MHS 2017 January Network

The Network

Marian High School - 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 - www.marianhighschool.net - Volume 61 Issue 5 - January 2017

Administration opening jail cell on cell phones

susanapettis

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ach Marian girl has a trick when it comes to hiding her phone. Whether it be hiding it in the folds of her skirt, in her backpack or even the old-school phone in the textbook trick. This will no longer be necessary. A new lunchroom policy has been put into effect, allowing students to use their cell phones during the 30-minute lunch block. Now, students can communicate with parents, friends and employers during the school day.

This rule has been discussed often throughout the years and was finally accepted for second semester of the 2016-17 school year.

The change sent a wave of smiles through the student body when it was announced in December at an assembly. The rule officially went into effect in January.

“We were told that the rule would change first semester, but we couldn’t actually make the change until second semester because some work had to be done before that many devices could be used at one time,” senior Student Board member Mallory Grote said.

As long as cell phones are only

Food, friends and phones Marian students chat with their friends and check their phones in the Quad during their lunch break. Administration’s recent relaxation on cell phone usage during lunch has granted students more freedom. susanapettis used during the lunch block, no other restrictions have been given.

The main concern was a lack of socialization between students. As cellphones become a bigger part of society, a concern when it comes to social interaction has arisen.

The purpose of the rule is not to keep students on their phones the

entirety of the lunch block, but to give students more freedom and responsibility when it comes to technology. As soon as the school’s network could withstand more users, phones could be used at lunch.

“I think the rule change is fine.

We know that girls were trying to be sneaky and look at their phones,

so hopefully this will relieve their angst throughout the rest of the school day. We need to teach our students about digital citizenship.

It is important they learn that they don’t need their phone every second,” Principal Susie Sullivan said.

However, with more freedom comes responsibility. “Hopefully, this will help girls to self-monitor their phone use,” Sullivan added.

The new policy allows students to interact with students in other schools that have the same rule. It opens up the possibility of more widespread communication.

“I like it. It’s nice to have the option, but I don’t necessarily take advantage of it,” senior Laura Shaw said. “I think that having our cell phones is a good thing when it comes to different types of interaction. You can snapchat a friend in second lunch if you’re in first, or you can communicate with your parents without having to sneak around.”

Students appreciate the new policy, but the change in lunchroom dynamic is small. The quad and cafe are still booming with conversation and laughter.

Students remember M’s Pub fire one year later erinwalter

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his January marks the one year right across the street from M’s Pub that finished about five minutes beanniversary of the devastating fire and saw the fire begin and escalate. “It fore the fire began. “We were all really that tore through the heart of Omaha’s was terrifying,” Heim said. “It didn’t worried. He sent us pictures from the Old Market and obliterated one of its seem like it was real life — I felt like I outside of the restaurant — it looked oldest and most beloved restaurants — was watching a movie.” awful,” Owen said.

M’s Pub. On Jan. 9, 2016, the Mercer Senior Sam Schueler was downtown According to the Omaha World Herbuilding went up in flames after an when the fire happened. “I saw all of ald, the blame for the fire’s initiation alleged gas leak and explosion in the the fire trucks pass me,” Schueler said. still is not resolved. Investigators plan restaurant.

“I wasn’t sure what was happening, but to carefully and thoughtfully come to a The damage was deep — M’s Pub I learned where the trucks were headed conclusion; precautions are being takand the Nouvelle Eve clothier were soon enough.” en in order to prevent misconceptions burned-out masses in a structure caked There was also a widespread panand false accusations. by ice. Apartments in the building were ic among those who had loved ones As far as rebuilding goes, the shell also destroyed. Nearby businesses of M’s that remained after the fire has working in the Old Market on the day closed. Barricades impeded traffic. of the accident. Freshman Daisy Owbeen undergoing clean-up and reconWhile the night of the disaster was en’s dad was in M’s Pub for a meeting struction ever since March of last year. last winter’s coldest on The restaurant hopes record, the aftermath of to reopen again this the fire left the hearts of summer, with much of many Omaha locals cold the same staff returning, for the next three days. according to the Omaha On this one-year anniWorld Herald. versary, Marian students Omahans are eager to are remembering the see M’s up and running sadness that radiated on again after such a horrifthat day. ic sight was burned into “I was really sad their minds on that cold to hear that M’s Pub night last January. burned down because “M’s Pub is one of my my parents first met family’s favorite places there,” junior Grace in Omaha,” senior Macy Woltemath said.

Thonen said. “I’m excitThe fire struck fear in ed for it to reopen and those who were in the return to all its former Old Market area on that glory — I’m sure it will It’s always sunny in Omaha The remains of M’s Pub approximately two fateful night. Junior Lily weeks after the explosion. The restaurant was an Omaha favorite for feel like it never even Heim was eating dinner closed.” almost 43 years before it was gutted by a fire last January. nataliekemler

Women’s March Pg. 2

All-Girls’ Schools Editorial Pg. 4

Curly Hair Concerns Pg. 5

The Arts Pgs. 7-1o

(2) News

The Network (January 2017)

Women’s March on Washington: Omaha edition carmenmiller

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his is what democracy looks so many different backgrounds like!” and was so different, yet all rallied Chants like this echoed through- behind the same cause.” out the streets of downtown OmaEach person at the March atha on Jan. 21, as part of a Sister tended for a different reason and March to the Women’s March on each person brought new meaning Washington. The purpose of the to the March. “I marched in solMarch was to “send a bold message idarity for all of the groups that to the world that women’s rights have been dehumanized over the are human rights,” according to years, to show support for them the Women’s March on Washingand stand with them,” sophomore ton’s official website. An estimated Gorretty Ofafa said.

673 marches occurred globally, Noble was there for a similar, with one occurring on every contiyet slightly different reason. “I was nent (even Antarctica) and nearly 5 there to support the rights of wommillion people participating. en. We have come so far in the past In Omaha, somewhere between decades, and I do not want us to 12,000 and 14,000 people particbacktrack,” Noble said. ipated in the March (according to While the March was not enthe Omaha World Herald). To put tirely aimed at the new executive that in perspective, that is approxi- administration, some people were mately the same size as 20 Marian still there for political reasons.

High Schools.

“The reason I marched was beSeveral Marian girls participated cause women’s rights and overall in the March, rights of minorities are despite the We [women] still a huge issue. Also, I’ve fact that it had politics on my mind a have come so occurred on lot since the election, and the same night I really wanted to get out far in the past as Marian’s and stand with a comWinter Fordecades, and I munity of people who are mal. “We went to march for their do not want us to willing to the March human rights,” freshman in our Winter Nina Abbott said. backtrack.”

Formal dressBeing a student at an Sally Noble ’19 es, hair and all-girls’ school affectmakeup,” seed some girls’ decision nior Nikki Rhoades said. “The only to support the March.“We’re an thing we were missing was our all-girls’ school! It’s important for heels, which we left in the car and us, as women, to stand up for our put on on our way to the dance.” rights in a government that unSophomore Sally Noble went the der-represents us,” junior Courtextra mile and attended the Wom- ney Kilroy said. en’s March in Washington D.C. However, there was some back“I’ve never been in a place with lash as a result of the March, as so much passion and energy,” some did not agree with what the Noble said. “Everyone came from March stood for.

“

marching for, what rights they were fighting for; they never had a specific response,” sophomore Kayla Bales said. “So, if you don’t even know what you are marching for, why are you marching? What rights do women not have that they felt the need to march all over the country?”

However, Women’s Studies teacher Susie Sisson offered up an explanation for that.

“Even though women’s rights have advanced, women are still subject to hearing demeaning comments. There are still Girl power times 14,000 Lily Veylupek ’18 holds double standards,” Sisson said. “Women have up her sign at the Omaha Women’s March. “My to put up with things that favorite part of the March was seeing all different types of people that united for a common belief: that men do not, and bearing with that inequality is everyone is created equal,” Veylupek said. Photo something that we have courtesy of Madeline Robertson ’18. to pay attention to.”

Despite criticism, “I love that in America you can the March was overall a change something if you don’t peaceful protest. “It was amazing like it, and it is phenomenal that how peaceful it was, there was no women have the right to do that,” fighting and everyone was exsophomore Corah Johnson said. tremely respectful,” Noble said.

“However, I have a problem with “Even when anti-protesters were with the way the March was done. yelling at the [the protesters], I feel as though it was not inclueveryone ignored them and did not sive of all genders and races, and sink to their level.” of women who do not necessarily “Of course it was peaceful and agree with the majority. A women’s polite; we’re women,” Sisson said. march should be for everyone.”

Additional marches have occured Some also questioned why the across the country in recent weeks, March even happened, because including The March for Life and they did not understand what marches in support of refugees. For women were protesting against. information on these, visit “When anybody would ask a girl mariandigitalnetwork.com. who marched what they were

Worldwide refugee crisis continues to affect Omaha W amaleapoulos

ithin the first month of 2017, Greece and Italy received more than 5,000 refugee arrivals.

The majority of migrants come from conflictridden African countries Teamwork makes the dream work Ms. Barbara Cain (left), According mother of Social Studies and French teacher Mrs. Katy Salzman, to UNHCR’s latest estimates and Tori Dunston ’17 (right) work together on Dec. 16 to make a cozy blanket. “My favorite part of making the blankets was looking for 2016, 21 percent of sea around and knowing that I, along with so many others, was going arrivals to Italy to help so many families in need,” Dunston said. amaleapoulos came from Italy has become a beacon for Nigeria. migrants.

Monthly refugee arrivals Widespread violence and lack have not dipped below 3,000. of vital supplies, such as food and In October, the peak of the 2016 water, have caused Nigerians to seek a safe haven in a new country. migrant influx, more than 27,000 people were flooding into Italy, “My parents immigrated from according to UNHCR data.

South Sudan, they left because “I think it’s important for at the time South Sudan was these refugees to find a place to going through a fifty year war,” relocate to. I wouldn’t have my sophomore Telly Mounto said.

parents, aunts or cousins [without immigration],” Mounto said.

Italy and Greece are working with the European Union to move refugees from the Mediterranean to other European countries.

“Europe doesn’t have cooperation and coordination,” Social Studies and French teacher Mrs. Katy Salzman said.

