Omaha Marian High School's Oct 2017 Network Student Newspaper

THE NET WORK Marian High School - 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 - www.marianhighschool.net - Volume 62 Issue 3 - October 2017

Monster Dash brings ghouls, friends together

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n Oct. 29, students, teachers and other friends sported their best Halloween costumes along with hats, gloves and scarves to run a 5K or 1 mile dash at Marian High School. In 40 degree weather at 8:30 a.m., the first annual Monster Dash kicked off.

Runners, joggers and walkers started the race in Marian’s upper parking lot, trekking down Sophomore Hill, down 72nd Avenue to Crown Point and back up the hill to return to Marian as it began to sprinkle. Volunteers stood at checkpoints with water bottles and words of encouragement through the cold weather and frozen fingers and toes.

This event was organized by senior Kyleigh Gall and her mother. Last year, Kyleigh was diagnosed with cancer in her left leg. Prior to her diagnosis, she was an avid runner, participating in Marian Cross Country

since freshman year. “I think my passion sparked because it’s an individual sport just as much as it is a team sport. I liked challenging myself to try and get a better time than I did the last, but the team atmosphere was one of the best parts,” Kyleigh said. After surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, she was cancer-free, but not free of her passion for running.

Kyleigh’s love of running is what inspired her idea to create the Monster Dash to benefit pediatric cancer research and Angels Among Us, a nonprofit organization that provides support for Nebraska families who have children with cancer. “For some of those families, it could mean the loss of their home because sometimes the parents have to stop working, so it does mean a lot to those families,” Gretchen Gall, Kyleigh’s mother, said about the nonprofit. Pediatrics only receives about 4 percent of the yearly funding to cancer research.

Kyleigh’s mother expected only about 50 participants in the run/walk, but she estimated close to 200 people came to show their support for Kyleigh and the Freezing friends Julia King ’19 and Sarah Gecause. The varsity rards ’19 complete the first loop of the 5K. Many volleyball team, of the cross country runners participated in this cross coun- try benefit run. Photo by Audrey Yost.

INSIDE News UNO CODING competition p.2 Mother & daughter Kyleigh Gall’18 and her mother, Gretchen ‘90, stand over the awards table in the Quad on Oct. 29 preparing to give out prizes.

Prizes included gift cards and candy.

coaches, Marian students, faculty and friends, including some of Kyleigh’s nurses and doctors all braved the cold weather and early morning to run. “The run wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s help,” Kyleigh said.

Her cousins, friends and teachers wore gray shirts and white tags that read “Monster Dash.”

Gretchen hopes to continue this event next year, with more people to participate and more promotion. “Kyleigh’s next project is making fleece blankets for the kids at Children’s and UNMC,” she said, hoping that many Marian girls will help out in this endeavor for Children’s Hospital and the Nebraska Medical Center.

Senior Grace Nelson, a good friend of Kyleigh’s, came with her volleyball teammates to run

the 1-mile route. “I thought it was a great opportunity for us to get exercise off the court and support a good cause while doing it,” Nelson said. “I think the coolest part was seeing so many people show up to support,” Nelson added.

Despite the temperature and early morning, the Monster Dash brought a multitude of people to Marian, raising more than $4,000.

“I think if people were to learn anything from me and the run itself is that it’s important to find a way to turn a negative situation into a positive one… so even though something I loved doing was taken away from me due to cancer, I’m not going to let it take away my optimism or love for it and channeled that energy into putting together a run in hopes to one day find a cure,” Kyleigh said.

OPINION finding peace within p.4

in-depth say hello to “hello dolly” p.8-9

sports rituals impact marian athletes to be driven, confident p.12

Marian students recognized by National Merit Scholar program

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ver the past five years only so many Marian girls have been a Commended Student or Semifinalist after taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

This year, senior Lauren Isenberg succeeded in becoming a Semifinalist from a pool of about 1.6 million entrants nationwide who took the PSAT/NMSQT. Seniors Lauren Klingemann and Megan Doehner were also recognized as Commended Students. The National Merit Scholars (NMS) program accredits 50,000 of the 1.6 million entrants as Commended Students; and 16,000 of the 50,000 are recognized as Semifinalists.

Isenberg, along with her classmates, took the PSAT as a junior in the fall of 2016. The current sophomores and juniors took the PSAT at school on the primary test date, Oct. 11. Students from grades nine to eleven are eligible to take the PSAT to become a National Merit Scholar, but the National Merit Scholar (NMS) program will not take into account the NMSQT portion until students take the test as juniors.

To help prepare juniors, Marian requires freshman and sophomores to take the test to help familiarize them to the format of the test. “Well, as with any test, the more you’re exposed to the information and the more repetition you have and the more practice you have, the more prepared you will be,” counselor Mrs. Joanne Fisher said.

National Merit Scholars Seniors Megan Doehner, Commended; Lauren Isenberg, Semifinalist; and Lauren Klingemann, Commended

Preparation for this particular test can be long and arduous. “...I didn’t hardcore study but I wanted to make sure I was familiar with the format of the test,” Klingemann said.

The PSAT/NMSQT tests students in reading, writing, language and math. “I studied a lot to become a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. I used Khan Academy every day, which really helped a lot,” Isenberg said.

As a Semifinalist, Isenberg will need to take the SAT and continue to perform at a high academic level. 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists will move on to be Finalists in the NMS program.

If a semifinalist succeeds in being

a high scorer for the SAT, he or she is required to maintain and uphold rigorous academic standards throughout the year.

Those who are Commended Students are now eligible to be awarded scholarships from various schools or corporations for their high academic achievements.

“Many students will choose which school they attend based on the National Merit scholarships opportunities that schools provide to them automatically,” Fisher said.

For Isenberg, studying every day paid off. There are about 7,500 National Merit Scholarships offered to Finalists that are worth about $33 million. She is now eligible for several different scholarships

offered to National Merit Scholars from universities and colleges.

“Being National Merit is not only an honor academically, but many schools will offer scholarship funds directly as a result of the test,” Fisher said.

Lauren Isenberg, Lauren Klingemann and Megan Doehner join an elite group of Marian scholars to now be eligible for inclusion on the Academic Wall of Fame by the school’s main entrance. Over the past five years 13 girls have been recognized at Marian as Semifinalists and out of the 13, only three have moved on to become Finalists.

As students who have achieved excellence in their academic careers, Isenberg and the other Commended Students model as great exampes for underclasswomen.

“Always stay caught up on your work and try and get it done in advance and always ask for help if you need it,” Isenberg said.

“Take a study hall junior year, there’s no award for overdoing it, it’s completely okay. Also, take a class that really interests you, because in the long run it’ll pay off and you’ll be happier with yourself,” Doehner said.

“I’ve taken classes I wanted to take, so this year I’m taking three science classes because I love science. I always love challenging myself, so as I reach one goal I try to add more challenges to keep excelling academically,” Klingemann said.

(2) NEWS

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

Las Vegas shooting continues a history of mass shootings in the United States O

n Oct. 1, a gunman opened fire on a crowd on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. Innocent concertgoers were shocked by the relentless attack on a night they hoped would be filled with easygoing country music.

As the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, this tragic event has inflicted irreparable damage on lives across the nation.

What should have been a carefree night of country music turned into a nightmare.

Once the smoke cleared, 59 people were announced dead, including the perpetrator.

Another 527 people were injured.

At first, the harsh sounds were assumed to be a malfunctioning speaker or some obnoxious fireworks. Concertgoers quickly realized the horrifying truth that the sounds were gunshots. The upbeat feel of the Route 91 Harvest Festival turned desperate.

