MHS 2017 May Network

The Network

Marian High School - 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 - www.marianhighschool.net - Volume 61 Issue 9 - May 2017

Senior May Queen crowns the Queen ellierommelfanger

May Crowning On May 9, the Marian student body, faculty and staff gathered as Kaitlyn Baysa ’17 was crowned the 2017 May Queen at the May Crowning ceremony. Baysa’s best friend, Mary Kate Garriott ’17, introduced her as she processed in with a group of second graders whose mothers are Marian alumnae.

Baysa’s family and supporters were also present to see her receive this honor. In her speech, Baysa highlighted the widespread effect of Marian Identity. “The truth is that every singly person here, no matter where you are in your faith journey, can live out her Marian Identity,” Baysa said.

Goodbye Latin, hello Mandarin!

Marian adds Mandarin to the curriculum, grandfathers out Latin anahingorani & nataliekemler

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s Latin enrollment declines, the Marian World Language Department looked beyond the languages that Marian currently offers in order to find a way for Marian girls to continue their worldly education.

Next year, Marian will offer a Mandarin I class, and continue to add higher level classes as the program progresses. Current Latin students will be able to finish their four year Latin education, but Latin I will not be offered for the upcoming ’18-’19 school year.

“It’s sad that Latin I won’t be offered next year, but it’s exciting that Mandarin will be!

That’ll be a really cool experience for future Marian girls,” senior Claire Kilborn, current Latin IV student, said.

According to accreditedlanguage.com, Mandarin is the most commonly spoken language, with 14.4 percent of the world being native speakers in 2016.

The teacher will be Liquing “Jessie” Guo, who is from Xi’an Jiaoatong University in China. She has lived in Nebraska for four years, and will be coming to Marian through the Confucius Institute at UNL.

The Confucius Institute at UNL is a global institute with departments all over the world in locations such as London and South Africa.

“The goal of the Confucius Institute as a whole is to promote Chinese language and culture,” Guo said.

The Mandarin I class next year will be made up of 12 to 15 students, one of which will be sophomore Mia Mixan.

“It’ll be interesting! We’ll be the first class to do it [take Mandarin] so that’ll be fun!”

“Offering Mandarin is important for Marian to stay competitive as a school and offer rich opportunities,” Mr. Andrew Bauer, World Language Department Chair said. “If this experience goes well, I don’t see why there couldn’t be [more languages offered].”

“Speaking and learning a different language is an amazing way to open doors explore social mediums, and learn about cultures other than your own,” Guo said.

“I’m excited to come to Marian! There are very few all girls schools in China, and this will be my first high school experience. I teach adults at Southeast Community College right now, so it’ll be interesting!”

Top 5 languages spoken in the world in 2016 (According to number of native speakers)

1

Mandarin

2 3 4 5

Spanish

English Hindi/Urdu

Arabic

source: accreditedlanguage.com

Retiring Staff Pgs. 2-3

Summer Service Trips Pg. 7

Leadership Summit Pg. 15

Field Day Pg. 16

(2) News

The Network (May 2017)

Quick quiz with ’torian queens amaleapoulos

Lily Foley Co-Valedictorian What are your college and major?

University of Nebraska at Lincoln Biosystems Engineering

What are your future plans for college?

With biosystems, I’m not sure if I want to go on in the medical or engineering field, but my major will allow me to decide when the time comes.

Biosystems is a mixture of all the things I like — science and math heavy but still applied to the medical field.

Did you always have the goal of valedictorian? How did you accomplish this?

I didn’t, actually. During sophomore year, I was still in the running so I kept up with it and I worked super hard last semester and I’m glad I did it. It’s not the title I’m proud of; it’s what I learned.

What food do you eat while studying?

It changes… popcorn, gum, stuff to keep me awake.

Favorite things to watch on Netflix?

I don’t do Netflix.

Do you have any studying advice?

Everyone learns in a different way. I guess I like to read the chapter twice. I take a lot of time on the homework so that when the test comes around, I don’t have to study much.

Katie Williams Rachel Walet

Co-Valedictorian What are your college and major?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Some kind of engineering with a minor in political science What advice do you have for students about maintaining grades?

Pay attention in class. Don’t be on your iPad — ­ although it is tempting in some classes, ask questions, actually read the reading material.

What classes/extracurriculars benefited you the most? Why? The cross country and track teams taught me how to work hard toward a goal.

What’s your pump up song?

“Bounce Back” by Big Sean Most embarrassing childhood memory?

Freshman year I was coming down the middle staircase from the main office. It had been kinda rainy that day and the stairs were packed. I slipped down the entire last stair case and almost took some people out with me!

Why tuba?

I always wanted to play the flute, but when I was picking instruments all the girls picked the flute or clarinet so I thought I’d be different and pick the tuba, and I ended up really liking it.

Salutatorian What are your college and major?

University of Virginia Double major in political science and Spanish What was your favorite class you’ve taken in all of high school?

AP Government with Mr. Baker. It revealed strengths that I have and my interest in that subject matter; it clicked.

Senioritis...do you have it? How do you deal with it?

I have it. I’ve become a lot more complacent, but at the same time I still care. I’m better at accepting that things aren’t that deep.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

English Breakfast Tea with half and half.

What’s your ideal place to live?

I don’t care about the city. I love Omaha, but as long as I’m living in a colonial house, I don’t care.

What are your passions?

Reading historical books, like time piece novels. And watching “House of Cards.”

What is the key to being successful in school?

You have to have drive within yourself if you want to do well.

Current staff member steps up following retirement of Assistant Principal, ready to revitalize Student Services

emmaherold

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fter 28 years as Assistant Working as an English teacher, speech teacher and Learning Principal and Academic Services Coordinator, Christen has Director at Marian, Mrs. Kathy worked at Marian for 15 years.

Tompkins is retiring from this “Being in this [Student Services] position after the 2016-2017 school year. department has me to know Taking her place She’s dynamic, allowed the team members will be current and dynamics of Learning Services knows Marian the department, Coordinator, Mrs. culture, has great which will make Jennifer Christen the transitions ’96. Christen applied ideas and will smoother,” Christen for this position in help bring my January, had a phone said. interview in February vision for Marian Already having and in March, she Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs as the other was interviewed face- to fruition.”

Mrs. Susie Assistant Principal, to-face by Principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan Tompkins’ current Sullivan ’80 ’80 and Assistant position is making Principal Principal Ms. a few changes: it will now be called Rochelle Rohlfs.

Dean of Student Services because “She’s dynamic, knows Marian culture, has great ideas and will it is more reflective of Christen’s help bring my vision for Marian to educational background, according to Sullivan. fruition,” Sullivan said.

“

Christen is currently enrolled in a Masters program at Creighton University and will complete it in May 2018.

“Once she has her Masters degree, the job title will be Assistant Principal again,” Sullivan said.

As current Assistant Principal, Tompkins has many duties, such as curriculum, department meetings, teacher evaluations, scheduling the Practice/ Placement and Final exams for students, Parent Teacher Conferences, academic probations, and many other tedious jobs.

This position change will entail several time consuming tasks for Christen.

“She will do a lot of scheduling and all Student Services activities, along with tasks such as the calendar and lunch schedule,” Sullivan said.

Christen is looking forward to contributing in a new way and being a school leader.

“I’m most excited to advance the mission of Marian and work with the leadership team to enhance our curriculum, empower our students and teachers and to revitalize and add programming to the student services department,” Christen said.

Mrs. Jennifer Christen ’96

The Network (May 2017)

News (3)

The Wright way to retire after 35 years of teaching

carmenmiller

U

pon scanning all of the inspirational teachers that Marian has, one man has towered over the rest since 1982. But Mr. Roger Wright’s astonishing height is not the only thing that distinguishes him; both his teaching and coaching abilities have been inspiring students at Marian for nearly 35 years.

“I first became a teacher because I loved math and athletics and I wanted to work with people,” Wright said. “Teaching seemed like the perfect combination of the those.”

Wright has taught nearly every math class that Marian has to offer, excluding Honors AP Statistics and Honors AP Calculus AB/ BC. He has also coached volleyball, track, cross country and basketball at Marian. Outside of Marian, he has coached baseball and has even been a defensive line coach for the football team at Sutton High School.

In 2008, he was named the National Cross Country Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, and has also won a total of seven state championships and 10 Metro conference championships. But for Wright, the number of wins is not what is important.

“The state championships were just icing on the cake,” Wright said. “When I see a student or athlete get what you are teaching them and gain the confidence to do it on their own, that’s what matters. I think our country has lost sight of that.”

Wright has seen Marian evolve throughout the years, both in its infrastructure and education.

“Technology has definitely been the biggest change for me, and I think it will continue to be a big change for teachers in upcoming years,” Wright said.

He has also seen the evolution of Marian’s beloved tradition,

Field Day. “My favorite theme was Freshman Foreman, because I was in charge of the demonstration committee and we won, which is rare for a freshman class,” Wright

Mr. Roger Wright

said.

Even though he has been at Marian for so long, Wright is not concerned with the legacy he is leaving behind. “What legacy you leave is up to other people; I am not worried about how I’ll be remembered. I concern myself with what I could do today to help,” Wright said. “If you meet people that are interested in their legacy, they are just interested in themselves.”

In his retirement, Wright plans to continue coaching cross country and track at Marian, spend time with his family, relaxing and potentially doing some traveling.

He would love to go to Australia or New Zealand, but only time will tell if those dreams will become reality for this beloved math teacher and coach.

Tompkins retires after 28 years at Marian isabelleswanson

Mrs. Kathy Tompkins

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here are so many wonderful memories.”

After dedicating her life to education, Mrs. Kathy Tompkins

reflects fondly on her career. “I have enjoyed 44 years in education and have cherished the last 28 at Marian,” Tompkins said.