Although entering the United States is a lengthy and arduous process, there were more than 25,000 arrivals in the 2016 Fiscal Year, according to breitbart.com.

In Omaha, there were about 150 family arrivals in 2016. Operation Welcome, a club that focuses on welcoming and settling refugee families, met on Dec. 16 to make blankets and welcome cards for families.

These blankets were made for families that visit Lutheran Family Services, the largest refugee center for all of Nebraska and Council Bluffs, located on 24th street in Omaha. “We took them down to Lutheran Family Services to put them in their food pantry,” Salzman said.

Refugee families that come to LFS can shop in their food pantry and pick up a blanket made specially by Marian girls.

Marian families can get involved in helping refugees outside of Operation Welcome.

The Teen Literacy Center, ran

by OPS, provides opportunities to tutor teens that came from refugee camps and are a few years behind in education.

Similarly, the Yates Community Center offers possibilities to help teach English.

Perhaps the best thing a family can do is to sponsor a family.

“Encourage your church or community group to sponsor a family,” Salzman said. This can include setting up an apartment or house for the refugees or mentoring the family.

Future move-in dates organized by the club are subject to change due to an Executive Order signed

by President Trump. Citizens from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Libya will not be permitted entrance into the United States for 90 days.

The Network (January 2017)

News (3)

Q&A: Highlights and updates with clubs at Marian graphic by nataliekemler & susanapettis

Questions 1. What is your position in the club?

2. What is the mission of this club?

3. What is the importance of your club in the Marian community?

4. What have been some of the most memorable activities of your club 5. Are there still ways for students who aren’t current members to get involved?

Answers

Sew what? Theology teacher Mrs. Lori Spanbauer shows the students in Knitting Club a new technique. Club members followed her instruction during an interactive meeting.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Plewa.

IDEAS Club

Tylin Welch ’17 and Tori Dunston ’17

Questions Answers

1. We are a part of the 4-member core team.

2. To increase diversity and spread awareness.

3. To create open minds and work on inclusion.

4. Activities included the Privilege Walk from last year, the Hispanic Heritage Month speakers, we brought in a Salem Baptist Choir, and this year we are planning to have a Black History Month event in the PAC. 5. Come to meetings and feel free to bring friends!

Knitting Club

Emily Kleinschmit ’17 and Kellie Stoessel ’17 1. We are co-presidents of the club.

2. We just wanted girls to be able to develop a new hobby that they can do forever while also relieving stress. Our goal is to make useful items for the needy or hospitals. Right now we are working on baby hats to donate to a hospital.

3. Our club helps Marian by allowing people of different ages, grades, economic states and political stances to come together with a similar interest.

4. Knitting the baby hats and teaching people who do not know how to knit is interesting.

5.Yes, if you email us, we can add you to our email list. Yarn donations are also much appreciated.

Sign Language Club Mr. Kory Delkamiller, moderator

1. I act as the club moderator making sure that meetings are scheduled and events are planned. ​ 2. The Sign Language Club helps its members to better understand and appreciate how people who are deaf and hard of hearing communicate using their unique language and culture.

3. This club provides an opportunity for the students to expand their awareness and understanding of deaf culture and the importance that sign language is as a bridge to connect people both hearing and deaf. It also helps to increase awareness of some of the challenges that the people who are deaf and hard of hearing confront on a daily basis.

4. Having different speakers from UNO come and talk to the club members about why they chose to become sign language interpreters. We are also planning on hosting a person who is both deaf and visually impaired.​ 5. The Sign Language Club is always open to new students who are interested in knowing some basic signing skills and who want to learn something about deaf culture.

Young Politician’s Club crusades for new mascot isabelleswanson

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he Young Politicians Club is campaigning to gain support for changing Marian’s mascot from the Crusader. On Jan. 27, the club, lead by president senior Brooke Huerter, senior Maggie Dowd and senior Natalie Kemler met with principal Susie Sullivan to discuss this possibility.

During their meeting, the club presented a brief history of the Crusades. “Our main focus is: does the Crusader mascot actually reflect Marian’s values?” Huerter said. They juxtaposed events in the Crusades to Marian’s value statements, found on Marian’s website.

This meeting was only the beginning of the crusade to alter the historic mascot. Although Sullivan met with the club, many more people would be involved in this decision if it were to be made. “I have to make many decisions with several other voices involved. I was able to make the call that [students] can wear white socks… This is big,” Sullivan said during the Jan. 27 meeting.

Alumnae, teachers, students, parents and the Catholic school

community are all constituents who would have stakes in this decision. A recent rebranding of the school included changing the athletic logo from an image of a Crusader on a horse to a shield with a Marian “M” on the front.

The only place the old logo can be seen in the school is on banners in the East Gym, on the glass in the serving line in the cafeteria and on old Marian apparel.

“We should be promoting acceptance and tolerance, which is the opposite of what the Crusades were. We need something that more accurately represents the Catholic viewpoint,“ Huerter said in a Young Politicians meeting on Jan. 13.

During this meeting, the club members discussed the issues they take with the current mascot, including how women are not commonly positively associated with the Crusades and how the Crusades can be seen as a damaging event in history. “[Crusaders] hurt people through the process. People were strongly affected by it. At an

all-girls school, that’s not what we support anyway. We support love and accepting people of all religions,” freshman and Young Politicians Club member Achay Kual said.

Another change this club is promoting is adding more to the theology curriculum about the Crusades and the Church’s teachings on them. “It’s important to know the history before you put it on a banner,” Dowd said. “We aren’t expecting a quick change…

This will be a gradual process.”

The student body is split on this issue, with 48 percent of students wanting to change the mascot and 52 percent content with the current mascot (in a poll of 256 of students).

Although many students wish to change the mascot, they do not all agree on what the mascot should be. Only 24 students out of the 122 students who support a change gave a specific suggestion of a possible new mascot, but the list of potential mascots ranges from Mitochondria to Mammoths and everywhere in between.

Among the students conflicted about the mascot is the mascot herself, senior Lauren Novacek.

“I’m not a fan of what [the Crusader] supports. It would be hard to change, since we’ve branded it for over 60 years. I think it is a crucial change for Marian,” Novacek said.

During the meeting on Jan. 27, Huerter, Dowd and Kemler cited schools that changed their mascots from the Crusaders to other mascots, which the most commonly selected mascot being the lions.

Although the club’s long-term goal is to potentially change the mascot to something other than the Crusader, “Our main goal is educating people on the reason behind this [want for] change,” Kemler said. “I think to make any change, before you propose new things, getting the conversation started is the most important thing.”

Any students who are interested in getting involved in Young Politicians Club are invited to an informational meeting (with donuts) in the West Gym on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 8 a.m. during late start.

(4) Opinion

The Network (January 2017)

Just girly things: Education

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hether they want to be radiologists, real-estate agents or receptionists, girls need to know — not just think, but really know, deep down — that nothing can stand in their way. All-girls’ schools send that message to young women every day.

Girls’ schools are a place where girls take center stage—and we think that’s just where they belong.

Some parents — and educators — think that all-girls’ schools create a falsely safe space, removing a girl from the influences of the opposite sex.

This unrealistic environment, they contend, may render her ill-prepared for co-ed life.

We disagree. Her world will continue to include boys and men — in extracurriculars, at home, on weekends and holidays. And,

finding her voice, collaborating on projects and excelling in academics will prepare her for a purposeful life.

In a single-sex school, a girl can comprehend her value and her capabilities in ways that have nothing to do with how she looks or whom she dates.

She can be free to experiment and explore, trying out new things and trying on new roles.

She can follow her ambitions

without wasting a second thought or a backward glance on how her male counterparts might perceive her.

By subtracting boys, an all-girls’ education adds opportunities.

At a girls’ school, a girl occupies every role: every club leader, every seat on the student government, every top-scorer on every exam and every position on every team.

Stereotypes are done away with — a girl can be a cheerleader and president of the science club.

Not only does she have a wealth

of avenues for self-exploration and development, she has a wealth of peer role models.

A lot of times, we see society trying to pit girls against each other.

At an all-girls’ school, there is an emphasis on working with other girls and forming relationships rather than competing against other girls.

Everyone truly wants everyone else to succeed and reach their full potential.

When you combine strong female mentors and positive role models, reduced sex stereotyping in curriculum and classroom, and abundant learning opportunities, the results are clear.

Simply put, all-girls’ schools teach young women that there is enormous potential and power in being a girl.

Your crash course for winter driving column by briannawessling

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hen it comes to car troubles, I’ve survived through my fair share of mini-tragedies.

Waking up on a Thursday morning and dragging yourself out of bed only to find that your car won’t start? I’ve been there.

Driving a tiny, two door car through heavy snow? I’ve been there.

Hit a pothole so hard your tire blows out? I’ve been there, and those things are killers.

After experiencing an ice storm that stopped traffic and gave us all an extra day off of school, many new drivers are left wondering what they should be doing to combat the cold whether. When I first started driving, it seemed like I could never get anything right when it came to my car. I had no real knowledge of how cars worked, and it seemed like I didn’t even know something could be a problem until it became one.

As much as this made my first winter of driving miserable, it was also the best way to learn.

The best thing to remember is that cars are not invincible to the cold weather. Going to get your car looked at before the streets are buried in snow and ice can save you from a lot of troubles down the line. Trust me, it’s way

better to be safe than sorry.

As far as driving in the snow and ice, take things slow. Wherever you’re going, getting there on time is not worth getting into an accident or ruining your car.

Give yourself extra time in the morning to scrape your windows and get to school safely. Keep more distance between your car and the car in front of you than you usually would. Slamming on your breaks to keep from hitting the car in front of you may work in the middle of July, but on ice, the outcome will likely not be the same.

If you do find yourself sliding, my dad has always told me that the best thing to do is to shift your car into a lower gear instead of relying on your breaks which will give you more control of the car.

Hitting your brakes while on ice only worsens the sliding.

Chances are you probably won’t be able to come to a full stop on the ice but you should be able to maintain control of your car as long as you don’t overcorrect.

No matter how comfortable you think you feel in the snow, stay alert. Even if you’ve taken the same road to school 99 times, the 100th could result in an accident.

The best way to stay safe is to be smart.

illustration by elliemulligan

Rock on with your socks on I t all began when I was young, my father liked to keep the house at a brisk 60 degrees no matter what the weather was outside. So hot you could cook raw meat on the sidewalk?