The perpetrator of this massacre, Stephen Paddock, stationed himself on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. This allowed him to have an easy aim at roughly 22,000 people walking around on the strip. The damage Paddock inflicted is not unfamiliar. The United States has a long and devastating history of mass shootings.

While we all feel the sting, sophomore Meredith Mueller has been personally affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas.

Mueller’s aunt and uncle, Kati and Bren-

dan Keating, were moments away from attending the music festival. They attempted to find tickets to go, but they were sold out. A close friend of the Keating’s was shot in the foot, while another was shot and killed.

Freshman Catherine Mashanic’s cousin, Patricia Hedlt, is head of the S.W.A.T. team in Las Vegas. Hedlt was on duty when the shooting took place and called in 11 trainees. Hedlt and her team worked 12 hour shifts for four to five days in order to deal with the aftermath.

When it comes to preventing tragedies, “You should have a background check.

Guns can be used as self defense, Paddock did not use it for the right reasons,” Mueller said.

The most recent mass shooting besides Las Vegas was just last year in June of 2016, at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The Pulse shooting claimed 49 innocent victims’ lives.

When comparing last year’s largest shooting and the largest shooting so far for 2017, the number of people killed grew by nine victims. While the 2016 Pulse shooting was clearly a hate crime aimed at the LGBTQ community, the motive

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At this moment, we can’t place blame on a certain thing other than mental illness. It’s harder not knowing a motive because then you don’t know how to prevent it.

-Grace Walsh ‘21

A timeline of Tragedies 1984-2017 Virginia Tech 32 casualties July 18, 1984

Oct. 16, 1991

San Ysidro 21 casualties

Pulse nightclub 49 casualties

Amendment defends their right to own a firearm, other argue against this. It’s also common for people to suggest that if people cannot get ahold of a gun, they will be able to inflict damage other ways, such as with a hand grenade or a knife.

A common argument used against gun control is that the harm is done by the person, not the gun.

Gun laws are not the same across the United States; regulations vary by state.

Federal law regulates gun ownership to some degree. For example, there are restrictions on certain types of firearms.

The state of Nebraska does not require a waiting period to purchase a gun, but an electronic background check will be conducted before the purchase.

Nebraska residents can apply for a concealed handgun permit. However, if a person is convicted of misdemeanor, domestic violence or subject to a restraining order, that person may not purchase or possess firearms. Illegal arms in Nebraska include machine guns, short rifles or short shotguns, defaced firearms and stolen firearms.

Despite these current regulations, lives were lost in the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival and the tragedy will not be forgotten. While opinions on gun control may be diverse, our attitude towards the safety of the public should not be.

Las Vegas 58 casualties

6.9%

Marian students who have been personally affected by the Las Vegas shooting

Dec. 14, 2012 April 16, 2007

Killeen/Luby’s Shooting 23 casualties

behind Paddock’s action is unknown. In a way, not knowing the motive behind this tragedy makes it even more concerning.

“It’s almost worse not knowing. If we knew, we could place blame on his motive. At this moment, we can’t place blame on a certain thing other than mental illness. It’s harder not knowing a motive because then you don’t know how to prevent it,” Freshman Grace Walsh said.

However, some people decided that knowing the motive is not what is important. “The number amazes me. Shootings are more frequent. Obviously, these are a big deal, but I am almost used to hearing about this,” junior Maria Alessandro said.

Each time there is a mass shooting, the number of deaths tends to go up.

The Las Vegas tragedy has brought the gun control debate back into the spotlight. Paddock was able to secure a total of 47 guns. The police found some of his stash of firearms in his hotel suite and more at his house.

All of Paddock’s firearms were legally purchased. The fact that so many guns were legally purchased points to the system that allows this.

While some claim that the Second

“

juliahingorani

Sandy Hook 27 casualties

June 12, 2016

Oct. 7, 2017

(Based on 278 responses to the October Network Survey)

Reasons Americans say they own a gun as of February 2013

In the United States, there are approximately 113 guns for every 100 people.

11%

Source: Center for Injury Research and Prevention

48%

2% 7%

Protection Hunting Sport shooting As a hobby Other

32%

Coding class creates new components, prepares for competition

Source: Pew Research Center

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1000011 01001111 01000100 01001001 01001110 01000111 00100001,” a coding student said. Most people wouldn’t recognize this string of numbers as the word “coding.” However, this is normal lingo for the Block H coding class of one junior and seven seniors.

“It’s a very laid back class which I love, and I’ve learned so much about computers and the language that I had no clue about before,” senior Franny Tvrdik said.

Coding is a semester long class taught with AP approved curriculum. However, the class only makes it through half the material. Genoways hopes to offer a year long course of coding in the future so she can focus on the two main computer programming systems. At this time, there isn’t room in the schedule for a year long class.

“What interested me to take coding was the whole idea of learning how to make an app. That really fascinated me,” Tvrdik said.

In the short amount of time the class has been working with coding, they have all managed to create a soundboard, which is an app that plays various sounds when different buttons are pushed.

“I created a soundboard based on the Cartoon Network show ‘Chowder.’ It was one of my favorite TV shows when I was a kid, and the characters have funny catch phrases so I thought it would make a good soundboard. My favorite part of the soundboard was the fact that I could say that I made it myself. It may seem simple for the person using the soundboard, but when you realize how much effort is put into making it work, you appreciate the results a lot more,” senior McKenzie

Blaine said.

The class even got to disassemble a broken computer to see the inner workings of the computer.

“With destroying the computer, not only did we see how a computer functions, but you also begin to realize things like why Macs and other computers don’t have a CD port anymore.

It takes up so much space,” junior Monica Huse said.

For the first time in school history, a team of six girls will be competing at the University of Nebraska Omaha Coding Competition on Dec. 8. The competition lasts about four hours.

Girls attending the competition include Emilee Braun, Evelyn Paul, Makayla Sedlacek, Franny Tvrdik, Colby Lemkau and McKenzie Blaine.

The competition will be conducted Quiz Bowl style. For example, the girls will be given a list of binary numbers and they will have to decode the message.

All metro schools are invited to UNO’s competition. Generally the teams are male-dominated. Creighton Prep and Mount Michael attend this competition regularly, obviously bringing only boys. The class is excited to see what other schools will have female contestants. Marian is the only all-girls high school that offers a specific coding class.

There is a possibility the team will compete in more competitions during second semester.

Overall, the whole class came to the consensus that everyone should take coding.

“I think everyone should take it because it is hands on, your creativity is free to show, Dr. Genoways is an amazing teacher and you have real world applications to it,” Huse said.

Designing Apps Makayla Sedlacek ’18 and Evelyn Paul ’18 create personalized applications using the program App Inventor 2.

Coding class (From top left to bottom right) Jessica Sahm ’18, McKenzie Blaine ’18, Monica Huse ’19, Colby Lemkau ’18, Franny Tvrdik ’18, Emily Braun ’18, Evelyn Paul ’18 and Makayla Sedlacek ’18.

NEWS (3)

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

Growing refugee crisis creates chaos, fear hayleygolden

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oday, there are more than 65 million refugees in the world. To put that into perspective, every one in 113 people is a refugee. Needless to say, the refugee crisis is colossal right now, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Fearing persecution, violence and even death, these refugees are being forced to flee from their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. For a portion of Americans, this is an issue that’s brushed aside and forgotten about. However, this crisis is rapidly growing, which means that these displaced peoples need help.

