Marian Network May 2016

The Network MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL 7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134 www.MARIANHIGHSCHOOL.net VOLUME 60 ISSUE 8 MAY 2016

Senior Cinema

Sophomore Sockhop

Freshman Fastball

Junior Jockeys take home the Field Day win

Junior Jockey celebration Junior Jockey cheerleaders Grace Lathrop ’17 and Laura Tatten ’17 embrace after the April 29 Field Day results are given to the Sokol Auditorium audience. The entire junior class stormed the floor and dog-piled once they found out that they won overall. See the Indepth pages 8-9 for a full report.

Year of firsts: Marian looks back on memorable 2015-2016

kellyndaly s the 2015-2016 school year draws to a close, a look back reveals a year of firsts for the Marian community. Though the year was full of exciting moments, a few stuck out as particularly memorable.

This fall marked a momentous season for the Marian softball program. Senior Emily Cheloha’s favorite memory from this school year was helping her team take home Marian’s first ever softball State title.

“Winning State Softball for the first time in Marian history was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced,” Cheloha said. The team ended with a season record of 29 and 3.

The outcome of the exciting game was decided by a grand slam, hit by junior Brook Linderman.

“The second the ball hit her bat, we all went crazy … I will never forget the way I felt in that moment,” Cheloha said.

Both Marian’s Dance Team and Show Choir enjoyed new experiences this year through their first year competing. The Dance Team competed in the State Tournament and received seventh place in the

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

FAINTING AT THE BLOOD DRIVE

category of Pom. “It was such a good feeling to show other people what our team could do and what we had worked so hard for,” junior Dance Team member Meg Gudenrath said.

Marian Momentum, Marian’s show choir, also enjoyed their first year of competing. “Being a part of the first show choir was absolutely amazing! It took a lot of hard work and dedication … but I can’t wait to see how far the show choir goes,” senior Molly Fisher said.

Marian Momentum’s first competition was a learning experience. “Our first competition was honestly terrifying,” Fisher said.

“Though we didn’t place highly, we learned a lot from the first competition and also decided that we could only go up from there.”

The rest of Marian Momentum’s season was a successful one as they

continued to learn from their different competitions. They eventually received fourth place at the Lewis Central competition.

Principal Susie Sullivan ’80 has enjoyed a successful first year at Marian, too. “Every day is Surprise Day when you’re a new principal!” Sullivan said.

Sullivan’s favorite memory happened during the Senior Class Mass. “When all of [the seniors] put [their] arms around each other and were singing. [It was] very special to witness,” Sullivan said.

For the 193 freshmen of Emily Cheloha ’16 Marian, however, every moment was a novelty. Each of their experiences can be defined as a “first.” Freshman Joey Carollo especially enjoyed her recent experience at her first Field Day. “I honestly can’t pinpoint one part that was my favorite, but performing my Field Day cheer with some of my closest friends was definitely something I’ve looked forward to for a long time,” Carollo said.

Carollo’s “freshman experience” has been enjoyable, though it did take some getting used to. “Too many times have I walked to the wrong block or forgot to go to homeroom and end up sprinting down the halls to try and get to my class,” Carollo said.

Though sometimes difficult, Carollo has enjoyed her freshman year. “It’s so much better than grade school, and I’ve met so many new people,” Carollo said.

The 2015-2016 school year has truly had an impact on the Marian community.

The memories that have been made will remain as historical moments.

“The second the ball hit her bat, we all went crazy … I will never forget the way I felt in that moment.”

SURPRISE DAY

HALLOWEEN MOVIE

Marian memories Clare Kidder ’19, Jamie Rosenthal ’16, Grace Gustaston ’17 and Telly Mounto ’18 share their favorite memories from the 2015-2016 school year. From the first day of school to the last, Marian students enjoyed countless experiences together. graphic by marykiscoan

MAY QUEEN

PG 2

LEAVING TEACHERS

PG 10

CAMP FOSTER

PG 11

ATHLETICS

PG 12

2 • News

The Network • may 2016

May Queen captures the Hearts of Marian collettegillaspie

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n May 10, 2016, senior Kateri Deexceptional ability to remember the intenterman stood like a Degas sculpture tions of her numerous peers, neighbors, before the student body to crown a wreath and family members and offer them up of flowers atop a statue of Mary. Every to God. She compassionately helps them year, the senior class selects the student carry their worries, illnesses, diseases, and they believe to lead a life most like Mary concerns. Determan also has the humility to be the May Queen. to ask for prayers from her peers. “She The students of the senior class were is very good at reaching out to her faith not the only commupeople to see nity for the presence of prayer Mary in Deterwhen she man. Hearts of needs Marian parent us! She volunteers Mrs. has such Susan Heim, trust,” Mrs. Christine Heim Vosik, and Mrs. said.

Katie StahlneckWhen er also attested asked to Determan’s about her Mary-like qualfaith life, ities.

Deter"Kateri has man took such a humble a deep presence like breath The queen and her crown Kateri Determan ’16 smiles graceMary but walks and fully as she is crowned May Queen. The senior class voted for firmly and is asked Determan because she exemplifies Mary in her everyday life. very strong in how long photo by anniesoener God's plan for this artiher life. She is a perfect person to receive cle could be. On the surface, it seems that the Crown of Mary," Heim said.

Determan leads a pretty normal faith life: "Kateri embodies all of the qualities of she goes to church every week, she prays Mary. She is a shining example of what it before meals, and she does her best to talk means to be thoughtful, selfless, gentle, to God throughout the day. Nevertheless, modest and humble," Vosik said. the Determan sisters approach their faith "Like Mary, Kateri is a model of holidifferently than other Catholics. ness, purity, and faith. She is most deserv“We aren't as you could say ‘faith sharing of this high honor," Stahlnecker said. ing’ kind of people; it's more of a personal Determan’s elegance and poise mask commitment and relationship with God. her inner strength. She is involved with We both have our respective faith lives and Hearts of Marian and Decade Darlings, relationships,” sophomore Maria Deterwhere Heim, Vosik, and Stahlnecker call man said. her the “prayer warrior.” Determan has an Those who know the Determan girls

through their faith-based activities, like Hearts of Marian, know the depth and strength of their faith.

At “Hearts,” as Kateri calls it, the members take to their journals after lifting up their intentions to God, prayerfully reflecting on Scripture passages, and listening to religious songs. Usually, Heim, Vosik, and Stahlnecker give the girls a prompt to open up the conversation with God. After the journaling period, the girls have the option to share what they wrote.

Kateri’s journal entries truly reveal her relationship with God. “I have heard a voice of God before. It was not so much a voice as much as a thought or phrase that pops in suddenly. I knew it wasn’t my voice, but God’s,” Kateri said on her journaling.

Kateri’s humility toward uncanny occurrences such as these is an admirable aspect of her faith. “It just happens,” Kateri said about sharing her faith. She does not force her beliefs onto every person she encounters. Rather, she expresses her faith through a text that states “God’s Not Dead,” through her service at Camp Fun and Faith, or through one of her warm hugs.

When Kateri’s name was announced over the intercom for May Queen, audible exclamations of joy infiltrated senior hallway. This was a confirmation of the honor bestowed on her.

“Kateri is a ray of God’s light to this world,” Stahlnecker said at the end of her interview. She is an inspiration who brings smiles to people’s faces. Kateri’s grace and beliefs serve as models for the entire Marian community, and she is truly worthy of this honor.

Next year, Kateri will continue her journey of faith at Benedictine College.

Students embark on summer adventures, aim to experience new cultures in Southeast Asia kellyndaly

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his summer, 44 Marian students and eight faculty members will depart on a two week journey to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. After a full day of traveling, the group will spend their time riding elephants through the jungle, watching a Muay Thai fight, and enriching their worldview of these eastern cultures.

Spanish teacher Mr. Andrew Bauer has planned and organized the trip throughout this school year. “I’m really looking forward to ... going to the genocide museum in Phnom Penh. It’s called Tuol Sleng,” Bauer said. “It’ll be a really hard day, but it’s important to see.”

Junior Claire Devereaux will be one of the 44 students attending this trip. “ I have never traveled out of the country, and I have always wanted to travel somewhere extremely far away with a completely different culture than ours,” Devereaux said.

“I am most excited to ride elephants, learn about the culture, and try new foods.”

The group leaves on June 14 and returns June 27. While the trip will be a fun vacation, it will also be a chance for them to learn about new countries and cultures.

“I think it’ll be a great experience,” Devereaux said. This group will return ready to share their newfound worldview and cultural experiences.

Marian girls assist with local farmers markets

marykiscoan ebraskan April showers have already brought their May flowers, along with other summertime produce. A select few Marian students have been gearing up to assist local farmers with their harvests. The girls have ties to the farmers markets that provide Omahans with the freshest produce possible.

Senior Molly Fisher’s dad, Mark Fisher, will have a stand at the Aksarben and Old Market farmers markets in the summer and fall, where they will sell homemade soap. Mr. Fisher has sold soap for the past four years at each location.

“My favorite memories of the farmers markets are honestly just meeting new people. I also really love seeing how many people are interested in the soap, because it’s really special for my dad,” Fisher said.

Fisher helps her dad out by playing the guitar to intrigue buyers.

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In addition to the Fishers, Marian has more Rub a dub dub, thanks for the scrub Mr. Mark farmers Fisher’s assortment of soaps attracts customers market at farmers market. photo courtesy of mollyfisher ties.

Junior Megan and freshman Sarah Anderson have an uncle, Brian O’Malley, who is the head of one of Omaha’s culinary institutes. He will occasionally bring students and give food demonstrations on site at the farmers market at Village Pointe.

Wrapping up an eventful year... graphic by devongottsch

Sept. 22, 2015 Pope Francis arrives in the United States!

Oct. 16, 2015 Marian Softball Team makes history with their first State Championship!

Oct. 7, 2015 Lice, lice baby.

Oct. 23, 2015 Students finally take a victory in the student versus teacher volleyball game. Students then flood gym that night for a Halloween-themed Gnimocemoh!

Nov. 14, 2015 Volleyball celebrates with a three-peat State Championship!

Dec. 18, 2015 Luke, I am STILL your father!

Star Wars returns with The Force Awakens.

May 2016 • The Network

News • 3

Meet Marian’s 2016 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

The finals schedule gets a makeover

annporter

College & Major? Studying advice?

Creighton. Business-Finance and

K Marketing double major.

K

C Tulane. Engineering.

Which teacher do you thank?

C

Mr. Baker--AP Gov and Re-

Challenge yourself, always keep a positive attitude, never take yourself too seriously and always remember to have fun with whatever you are doing

Study, but don’t focus too much on it.

Sometimes studying seems like the most important thing, but honestly I wish I would’ve skipped studying sometimes and gone to a game or more things on week nights.

K search--I feel so prepared for college.

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Mr. Koesters--Latin--we have fantastic conversations, and I have had him for all four years.

Favorite class?

K

Physics--learned a lot, or Art-specifically [Art] IV. Speech--I got to learn a lot about

C myself and speak in front of people, and I found my best friends.

tessamclaughlin n past years, students have been accustomed to having finals be scheduled by blocks, but this semester, they are in for something new. Instead of a typical Marian schedule, such as Monday being DAB, finals will be scheduled by subject. For example, Wednesday’s finals will be Math, Theology, and AP Biology. If you are not taking a final for a class scheduled at the end of the day, you are allowed to leave.

“The purpose of the new schedule for May finals is to see if it is something we want to do in the future. May finals are a good time to try the schedule,” Assistant Principal Mrs. Kathleen Tompkins said. “It will be interesting to see what teachers and students like and do not like about testing by subject area instead of by block.”

This new initiative’s goal leads to less test sharing and cancels out any advantage students taking the test at a later block than their peers might have. However, teachers will not be proctoring their own exams, and students may not be able to ask questions during their tests.

“I don’t like how you can’t ask the teacher for help because everyone’s taking it at the same time, but I like how people won’t cheat,” sophomore Mia Hamilton said.

8:00- English Finals schedule changes may 9:10- Social Studies 5/24 10:20- Geography/Other seem daunting at first, but stuEnglish/AP Chemistry II dents can expect the outcomes 8:00- Math of an improved schedule to be Theology 5/25 9:1010:20- AP Biology/Other Math positive. The exam schedule will 8:00- Science help students transition into 9:10- World Language 5/26 10:20- Other World Language/ college more smoothly and aims Other Science to improve academic integrity. * Most electives will test prior to May 24 *

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Plot Twist! Summer reading program will empower students kathrynbaginski

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emale characters, the power of words, and breakfast food; the English Department is throwing plot twist after plot twist into the Summer Reading Program. During the summer, each incoming grade will be required to read a book chosen specifically for their class. All students enrolled in an Honors English class will also be required to read a second book.

Although this is different than in past years when the whole school read the same book, teachers are confident this new system will be a big hit. “I think it will be very successful to have each grade read its own book, the reason being we have handpicked from a pile of books what we think is a really perfect read for each specific grade,” English teacher Ms. Adie Magistro ’09 said.

Magistro was able to correspond through e-mail with the author of the sophomore book, Meg Wolitzer.

Wolitzer will Skype with the sophomore class at the beginning of next school year.

The English teachers rallied together after researching and reading their hearts out to decide on books. Ms. Megan Piernicky and Mrs. Amy Bauman attended a panel at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention to listen to the junior author, Elizabeth Wein. “[Wein] said she

Dec. 20, 2015 “I have to apologize” … Steve Harvey flips the world upside down with Miss Universe mixup.

was interested in writing stories about young women where they are the hero of their own story and trying to rewrite the standard definition for how women fit into literature,” Piernicky said.

The English Department will give each student sticky notes adorned with “#MarianReads” to encourage annotation and involve social media.