Tompkins first taught in the Omaha Public School System.

She then became a reading specialist at Christ the King School and St. Gerald’s School. She taught at St.Pius/Leo just prior to coming to Marian.

She began her career at Marian as an academic counselor, but became assistant principal after her first few years at Marian.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher at a young age, but the thought of being an administrator did not enter my mind until early in my teaching career, which began as a first grade teacher,” Tompkins said.

She followed this desire to Marian High School, where she has been the assistant principal for more than 20 years.

“My favorite memories are seeing girls walk across the stage at graduation and knowing they are well-prepared for their next journey in life.”

Her contribution to Marian has added to Marian’s scholastic reputation.

During her time as an administrator, she saw Marian win two Blue Ribbon School awards, which are given for positive school environments and high-performing students.

Another fond memory she has is when she went to Washington D.C. to accept the prestigious award.

In her retirement, her “first plan is to relax and enjoy each day.

I look forward to traveling and being able to do things on a whim.

Perhaps a game of golf or two will be in my future.”

Over her many years, her fondness for Marian has grown. “Marian is a wonderful school with outstanding teachers and students.

It’s a good school where everyone comes to do their best,” she said. “[My time at Marian] has offered me the opportunity to be part of the Marian community.

I have enjoyed working with students, parents, faculty, staff and the administration team, and I am grateful to the Servants of Mary for sponsoring Marian and being great role models.”

This is not goodbye forever, however. “I will always be interested in Marian and the accomplishments of students and teachers.”

passion for books and reading,” Broekemeier said.

After graduating, Broekemeier taught English at Central Catholic High School in West Point, Neb. while also acting as the school’s librarian. After 23 years, she decided to make the move to Omaha.

“My daughter wanted to swim in high school, so we decided to move to Omaha and have her attend Marian.”

While registering her daughter for classes, theology teacher Mr. Mark Koesters approached Broekemeier and notified her of a librarian position that was open.

“I decided to apply, and the rest is history,” Broekemeier said.

In 2000, Broekemeier began her Marian journey. She started off by playing a part in the construction of the library we now know today.

“My first year we were building

Coast this summer with my husthe library, and then in my second band and hope to visit Ireland year, we moved everything in,” sometime soon.”

Broekemeier said, “It was very interesting to be on the planning She is also considering continucommittee and to help execute the ing her time with books by volunteering at libraries in Omaha. plans that had already been finalFrom the beginning to the end, ized.”

Broekemeier has expressed her Broekemeier has served as the lifelong passion for books with the Marian librarian for the past 16 Marian community she holds so years. “My favorite part about close to her heart.

Marian has been the community.

I love the connection of the girls, faculty, staff, administration and the Sisters.” Broekemeier’s favorite Marian memory has been the graduation of her daughter in 2004.

As of May, Broekemeier will be entering retirement and ending her formal librarian career. “After 45 years, I am happy to retire,” Broekemeier said.

Broekemeier hopes to “take it easy” during her retirement.

Mrs. Donna Broekemeier “I plan to travel across the West

Broekemeier closes the book with retirement after 16 years victoriaackermann

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o some, books are considered an escape from reality, but for librarian Mrs. Donna Broekemeier, books are her livelihood. “I read a lot, as a child, and enjoyed science fiction and classic novels, but my favorite books were the Anne of Green Gables series,” Broekemeier said.

Broekemeier grew up in New York and enjoyed activities such as speech and music. She wrote frequently for a literary magazine and continued her close relationship with books.

Her love for books continued as she moved to Nebraska to attend Wayne State College to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

“I originally wanted to become a history teacher, but one of my advisors told me that was a job for men, so I decided to follow a different path that involved my

(4) Opinion

EsPRESSo-ing 70 our gratitude: I Letter from the editors A s the year and our high school career come to an end, it is only natural to reflect upon what our time here at Marian has meant to us.

The Marian community truly is a special one, and it is one we have loved covering and reporting on.

If you are reading these words, you are the reason we write the Network, and you are the reason we believe our Network is special.

This school is full of amazing people, and it has been so rewarding to write potentially the first, but definitely not the last, newspaper articles about you.

Marian students are always up to something, and chasing down your great stories has been so fulfilling.

It has been an absolute honor and pleasure to have been given the opportunity to write a newspaper about you and for you.

For this reason, we have many people to thank. We would like to thank our adviser, Mrs. Marsha Kalkowski, and our English teachers for their consistent love and support throughout the year.

We would not be the writers, reporters, editors, students or people we are today without them. Their dedication to this staff is truly incredible.

We would like to thank the administration for supporting our newspaper and running such a wonderful school for us to cover.

We would like to thank our other teachers and faculty members for their positive feedback, involvement in the school and willingness to help us with our stories.

We would like to thank our parents for their support with all of the late work nights and long hours, as well as sending us to such a great school.

Our years in these walls have helped shape who we are and prepared us to take on the next step in our lives.

Other people, places, things, animals and minerals we would like to thank include Thomas Jefferson, Baxter Arena, Max the Dog, the entire state (of being) of Indiana, Alton Brown, dry shampoo, zinc, Roy G. Biv, shane_miller13, Shakira, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, rocks, Chet, Betsy Ross, Bob Ross, Ross from Friends, rubber bands, the entire cast and crew of Newsies, mhs-staff wifi, Capri Suns, Michael Scott, grilled cheeses, that feeling you get when you find $5 in your pocket and Bruno Mars.

The one thing we would not like to thank: the Oxford comma.

Thank you all. You stay classy, Marian.

This has been Carmen and Isabelle, signing off.

The Network (May 2017)

pages, even more tears

’m going to go ahead and admit something.

The legacy I’m leaving at Marian among my classmates is turning in a 70 page paper my sophomore year.

Yes, you read correctly. 70.

The assignment was seven pages.

By now I doubt I can save myself from the inevitable ridicule that will surely result from me yanking one of my skeletons out of the closet, but I’ll still offer my backstory.

Resulting from far too many minutes listening to One Direction too loud on my iPod nano in middle school, my hearing isn’t the best.

When former teacher Mr. Luke Ostrander announced to our novice speech class that we should have a SEVEN page draft of our speech ready, my small and nearly deaf sophomore ears heard 70.

But I asked no questions. The mere thought of questioning anything Mr. Ostrander said was enough to send me running for

my mother.

I ever see it again. I might’ve That night, I worked from 5 burned every copy off the face of p.m. to 6 a.m. 13 straight hours. the Earth.

Absolutely no sleep.

Other than occasionally hearThe next morning, after ing “70 pages” whispered as I consuming nearly three entire walk in the hallway and my mom Mountain Dew Kickstarts the getting mad at me for using the night before, I proudly handed entirety of the printer ink in one my 70 pages of hard work to night, I’ve mostly gotten over Luke Ostrander, which required this horrific experience. using both hands. His mouth fell Which, by the way, has most open. definitely resulted in Needless early onset arthritis to say, that in my poor, sweet class period fingers. ended with But I learned an me crying inimportant lesson consolably in from this experience. front of Mr. A large part of Ostrander. high school is about 70 pages, embarrassing yourmost likely self. both tear It’s about making and sweat mistakes, laughing stained, filled column by anahingorani at these mistakes with an extenand learning from sive, and far too detailed, sumthem. Just as I now laugh that mary of a single book. unless I’m writing a PhD disserWas the book itself even 70 tation, 70 pages is perhaps a few pages long? I’ll let you know if too many.

Belief, hope brings higher chances for success

“N

othing ahead of you is through track and basketball. bigger or stronger than A person can practice techthe power of God behind you” nique over and over, but until he Eph. 6:10. or she believes a For a very certain height, or long time (18.78 time, is attainable, years), I have then he or she will loved living this never reach that quote. Through goal. every morning I have also I’ve woken up to, witnessed an every memory I’ve immense amount shared, every race of belief through I’ve run and every spending time math problem I’ve column by maddiemingo with friends. My attempted, God friends have the has believed in me and He has utmost amount of faith in each given me much more strength to other and in their own capabilsucceed than I ever could have ities. hoped for.

From designing an elevated God believes in me, and I indoor track for Marian to restabsolutely know He believes in ing up for Field Day by sleeping you. Through experience, I have in a bounce house over Field found that belief comes directly Night, my friends can do, and as a result of hope. will do, absolutely anything they The more hope a person has, set their minds to! (Yes, Grace, the more he or she will believe I am also referring to your that better things are yet to attempt at making an escape come. during lunch.)

I have seen this many times And you can achieve too; just

have hope and believe. Move mountains, break records, you “can do all things through Christ who strengthens you” Phil. 4:13.

I wholeheartedly believe that!

Even when things aren’t going the way you had hoped, you can believe. When I was in eighth grade, through about freshman year, my dad battled many major medical conditions.

He had corroding pacemaker wires and blood clots on his lungs, but after much believing and having hope, God healed him of his illness.

The power of belief is completely immeasurable! “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”-MK. 11:24.

If you have a dream or desire, believe in it; hope that you can reach it and work hard to make it happen because God will be with you every step of the way and He believes you can do more than you ever imagine!

Just believe and have hope.

SUMMER BUCKET LIST

Omaha Annual Summer Art Festival Junkstock: Summer Edition JUNKSTOCK June 9-11 300 S 19TH ST #318 Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dundee Day Aug 26 MEMORIAL PARK Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Bank of the West Celebrates America June 30 MEMORIAL PARK Thursday: Sundown

June 9-11 1150 RIVER ROAD DRIVE WATERLOO, NE 68069 Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Poolooza June 1 FUN-PLEX Saturday: 8 p.m.