60 degrees.

Snowing so hard that everyone column by victoriaackermann forgets that the house produced. color green even I continued my sock exists? 60 degrees. In all kinds of weather, my lifestyle blissfully and house stayed a static 60 naively until freshman year of high school. degrees.

Now I knew that The constant temsince it was my first perature worked out year in the big leagues, fine in the summer I was going to learn months, but not so some pretty notewormuch in winter. thy life lessons. But I Socks kept my feet, which I would argue are never imagined to come across something so the souls of the body, astonishing. nice and cozy. They It was a Saturday gave me hope of a place and my best friend was where my breath was spending the night. not visible every time After a fun evening of I spoke, a place where chick-flicks and baked my dog was not forced goods, it took a sharp to wear a sweater due turn for the worse. to the frigidity my

We were preparing to go to bed when she suddenly took off her socks. Confused, I asked her if she was changing into a pair of fuzzy socks, or if she had simply gone mad.

She responded by saying the words that still ring through my mind today, “I don’t sleep with socks on,” I gasped and clutched my heart.

Unfortunately, I soon realized that a large majority of my friends also slept barefoot.

I decided that I would try the sock-less lifestyle for a night; however, it did not last long. The experiment ended within minutes when I could feel my feet turn an unforgiving blue from the briskness.

This confirmed my belief that wearing socks is the superior way to sleep at night.

With warm feet, I can conquer anything that comes my way.

The Network (January 2017)

Opinion (5)

Straightening out the facts: Living life with curly hair O Cost kay, shh. I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I don’t look good with bangs.

I was in second grade when I thought it would be fabulous idea to chop off just a little bit of my hair. I intended to be sneaky with it, but unfortunately, that’s not quite how this played out.

My mom took one look at me and immediately concluded that I must get bangs in order to compensate for the horrendous, impromptu haircut I decided to give myself, and let me tell you, it was quite the look. Like enough to put Thomas Jefferson’s wig to shame.

But this cutting edge (pun intended) idea didn’t just randomly come to me. I did it because I was told by two girls in the grade above me that they didn’t like my hair.

I’m not really sure why I thought giving myself some nice new fringe would be the solution, but the point is that I know I’m not alone in this, and I feel like this struggle should be addressed.

Curly hair is not seen as the typical beauty standard, therefore it’s a mystery to those who don’t have it.

I’ve gotten questions anywhere from “How long does it take to straighten?” (two hours, roughly) to “Is it a perm?” (...nope) to “If I put something in your hair,

would it just stay there all that my hair will randomly day?” (most likely) Or — my combust into flames, and I’ll personal favorite — “Is it so turn into Lavagirl 2.0. big because it’s full of seWant to put your suncrets?” (absolutely) My dear glasses on top of your head straight-haired friends, let during the summer? Nope. me set the record straight Don’t even try it. They WILL and give you the low-down get stuck, you WILL try on what having curly hair and fail to tug them out as is truly like, coming from a nonchalantly as possible, biracial girl. and if you’re Sophoanything more year like me, you was the WILL start first time wheezing in my life and trying where I to laugh off realized your awkhow unique ward atand awetempt to be some my cute. Any natural hair brush can truly is. I effectively column by morganhobbs mean, it transform can straight up defy gravity. me into the female doppelAnd do you know how much ganger of Hagrid within money I save on hair ties? a few seconds. I straight I’m telling you, life is good up laugh at any song that when you can braid your talks about running fingers hair and it just sits perfectly through a girl’s hair. If you still without any elastic. It’s want to do that with mine, obedient. good luck. It might take you My bank account also a minute. I’ll wait. thrives from not having to And speaking of fingers spend as much on shampoo. and hair, what makes people However, this money is then think they’re allowed to just used to buy roughly 20.4363 come up and touch mine? times the amount of condiLook, I get it. My hair looks tioner as the normal person. as fluffy as the unicorn from Also, that generic hotel “Despicable Me”, but I highshampoo — cute, but why? ly doubt you would go up to Whenever I’m in the sun for a lion and pet its mane; why a long time, I often worry is mine any different?

Many young girls that have anything other than straight or wavy hair will go through childhood feeling insecure about the hair they were born with. So many girls — this one included — grow up relying on their straighteners to make them appear prettier to those around them.

It reflects a broader issue in our society. We’ve been suffering from a lack of diversity from a long time, and when girls don’t have this kind of representation, it only leads to us wanting to look like what we see in the media.

Coming from someone who only had dolls with stick-straight hair, it’s refreshing and empowering to see things like Disney princesses emerging from all different races to new emojis taking different skin colors into account. It’s beautiful and only makes it clear to me just how much diversity needs to be celebrated.

So, for that reason, I challenge my fellow curly-haired girls to embrace the unique beauty that they have been blessed with.

At least embrace the fact that you can likely wash your hair even less than the average Marian student.

Seriously, that’s something to be proud of.

Curly v Straight Shampoo

$8 $14 Conditioner

the limit does not exist

$14

Hair Ties

useless**

$3**

*based on averages over six months, according to Network survey **we all end up losing them anyway graphic by morganhobbs

=

Maybe bad jobs are not all that bad ¯\_( ) )_/¯ I

Comparison*

t is a truth universally acknowledged that if you have a job in high school, it’s going to be treacherous. Maybe your boss is certifiably insane, or you get yelled at by customers on a frequent basis.

The fact of the matter is that everyone will have their very own “bad job” sooner or later.

My first job came around the summer after freshman year. Working at the local uniform store, things were pretty chill. I spent my days hemming skirts and folding polos.

But after sophomore year, I needed to start saving for college, so I took on another job. This was the worst--and I mean the worst--mistake of my life.

You know when you pick up the phone on an unknown number and they ask you to do a survey?

That was me, except instead of doing regular old telemarketing, I was asking exceptionally invasive questions about people’s health care.

This meant asking about their weight,

The Network Staff

income, marital status and more that I had no Because of this, I say bring on the bad jobs.

They teach you how to handle people who may business asking about.

The most intimidating part was when people not be in the mood to deal with you and make you even more grateful for your free time. would get offended; they wouldn’t just get annoyed, they would let out If you have a bad job, don’t be afraid their day’s frustrations to quit. Sometimes your sanity and happiness is more important than on me. making fat stacks.

I spent two-thirds of Plus, when a good job comes along, my time at that company practicing deep breathyou’ll be so relieved, it will seem like ing techniques while heaven.

Whether you’ve had your share of strangers from Montana bad jobs or you’re still waiting for it yelled in my ear about to come along, make sure to absorb whether or not they had ever used an e-cigarette. as much as you can from each of your Mull-ing it over work experiences. Who knows where After I worked up the with Ellie Mulligan each job will lead you? courage to quit, the sumSo go out--be a telemarketer, be a mer was smooth sailing.

It became a lot easier waitress, be a lifeguard, dogwalker, or to go to my other job, knowing that no matter whatever you can do to gain experience.

Even if it doesn’t work out for the best, what I was doing, nobody was screaming in my there’s always something to learn. ear for three hours a night.

The Network is a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A Catholic, North Central Accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of N.H.S.P.A. and the N.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. Opinions expressed on opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community. Students, faculty, and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. All letters must be typed, signed, and sent to this address: The Network, Marian High School, 7400 Military Ave., Omaha, NE 68134 Or emailed to us here: netpaper@omahamarian.org Or call us at 402-571-2618 x 1134 An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found here: mariandigitalnetwork.com

Follow us on Twitter @MHSbeat

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managing editors: carmenmiller & isabelleswanson copy editor: erinwalter photo editor: amaleapoulos graphics editor: sydneymonahan online editors: susanapettis & briannawessling front page editor: erinwalter news editors: amaleapoulos & sydneymonahan feature editors: emilydoll, susanapettis,

ellierommelfanger & briannawessling opinion editors: anahingorani & laurenmayer indepth editor: elliemulligan sports editors: morganhobbs & maddiemingo entertainment editors: emmaherold & nataliekemler photo essay editor: alliemorrissey social media queen: victoriaackermann reporter: kateschwaller adviser: marshakalkowski

(6) Feature

The Network ( January 2017)

Wi-Fi changes: All there is to know

sydneymonahan

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our years ago, Marian began developing a Wi-Fi. Some of these categories include adult to the Visitor Wi-Fi network, including perbetter technology-inclusive learning envicontent and social media. Marian does not have sonal laptops. There has been some frustration ronment. It started with issuing every student the resources to individually block or unblock with the lack of connectivity with the Visitor a Marian iPad. Over these four years, there certain sites. network.“I got a new Mac laptop for Christmas. have been “Students may come across a site I was excited to use it at school because it will bumps in the that they feel is school appropriate, be the device I use in college and I want to be road, major but has been blocked under the familiar with it. For the most part, the Visitor successes content filtering. Some words can Wi-Fi works for my laptop, but sometimes, and adjustbe blocked that have both inapat crucial times, the connectivity will be lost. ments made propriate and harmless meanings, Because of this, I get distracted or fall behind to the overall but it will all be blocked. Unfortuin class, it is very frustrating,” senior Sophie technology nately, this is a very hard situation Dineen said. program. where the administration wouldn’t “At this time, we are not allowing personal At the want to open these sites and risk devices to be on the MHS Wi-Fi. If there are beginning inappropriate content,” technology any problems with the Visitor network I enof 2017, a specialist Mrs. Jane Campbell said. courage students to stop by my office in Ethermajor change Some issues with this have haven to try and resolve the issue,” Deibler was made included sites that are necessary said. Overall, Marian is concerned for the safety New year, new Wi-Fi Mr. Billy Deibler, technology to the Wifor learning, but were blocked of the students and wants them to be protected specialist, checks the wires in the journalism room.

Fi systems at Changes were made to the Wi-Fi systems starting at under a category. “Some of my on the Marian Wi-Fi system.