The Summer Reading Program aims to actively engage students in a community of readers.

Despite these changes, classes will still bond together through book talk breakfasts and interesting speakers.

During the first week of school, each grade will have a morning to meet in the Performing Arts Center.

The freshmen and sophomores will Skype with the authors of their books, Michele Weber Hurwitz and Wolitzer.

A female Air Force member working at Offutt will come speak with the junior class, whose book is about two women involved in World War II. The seniors will listen to Dr. Lydia Cooper, Assistant Professor of English at Creighton, who is an expert on western literature.

A character in the seniors’ book writes her own western story about a cowboy. Then, the class will reconvene in the cafeteria and discuss what they learned over breakfast.

Although each grade will be reading different books, all the stories contain certain truths that overlap and mingle.

Feb. 17, 2016 Human Trivia Crack.

Jan. 13, 2016 Obama speaks at Baxter arena in Obamaha.

“In some way, all of the books have to do with the power of writing, the power of language, the power of words.

They all really speak to that transformative nature of literature, how a book can kind of change your life. I think that’s powerful,” Ms. Susie Sisson said.

The English Department hopes to offer students relatable and impactful stories. “... the literature we choose to teach to women are the messages and roles they are going to apply to their lives. Why not find someone who is really, really bold, or fierce, and have

students try to emulate that in their lives?” Piernicky said.

Armed with #MarianReads sticky notes, word power, and inspiring, female-driven stories, incoming Marian classes will be a force to reckon with.

March 16, 2016 Double whammy: Color Block and Surprise Day all in one!

Feb. 28, 2016 Leonardo DiCaprio finally wins first Oscar.

Jack never let go … of hope.

May 4, 2016 Mimes entertain student body by impersonating their teachers at a dance!

4 • Opinion

The Network • May 2016

Open letter from a current senior to future seniors H i, my name is Elsie Stormberg. I am a senior this year. I am going to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and studying Journalism with an emphasis on Photojournalism and maybe a minor in Art or Graphic Design. I thought I should get my future plans out of the way now since I know you are all wondering. That is all people ask me these days. What they do not ask me is about how I came to be.

They never ask about how Marian created the person I am today. They never consider how hard it would be to say goodbye to everything you are so familiar with just as you start to get into a groove. It’s just as everything seems to be falling into place that life decides to shake things up a bit. Here it is, my goodbye.

I have heard my fellow classmates say what they are going to miss about this magical place called Marian. They have said it is like Genovia or Narnia; there is no other place like it. Looking back now, I wish I would have taken more advantage of the time I have had here. I am going to miss the cookies, messy buns, and Mr. Tom Baker’s shenanigans. Heck, I learned how to wall surf on day one in Mrs. Marsha Kalkowski’s Honors Composition and Literature class. I am going to miss

Surprise Day conspiracies and Field know these 178 young women, and Day chaos. I am going to miss the let me tell you, they are an impressive shameless sleeping in hallways, the bunch. From lawyers to astronauts, outbursts of Miley Cyrus, the Jonas these ladies have proven to me that Brothers, or High School Musical, and I can be anything I want to be. They the beautiful, makeup-less faces. have helped shape me into the confiAs I attended Gnimocemoh and dent, intelligent woman I am today.

Welcome Dance this year, I sadly real- The bottom line is, get to know your ized they would classmates. be my last.

I promise column by elsiestormberg I remember you it will be slowly counting worth your down each day while. in first semesIt is ter. Then came difficult to the whirlwind think that of second seby this time mester where I next year I cannot believe will be living, I am in my hopefully last quarter at comfortably, Marian. I beg in a dorm for the days at Lincoln when I was still enjoying my that awkward freshman who sported a life without my friends and family crisp ponytail and got chills every time always there. It is a scary, intimidating I did the Marian Beat. I was so unthought that makes me wish I could go aware of where Marian would take me. back to being an innocent freshman Out of all the laughter, tears and with nothing on my mind but who I memories that come along with being was going to nugget next. a Marian girl, there is one thing that Oh, but now I am here, sitting in has truly stood out: my classmates. my bed wondering how I should end I have had the opportunity to get to this. Should I thank my teachers and

Early bird gets worm ... most of the time

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ooking back over writings I have Hazelnut creamer to fix the coffee up. from a year ago, I have realized High school has forced me to depend that I am fickle in my opinions. Last on coffee to help me kickstart the day. year, I had an extreme dislike for the The warmth and smell usually has me mornings because I had to start the waking up as I make my way to the day off super early. I would roll at of couch. bed between 4:30 and 5 a.m. to get The couch is my favorite place to to swim or weight practice. I will be lounge after waking up because it is the first to admit that I was a bear. I soft, cushiony, and a nice transition snarled at people and had a grumpy from my bed. There I can swaddle attitude all day. myself in a blanket and decide what I have recently come to the concluI want to do to begin the actual day. sion that it was my dislike for twoI can comfortably read, study, stare a-day swim practices that led to my or think. Being still gives me both the disgruntlement. I was time and the quiet to apin a continual state of preciate the newness of sleep deprivation and the morning. I am lucky stress. Now that I have that my five siblings moved on from those would rather sleep in, grueling morning because I don’t have to workouts, I find myself hear them running and enjoying the promises screaming all over the of what a morning has house. to hold.

I love the quiet houseOne of my favorite hold for another reason, parts of the morning is though. Early morning column by lindsaymuse experiencing the senis the time when I have sation of waking up. I the best brain capacity. love the slow awareI can get my homework ness of opening my eyes and recogniz- or studying done much faster because ing it is a new day. I am warmly tanI can concentrate better. When my gled in my blankets and feel content brain is at its sharpest, my time manand appreciative that I am alive. Then agement skills are also much more I quickly reach over and tap my alarm effective, and my productive level is clock off, because my sister does not through the roof. necessarily appreciate being called out Because I love the feeling of accomof her dreams at 5:30 a.m. like I do. plishment first thing in the morning, On the occasional mornings that I it makes going to school a little easier. am unprepared to get up right when I feel as if I have things under control, the radio plays, I hit snooze and try to and I have checked at least a little bit fall back to sleep for just a couple of off the to-do list for the day. Since I minutes. I make it a goal to only hit have learned to appreciate the mornthe snooze button once every other ing and be more productive, I look day. Otherwise, I would never actually forward to continuing this routine in get out of my comfy bed. the future.

After getting up, the first place I While I understand that some peodrift to is the kitchen in search of the ple would call me crazy for embracing coffee pot. Usually, my parents are the early morning, it doesn’t bother also up and shuffling around and a me. In fact, I am looking forward to fresh pot of coffee has been made. early classes next year. To all those 8 In a dazed state, I grab a mug and a.m. college classes, here I come!

friends? Should I tell you that I am in tears right now? I should thank my teachers and friends, and I should be crying right now because Marian means so much to me. I have been through many ups and downs, and all I can say is that I would not have survived if I went to any other school than Marian.

To all you freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and future Marian girls out there, please listen to me when I say to value your time here. Come to school every day so you can squeeze out every last drop of high school. It gets sour sometimes, but teachers will not assign more than you can handle.

It is in your hands to keep this school together. It is in your hands to make what you can out of this experience.

A lemon is a special thing. When it is handed to you by life, you have to put it to good use. Marian is your lemon.

Do not let it rot; make lemonade.

I am Elsie, and yes, I unplugged the entire school bell system to charge my laptop. Thank you all for reading my rants about my name, tampons, and other thoughts. I am signing out, Marian. Thanks for everything.

XOXO, Elsie Stormberg (Class of 2016)

I don’t care what the dumb quote says; I’m crying because it’s over

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“wrapped up.” was drinking my Scooter’s coffee, First of all, to all my underclasschecking my email, when the subject women out there, never ever take a of a particularly daunting message single second at Marian for granted. I made me forget all about my vanilla know that’s cliche, but DON’T WASTE soy latte. “Attention all Marian AlIT! Yes, physics might make you want ums.” Yeah, just let that sink in. Can I to crawl into the fetal position and eat have a quick sec to just say, “WHERE your weight in ice cream, but toughen IN THE NAME OF SWEET BABY up, sister. Learn from every experiJESUS DID THE TIME GO?” ence and every lesson.

Seeing this email made me relate so Take your teacher’s advice and achard to the overly stressed, dramatic, tually study prior to the night before. yet pathetically humorous Kim KarHonesty makes or breaks a person. dashian. You know how I feel about Stay humble; don’t let graduating; why would that pretty little head get you say that? You put column by devongottsch filled with senseless words me in such an uncom(boys). fortable situation. You Be a fruit loop in a world know I’m not happy, of cheerios. you know that I’m trying Most importantly, I hate to see if going to college to say it, but moms are will work out here. We always right. Don’t argue all know that it’s not. with me on this one. AppreJust like every other ciate the time left with her senior, I have procrastiGottsch-ya Covered and other loved ones. As my nated all of my projects, Marian path is coming to studying, and homean end, my conscience is haunting me. work until the last Did I do enough? Did I truly make the possible second. The same mentality best of every high school experience? was applied when I was supposed to Holy moly, the pressure is on. write this column, which I finally got If Marian has taught me anything, around to two weeks after it was due. it’s to stand out and be proud. A prime However, as graduation looms closer example would be the Walk-A-Thon and closer, I know that my time left at skit my junior year. I came rolling into the best place on Earth is alarmingly the gym dressed as an old woman in a limited. wheelchair in front of the entire stuIf Disney World is “officially” ladent body and faculty. That was one of beled as the best place on Earth, Walt the most enlightening and liberating himself clearly never stepped foot into moments of my life.

Marian High School. However, all I can’t now, or ever, summarize my good things must come to an end, and experience at Marian. Coming to this my ending is very near. Even though school was/is the best decision I could I’m not physically dying, I feel like I have ever made. Who knew my heart need to share some last words of wiswas capable of so much love? Just like dom before I depart. the Grinch, my heart has grown three This will be my final column I ever get to write in The Network. My some- times as large since I walked into the doors of Marian in 2012. Unwillingly, what pointless and random thoughts this is where I say goodbye. This has will no longer adorn the pages of this been an experience I wouldn’t trade paper. That being said, I have some for the world. I Gottschya covered now thoughts and advice I need to make and forever, Marian. sure are published before my time is

May 2016 • The Network

Opinion • 5

Friend-moms make the world go ’round

column by makenziefuss hen it was my birthday a couple months back, I received two cards labeled “To Mom.” When I opened my first gift, I pulled out the book “Are You My Mother?” by P. D. Eastman. To some, this would be strange, but to me this is a common occurrence.

I am proud of being labeled by my friends as “mom.” This means my friends believe I love and care about them, which is true. (Awww, I know.)

I suppose being the mom of my friend group means when someone does something well I am probably more excited than she is. I once went to a friend’s swim meet and ended up sitting alone in the stands waving at her every time she looked up at me.

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My friends consider me to be “straightforward.” When I need something, I ask for it. On several occasions I have had to request boxes at restaurants or ask a question everyone needed the answer to.

When I have reason not to like a particular outfit or even boyfriend, I will voice my opinion in a polite and caring way. In this way, I believe my friends began to respect my opinion after I forced it upon them enough times, as any mother would.

Being a friend-mom is far from a negative thing. I am sure most readers can think of a friend who could be considered a mom, as well. I encourage you to take the quiz below to find out if you are a friend-mom.

Are you a friend-mom?

1. How excited do you get when a friend wins an award?

a) I’m indifferent.

b) Good for them!

c) I’m more excited than they are!

2. True or false: You are forever driving your friends around.

a) False, I usually ask for rides.

b) False, I mostly just drive myself around.

c) True! I always end up driving someone.

3. Who always ends up asking questions at stores or restaurants?

a) One of my friends usually asks the questions.

b) It switches up. We take turns.

c) ME! Every time!

4. Have you attended a friend’s sporting event/extracurricular activity?

a) No, and I probably won’t.

b) No, but I just haven’t gotten to it yet.

c) Yes! It was so fun!

5. What do you do after you take a group pic?

a) I’ll probably just save it.

b) I might post it on social media.

c) I’ll post it on social media and send it out to everyone. Of course, the picture was taken on my phone. It may or may not

be my lock screen photo.

6. Your friend is upset. What do you do?

a) I will comfort her if I see her.

b) I will find her and give her a giant hug.

c) I will bear hug her and seek out and destroy whatever hurt her.

7. Do your friends often ask you for advice?

a) Not really.

b) They have once or twice.

c) Yeah, once or twice. A day.

Quiz Results:

Mostly A’s You’re not very friend-mom. This is totally okay! Friend motherhood isn’t for everyone. Without her kids, a friendmom would be nothing. Keep doing you!

Mostly B’s You’d be considered a friend-sister. You do not have all the characteristics of a friend-mom, but your inner friend-mom certainly comes out when needed.

Mostly C’s You are a friendmom! Embrace your role as a parent, and care for your children like they’re your own. Your friends will remember you as the cool mom!

The Network

Gillaspie takes ‘Out of the Box’ approach to her conclusion B

ack in sixth grade, my English For all you freshmen perpetually teacher told me that conclusions waiting for rides, embrace it. Believe are the neat little bows that wrap up me, you are going to miss rides with essays. I begged to differ. My concluyour parents one day. Also, don’t be sions were long and awkward. I was too mad at your mom when she’s late the dweeb in grade school who turned to pick you up. Waiting outside a Prep in 14 pages of work when only two dance for your ride is a good way to paragraphs were required. Comments meet other frosh. like “Too wordy,” “Tone it down,” and Sophomores, the slump can be “Please stop writing novels for the love overcome. This is the year of your of everything holy” constantly apsweet 16, after all. Push through, push peared on my papers. through. The end is in sight.

