MHS 2017 April Network - Junior Edition

The Network

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Marian High School - 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 - www.marianhighschool.net - Volume 61 Issue 7- April 2017

Got Blood? Emergency Response Team on standby at Student Board’s annual blood drive W shannonmcsweeney

hat’s blue and plaid and red all over? Marian’s Blood Drive, of course! The annual blood drive, organized by members of Student Board, took place on Wednesday, March 29.

Seventy-five pints of blood were donated, ten more than Student Board’s goal of 65 pints. In total, the Marian community saved up to 225 lives.

The goal set by StuBo was the minimum number of pints needed to receive a $250 scholarship from Red Cross. This award will be given to a senior either in need of financial support or one who goes above and beyond in their schoolwork. The Red Cross works with StuBo throughout the year to plan the event, and makes sure donations run as smoothly as possible.

“It went really well this year, we donated enough to get our scholarship and we didn’t have to call the Emergency Response Team, which is pretty good,” StuBo moderator Mrs. Ashley Bauer said.

Marian girls remembered to prepare for the blood drive this year, stocking up on iron-rich foods and drinking lots of water

Cashin’ in for the campaign gracesall

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arian’s capital campaign has reached 46 percent of its $12 million goal as of April 18.

President Mary Higgins hopes to have the majority of this goal by Oct. 1. The money raised will go towards endowment and a new addition on the north side of the school, including a new, high tech library and Academic Center.

The campaign started over the summer in 2016 through interviewing 120 donors about what the campaign’s priorities should be. Eventually, all those who have contacts with Marian, such as alumae, current parents and friends will be invited to be a part of the campaign. With the $5.5 million raised so far, meeting the goal seems very promising.

For Marian girls who cannot help financially, Higgins says “spreading the good word when in conversation with parents, friends, grandparents, neighbors about how important this project is to Marian” is the best way to be involved. The campaign is bringing the Marian community together in the common goal of expanding and bettering the atmosphere of the school.

For more information, visit Marian website’s “Confident to be Marian” campaign banner.

the night before they donated.

Junior Olivia Tate shares her story of her blood donating pre-game ritual.

“It all started the evening before the Blood Drive. I thought to myself, hydrate… or die-drate. I then started chugging water because I was really nervous that I would faint,” Tate said. “My dear mother made me a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon and raspberries. On my way to school, I ate two granola bars [...] some might say I was prepared.”

This was Tate’s first time donating, but her preparation beforehand helped tremendously with the nerves.

“I was only nervous about fainting when I stood up. Once they put the needle in though, I was relaxed and felt completely okay,” Tate said.

Big breakfasts and drinking excess amounts of water paid off for Marian girls this year, as only three students fainted, and no emergency response was needed.

The Emergency Response Team (ERT), though not need this year, is always on call. English teacher

Stayin’ A positive Eva Wieczorek ‘17 prepares to donate blood during Block C on March 29. Hers is one of the 75 pints donated. photo by emmaroth Susie Sisson has been on the team since it was formed in 2005, and is one of the five faculty and staff members making up the team.

Others include Spanish teacher Mr. Andrew Bauer, Learning Services Coordinator Mrs. Jen Christen, Dean of Student Affairs Ms. Ronda Motykowski and Athletic Trainer Mrs. Melissa Brusnahan.

They are called to help a student approximately five to ten times a year.

This volunteer group, led by Brusnahan, gets re-trained every

year in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) training, and anaphylaxis training. “We are the first line of defense. When we are called, we go to the classroom and assess the situation,” Sisson said.

This year’s Blood Drive was a positive experience, with exceeding the donation goal, prepared students and teachers and little passing out involved, this event was not in vein.

Needle-less to say, Marian sure knows how to give.

Field Day makes its theater debut at new venue, Baxter Arena N cammygregor

early everyone has considered one of the best thought at one point practices in 21st century or another, “My life is so learning. However, Marian interesting; it should be has been instilling these a movie.” Some may esideals in students through pecially think that in the Field Day since 1957. hustle and bustle of Field Students may have Week. This year, Marian, seen Hinrichs frantically along with producer Tom trying to snap pictures of Elkins, father of senior their color block results’ Sam Elkins and reactions. freshman Abby Hinrichs will Elkins, is making continue to that subconscious find girls thought a reality. in action Marian will be during Field embarking on a Week. If two year journey you find a in an attempt camera in to show outsidyour face, This year’s Field Day t-shirt ers the craziness will be sold during Field act natural. that is Field Day. Week and at Walls Night.

The project Elkins and Mari- graphic by Lily Nelson is on a twoan’s Digital Media year timeline Director Maggie Hinrichs and is projected to be done are creating a documentary in 2018. highlighting the impact of Field Day is the biggest Field Day on students and Marian tradition, but this diving deeper into 21st cen- year has one major change tury learning styles. in store: Baxter Arena.

Field Day was created Located at approximateby Marian in an attempt ly 60th and Center, it is to teach students skills the new shiny venue for like leadership and collabField Day. With the new oration. Collaboration is venue comes new dimen-

sions, new space to fill with demonstration- singing voices, and a new surface for cheerleaders to tumble on.

Field Day has made huge advances since its start. The move to Baxter reminds alumni and teachers of the transitions from Benson Park to the softball fields to the East gym and even to Sokol Arena on Creighton’s downtown campus.

The Field Day crowd keeps growing so Marian administration thought it would be a wise idea to move to Baxter with a capacity of nearly 8,000.

Wrist bands for Field Day will be sold during Field Week, Walls Night and at the door on Field Day. “It is my favorite week of the year. I would hope that each class and all girls would know the true meaning behind this week.

It is to grow closer to one another and experience the magic and spirit of Marian,” junior StuBo treasurer Emma Roth said.

Page 4: The Impact of a Big Family

Pages 8 & 9: Classrooms Declassified

Page 10:The Meaning of Life: Morning Edition

Page 16: Spring Play

(2) News

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Statehood celebrated: Nebraska 1-5-0 maggieprosser

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our score and seventy years ago, north of St. Louis, up the Missouri River, came a land naked of any major features. It was flat, no trees. The wind blew through the tall grass and sang a song. This land was Nebraska.

Back in 1867, the Cornhusker State was granted statehood.

Nebraska celebrated its 150th birthday March 1. The planning for its birthday actually started in 2012 when a group of residents formed the Friends of Nebraska 150 Foundation. “I didn’t do anything personally, but my dad attended a celebration at the

graphic by maggieprosser

capitol, unveiled the new state stamp, read the state proclamation in the legislative chamber, and visited a Nebraska 150 art exhibition!” sophomore Eleanor Ricketts said.

Her father, Governor Pete Ricketts, appointed 17 creative helpers to make this all possible. On Aug. 1, 2015, Regan Anson from Lincoln was named the executive director of the Nebraska 150 Celebration.

She planned to make this celebration the biggest in Nebraska’s history. Festivities began on Jan. 1 and are going all the way through to December.

The Nebraska 150 Celebration launched four online programs centered on volunteering, fitness, education and oral histories. One of these programs is the Nebraska 150 Challenge.

Citizens are asked to run, bike or swim (or any other form of exercise) 150 miles over the course of 2017. Another

puts emphasis on volunteering 150 hours in 2017. “I’m not big into fitness, but I have been logging service hours,” Ricketts said.

To remember this special event in our state’s history, First Lady Susanne Shore suggested a museum on wheels. On Feb. 7, Shore announced tour dates for Truckin’ through Nebraska: A Mobile Children’s Museum.

This semi-truck exhibit, produced by the Omaha Children’s Museum, contains interior and exterior displays and interactive games on a train-like trailer on the inside. Kids can test their knowledge of Nebraska, design their own farm, make postcards and examine toys from the 1800’s. On the outside, children can race through a Nebraska-themed obstacle course and build their own inventions.

“My mom has worked so hard on it. It’s awesome to see all her hard work pay off,” Ricketts said.

This museum on wheels gives kids in small Nebraskan towns access to a taste of what a children’s

museum is like. The Omaha Children’s Museum created the campaign to stretch learning combined with fun across the state.

The Mobile Children’s Museum is visiting 42 cities and towns across the state starting in April.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome, young and old. The train visited Omaha April 7-9. For a complete list of tour dates check http://ne150.org.

Marian girls can get involved easily by visiting ne150.org. Play around on the website and learn a little more about Nebraska. New videos about Nebraska are released weekly. Citizens are able to participate in various events throughout the year and many details are provided online.

“I think it’s really cool to be a part of this. It’s a special opportunity to be a part of the 150th anniversary celebrations and raise awareness for Nebraska,” Ricketts said. After all, Nebraskans won’t be able to celebrate big again until 2067.

Students stand out: News in brief

photo courtesy of Mrs. Sharon Genoways

photo by makaylasedlacek

photo by gracesall History Day Winners

On March 2, sophomores in Honors American History showed off their hard work at the National History Day competition where they each presented their roughly 15 page paper to a panel of judges.

The winners were Kate Brashear (2nd place), Ashley Straub (4th place), and Abby McGill (1st place), all of whom chose a woman-related topic for their paper. The ladies went on to compete at the statewide competition on April 8. makaylasedlacek

Metro Science Fair

Two Marian girls competed at the Metro Science Fair in the high school division over spring break the week of March 6-10. Sophomore Amritha Arun and freshman Shruthi Kumar both had projects that were recognized at the competition at the Henry Doorly Zoo. Kumar focused on a new way to reduce roadkill and Arun studied how plant extracts affect the speed of bacterial growth. gracesall

photo courtesy of @MarianSpeech

State Speech Tournament

The suits were lint rolled, the hair was sprayed and the black books were memorized. On March 22nd, nine members of the Marian speech team headed to Kearney, Neb. to compete in the annual NSAA Speech Championship, hoping for the best.