Marian. The classmates have come across sites Over the course of second semester freshmen the beginning of the new year. sydneymonahan administration that they were using for research will be taking a Digital Citizen class instructed and technology specialists decided to change to that couldn’t be accessed because of the content by Mrs. Molly Raabe, assistant librarian. They a Federal E-Rate program to receive subsidized filtering. It seems to mostly be around creative will meet five times over the course of second technology infrastructure needs and reduce inand artistic topics that there have been issues,” semester to discuss topics such as ethical beternet costs. According to Technology Director freshman Ella Meis said. havior, the digital footMr. Billy Deiber, the main benefits of this pro“If a student comes across a I think it is import- print that is left, privacy gram are that Marian saves about 40 percent of site that she feels is necessary and the terms and use ant that the students the monthly internet costs and increases cyber for the learning environment policy. security for students. and has no need to be blocked, “I hope that through are always aware of The main problem that students have had the best thing to do is inform this course students have cyber safety and do with this new program is content filtering. her teacher of the issue,” a better understanding of Being a part of the Federal E-Rate program Deibler said. technology and how it can everything in their means that Marian has one year to comply As far as Pinterest goes, it be both harmful and usepower to protect to all of their regulations, one of these being should be unblocked in the ful. Technology is such a content filtering. This stipulation requires that upcoming weeks. “The initial powerful tool,” Raabe said. themselves.”

Marian must meet the requirements of the blocking of Pinterest was not Technology is new Mr. Billy Deibler and constantly updating.

Children’s Internet Protection Act. intentional, and we are working A board of Marian administration, the to get it unblocked under the Trying to have a technoloMarian technology team and experts from the Wi-Fi system,” Deibler said. gy-inclusive learning environment is important Federal E-Rate program decided what cateAnother concern with students was the reto the students and teachers at Marian because gories of sites needed to be blocked under the quirement that all personal devices be limited it is the future of learning.

“

Independent Research students explore the world through research laurenmayer

M

any enthralling classes are available write in APA,” Popp participated Marian girl to take in her four years. But said. Some also chose in this course one that is commonly overlooked is Indepentopics that related to first semester. dent Research. This rigorous course is taught themselves or people She studied the by social studies teacher, Mr. Tom Baker and they knew. This was “Potential Ethiphysics teacher, Mrs. Sharon Genoways. The the case with senior cal Concerns of teachers supervise and assist the students as Asia Rollins. Her topic Human Genetic they research the topic they choose more in was the “Psychological Engineering.” depth. At the end of each semester, the student Effects of Transracial “I’ve always presents their topic and what they’ve discovAdoption” and how it been interested ered. can alter a child’s racial in the medical Many students are nervous at the start of the identity. “I know quite field and babies, semester but by the end they present thema few people who are and I’ve always selves as confident and knowledgable. “I have transracially adopted. I heard the term Breaking free Katie Williams ’17 giving her research never had a student tell me that she regretted wanted to see if redesigner bapresentation over the Effects of Academic Redshirting on taking this course. It provides excellent prepasearch showed that this bies, but I really juvenile development. Photo courtesy of Janna Whited. ration for college courses and is very different type of adoption is in wanted to find from any ‘normal’ class,” Genoways said. the best interest of a child,” Rollins said. out what that meant and if this technology was The topics they choose are completely up to Once the student finds her topic, she reeven real,” Whited said. them, for instance senior Jenna Popp studsearches and selects the factors that she wants The term “designer babies” has been floating ied “How Medical Cannabis to be included in her final around, and she wanted to know more about I recommend Could Replace Current Medproduct. When Rollins got in it. She connected with experts on the topic and ications and Treatments for touch with the adoption exread their work in order to get a better undertaking this class.

People with Cancer, Epilepsy perts, they rated the factors standing of her topic. and Post-Traumatic Stress she chose to go along with In addition, when the class ends, the stuIt is very much a Disorder (PTSD)” because it is her topic. These included the dent’s research paper is officially published college course.” a controversial issue in today’s child’s environment, age, the which makes them stand out when applying society. adoptive parents perspective for college.

Jenna Popp ’17 She said her goal was to and the access the child has to Although this course may sound quite diffiopen other people’s minds on the many uses of interact with others from a similar origin. “I cult, the benefits make it all worth it. “Students marijuanna and go more in-depth on why it’s was surprised to see that all three of my exlearn a different style of research and writing, illegal in the first place. “I recommend taking perts rated my factors similarly. The results of they become totally responsible for their own this class. It is very much a college course. my questionnaire were surprising because all learning and project outcomes, learn presenWhatever you decide to research could potenthe experts came from different backgrounds,” tation skills and also learn how to properly/ tially be what you want to do in the future. You Rollins said. confidently speak to experts in various fields of will learn so much about research and how to Janna Whited was another senior who study,” Genoways said.

“

The Network (January 2017)

(7) Feature

Honors art students showcase their creative talents

Get to know me: Fine arts teachers question & answer sydneymonahan & ellierommelfanger

briannawessling

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y the time Sunday night rolls around, most Marian girls are rushing to finish whatever homework they’ve been putting off all weekend. For most, this means finishing up papers or trying to solve some last minute math problems. For the juniors and seniors in Honors Art III, this means spending hours trying to crank out “boxes.”

Honors Art III is no cake walk. The students in the class spend the first semester, and some of the second, working on a 17’ by 23’ inch, super-realistic self portrait. All of the pictures are taken by the students. The project is broken down by a huge grid, leaving the students with hundreds of boxes that are to be filled exactly as they look in the original image.

“The hardest part was making sure every little detail was perfect. It’s worth it in the end, but you spend three months of your life on it,” junior Elizabeth Brison said.

“I hated having to go box by box, because I like doing big

sketches all at one time. I had to make sure I was accurately drawing things,” senior Liz McKenzie said. “I spent 15 hours on it every Sunday for sure, but it’s definitely worth it. When I finished I was crying I was so happy.”

“The hardest part is not procrastinating,” junior Tyra Carstens said. “I probably spent about 15 hours a week on it.”

Despite the many hours of work, Huerter, Carstens, McKenzie and Brison all said they would recommend the class.

“My advice for people considering Honors Art III would be to do it!” senior Brooke Huerter said.

“You’re going to cry, but it’s okay,” Brison said.

Mr. Jeremy Cisco

Q: What is your favorite color and why?

A: My favorite color is red because it is so intense and can evoke strong emotions.

Q: How is Fern (your daughter)? Do you hope she follows in her parent’s footsteps and pursues a career in the arts?

A: She’s getting very tall, and she is so happy most of the time. To be completely honest, no, because she will be broke. We want her to be a very well-rounded, which will include some art, but we don’t want to limit her talents.

Mrs. Ashley Bauer

Q: What is your educational background, and how has it helped you?

A: I have a bachelor’s degree in studio art, so I technically just have an endorsement to teach. I think this has really helped me in the way that I’m not just a teacher who knows how to teach a skill, but I know the process behind the art and have experience with art in the real world.

Q: What would you tell a student who thinks they are bad at art/music?

A: Every artist was once an amateur.

Mr. Paul Niedbalski

Don’t say a word Claire Finken ’17 poses with her self portrait. “The experience was long and almost seemed like it would never end. And finishing it feels surreal, but also amazing,” Finken said. emilydoll

Q: What inspired you to become a music teacher?

A: In high school, everything I liked was teaching-centered. Finally, in college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney I got really involved with the marching band and music program. I eventually decided I didn’t really want to do music for a living, so I combined my high school teaching dreams and college love for music and became a music teacher.

Q: What is your favorite thing to teach in music?

A: I get jazzed about teaching, how air helps sounds and how body can influence these things. It is a concept that has drastically improved my own personal music abilities. I love passing that down to my students and seeing the difference it can make.

Ms. Lauren Morrissey

Can you see me? Emmanuela Ahianti ’18 shows off her self portrait. “I would have to admit that I didn’t expect it to be so stressful,” Ahianti said. emilydoll

Q: What advice would you give to high schoolers wanting to pursue the arts?

A: The arts are truly a magnificent way to do what you love and have an impact on the world. Even if my students choose another career path, I hope they never stop singing, making music and recognizing the beauty in the world.

Q: What would you tell a student who thinks she is bad at music? pth: in de el: A: Scienlev to next art in rning tu e a n tific studies g in alum v a li itted: comm everyday have proven t r a g Takin that every human has the capacity to learn how to sing. Just like any skill, if you practice and you want to learn, you can do it.

(8) in-depth

in-depth (9)

The Network (January 2017) page 7 art III: self portraits me: get to know &A Q r art teache

elliemulligan

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Four years of art show commitment, value in heart of senior

ome things, people do every day. We all wake up, brush our teeth, throw on our uniforms and drive to school. After four long years of doing these things every morning, they begin to feel like second nature.

For senior Courtney O’Brien, the same thing applies to art. From her first day as a freshman to her upcoming graduation, O’Brien will have taken a visual arts class every single day of her high school career.

Due to a scheduling error, the only class she will not have taken by the end of senior year is Pottery.

From the graphite self portrait in Honors Art III to the giant plaster letter “C”

in Sculpture, she has done it all--and in doing so, has learned a lot along the way.

“I realized you don’t have to be an amazing artist to learn new techniques and skills,” O’Brien said.

As of now, O’Brien has completed seven semesters of art. She has taken each of the Art classes as well as the sculpture course, currently open only to seniors.

Along the way, her obvious affinity to art has grown as well as her appreciation for the craft.

Her love for art wasn’t so obvious as a freshman, however. “I always liked art, so I knew that I wanted to do it throughout my time at Marian, but I never knew it would be this often,”

O’Brien said.

“I learned a lot,” O’Brien said. “Like how to appreciate art more… the most valuable thing I learned is probably that if you enjoy doing something, you should take the time out of your day to do it and try your hardest at it no matter the outcome or the grade.”

O’Brien’s love for art has grown throughout the years as she’s progressed through the valuable art classes that Marian has to offer.

To any underclassmen considering taking the same route as Courtney, she has some sage advice: “If you like art, keep doing it... I’m so grateful that I made time for art in high school.”

Next level: Alumnae contribute to Omaha arts community kateschwaller

A

ccording to the Advancement Office, there are 143 Marian graduates making a career in various art fields. One of these is Maureen Beat, who graduated from Marian in 1980.

After Marian, she went to the University of Nebraska in Omaha, and there, earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree. She opened her studio, Art Expressions, in Omaha in 1989.

She likes to draw inspiration for her art from Omaha landmarks. Her works include the banners around Marian with our core values on them, pictured at the right. Today, these banners serve not only as reminders of Marian’s core values, but of their impact on the

students whose talents they cultivate.