I likened my conclusions to Junior year is a beast at Marian. heavy-duty Scotch packing tape: However, it is also the year when exhaustive and tedious. I struggle with friendships solidify and parents grant conclusions because they signify the more freedom. *Teachers and adend, and “the end” is ministrators, please a hard concept for me skip the following column by collettegillaspie to grasp. As tough as sentence.* Juniors, it is for me to admit, though homework is I am frighteningly exceptionally importclose to the end of my ant, remember that time here at Marian, sometimes time spent and this is my final with friends and famcolumn. ily should take preceI Coll-Ette As I See It Naturally, I put off dence over time spent writing this column on homework. for a few days (weeks). Though I’m This year, I have learned several a procrastinator, born and raised more things.

(0 putting off things is how I spend Honors Independent Research is most of my days 0), this was unlike simultaneously the most fantastic and me. Usually, I jump at the chance to the most horrendous class offered at write my column, but this time, it was Marian. different.

Grocery shopping like a suburban It hit me like books in Mr. Tom mom on a Friday night can actually Baker’s Tunnel of Terror that this be pretty fun, especially when it’s with would be my last Marian column. This your actual mom. is the last time to talk about things like Receiving a genuine compliment my weird gum obsession, my toasty and/or hug from a teacher is one of yoga experience, and my entrapment the best feelings ever. in the DMV (Don’t Move, Victims).

The freshmen in my Weight TrainI feel so honored to have been ing and Conditioning class are incredgranted my own column this year. ibly rad.

Next year, I am going about as far Rapping on top of a car during away from the journalism field as pos- Field Night is surprisingly liberating. sible. People actually asked me why I Leaving Marian is harder than I took journalism instead of additional ever anticipated. science classes. They did not see the Even though this is my concluding point of journalism for a girl going column, I don’t consider it the end of into aerospace engineering. my writing career. That’s melodraI took journalism because I love matic. In fact, I have a future filled writing. Journalism taught me how to with writing assignments ahead of me. network, take criticism, work unTerm papers and lab reports, here I der stress, interview, and approach come! disagreements. Marian Journalism When I think of goodbyes, I like the helped me develop my voice and love philosophy of “Out of the Box,” my my school. favorite television show as a kinderDuring the course of my years spent gartener. Though Tony and Viv tell at Marian, I have learned several their viewers farewell, they include the things. For one, writing a column ded- caveat “until we meet again.” Simply icated entirely to gum was bad luck. A put, goodbye doesn’t always have to couple weeks afterward, I found out I mean forever. As I prepare to move have temporomandibular joint disorout of my box to Indiana next year, I der, which is fancy talk for “popping leave you with this. jaw from chewing too much gum.” I 0 So long, farewell, to you my may create a GoFundMe and will be friiieends. Goodbye for now, until accepting hefty donations. we meet again. It’s been great to play I have also learned that my Marian and sing together in the box, and now skirt is the equivalent of my grandpa’s it’s time to say goodbye. *Rub hands, hankie. Next year, who knows where I snap, clap.* So long, farewell to you will wipe my hands? I might even have my friends. Goodbye, for now, until we to … wash them. *Gasps.* meet agaaiiiinnnn! 0

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

We want to hear your opinion!

Write a Letter to the Editor at www.mariandigitalnetwork. wordpress.com

6 • Feature

The Network • May 2016

Juniors fight cancer, defy statistics, rally on

clarawertzberger hwap. Thwap. Thwap.

Junior Rachael Hueftle absentmindedly pulls on the straps of her iPad cover as she tries to speak of the disease that turned her life upside down. Hueftle was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor when she was 8.

“It was actually really weird,” she said. “It was at the end of second grade, the very, very end, and almost every morning before school ... I’d wake up in the morning, and I’d throw up, and then I’d be fine the rest of the day.” Hueftle and her parents knew something was wrong, and a visit to the doctor showed a distended, swollen stomach that neither Hueftle nor her parents had noticed before.

“I thought I was just sick or something,” Hueftle said. When the diagnosis came out, Hueftle’s parents were more shocked than she was.

“I knew what it was. I knew it wasn’t a good thing. I knew it was something serious,” Hueftle said.

“I don’t really remember everything, and sometimes my parents are just like, ‘I’m glad you don’t because it was a lot,’” Hueftle said. She had most of her treatments completed over the summer of 2007 but still had to finish things up at the beginning of third grade.

“My friends all knew what was going on, but it was just hard for other people to really understand,” Hueftle said. Other students around her would frequently question why she was wearing a baseball cap and wig, and why she was often out of school.

Though people around Hueftle had questions and concerns, “I was fine with it,” she said.

Some eight years later, that calm, resolute attitude helped Hueftle face cancer again. In December of 2015, a visit to her doctor for a virus resulted in a recommendation to have her enlarged thyroid checked out. After her next checkup with her oncologist, Hueftle knew something might be wrong; her oncologist ordered scans.

The scans revealed that her enlarged thyroid contained a cancerous tumor.

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old surgeon came to discuss surgery options, the news set in.

“Mom starts crying,” Hueftle recalled.

“My dad is just like, ‘Let’s figure this out.’

And as soon as we start talking timelines, I start crying for a few seconds, Here and ready to cheer Field Day cheerleader and then I pull myself Rachael Hueftle ’17 cheers on her class at the together.”

2016 Field Day. Hueftle helped the cheerleaders earn first place.

The diagnosis had an immediate impact.

Hueftle went in for surgery Dec. 21, and returned home Dec. 24, just in time for Christmas. With her thyroid removed, she was given radioactive iodine pills for a thyroid scan, which revealed cancer in the lymph nodes and the Friendship fortifies strength Rachael Hueftle ’17 and Audrey Winning in more ways than just one Junior thyroid bed.

Wagoner ’17 pose for a picture. It has been months since they Jockey Audrey Wagoner ’17 performs in her class demonstration. Wagoner has gained back strength In January, Hueft- were both diagnosed with cancer. photo by clarawertzberger and showed it on Field Day. le was given a radioactive iodine treatinto her arm, and the treatment was cer. Soon, the juniors began texting. ment again so that any thyroid cancer repeated four times.

“Rachael would text me before I’d cells would pick up the iodine and die Several months later, she went to go in the hospital,” Wagoner said. from radiation. Hueftle was placed un- Wagoner appreciated the chance to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., der quarantine for the first week of the speak with someone who had gone for proton therapy. According to the treatment, which is still in effect now.

Mayo Clinic, proton therapy uses prothrough a similar experience. She was She was able to stay at home (though tons instead of x-rays to allow higher diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a lead-lined room was the initial plan), May 28, 2015. In the weeks before her doses of radiation with fewer risks. but she and her parents had to wear Wagoner appreciated the support diagnosis, Wagoner knew something gloves around the house and use other was wrong. She noticed a large lump she received from Marian during this precautions. Despite the comfort on her neck and often showed it to her treatment. “I’m so grateful for the supof spending time with her parents, port of the girls in the school, with the peers.

Hueftle typically slept 22 hours a day bracelets, the videos, the prayers, and “I had a pretty bad feeling, and I and didn’t have much time for family, the kind words,” Wagoner said. was telling people it was Hodgkin’s friends, or school.

Some of Wagoner’s friends and lymphoma,” Wagoner said. “I was Hueftle assumed she would be able looking at [my] symptoms on WebMD relatives visited Wagoner while she to stay caught up with schoolwork, “... and found it on there, and I diagnosed was receiving proton therapy, giving but it ended up not being like that at her the support she needed to overmyself on WebMD.” all,” she said. “I had completely zero come cancer. “As of right now, I don’t She was met with dubious responsenergy. Going up six steps would make es from friends. “She talked to us, have any more treatment, but they me completely worn out, and I’d have don’t call it cured for like five years,” she’s like, ‘I found this on WebMD,’ to sit down.”

Wagoner said. and we’re like, ‘You don’t have cancer, It has been four months since “[There’s] nothing positive to take Audrey! Calm down!’” junior Julia Hueftle’s second diagnosis. She has out of it,” Wagoner said. “I don’t think Crump, one of Wagoner’s closest regained some strength and is caught there’s one thing that I want to do friends, said. up with school. Her family and friends again.” Wagoner admitted that she After she sprained her neck in a car have been a great support system. blocked out most of the events of the accident, Wagoner showed her injury When junior Audrey Wagoner was past year, and she prefers to simply to athletic trainer Mrs. Melissa Brusin Children’s Hospital with her own move on from the situation. nahan, who told her to get the lump cancer, Hueftle’s mother brought Hueftle feels the same way. “Some checked out immediately. the two girls together. Huefpeople, when they find out, they’re The lump on Wagoner’s neck tle’s mom, an employee at really mad, they’re really depressed, blocked her airway and limited her Children’s, would bring or they’re really angry. But I was just ability to run during tennis practices.

Wagoner smoothies fine with it. I mean, no one obviously After the pain spread down her arm, that summer, and wants it, but it was just something I Wagoner knew it was time to go to a talked about doctor. The doctor ran several tests on had to do,” Hueftle said. how her Cancer is far from pretty. According that day in late May, and the results daughter to the American Cancer Society, about reached Wagoner that night. had had 10,380 American children under the Wagoner’s treatment involved a canage of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer mix of chemotherapy drugs given to in 2016. Fortunately, more than 80 her over three days, followed by a several week-long rest. Wagoner received percent of children with cancer survive her treatment through a PICC line, more than five years. Despite improvements over the years, nausea, fatigue, a tube inserted and numerous other side effects still plague those unfortunate enough to experience it. Hueftle and Wagoner’s matter-of-fact attitudes helped them face those challenges with immense determination. Rather than dwell on their encounter with cancer, these two juniors are ready to put the past behind them and not focus on sorrow or pain. With the help of their loved ones and support from the Marian community, Hueftle and Wagoner hope to beat their cancers and enjoy a hope-filled future.

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May 2016 • The Network

Opinion • 7

Everyone should embrace emotions column by noellepick have heard the line, “Gosh, Noelle. that I have been told by many that my You are so emotional,” more times hugs are the best of the best. Feel free than I can count. It is people’s autoto stop me in the halls if you want the matic defense during the uncomfortblessing of experiencing one yourself able moments when I burst into tears or wish to challenge my title. over something they hardly bat an eye If you combine my propensity for at. Why is being emotional such a bad tears and love of hugs, I will effectively thing? transform into an incoherent, blubberNo matter how you express your ing puddle of emotion. Just ask anyemotions, you should never be ridione who has seen me during the emoculed for it. I understand that not evtional moments of the three Freshman eryone conveys their sadness through Retreats I have experienced. tears like I do, and that’s okay. No one Sadness is not the only emotion should feel bad or weird for it.

I express so openly. I wear all of my Being an emotional person, I have emotions on my sleeve, so you should had my fair share of public crying be able to tell if I am happy, angry, moments. My journalism class has annoyed, afraid, or surprised after a learned to never play the song “Rivfew conversations with me. If I am ers and Roads” by The Head and the happy, odds are I will not be able to Heart around me without wipe the smile off my fair warning. If there’s a face. If I am angry or movie with any remotely annoyed, I get sassy and sad part in it, I break out unsociable. Finally, if I am the tissues with no shame. scared or surprised, don’t For me, crying just be shocked if you hear feels good. Finally releasa shriek or holler come ing emotions that have from my mouth. been bottled up inside I understand that many me for so long is such members of the student Pardon my tears Noelle Pick a refreshing feeling. It ’16 cries quietly after concluding body will identify with de-stresses me and helps her final Field Day. Pick proudly this column. (Shout out embraced her emotions in the clear my mind. I always to my fellow cry babies!) middle of Sokol Arena. Photo walk away from a good I also understand that provided by shellyranck cry knowing that I will many people will not feel 100 times better. identify with this colThis outweighs any public humiliation umn, and I respect that.

I may experience.

No matter how you display emoBecause I am so in touch with my tion, you should not feel insecure emotional side, I also consider myself about it. If your eyes prickle with to be empathetic. If anyone is feeling tears of happiness at the thought of down, I will do whatever it takes to cuddling with a pile of puppies, own make them feel better. I have sent silly it. If you didn’t even sniffle at the BuzzFeed quizzes and cute cartoons thought of Zayn leaving 1D but fully to friends countless times, but my felt the heartbreak, know that you are favorite means of comfort is a classic, probably not a sociopath. People just heart-warming hug. express their emotions differently, I know it may shocking to hear, but that’s all.

I love hugs even more than I love the The next time you stumble upon feeling after I cry. I am a very touchysomeone crying in the halls, don’t feely person, and hugs make me feel judge. What they need is a shoulder warm, fuzzy, and enveloped with love. to cry on, not someone who will make In addition, I am a firm believer that them feel insecure. If someone isn’t the best cure for a bad mood is a good visibly shaken when their class song hug. is played, don’t pressure them to get A hug is a cleansing experience. emotional when that’s not their style.

Being squeezed tightly by someone I Everyone is entitled to feel the way love helps me walk away more hopeful they feel and express themselves howthan when I went in. I can humbly say ever they want.

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Pretty in Ink says goodbye editorial by mollymiller f you see a girl in a green sweatshirt furiously typing on a laptop with a camera around her neck, chances are she’s a journ girl. The Network has been a constant project for the staff, and it has been a major part of the last two years. Of course, it can be stressful at times, but it is a labor of love. Who would have thought that this group of girls who came into room 304 as juniors would be sending papers to press several times this year? Journalism has taught us so much more than how to write a paper and conduct a professional interview. It has taught us how to work with deadlines, be creative, and network with peers and adults.

Journalism has not only been a huge part of our senior year, but it has given us the skills and tools that will aid us in the future. It has given us a voice and has allowed us to find interesting and unique stories about the Marian community and student body.