The state team was made up of two sophomores, six juniors and one lone senior. The team had three pieces make it to the finals and place at state. The Oral Interpretation of Drama group placed 7th, Diana Elizalde placed 3rd in Dramatic Interpretation, and Rachel Walet placed 1st in Extemporaneous Speaking for the second year in a row. katherinemartin

photo by courtneykilroy

Slam Poetry Club

The Marian slam poetry team competed in two bouts on March 20 and 21. They placed third at both; however, as stated by the Louder than a Bomb (LTAB) organization, “The points aren’t the point.” There were many hugs given as members of the team shared their poems. Senior Gwendolyn Johnson describes sharing her poem, “It’s like you’re baring your soul to complete strangers.” The slam poetry team is always welcoming new members to meet with them on Tuesdays after school in Student Services. The slam poetry team is a great outlet for creativity and the creation of bonds with fellow students at Marian. audreyhertel

Robotics Club

For the first time, the Marian Robotics Club competed in the US Open Robotics Championship on April 7 and 8 at the Mid America Center. Teams of all ages come from around the world to compete in eight different tournaments. Marian’s team of senior Maddie Mingo and freshmen Kelly Williams, Sophie Clark and Emma Johnson participated in the “CREATE-ivity” challenge. They met weekly to write and design a story that matched this year’s theme: emotion. The team took first place, winning the Dreamweaver Award. courtneykilroy

photo courtesy of Vienna Tang

SAME Competition

Each year, the Omaha chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.) puts together a competition for students to fill a need in their communities using STEM skills. Teams from 20 Omaha schools met at the UNO Scott Conference Center on March 30 to present their proposals to panels of architects and engineers. The Marian team, led by science teacher Mr. Matt Winterboer, was one of five teams to win the Award of Distinction and $500 with their proposal of a high-tech arcade, which included an indoor zipline, go carts and virtual reality labs, called “Level Up.” courtneykilroy

The Junior Network (April 2017)

News (3)

Seniors bring awareness to campus sexual assault allisonostapowicz

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lthough not on college campuses yet, Marian’s juniors and seniors received a dose of reality on March 29. Seniors Janna Whited and Lauren Novacek set up a presentation to help raise awareness of campus sexual assault. Whited and Novacek did not sugarcoat any of the content and gave students the cold, hard facts.

Sexual assault is any contact or behavior that occurs without consent from the recipient.

Whited explained that one in four women is sexually assaulted in college. One-half of these incidents happen in September and October. This time frame is considered the “Red Zone”, when the typical student is new to the area and has not established their true friends or determined who they can trust.

After Whited and Novacek introduced the topic, they welcomed Bobbi Larsen, an education consultant for Holmes Murphy Fraternal Practice. She spoke about campus sexual assault prevention and shared statistics and facts.

Larsen said, “In most statistics, the man is violating the woman, and often times, they aren’t strangers.”

She explained that alcohol plays a major role in campus sexual assault. Statistics show that it is involved 90 percent of the time.

If someone has consumed too much alcohol, Larsen advised seeking medical help. “If you see

someone Senior Emma Herwho is old said, “The inforbreathmation on how to be a ing in a bystander was new and strange helpful. Even though manner, I was already educator has ed on campus sexual cold, assault, I learned more clammy ways on how being a blue skin, bystander can help get medprevent the assault.” ical help.

Larsen educated the It’s better juniors and seniors on facing the ways to support a surconsevivor of sexual assault. quences The most important of getting thing to do is listen and in troubelieve the survivor.

Senior speakers Janna Whited and Lauren Novacek give their presentation ble than A traumatic experithe conse- on campus sexual assault in the PAC on March 29. photo by livputnam ence can be difficult for quence of a person to talk about.

Another way a bystander can someone’s life ending.”

When someone listens to them, it help is through intervention.

Larsen went on to say, “Men provides them with support and Causing a distraction is a way to be and women have different blood reassurance. proactive. There are three things alcohol levels. A few drinks to a Remind the victim that there to remember: stand, speak and act. man is not going to have the same are resources available to help If someone is willing to stand up, impact on a woman. The womthem overcome the experience. others will support them. an will become intoxicated more Make sure to never blame the Larsen gave a list of ways to quickly from consuming the same victim for her choices. Never say stand up. One option is the silent amount as the man did.”

“You shouldn’t have drank,” or stare. If a predator sees you staring Larsen also mentioned ways “You shouldn’t have worn that at him while he’s trying to assault a bystander can help. If you see outfit.” a woman, it is possible he could someone in an uncomfortable situSexual assault is never the become uncomfortable knowing ation, talk to the person you think victim’s fault. Whited and Nothat there is a witness. might be in danger. A simple “Hey, vacek hope that their presentaThe second option is to walk are you okay?” could save them. tion armed Marian girls with the up to the guy and say, “Would If you see a man isolating a knowledge to help prevent cases you treat your mom or sister that woman from her friends and she of sexual assault, and to have an way?” Remind him of the seriouslooks uncomfortable, look into understanding on how real and ness of the crime he is attempting the situation; ask her where her dangerous these incidents are. to commit. friends are.

Block trial shows promise for next school year

delaneykottke

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arian has had Before a consistent the test run, schedule of eight junior Molly of at was it like the first day Wh Q: classes for many Miller said, ling? trying out the block schedu years.

“I’m excited g! lin edu sch A: “I love the block g sin pas cut At the start of about the new to e If anything I’d lov five or r fou to wn do next school year, block schedperiods back t no I’m . lier ear t ou get Marian will have uling because minutes and minutes and sure what to do for nine modified block I think I will ing in the I find a lot of girl just sitt scheduling. The new be able to rt.” Sarah classroom for class to sta schedule consists have more Wing ‘18. of eight classes on time to ask Monday, Tuesday teachers any and Friday and questions. block scheduling on But I think Wednesday and Thursday. the practice run is going to be On block schedule days, stupretty hectic to say the least.”After dents will have four 85 minutethe test run, Miller said, “I really, classes, 10 minute passing periods really enjoyed it. It went way better and a lunch period lasting 35 min- than I thought it would. Pros: utes. “It will take a while to adjust to it, but the beauty is having only two days with block scheduling class Q: What is your plan for and three days normal schedule,” tes nu mi now that you have 85 assistant principal Mrs. Kathy to teach?

Tompkins said. ll be a A: “Every other week wi A “test run” of this schedule ll be wi s ek lab. The non-lab we took place during the week of Apr. for lectures and then a time 3-7. Principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan Mrs. people to ask questions.” and the scheduling committee cher. tea ce en Stacy Tunink, sci of teachers have been discussing this for a couple of years and have worked hard to make a decision on block scheduling.

you had would get a little chatty. It plenty of was not what I expected, time to the girls used their time for ask queswisely and were relaxed,” Q: What is like teaching tions. study hall moderator it? joy en u 88 minutes? Do yo Cons: if Mrs. Rhonda Ronspies Why or why not? you had said. This is a change for it and I didn’t feel ed lik “I A: second ma- all students, faculty and rushed to get all the infor lunch to staff. tion and projects I wanted because There was lots of antican Sp ri Lo rs.

M ” . ne do t ge 12:30 is ipation and tension about a long block scheduling, but bauer, theology teacher. wait!” overall, students and staff Many ended the week looking stuforward to the future dents agree that block scheduling schedule and brainstorming ways is going to be beneficial because to tweak the timing to have it work students will have extra time to to everyone’s advantage. work on labs and other in-class activities. t the Other students believe block Q: How do you feel abou ecialscheduling will have a negative imnew block scheduling, esp n? pact because their attention spans ly being a freshma very may not be long enough to last 85 A: “I thought it went by ngs peminutes. slow at first and the passi nk it is During the week of the practice riods are really nice. I thi ed to us t run, many girls found out the block going to be hard to ge man.” schedule was full of potential. Stubecause I am only a fresh dents said they liked the 10-minute Isabella Pantano ‘20. passing periods and not having to worry about being late to class.

“I expected girls to use their time wisely for the first 40 minutes graphics by annacook & allisonmartin and then after that I thought they

(4) Opinion

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Fluency is fundamental for the future

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by allisonmartin

by maddierobertson

Early submission equals early success

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arian girls are always writing papers. Every time you go on Safari, Turnitin is usually the first website to pop up. And do not even get me started on the amount of hours spent on Purdue OWL trying to perfect citations. After writing my fair share of papers, I have learned turning papers in early benefits you immensely.

Naturally, like everyone else in this building, I can get stressed. The stress I get is not the normal “Woah, I have a lot to do” stress breakdown. It is the “I am going to stay up until 4 a.m. until I finish this paper and then show up to school with a Monster in one hand and a large coffee in the other and pray I don’t get a heart attack” stress breakdown. Yeah, never again.

Depending on the assignment, you are usually given at least a few days to turn the paper in. With such a busy schedule that most Marian girls have, it’s super easy to forget all the papers that you have due in the future. Before you know it, it’s the night before and you have a 10-page paper due at 8 a.m.

Procrastinating is NEVER the answer. There is no point of getting all stressed if you find an earlier time to get that paper done. If you start earlier, the more time you have to look over the assignment.

The assignment will be 100 times better with more time to edit and make sure it flows.

In the end- teachers will be impressed, you’ll feel accomplished, and your awful sleeping schedule will give you a huge thanks. Save the stress and get that paper turned in early. You will thank me someday.

by samanthafabian

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y palms are sweaty, fingers weak, eyelids heavy, there’s coffee spilled all over my sweater, I’m on my fifth cup already. I’m not nervous.

I might look like a mess on the surface, but my furrowed brow and rapid finger motions are a sign of success.

No, I am not trying to type something in a group chat before the topic changes once again. Rather, I am composing an eight page paper due in a few hours that I was given nearly a month to complete.

Yep, you guessed it. I’m a procrastinator. I was born that way. Almost every aspect of my life has revolved around completing things at the last possible moment.

I tried to break the habit. But in the end, I realized I couldn’t change who I was. Something about being fueled by adrenaline and espresso in the late hours of the evening had me hooked.

From that point on, I only became better and better at procrastinating. I would write a paper three days before it was due, then two days, then the night before. I went from writing six-page papers in the span of 24 hours, to 10-page papers in the span of 10 hours.

Not only had I become a faster writer, I had also become a better writer. I was usually so desperate to fill the page number requirement that I elaborated more on certain points that I wouldn’t have considered elongating had I not been rushing.

My thoughts tended to become jumbled as the night progressed, so I oftentimes forgot the definitions of basic words. Every time I would go to look up definitions, I would find a helpful list of synonyms with words that sounded much fancier than the words I originally planned to use.

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never be one of those girls who has the self-control to sit down two weeks before a paper is due and write.

Instead of beating myself up for not having a certain skill, I’ll be getting in shape. That is, getting in shape by racing against the clock.

oday we live in a world that is always globalizing, always connecting, always moving forward. But what happens if you find yourself unable to communicate with those around you?

What would you do?

In today’s world, learning a second language is becoming less and less popular, as students both in high school and college are opting out after they’ve met their requirements. With our world becoming more and more globalized, why don’t students pursue another language?

With no clear answers, and a yearning for colleges graduates to be fluent in two languages, the government has stepped in to protect the futures of the next generation.

To ensure a diverse knowledge of languages, they have added programs that allows students to study what they call “critical languages” at little to no cost to the student.

Programs such as the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Program and Congress-Bund-

estag Youth Exchange let students travel abroad at no cost. These scholarships are awarded to students who yearn to learn a language that they may not otherwise learn at their high school. They take the students across seas to countries where their selected language is most commonly spoken and allow the students to prosper in their language learning by immersing them in the culture and language of the country.