Abby Birkel graduated from Marian in 2016.

She is studying in an undergraduate art program at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Like Maureen, she hopes to make a career out of art. “I like doing an impressionist style of painting the most, but I’m not sure what I’ll do after graduation because the commissions I get are all kinds of different things,” Birkel said.

Above & beyond:

Art involvement outside of Marian erinwalter

next level:

page 7

alumnae wh o turn art into a livin g

art III: self portraits me: get to know &A art teacher Q

page 10

sing o opera in ut: Omaha kent be llows: caroline drew

Photos courtesy of Courtney O’Brien.

yond:

above & be

ent art involvem outside of Marian

Here at Marian, art is all around us. Whether you take a class outside of school or just enjoy glancing at the graphite portraits in the hallways, read up on this month’s in-depth spread to get up to date on all things art at Marian!

committed:

what it’s like to take art every day for four years

art in the re al world:

a review of th e Joslyn

Looking back Courtney’s reflection on her 4 years of art brings a sense of nostalgia. “As I’ve gotten older and closer and closer to college, I’ve realized that my time for art is slowly decreasing,”O’Brien said. photo illustration by elliemulligan

Art in the real world: A review of the Joslyn am instantly at peace when I enter the massive marble building and see the wild-colored blown glass sculpture above me at the Joslyn Art Museum. Located on 24th and Dodge Street, the Joslyn Art Museum welcomes Omaha residents and visitors with its distinct building and sprawling sculpture gardens.The Joslyn Art Museum has been an important part of Omaha since it opened in 1931. Admission to the permanent exhibits has been free since 2013, and a ticket to the temporary exhibit is free to students as well.

I remember attending summer art classes at the Joslyn when I was young, and eagerly suggesting to my family that we visit as often as possible. The Joslyn has continuously offered fulfilling programs and classes for children and teens.

I am always thrilled when a new exhibit is on display, but I make time for the permanent piec-

es — my favorite being the modern and contemporary art collections.

The museum staff is extremely helpful and eager to answer questions about the artwork and the museum itself, which does an exceptional job of leading visitors through various periods and mediums of art fluidly. A map distinguishes the variety of art that is displayed in each gallery.

The Joslyn has acquired works from wellknown artists like Matisse, Monet, Degas, Rembrandt and Pollock. Art from different time periods, mediums and styles can all be observed and appreciated in one place.

Art Works, a new addition to the museum, offers various interactive possibilities for all ages to draw on their creativity and be involved in art. Art Works includes both digital and physical forms of art that allow visitors to discover their imagination in many hands-on ways. Art Works

can be enjoyable for any age — artist or not.

On a nice day, the sculpture gardens are the perfect place to wander around. The Joslyn’s sizeable campus includes the Discovery Garden and the Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden, as well as other sculptures along the property.

The Joslyn’s website states that the average time visitors spend at the museum is three to four hours. The museum is easily laid out for visitors to be able to spend as much time as they would like. I recommend finishing your visit by walking around the sculpture gardens. The Joslyn Art Museum is a memorable experience both for Omahans and visitors from out of town alike.

A trip to Omaha isn’t complete without stopping at the Joslyn. The current exhibition, Zen Tales: The Art of Jon J. Muth, will be on display until April 16.

“

I am free to create my own genre of art.”

She’s got skills Abigail Reynolds ’20 works primarily on portraits, showing her skill for transferring realistic scenes on to paper via pencil. Just a few of these works include renderings of Malala Yousafzai, outspoken feminist advocate, marble statues and a smiling baby. Her obvious talent and love for the art are showcased through the pictures below. elliemulligan

nataliekemler

I

I

t’s no secret that Marian students are serves as a mentor to her students and incredibly talented when it comes to gives them tips and tricks during class. the fine arts. With six visual art courses “This art class is an opportunity for me offered, there is no shortage of creativity to actually learn and practice the skills that within these walls.

I want to focus on. I am free to create my It doesn’t stop there, though. Some Mar- own genre of art,” Bettger said. ian students opt for a more low-key way to Both Reynolds and Bettger also take art express themselves--one where they won’t classes at Marian. Just like their class at get a grade for their creations: art classes Plog’s house, art at Marian has only deepoutside of Marian. ened their appreciation for making art and Freshman Abigail Reynexpressing their creativity. olds and sophomore Ava Bet“Art I has been great so far; tger take art classes at their I absolutely love it. I think family friend Debbie Plog’s we spend plenty of time on house. Plog hosts art sessions introduced concepts and, every month, providing her so far, we’ve covered a lot of students with whatever they material,” Reynolds said.

Ava Bettger ’19 need to make art: paint, pasBettger took Art I her tels, colored pencils, graphite, freshman year and is cursculpting gel and, of course, a rently enrolled in Art II. “I relaxed, stress-free environment. am planning to make it all the way to Art “Art class at Debbie’s is just a time for IV because in the future, I want to have me to socialize or listen to music. It creates some sort major in the art field,” Bettger a time when I don’t have to worry about said. “I love that the projects in Art II are wasting time or doing other homework long-term and a little more challenging.” because Debbie always gives us something Between art class every day at school to do,” Reynolds said. and a few times a month at Debbie Plog’s Plog’s class isn’t like a traditional art house, there is no end to the creativity and class where the teacher assigns one project knowledge shared between Reynolds and for the entire class to complete — students Bettger. “Art keeps me mentally healthy are free to create whatever they want, and gives me break from the normal stuff whenever they want, however they want. in my day,” Reynolds said. “I hope to never There are no rules and no deadlines. Plog stop making art.”

Photos courtesy of Abigail Reynolds

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Stained glass In addition to its temporary exhibits, the Joslyn boasts many beautiful permanent installations, such as this glass piece, entitled “Inside & Out” by Dale Chihuly. nataliekemler

t: sing ou ha a in Om opera : ellows kent b e drew carolin

(10) Feature

The Network (January 2017)

SWC volunteers critiqued by opera star emilydoll

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eady, set, sing! Marian’s Select Women’s Choir received a treat on Wednesday, Jan. 11 when three members had the opportunity to sing in front of their peers and be critiqued by Deanna Breiwick, an Opera Omaha performer and Juilliard graduate.

According to information provided by Opera Omaha, Breiwick is “a 2011 Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Finalist, a 2012 Grand Prize Winner of the Sullivan Foundation Vocal Competition and a First Prize Winner of the Gerda Lissner Foundation Vocal Competition.”

Seniors Juliet Kolterman and Elise Langenfeld and junior Megan Doehner each sang a solo in Marian’s Performing Arts Center as their peers and the Select Women’s Choir teacher, Ms. Lauren Morrissey, watched on. The three students selected to be critiqued prepared for their performances by practicing their pieces with the Select Women’s Choir’s accompanist, Mr. Tim DiBlasi.

The critiques went on for an hour, which included the three girls’ performances, an exclusive performance from Breiwick herself and time for Breiwick to answer questions asked by choir members.

The first student to perform was Kolterman, who sang “Come raggio di sol” by Antonio Caldara.

“I practiced by practicing with my

voice teacher and singing along with a couple YouTube videos,” Kolterman said. “[Breiwick] helped me by suggesting that I breathe with my whole torso, like in the back of my ribs, as well as my diaphragm.”

Next, Langenfeld sang “O mio babbino caro” by Puccini. Langenfeld sang this Italian aria while Breiwick instructed her throughout her performance. “[Breiwick] really helped me with breath control and phrasing. I found it interesting that she said our nasal cavities are like a cathedral in our heads that resonate the sound,” Langenfeld said.

Doehner followed with “Sure on this Shining Night” by Samuel Barber. “I really liked how [Breiwick] helped us. It was like she knew exactly what was going on in my body and helped me harness my sound to reach its full potential. Working with her really made me realize that anyone can sing like that, it just takes a good teacher and a ton of practice. She helped me grow as a musician, and I feel a lot more confident in how I sing,” Doehner said.

During the students’ critiques, Breiwick taught them new strategies to enhance their performances. Some of these techniques included expanding one’s rib cage when breathing, firmly placing one’s feet on the ground and

swaying to keep one’s air flow consistent. While using Breiwick’s advice, the three students sang their pieces again to see the difference in their performances.

“Some of her teaching strategies were a little foreign to me. To

Shining star sings “Sure on this Shining Night” Megan Doehner ’18 listens to

Opera Omaha star Deanna Breiwick’s advice regarding her performance. emilydoll

get me to loosen up and move my air around, she held my sides and shook me back and forth while I sang. It was a little out of my comfort zone, but it was cool to experiment with new ways to shape my sound,” Doehner said.

Using rib cages and funny bones

Deanna Breiwick laughs with Juliet Kolterman ’17 while she critiques her performance. emilydoll

Direction and projection Deanna Breiwick helps Elise Langenfeld ’17 demonstrate different singing techniques throughout her performance. emilydoll

Caroline Drew draws on artistic inspiration carmenmiller

M

arian is jam-packed full of talent, from painters to mathematical geniuses, and everything in between. Most people can look at a girl and instantly associate her with what she is great at, however one girl in particular is often overlooked.

Never to be seen without a choker or a smile, sophomore Caroline Drew carries an unmatched ethos that is hard to put a finger on.

She is soft-spoken, but she speaks with a profound confidence and wisdom that one does not come across often.

Most people know very little about how successful Drew is outside of the classroom, and she rarely talks about it herself due to her humble nature.

Drew is part of the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program, which is arguably the most prestigious art program that Omaha has to offer for teenagers.

Founded in 2007 and located at the Joslyn Art

Museum, Kent Bellows songs, practice and offers seven programs, record their music. ranging from clay media “My favorite part to urban art. about Kent Bellows Acceptance to these is getting to meet, programs is extremely collaborate with and competitive, and Drew learn from other has been part of the creative teens and music program for three adults,” Drew said. semesters.

They have salons “I originally applied to exhibit their art; because I wanted to the most recent one advance in my music was held on Dec. education and over8, and Drew had come my insecurities the opportunity to about putting my music perform two of her out there,” Drew said. original songs in Salon star Caroline Drew ’19 performing The application process one of her original songs at the salon on it. The next salon typically starts with an will be held this Dec. 8. Her favorite song that she has writonline application. If the ten is titled “Death in the Carpool Parking upcoming spring. committee sees potential This program Lot.” Photo courtesy of Kent Bellows Music in the application, the has not only person is then brought in Program. helped Drew for an interview. improve in her arget in,” Drew said.