We have also been able to form a sisterly bond among the staff. We each have so many girls that we can reach out to next year if we need inspiration for writing papers, or someone to edit a paper and give us style advice. We have been working with each other constantly over the past school year, and there isn’t another group of girls who could put together a paper like ours. Our indescribable bond will keep us close in coming years.

If we had not taken journalism, our senior year would have looked incredibly different. Sure, it would

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have been less stressful, but there are so many opportunities that we would have missed out on. Journalism has given us the chance to travel, meet new people, gather valuable life skills and become, for three of us, State champions.

We, of course, would not have been able to complete our publications without our adviser, Mrs. Marsha Kalkowski, or Mrs. K. She has been absolutely irreplaceable throughout our years on the staff. She is constantly making herself available to students and is always willing to help in any way she can. She truly cares about each of her students and the work they create.

As our final issue comes to a close, and we move on to college, The Network will be left into the more-than-capable hands of the juniors. They will have the opportunity to learn the things that we have enjoyed these past nine months.

Journalism is an experience that has helped us become more involved in the community and has allowed us to form and use our own voice. The last six issues of the paper have been so important to us, and it has been our privilege to be a part of such a unique staff and quality publication.

We would like to extend a collective thank you to all those who read the paper, as well as those who give us feedback, and support us as we put out the paper. We have the privilege to say for a final time, “Thanks for reading!”

Senior (citizen) misses underclassmen interaction column by clarawertzberger

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f you looked at my Twitter right now, you’d find a handful of references to my life as a teenage old lady.

I love cookies and I get cranky when I’m not in bed by 8 p.m. I’ve also been told I should be a motivational speaker, counselor, psychiatrist, or other advice-giving person too many times to count. However, I’ve let everyone down. I haven’t given school-related advice to any underclassmen in months. I haven’t been able to warn them about classes or remind them that time here goes too fast to worry over little things.

During my freshman and sophomore years, I was able to talk to several upperclassmen about Marian.

I asked my IDEAS club presidents for advice on writing papers, discussed the merits versus challenges of Honors/AP Government with my Acting buddies, and so on. I was so excited for the day when I’d take my classmates’ places and become that stressed junior or ready-to-leave senior who could give advice to the

younger girls. I pictured myself as one ite things about Marian has been the of those sage old ladies who could spin sisterhood between the grades. I saw a story faster than a knit scarf. those bonds most in my electives and It wasn’t until the fall of my senior extracurriculars with mixed grades, year that I put two and two and my big sisters gave me together and realized I had some of the best advice a chosen a schedule deprivstudent could ask for. ing me of any non-senior Back when underclassinteraction. I also dropped women were registering a few after-school activfor courses, one struggling ities, so I no longer saw junior called me over after my sophomore and junior school to ask for advice. I friends. Now, we seniors was so excited to finally give are less than a week away some advice that our confrom graduation, and I versation could’ve been a have had no chance to tell TED Talk. After telling her underclassmen about my what my classes were like, These darn kids Clara Marian experiences. I feel she and I commiserated Wertzberger ’16 pouts like my yarn’s been ripped over AP Gov. I told her she because of her lack of classes with underclassfrom my hands. could get through it, and men. Granny WertzBecause of all the comlooking back, I’m so glad I berger encouraged petitive drama between said something. Being told all upperclassmen to classes in the past, some “You’ll make it through!” take classes with their younger peers. of you may think this by someone who’s been granny should sit quietly through what you’re experiin her rocker and stop complaining. encing can be a huge confidence boost.

I get your point, but one of my favorWe seniors need you, too. Many of

us are scared to leave Marian behind and go off into an entirely new environment. Picture a bunch of elderly people moving into assisted living: scared, uncertain, stubborn. We senior citizens have stories to tell, and if you don’t hear them, they may die out. It’s important not to forget about us.

Graduation is just around the corner, and I’m sitting on my porch in my favorite rocker, iced tea in hand.

My experiences may make you say, “Oh, Granny Clara. At 17 years old, you’re already sounding like a broken record.” To which I would say, “I have no comeback for that because you’re completely right.” I would add, however, that when planning your years at Marian, include a class or two with mixed grades. If you don’t senior year, I guarantee you’ll regret it. No matter where you go in life, your family will always be a part of you. There’s no denying that I’ve cherished every minute of high school with my 707 Marian sisters, and I only wish I could’ve done things differently.

S ph m re S ckh p FRESHM N F STB LL Freshman walls hit fast homerun makenziefuss he Class of 2019 was restless waiting for their first Field Day. They rallied their team for all the Field Day traditions: an exciting game of tug-of-war, class skits, and announcements for Kick Off Block. “It was really fun. I really liked doing the skit and watching all the other skits. I didn’t realize how intense tug of war could get,” freshman Class Officer Lily Blake said.

Rumors circulated the freshman class of just how crazy Field Day could be. “I heard it was really crazy and intense, and a lot of people go all out. Also, no one goes easy on anyone: their own class or other classes,” freshman Student Board member Bailey Hanus said.

Freshman Fastball: Swinging for Spirit hit a homerun with their theme and were excited to begin the Field Day festivities. The first and arguably most stressful Field Day committee is Walls.

“Everyone told me Walls would be the most stressful few days of my life, and I didn’t expect them to be so right,” Blake said.

The Walls Committees spend two half days (not including planning) building these threedimensional stories for all to see on Walls Night.

Each class must be accounted for in every class’s wall, and the storyline must be creative and easy to understand. Judges critique the walls on Walls Night, but the big reveal is held off until Field Day itself.

Whether on Walls Working or Planning, members have to sketch, paint, and create a wall in a matter of hours. Teamwork and leadership rose to the challenge as the freshmen resurrected royal blue and green walls from almost nothing.

“My favorite part about being on Walls was being able to look at the finished project and knowing at the beginning it was literally just a pile of PVC pipes,” Blake said.

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“I was really proud of us and just seeing it all put together. It made me happy to see the final product,” Walls member freshman Annie Foley said.

In the last hour of Walls, some students panic, but the freshmen did not. “[In the last hour] I was feeling oddly calm. We had everything done, and we were just doing finishing touches. I was very stressed the end of the first day, but towards the end I thought, ‘We actually did it, and there is really nothing else to do,’” Blake said.

The freshmen are very excited to be a part of such a valued Marian tradition.

“The whole week was overwhelming, but once we got [to Field Day] I felt so accomplished. I got a huge adrenaline rush, because I had heard about Field Day many times and now I was actually a part of it for the first time ever,” Foley said.

Field season is over, but the lessons learned by the freshmen and every other grade will live in them for the rest of their lives. “It was very fun. It’s really cool to see all the people working so hard for a common interest, and I liked the whole vibe because the whole school gets into it,” Blake said.

Freshmen may not know their whole class yet, but they’re a step closer because of Field Day. “I felt like we really bonded and everyone was so loud and energetic. For demo you’re holding hands with someone you don’t really know and standing across from someone trying to get them pumped up,” Hanus said.

Freshman Fastball wrapped up their first Field Day with excitement and enthusiasm. Time can only tell what the future will bring for the freshmen, but they swung their way through a memorable and successful first Field Day.

Jump, jive, and Judges’ Booklet: Sophomore skit is dancing dream T

Teamwork makes the dream work ZaZa Nelson ’19 and Ashley Stanek ’19 attach green and blue cupcake liners to a string of lights. Walls girls work quickly and efficiently in order to make their Tuesday Walls Night deadline. photo by allyhermanek

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Kicking and screaming Sophomore Judges’ Booklet girls flaunt their kick line during their performance. Their “American Sockhop” skit kicked off Field Day 2016. photo by abbyhermanek Hand jive Colby Lemkau ’18, Grace Woltemath ’18, Diana Elizalde ’18, Rayna Bartling ’18, and Shannon McSweeney ’18 show off their hand jives to Sokol Arena. Lemkau sported pink and purple in order to represent her classmates. photo by marykiscoan Hey, batter batter batter The freshmen hit the grand slam with the wall dedicated to their own class. Their final section commemorated the Class of 2019. photo by mollymckillip

Junior mascot says ‘neigh’ to challenge O clarawertzberger n April 29, a line of Marian juniors dressed in jockey uniforms broke apart like gates at a racetrack. With the clomping beat of four distinct hooves, the mascot of Junior Jockeys: And We’re Off passed between the girls, entering its race to a first-place win. This PVC-pipe equine was in the stables for weeks, and the students behind it couldn’t be happier with their accomplishments.

“The best part was definitely seeing the final product at the end and also seeing the class’s reaction when we revealed it to them,” junior Lauren Merfeld said. “It’s just an awesome feeling knowing that your hard work pays off in the end.” Merfeld and junior Melissa Geis were inside the horse, and Class Officer junior Megan Anderson lead the committee.

The junior Mascot Committee began officially planning the mascot the week before Field Week, though ideas had been tossed around three weeks prior. The physical construction of the horse put the girls in a tough position, and two remarked that zip ties were life-saving. As Geis put it, once the girls got the proportions right, they could go for broke.

“I was nervous, too, because I knew that our mascot wasn’t necessarily the cleanest, but that it was very interactive,” Geis said. “It all depended on whether the judges were looking for extremely clean, or more interactive.”

First, the mascot had to be strong enough for Demonstration. At one point, a misshapen PVC pipe threatened to get in the way of the

8 • Indepth

girls’ dreams. A quick fix, however, put the mascot back in the running. “We shoved a full PVC pipe down the middle of them and, I kid you not, it bent into the exact shape of a horse, so I screamed, ‘Don’t move!’ and grabbed a Sharpie to mark the exact spots where it hit. It was absolutely incredible, and I have never seen anything so beautiful,” Merfeld said.

Aside from that stress, the juniors’ Mascot is not a typical Field Day committee. “Our committee is very laid back,” Geis said. “We usually stay pretty relaxed, and there isn’t a lot of drama.”

Despite having no clear plan, the girls were true workhorses, and it paid off.

Anderson described her immediate reaction when hearing the Mascot results on Field Day. “After they announced us as the winners, I gave the biggest and most aggressive hug to Lauren Merfeld and started screaming in her face as she was yelling in mine, and it was straight joy. Such a rewarding feeling!” Anderson said.

The race is over and won. The winning horse and the group of girls that created it looked back with pride. “Honestly, I think it’s really important for everyone to understand that I was extremely impressed with the other three mascots,” Merfeld said. “I even spent 10 minutes talking to the seniors about how good theirs looked! Also, for everyone wondering, the beautiful velvet horse is, in fact, in Sokol’s dumpster, but I do have his tail hanging in my room. He will always live on in my heart!”

allykmiecik hey kicked off Field Day 2016, they danced right into the hearts of many, and they didn’t start practicing until Monday of Field Week.

This year’s sophomore Judges’ Booklet Skit Committee pulled together a jivin’ skit for their performance on Field Day. The group consisted of Diana Elizalde, Shannon McSweeney, Grace Woltemath, Rayna Bartling, and Colby Lemkau. “Our entire Judges’ Booklet Committee is just a dream team. We’re all fun people and I love working with the energy we all have,” McSweeney said.

Their skit, “American Sockhop,” mimicked the popular reality television show, “American Idol.”

Each grade represented a familiar judge on the show while their very own classmate played the role of the sophomore contestant who danced to all kinds of themed music.

The show would not be complete without famous host Ryan Seacrest, who was played by sophomore Rayna Bartling. “I wore Shannon’s brother’s graduation suit without his or his mom’s agreement, and I sweat in it a lot,” Bartling said.

There were many small changes to the committee this year. “There were about eight less girls on committee this year than last year, which called for a lot more people having to pick up extra slack,” McSweeney said.

McSweeney herself was also a change to the dynamic of the group. Although she was part of their gnarly Freshman Surfers’ skit last year, this

year she was the Class Officer in charge of the whole committee.

Another new addition, Diana Elizalde, transferred to Marian this year. “Having this amazing group of friends to help me through my first Field Day was heart-warming. Judges’ Booklet accepted me as one of their own, and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to know such beautiful humans,” Elizalde said. Her beatboxing skills allowed the group to have some funky tunes during the skit.

Grace Woltemath was new to the skit this year as well. “Being a part of a close knit group that learned to work together [helped us] get to know each other as not just classmates, but as friends,” Woltemath said.

The girls worked during Field Week all while helping monitor the booklet side of the committee as well. The booklet girls put together a jammin’ bubble gum pink and purple jukebox to accompany the skit.

The group agreed that deciding on a final script proved to be their biggest challenge.

Colby Lemkau stated that work done in the skit committee was not always as smooth as her dance moves. “We went through so many ideas.

We started with one and then changed it about five times then finally went back to the original idea, but made a few changes to it,” Lemkau said.

Despite so many changes and a last minute script, the sophomore girls danced in Sokol Arena on Friday, April 29. The girls created many laughs that will continue to be remembered throughout their years at Marian.

Okay ladies, now let’s get in formation: Senior Demo earns Academy Award S

Picture perfect Senior cheerleaders pose as celebrities during the red Giddy up The junior mascot stands tall as cheerleaders approach it. The rest of the juniors carpet scene of their Demo. The senior class prepared for a transition. photo by makenziefuss applauded as bystanders and paparazzi. photo by natalieplewa

JUNIOR JOCKEYs

Express yourself Senior girls smile, scream, and shout as their cheerleaders “graduate.” The girls aimed for an Oscar-worthy performance. photo by natalieplewa

No horseplay Junior cheerleaders dance with their classmates around their beloved mascot. Lauren Merfeld ’17 and Melissa Geis ’17 were inside the horse. photo by makenziefuss

anyalindholm enior Class Officer Mary Kate Mulhall has learned the do’s and don’ts of Field Day Demonstration over her four years in charge of the committee. Through years of trial and error, she has created first-place-worthy criteria for usable songs: short, catchy, and well-known.