“Each migrant and refugee has a name, a face and a story,” Archbishop George Lucas said in a September address reprinted in the Catholic Voice. “I join the Holy Father in urging Catholics in the archdiocese to welcome, know and accompany our migrant neighbors.”

Because of the increasing number of refugees, many countries are putting a limit on the number allowed for resettlement. Within the past year, the United States has put a limit of 50,000 refugees per year; a 60,000 resettlement decrease from the previous year (2016).

“They’re fleeing from persecution, just like we were 200 years ago when the U.S. was founded,” senior Maddie McKillip said. “We were all refugees as one point, and we can’t just claim to be a superpower and want to help people, but still close off our borders and not want to let anyone in.”

Junior Taylor Sterba agreed, saying, “I believe that refugees increase the diversity of America. Immigration assists those escaping dangerous situations and/ or gives better opportunities to those who may not have access to them. America was built on refugees and immigrants, so we should be promoting a safe and manageable immigration process instead

of threatening deportation, especially if they worked hard and did the necessary requirements to be in this country.”

More than According to worlof dvision. refugees are org, children almost 4.9 milhttp://www.unhcr.org lion of the world’s refugees are coming from Syria, which has been in a horrific civil war since 2011. As a result, thousands of innocent citizens have been killed, and millions have been forced to flee.

About 2.7 refugees are coming from Afghanistan, and around 2.2 million from the Lake Chad Basin, which affects the countries of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

A multitude of these refugees are fleeing to neighboring countries; many of which are still considered “developing countries.” This poses a problem considering that these developing countries already have trouble supporting themselves.

To make matters even worse, many refugee camps are filled beyond capacity.

With the lack of food in many camps, malnutrition has become a fatal problem for many refugees.

Lack of medicine also poses a threat to these people. Many refugees are

50%

Operation Welcome promotes community, hospitality

maddierobertson

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peration Welcome is reaching out to Though the club does not plan to move the refugee community for the second in any more families until spring, there year in a row. The club, which was started are still other upcoming events that will last year by social studies and language directly benefit refugee families. “We teacher Mrs. Katy Salzman, has been have a bake sale planned in November. All working to improve the lives of families the money goes towards our fleece blanket fleeing war-torn countries. drive,” Robinson said.

One of the club’s most recent activiAlong with the fleece blankets club ties involved preparing for the arrival of members will be making in December for a refugee family from Afghanistan. “We refugee families, Operation Welcome is contact LFS (Lutheran Family Services) sponsoring a movie day and a speak event and they look at their calendar and let us in January. know which families are not yet sponIn February, the club will eat dinner sored,” Salzman at a refugee-owned said.

Items to donate restaurant. The club also On Oct. 11, Operation Welcome is always looking for these items intends to get involved the Zahiri family in an Omaha Public to make living spaces more cozy: arrived in Omaha.

Schools Program that Prior to their arriv- -Furniture: Gently used chairs, couches and side helps refugee children al, the Operation learn English. By helping tables are always welcomed.

Welcome team and settle families that have Creighton Prep -Household items: Basic supplies such as paper survived persecution, vistudents went to towels, detergent and cleaning supplies are much olence and homelessness, the Zahiri’s soonOperation Welcome appreciated. to-be residence to has truly lived up to its move in furniture, name. Still, the club asks -Toiletries: Tooth brushes, soap and shampoo food and other for as much help as it provide a squeaky clean and warm welcome. household supcan get to further assist plies.

-Storage Space: Every donation has to be stored the needs of refugee Core team somewhere. If you have open space in your trunk or families. “I think people member junior should join because so a garage, contact Mrs. Katy Salzman.

Jessica Robinson many more people need described moving to become aware of the in the new family as a humbling and gratneed to help refugee families,” Robinson ifying experience. “To see where they’re said. As with their stance on refugees, the going to live is so different from what I club feels the same with students interestknow. It’s nice to see that difference to ed in joining; the more the merrier. know I helped,” Robinson said.

Map Key

already in poor Syria- 4.9 million Somalia- 1 million health before arrivAfghanistan- 2.7 million South Sudan- 1.1 million ing to the camps.

Lake Chad Water Basin countries 2.2 million With widespread disease, inadeunsafe,” Mrs. Katy Salzman, founder and quate sanitation services and tight living moderator of the club Operation Welquarters, treatment and medicine become come, said. a necessity.

“Adapting to life here is very hard for Because of problems like these, the most refugee families as they have three United States and other industrialized short months after arriving to become countries appear to be a dream land. completely self-sufficient, and they often However, getting to these countries is no don’t speak English or understand our easy task. systems here. There is so much to learn Less than one percent of refugees and very little time afforded to them to do who are interviewed for the U.S. actually so,” Salzman said. get past the first step for resettlement At the end of the day, not only are (according to obamawhitehouse.archives. these people displaced from their original gov). Even if they are fortunate enough homes, but they are also forced to seek to pass this first step, the process that shelter elsewhere, which can often be follows is long and tedious. a long and exhausting task. With the “They are all invited by our governlimited amount of refugees allowed into ment to be here after a very long and developed countries, and the growing arduous screening process. Most all refnumber of refugees, this poses a huge ugees would rather return to their home threat to the world as a whole. but they are unable to do that because it is

Operation Others is gOOd for the soul abbymclaughlin

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peration Others (OO) is a city-wide how people can come together for a good high school-led community of cause,” sophomore Emma Garriott said. students and helpful, caring adults that OO’s main event is their Christmas help provide food to families in need. It delivery week. Families will call in and is composed of seven of high schools, request a box. “It’s my favorite part of which include Marian, Creighton Prep, delivery week,” junior Sarah Gerards Duchesne, Mercy, Skutt, Roncalli and said. The weekend-long process starts Mount Michael. While each school may with the packing day and ends with run their club differently, they all have a delivery day. common goal: to help the community.

The cans from the October event go The core team members from every towards the boxes the families receive school have weekly meetings at Prep. At in December. Also included in the boxes hese meetings, they discuss future events are a turkey, milk, bread, produce, PB&J and the background work needed to com- and canned soup. Each family will also plete them. At the end of sophomore year, receive a Christmas card made by an OO anyone can apply to be on core team. member. “Delivery day is my favorite “It helps to participate at the events and event because you get to see all of your go to the meetings. You can apply either hard work be paid off by the happiness way,” junior Abby McGill said. the food brings to the families,” senior OO’s most recent Kylie Champion said. event was the Trick“I like OO because Or-Treat for Cans.

I get to connect with On Oct. 24, the Omaha commustudents from nity. You aren’t just each school came giving money to a together in the Saint cause, you’re going Margaret Mary and personally helpneighborhood to ing those in need in,” collect cans while Creighton Prep senior wearing costumes.

Danny Kirchoffer said.

Yes we can Grace Hahler ‘18 picks up In total, 1676 food Through can donations, a bag of donated canned goods. The items were donated. peanut butter and jelly Operation Others team collected more This event providdrives and helpful stuthan 1,000 food items. ed new members a dents, Operation Others glimpse into what being an OO member provides not only food to those in need, is like. “This wasn’t my first OO event, but also a strong bond between Omaha but I still thought it was fun. It showed high school students.

(4) OPINION

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

Finding peace within

Ham? Nah, fam. No meat equals complete

‘The mind is everything... what you think, you become’ allisonostapowicz

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healthy, positive mindset means an overall happy well-being.

Peacefulness is the most important aspect to a person’s life.

We were put on this universe to live a life that WE want, to do activities and be surrounded by people that make us happy.

Humans choose their own destinies, it’s all up to our actions and how we view life.

A big part of life that gets in the way of happiness is stress.