In order to claim her tistic abilities, but she has “After each semester, spot, Drew submitted some also had a profound effect you are brought in for furof her visual art, played a on the other students in ther evaluation to see if you Kent Bellows. song for them and showed them her YouTube channel. will continue on to the next “The wildest thing about semester.”

There are four She then waited two weeks Caroline is that I feel like other people in the music for her letter to come in. nobody knows exactly what program with Drew, and “Roughly 50 to 60 peoshe’s capable of, and every together they bounce ideas ple apply each semester, time I hear her I think off of each other, write and about 10 to 12 actually about how she should be

one of those child prodigies that goes on Ellen and blows everyone away,” fellow Kent Bellows student and Skutt Catholic senior Reneé Mergens said.

“I always assumed that she was my age and finding out that she was only 15 made me push myself harder because she was already so talented at such a young age. I had to keep up.”

Even within her Marian community, Drew has made a lasting impression on her classmates. “She’s absolutely fantastic. I’ve heard her sing before and she blows me away every time,” sophomore Natalie Gordon-Nash said.

For students considering applying for Kent Bellows or pursuing their passion for music, Drew has one piece of advice to offer up.

“Music, for me, is my passion. It’s what I really love, and if that’s what music is to you then do it as much as you can and try to make it a habit,” Drew said.

The Network (January 2017)

(11) Feature

Volunteer opportunities Sister Suzanne helps staff members HANDle their stress, frustrations around Omaha O G anahingorani

ellierommelfanger

iving back to the community has always been important, but with the recent changes to the application process of Campus Ministry positions, it is even more crucial that Marian girls stay active in the community. Here are a few volunteer oppportunities around Omaha to get involved with! For links to the following websites and even more opportunities, visit our online edition at www.mariandigitalnetwork.com.

Where: Nebraska Humane Society What: Walking and caring for dogs and the other animals, helping with the adoption process Minimum age: 17 Commitment: 8 hours a month, at least 6 months, must complete orientation/training “My favorite part is the dogs because I love dogs and this is a way to be around dogs and without having the responsibility of owning a dog,” Beth Rouse ’17 said.

Where: Methodist Women’s Hospital What: Delivering newspapers, talking with parents, restocking medicine cabinets, cleaning charts, working the gift shop Minimum age: 14 Commitment: Minimum of twice a week for 2-3 hours “One of my favorite parts would have to be having the opportunity to use my talents to help people and bring smiles to their faces!” Carolyn Griffin ’19 said.

Where: Ollie Webb Center, Inc. What: “Just Friends Progam,” hanging out and being friends with someone with a developmental disability Minimum age: 13 Commitment: Call once a week, hang out with your friend twice a month “My favorite part about volunteering there is getting to know my buddy, Mary Claire. She is very kind and happy,” Olivia Sullivan ’20 said.

Where: Youth Emergency Services What: Assisting with childcare, working at the thrift shop, being a mentor Minimum age: 14 Commitment: Depends on the volunteer job “I love volunteering there because I get a good feeling when I am done, I actually feel as though I am helping the community,” Maddie Wiedenfeld ’18 said.

nce a month, zanne is at Marian. rotating mornOne of which is Mrs. ings and afternoons, Judy Turnquist, a mystery woman Marian’s secretary. virtually unknown Although the last to students comes time Sister Suzanne to Marian to give was at Marian was teachers hand masthe first time Turnsages for a couple of quist had received a hours. This talented hand massage, she woman is Sister had plenty to say.

Suzanne Vanden“It’s so relaxing to heede, a Servant of sit and visit with Mary since 1952.

Destressing before finals Sister Suzanne Sister Suzanne. I Sister Suzanne love how she looks Vandenheede massages the hand of Ms. originally worked Ronda Motykowski, Dean of Student Af- in your eyes and at Immanuel as a listens to you so well. fairs, the week before finals.anahingorani chaplain, where she I always feel special acquired her hand when I sit down in her coming to Marian to give massaging skills. “The chair,” Turnquist said. hand massages to teachhand massages were for Sister Suzanne is ers. the nurses who tended equally as happy to be at “I’m pretty busy for to the patients,” SisMarian as Marian is to the two hours I’m here! ter Suzanne said. “We have her here. “My faI really enjoy doing it had a room where we vorite part about coming [hand massaging] becould dim the lights to Marian to give hand cause they [teachers] and put on some music, massages is the converlike it so much. I wish I and we always had cook- could offer it to students sation I get to enjoy with ies and herbal tea for the community,” Sister as well, but there are so them.”

Suzanne said. “It amazes many of them!” Sister Per the request of me how much everyone Suzanne said. former Head of School likes it! I plan on doing Many teachers come Elizabeth Kish in 2005, to the teacher workroom hand massages at MariSister Suzanne started an for as long as I can!” on the days Sister Su-

Getting to know Sister Suzanne

Q: What’s one unique fact about you?

A: I’m the middle child of seven children! I have two older brothers, one older sister, two younger brothers, and one younger sister.

Q: What’s your all time favorite song?

A: “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Frank Sinatra Q: What do you like to do in your free time? A: Read. I love the author Rachel Naomi Ramen. My all-time favorite book is “My Grandfather’s Blessings” by Rachel Naomi Ramen.

Q: What are you most excited for in 2017?

A: The Pope is coming back to our country! We Sister Suzanne Vandenheede don’t know when, but I’m excited!

Q: Marinara or Alfredo sauce? A: Marinara.

Q: Favorite actor? A: John Wayne and Gary Cooper.

Not all heroes wear capes, some only have keyboards, motivation morganhobbs

“D

oes anyone have a Quizlet for the test today?”

It’s a common question many Marian girls have grown accustomed to either hearing or asking.

Ever since the decision was made to implement the 1-to-1 iPad Initiative in 2013, students have grown into using technology to enhance their learning environment.

Through electronic editions of books, websites and apps, the iPad has helped to shape the way girls learn. Arguably one of the most commonly used apps takes center stage in conversations about tests: Quizlet.

As stated by the app’s website, “Quizlet is a place where everyone can share knowledge in any subject, at any level and gain confidence as a learner.” It’s an application that works basically

as an electronic flash card system, which makes it a very useful study tool for students. As the amount of Quizlet users has increased at Marian, girls have figured out who the most reliable Quizlet creators are in their grade.

Lnova32. Kyliechampion. Lauratooley1. Maggie8399. Otherwise known as senior Lauren Novacek, junior Kylie Champion, sophomore Laura Tooley and freshman Maggie Timmerman.

These four girls have been named Quizlet royalty of Marian, based on 277 student responses from the January Network survey.

A Quizlet queen requires ambition, dedication, time and a heartwarming desire to help out fellow classmates.

“I’m all about helping people in anyway I can,” Novacek said.

“As seniors, we are so busy and so stressed that I like to just assist everyone a little bit. Seeing them happier makes me happier.”

“After I realized that other people were using my Quizlets, I saw how helpful they were to my classmates and how grateful they were to have them,” Champion said.

Making Quizlets can be time-consuming, but these girls know their time is well-appreciated by classmates.

“Whenever I get impatient or annoyed with making Quizlets, I remember the other people who may be depending on them and I get the job done,” Champion said.

For some, it can even be an enjoyable experience. “I like making them. It helps me remember the facts better by typing them all in,” Timmerman said.

Once the motivation is found and the study set is made, some people might feel the need to make their Quizlet private. Doing this ensures that study sets are only visible to the user. Because so much effort and time is put into making Quizlets, sometimes users will feel that they shouldn’t share their sets. A Quizlet queen, however, is generous with her study sets.

She has the compassion to keep them visible to share with fellow classmates.

“I share my Quizlets with others because we are all on the same team trying to get good grades, and I think it’s important for everyone to get to use them,” Tooley said.

“You can mark my words: never will I ever make a Quizlet private,” Novacek said.

The Network (January 2017)

(12) Sports

Students jazz up New Year’s resolutions alliemorrissey

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inter: the time where the weather gets 10 times colder and your cozy bed gets 10 times cozier. Peeling one’s eyes open when the alarm clock blares in the morning is as difficult as it can get in these bitter cold months, and the thought of adding a workout to one’s morning routine is enough for even the relentlessly dedicated fitness girls to roll back over in bed and pull the covers over their faces.

According to healthguidance. org, 58.9 percent of American adolescents (5th through 12th graders) engage in the appropriate amount of physical activity per year, but that value is nearly cut in half during the winter months.

Marian girls were able to support this evidence. Based off a Network google survey 274 girls completed, 61.6 percent of girls stated that they exercised regularly. Nebraska’s brutal winter has an effect on one’s motivation to exercise, though, and 67.9 percent of girls admitted to experiencing this.

Many girls contributed their lack of motivation to laziness and food, but the overwhelming majority attributed it to the cold weather.

Junior Emilee Braun works out a few times a week and blames the freezing weather for her lack of motivation to workout in the winter.

“I like to run outside when I get up in the morning, but it is so cold in the winter. I can barely stand walking up the [soph lot] hill at Marian, so there’s no way I can run outside,” Braun said.

The only hope of getting many teenagers out of bed to workout in the winter is New Year’s resolutions. Student Success Coordinator, Mrs. Jennifer Christen, teach-

es Jazzercise and notices a major increase in attendance immediately after the New Year. The surge typically lasts until mid-February, but then classes return to their typical 15-person class size.

Freshman Meredith Mueller is adamant about working out and typically exercises five to seven days a week, but like many others, finds it difficult to workout in the winter because of the weather.

“This year I have a New Year’s resolution that has to do with living a healthy lifestyle and working out. It helps to hold me accountable because I’m always thinking about eating healthy and doing more in the back of my head,” Mueller said.

Christen agrees that motivating

yourself to workout in the winter is difficult, but like many others who exercise regularly, she preaches that staying active is the best way to get yourself to work out.

“Exercise is huge on your mood.

It helps release those endorphins which are extremely valuable.

Even when you have no motivation to work out, working out is exactly what is going to make you feel better,” Christen said.

Jazzercise’s corporate headquarters in California have realized it is a necessity to get teenage girls to start working on establishing healthy life habits. They have created a program that many Omaha Jazzercise studios are participating in known as Girl Force.