“Freshman year we used ‘22’ by Taylor Swift and the ‘Suite Life of Zach and Cody’ theme song.

I can’t believe we did that. Now I always ask my dad if he knows the song before we use it,” Mulhall said.

The Demo process began immediately after Color Block.

It took weeks to perfect the storyline and lyrics. Senior Demo moderators English teacher Ms. Megan Piernicky and theology teacher Mr. Andrew De Leonardis reviewed the songs about two weeks before Field Week, counting syllables and making sure the storyline was clear.

“I pride myself on parody writing and draw from my musical background to assist. I was able to take a hands-off approach and not rework much because this class had some of the strongest lyrics I’ve seen,” De Leonardis said.

However, De Leonardis was sad to see his favorite part of the Demo get cut. “They had a line in ‘Old McDonald’ that went ‘Here a horse, there a horse, horsey horsey horse horse.’ I knew it was just a filler while they were thinking of lyrics, but I wish it would’ve made it in. I think it would’ve gone over really well with the judges,” De Leonardis said.

[

Once Field Week began, the Demo team recorded the Demo to share with the class and choreographed the formations. “We have always been talented lyrically, but not in formations. I knew this year we needed to impress the judges by forming recognizable symbols,” Mulhall said.

Finally, on Wednesday, the class practiced as a whole for the first time. Because of an increase in the number of formations, the class did not have time to fully run the Demo by the end of the day. De Leonardis gave an inspirational speech to the entire senior class because he could not be there to help on Thursday. “The class went through a lot last year. I was so proud to see them come back strong and spirited. They had a choice to make, and they made the right one,” DeLeonardis said.

When their last Field Day came, it was time to perform their last demo. “I think there’s something special about Demo because it’s the only category that incorporates the entire class. Each member of the grade is on the working committee, so it really felt like a team win when we won,” Mulhall said.

When Marian alumni meet, there is no doubt Field Day will be a topic of conversation. Demo lyrics will play in Marian girls’ hearts for the rest of their lives. Field Day is something bigger than performing in costumes for 10 minutes; it symbolizes how a class has grown together.

For the Class of 2016, their final scene in Demo represented their journey over four years and the love they have for each other. “Graduation was it, that was the one!” the Class of 2016 said. “Now that’s a wrap, our movie is done!”

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SENIOR CINEMA

The

Network • May 2016

Indepth • 9

10 • Features

The Network • may 2016

Teacher leaves legacy of love

andreahuber

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years of high school as a student, Trafter 35 years of teaching at Marvis’ memories of Marian are abundant. ian, Ms. Pat Hess Travis ’64 has “There is such a large number of memmade the decision to retire. As an ories that race through the scrapbook eleventh grade theology teacher, she in my memory … LOTS of favorites,” has taught her students so much more Travis said. than just morality and the sacraments.

As for retirement plans, those are She has helped students grow in faith yet to come. “Retirement is a mysand their love for God, others, and tery… I will discover it themselves. as it happens. I hope to Travis started be able to sleep until I teaching at Marian wake up with no alarm!” in August of 1981.

Travis said. “I also hope Theology came natuto substitute once in a rally to Travis, as she while, to spend time in was a member of the New York City with [my Servants of Mary right son] Andrew and in Elko, after high school. “The Nevada with [my son and second year as a novMrs. Pat Travis his family] Mark, Tamara, ice, everything we studLiam, and Durin, to travel with [my ied had to do with Theology, Church dog] Dillon to the mountains and just teachings, [and] documents of Vatican soak in the beauty, get closer to God II,” Travis said. However, she decided through peace and prayer, to spend to pursue music as her major, a rarity time helping in the parish.

I am a bit in those days. Because of this unique scared, but very open to whatever degree, she has been able to live in unfolds!”

Massena, NY, Denver, and Pueblo, Travis’ legacy will definitely live on Colo. Eventually, after leaving the Serthrough the next years, even withvants of Mary because of her own need out her in the theology department to branch out, she received a degree in at Marian.

Students will remember theology at Creighton University. her as a loving and devoted teacher After nearly three decades spent who was always open to the ideas and at Marian as teacher, as well as four thoughts of others.

Math teacher makes move to Iowa allykmiecik

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his teacher has problems. She has to be!” Kehm said.

A combination of her friends’ enmath problems that is, and lots of thusiasm for teaching at Marian and them. her desire to one day teach in a CathBeloved mathematics teacher, Mrs. olic high school made the opportunity Mandy Kehm, has decided to make impossible to pass up. “I had gone to the move to Fort Dodge, Iowa to allow Catholic schools my entire herself to be closer to life, so Catholic education her extended family. is very important to me,” Both her and her Kehm said. husband have family She will teach at Iowa there and are excited Central Community Colto allow their new adlege starting next year, but dition to the family, she knows she will miss their lovely daughter coming to work and seeing Evey, to grow up with blue uniforms in the hallcousins and grandways.

However, she plans parents close by. on missing more than just Kehm started her Mrs. Mandy Kehm and her the plaid.

“I will miss the journey in Omaha family teachers. They’re truly passionate back when she made the move to the good old cornhusker state in order to about what they do. They have inattend college at Creighton University. spired me, and I have a lot of them to She then fell in love with the city and thank for making me the teacher I am today. Obviously the students, as well, decided this is where she wanted to you guys are what makes this place have a job. so special and what makes us seniors After working for Omaha Pubwant to work so hard!” Kehm said. lic Schools for one year, she heard Her formula seems to be one for through some friends who taught success.

Her new students won’t be at Marian that a math position had mean, or median, or even mode. These opened up. “I also knew some girls puns are going off on a tangent, but from Marian that I went to Creighton her range of skills is so large that the with, and they were obsessed with this limit does not even exist! place, so I figured it was a good place

Witzenburg SINEs out of Marian megankeyser

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ath teacher Mrs. Molly Witzenmembers,” Witzenburg said. burg’s four­year Marian career is Students who have taken Witzenalmost all summed up. burg’s math classes appreciate the Witzenburg graduated from Marian time and energy she has applied to is 1986 and continued on to University the topics. “Mrs. Witzenburg is very of Nebraska at Lincoln to earn a Bach- passionate about what she teaches. elor’s degree in educaShe has a unique way of tion and endorsement teaching that helps her in secondary math. She students be successful. started her math work I feel like she’s a really at Burke High School, cool mom,” senior Madwhere she taught classdie Kirchofer said. es for six years. She After leaving Marian, continued on to work Witzenburg plans to start in the actuarial departusing math again in a ment at an insurance financial analysis setting. company for eight “I’m not going to have Mrs. Molly Witzenburg and her family years. When she was kids at home now, so I not busy caring for her two daughdon’t need my summers off,” Witzenters, Maggie ’14 and senior Emmy, burg said. she worked on the side as a substitute Witzenburg said she will miss teacher. She then taught math part working in a Catholic community. “It’s time at Creighton Prep High School really nice to work in a faith­filled enviand then full time at Marian in the fall ronment,” Witzenburg said. Traditions of 2012. like Surprise Day, talent shows, and Her daughters’ attendance at MarMasses are Witzenburg’s favorite ian was not the only motivation to memories. “I’m going to miss the teach here. “It’s the people. I have opportunities that we have when loved meeting so many great girls and everyone gets together, the energy and working with great faculty and staff excitement,” Witzenburg said.

Queen of history takes bow elsiestormberg

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rs. Susan Juza has given Marian pared to teaching at a public school or something unforgettable. She raising her four sons. has made her mark in the Social Stud“Well, I used to teach boys in public ies sector with Katherine the First, schools, and the boys would throw her amazing volleyball skills, and the spitballs. I’ve never seen a Marian unforgettable freshman-made trench. girl throw a spitball. I just think that At a 4-foot-10-and-a-half-inch stature, boys are louder; my boys were louder. she taught Marian They always talk sports, that small-sized is whereas at Marian they fun-sized with her talk about other things love of blazing hot besides sports. Marian Cheetos, Reese’s Peagirls are just sweet. I nut Butter Cups, and call it the Marian Aw. As Peter the Great. What soon as they see a puppy is the reason behind dog, ‘Aww.’ You know, writing a story praisboys don’t do that. I hear ing all of her wonyou out in the hall and Mrs. Susan Juza derful aspects? Well, you know you say, ‘Have that would be because this confident, a good day, love you.’ Boys don’t do inspiring woman is leaving. that. It’s just so nice to have that in my “The main reason is because my life,” Juza said. parents are getting to the age where Juza later explained what she they need some outside help. I’m would miss most about Marian. seven hours from them, and ever since “Teaching subjects that I’m passionmy sister passed, away the majority of ate about to girls that are passionate the responsibility falls on my shoulabout learning,” Juza said. Another ders. It’s been too difficult to get up aspect of the Marian community that there when they need me,” Juza said. Juza has cherished is the “teacher She attempted balancing teaching and camaraderie.” Recently, her husband taking care of her parents, but in the suffered a heart attack. About a week end she found that ending her teach- later, he had to have open heart suring career would be the way to go. gery. “Since Bob’s had his heart attack, After 11 years of teaching at Marian, just the well wishes and thoughts from Juza has learned the importance of the faculty. I mean that really speaks teaching at an all girls school comvolumes,” Juza said. continued on page 11

The rap king of Marian, Mr. De Leonardis, is on his last verse devongottsch

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ook, if you had one shot, one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it, or just let it slip?” Mr. De Leonardis, more commonly known as Mr. D, passionately sings those Eminem lyrics quite frequently, encouraging students to take every chance they can get.

His influence on the Marian community has been nothing short of legendary. However, with heavy hearts and teary eyes, this rap god will be packing up his desk and sick rhymes in order to move to Chicago.

“Marian has given me so many opportunities I could never forget,”

De Leonardis said. He explains that was the opportunity to teach seniors the past three years have been inbecause the whole year is crazy for credibly memorable. you. But then you get to Every day, Mr. D is a point where everything a shining model of clicks, and the lessons positivity.

Marian has taught you come Mr. D, a senior together. It’s so exciting theology teacher and seeing you seniors develop the head of Campus into the people you’re going Ministry, has made to be,” De Leonardis said.

Mr. Andrew De Leonardis and Mr. Peter Cunningham the decision to move He encourages bonding to Chicago where his girlfriend lives. and respect between classmates and He hopes that he can get a new job will do so in the most creative ways in the vibrant city, but he could not possible. For anyone who doesn’t leave without addressing the Marian already know, Mr. D and Mr. Peter community.

Cunningham are #bestie goals and are “My most favorite part of Marian constantly seen together at Marian.

Last year, they came up with the idea to label themselves as Jack Gilinsky (Mr. D) and Jack Johnson (Mr. Cunningham) when they dressed up like the Vine-famous duo for Halloween.

The departure of De Leonardis has raised the question, “What will happen to Jack and Jack?”

“Me and Jack (Cunningham) have a connection that will never be broken.

Ain’t no mountain high or valley low will keep Jack and Jack apart. We will definitely be having a comeback tour in the near future. Don’t worry,” De Leonardis said.

From rapping encouraging continued on page 11

The Network • May 2016

Features • 11

Having meaningful classes leads to meaningful lessons learned noellepick

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tudents complain about school almost as much as they attend it. The homework load, the tests, the concepts students may not completely understand; school isn’t normally portrayed in a positive light. However, deep down, every student loves something about it. Whether it’s the teachers, the fellow students, or the class material, school means more to students than they let on.

Honors Composition and Literature has helped freshman Becca Townley seamlessly transition into high school.

The class challenged her and helped her to grow as a student. “The writing and vocab skills we learned this year can apply to any class that I take in the future,” Townley said. The class has also created fond memories that Townley will never forget.

Though literature classes are popular among students, whenever chemistry class is mentioned, a collective groan is often heard in response.

However, sophomore Mali Seran can hardly contain her excitement when it comes to the notorious subject. continued from page 10

Juza takes a bow

Juza leaves students, present faculty, and incoming faculty with pieces of advice. “To Marian students, learn what you can in high school, and most kids do. Absorb what you can and take out of it what you can to college.” To the present and incoming faculty she says, “Teachers should tap into the creativity because you guys are really abundant with it. It makes it enjoyable not only for the students, but for the teachers.”

Sadly, as Juza says goodbye, she explained the difficulties of leaving.

“It’s hard because, for it being 11 years, it’s been a big part of my life, and you guys are just so cool. I don’t know how else to say it; you’re just so cool ... That’s going to be hard for me to leave, but it’s just the way it has to be,” Juza said. With that, the queen of history, volleyball, and flaming hot Cheetos takes a bow.

Mr. D’s last verse messages over the intercom to dress-

ing in ridiculous costumes, he is never shy of entertainment. Mr. D has added such a bright light to Marian. With his future absence, many students are afraid the light at Marian will become dimmer. Mr. D says that he will always hold Marian close to his heart.

“I know it’s the right choice to move to Chicago, but it’s definitely bittersweet. Man, I’m going to miss this place a lot,” De Leonardis said.

De Leonardis / Mr. D / Jack Gilinsky 2.0 has put his whole heart and soul into Marian, and the students have definitely felt that impact. He encourages students to be the best versions of themselves inside and outside of the classroom, and that is something the entire community will never forget. One of the many reasons Mr. D is adored by students is because of his influential, upbeat attitude and empowering advice.

“When in doubt, sing Tupac in class,” De Leonardis said, laughing.

“No, the biggest thing is thank you.

Coming into a school with such a vibrant community, I have felt so welcomed and loved. Thank you to the students, staff, and faculty. It’s been quite the ride, and this is definitely not goodbye.”