The Network (May 2016)

Opinion (5)

We’re The Mulers: the tale of a stubborn sister

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s students of Marian, every girl here unlievable when you keep in mind where I live. I derstands that there is nothing purer than live on an eight acre ranch on 230th and State a sister’s love. My younger sister and I have alStreet. My house is nothing more than a reinways been particularly close, as we are only 369 carnation of Noah’s Arc, complete with dogs, days apart and spent most of our lives convinc- cats, horses, chickens, a hedgehog, a chinchilla, ing people that we are twins. a pig and, of course, a llama. With that in mind, However, as we grew older our differences the addition of a mule is definitely not normal became more and more prominent, reaching nor necessary, but it is fathomable. their peak when we went our separate ways in Now, back to the story. At this point, my high school. Even though she was a Skyhawk mother knows about her retail therapy buy, but and I became a Crusader, we have continued my father does not. However, this is not our to be best friends throughout these past four biggest problem, as we hid a llama from him years. for approximately a month and a half before Every night she comes into my room, sits on he realized that we had a llama living on our my bed and tells me about her day. One day, in grounds, so this shouldn’t come to too big of a the middle of her sentence, she announced that shock to him. she had impulsively bought Our biggest problem is that a mule online to replace me the mule she purchased was and her friends who were in a little state we like to call leaving for college next year Oklahoma, which is a swift six to and then continued to talk eight hour drive from Elkhorn, about something else.

Neb. The question posed itself: A few moments later, I prohow does one get a 1,000 pound cessed what she told me. The mule from the edge of the south clicking of my fingers on my to the midwest? laptop immediately stopped Our go-to answer: shipping. and I looked up and said, I know what you’re picturing, a “You did what?” giant, four-legged animal stepcolumn by carmenmiller She looked at me, confused ping out of a UPS truck, but as to why I was confused, and repeated herself. unfortunately that is not the type of shipping “I bought a mule online today to replace you, that we had in mind.

Will and Renee when you guys go to college There is a service that picks horses and next year.” mules alike in a trailer, and will bring them Now, let’s backtrack for a second. This probto whatever location you desire. While this ably seems completely absurd and ridiculous, seemed like the logical option, my dear sister, and it absolutely is, but it becomes more beas extra as she is, took another route.

A few weeks after the purchase, she took the day off of school to drive our trailer to Oklahoma to pick up our sweet mule. So now, upon entering my driveway, if you gaze out into the front pasture, you will find a lovely mule that we have named Shoelace. She gets along relatively well with her pasture mates, particularly the llama who was fed up with the horses thinking that they run the lot.

Now, this probably seems like a pointless and ridiculous fairy tale, but I swear there is a point to this tale. The fact of the matter is that realizing that the people dearest to your heart are leaving is hard to face, and everyone has their own way of dealing with this heartbreak.

Some indulge in a tub of ice cream, some bawl their eyes out while watching soap operas and some purchase mules online without the consult of their parents. Everyone has their own way of dealing with things, no matter how bizarre and outrageous it is.

It is also important to realize how blessed we are to have people in our lives who are important enough to make us feel empty when they leave. There is some truth to that quote from Winnie the Pooh that says “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

For seniors, or anyone who is friends with someone who is moving away from the Marian family next year, it is painful for us to say goodbye to those that we love the most, and we all need to find a way to cope with that.

I hope everyone who feels these losses, especially the Class of 2017, finds their mules someday.

Don’t be a chicken, make the most of your 4 years

I

spent a lot of time wondering what my last column should be — should I write a beautiful homage to my four years spent in the halls of Marian? Or, perhaps, I could reflect on all the friends I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned?

It was only recently that I realized exactly what my final column should be about: chickens.

I would love to sit around and sap about all the amazing retreats I’ve been on and all the jokes I’ve shared with my peers, but that wouldn’t be true to my Marian experience. In reality, this experience has been nothing short of ridiculous.

Sure, we’ve all spent hundreds upon hundreds of hours sitting in class, soaking up valuable knowledge and countless life lessons, but for every minute I’ve spent in class, I’ve spent 10 minutes arguing with my classmates about whether our body heat is a Crock Pot for our muscles, and whether that makes us cooked or raw.

But that’s beside the point. To

The Network Staff

truly be authentic to my four years the average chicken is 16 inches tall. This means that each classwalking these halls, I would need room at Marian is 8 or 9 chickens to be honest. And to be honest, I have spent the last 48 hours losing tall. One stack of chickens can’t be much more than one foot in width sleep over the question of whether we could fit all of the chickens in and depth.

It’s my belief that enough of the United States inside of Marian. these stacks could easily put us Personally, I believe we absopast 8 billion. To lutely can. Hear me out — I’m not sayput it in perspecing that they would tive, just imagine the Quad and both be comfortable, and gyms full to the I’m certainly not brim with stacks suggesting that we start operating an of chickens. I can’t even fathom how egg farm. I’m just many chickens that saying that if we would be, but for stacked some chickMull-ing it over ens to the height sure it would be with Ellie Mulligan of the ceiling and over 1 million.

No matter how filled in the entire many times I’ve told my classroom, we would reach the goal in no time. mates my theory, someone always Before you start with your poses a new question: what if they opinion, I’ve done a little research. were squatting? What if we put them in crates? This, despite the According to reference.com, there ridiculous idea that we’re debating, are currently 8 billion chickens in the United States. I did a little is the essence of Marian. more digging and found out that In class, these girls are in per-

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

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manent beast mode, making quizlets left and right and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to prestigious universities. Outside of the classroom, my peers are some of the funniest, most creative and intelligent people that I have been lucky enough to know.

When people say “only at Marian,” they mean it. You’d be hard pressed to walk into any other school and have such a heated debate about the volume of a fullgrown chicken.

Marian truly is a one-of-a-kind place, where you get a one-of-akind education and meet 700 oneof-a-kind girls.

If you’re lucky enough to have a year or two left, take advantage of it. Calculate the volume of the chickens. Spend 20 minutes arguing about it in class.

Soak up every moment you have left, because one day you will look around, and you only have a few days of arguing about chickens before you’re out of here.

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

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

(6) Feature

The Network (May 2017)

Hot Shops become hot spot for students who love art, teaching briannawessling

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ocated just a few blocks away from TD Ameritrade, the bright orange building that is Hot Shops is easy to find.

Between the colorful paint and the sculptures surrounding the store, it’s easy for any bystander to tell that Hot Shops is unique. A look at the outside, however, doesn’t tell you anything about the amazing things that happen inside.

“Hot Shops is an art community of all of these different artists that do all kinds of different things, glass painting, metal crafting, and whittling.

They even do glass blowing there,” freshman Annie Compton said.

Compton, along with the other volunteer staff at Hot Shops, helps teach autistic kids

how to paint and do pottery.

“There are about eight autistic kids, some of them who can’t even talk, but have such a passion for art. It’s amazing to see their work and to see what these kids can do even though they can’t talk,” Compton said.

Compton works alongside an artist named Paula Wallace.

“She illustrates children’s books and has this amazing modern yet rustic style,” Compton said.

Compton has been volunteering at Hot Shops for a year now, and has loved every minute of it.

“They are so enthusiastic about everything, it’s amazing.

The marker color, the paint color, even the name on the paint tube, it’s all such a thrill

Working with the elderly

• Seven Oaks Retirement Home

to them,” Compton said.

Volunteers at Hot Shops must be at least 14 years old.

There’s no minimum service requirement there.

Contact information for Hot Shops is available on their website, hotshopsartcenter. com.

“I would definitely recommend volunteering there, it’s a great experience. I think that anyone who has a passion for art would be very interested.

I respect the artists so much because I love art, and it shows you that you don’t have to be perfect to do what you love.

That’s one of the best things about volunteering at Hot Shops. I would 100 percent recommend it. It’s all smiles there,” Compton said.

Pipeline provides students with worldwide influence M

“The most rewarding thing about volunteering at Pipeline is hearing all the stories they bring back from Africa. I also enjoy the pictures that they send back of the kids in Uganda. One of my favorite things that I have done with Pipeline was hand sewing 30 blankets for bless this child branch. I made unique embroidered hearts on each blanket and they were sent to a house where kids with a rare type of cancer went between treatments in Africa. The most rewarding overall I think is just knowing that you are helping people halfway across the world and impacting their lives by doing simple things like donating a jersey or by making blankets,” Nelson said.

Pipeline is always open to more volunteers. Contact information is available on their website (pipelineworldwide.org) or contact Lily Nelson (18nelsonl@omahamarian. org) for more information.

“Pipeline is such an amazing organization and a great opportunity for mission trips!” Nelson said.

Sending their love Lily Nelson ‘18 (right) poses with fellow volunteers in front of the blankets they made for kids suffering from cancer in Africa. Nelson said sewing the blankets was one of her favorite projects that she has participated in at Pipeline. Photo courtesy of Lily Nelson.

• If interested email 17helmm@omahamarian.org

• Monroe-Meyer Recreational Therapy

• If interested email ngiron@unmc.edu or call (402)559-3018

Working with the poor • Open Door Mission

• Information can be found at opendoormission.org/how-you-can-help/ volunteer

• Habitat for Humanity

• Information can be found at habitatomaha.org/volunteer

Working with kids • Kids Can! Community Center • Application can be found at completelykids.org/#volunteer

• Completely Kids

• Information can be found at kidscanomha.org/get-connected/volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities in Omaha

briannawessling

any girls at Marian have a passion for helping those around the world, but don’t have the means to travel the world and help those people directly. Luckily, junior Lily Nelson has found a way around that.

Nelson volunteers at Pipeline Worldwide, an organization that takes regular trips to Africa to help those in need there, however you don’t have to participate in the trip to be involved.

“Whenever Pipeline takes a trip to Africa, they have a lot of things they need prepared and organized.

For example the jersey drive that was held at Marian helped Pipeline send over 300 jerseys to the kids in Uganda. I was in charge of collecting jerseys and spreading the word to local churches, schools, and athletic departments,” Nelson said.