These aren’t the only steps that the government has taken to preserve language diversity in America; they have also set up STARTALK programs which allow students to study various languages in the U.S. by immersing them into varying lengths of language-intensive classes.

Last year, I participat-

ed in a two-week Chinese STARTALK program at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. There, 18 other high schoolers from across Nebraska and I underwent intensive Chinese classes where we learned about both the culture and language of the Chinese.

While staying at UNL, we didn’t have a dime come out of our own pockets because the government had funded the program to provide us with an enriching experience. Because this experience was fantastic, I wanted to go more in-depth with learning uncommonly taught languages. So, this year, I applied to NSLI-Y for the chance to study Korean in South Korea. Although I only made it to the semifinals, it was an enriching experience and opened my eyes to all of the possibilities out there.

The government really has it figured out when they offer these types of programs, because not only do they offer young adults chances to learn languages they may not otherwise be able to learn, they also provide them with the opportunities to meet other people and become globally aware.

Large families: Always a hand to hold

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s I’m dreaming peacefully, all of a sudden, “Happy Birthday to You” resounds across the room as six girls and three boys jump in my bed one after the other. My littlest sister’s knee presses against my stomach and she wraps her arms around my neck and hugs me. Yes, this is how birthdays begin in our house. This is only part of what you will experience when growing up with many other siblings.

There are 10 kids in my family, and as my mom likes to say “There is always a hand to hold.” I have an entire pep squad cheering me on at a game, clapping for me at a recital with dozens of flowers, taking up an entire row at church, wearing matching shirts to any event to keep track of all siblings, using three carts every grocery store visit and always finding extra friends in the house who want to be a part of the Morey family.

Sorting the enormous amount of laundry becomes a fun game, although maybe not for my mom. I have siblings who attempt flips off the canopy beds, one of whom landed a triple without breaking her arm, try to fly with an umbrella like Mary Poppins off of the playset and are there to throw flour at when baking cookies and dance to cheesy music during every holiday. I have siblings who love to lie in the grass and watch fireworks, by kathrynmorey

Procrastinators can still prevail

all, always value life and make God the center of it. With 18 sets of eyes on me at all times, we learn quickly how to develop a strong moral compass.

Children from big Photo courtesy of Kathryn Morey families are usually pretty good at sharing, being catch fireflies, sip coffee and a team player, a diplomat, watch the sunrise and read sto- a comedian, a leader, and a ries or watch movies all night best friend, and solving great with me. They are all smart crimes such as: it was Miss and athletic and wonderful. I Caroline in the office with the always have someone to share tap shoe. Big families keep secrets with, especially the you grounded and someone is hilarious stories that only my always there for you. family knows.

My siblings paint each other Not only is my life full of from head to toe, think they craziness, like having four little can wear nothing but a pink ones jumping in my bed during tutu to church, take my favora stormy night, but there are ite shirt, ask if lady bugs have many other benefits to being teeth, squish me as we all pile a part of such a big family. into the suburban and then My mom encourages us to be make room for a soccer team strong, hardworking, responsi- because my mom is the only ble, patient, kind, courageous one who saw the storm comand humble. She also believes ing. These are also the same that we should treat others the kids who are brutally honest way we want to be treated. when needed, cry with me My siblings and I have volwhen I’ve had a heartbreak, unteered countless hours since take on a bully, have a sweet the moment we were born. The sister watching over us from experiences are usually filled heaven and never let me forget with laughter and really make how amazing I am. my heart happy. Two examples Not only does having a happened at the Open Door big family give me endless Mission. Once my sister fell amounts of happiness and into a bin of potatoes and we laughter, but it reminds me couldn’t get her out for 15 min- of the great gift that I never utes because we couldn’t stop have to go through life alone. laughing. Another time, we got So when we are all around the to see how excited young sib10 foot kitchen table eating lings were when they celebratdinner together and kneeling ed Christmas for the first time. in prayer at the end of each My mother has taught us that day, we are truly thankful that we should treat everyone we God gave us a hand to hold on meet with respect and above this Earth.

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Promposals: The funny, the lazy, the awkward A by katherinemartin

hh, the familiar smell of spray tans in the air. Prom season is quickly approaching and it is honestly one of the most stressful times of the year, second only to Field Day. Everyone is getting manicures and spray tans, online shopping to find dresses (sorry teachers) and maybe asking a guy to prom.

I love looking at promposals, some more than others. I’ve done the extravagant, punny signs but I really was not feeling it this year.

If you are going all out: go you, you do you.

Promposals exist in many different forms, including the funny, the bad and the awkward.

The Funny: So far I have seen the popular texts asking someone how many “retweets” they need to get to take someone to prom.

Normally, no one ever reaches those goals, but junior Avery Ost did.

“I first cleared it with one of my best friends, Ashtynne Alberts, to see if I could ask her

brother Chase, and she actually said yes! I texted him and asked how many RT’s I would need for him to come and he gave me an amount.

I exceeded the amount by about 50, I did not expect it at all.”

Chase is currently enrolled at West Point Military Academy, but he is hoping he can make it home for Avery’s junior prom.

The Lazy: As a lazy person, I can relate to the common “prom?” text. A lot of people did not want to ask their dates to prom in a big way so they just texted them asking them instead.

I will fully admit that I am that kind of lazy “promposer.”

The Awkward: Science teacher Matt Winterboer told me the tale of his high school prom days. He once asked a girl to prom by giving her a rose and a secret letter. She was extremely thrown off by this but said yes. They had a great time at the dance, but once it was done, she told him she did not have feelings for him.

But wait, there’s a relatively happy ending.

They ended up dating for a handful of months in college.

Is ‘Insta-worthy’ price-worthy?

The Network Staff

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@wordpress.com

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I asked him for advice on asking people to prom and he said just go for it, the worst thing they can say is no. You have no idea if they will say yes, so just put yourself out there.

Promposals are awesome no matter if they are funny, lazy or awkward. Don’t wait, go get a date!

graphic by sofyherrera

Marian Girls are extra for extraterrestrial life

pace has enthralled human beings since times of old; ancient civilizations weaving their history through star clusters, medievals looking up to planets and wondering what other lives exist a stone’s throw across the sky. ...Okay, but to say it in a way that doesn’t sound like the beginning of a sci-fi novel, throughout human history many have puzzled over the possibility of alien life. I am no different. I have a “I want to believe” pin and an alien patch on my backpack, for goodness sake!

The idea of aliens has only picked up for me in recent years.

There was no pivotal occurrence that happened in my life that directed my attention to them. One day I was ‘normal’ (take that with a grain of salt, since I’m talking about myself here), and the next I was marathoning videos of alien evidence on YouTube and spelunking through conspiracy theorist forums online.

I was completely taken with it! The concept of interplanetary beings—I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Really, the idea of alien life makes quite a bit of sense.

by lilywatkins

I felt as though I was living the life of a paid blogger.

Except, ironically, I was the one paying. Despite looking huge, it was just three scoops of ice cream for a couple of hungry kids. For $15, you could buy at least two sundaes and a large order of fries at Dairy Chef. Instagram had broken my bank and left me unfulfilled.

In our generation’s eyes, everything on social media looks better: a person’s life, cities, the beach, or, in this case, food. I have fallen into the habit of doing or paying anything to take a picture for my followers to be in awe over. The reality is a picture on social media is not the whole story.

Although the Sugar Factory version of the dessert may make for a better picture on which your followers can comment “That looks like Heaven on earth!”, your wallet isn’t going to have the same reaction as @lildebbie94. So, sure you can splurge to eat like a paid food blogger once in awhile; trust me, it’s fun. But to be honest, a $1 McDonald’s McFlurry can satisfy your sweet tooth just as much as a $15 sundae. by cassidyjorgensen

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eing the lover of food and social media I am, stalking foodie accounts on Instagram is an obsession of mine. Too often I find myself at 1 a.m. mindlessly scrolling through pages like @thisisinsiderdessert or @ny.foodie, drooling over the elaborate munchies.

This hobby is what led me to the Sugar Factory. I wanted to know if all the social media hype surrounding this particular restaurant, including celebrity endorsements, launch parties and extravagant looking desserts, was worth it. So, on my trip to Chicago for dance in late March, I asked my mom if we could go.

Upon sitting down and reading over the menu I began to realize something: the prices were RIDICULOUS! But I came for the extreme dessert advertised on social media, so I had to deal with the extreme cost. I ordered a “Sundae for Two,” expecting just a slightly large bowl of ice cream. What was placed before my eyes was huge platter of insta-worthy ice cream, and I fell in love.

As I dug into the $15 dessert,

Opinion (5)

Scientists estimate that roughgraphic by lilywatkins ly two million galaxies exist, and in multiplying that by the ten million stars that tend to appear in each galaxy we find that there is somewhere around 10^19 stars in the universe. From data collected on the Kepler Space Mission, scientists said that there may be as many as 40 billion Earth-sized planets orbiting in the habitable zones of sun-like stars or red dwarfs in the Milky Way alone. Eleven billion of those planets may be orbiting sun-like stars.

A crazy cocktail is required to create life. Water, a carbon base and some form of energy; they have to align just so with any given planet’s temperature, pressure, etc., to kick start even a single-called organism.

But something the size of an amoeba is still alien life—and with all the numbers running through space, who’s to say it hasn’t already happened? It may be a while before we can communicate with any alien life, but the numbers are on the side of it at least existing.

managing editors: courtneykilroy & maddierobertson copy editors: delaneystekr & lilywatkins photo editors: livputnam & audreyyost graphics editors: juliahingorani & maggieprosser online editors: audreyhertel & allisonmartin front page editor: gracesall news editors: annacook & makaylasedlacek feature editors: sofyherrera, annakilzer, shannon mcsweeney, evelynpaul & emmaroth opinion editors: hayleygolden & katherinemartin indepth editors: dianaelizalde & katekellen sports editors: mariadeterman, lilyheim & andiemikuls entertainment editors: cassidyjorgensen, abbymclaughlin & kathrynmorey photo essay editor: cammygregor reporters/photographers: samanthafabian, delaneykottke, allisonostapowicz, hailierydel, & juliaveik adviser: marshakalkowski

(6) Feature

The Junior Network ( April 2017)

Technology could aid chronically ill students katekellen

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y the 21st century, many expected flying cars, robots working instead of people and the option to live on Mars. Although these are not yet possible, technology has brought us a long way and provides many benefits.

One great benefit of technology is the role it can play in the lives of chronically ill students. Many students suffer from illnesses that keep them from school for long periods of time. With these students missing so much school, homework piles up and stress increases.

St. Vincent De Paul (SVDP) grade school has been able to successfully use technology to improve the life of one seventh grade boy. This boy was undergoing chemotherapy and his immune system was too compromised for school.