Dealing with stress can be very difficult but it is possible. The most important thing you can to do is sit down, take some deep breaths and tell yourself “It will be okay. Whatever I need to do, I will get it done and everything will be okay.”

If you tell yourself this, the reality will soon come to life.

Make a checklist, plan out your day or week and write what you need to accomplish. Write positive messages on these checklists as well such as “Be Happy.” or “You’re Beautiful.”

Also make sure to add things to do that will help with your well-being, such as “Go eat a snack.”, “Listen to your favorite band and dance.” and most importantly, “Go take a walk and appreciate nature.”

Adding meditation to your life can help deal with stress and improve mental health immensely.

Meditation can range anywhere from five minutes to endless hours.

First, sit or lie down and close your eyes. Play peaceful music

abbymclaughlin

in the background (for example, the song “Myth” by Beach House) Take multiple deep breaths and find your happy place. Block out all thoughts (especially negative thoughts) and let your soul take your brain to beautiful places. It’s extremely surprising discovering the mindsets you can reach and the things you can see when you find complete inner peace. The universe will speak to and through you in more ways than imaginable.

You just have to allow it to happen by taking the time out of each day.

To live a happy life you must have respect for yourself, people and nature. These three things tie together. You cannot respect one and not another. You must respect a tree or flower just as kindly as you would your own family.

You cannot spread peace and positivity in this beautiful universe without finding it within yourself.

All answers truly do come from within. You must fight the enemy that might form inside of you. If you always think positive and are kind to others, good karma will help fight the enemy as well.

“We are what we think, all that we are arises with our thoughts, with our thoughts we make the world.” -Buddha.

Spread peace and kindness in our world and always remember that everything happens for a reason, so allow everything to happen. Don’t fight it, embrace it, and you will find inner peace.

graphic by sofyherrera

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eing a vegetarian has been one of the most stressful yet rewarding choices I have made in my 17 years on earth. When I tell someone that I’m vegetarian, the first thing they ask is, “So you can’t eat chicken fingers? How do you survive?!”

When I made the decision to become vegetarian at the start of 2017, this was my first concern. But now, 10 months later, I do not remember the last time I ate a chicken nugget, and I feel fine.

At first, it was difficult because I was so used to eating meat. When I told my parents, they just thought I meant for a month.

They didn’t understand my reasons, though they are actually very simple. Cows produce methane, about the same amount as four tons of carbon dioxide. Just thinking about putting that in my body makes me gag. Another reason is slaughterhouses. I don’t think that innocent animals should be killed for our consumption.

One downside that people associate with being vegetarian is that it can be expensive. I’ve come to learn that it is actually the opposite. My family usually will make rice or pasta, which are both fairly inexpensive, then I’ll roast vegetables with different spices depending on what kind of food we’re having, mix it altogether in a big bowl with a different sauce.

There are so many meatless protein sources that actually have about the same amount of protein as your average chicken breast. For example, a threeounce chicken breast has about 22 grams of protein, compared to the 30 grams of protein in a cup of tempeh, a soybean blend.. It makes you start to wonder why we eat meat in the first place.

If you are thinking of going vegetarian, I 100 percent think you should, but do some research and evaluate your reasons why. At first it can be hard, but once you get through a month, then two, and so on, you’ll realize how easy and rewarding it is.

Ihailierydel love beef and gettin’ beefed up

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am a lover of meat. I love eating meat and I love getting beefed up. I have no idea how vegetarians go through life without consuming the delicacy that is meat.

Of course, everyone is completely entitled to go without indulging in a medium rare slab of beef, but I can’t understand why anyone would.

Let me tell you why omnivorism is the way to go.

The consumption of meat plays a vital role in the growth and repair of muscle. While not completely essential, it provides protein needed to grow muscle and build functional strength. Meat is nutrient-dense and contains essential vitamins such as zinc and iron. Your body must be properly nourished with protein in order to make muscular gains. If it isn’t properly nourished, all of the

work you put into at the gym will be practically pointless.

We as humans are hardwired to consume meat.

There is not a single primal civilization that could have survived without eating meat. Our genes were developed before the creation of grain and wheat, therefore our bodies perform in an optimal state while consuming meat. It will be several more years before our bodies evolve to digest and effectively make use of the consumption of grain.

A lesser known fact about meat eating is that it provides crucial amino acids that we need for our brains to function at an optimal level. Individuals who follow a diet that does not entail meat protein are more prone to have an imbalance of neurotransmit ters. This imbalance makes them more vulnerable to mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.

Meat is truly a delicacy that we should not deprive ourselves of.

Why they’re taking a knee is plain for senior columnist to see

I

am white. Because of the melanin I was given at birth, I am white. Because of a simple layer of cells, everyone gets a label of who they are. This layer of cells, that all human beings have, has been used to discriminate and separate humanity.

When America was first founded, there was an idea of “equal and inalienable rights” and rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Even though these ideals were shared as a part of the United States, slavery still existed. People of color were not treated as humans, and their human dignity was nonexistent.

Move forward to the 50s and 60s. Those American ideals of justice for all still remained. Yet, when I see pictures that represent that time, I see horrifying images of injustice and inequality against people of color.

Flash to today. I go on social media or read the news and see stories about discrimination or brutality used against people of color, mirroring those of times before. Why is it that we as a society cannot learn from past mistakes? The whole reason that we are required to take history classes in school is to learn from these mistakes, but it is obvious

not many people have.

Many people believe that the events occurring today are not as bad as previous decades, but the truth is, cruel acts of discrimination and violence are happening constantly and are still relevant.

This is why they kneel.

The National Football League players have a right to do so.

They have the right to kneel audrey for their hertel beliefs.

Obviously there are people who don’t agree with me. That may even include you, reading this. If you don’t agree with what they are doing, I want to remind you that you are entitled to your own opinion. The important thing to keep in mind is that no matter what side you are on, you should still be respectful of someone’s opinions.

If we don’t listen to what other people have to say, there will always be a division in society.

Hertel me what?

I feel like that is why the idea of football players kneeling has become such a controversial issue. It is because people, on both sides, are not listening to each other, and due to this, we have not made any progress, which ultimately leads to a change.

One change, out of the many that America needs, is justice.

The pledge for our country states, “liberty and justice for all,” but how can that be true when there is so much injustice happening every single day with people of color? There are people wrongfully accused of committing crimes and teenage boys being killed because they have their hoods up. This sickens me, and I hope it makes you feel the same way.

No one, I repeat, NO ONE should be treated unfairly because of their skin color.

Underneath our skin we are all the same. As we have seen with recent rallies like the one in Charlottesville, there are people out there who think the opposite.

The fact that there are people who believe in white supremacy means that justice and equality has not been ingrained well enough into American culture, and that needs to be altered.

The NFL players who kneel are trying to achieve this change by making more people question why they are doing it.

They are using the platform that they are given to bring to light issues that they feel are not talked about enough.

I will admit, when I first saw Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the National Anthem, I was shocked. I thought that what he was doing was offensive to not only the flag, but to the ones who fought for it.

But then I looked into why he was doing it.

In a press conference with several sports broadcasting programs including ESPN, Kaepernick stated that he knelt as a sign of solidarity for people of color who have been victims of police brutality and those who had been wrongfully killed or victims of violence simply because of their

skin color.

There are many people who think that Kaepernick and other NFL players who kneel are being disrespectful to veterans and our country’s ideals, when they are actually doing it for the opposite reason. These players know that America is a country that has the foundation of justice and they know that there are men and women fighting every day for it.

They know that these values of America are the best ones, but they are not being used as they are supposed to be. As I said before, how can there be equality of all people when there isn’t?