Pipeline is based in Arizona but has branches across the United States. Their mission is to encourage people to use their talents to help those in need, and to provide resources for those who need them.

More volunteer spots

Pug Partners perfect spot for puppy-loving girls H briannawessling

igh school can be stressful, to say the least.

Between homework, jobs and extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to squeeze in some volunteer time.

Even during the summer, many girls are out of town unexpectedly and work as much as they can.

Working a weekly volunteer job on top of all of that just isn’t possible for some girls.

Girls like this, and girls like sophomore Kate Brashear, still have many volunteer options, like Pug Partners of Nebraska.

Pug Partners of Nebraska is a nonprofit organization started in 2008 dedicated to rescuing and finding a home for pugs in need.

Kate Many of these pugs come from puppy mills or mass breeding facilities.

At Pug Partners of Nebraska, they are provided with food, shelter and medical care (usually at a foster home). While Pug Partners doesn’t have a home location, they do hold various events at a variety of locations.

“

One of the best parts about Pug Partners of Nebraska? If you’re over 15 and love working with pugs, you’re eligible to fill out their online volunteer application.

In the application, you have the option to specify what type of jobs you’re interested in doing and how often you would be willing to volunteer. These jobs vary in time commitments so there’s something perfect for everyone.

“I love pugs and don’t have one of my own, so it’s really fun getting to hang out with dogs all day. I definitely would recommend volunteering there.

Brashear ’19 You can attend whenever you want and you get to see pugs all the time!” Brashear said.

There are a variety of jobs to be done at Pug Partners of Nebraska, everything from organizing events to recruiting new volunteers.

Applications are available on their website pugpartners.com.

I love pugs and don’t have one of my own, so it’s really fun getting to hang out with dogs all day. ”

The Network (May 2017)

Feature (7)

Service abroad: Sophs serve in Ghana morganhobbs

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or many Marian girls, the summer means going on vacation, visiting the pool, a long break from the strenuous hours of homework and maybe even a summer job. For at least two sophomores, however, the summer is a chance for them to make a difference in the world abroad.

This July, sophomores Katie Harris and Quinn Ruff will be packing their bags for two weeks to help serve a community in Ghana.

“I’ve never been to Africa, so going there will be a whole new experience,” Harris said. Harris’s family has lived in many different places from Texas to Wisconsin to California to even Singapore, and through that, she’s seen a lot of people in need of help. She’s looking forward to adding a new place to her résumé this summer.

Harris isn’t new to the experience of serving abroad, though.

Last year, she went with a group outside of Marian to the Dominican Republic, where she spent two weeks building a playground for school-age kids and running a health fair. Harris describes the experience as a blessing.

“My favorite part was meeting from all across the globe to volunso many different people,” Harteer in different communities. ris said. In addition to the people “I want to go make a difference that she met from the Dominican in the world,” Ruff said. She conRepublic, sidered Harris’s serving service locally group but knew featured that people there from all were over world people such as strugColombia, gling England, abroad. and Cana“Katie da. said she Harris loved her just started D.R.eam team Katie Harris ’19 (right) poses for a trip last looking for picture after helping build a school for children in the year and service trips Dominican Republic last summer with some of her making during the group members. Harris’s favorite part of her trip last people feel spring of her so special year was getting to meet the local children there. freshman and happy, year. She knew she wouldn’t get and I wanted to be a part of that.” to serve with Marian for anothThe two chose Africa specifically er couple of years, so she started because the trip provided a good researching service trips for high balance of serving and experiencschoolers online. The organization ing a new, exotic culture. she ended up finding was the GlobIn order to go, the two girls each al Leadership Adventures, which needed to raise $4500 to pay for pulls together groups of teenagers travel expenses and all the supplies

Uganda

Belize

needed. They both raised the money all by themselves. Harris only has to raise another $300 before she reaches her goal.

“I created a Go Fund Me, asked family and friends to donate and got a job,” Ruff said. “Katie and I also thought about doing a car wash.”

In addition to raising the money, the girls will also be responsible for getting the yellow fever and typhoid vaccines, as well as malaria pills, before their travel begins in Ghana. Once they get there, they will be helping to improve the education of at-risk Ghana youth by teaching the children English, refurbishing and painting a school, and participating in other various service projects around the community.

“Seeing the look on kids’ faces after we’ve given them something they’ve never had their entire life that we take for granted every day, that’s the best part of service,” Harris said.

“I think the most rewarding part is seeing people happy and making them feel special,” Ruff said.

Guatemala

Madeline Warrick ’20

Mia Soulliere ’18 Why do you think service is important?

“I think it’s important not to only think about yourself, but to think about what you can give back to others because that’s the purpose of living.”

Do you have any advice for students looking to be involved in service abroad?

“Find something that means a lot to you.

Don’t get involved in a project that isn’t close to your heart. The more it means to you, the better outcome and effect it will have on others. If you’re looking for service abroad, get involved in groups that would offer that to you.”

Annika Zimmerman ’17 Why did you decide to get involved in this opportunity?

“I’ve always loved the idea of helping others and putting others before myself, so this was the perfect opportunity.”

Student Po-lands great opportunity to serve anahingorani

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he importance of the Marian Core Value of saw, Poland, with her mother, aunt and cousin Service cannot be underestimated at Marito help add on to a house in association with an High School. Whether it be through Campus Habitat for Humanity. This will be Peal’s aunt’s Ministry or on their own, Marian students con- third trip to Poland, who has also volunsistently perform many different teered in CamboWe’re renovating types of service. dia and Nepal. adding on to a house One of the stu“We’re renodents who takes for a family of six. They vating and addthe concept of Sering on to a house vice into their own have a farmhouse and for a family of hands is sophothey need more room. six. They have more Jolie Peal. a farmhouse, We’re helping build This summer, and need more from June 17 to more onto the house.” room,” Peal said.

26, Peal will be “I’m very exJolie Peal ’19 Jolie Peal ’19 traveling to Warcited! This is my

“

first trip out of the country, it’ll be a whole new experience,” Peal said. “And you don’t really think of Poland when you think of countries that need help, so it’s interesting to see that every country has poverty and people who need help.”

Peal came across this particular service opportunity through family connections, but for any Marian girls looking for cool service trips, Peal urges girls to contact their churches. “I know a lot of churches offer service opportunities. My church is open to anyone going to Winnebago.”

(8) InDepth

The Network (May 2017)

Our Next Adventure

Mme. Janet Tuttle Don’t read the entire syllabus on the first day of class — it will just stress you out!

Look at what you need for the next week.

Mrs. Molly Raabe ’89

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Been there, done that!

Ms. Adrianna Magistro ’09

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8

Ms. Megan Piernicky

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87

16

9

1 5

3

1

Canada

1

Ontario

Western University: Julia Crump

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5

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About the class of 2017

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Teachers give college advice

Even though you will find yourself surrounded by more people than you can imagine, remember that YOU are the only one who has to look you in the eye in the mirror each day.

Fast Facts

And they’re off...

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Take good notes and review something from each class every day. Join a club or organization that you are interested in. It is a great way to meet people with similar interests!

Exercise is easier to keep up with if it’s fun... the same goes for your faith life. Find a way to stay connected to your faith that works for you — whatever it is.

InDepth (9)

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Ohio

Baldwin Wallace University: Gigi Hausman Bowling Green State University: Natalie Sterba Cedarville University: Carina Welker Miami University: Megan Szwanek Xavier University: Sarah McMeen

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United States of America Arizona

University of Arizona: Jenna Popp Grand Canyon University: Sarah Sutej

Colorado

Colorado State University: Courtney Doherty, Kelly Gehring, Sarah Englert, Kiera Leppert Regis University: Natalie Kemler, Mia LaHood, Sydney Monahan, Ellie Mulligan, Beth Rouse United States Air Force Academy: Emma Nelson

California

California Polytechnic State University: Eva Wieczorek California State University - San Marcos: Carly Peterman University of California - Los Angeles: Sarah McLeese University of San Diego: Madison Brown, Kayla Constantino, Rhiana McCarty, Elly Minnick, Becca Williams

Florida

University of Miami: Maddie Helm

Indiana

Notre Dame University: Kelly Straub University of Indiana: Taylor Carter Valparaiso University: Grace McMinn

Illinois

Dominican University: Laura Shaw Loyola University-Chicago: Lauren Merfeld, Logan Myers, Amalea Poulos

Iowa

Buena Vista University: Brook Linderman Grand View University: Melissa Geis Iowa State University: Tehra Finn-Jackson

Oregon

Portland State University: Emily Coniglio

Kansas

Benedictine College: Lucy Boever University of Kansas: Grace Bolamperti, Bella Carollo, Emily Doll, Emma Jesse, Lauren McCormick, Brenna Morris, Kate Schwaller, Brianna Wessling, Meredith Zielie

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Katie Williams

Mississippi

University of Mississippi: Sophie Dineen

Missouri

Missouri State University: Annika Zimmerman Northwest Missouri State University: Claire Devereaux, Morgan Hobbs, Danelle McMorrow, Carmen Miller, Cora Ridenour Kansas City Art Institute: Brigid Elbert Rockhurst University: Madison Blaine, Maggie Gerards, Emma Herold, Julia Manganaro, BriAnne Sedlacek Saint Louis University: Sam Elkins, Mallory Grote, Morgan Hove, Laura Tatten

Minnesota

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John University: Megan Anderson, Maggie Tolley

Nebraska

Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics: Delaney Clark Concordia University: Ally Thelen Creighton University: Claire Finken, Maria Gallegos, Mary Garriott, Meg Gudenrath, Jess Hudson, Blaire Kratochvil,