In order to keep up in classes, the school was able to equip the boy with a Cisco monitor. This monitor

enable him to “attend” classes. The student could see the classroom, teacher and other students, and they could all see him.

One of his teachers said that “The positive things it has done for him are hard to measure. He felt connected and not isolated like students who are absent on a frequent basis.”

Technology has been extremely helpful and has not been difficult for the school to use. The student has been more connected in the classroom, which has benefitted his education.

Right now, Marian has students that could benefit from a more advanced incorporation of technology.

Currently, Marian uses emails and apps to keep students updated, but is this enough?

Science teacher Mrs. Sharon Genoways has has taken advantage of what is available, and made a very successful system. Genoways records her lessons at

home and posts them to help. Grahamtastic online so students who Connection provides miss classes will have free technology to sethem at their fingerriously ill children for tips. educational purposEven though es. These programs Genoways is are extremely able to use beneficial, technology sucbecause these cessfully, there robots and other are still some forms of technolorestrictions. gy can cost anyThe students where from $2,000 are not able to to 7,000. fully participate, One of the most ask questions in effective robots used the moment or by children to attend be involved in school is the VGo. group activities.

The VGo is a robotic Just like the telepresence that young boy at allows students SVDP, the use to hear, talk, of robots and and particitechnology pate in the could be classroom. possible This robot at Marienables an with students to VGo photo courtesy of only a take part in Verizon Innovation Program little more one of the effort. The training for most important parts this technology is easy, in school: the social and takes just about a aspect. week to get the hang Although the robots of. However, with such would be very useful, advanced technology a there are methods that few challenges arise. could be incorporatThe cost of this ing right now with the technology is steep, technology available but there are programs at Marian. Recording

lessons is very useful, but not as interactive.

Ill students at Marian could FaceTime classrooms using their iPads. This would allow them to ask questions and participate in the class discussions.

Marian currently does not have a set policy to help these students; rather they decide what to do based on each student.

Marian counselor Ms. Laura Gelecki has worked with students at Marian who have missed a lot of school.

“I meet with the student; we look at what needs to be accomplished, tests, notes, assignments, etc. and work up a schedule that the student then shows to the teachers,” Gelecki said.

Each student is responsible for talking to their teachers about what must be done and how to handle their assignments.

“If a student is going to be absent an extended time, teachers usually email the girl with assignments,

notes etc., as needed.

Some [teachers] have the students copy their notes, others ask the girl to get notes from a friend,” Gelecki said.

Junior Kyleigh Gall was diagnosed with a rare form of Sarcoma cancer. She misses school frequently and needed Marian’s help to stay caught up.

Her counselor met with her to make a school plan. Gall was responsible for talking to each teacher, and she had them email her weekly with updates.

“I think Marian has been very helpful, but FaceTime and recorded lessons for students would be nice features... because it is hard to teach yourself the lessons when it comes to certain classes,” Gall said.

Marian is fortunate enough to have plenty of technology at its disposal, and this technology could be used to improve the lives of the ill students at Marian if effectively incorporated.

Juniors prepare for ACT Classes compete in annakilzer

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aking the ACT is class took a practice prep class in prepano easy feat. It test at school in Janration for the April takes an abundance uary and attended 8 test date. If taken of determination, three separate stratoutside of school, stamina and focus to this test prep course egy sessions, each wake up at the crack lasting three hours would have cost of dawn on a Sat$225 a student. during school hours urday morning, sit on Fridays. Students Many students and take a rigorous have found this class learned tips and test for three hours tricks for each secto be useful, such and then possibly tion of the ACT: Enas junior Jorden proceed to write an Paule. “The ACT glish, Math, Reading essay for another and Science, as well class is helpful, but 40 minutes. Many as overall test-taking also overwhelming students even sit strategies. because of all the through this test-tak- information. The While the ACT will ing marathon several most helpful advice never be the most extimes throughout citing part of college that we’ve learned is their high schools ca- that the test itself is applications, Marian reers in hopes of inhas allowed for its actually just a game, creasing their scores and it doesn’t realstudents to be as on this standardized prepared as possible ly test your skills,” college admissions through this practice Paule said. exam. and prep course.

This year’s junior This is where an ACT prep class can come in handy. Many students take such a class in order to improve their scores, which is why the Marian administration decided to require its juniors to take the Three ACT excitement Five juniors show off their ACT books Moms and a Test before the second session. The junior class attended three

sessions to prepare for the ACT. photo by annakilzer

Field Day Tug of War lilyheim

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our classes, one rope and the possible fate of Field Day. Most people don’t know the real reason behind Field Day Tug of War. Some think it is just a fun, competitive way to kick off Field Week, but in reality it could determine whether your class goes down in history as Field Day champions or has to settle for second place.

Tug of War is the determining factor if there is a tie on Field Day. Each class elects or chooses ten girls to represent their class in this tug to victory.

“This year, the senior class officers went into a room and wrote down everyone they thought would be beneficial to the team.

We then narrow it down to the strongest girls,” senior class

officer Lauren Novacek said.

The sophomores have a similar selection process: “We want tall and very strong girls. The most important girl is the anchor, so we look for someone who can grab the rope and run as fast as they can,” sophomore class officer Kristin Beduhn said.

Junior Emma Raabe is a two-year member on the 2018 Tug of War team. Although her class has not had much success for the past two years, she is very hopeful for the future. “When I walk out and get into my Tug of War stance, everything else disappears. The adrenaline takes over, and all I see is the rope,” Raabe said.

Tug of War can be a nerve-wracking event if you are doing

the tugging. “It’s all about the pre-season training. Lifting weights, protein shakes and a good pump up playlist are the keys to success,” Raabe said. Kicking off Field Week, this year’s Tug of War takes place on April 24 after the Kick Off skits. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are going into the 2017 Kick off Block with experience, freshmen on the other hand have no idea what’s coming.

“I’m excited for Tug of War and to see what all the talk is about! I think the freshmen can really prove themselves,” said freshmen student board member, Grace Crockett. This Marian tradition is an anticipated event for many students, and only one class will bring home the victory.

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Feature (7)

Operation Welcome movie, speaker promote refugee awareness to school community evelynpaul

Smile for the camera Girls gather around speaker James Chol and coordinator Mrs. Katy Salzman for a picture on March 16. They then spoke to Mr. Chol about more information on how to help.

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maha hosts the largest number of South Sudanese refugees in the United States. On March 16, girls gathered in the Collaboration Room to watch “The Good Lie” and listen to speaker James Chol, a lost boy himself. “I wanted participants to learn about the plight of refugees in general and the particular losses suffered by those fleeing South Sudan specifically,” social studies teacher and Operation Welcome Club moderator Ms. Katy Salzman said.

The movie tells a story of five lost children of Sudan: Theo, Mamere, Jeremiah, Paul and Abital. They travel on foot from their village all the way to a refugee camp in Kenya after their village was destroyed by Northern militia.

Along the way they see the death of children, adults, even their parents. Before they make it to the camp, their older brother Theo gets taken by the militia to save Mamere. They end up making it to the camp, but without their brother.

Mamere, Jeremiah, Paul and Abital stay in the camp for years. They finally make it onto a list that will bring them to America.

However, when they arrive in America, Abital gets separated from them because there was no host that wanted her in Missouri, where

her brothers were staying, and the refugee resettlement agency couldn’t allow her to stay with the boys. The boys experience some culture shock when they first arrive, but they eventually get used to it. They get jobs and go to school, living the American dream. They go through immeasurable struggles before the movie finishes off with a happy ending.

“The movie does a good job of illustrating the horrors of conflict, the importance of relationships in the camp and the difficulties refugees experience when arriving in the U.S. for the first time,” Salzman said.

Speaker James Chol came and spoke of his experiences after the movie ended. He explained how difficult living in the refugee camp was when he had eight children to take care of. The clothes that were provided weren’t enough for all of the people in their family.

He had pieces of paper with the numbers one through five on them, whichever children had a piece of paper with one of the numbers received the donated clothing. That was the only way that he could make it fair. Because of how bad it was back home, his wife and children have never met his parents, their grandparents and in-laws face to face.

Arriving in America was difficult for him as

“

Pick a number any number James Chol demonstrates the method he used with his children in the refugee camp. Students grabbed a piece of paper hoping to receive a prize. photo by evelynpaul well. He couldn’t speak a lot of English and he had to familiarize himself with the American ways very quickly. He and his wife work hard to provide for their children. He wants to get them through school and for them to make a good life for themselves. He plans on going back to school once he knows that they are all taken care of.

Operation Welcome helped move in furniture and food into a refugee apartment on April 11. They are a family of three from Bhutan and arrived on April 12. This family spent 15 to 20 years in a refugee camp in Nepal and had to go through two years of rigorous screening before they were allowed to leave. The mother also has a sister who lives in Omaha.

Members of Operation Welcome can help set up apartments for new refugees, make blankets in the winter and participate in public events. The biggest thing students can do to help is to educate themselves about refugees and their situations.

I’m not one who can say, ‘Okay now I’m safe. I will close the door,’ I will say, ‘Okay let’s work on the refugees. The government will do whatever they want to do’.”

James Chol, Sudanese Refugee

Mindfulness: Keep your mind in mind delaneystekr

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sk a high school student how they are doing during the second semester of a school year and if they answer honestly, the word “stressed” will definitely be a part of their answer.

Let’s face it, everyone has stressors in their lives, and going to a college preparatory high school definitely does not decrease those.

Every class is challenging, and when you end up having five exams on one day, “stressed” is only the beginning.

While it is important to push yourself and try to do the best you can, it is also important to know when too much is too much when to take some “me time” if you will. On March Strike a Pose Emma Paule ‘19, Grace Thede ‘19, 29, the freshmen and sophomores attended Maureen Tolley ‘19, Mia McGrath ‘19, Grace Richter ‘20 and Libby Schimonitz ‘20 practice their a presentation on being mindful in their everyday lives. meditation skills.

“After the presentation, I have been trying to be more aware of my surrounding and spending less time using technology,” sophomore Elisabeth Hailu said.

The event was organized by the counselors, headed by Mrs. Joanne Fisher. “Mindfulness is a research-based method that has shown to reduce test anxiety, self-doubt and symptoms of depression.

It also has shown to increase actual neuron connections in our brains, if practiced, that are Destressing the Situation Freshmen and sophomores attend an assembly in the west gym on March associated with improved memory, empathy, a longer attention span, improved concentration 29. They learned how to keep their stress levels and a better sense of self,” Fisher said.

low. photos by delaneystekr

In every aspect of life, students can find more ways to be more aware of their health and well-being.

Being able to deal with stressors is essential to being successful, no matter what they want to be.

Some sweet tips and tricks that were given to the students in the introductory session involving technology include taking a deep breath before checking emails and leaving your phone at home when taking a walk to try clear your mind.