“I am intershape her as a ested in science person. and math, and Chemischemistry is a try isn’t the combination of only class the two,” Seran that teaches said. Seran outside the enjoys the mix curriculum. of a traditional This year, classroom enjunior Sophie vironment and Dineen spent the opportunitime learning Becca Townley ’19 reads aloud a poem to her ties for handsabout Shakeclassmates The Honors Composition and Literature on learning speare and class concluded April with their poetry unit, where that Mrs. Stacy King Arthur students had the opportunity to write and share Tunink incorin Mrs. Amy original poetry. porates into the Bauman’s AP sophomore-level class.

English Literature class, along with Because of her experience in Honvaluable life lessons. “Every day in ors Chemistry, Seran plans on taking class we have fun, and it’s never really AP Chemistry II as a junior next year. dull. [Mrs. Bauman] always has a good Tunink will be Seran’s teacher for a sense of humour about everything,” second year in a row, something Seran Dineen said. is looking forward to.

Through various projects such as “Mrs. Tunink makes the class making “Jane Eyre” videos, Bauman enjoyable,” Seran said. “She explains engaged and entertained students in everything thoroughly and will help a way that will never let them forget whoever needs it.” what they did in class. This class was Not only has chemistry helped her meaningful to Dineen because she achieve a greater understanding of learned skills applicable to the world math and science, but Seran is also beyond literature. able to apply the skills she has learned “I learned that English is supposed to other aspects of her life. “I will take to be fun, and I will take that with me away the fact that there is always more to all the other classes I will take in than a single way to do something,” the future,” Dineen said. Being able Seran said. Chemistry has taught her to see things in a positive light will about the periodic table, but Seran serve Dineen well into her final year at realized that this class has helped Marian.

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors traveled around the world without leaving their desks in Mrs. Susan Juza’s Geography class during this school year. Geography is senior Caitlin Ricker’s second class with Juza, after having Honors World History with her during Ricker’s freshman year.

“I knew I wanted to take a class with her again. It was cool to start with her and end with her,” Ricker said.

The Geography class expanded their educational opportunities miles outside of the classroom. “We got to Skype people for classes. We Skyped her son who is living in a Latin American country, and we learned about a lot of the customs there,” Ricker said.

Geography class has meant the most to Ricker this year because of the educational edge it will give her in the future. “I’m learning a lot. I know that it will help me in college because I will know so much about all of these countries. It’s really interesting and really useful,” Ricker said.

Although students may grumble when they have to get up for school in the morning, there is something special about the classes at Marian that keeps students from sleeping in until 11:00 (other than a nagging mom).

Whether its discovering a passion like Seran or learning to see the fun in everything like Dineen, classes at Marian mean so much more than learning basic subjects.

Ode to ol’ Camp Foster: campers explain why there is no place like home anniesoener fter trekking on less-than-scenic highways for what seems like a lifetime, a bumpy gravel road appears and suddenly the threeand-a-half hour drive doesn’t seem so long anymore. After passing the infamous yellow Camp Foster sign in the middle of Iowa, the log cabins start to appear. Campers of all ages hobble to the check-in line armed with sleeping bags and suitcases. A universal feeling of both anxiety and excitement hangs in the air.

When arriving at the cabin inhabited by two counselors and a mixture of friends and strangers, campers realize that this is their new home for a week.

The counselors confiscate cell phones right off the bat. The thought of being totally detached from the outside world for a week seems impossible at first. What am I going to do if I can’t text my friends? How will people know I’m having fun if I don’t tweet about it? What offensive thing did Donald Trump say this time that blew up the news?

As the week goes on, these thoughts become secondary. The little device that seemed impossible to live without a few days ago is suddenly forgotten. Home means living in a simple log cabin without air conditioning. Lord knows the last time campers and counselors alike showered. It’s not uncommon to eat 40 chicken nuggets at lunch and feel no shame, because that’s how camp is.

Everything that is socially unacceptable in the “real” world is welcomed with open arms at ol’ Camp Foster.

Senior Tessa McLaughlin, who attended seven summers, compared Camp Foster to Field Day. It is beyond explanation unless experienced firsthand. In fact, Camp Foster draws various parallels with Marian, McLaughlin said. The main connection is the universally accepting community.

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Beached whales Annie Soener ’16 (first), Tessa McLaughlin ’16 (third), and Megan O’Konski ‘16 (seventh), join their Camp Foster friends for a whale of a good time.

“Camp is a week every year I go into knowing I can be the real me, not the person I think people want me to be. For that reason I will always hold camp close to my heart,” junior Sydney Monahan said.

The friendships made at Camp Foster do not disappear when the week is over. Senior Elle Putnam said she feels lucky to have met her best friend at camp, which is an opportunity she would not have been given had it not been for Foster.

“What makes Camp Foster so special is the sense of community everyone experiences from having gone to camp. Everyone is in their truest, most pure form when at camp. You get to see a side of people that is not always visible outside of that campground in Okoboji,” Putnam said.

Freshman Ava Bettger still keeps in touch with her camp friends in Iowa and Kansas.

Bettger added that her experience at Marian reminded her of being at camp.

“Last year I went to Mini Surprise Night. When it was time for dinner, we all went into the Marian cafeteria and stood on the benches of the table and started to sing songs. We sing songs at EVERY meal at the top of our lungs at camp. We always sing the L.O.V.E. song from ‘The Parent Trap’ too, and that moment at Mini Surprise Night

made me happy because I felt like a little part of camp was with me,” Bettger said.

To paint a picture for those who haven’t experienced the magic of camp, it is pretty much like the movies. The lake is murky and green, but carefree campers are unphased as they paddle along on kayaks and canoes. Any Camp Foster alum knows that when “Sandstorm” comes on at a dance party, grab the nearest wall. Screaming and chanting nearly every sentence is standard at camp, which may look like a cult activity to outsiders. That’s what outsiders say of Marian Field Day, too!

Bettger said that camp inspires her to test her limits. Pulling pranks with her cabin mates is just one example. Bettger recalls sneaking into the Dining Hall and replacing the tables with canoes from the waterfront.

A popular question campers are used to hearing is, “Aren’t you a little too old for camp?”

“If someone told me I was too old for camp, I would probably just tell them that if they could act like a child again for a week, I bet they would take up that offer,” Monahan said.

That’s what camp does. It builds character. The harsh reality of the real world is imminent, but the little piece of the simpleness that is camp stays with everyone who has been to Foster.

12 • Sports

The Network • May 2016

Spring signers declare sports’ commitment

Varsity Tennis takes another swing for State title racheljohnson

graphic by lindaymuse

2016 College Team Roster

Player Taylor Asche

Position NAIA softball

School Hastings College

Lexie Linderman

NAIA softball

Hastings College

Makenzie Fuss

Div II golf

Rockhurst University

Madalyn McKeone Div I rowing

Creighton University

Savannah Nichols

Div I swimming

Saint Louis University

Taylor Nihsen

NAIA dance

Midland University

Lily Boyle

Div I soccer

South Dakota University

Taylor McHugh

NAIA soccer & Doane University tennis

Katie Petersen

NAIA trapshooting

Doane University

Mallory Edwards

Div I soccer

UNO

Logo

Superstar Signers On April 13, 2016, nine out of 10 seniors signed Letters of Intent to play sports in college.

In addition to the back row of Madalyn McKeone, Taylor Asche, Taylor McHugh, Makenzie Fuss, and Lexie Linderman and front row of Savannah Nichols, Taylor Nihsen, Lily Boyle, and Katie Peterson, Mallory Edwards (not pictured) also signed. photo by lindsaymuse

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he Marian tennis team has always Competing in one number singles been a force to be reckoned with, will be freshman Julia King, with and this season proves to be no sophomore Carol Lahey competing in different. With a record of 9-3, the two singles. The number one doubles Varsity team will go into the State team will consist of seniors Claire competition as the team to beat.

Crockett and Sara Flaxbeard, with The team, however, did not get to seniors Macie Kubat and Anna Slezak where they are without consistent competing in number two doubles. determination, practice, and pushing Though only a select few team limits. members will actually compete at Getting second place at State last State, the competitors could not have year has motivated the girls to do made it to where they are without the everything in efforts of the entire their power squad. The team will to finally have the opportunity get the gold. to get a sense of In addition where they stand in to being comparison to other physically schools at several difficult, invites prior to the tennis is very State competition. mental. “I just “The two invites will focus on being give us a real good confident on idea where we fall the court, and what we will because if need to improve on you aren’t as the year goes on,” confident, your Dye said. mind will lose With State just the match for around the corner, you,” senior the team is focused Macie Kubat on surpassing last said. Kubat year’s second place said that it’s finish. all about “This year I do remaining not want to go into focused and matches thinking we Ball is up Berkley Beene ’19 swings away moving on from during a Varsity match against Millard West on have the automatic Tuesday, April 19. Marian won the home match past mistakes. win. At the State and is one step closer to taking on the State She said she championship [last competition. photo by racheljohnson believes that the year], my partner and team is strong mentally.

I went into our match thinking we had In addition to persistent practice, the State championship, and we lost. the team owes much of their success We need to focus on each point and to Coach Beth Dye, who challenges the match and hopefully come out with a players to reach their fullest potential. medal,” Kubat said. “[They are] very well-rounded tennis The team will compete at the players and a very deep team. [We’ve] Koch Tennis Center on Thursday, done a lot of mixing and matching to May 19 at 9 a.m. and would greatly find the right combination of doubles appreciate attendance from the teams,” Dye said.

Marian community. This is the last A lot of thought and strategy goes time several of the seniors will ever into selecting the State competitors, compete, and they hope to end on a and luckily the girls all have good note with the support of their State experience under their belt. peers.

New summer gym class means open schedules for students T elsiestormberg he sun is shining. Birds are chirping. Summer is here. Not an inkling of books, pencils, or teachers are on the average Marian girl’s mind.

Unless, of course, she is partaking in the newly offered Marian gym classes coming to students this summer.

As part of the recent advances in optional electives, Marian has begun to offer gym classes in the summer that will allow students to have a more open schedule during the school year. Although this is offered at many other schools within the Omaha Public School system, it is not usually available for private schools. “... There is kind of a whole group of kids that really want to do more with their academics to the point where some of them don’t take study halls. Some of them still not giving [students] enough time to fit in some other types of classes that they really want to do. It will be more affecting the science classes and maybe some English classes,” Ms. Ronda Motykowski, Dean of Discipline, said.

Along with gym teacher Mrs. Beth

Dye, Motykowski will hold these Villarreal, the beneficial aspect of classes during the month of June. the summer gym classes are not as Each class will be from 8:30 to 11:00 meritable as they may seem. “In a.m. from June 1 to June 30. The total general, I think that PE is a good class class fee will be $250 plus the cost of to take during the school year because a $25 gym uniform. then you are staying With Dye and active in the midst of Motykowski studying, while in the splitting the days, summer you have a lot the class will be more time to be active, a combination of so you don’t necessarily three gym classes, need a PE course to do Team Sports, Dual that. Plus, if you have Sports, and Lifetime enough time to take PE Fitness, with three in your credits, then you different activities shouldn’t have to come each day. “It’s a in during the summer,” way to do a trial Villarreal said.

Partners in crime Gym teachers with this to see how Ms. Ronda Motykowski and Mrs. Villarreal went on to Beth Dye look forward to this new many kids it really explain her other issues experience with the students. photo hits. We really had with the class. “In the by elsiestormberg two gym classes and summer, people want moved down to one because only 14 to take vacations, and I’ll have college kids signed up. We’re trying to see if searches. I think it’s important to have it will give them that extra time in the my schedule more flexible during year to get credit done so it opens up the summer,” Villarreal said. It is an their schedule,” Motykowski said. automatic failure if a student misses According to junior Delaney three classes.

Sophomore Audrey Hertel agrees to disagree with Villarreal. She feels classes are going to be helpful for students with a more creative side.

“I think it’s beneficial because people who want to take other classes like art or something can take them and not have to worry about having two gyms.

It can be kind of a struggle for people who are more creative and aren’t as athletic and don’t want to take a gym class,” Hertel said.

Hertel explains how she felt clueless as a freshman signing up for classes.

“I remember freshman year, I didn’t really know what I was doing. All I knew was that I needed to get my gym classes done. I never really thought about maybe taking art or speech instead,” Hertel said. When freshmen register, they are informed of all the possible electives, but it is typical for freshmen to take a gym class.

Whether they are with Dye or Motykowski, the summer gym classes are a great opportunity to expand horizons, make friends, and open up schedules.

May 2016 • The Network

Varsity Soccer strives for gold one game at a time annporter arian is known for having an to push the underclassmen to better amazing athletic program that themselves as players. strives for State Championships, and “I don’t want them to take it too that is no different for this year’s Mar- serious. We have to stay positive to ian Varsity soccer team. With former push through the hard games and alassistant coach Mrs. Teresa DeGeorge ways have fun while doing it,” Boyle as the head coach this year, she is said. trying to keep the players focused on The soccer team’s goal was to not each individual game instead of only let any goals in and to score 100 goals thinking about state. over the course of the season. Even “Terethough they have sa always let some go in, says to they have kept it take one at a minimum. game at a Also, as of distime, and tricts, they have we will scored 68 goals get better this season. They with push each other more during practice practices. every day but We have try to take it one to just game at a time. take evPlayers connect erything effortlessly on as it and off of the Can’t stop won’t stop Laurel Edwards ’18 proves she comes,” field even though has what it takes to shine on Varsity. With the help of her senior Lily sister, Mallory Edwards ’16, the powerful dynamic duo they are from all four Boyle said. impress on and off the field. photo by annporter grades.