Participating studios are offer-

ing free classes for all girls ages 16-21 for the entire year of 2017 in an effort to show young girls that Jazzercise isn’t just for moms, and working out is not only good for us, but can be fun too. “It’s about more than just working for your summer body,” Christen said, “it’s about working to create a healthy lifestyle.”

Jazzercise may not be for everyone, and there is a multitude of other fun workout programs in Omaha or even from the comfort of one’s bedroom. Fitness Blender is a website that provides its supporters with hundreds of free, full-length workout videos ranging from pilates to intense cardio.

Each video includes step-bystep instructions and quick facts about the specific workout you’ll be completing, such as the amount of calories burned, what muscle groups are being targeted, level of difficulty on a scale of one to five, and time duration. At the end of each video, Fitness Blender suggests other videos to pair with the workout you just completed and works on making your profile specific to your personal fitness preferences.

“I really enjoy exercises that focus on my core and legs, along with weight lifting. Because it’s cold outside, I do like doing online workouts in my basement. Then I don’t have to leave my house, but I’m still working on getting in shape,” Mueller said.

No matter what your personal workout preference is, countless programs are available to accommodate your specific style. Learning to live a healthy lifestyle is essential to living a long life filled with happiness and is achievable through any type of workout.

sional sports. Many athletes at the lower level receive concussions ranging from minor to severe.

Senior Madeline Shaffer has received three concussions during her athletic career of playing both basketball and soccer.

“When I got my second concussion at the Ralston Arena during a basketball game, my vision was all blurry, and I don’t really remember much of what happened besides the film from the game,” Shaffer said.

Distorted vision and memory loss are only a few of the many symptoms concussions cause. “There are many symptoms of a concussion ranging from physical, mental, social and emotional. Obvious symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, noise sensitivity, becoming more emotional, isolation, balance troubles and

sleep pattern disruption,” Brusnahan said.

Marian agrees with the effort needed to identify concussions to allow athletes to recover as soon as possible through implementing concussion baseline testing. Athletes of sports ranging from higher contact, basketball and soccer, to lower contact, golf and swimming, are to take the computer-based program at the beginning of each season. In the circumstance of a concussion occurring, an athlete is required to retake the test to determine whether her brain is healed enough before returning to playing in their respective sport.

While concussions can be detrimental to an individual’s mental

health, trainers and professionals are trying the best they can to assist injured athletes in the recovery process. “Overall, the best way to recover is rest, both physical and mental,” Brusnahan said.

“You don’t really do a whole lot besides rest and stay away from electronics and light, then just work back into activities and try to decrease the headaches,” Shaffer said, recounting her recovery experience.

With concussions becoming a prominent topic of worry, it is expected that more steps will be taken towards preventing them.

For now, athletes try to stay careful in order to avoid an injury that directly affects their brain.

“I’m just super cautious when I play basketball and soccer, and try to protect my head as much as possible,” Shaffer said.

The movement to assist athletes receiving concussions grows stronger every day with baseline testing and rulings that provide financial support.

Push it to the limit Juniors Megan Rutten, Emma Roth, Allison Martin and Mali Seran braved the snow and sweated their stress out after school at Jazzercise together. The group got a full-body workout complete with cardio and strength training all for free thanks to Girl Force. Visit www.jazzercise.com for more information as well as class times and locations. alliemorrissey

National Football League concussion ruling begins discussion victoriaackermann

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or years, athletes have put themselves in harm’s way by exposing themselves to injuries.

Arguably the most controversial and perhaps most long-term injuries are concussions. “A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury,” Marian Athletic Trainer Melissa Brusnahan said. Many athletic organizations, such as the National Football League (NFL), are trying to create regulations that prevent the cause of concussions.

The NFL has agreed to a new settlement, put into place on Jan. 7, which states that they will compensate around 20,000 ex-players who received brain damage while playing professional football. The settlement, according to NPR, is estimated to cost the league $1 billion over 65 years. Former players claim that the NFL did not properly acknowledge what they knew about the link between playing football and various brain diseases, nor did they make any adequate actions to prevent them.

Concussions go beyond profes-

The Network (January 2017)

Sports (13)

Basketball team brings school together to start new tradition briannawessling

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etween Surprise Day, Field Day and Gnimocemoh, Marian has a slew of unique traditions. This year, Marian’s basketball team is trying to start another one.

To show their support for those suffering from cancer, Marian’s basketball team started selling t-shirts in different colors representing different kinds of cancer.

The proceeds all go towards The American Cancer Society and the team will be wearing their shirts during their game against Millard North on Jan. 31. In total, the team sold 68 shirts.

“If you watch different high school and college sports teams, a lot of them have ‘pink out’ or ‘dig pink’ games for volleyball to support cancer research. We wanted to start a new tradition like that at Marian,” basketball coach Mr. Kent Bray said. “I want it to be the seniors on the team’s project, so moving forward I hope they really take charge of it.”

Many of the seniors are excited to show their support at the game.

colored t-shirts. I am excited to “I am very excited to play with my team and be able to be compet- see the different colors represented itive but still have fun. I’m excited and how we all come together to for the turn out because we’ve nev- support a common cause,” senior Megan Anderson said. er done this before,” senior Lexi Next year, Bray hopes that the Riley said.

“I’m most excited to see all of juniors take on the project as their the varsity basketball team wearown.

“I think taking on the Color of ing their respective color of shirts during warm-ups because I think it Hope project is a nice responsibility I would will be an very much awesome sight,” like to take on senior next year Brenna because it Morris said. means a lot to me “I am and othexcited ers in the to see all of the school. students, I think almost fans, everyfaculty, one has and parents at someone the game Come together Marian’s JV basketball team com- they know petes against Millard West on Jan. 9. The team will or love going wearing be sporting their Color of Hope shirts at the varsity through different game on Jan. 31. Photo courtesy of Anna Nulty.

cancer, and I think spreading the awareness and raising money for the American Cancer Society is a big thing to be in charge of,” junior Emma Raabe said.

“What’s interesting is that everyone has their own reason for wearing the shirts, because everyone’s been affected,” Bray said.

“I chose kelly green because my uncle passed away this past summer from liver cancer, and that’s the color for that type of cancer,” Riley said.

“My entire family bought a shirt in the same color [neon green] to support my grandma who is a survivor of lymphoma. We will all wear them in support of her,” Anderson said.

Though every student who ordered a shirt has their own story and reason, this is a project that brings all of those stories together to support a common cause. Be sure to come out to watch the basketball team play in their shirts on Saturday Jan. 31 to support Marian and all of those battling cancer!

Marian graduates learn lifelong lessons through collegiate sports

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Photo courtesy of Kenzie Meola.

rom Division titles to lasting friendships, Marian alumni have found success on and off the field.

Kenzie Meola’16 was named Big East Freshman of the Week in September for soccer, Nicole Liske ’13 has placed in several Division I conference track meets and softball player Shannon Daly ’12 was named an NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) All-American Scholar Athlete.

Volleyball player Brittany Witt ‘16 led the Big East in total digs this fall while helping her team to reach its first-ever NCAA Tournament Regional Final.

“Playing soccer in college has to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Meola said after finishing her first collegiate soccer season.

“I have made amazing friendships through the Creighton Women’s soccer team, and this past season I was lucky enough to be able to earn a spot on the starting lineup.

It really made all my hard work worth it.”

Liske ’13 has had similar success through her sport. With personal bests in the 60 meter dash, 100 meter dash, long jump and 4x100 meter relay, Liske has dedicated Nicole Liske ’13 many long hours and hard work to her sport.

“College athletics has humbled me,” Liske said. “In high school, I could get away with not doing a full warm-up or prep and still win my event. In college, if I don’t devote even the minimum time needed to warm-up, I find myself starting out at the bottom and having to work Photo courtesy my way up throughout my event.

I’ve learned I must match or exceed of Nicole the ambition and preparation of my Liske. competition to perform well, whether that is by being confident in myself or taking extra time to get warm and work out the kinks in my technique.”

Witt ’16 also experienced significant differences between high school and collegiate sports.

“The most difficult thing to adjust

“

to was learning how to be confident again. Walking in as a freshman to a level of play that I’ve never experienced before was intimidating. Being able to be confident in myself within the first couple weeks helped me become the player that I was able to be this season.”

Witt’s contributions certainly helped her Creighton volleyball team this fall. The school tied its school-record of 29 wins, had their best finish ever in program history, and was the first team from the Big East to go 18-0 in conference play. Witt’s success at libero played a factor in that.

Daly ’12 is another alumna who played a big role in her team’s success. Daly recently finished her collegiate softball career at the University of Sioux Falls, where, in addition to being an All-American Scholar, she was also named to the NSIC All-Conference Second Team, All-Central Region Division II First Team and NFCA Division II All-American Third Team. She returned to Marian this year as a coach to share her knowledge. She coaches the junior varsity softball team and assists with the varsity squad as well. Not only is she helping the team by sharing her own advice from her playing career, but she is also using her degree in physical therapy to assist the teams in making sure they remain at peak physical condition.

“I wanted to return to coach at Marian because I’ve always loved to coach and to teach, and what better place to do that at than the school that helped me better myself?” Daly said. “Marian helped shape me into the person I want to be and I wanted to give back and help young girls have that same opportunity.”

The Marian experience has changed the life of these athletes and many more. For a behind the scenes Photo look at the full interviews from these courtesy of student-athletes, visit the online Net- Shannon Daly. work at mariandigitalnetwork.com.

I’ve learned I must match or exceed the ambition and preparation of my competition to perform well, whether that is by being confident in myself or taking extra time to get warm and work out the kinks in my technique.”

Photo courtesy of Brittany Witt.

morganhobbs & maddiemingo

(14) Entertainment

The Network (January 2017)

Momentum’s ‘journey’ through a busy season

emmaherold

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omentum, Marian’s show choir, has a busy season ahead of them. The choir has been rehearsing every Monday and Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. since early August, according to Momentum member Emily Doll. The elected Momentum officers this year are seniors Sarah McMeen and Cora Ridenour, and junior Megan Doehner. With several more girls this year, the group has 26 members from all grades with various show choir, vocal and dance backgrounds.