Lindsay Livengood, Kirsten Meyer, Allie Morrissey, Lauren Novacek, Ellie Rommelfanger, Ken Scott, Madeline Shaffer, Sarah Villarreal, Erin Walter Doane University: Liz Krejci, Michaela McLeay Hastings College: Claire Pelan Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing: Nicole Taylor Nebraska Wesleyan University: Emma Eaton, Jen Novotny University of Nebraska-Kearney: Mary Katherine Wolfe University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Madison Bosilevac, Aubrey Busteed, Alyssa Carlson, Keara Compton, Megan Cerny, Emily Evans, Lucy Fishburn, Lily Foley, Tatum Garvey, Grace Gustafson, Megan Hagge, Lily Hauser, Julia Hautzinger, Ana Hingorani, Rachel Hueftle, Claire Janecek, Gwendolyn Johnson, Anna Kirby, Lauren Kirke, Emily Kleinschmit, Krissy Krager, Audrey Lane, Haley Keenan, Juliet Kolterman, Anna Mantini, Lauren Mayer, Unyoh Mbilain, Emma Morford, Bunny Nelson, Anna Nulty, Courtney O’Brien, Ellie Pink, Natalie Plewa, Rachael Rawson, Josie Stoessel, Kellie Stoessel, Macy Thonen, Mary Underwood, Delaney Villarreal, Audrey Wagoner, Tara Wanser, Lauren Weis, Rachel Weremy, Ella Wente University of Nebraska-Omaha: Victoria Ackermann, Kaitlyn Baysa, Eryan Davis, Tori Dunston, Naeleah Hadford, Sarah Kenny, Liz Mackenzie, Lexi Riley, Katie Swett, Gracie Soll, Sydney Schaefer, Samantha Schueler, Payton Wheatley Wayne State College: Melanie Nordstrom

New York

Pace University: Shania McAmis

Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma: Isabelle Swanson graphics by elliemulligan

South Carolina

University of South Carolina: Reese Hartmann, Mary Kubat

South Dakota

South Dakota State University: Maddie Mingo, Taylor Mundt University of South Dakota: Katie Kaipust, Elise Langenfeld, Vienna Tang

Texas

Texas Christian University: Grace Mortenson

Utah

Brigham Young University: Susana Pettis

Virginia

Hampton University: Tylin Welch University of Virginia: Rachel Walet

Washington

Gonzaga University: Claire Kilborn, Emma Shoemaker

Washington, D.C.

Howard University: Asia Rollins The George Washington University: Janna Whited

Wisconsin

Marquette University: Brooke Huerter, Rachel Johnson

Gap Year

Maggie Dowd, Mackenzie Freed, Grace Lathrop, Jordan Matukewicz, Nikki Rhoades

(10) Feature

Teachers say goodbye to Marian, take advantage of new opportunities

The Network (May 2017)

briannawessling

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he end of the year is him one at a time,” Mrs. always full of hugs and Remmick said. tears, and teachers are no Mrs. Beth Shanahan has exception. also opted to leave Marian This year Mrs. Kim Rem- after nine years of teaching mick, Mrs. Beth Shanahan, Spanish classes here to find Mr. Jeremy Cisco and Mrs. other teaching opportuniLesLee Hacker will all be ties. saying goodbye to Marian’s She’s looking for new halls and heading out for adventures outside of the new opportunities.

Marian community.

Mrs. Remmick, who has “My favorite Marian taught at Marian for 19 memories are all the trips years, is going to be an adI’ve been on. The Dominjunct professor at College ican Republic is by far my of Saint Mary and part time favorite. Not going to the at DC West high school DR would have been my next year. biggest regret if I hadn’t Mrs. Remmick currentdone it, so I’m so grateful ly teaches Honors World I did that,” Mrs. Shanahan History, American History, said. and Honors AP EuropeMr. Jeremy Cisco, who an History at College of has been at Marian for two Saint Mary and at DC West years, is saying goodbye she will to Marian You’re never continue and hello to to teach family done learning. his history business, and social Stay curious.” Midwest studies Equipment

Mrs. Beth classes. and Espres Shanahan “I’ve so. had so many great memMr. Cisco currently ories here. One of my teaches Art I and Art II favorite is the time I stole classes. all of the things from Mr. “Choosing a single favorBaker’s desk drawers and ite memory is impossible. I ransomed them back to am continually amazed at

“

Showing them how it’s done Art teacher Mr. Jeremy Cisco helps the sophomore judges’ booklet committee during his last field week as they begin to work on their booklet. Cisco is one of nine teachers and faculty either retiring or leaving Marian this year. Photo courtesy of Anna Nulty. how gracious and thoughtful the Marian student community is as a whole.

Not a day goes by that students aren’t thanking me after class, or asking me what’s new with baby Fern.

These are the kinds of things that absolutely make my day,” Mr. Cisco said.

Mrs. Hacker is choosing to leave Marian after one year of teaching science classes.

She has chosen to devote herself fulltime to her nonprofit, Lolo’s Angels.

“My favorite memories are dance parties and biology and seeing all the girls in the mornings studying and just being friends. It’s been really nice as a parent because my daughter is a freshman, and I feel like she’s in good hands,” Mrs. Hacker said.

While all of the teachers are excited as they look toward their futures, they also leave with heavy hearts.

“I’m going to miss the girls the most. I want them

to know that they should always know their own worth,” Mrs. Remmick said.

“I am going to miss interacting with and getting to know the Marian girls.

I love hearing about your lives. I want to leave my students with a desire to learn and a sense of curiosity. You’re never done learning. Stay curious!”

Mrs. Shanahan said.

“Without a doubt, I will miss the students the most.

Have confidence, try new things and please don’t forget to breathe. All of you work so very hard, but always remember to take that much-needed time to relax, reflect and recuperate,” Mr. Cisco said.

“I’ll definitely miss the kids the most. I want to encourage them to keep thinking outside the box and to challenge their teachers to bring real world science into their classrooms,” Mrs. Hacker said.

As these teachers head off on their own paths, it is safe to say that the Marian community will miss them just as much as they will miss it.

Teachers take on administration roles at new schools S sydneymonahan & amaleapoulos

tarting in the has helped prepare him for “Each year, I teach one more 2017-2018 this next step. chapter than the year before, school year, “Marian has taught me implement one new lab activiMarian teachhow to learn and adapt from ty--thinking that at some point ers Mr. Andrew students and how to listen to I’ll reach their tipping point. And Bauer and Mrs. them about how to be betevery year they respond with hard Julia Pick will ter. Students know how they work and grit--never a breaking become the learn best, and being willing point. Truly great kids!” she said. principals of to adjust in the classroom is Mrs. Pick has worked at Marian two Omaha important,” Mr. Bauer said. for four years, teaching Honors Catholic grade He is looking forward to Chemistry, CP Chemistry, Fundaschools. bringing Marian volunteers to mentals Chemistry and Biology.

Mr. Bauer Saint Peter and Paul.

She re-started the Science Club will be the prinMrs. Pick is going to be the her second year and has been the cipal at Saints principal at St. Cecilia Cathesophomore moderator for the past Peter and Paul dral School. two years.

Elementary “I am looking forward to Her four years at Marian have school. Saints impacting students’ lives in prepared her for the administrative One last quiz Señor Andrew Bauer passes out a final vocabulary quiz Peter and Paul a different way. I have enrole to come. to his Block H Spanish IV class on May 3. Mrs. Pick also had some final Elementary joyed my journey these past 11 “Mrs. Sullivan has been a huge words of wisdom: “To quote the New York Times bestselling author, is 93 percent years, but I am ready to be a advocate for me from the start Rory Vaden, ‘Be the buffalo. Charge directly into the storm. Choose the part of the St. Cecilia family,” Latino and 80 always listening to my ideas, giving choice that most people don’t make.’” amaleapoulos percent are Mrs. Pick said. She will miss advice, modeling true leadership native Spanish many things about Marian, behavior and helping me expand Bauer said. He has been involved speakers. but especially her students. my resume in ways that allowed me in many different aspects of MariThis will be a change in envi“I’ll miss to move an, from teaching various levels of ronment, but Mr. Bauer is ready my students. I on to Spanish to StuBo, Campus MinisI am looking forward for the challenge. Mr. Bauer has could not ask the next try to Department Chair. to impacting students’ taught Spanish at Marian for seven for a betlevel,” “I’m going to miss the high years. ter group of school environment and teaching lives in a different way.” Mrs. Pick He earned his Masters of Sciyoung ladies said.

Marian students, but I’m excited

Mrs. Julia Pick ence and Education Leadership these past four Alfor the gains that come with workDegree from Creighton in August though the Marian community will ing with elementary students. They years. They have been patient, of 2016. eager to learn new things and open miss these teachers as they part go from not talking to reading and “I’m excited to be able to use to new teaching strategies,” Mrs. ways, it is exciting to see where just love school,” Mr. Bauer said.

Spanish and to be a principal,” Mr. Pick said. their new roles will take them.

His diverse experience at Marian

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The Network (May 2017)

Feature (11)

Summer opportunities enrich student learning maddiemingo

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ver the summer, Marian girls see what professionals on BroadMarch, and seniors Megan Hagge, stay extremely busy. Between way are doing. Freshman Kaylee Taylor Mundt, Claire Janecek and juggling time with work and Lahti will also be involved with an sophomore Annie Foley will be spending time with friends, it may educational camp this summer, attending a certified nurses trainseem hard to believe that students however, Lahti will be assisting ing class this summer. “I decided can dedicate time to summer with running the camp. to take this class for two reasons,” camps as “This summer, Hagge said.

It will benefit me by I will be going to well. How“The first was that UNMC ever, quite a my Church’s (St. requires all students going into getting me started in few CrusadPatrick’s) Relitheir nursing program be a certimy nursing career...” gious Formation fied nurse assistant. The second ers will be attending an class and I will be reason was the experience and Taylor educationhelping to set up basic knowledge I would receive Mundt ’17 al summer the classrooms in the field that I am going into, camp over break. for the students which is nursing.”