Boyle knows what it feels like to “My favorite part of being on the win a State Championship and wants team is being a part of the team. Yes,

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Marian Varsity Soccer is all smiles (From top left) Anna Mantini ’17, Madeline Shaffer ’17, Rachel Johnson ’17, Emma Nelson ’17, Sophie Dineen ’17, Delaney Stekr ’18, Delaney Gunn ’18, Mali Seran ’18, Grace Thede ’19, Bela Gonzalez ’18, Asst. Coach Monica Bosiljevac, Head Coach Teresa DeGeorge, Clara Kidder ’19, Megan Valenuzuela ’18, Mia McGrath ’19, Lily Gonzalez ’19, Kira Bravo ’19, Laurel Edwards ’18, Mallory Mumby ’19, Katherine Pelton ’19, Maggie Forbes ’16, Mallory Edwards ’16, Lily Boyle ’16, Molly Kuehl ’16, Ellie Begley ’16, Kenzie Meola ’16

I love winning, but being a part of a team that is this close is so much fun.

I also have loved improving as a player and helping the underclassmen grow,” Boyle said.

The team agreed that this is one of the closest teams they have been a part of. Boyle spoke on behalf of the seniors when she said how much they will miss Marian soccer.

“I have loved playing these past four years for Marian. We are all sad

to go but thankful for the memories we have created through soccer,” Boyle said The team won districts on May 4, defeating Bellevue West 3-0.

The first State game was on Wednesday, May 11. The team is crossing their fingers for another winning outcome to send the seniors off on a good note and put another State Championship on the East Gym’s wall.

Track stars run circles around competition

Trap team forges friendships, secures runner up at State

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ut of the 38 girls on the 2016 like team dinners where we played Track and Field Team, two seniors games together,” Witzenberg said. stand alone. Seniors Mary Kiscoan Head Coach Mr. Greg Golka was and Emmy Witzenburg made the happy to see the seniors come back decision to for anothrun this year er year and despite knowwork with ing that many the juniors to of their fellow lead the team. classmates “The seniors would not. are wonderful “I knew people and that it was add to the just going to flavor of the be two of us team. The this year, but juniors have I didn’t mind stepped up because I love Racing for the Finish Lucy Boever ’17 sprints toward with the sethe finish line in the 400m at the Benson Invite. photo track. I really niors to take by marykiscoan enjoy having ownership of something to the team. It do after school,” Witzenberg said. was neat to see the seniors recogBoth Kiscoan and Witzenberg say nize the juniors as leaders and to they enjoy running track because of work in tandem with them,” Golka the team atmosphere. “I love the envi- said. ronment at track meets and practice.

Kiscoan and Witzenberg are Since I’m one of the only seniors, my confident leaving the team in the team pushes hands of the me to be the juniors next best ‘track year. “I am mom’ I could really proud possibly be. of everyRunning, for thing the me, is a great underclassstress relievmen have er, and it’s achieved even better this year. when I’m The juniors surrounded showed Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose Marian track athletes huddle up before their races. The team values by undergreat friendship just as much as winning. photo by marykiclassmen leadership scoan who enjoy it qualities as much as I this year, do,” Kiscoan said. and I know they will only continue As seniors, the two act as big sisters it next year,” Kiscoan said. to the team, carrying many responsiThe Track and Field Team has bilities on their backs ... or their spikes had a successful season, placing for that matter. “It was really importthird at the Omaha North Invite and ant to us to build a team atmosphere fourth at the Omaha Central Invite. because it’s such an individual sport.

District Track was on May 11 and We planned team bonding activities State Track is May 20-21.

noellepick n Friday, April 29, while most them. We were all in need of tissues of the school screamed songs at at every meet. It was a great gift and the top of their lungs at Field Day, a something that probably won’t ever select group of girls shot at the State leave my shooting vest,” Villarreal Trap meet. said.

The meet In addition continued on to a stellar team to Saturday, connection, and the team the trap team’s emerged with huge amount smiles on of motivation their faces helped them and a fanachieve this tastic second great honor. “I place finish. think the girls Trap queens Ellie Messerschmidt ’18, Samantha The Marian Tracy ’19, Katie Peterson ’16, Allison Zuerlein ’16, on our squad and Sarah Villarreal ’17 pose with their hard-earned get on the line Blue squad, trophy. They finished in second place at the State consisting of for every shoot competition. photo courtesy of samanthatracy freshman Savery determantha Tracy, mined to win. sophomore Ellie Messerschmidt, We shoot because we love to shoot junior Sarah Villarreal, senior Katie and we love each other, but we also Petersen, and senior Allison Zuerlein shoot to win,” Villarreal said. placed second overall in the compeDoing well at State was not the tition, and Petersen placed second as only team’s achievement that weekan individual. end. At the Eleven other assembly honorstudents on ing the trap team squads White on the following and Red also Wednesday, competed at the national medals tournament. were also awardOne of the ed. Sophomore most extraordiMegan Doehner, nary features of Messerschmidt, Sarah Villarreal ’17 and Petersen each the 2016 team is the wide range earned Scholastic of classes repClay and Target resented on each squad. “Blue squad Program medals. These girls were this year was really unique because recognized for their State perforwe had girls from every single grade. mance on a bigger, national level.

For the past two years, it’s been made The trap team put in countless up of mostly seniors,” Villarreal said. hours of work on Saturdays, Sundays, Despite the difference in age, and Wednesdays competing and pernothing has come between these girls. fecting their craft.

Through practices in bad weather and “The girls on the trap team know multiple bonding events, the team what it really means to work hard and has become as close as family. play hard,” Villarreal said.

“My favorite moment at State was This dedication resulted in a State when Allison Zuerlein gave our squad finish that all members should be handkerchiefs with our initials on proud of.

“I think the girls on our squad get on the line for every shoot very determined to win.”

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Stall talk becomes source of inspiration, gossip racheljohnson

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isclaimer: The Network staff does not condone writing on the bathroom stalls as it is illegal and punishable with disciplinary points.

Picture this. It’s a Monday morning, you’ve just been destroyed by a test and are feeling a little down, so you decide to go to the bathroom to regroup. As you’re reevaluating life and deciding whether or not to call it quits and go home for the day, your eyes wander to the half-erased but still legible writing on the door. It reads something like, “I CAN’T HELP IT IF MY MOM MADE BEANS LAST NIGHT,” and all of a sudden, just for a moment, everything is a little more right in the world.

While some prefer inspirational notes like, “Her wings let her fly, but her strength makes her soar,” sometimes a little comic relief is exactly what is needed after being personally victimized by an AP Government or European History test. It’s comments like these that make a bathroom the perfect refuge during a rough day at school.

Nothing says school-wide bonding like a nice collaborative note right above the toilet paper. If the second floor middle bathroom is your goto, then you’ve probably seen the progression of writing in the second stall. What once started out as “Impossible” was changed to “I’m possible” and is now “Kim Possible: what’s the sitch?” That right there is art. There is something truly special about girls from different classes coming together for a little bathroom entertainment.

Though the majority of stall messages are harmless and sometimes even uplifting, there certainly have been instances of slander and gossip.

The anonymity and absence

of cameras in the bathrooms make it easy for students to write offensive messages without anyone knowing who did it. However, Marian girls are held to a high standard and should rise above this behavior.

Senior Shayla Taute has experienced stall libel first hand. “Someone wrote a rumor about me, and they didn’t even have the courtesy spell my name right. I thought it was kind of funny, but someone could definitely take it the wrong way,” Taute said. Though she may have been able to find humor in the comment, not everyone would take such a rumor so lightly.

Taute would like to publicly confirm that the rumor is untrue and specify that her name is not actually spelled “Shala.”

Though actual gossip is few and far between, one can find an abundance of class spirit written in stalls all over the school. Whether is reads “2019 will win Field Day” or “xoxo 2016,” Marian girls are always displaying pride in their class. Other than the occasional crossing out of one class year and replacing it with another, the writing is mostly good clean fun and should remain that way.

It’s important to note that there is a rule against writing on the bathroom stalls, so students should take it upon themselves to stop doing so.

If inspiration comes to you mid-bathroom break, consider enlightening the student body with a sticky note rather than directly on the stall. In the meantime, as notes will probably continue anyway, make sure to keep it clean and harmless. “I want prune juice” scribbled on a blood drive poster never hurt anyone, but slander written in Sharpie certainly has.

Twenty One Pilots, One Direction fans share concert, wardrobe, music experiences

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Niall Horan–her love for One wo years ago, senior Taythe end everyone was soaking Direction has never waned. lor Lazio had no idea the wet, but that made it more Since Streeter heard one of weird music she was listening fun. The energy and the way to would soon become her faTyler and Josh interacted with their songs on the way to school in fourth grade, the vorite band. She and her twin the crowd was amazing to band has encouraged and sister, senior Hannah Lazio, see live,” Taylor said. “It was consoled her many times, became fast fans of Twenty really cool to be surrounded One Pilots, an eclectic muby other people who loved the especially during the difficult middle school years. “I found sical duo, and even dressed band as much as me.” comfort in their music, the up as the two band members Taylor can often be found way that their lyrics had posithis past Halloween. “People listening to her favorite song, tive vibes and always seemed that we knew thought it was “Fall Away,” which she likes funny,” Taylor said. for the lyrics and her personal to give me the confidence I needed,” Streeter said. NowMost of their friends and interpretation of them. “I just adays, Streeter jams out to family know like that all of their tunes while doing homeof their love the songs have for the band, meaning behind work to make accomplishing her tasks a little more fun. even if it’s them. They’re Streeter has gone to two only enough to just a unique recognize them band,” she said. One Direction concerts in her life and had an absolute on TV. One Taylor may blast at both. “The vibe is so day, Taylor have dressed energetic, and you can see was hanging up as her Definitely not stressed out how much everyone is enout at her favorite band Sisters Taylor and Hannah joying it and how happy it grandparents’ for Halloween, Lazio ’16 stand in their Twenty One Pilots costumes. They makes them,” Streeter said. house when but freshman dressed as the lead singers of Surrounded by like-minded her grandpa Avery Streetthe band for Halloween. people, she felt like she was walked in, er made her enjoying the concert with announcing own One-Difamily. “At times, I thought I that he had seen the group rection-inspired uniform. had known people my whole they like, “those pilot peoThroughout 2011, Streeter life while I had known them ple,” featured on TV. Twenty often wore only stripes and for about One Pilots consists of singer/ suspenders, two hours,” rapper/pianist/ukulele player emulating Louis A whole lot of history Avery Streeter ’19 sits by her One Streeter said.

Tyler Joseph and drummer Tomlinson, her Direction covered door, Streeter Josh Dun. favorite memsurrounded by her One Direction connects Later, Taylor had the ber of the popcovered walls. Streeter has been with One chance to see Twenty One ular boy band a fan since 2011.

Direction’s Pilots live, not just through a One Direction. lyrics and TV screen. On Sept. 23, Tay“I wanted to has learned lor, Hannah, and their cousin do it because to accept her waited outside in ominous I looked up flaws by lisweather for three hours before to them so tening to the the concert of a lifetime. “... much since I song “Little the environment was great, had followed Things.” “I the people were all really nice, them almost don’t like my and you could talk to anyone religiously, and freckles or a that was in line next to you.

Louis was my scar on my Some guy passed around a favorite, so I ankle, but poster for everyone in line to figured I could just hearing sign, so that was pretty cool,” be just like someone say Taylor said. him,” Streeter that every Though the show was said. imperfection cut short because of a heavy Although that you downpour, Taylor recalled Louis is no have is what singing along to all of her longer Streetmakes you, you―I love how favorite songs and having a er’s favorite member of the simple, yet deep it is,” Streeter blast. “It was raining, and by band―that honor goes to said.

Most of Streeter’s friends are not fans of One Direction, and many people think she is weird for listening to music that is “not cool” anymore.

However, this does not stop her from listening to what she loves. “... I like what I like, and anyone can listen to what they want,” Streeter said. She may not don stripes and suspenders every day any more, but Streeter wears her love for One Direction’s music on her sleeve with pride.

The Lazios and Streeter may enjoy extremely different types of music, but they all have experienced the kindness of a concert family and the comfort of their favorite band’s lyrics. Whether it is the life lessons they have learned or the new clothes they have donned, these girls have shown that a love for music can go beyond popping earbuds in every once in a while.

May 2016 • The Network

Entertainment • 15

allykmiecik

ashing dishes after dinner in the Keyser household always turns into one of two things: a Disney karaoke session or a towel-snapping duel until I call truce.

As neither the oldest nor the youngest of three children, I’ve discovered being the middle child is the best place to be. I’m the lettuce of a BLT sandwich, the letter “M” of the alphabet, Khloe of the Kardashian/Jenner sisters, strong-willed, competitive, and independent.

I’ve learned to negotiate for what I want, like the last Oreo in the package, and I stand up for what I believe in, like a redo when I lose an arm wrestling match.

I’ve perfected the art of peacekeeping. For example, I avoid fighting by choosing not to tell my little brother, Ian, that I spit in most of the Sonic shakes I buy him.

I’ve also grown independent after being forgotten a few too many times, like that one time I was left at a garage sale. Still not sure if I believe it was “by accident”.

I never felt neglected growing up, but my parents’ focus has always been different for my two brothers. My parents had enough to worry about, from 16-year-old Alex wiping out mailboxes with his Chevy to 6-year-old Ian choking on his Cheerios, that 8-year-old me was usually left standing in the middle.

It may be the fact that I’m the only girl of the family, but I’ve always been treated differently than my brothers.

My mom tells me that because there’s an eight year difference between my older brother, Alex, and I, I display more oldest child traits, including the fact that I always think I’m right. I told her she was wrong.

As the middle child, I’ve learned that $5 will convince your little brother to do just about anything. I’ve learned that embarrassing stories and prepubescent home videos will be unearthed at the most unfortunate times. I’ve learned that I’m never going to beat Alex or Ian at Disney Scene-It. Most of all, I’ve learned how blessed I am to have two amazing brothers.