Another tip involved picking a certain event that happens every day, like brushing your teeth, and using the action as a reminder to be aware daily of your mental well-being.

The most basic thing that you can do to be mindful is to take three deep breaths and focusing on how your body feels while inhaling and exhaling.

“Mrs. Sullivan asked that the Student Services department introduce this [mindfulness] to both freshmen and sophomores, and eventually all four classes.

With so much digital input in our lives, I think all of us can benefit from practicing this ‘putting our brain on pause’ and help with the regulation of our emotions,” Fisher said.

If you are feeling stressed, understand that your main priority should be on your health, whether it is physical or mental.

(8) in-depth

Off track equals enhanced learning katekellen

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he hour long lectures, the monotonous voice and the many yawns that come from the students in the desk are all common things to witness in your typical classroom.

However, Marian is not full of typical classrooms. Teachers are energetic, lessons are interactive and students are engaged. What helps promote this stimulating atmosphere?

Teachers like Ms. Adrianna Magistro make Marian classrooms unique. Among others, Magistro teaches Composition and Literature to Block C freshmen. This class is full of reading, writing, learning and tangents.

The students ask questions that lead to valuable life lessons. In one instance, one girl asked what BCC and CC meant in an email. Magistro told her students what the letters stand for and then explained why people would use it. Most students in her class were blown away and they could not believe that they didn’t know this before hand.

Magistro said she believes that tangents and in depth conversations are a valuable part of teaching. Magistro said that tangents help “make the learning environment more organic and free-flowing.”

In the classroom, tangents are often necessary for a better understanding of the text. While reading “Outcasts United,” Magistro mentioned that the main character Luma relies a lot on Sharia Law to conduct her day-to-day tasks.

The students had no idea what

in-depth (9)

The Junior Network (April 2017)

The best of both worlds hayleygolden

HOMEWORK PRACTICE VOLUNTEER WORK

ath class: the class that is stereotypically M considered the most catastrophic class of high school. There’s no doubt that making math class fun and amusing can be difficult,

Sharia Law was, so Magistro but for teacher Miss Megan Han, it’s a chalwent off on a tangent explainlenge that she’s willing to accept. Han takes ing Sharia Law. Although this learning to the next level. was a tangent, and not some“I think it’s important, especially in thing she was testing on, the math, to have a fun class. I feel like tangent was important to what it’s a subject that a lot kids come they were reading and helped in thinking that ‘I’m bad at math, the students better understand and I hate math.’ So, having a the basis of this religion. fun class can kind of help them The students in Magistro’s realize that it doesn’t have to classes love her teachbe that bad subject that they ing and her hate.” While Han acknowlquirky edges that she likes to permake learning fun, she sonality that make the class all that much better. Freshman Colleen Sully said, “I feel like I do learn well in her s clas e class. I am not a r u rat huge fan of reading Lite C ock comprehension, but s Bl ’ o r ist she keeps her class fun, Mag a n interesting and funny!” ian Adr . s Tangents in the literM ature class allow for more in depth conversation and for a more personal learning environment. Magistro has the respect of her students and her students seem to always look forward to the class.

Marian is unlike any other school. The teachers are fun, the students are engaged and tangents are a helpful teaching tool. Magistro and her freshman literature class are able to successfully use tangents to learn life lessons while going more in depth on each topic.

also says that it’s important to stay focused.

Sophomore Roseclaire Vandevegt from Han’s Block E class admits that “If you don’t stay focused, then you won’t learn anything.”

Laughing and learning is something that sophomore Ashley Straub experiences everyday in Han’s class. “We are able to share stories and laugh at jokes while at the same time learning about geometry.

It sounds out of place to be talking and having fun during math, but in Miss Han’s

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room we do it daily.” Straub also explains that she’s never been a huge fan of math, but she now looks forward to the class. Han says that one of her tactics to help spice class up is by playing review games. “It helps everybody review the material, but it also helps take a little bit of the stress off testing.” Vandevegt agrees, “It gives us test types of questions, and helps us get questions answered.”

Although learning is

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LOL: learning out loud dianaelizalde NAP. CRACKLE. POP! Noises heard around the clock. People yelling, people crying and a person laughing her heart out. Imagine a class where whatever you say is accepted and heard. A classroom that has a comfortable atmosphere where students are open is hard to create, but not for Mme. Janet Tuttle, French teacher.

“The nature of the world language classroom is not one where I will be lecturing and the students taking

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notes every day, so of Mme. course it can get loud,” Janet Tuttle Tuttle said. Discussions in ’s Blo enck E F class can get a little rowdy rench gaging, III cla sometimes, yet the trick is to ss so I’m learning, but let the students express their tricks I’m having fun, too,” junior thoughts, and then get back up her sleeve Amou Majok said. to work. French students Yet, even though it can be on how to take charge of look forward to their “ventthe situation. all fun and games, the voling” block of the day. The “I find that starting ume level gets out of whack opportunity to be loud and the class with a prayer in sometimes. A classroom still learn what is needed French helps everyone to of about 20 students ALL shows how students really settle down at the beginengage in this class.“I always talking at the same time in multiple languages would be ning of class!” Tuttle said. look forward to French.

She allows for the students Mme. Tuttle always makes it a pain, but Tuttle has a few

to relieve their everyday stresses, but uses the prayer to calm them down for class, or how she says in French, “calme-vous.” A loud class might be a nightmare to some people, but this type of class might be the best format there is.

Tuttle tries her best to make her classes fun and entertaining, so a little noise here and there isn’t the W.O.A.T (worst of all time).

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the main priority, Han says that some days it can be easy to get off task; especially at the end of the day. “The last blocks of the day are always the hardest because everyone is kind of tired. It’s harder to focus on what you need to do when you know that you get to go home in a little while.”

Ultimately, Han tries her best to stay on topic by staying consistent with her notes. “I have very structured lectures, and upload my notes outline so that the students see what we need to get done.” By doing this Han says that it lets the students know that they need to pay attention and focus.

In the end, by balancing discipline and amusement, Han truly creates the best of both worlds for her class.

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ith as loud as Marian girls get at sporting events, pep rallies and even lunch lines, one would think that the classroom setting would be the same. In special cases, however, there are some classrooms filled with girls who are more reserved.

Ms. Susie Sisson’s Block H Women’s Studies class is one of those special cases. The class, which consists of a mix of juniors and seniors, is quieter than most classrooms filled with upperclasswomen.

Some teachers might struggle to teach in classrooms settings where few girls speak up, especially at a school where they’re used to teaching outspoken students. For Sisson, it’s a walk in the park.

“I read a really interesting book a few years ago -- “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”

by Susan Cain -- and it taught me a lot about my introverted students.

Introverted people have just as many thoughts and opinions as extroverted people -- but they generally need more

time to reflect and get their thoughts in order,” Sisson said.

Even in her quiet classroom, class discussions can still be riveting.

“When introverted people speak, I listen carefully and pay attention to what they have to say, because I know that by the time they speak, they have carefully formulated their response, and it will be insightful and interesting,” Sisson said.

Senior Alyssa Carlson said that she enjoys being in a quiet classroom. “It’s a nice change because I’m used to girls being much more vocal in my classes. It’s easier for me to focus.”

Whether her students are quiet and reserved or loud and outgoing, Sisson finds it a pleasure to teach every Marian girl who walks into her classroom.

“It’s so exciting to work with all of you at this stage of your lives.

You’re figuring out who you are and who you want to be. You’re on a journey to becoming yourselves. That sounds a little hokey, but I think it’s really exciting!”

photos by maddierobertson, katekellen, juliahingorani & dianaelizalde

(10) Feature

Heroes close to home

The Junior Network (April 2017)

juliaveik

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e see them on the big screen, pulling off the impossible and risking their lives. They seem so far away, in their cinematic worlds, but heroes are closer than one may think.

From early on in her life, junior Marin Morrison’s dad was a police officer. He graduated from the academy when she was 2 years old.

“He worked nights and so he would try to catch up on his sleep all day. He was never really around for anything,” Morrison said.

He retired after spending 10 years on the force.

If given the chance, Morrison believes he would start again, though he says he never will. Morrison said, “You can tell he misses it.”

Sophomore Mia Mixan’s dad works as a

firefighter and is a trained paramedic. The calls he responds to vary from actual fires to other emergencies they call “medical runs.”

“They also get a lot of scary calls, if there’s a shooting they have to go to that, too,” Mixan said.

The amount of time the firefighters spend responding to calls differs for each station according to Mixan.

Police officers spend more time on the move than firefighters do. Mixan said, “My dad’s police officer friends will be like ‘Oh, you firefighters don’t do anything.’”

Her dad works 24-hour shifts with a day between each to recover. These shifts make it difficult for him to be there for his family. “Because he’s a firefighter he can’t take off work. Sometimes he

just misses things that normal people wouldn’t miss,” Mixan said.

Junior Gabby Mainelli’s dad is a Douglas County Deputy but he used to be on the SWAT team. His current job is to follow through on warrants for arrest. This part of his job has led to many chases on foot and has caused an injury; he was grazed in his upper arm by a bullet while on duty.

He has spent around 20 years on the force, but Mainelli is hoping he will retire soon.

“I’d say just knowing that there are bad people in the world and that they wouldn’t hesitate to shoot him… that’s what really scares me,” Mainelli said.

“I used to tell him every morning before he left that I love him. Now I just do it the night before to just make sure that he

knows, just in case anything happens,” Mainelli said.

Anxiety is a major part of being a first responder’s daughter. Having a parent whose job puts them at risk of being injured leaves these girls wondering what each day might bring.

“The firefighter lifestyle is not for me,” Mixan said.

Morrison said she definitely wants to follow in her dad’s footsteps, but is unsure if she wants to specifically be a police officer in the future.

“I’m thinking of doing crime scene investigation, more like behind the scenes,” Mainelli said.

Regardless of the stress it brings to them, these girls have immense respect for what their parents do.

The Meaning of Life: Morning Edition sofyherrera & emmaroth

Kate Jensen

“I love to swim and spend time outside.”

Lily Blake

It is quite amazing that, on average, a nor“To put mal Marian student spend 8 hours of her smiles day at this glorious high school. Dependon my ing on extracurriculars, they might spend friends even more. Although it feels like they are faces, just always surrounded by their classmates, the kidding, rest of their hours outside of school remain probably a mystery. We started at the beginning of because I want Dunkin, but absolutely their day to ask that one important quesno sugar!” tion, “What makes you get out of bed in the Sophomore Lily Blake loves her friends, morning?” No other question can give you but she may or may not love Dunkin Donuts more insight into the lives of students than more. She recites her regular order, “large iced learning their morning motivation. caramel swirl with cream no sugar,” proudly

When freshman Kate Jensen was asked the deep question of “what makes you get up in the morning?” Her response was just as meaningful “I don’t want to sound cheesy,” she said, “but my family and friends make me get up in the morning. Just seeing them in the morning makes me happy.” The loving support system placed around Jensen is reflected in her attitude towards her classmates and peers. Sometimes the things we take for granted are actually the things and people we value most. “I look forward to playing volleyball and seeing nature,” Jensen added. These little, everyday activities keeps her motivated for the hectic and busy life she lives.