The fact that they are kneeling during the National Anthem is important as well.

They do it then because they know that 23.7 million people are watching them.

If you were given the chance to try and advocate for change when there were 23.7 million people watching, wouldn’t you?

Questioning society ultimately leads to changes that help better it. What Kaepernick and other NFL players are doing is trying to make this country’s pledge carry truth. They are trying to make the American belief of “liberty and justice for all” a true one.

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

OPINION (5)

Staff editorial: C’s get degrees

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always compete with one another as a way of validation, from comparing grades in a class to asking people what they got on their ACT. Marian students need to realize that it doesn’t matter what someone else’s score is, because if we tried our best, we accomplished something.

Yes, this sounds cheesier than maca-

roni day, but prioritizing mental health is just as important as being prepared for college. Plenty of girls at Marian are overachievers. They play sports, take AP classes, help with performing arts, are in every club and somehow get straight A’s.

While these girls may seem like CIA cyborgs, they are real people with real feelings. Being perfect all the time is exhausting, so overachievers need to know that taking a break once in awhile is okay, and helps to ease their stressful workload. We are all very blessed to go to Marian and receive a great education.

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t any given time, if you ask a Marian girl how she is feeling, chances are she will respond with “stressed”. Marian is a school that prides itself on high standards and high achievement. They don’t call it a college preparatory school for nothing. But is being in a place where some students consider a B a bad grade healthy?

Our environment constantly pushes us to go the extra mile, to try a little bit harder and to value our achievements above our mental health. The overachiever culture at Marian is a good thing- to a point.

Participating in extracurriculars helps students find what they love and become a better leader, but overextending oneself to try to do it all leads to little sleep and lots of tears.

We have conditioned ourselves to

We have conditioned ourselves to always compete with one another as a way of validation, from comparing grades in a class to asking people what they got on their ACT. -Network Staff

rk wo ial t e r eN ito Th f f Ed Sta

We should take advantage of this opportunity and try to challenge ourselves and participate as often as we can. We should strive to prepare ourselves for college and take tests seriously.

But we also need to remember that school isn’t the only important thing in our lives. Studying for a math test is super important, but that doesn’t mean you should skip family dinner to learn about parabolas.

A healthy balance between school and life is necessary, and even if that means we aren’t overachievers, we are still achievers, and that’s just as good.

JOB STORIES FOR THE MEMORY BOOK....

Forget ghosts, grouchy customers are worse lilywatkins

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alloween horrors are gone but many Marian girls still have to grapple with people just as intimidating as werewolves and vampires; angry customers.

As teenagers, much of the Marian student body works, and I’m one of them.

As a member of the wait staff at a local restaurant, most of the time the customers are bearable, sometimes even pleasant; but every so often there’s a rotten egg.

Once a lady called me over and said that she needed extra sauce. She said she wanted it without the charge. I didn’t know if there was something I wasn’t getting, but all the same I asked her to repeat the question and then politely told her that I had to charge if she wanted extra sauce. Afterwards, she apparently called over the waitress and asked her the same question, to which she too declined.

And then the lady stiffed her on the tip for not getting free sauce.

People may think that just because they may be a regular at a restaurant, that means the waitstaff automatically likes them. Not true.

One strange older woman comes in once or twice a month. While her appearance isn’t strange, her mannerisms certainly are. She throws a fit if she can’t

sit in her favorite spot. When she does sit down, she demands a bowl of warm water with lemons to wash her hands in. (The kicker is that I work at a family restaurant, not some five-star place.)

She always brings in her own water bottle for us to pour out and heat up, as she for some reason doesn’t like to drink out of plastic cups. She also does not understand why we have to heat up her water in a microwave when we could “just boil it,”—you know, in the kitchen on the other side of the restaurant. She talks on and on and on as well to whatever poor waitress who happens to serve her that night.

At the end of it all, she never leaves more than a few dollars tip, either.

It’s always important to tip the wait staff, even if the service isn’t jaw-dropping.

The waiters not only have to make conversation, make customers feel comfortable and handle multiple tables at the same time, but they do all of that on a base pay of roughly two dollars an hour.

Unless the waiter literally gives you an ice block to eat, at least tip them ten percent (though 20 percent is definitely preferable).

Frozen hearts and frozen yogurt

sofyherrera

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ookie mistake: following your dreams.

When I was 8 years old, all I wanted was to work at The Country’s Best Yogurt (TCBY), my absolute favorite frozen yogurt store. At the ripe age of 16, this dream became a reality.

Don’t get me wrong, I worked with great people. Serving 98 percent fat-free frozen yogurt to teens is quite entertaining. However, the never-ending winter inside the store and my instantaneous memory loss after a customer gave me an order caused some problems.

For these reasons, the dream became a nightmare.

I remember the night perfectly; I was working with one other employee and the store was minutes from closing.

The stench of freedom hung in the air.

Aaaaaand all of a sudden *beep beep beep*- the drive-thru headset went off.

Looking out the window we saw it: the backup of cars in line until the street.

Panicked, we apologized for the malfunction of the headset and whipped up shakes and banana splits faster than you can say rainbowcreamisjustvanillawithfoodcoloring. And then I heard his voice - the man who had denied me the

right of giving his dog a dog treat from the jar we kept at the drive thru window the week prior. I’d recognize that voice anywhere, always coming in religiously on Saturday nights with negativity and no sprinkles. After I took his complex request and handed it to him, he asked me to re-do two of his orders.

Calm. Remain calm. I remade it but when I returned to the window, he informed me that his yogurt had, in fact, melted. Meanwhile, I heard cars honking in the distance, impatient for frozen dairy products. The only thought that could come to mind in this moment was that Jesus was indeed testin’ me.

My coworker came to the window with the other order we had remade and handed it to him. He handed it back in a similar fashion to how Michael Jordan shoots a basketball: with force and accuracy. I stood in shock, covered in white chocolate mousse and decided that man clearly did not deserve a dog treat anyways.

But what can I say, old habits die hard and I just applied to Orange Leaf. You can take the girl out of the frozen yogurt, but you can never take the frozen yogurt out of the girl.

er scene; he was wiping his face with the sock he was previously wearing.

“Dude,” I said to him “That’s disgusting.” He didn’t seemed fazed by it though.Now, I guess in a dire situation I would have been fine if he had used a CLEAN, unused sock to wipe his face.

But this sock was caked in dirt, foot sweat and now, face sweat.

In a final attempt to make him stop moisturizing his face with his own perspiration, I told him that he took all of his

showers for nothing.

“Oh, don’t worry Maddie. I haven’t showered all week,” he said in a heartbeat.

Yep. Days at camp: 6. Showers taken: 0. Years taken off of my life span due to pure shock: Like, at least two and a half.

From that moment on, I heavily washed and sanitized every part of my body that even brushed up against one of my students. Apparently, you can love dirt too much.

Sweaty summers really ‘sock’ at boy scout camp

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maddierobertson

or the past two summers, I’ve had the pleasure of working at a Boy Scout camp as a camp counselor. I’ve loved every moment of it, but I’d be lying if I said I was never taken aback by the mannerisms of some of the boys I taught.

During my first summer, I ended up teaching a Soil and Water Conservation class the last week of camp. In a strange turn of events, I ended up having only one kid enrolled in the class. That wasn’t really allowed, but hey, if the kid had a

passion for dirt, who was I to deny him the opportunity to learn more about it?

The kid was sweet, he really was.

However, he was also a teenage boy. And like many 13-year-old boys, he didn’t have the best hygiene.

