisen said. “I do get to go shopping with my mom sometimes too. I even got my Christmas dance dress from Kansas City!”

Aside from traveling to a different state every weekend, Theisen practices as part of a ballet program at Creighton

next favorite, she has actually considered Unitrying out for verthe Marian dance sity. This team.

“I think it program would be fun to be is origiable to be part of nally for a team at Marian juniors because I have and senever been in niors, but a school sport, Theisen only dance. It was acjust sounds excepted as a citing,” Theisen freshman. said.

Putting in 11 Aside from hours each week, all the classes Theisen started and time put dancing because into dance, her friends were involved. She Theisen has, in started her first class when she about the past, taken 3-years-old and has been pirouetting time to perform in The ever since.

Nutcracker as Clara, the main Although Theisen goes as far to say character who receives the she loves ballet, if she had to choose nutcracker as a present. “She another type of dance, she would is the one whose dream creates choose the modern style. the second act.

“It’s really fun to just let Perfect Posture.

Freshman In her dream, go and be able to move.

Laura Theisen poses in her pointe she defeats the It’s nice to just feel ballet shoes and dance costume mouse king the music rather then while maintaining poise. and becomes focus all on technique,” Photo courtesy of Laura Theisen a hero of the Theisen said. Since Nutcrackers modern dance is her

land,” Theisen said.

When Omaha Theater Ballet was still in charge of The Nutcracker, the rehearsals were three days a week. These started in September and continued to tech week, the week before performances start.

Tech week practices last all night, every night during the week. This is when the cast and crew go to the theater and finally get to use the stage.

Weeks full of ballet have not completely stopped this ballerina’s love of the dance. “I go through phases. When it’s a boring month of no rehearsals and nothing new except extreme classes that cause a lot of stress, I sometimes doubt that I can become a professional and get tired of making no progress,” Theisen said.

However, she still does enjoy dancing.

“But on the other hand, the thrill of new dances, parts, and being able to perform on stage help me realize how much I love dance and how different and boring my life would be without it,” Theisen said.

It is in these times that Theisen looks to Russian ballerina, Polina Semionova, for support. “She literally looks like she is floating across the stage. Plus she has the most gorgeous extension. She inspires me to be just like her,” Theisen said.

Just like every other sport and activity, “You can get tired of it until you can’t dance because of an injury. That’s when you realize how much you miss it,” Theisen said.

Freshman’s Olympic Dreams May Become Reality nicolamccutcheon

W

hen most Marian girls google their names, they find links to unrelated Facebook profiles, Twitter accounts, or YouTube channels. When freshman Katelyn Gochenour googles her name, she finds pictures, articles, and statistics all written about herself - and not for the wrong reasons. Gochenour is a recognized national champion in javelin, discus, and shot-put, and is a potential athlete in the 2016 Olympic Games.

Her track and field career began in fifth grade when her cousins gave her a plastic turbo javelin, a beginner javelin, as a Christmas gift.

Gochenour had no experience with javelin, and her fifth grade self was disappointed when her cousins, who usually gave great presents, let her down that year. Gochenour was encouraged by her family to start taking lessons with the Cornhusker Flyers Track Club.

“I wanted to cry,” Gochenour said. “I hated every minute of it.”

She and her family never could have imagined the prodigy Gochenour was going to become.

In sixth grade, Gochenour

competed in the Junior Olympics. “It’s like prepping for the Olympics for kids in the US who are 18 years and younger,” Gochenour said. She set the state record in turbo javelin in 2010. After her success, Gochenour moved up to the regular javelin and “started

trying,” as she puts it.

At the last Junior Olympics, Gochenour earned first place in discus, second place in shot-put, and eighth place in javelin.

Her peers and parents aren’t the only ones who have been impressed with her track and field talent. Bill Schmidt, 1972 US bronze medalist in javelin, and Jeff Gorski, a famous Finnish coach in the javelin world, have also noticed. They have been in contact with Gochenour for a while and have invited her to come to several javelin camps in North Carolina. Gorski has also chosen Gochenour to work with him in Finland for the next four summers in order to prepare her for college track and field and the 2016 Olympics.

Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Duke University, University of North Carolina, University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, and University of Arkansas also have their eye on Gochenour’s track and field abilities.

To say that Gochenour is dedicated to her sport is an understatement. “It’s like a thrill going down a roller coaster for me,” Gochenour said. She practices every day in the summer at Dana College and Burke High School.

Even though she is a prodigy, Gochenour is still a teenager and sometimes struggles with her commitment to javelin. “I like it too much to give up, but there are times when I’m in a rut and I can’t focus and it’s not going well. You want to give up, but you can’t; you just can’t allow yourself. There’s that urge to in your mind, but you have to keep going.”

Gochenour would be Marian’s first Olympic athlete if she were to compete in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She lives with

that thought constantly in her mind.

“It’s crazy. I don’t think I’ve really gotten the full effect, but it’s always in my mind because I have to shape everything around that,” Gochenour said.