Kylie Champion

“Sometimes I wake up and ask ‘why do I do this to myself?’”

Junior Kylie Champion morning motivation is her intense, everyday running routine. Fitness has always been a part of her life, and after a knee injury at the end of her freshman year, staying in shape has become even more important. “Running wakes me and gets me motivated to get through my day” Champion said. She is very aware of the “public opinion” about waking up at 5 am before school to run on her basement treadmill, but the haters don’t stop her. “I’m super understanding to those who don’t know why I get up to run, sometimes I ask myself the same question,” Champion said. Physical activity may not be every girl’s favorite cup of tea, but this champion’s determination to stay fit is evident.

memorized. Two of Blake’s favorite things include her friends and iced coffee. The time crunch in the morning, consisting of beating the line at Dunkin and still making it to school to chat with friends, gives Blake a special type of morning determination. “The best type of morning is when you have all your homework done so you can relax in your hall with good friends while sippin’ on even better coffee,” Blake said. Although she does not purchase coffee every day, the morning motivation of seeing her friends makes it all worth it.

Jenna Popp & Gigi Housman

“I can get from my car to class in approximately 2 minutes.”

While most girls wake up for a beverage or breakfast food, these seniors are doing good to make it up Soph Lot by 7:53. Gigi Housman and Jenna Popp ‘17 happily claim the title of “I can get from my car to class in approximately 2 minutes.” “We run up Soph Lot together,” Popp said. The two are happy members of Soph Lot and have only experienced the privilege of upper lot once this year and it was due to a mandatory tryout hosted earlier in the morning. When asked what gets them up in the morning, their response was quick and simple. “We don’t get up in the morning,” said Hausman. And the girls wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Feature (11)

Who Makes Study Break Nikki Rhoades ‘17, Gigi Hausman ‘17, Rachael Brich ‘18, and Sydney Abbott ‘18 pose for a picture during their study hall. audreyhertel & mariadeterman

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f you are one of those people who notices the hairball in sophomore hall and screams, or the person who drops the Cheetos, someone steps on them, and it seems like it’s too late to pick it up, you owe a huge thank you to Marian’s impeccably dedicated maintenance staff.

They do what not many Marian girls have the willingness to do.

H

Heart Beat

ave you ever had that moment when you’re walking down the halls toward student services and look to your right and see the advancement office? So many cubicles. If you ever find yourself there, open the doors. Peek behind the cubicle. Why? You will see Sr. Peggy Miller there with a welcoming smile.

Sr. Peggy works in the advancement offices updating databases that allow for easy access to contact information of all Marian students, parents and alums. The advancement office helps contact these people for Marian fundraising events.

“We do fundraising [...] It’s my responsibility to pull out alums in the Omaha area or people who have attended [fundraisers] in the past,” Sr. Peggy said.

Sr. Peggy has been working at Marian in the advancement office for more than 13 years and is a Servant of Mary, but her connection Eric and Bastian Phipps with the Marian community goes Indoor Maintenance Supervisor and back much longer. She is a gradMaintenance uate of Marian and still cherishes 10 years and 2 years the relationship she has with her Eric and Bastian Phipps are two classmates. “We graduated more unsung maintenance heroes of the than 50 years ago, and our class Marian halls (and stalls). They are still gathers every month.” a unique father-son duo who seek From book sharings to dinners, to simply “clean and fix things” and Sr. Peggy feels the impact of Marinothing more. Eric has been work- an on her friendships. “The friends ing at Marian for nearly a decade that I have made here are lifelong and has felt the strength of the core friends, and just that influence has values even through his job as a impacted me.” maintenance man.

“I can probably name a time for each one [of the core values] that I’ve seen just walking the halls here. It’s really something special when you can see the values being practiced while the girls are unaware of putting them into use… it has actually become a part of who you are,” Eric said. Never hesitate to greet him as he cleans, because “a hello always makes my day!”

Bastian, Eric’s son, is the most recent addition to the maintenance staff at Marian and his last two years have “flown by.” He works Sr. Peggy Miller the late shift and “makes sure the Advancement Office building is locked down at night, 13 years cleans the school and overall tries Sr. Peggy is making a difference to make the place presentable for not only in what she does in the the day ahead” Bastian said.

There are definite perks to work- advancement office, but impacting the people that she sees every day ing as a father-son pair, despite including senior Lucy Fishburn their opposite shifts. for work study. “She is very sweet “Sometimes I’m mistaken for him and I guess that’s a good thing and always perky very early in the morning.” since he’s such a popular dude Sr. Peggy Miller’s presence around here!” Bastian said.

The Maintenance Men of Marian makes Marian a welcoming and have a daunting task, but Eric and loving place, and for that, she deBastian Phipps know how to get the serves endless thanks. job done.

Speech Smiles Donna Yang ‘18, Julia Hingorani ‘18, Abby McGill ‘19, and Elaina Sperry ‘19 take a break from speech class.

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ou could call him the “Heart and Soul” of Marian’s choirs.

Mr. Tim DiBlasi cheerily tickles the ivories each and every day for both the Concert Choir and Select Women’s Choir. Although he is new to the official part-time position this year, he played for Marian musicals from 2001 to 2012 under the direction of Miss Cathy Pruitte.

Mr. Tim DiBlasi Accompanist 1 year (12 with musicals) When Miss Elizabeth Kish was the Principal and DiBlasi was playing for the musicals, he used to run into her all the time at Starbucks on the way to work. Miss Kish asked what his favorite part of Marian was, and he said, “It’s just so classy.” DiBlasi always wanted to come back to Marian, so after retiring from Westside Elementary School in 2016, he accepted the position at Marian.

DiBlasi only plays for blocks G and C, but has no trouble finding things to work on. If you venture down to the PAC, you will often find him practicing diligently in the piano or music rooms. Choir and instrumental music girls alike enjoy lively (and lengthy) conversations with DiBlasi, and he truly enjoys them, too. “He is super encouraging and so positive - if I’m struggling with something he is always upbeat,” Jolie Peal, a sophomore in Select Women’s Choir said. DiBlasi enjoys the company as much as the students do.

“I love their personalities,” he said. “They are a lot of fun.”

At a towering 5 ft. 4 inches tall, DiBlasi brings humor and sarcasm to each group he accompanies.

From August to March, DiBlasi played for Marian Momentum in its second year as a show choir.

When asked if he was bored after the season ended, he said, “Are you kidding me? I’ve got 17 districts pieces to practice!”

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t’s that thing that your parents always talk about one time a year and vow never to speak of it until the next year rolls around. Tuition.

This once-a-year word is part of the everyday vocabulary for Assistant to the Director of Finance, Mrs. Donna Schroeder.

Schroeder is located in the office directly across from the attendance office. She sits in there every day working on payroll for teachers, reviewing applications for tuition assistance, and other financial business for Marian.

She has been working in the Marian community for 20 years.

She describes Marian as “A great place to work. The co-workers are wonderful, kind people, so that’s great to work around them.”

Because Schroeder works in finance, she doesn’t have that much contact with the students. “I probably work with the parents more than the students, but I like meeting the students.”

So if you stop by the attendance office at any time, stop by Schroeder’s office and say thank you.

Without Schroeder, Marian would not be the place it is.

Mrs. Donna Schroeder Assistant to the Director of Finance 20 years

Support Staff:

Jessica Abel, Kevin Adcock, Joan Becker, Melissa Brusnahan, Jane Campbell, Nancy Casey, Toni Compton, Billy Deibler, Michelle Delisi, Wayne Downey, Ed Dudley, Christy Edris, Tim Eoriatti, Shari Gilg, Maggie Hinrichs, Karen Hotz, Sr. Joan Houtekier, Richard Hutfless, Anna Kolterman, Nicole Kuehl, Sharon Miley, Julie O’Doherty, Shari Reynolds, Jesse Rome, Mary Rommelfanger, Rhonda Ronspies, Susan Rosenlof, Mary Steiner, Sr. Jackie Thorne, Judy Turnquist, Chris Vacanti, Sr. Susan Vandenheede & Molly Woodman

photos by mariadeterman, shannonmcsweeney & audreyhertel

The Junior Network (April 2017)

(12) Sports

Multi-talented athletes stay on track juliahingorani

W

hen February rolls around, the track and field season begins. This sport of running, jumping and throwing has become popular among Marian girls, and forces them to find a way to balance athletics and academics.

Head track coach Mr. Greg Golka affirms that students join track for various reasons.

Golka says that some girls are truly dedicated to being successful competitors while others join for camaraderie of the team. Some students join to just try something different.

Golka is very optimistic about how the 2017 season will go. “All I expect is for every athlete to do their best and keep improving. If this team does that, we’ll be right where we want to be at the end of the season,” Golka said.

The track team consists of new and returning athletes who bring lots of potential for the season.

Golka said he believes that Marian can be a top five team by the end of the season.

Track is a great option to get in shape, especially since it ends just before summer begins. Daily practices force students to adjust to time restraints. Instead of getting home every day at 4:00pm, girls normally get home at 6:00pm. Because those two hours are occupied by track, students learn to adapt to less time for homework, family activities and work.

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All I expect is for every athlete to do their best and keep improving. If this team does that, we’ll be right where we want to be at the end of the season.”

Mr. Greg Golka, Track Coach

While track and field is noteworthy for physical exercise, students also join track as a chance to grow closer to girls of different grades. Senior Lucy Boever claims that her favorite part of track is the team.

The track team is notorious for being very closeknit. “It’s a really good experience and the team makes it all worth it. At the end of the day, it’s the girls on the team that make me want to come back,” Boever said. Junior Lauren Klingemann agrees that the team is the best part of track.

With approximately 75 girls on the track team this year, Klingemann said “It is such a neat experience to form relationships with girls from every grade. I also participate in track because the team motivates me to always do my best and to go after my PR (personal record).”

Along with motivation, Klingemann notes that athletes in track are especially supportive of each other; the team is able to watch one another grow throughout the season.

Klingemann throws shot put

and discus. Track tends to be better known for running events, but people sometimes forget that field events are enormous aspects of track. For those who aren’t familiar with shot put and discus, shot put is when you throw an eight pound metal ball as far as you are able to. Discus is similar event, except you use a disc (like a frisbee) that weighs around two pounds. Like running events, athletes who throw and jump need to train, strategize, and prepare for competitions.