I may want to kill them from time to time, but I couldn’t live without them. I have a big brother looking out for me and a little one I’ll always look out for. I’m stuck in the middle, the middle of two brothers I love to death.

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o sum this whole thing up, I am basically the Kourtney Kardashian of my family. All of my younger siblings have passed me in height, my fashion sense is the savviest of them all, and to top it all off, I actually cried when I found out Kourt and Scott Disick broke up. Our biggest similarity? We are both the oldest child of the family.

We are the guinea pig child that leads the way for the rest of our dysfunctionally lovable families. Granted, my biggest claim to fame is the one time I hit over 300 likes on my Insta, where she has her own reality show, but I promise, we’re practically lifestyle twins.

I was born on June 25, 1998. I will speak for both of my parents to claim that I was the absolute light of their lives. One day my parents announced to me that I would have a little sister.

A smaller and cuter version of me that I had to SHARE my parents’ attention with? I wasn’t a fan. If there is one thing to explain how not so enthused I was about this sister and how still focused I was on my 4-year-old self, I think the fact that I named her after my favorite character on Dragon Tales sums it up quite nicely.

The whole experience was a culture shock for my 4-year-old self. Although the idea of not being the center of attention at all times was a scary thought, I finally had a role. I was no longer just the little human that my parents doted over at every minute.

I was now the big sister.

The sister who is named after a Dragon Tales character is currently in that phase where she lives to copy me, but never in her wildest dreams would she admit that to anyone, especially me. My sister’s 14th birthday occurred in March. On her birthday, all of her friends were posting pic collages. I found 26 different pictures of her in my outfits.

I understand how it can be hard for younger siblings and how they can end up being “jealous” of the oldest child. I get it! I know I’m a tough act to follow and honestly feel sorry for my younger siblings who have to try to live up to me. No matter how old we all get, they’ll always be my little sisters and brother who need my protection and guidance, especially when they don’t want it.

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Oldest Child Ricky (10), Ally (17), Emmy (14), and Maddy (12) Kmiecik smile while crashing Ally’s senior photo session.

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In the middle with Megan Being the baby has its benefits

Middle Child From left to right: Megan (then 15), Ian (then 13) and Alex (then 23) Keyser demonstrate their family dynamic.

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Youngest Child Andrea (then 1), Allie (then 7), and Scott (then 5) Huber in their early years in front of the Christmas tree.

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rowing up, my name was not Andrea. It was Baby Hubes, Lil’ Hoob, or [insert sibling name here]’s little sister. I used to hate being the baby of the family and always begged my parents to have another kid. My childhood consisted of hand-medowns from the late ’90s and early 2000s, getting experimented on with different colors of lip gloss and eye shadow, and being the dumb student when playing “school” with my older siblings. Having an older sister and brother was a curse as a young kid.

My brother and I were known in our extended family as being the ones always fighting and beating each other up (mostly him beating me up), and I was popular among my friends as the girl who would come to school with a black eye or a rug-burned knee because my brother and I had been wrestling the day before.

Now that I’m older, I’ve realized being the youngest is actually quite a blessing. I’ve learned everything I know about my parents from my older siblings. For instance, I know exactly how they are going to react, and how I should respond, when I’m late for curfew or when my room is a disaster. This is not from my own experience, but from seeing my siblings make the same mistakes so many years ago. I’ve seen my sister get grounded for burping at the dinner table or getting her door taken off for slamming it when she’s mad, and guess what? I don’t do that because I’ve grown up seeing the wrath of my parents, and I’m scared of it.

Now that I’m older, I actually love having an older brother who taught me to be tough and suck it up when things aren’t going my way. Also, as the youngest, I’ve gotten to be a maid of honor in my sister’s wedding, and my nephew was born when I was 16, one of the biggest blessings to ever happen to me.

Growing up as the youngest was difficult, but it has taught me so much in life. I have learned humility, respect, and mediation because of this.

Being the baby may have been a curse years ago, but now it’s kind of an awesome thing.

youngest child

‘It used to be all about me’

Kardashian family: the krazy kweens of Calabasas

column by tessamclaughlin ne time, someone asked me why I liked the Kardashians. Bible, I could not answer the question. I once spent five straight hours glued in front of my TV, and for what reason? I was watching Kendall and Kylie fight in St. Barths. I even made my mom watch it with me, hearing the occasional, “This is garbage! How can you watch this?”

The bottom line is that the Kardashian/ Jenner family is so entertaining. I’ve been a fan of the show for so long, I remember what Kylie’s real lips look like. To be honest, these girls are unbelievably ridiculous about a lot of things, but that’s what attracts viewers.

Despite getting constant eye-rolls from the public, I really respect their hustle.

Some would argue that the girls are talentless, but I disagree. For starters, Kylie

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and Kendall apparently is sitting pretty with wrote a book once. famous rapper Kanye Literally no one talks West and their two chilabout it, but it’s out dren North and Saint. there. If you’ve read I’d call that a pretty sucit, please shoot me an cessful life inside of the email at 16mclaughCalabasas bubble where lint@omahamarian. getting spray tans and org. I would love to eyelash extensions is a discuss. greater concern than Also, let’s not forget deforestation or world that a long time ago, hunger. before Kim K was Kim I am extremely K, she was employed as amused by Kardashians.

Paris Hilton’s personTheir life is so othal closet organizer. erworldly and unatgraphic by tessamclaughlin That’s THE Paris tainable that it leaves Hilton whose catchphrase was “That’s hot.” my mouth gaping after each episode I Honestly, I’m disappointed the friendship watch. Truly, it’s humbling. I sometimes didn’t last past the early 2000s. Today, Kim picture myself in their shoes (probably

Louboutins), pondering how hard my life would be trying to decide if my Balmain dress would look better with my Mercedes G-Wagon or my $320,000 Ferrari. My 2004 Dodge Stratus isn’t close in quality and is a lot less flashy, but I’d say it rivals in personality and it looks amazing with blue plaid.

It’s 2016, and you can’t escape the Kardashians. Maybe at this point you don’t want to. Or maybe you really, really do.

But you’d be lying if you said you were never interested. In a literal sense, keep up with the Kardashians. Scroll through their Instagrams, watch their show, keep refreshing Kylie Cosmetics, and don’t feel any shame about being entertained by their madness. It might make you take a good look at your life and appreciate the normal things that you’ve worked hard for.

16 • Photo Essay

Oh, the places we’ll go!

Side by side or miles apart, we’ll always be sisters in our hearts.

allykmiecik or the longest time I didn’t believe 2016 was an actual year, but a set of numbers to add onto the end of “xoxo”.

The month of May is actually here and our time together has about come to an end. Switch out the royal blue plaid and polo for a cap and gown, but always remember that you are a part of the Marian Class of 2016. We are not going to say goodbye, but see you later and good luck.

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Next year, we will be away from each other from the first time in four years. It will be insanely weird to look down the hall and not see all 179 of our best friends, but it will be even better to see what we all do with our amazing talents and where they take us in life. This end of senior year is the beginning of whatever you can dream it to be, so dream big.

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The Network • May 2016 California Addison Baffert - University of San Diego Tehillah Alphonso - University of Southern California Brielle Divis - University of Southern California Colorado Jenna Taylor - Colorado State University Lauren Beduhn - University of Colorado at Fort Collins Molly McKillip - University of Denver Mary Kate Mulhall - University of Denver Florida Sierra Strattan - University of Miami Illinois Carllie Meeks - Loyola University Maggie White - Loyola University Indiana Mary Beth Apker - Butler University Laura Theisen - Butler University Collette Gillaspie - University of Notre Dame Anya Lindholm - University of Notre Dame Iowa McKenna Simpson - Drake University Madi Golden - Iowa State University Mimi Kelly - Iowa State University Amanda Skalka - Iowa State University Allison Zuerlein - Iowa State University Clara Wertzberger - University of Iowa Madi Miller - University of Iowa Kansas Kateri Determan - Benedictine College Lindsay Muse - Benedictine College Carly Schmitt - Benedictine College Julia Smith - Kansas State University Morgan Stessman - Kansas State University Molly Coghill - University of Kansas Maddie Duncan - University of Kansas Meredith Faust - University of Kansas Elizabeth Geske - University of Kansas Rachel Johnson - University of Kansas Ally Kmiecik - University of Kansas Molly Kuehl - University of Kansas Madeline Matz - University of Kansas Kenzie Meola - University of Kansas Macie Moylan - University of Kansas Payton Ranck - University of Kansas Kate Ruffalo - University of Kansas Annie Soener - University of Kansas Anna Stienike - University of Kansas Natalie Ashbrook - Wichita State Louisiana Claire Davis - Tulane University Michigan Nithali Sridhar - University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Minnesota Aly Freeman - Gustavus Adolphus College Emma McGill - University of Minnesota Twin Cities Andrea Huber - University of St. Thomas Emily Pape - University of St. Thomas Missouri Molly Miller - Northwest Missouri State University Sara Flaxbeard - Rockhurst University Maggie Forbes - Rockhurst University Makenzie Fuss - Rockhurst University Molly Haddick - Rockhurst University Natalie Hayes - Rockhurst University Emma Pink - Rockhurst University Caitlin Ricker - Rockhurst University Madeline Walz - Rockhurst University

Holly Banark - St. Louis University Maia Delkamiller - St. Louis University Jenna Gornall - St. Louis University Julia Griffin - St. Louis University Sofia Hingorani - St. Louis University Haley Mick - St. Louis University Hannah Mueller - St. Louis University Savannah Nichols - St. Louis University Elle Putnam - St. Louis University Maria Sakowski - St. Louis University Ciera Farrens - University of Missouri at Kansas City Andie Hanus - University of Missouri Catherine Mormino - University of Missouri Elise Pape - William Jewel College Nebraska Amber Jimenez - College of St. Mary Olivia Leatherwood - College of St. Mary Morgan Crockett - Creighton University Katie Ely - Creighton University Molly Fisher - Creighton University Kathryn Fuxa - Creighton University Bella Herrera - Creighton University Lauren Manganaro - Creighton University Sophia Marasco - Creighton University Emily McKenna - Creighton University Madalyn McKeone - Creighton University Greta Portis - Creighton University Shayla Taute - Creighton University Mary Townley - Creighton University Brittany Witt - Creighton University Taylor McHugh - Doane University Katie Petersen - Doane University Taylor Asche - Hastings College Lexie Linderman - Hastings College Maddie Gaukel - Metropolitan Community College Taylor Nihsen - Midland University Sydney Bonnett - Nebraska Wesleyan University Maddie Shely - Nebraska Wesleyan University Kathryn Baginski - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Ellie Begley - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Abby Birkel - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Melissa Bohan - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Lauren Bolamperti - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Kierstyn Davies - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Anna Domet - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Kate Drobny - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Elise Duryea - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Megan Eastman - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Lauren Gamm - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Devon Gottsch - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Jillian Gray - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Shannon Hertel - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Megan Keyser - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Mary Kiscoan - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Abi Knapton - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Sophie Knoblauch - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Macie Kubat - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Mary Paige Lewandowski - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Skye Manley - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Elizabeth Mattern - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Blaine Matthies - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Maren McGuire - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Kaitlin McKenna - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Sydney Miller - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Julia Nulty - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Lizzie O’Brien - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Megan O’Konski - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Kaitlyn Pfannenstiel - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Noelle Pick - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Ann Porter - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Jamie Rosenthal - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Nora Schuele - University of Nebraska at Lincoln

Rachel Sedlacek - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Avery Shepherd - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Elsie Stormberg - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Ruva Tsoka - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Hannah Uhl - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Hannah Walz - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Brighid Welchans - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Emmy Witzenburg - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Erin Wolf - University of Nebraska at Lincoln Madeline Allen - University of Nebraska at Omaha Claire Bidroski - University of Nebraska at Omaha Clare Crockett - University of Nebraska at Omaha Savannah Dannenberg - University of Nebraska at Omaha Eva Drzaic - University of Nebraska at Omaha Maddie Dushan - University of Nebraska at Omaha

Mallory Edwards - University of

Nebraska at Omaha

Kayla Gilbride - University of

Nebraska at Omaha

Abby Hermanek - University

of Nebraska at Omaha

Ally Hermanek - University of

Nebraska at Omaha

Hannah Johnson - University

of Nebraska at Omaha

Carly Kelly - University of

Nebraska at Omaha

Alex Lager - University of Nebraska at Omaha Hannah Lazio - University of Nebraska at Omaha Taylor Lazio - University of Nebraska at Omaha Cecilia London - University of Nebraska at Omaha Michaela Moriarty - University of Nebraska at Omaha Alex Muniz - University of Nebraska at Omaha Margaret Reding - University of Nebraska at Omaha Claire Schneckenberger - University of Nebraska at Omaha Rachael Steier - University of Nebraska at Omaha Emily Vlach - University of Nebraska at Omaha North Carolina Anna Slezak - Duke University Kellyn Daly - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Elizabeth Sheehan - University of North Carolina at Wilmington North Dakota Morgan Kahler - North Dakota State University Oklahoma Ashley Yakopec - Oklahoma State University Katelyn Gochenour - University of Oklahoma Oregon Carma Draney - Southern Oregon University South Carolina Cassie Heisey - University of South Carolina South Dakota Sophia Terwilleger - Augustana University Mairin Rochford - South Dakota State University Emily Cheloha - University of Sioux Falls Lily Boyle - University of South Dakota Ashlyn Hruska - University of South Dakota Elizabeth Loschen - University of South Dakota Texas Katie Belford - Texas Christian University Katrina McCutcheon - Texas Christian University Washington Faith Vinton - Seattle University Wisconson Hannah Saalfeld - University of Wisconson at Eau Claire Tessa McLaughlin - Marquette University Courtney Schincke - Marquette University Wyoming Maddie Kirchofer - University of Wyoming