Throwing Like A Girl. (Above) Freshman Katelyn Gochenour competes in a javelin competition.

Photo courtesy of Katelyn Gochenour Taking Home the Silver. (Left) Gochenour shows off her medal after winning second place at the Junior Olympic Championships in Arlington, TX in June 2012.

Photo courtesy of Katelyn Gochenour.

Source: http://www.usatf.org

[ 14 ] Entertainment

best of 2012

The Network [ November/December ]

The

May 14 Marian wins state soccer

Jan. 7 “Beyonce & Jay-Z‘s baby, Blue Ivy Carter, was born”

July 27- Aug. 12 London Summer Olympics

Oct. 31

“Halloween movie in the gym” -Junior Helen Burns

-Junior Jamie Rice

Jan

Feb

March

March 23 "Hunger Games" -Freshman Katie Peterson

April

May

Groundbreaking for Performing Arts Center

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Nov. 8 “Obama re-elected” -Senior Emily McCusker

Lincoln Emancipates Viewers from Boredom

“Winter Wonderland”

by Michael Buble

...baking party

“Rocking Around the Christmas Tree”

by Brenda Lee

...snowy car drive

“It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”

by Bing Crosby

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”

by Jackson Five

...sledding day

Aug

-Sophomore Evelyn Benda

May 4

for every . . .

...friends gathering

July

July 15 "Gangnam Style video released on YouTube"

A Christmas song ...cold hot cocoa night

June

“Little Saint Nick”

by The Beach Boys

...holiday party

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”

by NSync

“Mistletoe” by “Mistletoe” Justin Bieber

...chilling by the fire whilst eating fondue

by Justin Bieber

graphic by laurentussey & erinmcquillan

reviewed by meganwoodruff & nicolamccutcheon

H

onest Abe Lincoln never told a lie, be. President Lincoln was also known for his and we are not lying either when we dry humor and incessant storytelling, which say this movie is worth your time.

Day-Lewis personified with a unique voice Lincoln, a historical drama directed by that sounded somewhat like a calm version Steven Spielberg, details the many conflicts of fairy-obsessed teacher Denzel Crocker that occurred in Congress just before the from “Fairly OddParents.”

Civil War ended. It specifically focuses on The movie also gave the audience a snapthe difficult process of the passing of the 13th shot into Abraham Lincoln’s personal life, Amendment, which abolished slavery, and on which proved to be one of the most interestthe constant threat of the deadly Civil War. ing components. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Though this may sound like another hisDark Knight Rises, Inception, 500 Days of tory lesson, Lincoln Summer) and Sally found many ways to Field (Forrest Gump, entertain while also voice of Sassy the maintaining historicat from Homeward cal accuracy.

Bound) played conFirst and forevincing supporting most, the acting was roles as Lincoln’s exceptional. The cast son and wife. Both was so star-studded brought Lincoln’s that we constantly domestic struggles found ourselves to life, and added to asking where we had the realistic portrayseen certain actors al of Lincoln’s life. before.

One of Lincoln’s One of our only downfall came personal favorites in its length. By the among the cast was end of the 150 minTommy Lee Jones, ute movie, we felt who played Thaddeus like it had started Stevens, a radical four score and seven abolitionist. His deep, years ago. raspy voice brought Some parts of life to his paramount this movie probably speeches in the could have been movie, as did his cut down or taken impeccable emotional out entirely, and the photo source: IMDb involvement, which disaction was minimal. It was easy played an intense attachment to the freedom for us to tell that we were the only ones in the of slaves. theater under the age of 40, but on a positive Daniel Day-Lewis was extremely impresnote, no one seemed to be sleeping. sive in bringing our 16th president to life.

Although it may not be your first choice His accent, mannerisms, and candid nature for a Friday-night flick, if a parent, grandallowed one of the most well-known historparent, history buff, or wannabe history buff ical icons to become both approachable and asks you to go see it, don’t run away from the human. In the history-buff world, Lincoln opportunity. Embrace it with open arms, just was known for being mildly eccentric and like President Lincoln embraced the idea of soft spoken. Day-Lewis did an excellent abolishing slavery. job portraying Lincoln as the towering, semi-crazy, homeless person he appeared to

The Network [ November/December ]

Entertainment [ 15 ]

Holiday Gift Guide

Each year when the holidays roll around, one person on your list is always difficult to buy for. Here are some ideas for all the special people in your life. In addition, here are some easy doit-yourself ideas.

Tie

Framed Picture

Watch Power Tools

Massages

Video Game

Concert Tickets

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with the needle.

4. Air dry for an hour and then bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees to allow the paint to dry

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Nail Polish

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1. Wash mug & apply stencil 2. Add blue tape around stencil and tape the paint on the mug.