The Marian track team has five coaches that assist with various events. For example, Mr. Roger Wright trains the runners who participate in distance events.

Track and field clearly means a lot to Marian girls. Girls join for several reasons: to meet and hang out with friends, get in shape, or just because they love competing.

Track is an individual and a team effort, which makes track meets fiercely competitive. It’s not difficult to see how hard track athletes work both physically and mentally. But this balance of athletics and academics definitely keeps Marian girls on track.

graphic by Lily Nelson

Over the Bar Maddie Mingo ‘17 competes in the high jump at the Girls Varsity Invitational at Kearney High School on April 7th.

The team placed 3rd overall.

Racing to the Finish Line Emma Boever ‘19 competes in the 4x800 meter relay. The team placed 4th in this relay.

Bri Soars Bri Eilderts ‘20 competes in the girl’s long jump.

Eilderts competed in 3 other events at the meet. photos by andiemikuls

Junior steps off the court and into the goal livputnam

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eing a student athlete can be extremely taxing sometimes. Between school, practices, games, friends, family, and trying to get a decent amount of sleep, your schedule can get a little hectic. For junior Ashtynne Alberts, this is no big deal. Alberts is a varsity volleyball and soccer player here at Marian. She has been playing both sports since childhood, and although they are quite different sports, Alberts seems to have no problem excelling in both.

Alberts did not play soccer during her freshman and sophomore years, but focused on volleyball. She played junior varsity volleyball for Marian those two years and competed with the varsity volleyball team this past fall.

“I was talking with my friends, Delaney Stekr ‘18 and Delaney Gunn ‘18, during physics class one day about soccer and how their two goalies both graduated last season. They were discussing who they thought would be goalie for this season and I jokingly said, ‘Well, I’ll do it.’ I didn’t really mean it but they thought I was serious. Next thing I knew they were encouraging me to try out and I thought why not,” said Alberts.

The last time Alberts played on a competitive soccer team was in 2014, when she was in eighth grade. Back then, she was a forward for Gretna Soccer Club, so managing two sports is a norm for Alberts.

In the Zone Ashtynne Alberts starts the first game of the season as goalie against Papillion-LaVista.

Marian Varsity soccer won the game in overtime 3-2. photo by delaneykottke “Being a dual-varsity athlete has its ups and downs. It is so amazing to be a part of such a talented group of girls who have won state multiple times in the past couple years. It is very challenging keeping up with the team since they’ve played soccer every waking moment of their lives, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

It’s such an awesome experience,” Alberts said.

Balancing volleyball and soccer is a difficult task, but Alberts manages.

Alberts has soccer practice every day after

school and some days has an additional volleyball practice following soccer. On top of juggling the constant practices, there is homework to add the after school equation.

“Juggling soccer and volleyball is quite challenging. My schedule has been hectic for the past couple weeks but all of my coaches have been very understanding about why I have to miss practice and are willing to work with me which is very helpful. I basically study every spare moment I have when I’m not practicing or sleeping,” Alberts said.

The 2017 varsity soccer team is a new squad with new players in almost every position.

Twelve athletes returned to the team from last season, out of 21 on the roster. The team has had some hard fought games, and really had to work together as a team. “The dynamic is pretty similar. We are still cohesive but this year, it seems like we have better team camaraderie and we have lots of fun. We have a better team chemistry and are more focused on our team goals because of how tough our schedule is. It forced us to really connect quickly,” said senior team captain Rachel Johnson about the new squad.

With the new athletes on the team including the two new goalies, Marian is expected to compete at a high level this season.

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Sports (13)

Students reach their ‘goals’ to play in college andiemikuls

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ome people see sports teams as a simple ranking. Varsity players are good and junior varsity players are not as good.

That simply isn’t true though, especially not at Marian, a school with some of the most talented athletes in the city.

It is well known that multiple girls on Marian’s varsity teams will play sports in college, but it is often overlooked that there are a few girls at Marian who are going to play in college who do not play those sports at Marian.

Seniors Michaela McLeay and Maggie Tolley are both planning to play soccer in college, but do not currently play on a Marian team.

McLeay is planning to attend and play soccer at Doane University in Crete, Neb. this next fall. McLeay officially signed to play on Jan. 13.

Tolley signed on April 12 to play soccer at College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota next fall. Both McLeay and Tolley played soccer at Marian the past three years, but neither of them

1.Thou shalt be quiet whilst a player is serving 2.Thou shalt wear sunscreen 3.Thou shalt be prompt 4.Thou shalt not cheer in the middle of a point 5.Thou shalt cheer and support players between points

graphic by cammygregor

are playing on evening, Mca Marian team Leay is able to this year. help at soccer Although practices after this is an untrack practice. conventional She helps shag path, McLeay balls, warms decided that up players and it was the best does anything for her future. she can to be “I don’t play around the for Marian game. anymore Tolley because I have Signing with smiles Maggie Tolley and Michaela McLeay trains peribeen on reserve ’17 sign to play soccer next fall. Tolley will be playing at odically with for three years College of Saint Benedict and McLeay will be playing at coaches to and it was very Doane University. Photos courtesy of Isabelle Swanson. keep up her unlikely to move skills for McLeay and Tolley are from reserve to varsity. I college soccer. Both girls not simply quitting school didn’t want to go through played club soccer last sports for a year though. the upset of getting cut, so season. Tolley played for Both seniors have joined I figured it was best not to Omaha Football Club to Marian’s track team for the which she credits much of tryout,” McLeay said. first time.

Due to the extremely her preparation for college “I decided that I needed competitive nature of Mariathletics. an sports, not everyone can to get faster so I am able Students like McLeay to keep up with the colmake a team. and Tolley show how much “I can think of at least 10 lege speed of play. I have talent Marian students always been very active kids from Marian who have possess. because my family has alplayed a sport in college Players display talent on despite being cut or choos- ways stressed exercise, so I all levels: varsity, junior decided to do track to keep varsity, reserve and those ing not to play on a high in shape and get faster,” school team their senior who do not play.

McLeay said. year. It is a trend in highly McLeay said that Marian In addition to track, competitive high schools athletics have prepared her McLeay is a team manager nationwide,” Athletic Diin many ways to play at for the reserve soccer team. Doane. rector Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs Since the reserve team’s said.

“High school sports have practices don’t start until 6. Thou shalt not cheer at the expense of other players’ mistakes 7. Thou shalt refrain from walking around too much 8. Thou shalt be respectful of referee calls (no matter how bad) 9.Thou shalt stay behind the fence 10. Thou shalt always cheer for Marian

Varsity Tennis Coach Beth Dye

The TENnis Commandments cammygregor

A

s the tennis team enters its busiest time of the year, more students go to see the action themselves.

However, do the spectators really know how to behave at these matches? Tennis is unlike any other sport, so here is your tennis-teamapproved set of rules to make your tennis watching experience more enjoyable (and maybe less awkward).

Marian Varsity’s dual record is 4-4 and the team is expected to be back at state again this year on May 18-19. Led by Coach Beth Dye, the team says they are excited to see where this year takes them!

JV is led by coach Ms. Bridget Mendenhall and will have their final home match on May 1 versus Millard West.

prepared me to play college soccer because I have learned the importance of not only doing well for myself, but also the team.”

McLeay said that Marian sports have also helped her to make the best out of every situation.

“Being on the reserve soccer team for the past three years has allowed me to become the player I am.

Without that experience, I would not be playing in college. As I always tell myself, everything always happens for a reason. Without being on the reserve team, I would have never been captain and been able to lead my team,” McLeay said.

“I think that Marian sports have good team atmospheres no matter what team you’re on. However, I think that some girls may be discouraged from playing a sport here at Marian or trying to play in college,” Tolley said.

Although it is difficult to be on varsity, and still difficult to be on junior varsity or reserve, any girl can play at the college level if she has the talent.

Freshman crosses norms to keep fit

lilywatkins & mariadeterman

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ompetitiveness runs in Marian’s blood.

Girls are willing to do just about anything to get a leg up, whether it be through club teams, solo practice or training camps. Freshman Katelyn Malick (no relation to Zayn) does something few Marian girls do in order to train: CrossFit. CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness program that incorporates elements from several workouts such as bar exercises, gymnastics, rope climbing, rings and of course weight lifting. Workouts are strenuous to say the least, but that doesn’t deter Malick—not one bit.

She started CrossFit in 2015 in order to build strength for her main sport: volleyball. She played for junior varsity this year, and said her CrossFit training “helped with endurance.”

Malick said that CrossFit initially drew her in because it “seemed fun.”

A classmate from Saint

Joan of Arc began the CrossFit journey with her, and the two friends quickly realized all the benefits the workouts brought.

Malick recommends the regimen with a definite ‘yes!’ to all who are thinking about trying it.

Showing off her strength Katelyn “It’s a good chal- Malick lifts 75 pounds in a snatch at lenge to get up and CrossFit Hydro on March 11, 2017. do something, and She placed first in Nebraska in a it builds a lot of CrossFit meet. Photo courtesy of strength!” Malick Katelyn Malick. said. Her record group,” Malick said. ‘snatch’—a type of In the world, she placed lift done in Cross Fit—is 248th, and first in the 75 pounds. Few Marian State of Nebraska for her girls have probably ever age division. tried lifting two-thirds of Malick trains at Crosstheir own body weight, Fit Hydro, one of 10 but for Malick it is no CrossFit-specialized gyms problem. in Omaha. She particiIn the photo above, pates in teen classes so Malick was competing in she is able to train with a world-wide meet that others her age. placed her in the CrossFit It is not common for a Leaderboard for her age teenage girl to willingly division. “Over a series of do such intensive and five weeks there are five exhausting work, but hey, workouts you do, then Marian girls are all about are compared to the rest surpassing expectations. of the world in your age

(14) Entertainment

The Network (April 2017)

National days celebrate every day

Florals for spring?

Groundbreaking.

graphic by mariadeterman

graphic & photos by makaylasedlacek

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his year’s spring fashion trends are in full bloom! Grab those credit cards, debit cards or the cash you found under your driver’s seat, and head to these trend-setting stores to get the latest fashion crazes.

Choker Store: Forever 21 Price: $4.90

Baseball Cap Store: Rue 21 Price: $7

Sunday, April 23

National Lost Dogs Awareness Day - Celebrates reunions as well as brings awareness to lost dogs and animal shelters.

- Observe by using #LostDogAwarenessDay.

Monday, April 24

National Pigs in a Blanket Day - It is indeed appropriate to eat pigs in a blanket for any meal today.

- To spice it up, use sausage and croissant dough instead of hot dogs and crescent rolls.

Tuesday, April 25 Wednesday, April 26 National Hug a Plumber Day - Much needed day of recognition for those in our community who do the dirty work.