I remember the last day of class was a hot one. I most definitely dripped sweat onto the watershed map I was referencing.

When I looked up to ask my student about the map, I witnessed an even gross-

The Net work Staf f

The Network is a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A Catholic, North Central Accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of N.H.S.P.A. and the N.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. Opinions expressed on opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community.

Students, faculty, and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors.

All letters must be typed, signed, and sent to this address: The Network, Marian High School, 7400 Military Ave., Omaha, NE 68134 Or emailed to us here: netpaper@omahamarian.org Or call us at 402-571-2618 x 1134 An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found here: mariandigitalnetwork.com

Follow us on Twitter @MHSbeat • Follow us on Instagram @MHSpub •

Friend us on Snapchat @MHSpub

managing editors: maddierobertson & gracesall copy editor: delaneystekr photo editor: audreyyost graphics editor & online editor: maggieprosser front page editor: allisonostapowicz news editor: juliahingorani & maddierobertson feature editors: hayleygolden, samanthafabian, juliaveik & lilywatkins opinion editors: katherinemartin & abbymclaughlin indepth editor: audreyhertel sports editors: annacook & audreyyost entertainment editors: sofyherrera & shannonmcsweeney photo essay editor: mariadeterman circulation manager, reporter & photographer: hailierydel adviser: marshakalkowski

(6) FEAT URE

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

Hospital Volunteering: It’s a family affair S

samanthafabian

tifling antiseptics and cleaning supplies.

It’s what first hits you when you walk through the revolving glass doors of Methodist Hospital. Junior Carolyn Griffin knows this all too well, because, for the past two years, every Monday at four p.m., she has marched through those doors, uniform on and name badge in hand.

Carolyn has been volunteering at Methodist Hospital with her cousin, senior Lauren Klingemann, ever since her freshman year.

Each week, the pair takes two hours to visit with patients and help with daily tasks around the hospital. Carolyn has considered it a blessing and said that she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s a joy to spend quality time with my cousin doing service,” Carolyn said.

Although the duo are the only Marian girls in their family to volunteer at Methodist at the moment, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t others. In fact, six members of the Griffin-Klingemann clan have passed through those glass doors.

Their family’s involvement with Methodist started when Carolyn’s older sister, Julia Griffin ’16, began volunteering at the hospital as a freshman in 2012. It didn’t take long for the family count to rise to four by late 2014 when Carolyn’s older brother, Aaron, as well as Lauren and her older brother, Andrew, had begun volunteering at the hospital. Carolyn found herself with the rest of her family at Methodist a year later in 2015, but by that time, Julia was starting to think about college, and getting ready to leave. “I am grateful to have been a part of such an amazing experience with my big sister,” Carolyn said.

After Julia had left to attend Saint Louis University, Lauren’s younger brother, Will, began his journey at the hospital. A year later, Andrew also found himself leaving Methodist, as he was starting college.

Now, there are only three family members left at Methodist, but Carolyn’s younger sister, freshman Molly Griffin, is expected to join them later this year. “It has been fun to watch my siblings and cousin grow throughout volunteering at Methodist. I have enjoyed seeing their passion for medicine expand. I am excited to join the “Monday Methodist Team” and to share these experiences with my family,” Molly said.

Although the family was initially influenced

by Julia, each member had their own motivation for volunteering.“I have an interest in nursing, and I wanted to do something to make a difference. My eyes have been opened because of volunteering at the hospital,” Carolyn said.

It has not been a one way street, though, because just like Carolyn’s eyes have been opened by her experiences in the hospital, she and the rest of her family have also opened the eyes and hearts of others at the hospital.

Their compassion shines bright during the holiday seasons, especially when it hits Christmas time, as a various arrangement of Christmas carols can be heard throughout the hospital corridors. They began their tradition of singing to the patients on holidays when Lauren and Carolyn started it last October for Halloween. Now, the tradition has grown large enough for them to let patients request songs; a fan-favorite has been their rendition of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, when Carolyn and Lauren sing as they dance around Will who is posed as a Christmas tree.

Now, with more than five years under this family’s belt, it is safe to say that this family has made their impact on Methodist Hospital.

Although, when Julia started volunteering five years ago, no one knew that her involvement with the hospital would lead to what it has today, a family affair.

Deliver the news Lauren Klingemann ’18, Carolyn Griffin ’19, and Sydney Mencke go around Methodist Hospital on Oct. 30 delivering newspapers to patients. This is just one of their many tasks to complete while volunteering.

The Monday Methodist Team Lauren Klingemann ’18, Carolyn Griffin ’19, Sydney Mencke, and Clàudia Archer ’21 huddle in a group to discuss the plans regarding their night of volunteering. They regularly checked in with one another to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Festivities Carolyn Griffin ’19, Sydney Mencke, and Lauren Klingemann ’18 demonstrate their rendition of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree for other volunteers.

They hope to pass on their renditions of holiday carols to other volunteers so that when they leave, their tradition can live on.

Marian students help pave way to Omaha’s future maddierobertson

arian girls are always encouraged to seek out opportunities that enrich their lives and allow them to pursue their passions. When Marian’s Daily Bulletin advertised an application for Mayor Jean Stothert’s Youth Advisory Commission, four students couldn’t help but take a look.

Seniors Kate Bilyeu and Kate Kellen and juniors Kristin Beduhn and Peggy McGowan each filled out a form that asked for their involvement in school, two letters of recommendation and the signature of principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan or their counselor.

Marian’s government classes and the

Political selfie Kate Bilyeu ’18, Kristin Beduhn ’19, Kate Kellen ’18 and Peggy McGowan ’19 are caught by McGowan’s phone at the first meeting of Mayor Jane Stothert’s Omaha Youth Advisory Council. This isn’t the first time a few Marian girls have been able to influence local politics.

Young Politicians Club are open to all students, but the Youth Advisory Commission offers the four girls an additional chance to immerse themselves in the world of politics while gaining political experience. “I want to do something with politics and the government when I’m older, so I thought this would be something fun to introduce myself to it,” Bilyeu said.

The Commission has only had one meeting so far, but the group has already brainstormed several ways they can improve the Omaha community. In their last meeting, the Council had speakers come in to talk with them about stereotypes, bullying and segregation.

“After hearing the speakers we chose how we think the mayor should approach the issue and then advise her to do so. It was really amazing being in such a diverse community because you got to hear so many different perspectives,” Beduhn said.

The Commission will continue to focus on discrimination and increasing equality in Omaha for the rest of the year.

At the end of each monthly meeting, the Commission members will share their suggestions on how to better Omaha. Any ideas approved by the Mayor’s Advisory Commission will be presented to Stothert and possibly be incorporated into her policies.

Stothert is the first woman to hold the position as Mayor of Omaha in the city’s 163 year history. Working under a strong female leader has truly impacted the girls.

“It’s really awesome because I can see

myself in a role just like hers,” Bilyeu said.

While having a woman in a position of power to look up to is a plus, the four have had no problem showing their true Marian identity in their council group. “I love to see how confident we all are and how we are able to handle our own in a large group,” Kellen said.

Though they haven’t changed any laws or passed any bills (yet), the Commission members have grown in both knowledge and character. “It has changed me because it inspired me to think,” McGowan said.

Indeed, the Comission has given all four Marian girls a better understanding of the Omaha community, a deeper appreciation for the world of politics and more insight on how to skillfully craft ideas to improve the city they call home.

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Though they haven’t changed any laws or passed any bills (yet), the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission members have grown in both knowledge and character.

“It has changed me because it inspired me to think.