While many schools treat show choir as an academic class with daily rehearsal and a grade, Marian’s is extracurricular and takes place outside of school hours.

“The show this year has the

theme of ‘Journeys’ (as in ‘a journey,’ not the band Journey!)

With this being Momentum’s second season, it’s a good fit to reflect on the beginnings of the group, the growth that has happened throughout the season, and where we still have to go in future years as the group continues,” show choir director Ms. Lauren Morrissey said.

Accompanist Mr. Tim DiBlasi and choreographer Melanie Walters also deserve recognition for their hard work behind the scenes.

The girls are very excited about their three-part, blue and white costumes.

“We end our show with a song from ‘Hairspray,’” senior Momentum officer Sarah McMeen said. “It’s an awesome

finale and we’re really excited for the season.”

Between the end of January and beginning of March, there will be four competitions. A Preview Night performance was on Jan. 23 in the PAC auditorium. The girls performed “On My Way,” “Route 66,” “Roads,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Come So Far.” “I like ‘Roads’ because it is so empowering, but I also like ‘Come So Far’ because I feel that’s the song everyone really gets into,” senior Momentum officer Cora Ridenour said.

Auditions for the 2017-2018 show choir will be May 8-11.

See October issue for more information on Momentum fundraising.

I gave up texting and social media for a week and this is what happened victoriaackermann

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t pains me to say, but I am almost fully convinced that I am addicted to my phone. In any circumstance, I feel a temptation to pull it out and refresh Twitter 90 times in one minute, just hoping that new material will magically appear. In times of boredom, I resort to texting friends and losing a game or 10 of 8-ball Pool.

So in hopes of decreasing the necessity to have my brain constantly focus on a fancy rectangle, I gave up social media and texting for a week.

This does not include email and calling, because I have a mother who still wants to know what I’m doing at all times of the day. The following is the log of my carpal tunnel-reducing journey towards technology deprivation:

Daily log

Day 1: • 7 a.m.: I woke up and instead of scrolling through Twitter or checking Instagram to begin my day, I thoroughly checked the weather app, there’s a 90 percent chance of precipitation in Appleton, WI today, how exciting.

• 7:07 p.m.: I received a text from a friend saying that me giving up texting for a week will “aggravate” them. It’s the support I love the most.

DAY 2: • 6 a.m.: I woke up early and couldn’t go back to sleep, so I had no choice but to play Angry Birds for an hour.

• 10:31 p.m.: I’m going to bed with my phone at 80 percent, which is a miracle since I typically have to charge it twice a day.

DAY 3: • 11:30 a.m.: I really want to text my mom and ask what’s for dinner tonight. Looks like I’ll have to be surprised.

• 5 p.m.: I got bored at home and actually started doing my homework before 1 a.m. Absolutely monumental.

DAY 4: • 12:30 p.m.: My mom has texted me five times today. She was the one who turned off my ability to text back, so I’m not quite sure she knows what she’s doing.

• 8 p.m.: I’m at the gym and wanted to tweet about the guy screaming at House Hunters, but realized I couldn’t. Self-control was extremely tested.

DAY 5: • 4 p.m.: Officially cracked, too many friends were texting me asking for plans, and I felt rude ignoring.

Through this journey, I learned the true value (and worthlessness) of social media and texting. Social media wasn’t that hard to go without, but it did take a bit of self control.

Texting was far more difficult just because of the fact that, whether we like it or not, it is now a form of communication. Friends and family would text me asking me questions, or just wanting to talk. I felt rude not responding and a bit out of the loop involving plans or just what was going on in my friends’ lives.

Whenever something interesting happened in my day I wanted to text my friends and tell them, but I couldn’t. I told myself I would remember to tell them the next day when I saw them, but that never happened as I have a horrific memory.

Overall, the break from social media was nice and refreshing, but the break from texting was harder to live with.

A Night in Old Hollywood Colors: Navy, Gold & Silver Location: Scoular Ballroom,

2027 Dodge Street Date & Time: April 22nd, 9 pm-midnight Tickets will be available for purchase in April graphic by emmaherold

The Network (January 2017)

Entertainment (15)

Winter Formal: An Eiffel-ly good night in Paris review by carmenmiller

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n this world, nothing can be certain improve and everyone started to let except for death, taxes and high school loose. Something is to be said about dances. I am an advocate for everything moments like this, dancing with that high school dances embody: the close friends and classmates and not asking process, the preparation, the having a care in the world about what pictures, the dinner and, of course, the you look like or what people think dance itself. As someone who has been to about you. Everyone there just wants more than 15 dances in her high school to have a good time, no matter how career at five different schools, I can say ridiculous you look. And that, to me, without a doubt that dances are as fun is the reason that high school dancas you want to make them, and Winter es are so special. When I look back Formal was no different. on my three and a half years of high As I entered the doors of Marian, school, these innocent moments are camera and heels in hand, and looked the ones that I cherish the most. down at the quad, I was refreshed to see In comparison to other dances, the tell-tale signs of a high school dance: Winter Formal 2017 ranked among Baguette-ing down on the dance floor Nika Lisko ’19 and Payton Lofdahl my top five. The music was up to my girls screeching when they see their ’19 holding hands and jamming out to Devon Dupree’s DJing. They, along high standards, the dance floor was friends (as if they hadn’t seen them the with everyone else at the dance, had the opportunity to share these moday before) and awkward boys standhype and I was blessed to be able to ments with their friends. carmenmiller ing in clusters while quietly murmuring spend it at the best place on earth, among themselves. The teacher-chaperMarian High School (not that I’m Teenagers are too afraid to go all out in the ones were lurking in the corner, reliving biased or anything). beginning, due to fear of judgment and also the their high school memories or just hoping that I would recommend this dance, or any dancfact that there are not that many people on the their daughter will make good dress choices es for that matter, to everyone, because they dance floor yet. However, there is one song that are truly as fun as you make them, and they one day. I handed my coat, heels and corsage will never fail to force teenagers to get down: to the lovely Freshman Class Officers workprovide an opportunity for precious memories “Yeah!” by Usher. After this song was played ing coat check and made my way to the dance that you will hold onto for the rest of your life. around 9:30 pm, DJ Devon Dupree, who was floor.

I left Winter Formal 2017 with a smile on my personally trained by Marian’s beloved DJ I was sentenced to taking pictures for the face, my camera and heels in my date’s hands Hotboy, had everyone hooked for the rest of first part of the dance, but that gave me the (because what else are they good for) and ran the night. perfect opportunity to observe my surroundoff to the traditional ridiculously-themed after As the night advanced, the songs began to ings. The dance began as most do: slow. party, but that’s another story.

Amalea-approved cruelty-free products graphic by amaleapoulos

1

Mario Badescu facial spray

2

Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil

3

Lush Shampoo Bar

This spray with aloe, herbs and rosewater is no joke. It leaves you feeling refreshed and helps keep your skin clear. My sensitive skin drinks it up with no problem. Get it for a measly $7 at Ulta.

4

Any Colourpop product Colourpop is based out of California and is a girl’s best friend. They offer super affordable products ($6 for a matte liquid lip!?) and NEVER disappoint.

The only lousy thing about this brand is that you have to wait for your products via the post. If that’s not enough to sway you, the company sends a personal thank you note with each purchase.

I’ve tried my fair share of eyebrow products and never have I enjoyed one like ABH’s. It’s velvety and smooth and comes with a brush on the end for easy application. It’s a pricey product at $23, but worth it. You can find the brow pencil at Sephora or online.

My hair was drier than the Sahara from all the chemicals I was putting into it. I started to use a solid shampoo bar from Lush and everything changed. My hair is soft and healthy. I personally use the Soak and Float ($14.95 for 1.9 oz.) or Montalbano ($10.95 for 1.9 oz.), but they offer more than 10 different bars that will suit all different hair types. They run a little bit more expensive than your average bottle of Pantene, but are totally worth it. Find them at the Lush store in Village Pointe or online at lush.com.

5

Coconut oil

I LOVE coconut oil because of its versatility. I use it to cook, as lotion, as a natural makeup remover and as a quick hair mask. You can get a jar of Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil for as low as $5 for 14 oz. at Target. I use coconut oil daily and am quick to suggest it to anyone. BONUS PROTIP: wipe some coconut oil on your PowerSchool screen and you’ll get automatic As. Amazing.

(16) Photo Essay

The Network (January 2016)

Dancing With The Dads January 30, 2017

Il Pallazo

1. Dancing for steps

Greg Tvrdik looks lovingly at his daughter Franny Tvrdik ’18 as they join the other 209 attendees and spend their first Dancing with the Dad’s together. Tvrdik sported her Fitbit not only as a fashion statement, but to ensure that all of the steps she took while dancing were added to her daily total. Marian’s group outgrew the dance floor at Il Pallazo, which the venue has never experienced. carmenmiller

132nd & Fort

2. Show stopper

The crowd stares in awe as Grace Bolamperti ’17 flawlessly executes a dance move known as The Worm.

Bolamperti used this move to finish off the dance circle that President Mary Higgins started. “In third grade we all tried to do The Worm at soccer practice, but no one was really able to get it,” Bolamperti said.

“Eventually I figured it out, and it just stuck with me.” carmenmiller

1

light NIGHT

3. How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it!

Grace Treves ’20 and her father, John Treves, get funky on the dance floor. “My favorite part of the dance was watching my dad dance to ‘Watch Me’,” Treves said.

“It was so funny to see all the dads trying to dance like that!” The two were able to spend time together from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting with a social hour, which led to dinner and dancing. carmenmiller

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4. #WerkIt

2

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On Sunday, Jan. 29, Marian girls, their moms and other special friends, including Megan Anderson ’17, Sarah Anderson ’19 and their mom Erin O’Malley Anderson ’88, crowded into the cafe for a night spent devouring bundt cakes, learning to cultivate joy, and being surrounded by the women in their lives they love most. Photo courtesy of Blaire Kratochvil.

The father-daughter duo of Jude Connelly and Paige Connelly ’19 showcase their moves. The two enjoyed a night filled with food, friends and fun. carmenmiller

5 5. All eyes on them

Lily Blake ’19 and her father, Adrian Blake, steal everyone’s attention in the middle of the dance circle in the final half hour of the dance. “My dad’s favorite dance move is awkwardly jumping up and down,” Blake said. carmenmiller