- Can be observed by not clogging any toilets/drains.

Bomber Jacket Store: Marshalls Price: $24.99

Off the Shoulder Shirt Store: Marshalls Price: $14.99

Thursday, April 27

CHAPSTICK To soothe your dry lips while working hard at your committee.

National Brave Hearts Day - Today we honor the brave kids who are battling cancer, their caretakers, and their families.

- Say a prayer for all kids and teens who are in the f ight of their lives .

National Sense of Smell Day - Take a big whiff and realize how blessed you are to be able to smell.

- To overload your sense of smell, visit a Bath and Body Works Store today.

National Honesty Day - No little white lies today!

- Whether it be about a fashion choice, homework procrastination, or binge-watching session, try to tell the honest truth today (and every other day).

Your 2017 Field Day FANNY PACK

SUNSCREEN To protect your skin before the big day.

Friday, April 28

National Tell a Story Day - Call an older relative and ask if they have any stories from when they were your age.

- Visit the Marian Library and discover an enthralling new book.

Saturday, April 29

Ripped Jeans Store: Forever 21 Price: $29.90

Floral Jean Jacket Store: Forever 21 Price: $34.90

National Pretzel Day - The pretzel shape resembles arms crossing a chest in prayer.

- Grab a pack of pretzels and a candy bar to split with a friend over ice cream during lunch.

graphic by audreyyost

Sunday, April 30

For more National Days Fun: www.nationaldaycalendar.com

SPIRIT

It never hurts to have a little extra spirit tucked away.

2 HAIR TIES

IBuPROFeN

Those field day (double) braids need hair ties, not one but two! Bring extra for some friends, too.

Field Day is intense, and loud. You might need to cure a small headache from singing Demo so loudly.

DEODoRANT No offense, but you might smell because you’re working so hard.. nobody wants to smell bad.

SNACK SWEET & SALTY

Maybe pretzels and m&ms? Got to please your taste buds. But remember, don’t eat in the classroom.

FACE PAINT Your classes colors of course, You NEED to be all decked out all week.

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Entertainment (15)

Midtown coffeeshops make a splash entertainment review by abbymclaughlin

ind yourself in Dundee, Aksarben or the F general Midtown area and want a cup of joe? Check out these hot (or iced) places.

utilize the drive thru, but there is also a patio to sit outside. This is a great for if you want to get coffee with a friend on the weekends! What I recommend: Dirty Harry, Hot. About $4.50 Roast Coffeehouse- 67th and Shirley Street. This lively coffee shop in Aksarben is perfect for group work because of the bar-style seating and long tables. It’s just as good if you go alone, too because there are tables designed for one or two. The baristas bring you your coffee, which is so sweet! What I recommend: Iced Toddy Cold Brew with Almond Milk and Hazelnut. About $4.50

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Blue Line- 50th and Underwood Street. A quiet place to work if you desperately need to concentrate. Working on papers is easy here because it is quiet and most people there are working on school work, too. This serene spot is also a great space to get coffee and hang out.

Parking can get tricky on Underwood, so park in the lot in front of the coffee shop. What I recommend: Iced Chai Tea Latte (put extra cinnamon in it to give it a little kick!) and a Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffin. About $6.

Crane Coffee- 87th and Cass Street. There are multiple locations, but the one on 87th and Cass is the most spacious. Lots of space allows for you to to work by yourself or with a group. The back room is great for group work because of the large tables and comfy chairs.

The wifi is slow though, so make sure your documents are available offline. What I recommend: Turtle Latte and a Cinnamon Scone.

About $6.50.

Caffeine Dreams- 46th and Farnam Street.

This huge coffee house that has lots of open tables and outdoor seating, which is

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perfect for when it is nice out. The coffee house is great for doing homework because it is open and peaceful. You can play board games too, if you’re going to hang out with friends. What I recommend: Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Soy Milk. About $4.

Dundee Double Shot- 50th and Dodge Street. This small coffee house located right off of Dodge has a ‘latte’ of different latte options, served hot or iced. Most customers

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Why your music taste is subpar entertainment review by hailierydel

I

am a self-proclaimed music connoisseur and an overall lover of almost all kinds of music. My music taste ranges from the heart-soaring, beautiful opera works of Léo Delibes to the deep, dark, heavy riffs of Slipknot, to the zesty rhymes of Lil Rob. So, as a self-proclaimed expert, I can justify that your music taste is more than likely pretty bad.

Like everything in this world, music has its good, its bad, and just plain awful: mainstream music. While this statement more than likely will offend more than a few people, I have my reasoning.

While there is nothing wrong about mainstream music, other than the fact that it’s downright horrible, to put it simply, it lacks feeling, or the music is hollow.

Very few popular artists even write their own music, and when I say very few, I mean very few.

Most popular music artists have 4-5 writers for each and every song on a record. Some popular artists who require several writers would be Justin Bieber, Beyonce and Katy Perry.

Wow, much talent. This leads to songs being impersonal. I want to hear about you, not about the putting of rings on things, thank you very much.

I have nothing against music without instruments, or even music that’s created entirely by a computer. I do, however, have a problem with people not writing their own music.

Anyone can tune something to sound halfway decent, but not everyone can compose pieces of

To listen to Hailie’s music follow her spotify: 18rydelh

music or lyrics that tug at your heartstrings. These popular artists aren’t creating things to stay sane, as a true artist does, they’re singing songs for the sake of topping charts and earning fat checks.

The issue with mainstream music is that it is seemingly hollow, because who clearly can’t relate to a plastic bag drifting through the wind, wanting to start again? I have tried to listen to mainstream pop music, in hopes to find some sort of musical merit, and couldn’t make it through a solid 30 seconds of a song. Songs such as “Lights”

by Ellie Goulding, “Firework” by Katy Perry, “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes, and whatever other popular people listen to.

Why are we selling ourselves short with bad music? I want to know about why you have to sleep on a twin size mattress, why someone stole your car radio, why lovin’ is what you got, I want to know how you got yourself locked into a heart shaped box. I don’t care about how you need stitches or that you feel like a plastic bag.

C’mon here people. If music isn’t hitting you like a truck, making you bawl, or giving you goose pimples, you’re doing it all wrong. Don’t hesitate to listen to something you’ve never heard of. The songs that you accidentally stumble across tend to be the diamonds in the rough that become life-long jams. I hope you find yourself walking off the beaten path, and listening to obscure artists who make you feeling something.

Espresso so good! Aksarben Roast Coffeehouse.

This is the perfect spot for studying, going on Pinterest or both. Photo & graphic by abbymclaughlin

Your guide to concerts entertainment review by annacook & hailierydel

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hroughout the years, young adults deciding what to do on a Friday or Saturday night has changed time and time again.

From drive-in movies to hanging out at the mall, now it’s going to concerts. Omaha is filled with pop culture that young adults embrace with open arms. With all of the opportunities that Omaha offers concert-wise, it’s important to be concert ready.

First step, finding tickets! Tickets can be expensive, but don’t let that deter you! Using a site like Stubhub is a great tool for finding more affordable tickets.

Second step, being prepared for the concert! As a Marian girl, it’s almost a given that food is an important part of your life. Make sure that you have a game plan! Tips and tricks would include eating at home before the concert if you’re already broke from spending money on the ticket. Other advice would be to find restaurants around the venue of the concert so you’re not rushing to get there. Post concert meals are also something to consider. 24-hour restaurants are convenient, especially if you get out of the concert late at night.

Third step, the buddy system! Losing your friends at the concert can definitely affect your experience.

Set a spot to meet your friend(s) at before you go, to avoid wandering around by yourself.

The fourth and final step, have fun! Concerts are a great way to meet new people and have memorable experiences with your best friends. Don’t get caught up watching the concert through your phone.

I’m sure that your friends on Snapchat would love to see videos of the

concert, but it’s never a bad thing to live in the moment!

Sokol Auditorium, the greatest of concert venues, located in south Omaha on 13th Street. A small venue with a maximum occupancy of around 1500 people. This makes for packed, intimate shows and sweaty nights.

Bourbon Theatre, a renovated 1930’s movie theatre located in downtown Lincoln accommodates for a wide variety of entertainment acts. The Bourbon has multiple levels, the upper levels set up with tables, and the lower level allowing for standing room. This allows for a spacious venue, but still maintains that certain level of intimacy.

Lookout Lounge, a shady personal venue, that makes for intimate shows. It’s located a couple minutes south of Marian on 72nd Street. It’s stocked with tables off to the side of the floor, a pool table, and good vibes.

Slowdown, a concert venue located north of downtown on 14th Street. The venue is set up in two tiers. The bottom tier allows for the rowdy standing room while the top tier is set up with tables and chairs.

The floor stays jam packed with a few stragglers standing on the top tier.

Get your jam on. The Bourbon Theatre is always a hot spot for concert goers. Photo by hailierydel

, w o b in a R e h t e n Go

Photo Essay (16)

The Junior Network (April 2017)

Return the Dove

The cast shines The play cast poses on stage in full costume and makeup. They said they had a great time putting on the play for the public, April 7-9.

Taking a stand The cast re-enacts a scene of a protest of a decision Eisenhower made regarding French Indochina in 1954.

Protesters include Anna Kenney ’19, Rachael Brich ’18, Michael Brown Creighton Prep ’17, Patrick Gillaspie Creighton Prep ’19, Anna Swoboda ’18. Rayna Bartling ’18 played Actor 4 and retold war stories through letters as the scenes happened around her.

No crew, no show Crew members Emily Doll ’17, Lily Veylupek ’18, Sydney Schumacher ’18, Libby Knudsen ’18, Nikki Rhoades ’17 and Julia Crump ’17 show off their space buns and smiles.

The crew had themes for each day of performances.

Give me my son Rachael Brich ’18 plays a mother who was initially in support of the war, but when her son does not return home, has a change of heart. The play showed the harsh reality of war for parents, family of soldiers and those involved.

Revolutionary Cast members Jolie Peal ’19, Emma Johnson ’20, Anna Hoffman ’20, Rachael Brich ’18, Olivia Ramaekers ’19, Anna Swoboda ’18, Mary Watson ’19, Mitchell Henderson Creighton Prep ’17, Caleb Meyers Creighton Prep ’18, Michael Brown Ceighton Prep ’17, P.J. Mooney Creighton Prep ’19 and Daniel Noon Creighton Prep ’19 sing Lamentation over Boston during the performance for friends and family on April 6. The actors and actresses said they enjoyed all the music in the play despite the fact it was not a musical.

Show time Megan Rutten ‘18 applies mascara in the dressing rooms before the Thursday night show. The cast joked about their stage makeup and its versatility.

Photos by: makaylasedlacek, maggieprosser & juliaveik