Sophomore Olivia Hess will and staying in The summer class will allow be attending the Junior Theater specific rooms students to take a patient’s blood Festival in New York City this with teachers to help them work pressure, monitor his or her summer to take part in a week of with the children,” Lahti said. pulse and learn how to assist a theater choreography. Hess is a At Marian, Lahti is an active patient with basic needs, such member of the Select Women’s member with the Decade Darlings as bathing, walking or using the Choir, so she will be accustomed and this summer will be the secrestroom. The class will begin to singing and dancing every day ond year that she has helped with on Jun. 4th, and will last from 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Religious Formation class at p.m. to 10 p.m., four days a week, “I am really excited but also St. Patrick’s Church. for four weeks. “It will benefit nervous because it will be a lot “I find it to be really fun and me by getting me started in my of work,” Hess said. “We will be interesting to work with all of nursing career, getting me some working with professionals in the these chilexperience, and I find it to be really give me some new theater industry, choreographers dren. The on Broadway, but I am very excit- first time opportunities,” fun and interesting to job ed for the learning experience.”

I was very Mundt said.

Hess is a member of the Rose nervous, I “It will teach me work with all of these Brigade through the Rose Thehad never many things about children.” ater, which led her to find the worked caring for patients Junior Theater Festival in the first with and hopefully Kaylee place. “Many girls tried out for children allow me to get a Lahti ’20 this camp, but they only picked before, but job in a hospital, about 20 per show.” now I’m prepared and excited.” retirement center, At the end of the Junior TheAnother great experience that or rehabilitation faater Festival, the directors will students will be taking advantage cility; which will provide me with film the final performance and of this summer is certified nursgreat experience before trying create a DVD. This will allow up es training. Senior Megan Cerny to pursue my full time career,” and coming choreographers to took part in this program last Janecek said.

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Junior Theater Festival Description: theatre camp that focuses on choreography Location: New York City, NY Dates: June 21 to 28 Important Information: audition required

Working for St. Patrick’s Religion Formation Camp

Description: setting up classrooms for the campers and working with children Location: St. Patrick’s Church in Elkhorn, NE Dates: June 6 to 20

Certified Nursing Assistant Training

Description: training to become a certified nursing assistant Location: Nebraska Methodist College Dates: June 4 to July 1 Important Information: requirements include being the age of 16 or older, having the ability to read, understand, write, and speak the English language, the ability to read time on an analog clock, and the physical ability to lift 50 pounds Cost: $499

Summer activities: Opportunities to make the most of summer sydneymonahan

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or most teens, summertime is ing a unique role as a camp counsynonymous with relaxation. selor for her second summer at Long, sunny days filled with watch- the Boy Scout Camp called Camp ing TV and catching up on sleep Cedars near Fremont. An obvious usually constitute the average challenge she will have to face is summer, but some girls go above rambunctious pre-teen boys in and beyond to make their summer their main element, but she is not productive. Whether it’s slathertoo worried. ing sunscreen on their face and “I am a very outdoorsy and adwearing khaki shorts as a camp venturous type of person; I think counselor or suiting up in business this will help me relate more to professional garb for an internthe boys and hopefully keep their ship, Marian girls have made their attention,” Robertson said. Senior summertime occupation a priorbesties Sarah McMeen and Mary ity to achieve Kate Garriott won’t their goals.

Working with the be the typical visor Summer wearing nature camps seem to children who attend enthusiasts, but inbe only a thing this camp is really stead will be workof the past, but ing at the Munmore of a blessing that is not the roe-Meyer Institute case for many Summer Camp. than a job.”

Marian girls This camp allows Sarah this summer. for kids with both Graduating mental and physical McMeen ’17 into the role disabilities to have of camp counselor, senior Emily their own summer Evans is excited to relive her glory camp experiences. days from Hummel Day Camp in a “Working with the children who new position. “I went to Hummel attend this camp is really more when I was in grade school and it of a blessing than a job. They are was always so much fun. I remem- always so happy and excited to see ber looking up to the counselors, and play with us,” McMeen said. so it is going to be fun to be one of McMeen has interest in becomthose counselors,” Evans said. ing a special needs educator and Junior Maddie Robertson is tak- loves the hands-on experience

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that Munroe-Meyer offers. Being family who lives there. While she is a summer camp counselor isn’t there for two and half months, she for everyone, but there are plendecided to make use of her time. ty of other activities to fill boring Agbeletey has arranged an insummer days. Another common ternship with a family friend who activities among Marian students owns a clothing boutique in Africa is finding a summer internship. and is a very talented seamstress.

Thinking Agbeletey about what be spend...this internship is great will to study ing some of for gaining experience and her time in in college or future Africa workmaking connections...” career oping in the portunities boutique and Morgan can be inlearning how Hodges ’18 timidating, to sew. but internships are a great way to “I am very excitfigure out what strikes a chord. ed to not only learn Junior Morgan Hodges will about fashion in be doing an internship with the general, but also be able to learn Congressional Leadership Fund. about my native culture. I also reShe will be going to door to door, ally hope to bring back some of the taking surveys and making calls for African cultural influence through the Don Bacon election committee. my own fashion ideas” Agbeletey “I hope to have a career in said. politics, so this internship is great Whether most summer days are for gaining experience and makfilled with napping or working long ing connections with politicians hours, the most important thing is who could help me in the future,” to enjoy the time off.

Hodges said. Even if doing an inFinding something productive ternship isn’t the main focus of the to do can save Marian girls from summer, it can easily be an activity the summer blues. Staying on that done on the side. work grind and catching some rays Freshman Geonasha Agbeletey will make these next few months has the opportunity to travel to fly by, so be sure to take advantage Africa and spend time with her of it.

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The Network (May 2017)

(12) Sports

Cheer, Dance teams welcome new coaches alliemorrissey

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etting records and starting new traditions — Marian’s cheer and dance teams have created a new name for themselves. In the 2016-2017 season, the dance team placed third at State in the pom category, never done before

by Marian’s dance team, and the cheerleaders placed second in both the gameday and tumbling division.

Dance team will now be co-coached by Abby Jo Luquette and Sarah Diego.

Luquette is currently living and working in Texas coaching dance teams. She has been classically trained in dance, performed on her high school dance team, attended Point Park University and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in jazz, danced professionally in Los Angeles, California and performed on cruise ships.

Diego was born and raised in Omaha and attended Creighton University, where she was a Jays Dancer, and then transferred to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was on the Scarlett Dance team. She continues to teach dance classes at Nebraska Dance and was previously Burke High School’s coach.

“Sarah and I are our own little team! We plan to work together to give the girls the best of the best. We are so excited for this opportunity to co-coach and are ready to run full speed ahead with the talented girls at Marian,” Luquette said.

Luquette and Diego also plan on remodeling the structure of dance team. Instead of having both a varsity team and junior varsity team,

there will be a single performance team. The squad will perform at basketball games, football games and pep rallies as a single team. In addition to being on the performance team, a select number of girls will also dance on the competition team, where they’ll perform at local competitions and travel for state, regionals and nationals. “We want these girls to have as many performance opportunities as possible,” Luquette said.

“I think the new coaches have experience that will be beneficial in taking the next step in being a competitive dance team. I am excited to be performing at all home [Creighton] Prep football games and going to camp to have the opportunity to qualify for regionals and nationals,” sophomore Madison Bezousek, who will be performing on the competition team next year, said.

In addition to new coaches for the dance team, the cheerleading team is now welcoming Amber Elsasser as their new coach. “My first impression of her is that she seems really awesome and super organized. This year is definitely going to be an adjustment, but I think it will really pay off,” cheerleader Maddie Vosik ’18 said. Elsasser grew up dancing, joined her college cheer team and worked with the training team for the Kansas City Chiefs. Since

then, she has coached and choreographed for a multitude of local high schools and has helped Millard South achieve five state championships with her choreography.

“I am hoping to build on what the program at Marian has instilled in previous years and continue to focus on game day interaction and athletic support, not just from the cheerleaders to the athletic programs, but the athletic programs to the cheerleaders as well,” Elsasser said.

For Elsasser, cheerleading is so much more than just rooting for your team. She hopes that girls will not only be positive leaders in their uniforms, but also positive and respected women when the uniform is hanging up.

“I want each girl to know that they have a purpose on this team, to be held accountable, and that I will have their backs each and every day, as I hope they will have mine,” Elsasser said.

With the new changes in coaching, both the dance and cheer teams will have a solid chance of making history, will have the opportunity to utilize their talents to represent Marian and will create a fun environment where lifelong friendships can be formed. “With hard work, dedication and passion, this team will rise to the top in the community, on the court sidelines and on the blue mat,” Elsasser said.

Freshmen serving up wins Summer workout options S laurenmayer

ome like to watch tennis, some Tennis player Daisy Owen has like to stare at Roger Federer been playing ever since she was and Rafael Nadar and others like seven years old. But like most to light up the court in a tennis sports, she did not excel at it until match. the past Marian’s few years. tennis Although team, led she had

by Coach only played Beth during the Dye and summer, Bridget she believed Mendenher skills hall, is had ima highly proved and competicame to the tive team conclusion with girls that she from all wanted to grades. play tennis This competiyear, tively. there are “The Seeing double Emma McClellan ’20 and Berkley seven most freshmen Beene ’19 face off against Westside in their doubles challengmatch on May 4. The Crusaders defeated the Wartotal on ing part, riors 6-3. Photo courtesy of Courtney Doherty. the tenfor me, is nis team. forgetting Emma McClellan plays on the the last point and moving on. varsity team while Grace Bentley, When you are playing doubles, Addison Dunbar, Mischa Mountit’s stressful and annoying when joy, Grace Nelson, Lucy O’Brien your partner makes mistakes, but and Daisy Owen play for the junior everyone messes up from time to varsity team. time. The hard part is letting it go McClellan has been playing ever and refocusing yourself on the next since she was a little girl, but began point, ” she said. to play competitively in junior But tennis is not just rackhigh. Her love for tennis continued ets, balls and grunts, it is full of into high school and she tried out friendship. Both varsity and junior for the team. varsity have become close with “I think the most challenging their teammates and although love part about tennis is being consison the court means nothing, their tent in the way you’re hitting,” said love for the tennis team will stay McClellan. forever.

graphic by susanapettis

Membership costs $10 to $20 a month with $1 down, 2 types of membership.