3. Peel off off the stencil with a needle and fix imperfections

Picture Collage

Headbands Mom Dad CD of Favorite Artist Sister Earrings Brother Bracelet Boyfriend Friends

Cologne Materials: 1. Mugs 2. Deco Art Ceramics Paint 3. Flat Brush 4. Vinyl Stencils

Manicure

Candle

Restaurant Gift Card Favorite Sports Team Gear

Movies

Lotion Hot Chocolate Jar

Bath Scrub

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(Personalized) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -Coffee Mug

Materials: -- -1. 3 1” by 58” in --> strips of jersey knit fabric 2.Scissors 3. Fingers

For more ideas and more complete instructions, visit http://www.the36thavenue. com/2011/11/25-handmade-giftsunder-5.html

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<--

graphic by sydneyrhoades

1. Cut slits in the ends of your strips 2. Attach the strips from top to bottom 3. Weave the strips around your fingers 4. Tie in a knot at the end

Movie Rekindles Traditions

marieroubidoux fter meeting and exceeding the all-school Walk-A-Thon goal of $80,000, Head of School, Mrs. Susan Toohey was ecstatic about the enthusiasm students presented when it came to helping their school. Although the whole school receives a free day for its hard work, Mrs. Toohey decided that the students deserved more.

On the day before Halloween, Marian girls were told to bring a pillow and a blanket for a sociology experiment. For the underclassmen, this seemed like a plausible idea, but rumors spread like wildfire through the upperclassmen. Ideas about an allschool slumber party or scary movie or a second Surprise Day were flying through the halls so fast that people didn’t know what to expect.

With pillows and blankets in hand, students walked down the steps into the West Gym for a “special announcement.” Mrs. Toohey explained that when she went to Marian, there was a tradition of the whole school gathering to watch a scary movie around Halloween time, and as a special treat, she wanted to rekindle the tradition this year.

Marian Alum Shaela Wepfer, ’92, remembered back to her own days at Marian. “We were all carted to the West Gym for a special announcement and the announcement was the movie,” Wepfer said.

“I remember sitting in the old gym with the whole school. Everyone had to be quiet because we were watching a movie on 8-millimeter film that had terrible sound.”

This year, the school watched Wait Until Dark, which is the same scary movie Wepfer watched her freshman year back in 1988. The gym was full of gasps and screams as the terror and excitement unfolded and another tradition was rekindled thanks to the tremendous effort during Walk-A-Thon.

A

THE Hottest Cup of cocoa in Town

alexisvinton & laurentussey

Temperature: Picture the warmth of your grandmother’s smile mixed with the body heat of a puppy. Simply perfection.

Chocolatey-ness: Enough chocolate to please even the neediest sweet tooth.

Whip problems: Contained no nuisance whipped cream.

Jones Bros. Cupcakes 2121 South 67th St.

Temperature: A wee bit toasty

on one’s tongue.

Chocolatey-ness: A creamy trip to chocolate heaven.

Whip problems: Unmemorable but didn’t take away from the overall enjoyability of the hot chocolate.

Aromas Coffeehouse 1033 Jones St.

Temperature: Similar to a baby dragon being birthed in one’s mouth.

Chocolatey-ness: Not nearly enough chocolate to satisfy the cravings of a chocoholic.

Whip problems: To quote Goldilocks, “It was just right.”

Not too much, nor too little.

Blue Line Coffee 749 North 14th St. & 4924 Underwood Ave.

Temperature: As if one’s tongue took up lodging in an active volcano.

Chocolatey-ness: Tasted like a teaspoon of chocolate was added to a bathtub full of scalding water.

Whip problems: There was probably close to an entire can of whipped cream placed haphazardly on top.

Legend Comics and Coffee 5207 Leavenworth St.

State Volleyba

Screamers. Junior Erin Violi rips off her blue shirt and reveals her black shirt after Marian won in the second set against Lincoln Pius X on Nov. 9 at the State Tournament in Grand Island. The student section dressed in layers of white, blue and black t-shirts. After each set, the students took off a layer and waved the t-shirts around.

Secret Play. Coach Rochelle Rohlfs assists her players in the next play. She tells the server where to serve while giving feedback to her hitters. “The team chemistry this year was amazing. The girls were competitive and not many of my teams have lost to just one team out of 42 matches in the whole season. I am most proud of how each team member was so selfless in their roles on the team,” Rohfls said.

A Jump of Joy. The Crusaders could not contain their excitement after they beat Lincoln Pius X and qualified for the State Championship.

Marian beat the Bolts in three sets on Nov. 9. The State Championship was held at The Heartland Events Center in Grand Island.

Leap of Faith. Junior Morgan Sullivan hits cross court at the outside position against Lincoln Pius X. “It was so fun to play with my team. We worked really hard and it paid off,” Sullivan said.

Marian finished second overall at state behind Papillion-LaVista South.

Go Bananas! Senior Kara Murphy shows her school spirit during the “Go Bananas!” cheer. Many seniors dressed up in costumes to support their classmates on Friday. Those students that remained at school also dressed in blue and white to show their support.

photos by mariacorpuz The Network [ November/December ]