-Peggy McGowan ’19

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

FEAT URE (7)

Secret superheroes of Marian provide smiles, security hayleygolden

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lmost every Marian student, faculty member or visitor has seen the little green Prius driving around Marian.

Although they prefer to stay out of the spotlight, the security men inside the Prius play an important role in the Marian community. With the help of the other maintenance men, these two help Marian thrive and flourish.

The men inside that little green car are Wayne Downie and Richard Hutfless.

Combined, the two have been working at Marian for a total of 36 years.

Wayne, who had previously worked for Douglas County, found out about the job position through an advertisement in the newspaper.

“I worked 30 years for the Douglas County Health Department. They offered me an early retirement, and I took that. I had friends who had gone to work driving vans for Omaha Public Schools, so I did that and after about six months, I saw an ad for Marian looking for a van driver. So I came here,” Downie said.

Downie started the position in 1993, where he started off as a van driver. “I started out driving a van, and after three or four years, they quit the van service and started the security, and so I’ve been doing

that ever since,” Downie said.

In addition to heading the security in the morning, Downie also watches over senior lunches.

Hutfless, who takes over the security position in the afternoon, started out working at a drug store for 13 years.

“Started a quarter an hour, worked all the way up to a dollar and a quarter,” Hutfless said.

After this job, Hutfless worked at a bank for nine years, a gas station for 18 and K-Mart for 30 before retiring.

A few years later, Hutfless found out about the security job through a friend.

“I met a friend of mine, who I met at St. Philip Neri when I was picking up my grandson, and he always picked up his kids, and he was maintenance manager here. He said ‘What are you doing for kicks?’ and I said ‘Nothing.’ ‘Wanna do something?’ I said ‘What?’ He said ‘We have an opening at Marian for an afternoon security person that drives around in the van and watches the parking lot.’ I said ‘Really? Okay, I’ll think about that.’

So I thought about it and when I was leaving he said ‘Call me if you’re interested,’” Hutfless said.

The next day Hutfless set up an appointment and got the job.

“I never had any Marian connections, I was just in the right place at the right time,” Hutfless said.

With this position, Hutfless later encouraged his daughter to send his granddaughters here.

Through the years, both men have seen some very unusual sights around campus.

Hutfless in particular “The Van Man” Security man Wayne Downey talks with remembers a time when Kaylie Ewing ’18 while watching over senior lunch. Downey something spooky appeared has been part of the Marian staff for 24 years. at Marian during Freshman

Retreat.

“It was Oct. 30 into the 31, which is Halloween, so, my shift was midnight to 5 in the morning.

I was sitting out there, it was HalSuper security Richard Hutfless poses in front of the green Prius. Hutfless has been loween, cruising around campus for 12 years, in addition to watching the Quad after school. and I’ve always said this is weird how Marian sits gotten to know Richard throughout her between the two cemeteries, the sisters’ years at Marian. cemetery and the Hope [cemetery] up “Richard’s so nice because he’s willing there. This layer of fog formed over the to just sit here all day after school, and soccer field, some five, ten feet off the he’s kind of like a grandpa to everyone. ground and it covered probably two thirds He’s always sweet and willing to help of the soccer field, this flat layer of fog. out,” Brison said.

This is on Halloween. And it just sat there For senior Michaela Steier, who had for about an hour and then it lifted up and the Walk-a-Thon junior parking spot last went over the cemetery, right over. I don’t year, Downey became a familiar face know, I’ve always thought that was pretty whenever a parking spot problem ocweird,” Hutfless said. curred. “I could always count on him to Downey often used to see animals help me,” Steier said. hanging out around the campus. “There Neither Downie nor Hutfless have used to be herds of deer that would be in plans to retire anytime soon. “I like it here the parking lot when I was working in the and I like my job, and unless they don’t morning. I’ve seen a fox run across the want me anymore, I plan on staying here parking lot in the morning, and of course, as long as I can,” Hutfless said. a multitude of turkeys,” Downey said.

“Not anytime soon. At my age you Although both men have seen some can’t tell how much longer it might be,” eccentric occurrences, both Hutfless and Downie said with a laugh.

Downie still love their jobs here at MarNeedless to say, the “van men” are an ian. “The people here, the kids and the important aspect of Marian. staff and the friendly atmosphere, that’s “They’re always willing to unlock a what I like the best. Everybody seems to classroom, or if its cold, drive you down get along,” Downie said. to your car. Little things like that,” Brison With all that being said, it’s safe to said. “They’re the people behind the say that the girls of Marian love having scenes that keep Marian flowing. They’re them around. Senior Elizabeth Brison has always welcoming.”

Landscaping flourishes for 14 years with Dr. Zach maggieprosser

Lovely landscaping Pumpkins from the new pumpkin patch stand out. For the Autumn season, Dr. Terry Zach placed pumpkins around the Marian Campus. Photo by Hayley Golden.

“I

’m not going to complain about the flowers. I’m going straight to Ms. Kish to see if I can plant some,” Marian dad Dr. Terry Zach said back in 2006. He felt that Marian’s campus should have a better visual appeal to really showcase the amazing people and resources on the inside. So he went to Ms. Elizabeth Kish, Marian’s Head of School at the time. Dr. Zach had two daughters graduate from Marian; one in 2001, Katie, and one in 2007, Clare.

He initially had this idea in 2001, when

the current library was being built. Zach was helping to fundraise for the new library, so he was up at Marian quite a bit. He thought Marian didn’t stand out enough from the outside.

Zach started with the front statue of Mary by planting flowers around her, which received positive feedback. His real work started in 2003, when he started frequently coming to Marian to help out with landscaping.

Fourteen years later Zach still helps

the school bloom with beauty. He’s not a professional gardener by any means, but he does have a good eye for landscaping.

He usually comes to Marian about two to three times a week in the spring and summer. During the colder months he visits less. In previous winters, he has experimented with indoor plants, but found it more work than it was worth because of unpredicted frosts.

When Zach can’t be at Marian to water plants he has the help of Kevin Adcock and Tim Eoriatti who help with maintenance around Marian.

This year he experimented with pumpkins in the front of the school.

“I was really surprised when I saw the pumpkins. My step-grandma thought it was the cutest idea ever,” senior Lauren Rosenthal said. Zach hinted that there may be a pumpkin patch down by the shed near the track next year due to the construction that will be happening with the renovation.

He thinks his next project will include landscaping around the track and by the field house. “It needs some work,” Zach said.

“Marian is fortunate to have Dr. Zach as our landscape expert. Our school grounds continue to be enhanced by his keen eye for plants, flowers and vegetation.

We are so grateful for him and his talents,”

The man behind the landscaping Dr. Terry Zach works with Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs in June of 2013 at a Campus Cleanup Day. Zach has landscaped for 14 years.

Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs said.

Marian has the potential to depict on the outside the hard work we put in on the inside.

“We are blessed with an incredible amount of space that even some college campuses would be jealous of,” Zach said.

(8- 9) IN-DEPT H

Meet the Directors: an interview with the masterminds behind ‘Hello Dolly’ Mr. Michael McCandless

Q: How long have you been a director?

A: I have been directing since 1985, but I got into theater 45 years ago as an actor.

Q: What was the first production you ever directed?

A: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at Roncalli during a summer theater festival that they had.

Q: When were you first introduced to theater?

A: I was first introduced to theater in the first grade. I was the third shepherd in a nativity play.

Q: What is your favorite part of directing at Marian?

A: The people that I get to direct and work with. The students are just phenomenal.

Q: What was your favorite Marian production?