Weight rooms, special women’s workout rooms, and group fitness courses at certain locations. Tanning, massage chairs, ability to bring a guest, and access to all locations available for VIP members.

Personal training is available at an extra cost.

Several membership options available, $15 start up fee and monthly payments of $18 to $21 or $29 for a family rate. Pools, weight room, group fitness courses, cardio studio, group sports, indoor track and a variety of machines.

Contact them at prairielife.com for a membership estimate. Pool, group fitness, personal training, weight room and a variety of machines.

Several other services such as massages and tanning at an additional cost.

Membership is free for girls 16 to 21.

A wide variety of locations, different types of dance cardio and strength training courses and an accommodating schedule.

Contact them at lifetimefitness.com for a membership estimate. Pool, group fitness, personal training, weight room, a variety of machines, rock wall, group sports like basketball and tennis and spa treatments.

Membership costs $10 to $20 a month with $10 down, 2 types of membership.

Weight rooms, free t-shirt and group fitness. Tanning, massage chairs, ability to bring a guest and access to all locations available for VIP members. Personal training is available at an extra cost.

At home!

You can find all kinds of ways to workout at home. You can take a jog, find videos on youtube or use the equipment that you have available!

The Network (May 2017)

Sports (13)

Seniors join track team for first, last time B erinwalter

y the time their last year of high school rolls around, it is probably safe to say that most seniors have already discovered their passions over the course of the past three years. For most, senior year is full of familiarity and participating in the same activities they have been involved in throughout the entirety of their high school careers.

For seniors Macy Thonen and Mallory Grote, this isn’t quite the case. This year, these two girls, along with five other seniors, decided to join the track and field team for the first time – neither of them having any prior experience in the sport.

“I joined the team because I wanted to stay in shape and I’ve always done a spring sport, so it didn’t feel right to not do something,” Thonen said. She played soccer during her past three years at Marian, but decided to try something new this year.

On the right track Caitlyn Virgillito ’19 (left) and Mallory Grote ’17 run alongside each other in the 300m hurdles at the junior varsity track and field invite at Westside on April 11.Photo courtesy of Blaire Kratochvil.

Grote is somewhat unsure of how her sudden interest in track came about. “I don’t really know, some of my friends and I were working out, and they ended up convincing me to run track,” Grote said.

“I’m glad I did it, though. I have

had a lot of fun meeting new people and learning how to run properly,” Grote said.

Grote and Thonen both compete in the 300 hurdles event. “On the first meet, Mallory [Grote] was so freaked out that she didn’t sit or take her backpack off for an hour,”

Confessions of a teenage track star

C

onfession one: Softball is my one play a sport where I’m only required to true love. run a max of 12 seconds at a time.

I love diving around in what’s basiConfession four: I’m not here to bash cally just a giant sandbox of dirt, even on track. In fact, I’m grateful that it though it’s painful, and dirty and you has given me an opportunity for more end up failing times more than you exercise besides the occasional running actually succeed. It’s up to third floor after plowing also just fun to play a Marian Moms on Thursdays. sport where you can Rather, I’m here more to emfall and make it seem brace the differences that I’ve like it was on purpose. experienced switching from While I’ve had my a team sport to an individual fair share of unique sport. teammates, aggravatSoftball is practically ing rain delays and getting a concussion as your belligerent coaches team tackles you at home column by morganhobbs plate to celebrate your home throughout the years, I can easily say I wouldn’t have traded run. Softball is listening to that beautiful any part of my softball experience for sound of 20 pairs of cleats strutting tothe world, especially at the high school gether, rolling up like absolute #squadlevel. goals. Softball is running into the fence I really can’t begin to put into words full speed at practice trying to catch what Marian softball has meant to me a fly ball and having your teammates over the past four years without taking laugh because they think you fell to the up all 16 pages of this issue, so I’ll spare ground as a joke and did not actually you that, but let me just say that it has just break your nose (Confession five: been the best experience I could have Yeah, okay, fine. That one was me, and ever possibly been gifted with. #softtI’ll take my L with grace.) weet Track, on the other hand, is being Confession two: My high school so sore after the first few days I literalsoftball career ended 6 months ago, and ly have to place my legs in the correct you can still find me occasionally in my spot when I want to take a step. Track room at night absolutely bawling like a is throwing all coordination I have out newborn infant over the fact that I will the window as I learn that running and never step foot onto the field in a Marijumping really isn’t as simple as telling an jersey again. my body to run and jump.

In addition to true heartbreak, the However, track is also pushing yourend of softball season also left me exself to be the best you can be without tremely bored. What am I supposed to needing the reassurance of others. Track do with all this uncomfortable amount is feeling a strong sense of individual of free time? Stare at my sock drawer? pride after you’ve achieved something, Make macaroni necklaces? Kick some because it’s a direct result of your own rocks around? Actually be productive?! work and no one else’s.

I ultimately came up with a solution.

Despite this, team sports will always I was going to plunge to my imminent reign superior in my mind. I love the death by joining the track team. feeling of teamwork, of being a part of Confession three: I hated track for something bigger than myself and being the first week. As the rest of the team able to rely on my teammates when I’m stampeded around me, I considered the not performing my best individually, irony of the two sports I’m competing but through track, I have acquired the in. If there is one thing that track has confidence to be successful even when made me proud of, it’s my decision to there are not others at my side.

Thonen said.

Senior Blaire Kratochvil is currently in her fourth year as a member of the track and field team.

“The first-time seniors on the team this year add a fresh element to our practices and meets. It was so fun seeing my senior classmates doing jumps and hurdles for the first time because they had never done them before,” Kratochvil said.

Participating in track and field has been nothing short of rewarding for Thonen and Grote. “My favorite part of the season has been getting to know people that I’ve never really been close with and creating new friends,” Thonen said.

From the strenuous after-school practices to the spontaneous games at practice to the fun-filled team dinners, the track and field team has provided these two firsttime seniors with an experience they will surely never forget.

Varsity soccer moments erinwalter

What have you enjoyed the most about your first year as a part of Marian’s soccer program?

“

My favorite part has been making friends with so many cool upperclassmen that I probably would have never gotten to know otherwise.”

Kylie Anderson ’20

How has the team developed over the course of this season?

“

We have improved a lot from where we were at the beginning of the season–it took a couple practices for everyone to get back into ‘soccer mode...”

Lily Gonzalez ’19

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

“

I hope to continue winning and hopefully bring home a state championship!”

Laurel Edwards ’18

What are you going to miss most about MHSGVS?

“

I have been blessed to play with the best group of girls in the state. I’m definitely going to miss playing on the ‘swamp’ and playing during state at Morrison field with a huge crowd.”

Rachel Johnson ’17

Photos by maddiemingo, Annika Zimmeran, Anna Nulty

(14) Entertainment

The Network (May 2017)

Hello from the other side: a look into psychics

victoriaackermann & elliemulligan

W

hen you hear the word “psychic,” what comes to mind?

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “ouija board?”

Most people think of a foggy room, thick velvet curtains and a giant purple crystal ball in the center of the table. Behind it, a woman with “Long Island Medium” hair and heavy makeup swirls her lengthy acrylic nails over the table.

To some people, this spiritual practice is nothing out of the ordinary — in fact, it’s reliable.

Every now and then, when life is uncertain, people flock to psychic mediums to consult them about their future.

The general duties of a psychic medium are centered around “reading” someone — first, by analyzing their personality and current emotional state, and then giving them a glimpse into their future. This is when most people grow weary; understandably, being

told the future is a daunting conpsychic medium and spiritual life cept. Contrary to popular belief, coach. psychic mediums, as a majority, A skeptic of the beliefs of the Catholic church himself, The Tall don’t believe that their vision of Medium has firm roots in his parsomeone’s future is concrete. ticular path.

Psychics like “It’s absoluteThe Tall Medium, Read John 14:12, ly real,” he based in Omaha, believe that everywhere Jesus himself said, addressing those who one’s future is varitold us that we would are skeptics. able. “We all have “What I do control over our do as he did and even predates future,” he said. more, and that is Christianity.

“I am occasionally It predates guided to see a what he is referring path for someone, any religion.

If you actually and a result [of to.”

Christian their future] if they The Tall Medium are and you want stay on that particto see how it ular path.” relates, read For The Tall John 14:12, where Jesus himself Medium, his encounters with told us that we would do as he did the paranormal began somewhat and even more, and that is what he recently; he first realized his psychic capability back in 2014, and is referring to.”

Though some agree with the today uses it to enhance his job as

“

Modern Love defies expectations

same beliefs and spirituality of the Tall Medium, the Catholic Church still disagrees. Deacon Fuller explained, through multiple Bible verses, that the Catholic Church does not believe in the practices of divination or magic.

According to Deacon Fuller, “Basically anything that takes our attention away from a God that fully loves us is not good. God wants to be in relationship with you and give you everything you need, all God asks is that we trust and give of ourselves fully in return.”

Regardless of whether someone believes in these spiritual extracurriculars or not, it’s vital to the human soul to keep searching within yourself for what feels right.

Whether it’s praying the rosary or seeing a psychic medium, each person is able to find out more about themselves on their own spiritual journey when they seek more.

review by ellierommelfanger

I

was fairly skeptical of Modern tle different from its non-vegan Love before dining there for a relative, but not necessarily any variety of reasons. For starters, worse.

I am an omnivore; I never eat The only item that I wouldn’t vegan on purpose, so I thought I give five stars was the mac and would be disappointed in a menu shews, but that is just because I made up of solely faux meat and set myself up for failure by orderdairy items. ing the mock up of Secondly, I my favorite non-vegwas nervous an item, mac and that I would cheese. The “cheese” feel intimisauce was quite sour dated by the and didn’t bring me uber-hipster the delicious comfort environment that real deal cheese that Modern does. However, it Love seems to came with some promote. Lastcrusted tofu on top ly, it is only that I did find to be Mac & NOT Cheese Modern open from absolutely delicious.

Love’s Mac & Shews puts a twist 4pm to 10pm My favorite item which is some- on its non-vegan counterpart. It is was the dessert. It what bizarre. served with kale and crusted tofu. consisted of three Howevscoops of coconut ellierommelfanger er, my initial based ice cream, and I expectations were proven to be loved every minute of it. The sunincorrect the instant that I walked dae had a similar taste and texture in. The staff was welcoming, and to ice cream made with dairy, so I didn’t feel out of place even in I could barely tell the difference. my Marian uniform. I took a seat I would go back to Modern Love at a table in the back and began just to eat the dessert again! scanning the menu for things that Overall, my first experience looked appetizing. The building with Modern Love was a posiitself is extremely small, so there tive one. I tried things I didn’t is limited seating. I would advise love and added a new item to my making a reservation (I made one favorites list. I didn’t break the online and it was super convebank, as it is moderately priced nient) or being ready to wait a bit and probably only two dollar signs when you get there. on the pricing scale (all three After skimming the menu for a courses ended up being around while, I decided I would start with $25). It was a cute environment to some “cashew rangoons,” move dine at, and I left pleasantly surto the “mac and shews” and finish prised. I would definitely go back with a “modern sundae.” Overall, to Modern Love to discover some I was happy with my decisions. more of their menu and, hopefulEvery item was obviously a litly, find a few more favorites.

graphic by laurenmayer

Thank you, Marian, for taking time to read The Network this year.

We were honored to bring you the news from the Marian community. We wish you the best this summer, and be sure to check out mariandigitalnetwork.com over the break for more updates!

With love, 2017 Network Staff

The Network (May 2017)

Entertainment (15)

Females, films, firsts: Marian hosts first annual, local Girls Sports Leadership Summit isabelleswanson

M

arian hosted its first annual High School Girls Sports Leadership Summit on April 28 and 29. The focus of this event was to discuss the connection between lessons and leadership skills learned through sports, which apply directly to the working world and are important in any career. Topics discussed over the two-day summit include creating opportunities (such as the summit itself), leadership skills and styles, college athletics, confidence and society’s attitude toward women’s athletics.

If these messages sound familiar, it is probably because they are common themes within the walls of Marian.“When Marian alum Jennie Matt ’87 presented this idea to me last fall, I knew it was a good fit for Marian. The idea of encouraging women to be leaders on and off the playing field fits right into our mission,” Athletic Director Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs said.

“The culture of all-girls school… You’re immersed in this,” Festival Director Susan Sullivan said, regarding women in leadership roles.

“Sport is a tool for freedom for women. The messages it gives women about their bodies is also satisfying. It teaches self-respect.”

On April 28, the Women Sport Film Festival showed the documentary “Keepers of the Game” in the PAC. This showing was open to the public and approximately 60 students, parents, coaches and staff members from various schools were in attendance.

“Keepers of the Game” features Salmon River High School’s all-Native girls lacrosse team just outside of a Native American reservation in upstate New York. Lacrosse is sacred in Native American culture, and traditionally, women cannot touch lacrosse sticks, let alone play the sport.

Because of this, the girls on their lacrosse team face a lot of backlash and scrutiny regarding their decision to play. “The documentary was super inspirational because it made me think about what my priorities are in my athletic commitments,” junior Cassie Palmer said.

The second day of the summit included seven guest speakers, as well as opening and closing remarks from Ms. Mary Higgins ’69 and Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs. Missy Smith, the Athletic Director of Oregon Episcopal School, spoke about her experience being one of the first female athletic directors in Oregon and the different challenges she faced.

Matt, a three-sport athlete from high school (soccer, basketball and swimming), spoke with Smith about creating opportunities and moderated an interview and a panel. “No one told me how to [begin a film festival]. I just started… That’s where the world is going. It wants people to start things,” Matt said.

Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Creighton University’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, spoke about leadership and college athletics, as well as her work experience within athletics and juggling a demanding job with a family.

Cecelia Townes, a lawyer and entrepreneur, Ali Matt ’05, a yoga instructor who works with professional athletes and owner of a yoga studio and Sommer King, college student and volleyball player for the University of Nevada all sat on a panel and described their experiences in the world and in college and how it relates to their experience in athletics. Townes also ran a leadership activity offered through her company Beyond the Game (livebeyondthegame.com to learn more). During this activity, she discussed the role confidence plays in leadership, and how young women need to know to “know their value and add tax.”

Matt also lead the athletes in attendance through a quick yoga routine, focused on breathing exercises. “I thought the yoga session was refreshing, and is something that I could use on a daily basis. Overall, I thought that the summit was informative, interesting and fun! It was totally worth waking up early on the weekend to attend!” freshman Chloe Herbert said.

Lisa Utterback, the Elementary Executive Director for Omaha Public Schools, spoke

“I love my glasses because they are pretty unique — not a lot of people have them. I also love them because they end up being a conversation starter a lot! Strangers will ask me where I got them. It’s fun!” Brooke Huerter ’17

Ice-breaking introductions Students from several schools in the area, including Marian, Skutt Catholic, Mercy, Papillion La-Vista, Papillion South, Gross Catholic and Boys Town High School, participate in an activity moderated by Cecelia Townes. Each student talked and then introduced a student they didn’t know. about how her experience as a collegiate softball player helped her far beyond the softball diamond. Her difficult upbringing lead her to want to do more with her life, and her opportunity to go to college, something her family did not encourage, came through softball. She now uses the leadership and life skills she learned through the sport to better the education and lives of her students.

The second day also featured two shorter documentaries. The first, called “FIBA Allow Hijab,” featured Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, one of the most talented female collegiate basketball players of all time, and how she is unable to play professionally, due to the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rule against wearing hijabs due to “safety reasons.”

The second documentary, “An Equal Playing Field,” was a brief overview of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, the financial struggle it faces and the lack of opportunity for young female athletes to play their sport professionally.

This summit is the first annual of its kind in this region. “I really admired all of the speaker’s stories and advice, and I hope a lot of other girls feel the same way!” Palmer said.

“I like to read the Network because you get to hear all the things going on at school, whether it’s sports, the arts, or changes happening in the years to come.” Liz Krejci ’17

“I love my glasses because they’re part of who I am, and frames allow me to express my personality. And not running into walls is a plus!” Chloe Herbert ’20

Marian trends throughout the year

“We like to read the newspaper because it has a lot of cool pictures.” Samantha McGargill ’18 and Mary Trainer ’18

graphic by emilydoll

“My favorite sticker is my nurse sticker because every time I look at it, I am reminded of what I am working for. I one day hope to be a mental health nurse practitioner, and this sticker helps motivate me and makes my heart happy.” Lauren Novacek ’17

“My Fitbit is the best because it makes me feel good about myself and also acts as a watch. It also helps to show me what days I’m lazy and what days I’m super active.” Beth Rouse ’17 “Scrunchies are looser than regular ponytail holders. They don’t leave as much of a bump in your hair, and I have super thick hair. They hold it pretty nicely.” Maggie Humlicek ’20

(16) Photo Essay

The Network (May 2017)

Signed.

Sealed.

Delivered.

Visit joemixan.smugmug.com for galleries of Field Day photos!

Joe Mixan, father of Mia Mixan ’19, captured the pure joy of the Class of 2017 when they repeatedly swiped first place in every category at Field Day on April 28, 2017. For the first year in its history, Field Day was held at the Baxter Arena in Aksarben, which was filled with the cheers tears of Marian girls from all classes.

FIELD DAY 2017 "After all, diamonds are a girl's best friend"

Cheerleader Cassidy Jorgensen ’18 goes all out during the junior’s demonstration.

“My favorite part about being on cheer is getting to know all the girls on the team better. You spend so much time together. It’s hard work, but when it all comes together it’s so worth it,” Jorgensen said. “It’s so fun to make our class proud.” The juniors found their spirit gem and snagged a third place finish. carmenmiller

*Click* Picture Perfect Meredith Mueller ’20, Lauren Vodicka ’20 and Abby Elkins ’20 pull an incomplete picture out of the freshman mascot, which received third place overall. One of the masterminds behind the camera was Sara Lighthart ’20. “It fit best with our theme and perfectly captured what we wanted to do,” Lighthart said. carmenmiller

Franny the frosh Sarah McMeen ’17 and Gigi Hausman ’17 portrayed freshman and sophomore moms at a “Field Day Parents Anonymous” meeting in their winning judges booklet skit. “Although we were talking about our alleged daughters leaving and becoming amazing women, we were really talking about the sadness of leaving Marian ourselves and how it has impacted each of us and turned us into outstanding, confident college women.”

McMeen said. alliemorrissey

Way down below in the deep, blue sea Sophomores Sarah Anderson, Jolie Peal, Taylor Sterba and Gabby Vescio rocked their fish heads, belted their hearts out, searched for a key from each class to unlock their spirit chest and reeled in a second place finish in demonstration and a third place finish in costumes. “Being able to sing demo with all my classmates is an unforgettable experience,” Peal said. “I wouldn’t want to lose my voice with anyone else.” alliemorrissey