A: The next one. The reason I say that is because they’re all favorites, and if I pick just one out, it would be unfair to the other ones that I really liked doing, too. If you say the next one, it kind of gives you hope that there will be a next one.

Say

to hello HELLO DO

Actors, at Mari day clo hats on 26-29 “Hello D began

Mrs. Michelle Delisi

Q: How long have you been choreographing?

A: I have been choreographing since my sophomore year of high school.

Q: What is your favorite part of being the choreographer for the musicals?

A: Seeing the end results is the best part of being a choreographer.

Q: You are very close to cast members and they even call you “Mama D,” how do you go about making those relationships with them?

A: I personally think that I have the ability to make kids feel like they’re worth something. I feel like I have a way of saying ‘Well that’s not quite right. Let’s try it this way’ without making them feel dumb or stupid. I’ve always had the ability to make people feel good about themselves, and make them feel like what they’re doing is a huge accomplishment.

Q: What is it like or how do you feel when people you’ve worked with for four years graduate?

A: Sad, very sad. By the time you get to be juniors and seniors, I feel very connected, and then I feel like that time just flies by, and you’re gone.

Q: What is your favorite type of song to choreograph?

A: I love choreographing anything from the 70s the 80s, I love oldies music, but that’s what I grew up with.

Ms. Lauren Morrissey

Q: What is your favorite musical to sing along to (or just favorite musical in general)?

A: I’ve got to go back to the classic “Sound of Music,” that’s always been my favorite.

Q: What is your favorite musical you have been a part of (either as a cast member or as a music director or maybe both...)?

A: I think “Rags” will always stick out as the most special because it was my first one directing.

Q: What is your favorite part of being the music director for Marian’s musicals?

A: The whole journey from beginning to end is really fun to watch. It’s fun to see the show grow, but also the individual students.

Q: What are your thoughts when people tell you “I can’t sing,” and they are in a musical? How do you help them find their “voice?”

A: I hate when people think they can’t sing. It’s a common misconception that singing is a talent you’re born with rather than a skill that you learn, and singing is a skill that you learn. Your brain and your voice are capable of that just by being a human.

Visit the mariandigitalnetwork.com for the complete interviews with Network reporter Julia Veik.

MUSICALS PAST:

Photo by gracesall

Brich makes her way up the ladd mariadeterman

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rom the creaky brown risers of St. Cecilia Grade School to the velvet curtain draw at her final performance of “Hello Dolly,” senior Rachael Brich has done it all.

She wore the embarrassing mauve, orange and army green pilgrim costumes in “Rags.”

She took a shaving cream pie to the face for every performance of “Singin’ in the Rain.”

She has even resorted to a marker and erase board to replace her fading voice for “Hello Dolly.”

Through it all, Brich has sported a smile, a song and of course, her black character shoes.

“I’m never going to stop doing theater,” Brich said.

What started as role with the Omaha Community Playhouse as a chorus member in fourth grade quickly turned into a full-time gig for Brich. Ever since her middle school music teacher drilled theory and technique into her curly red head, she took that knowledge and ran.

Her mother Tess and sister Bridget ’12 both introduced Brich to theater. Even in her current role as Dolly Levi, the spunky matchmaker, her father Dan helps her run lines for memorization.

Family influence certainly had a role in Brich’s upbringing. Greater, however, was her desire to grow as a person. “I get these awesome life experiences and learn these new things like how to manage my time, how to have better communication skills and get to be friends with people who are younger than me and older than me,” Brich said.

As a freshman, Brich played volleyball instead of participating in Marian theater. She still got her daily dose of musical delight in ninth grade chorus and the occasional voice lesson.

The subsequent fall seasons have been consumed with musical roles in “Rags,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Hello Dolly.”

The characters Brich has embodied have progressively intensified, yet continually increased in reward. To Brich, the benefits outweigh the exhaustion because of her opportunity to “learn all these new things and better myself,” Brich said.

Over the years, her skills have blossomed, though nerves still send butterflies circling in her stomach. By the time performances roll around, Brich said, “Oh I am shaking in my boots, I am so nervous.” Despite the inner

A flashback to 10 years of Marian Musicals

Graphic by mariadeterman and photos courtesy of past yearbooks

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” 2010

“Mame” 2008

“Annie” 2007

“Once Upon a Mattress” 2009

“Footloose” 2011

quiver, B her month tion.

“When show, I ca Brich said performa Friends a with mus for mysel She w to college cal life. B set on a p undoubte take part too.

Brich theatrical primary r leads. Sh Marian p finished h a smile o upon her “I used man look

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

, singers and dancers ian put on their Sunothes and feathered n the weekend of Oct. for the Fall musical Dolly.” Cast and crew rehearsing and build-

ing sets three months prior to opening night. The show received the help of male actors, singers and dancers from schools including Creighton Prep, Millard West and Central. “Hello Dolly” would not have been possible

OLLY

without the dedication of directors Michael McCandless, Michelle Delisi and Lauren Morrissey. The hard work of the cast, crew, set construction crew, theater seminar class and the orchestra appeared to be a success with people giving standing ovations during the final curtain call.

Meet the crew From top to bottom, left to right: Audrey Hertel (Stage Manager), Courtney Kilroy (Stage Manager), Tayla McWilliams (Costumes), Lily Weindel (Costumes), Emma McClellan (Make-up), Sarah Burnett (Backstage), Rayna Bartling (Backstage), Allison Ostapowicz (Backstage), Makayla Sedlacek (Sound), Leah Raemakers (Lights) Cori Davis (Costumes), Kavianna Shelton (Assistant Stage Manager), Katie Tiojanco (Lights), Chloe Degan (Backstage), Lily Veylupek (Backstage), Libby Knudsen (Backstage), Ellie Henderson (Backstage), Holly McCutcheon (Backstage), Claudia Archer (Backstage), Maddie McKillip (Sound) and Sydney Schumacher (Backstage). Photo courtesy of Andie Mikuls.

Tour de Tech

Take a look behind the scenes of this year’s production of “Hello Dolly” through our Tour de Tech where we show you what it’s like controlling the technical parts of the show!

der, one musical at a time

Brich never lets the stress ruin hs of hard work and dedica-

n we’re going through the alm down a little bit more,” d, “By the Saturday night ance, I am settled down.” aid in her relaxation, along sic, Netflix and “taking time lf,” Brich said. will carry these skills with her e, and the rest of her theatriBrich currently has her sights psychology major but will edly take theater classes and in community productions,

The light booth is behind the audience and controls all of the light settings. The lights are programmed cue to cue. Light techs for “Hello Dolly” were Sarah Burnett ’20 and Leah Raemakers ’19.

The sound booth is next to the light booth and controls all of the sound settings and cues. Sound techs for “Hello Dolly” were Makayla Sedlaceck ’18 and Maddie McKillip ’18.

The spotlight booth is above the light booth and is used for spotlights when needed. Spotlight is run by the light techs.

So long dearie Rachael Brich ’18 strikes a pose while

has been on all sides of the singing “So Long Dearie.” On the last weekend in October, l spectrum - the nitty gritty Brich starred in “Hello Dolly” playing the role of Dolly Levi. Photo by Grace Sall. roles and the high-intensity he has climbed the ladder of more getting to participate with seniors in the performing arts, and proudly production. I’m a senior now, seeing how the her high school acting career with underclassmen look up to me and how they on her face and a large feathered hat treat me is so rewarding. I’ve been in their head. position and they are just glowing - they are d to be one of those girls as a freshking up to the seniors, and as a sopho- going to be bright stars!” Brich said.

The catwalk is above the spotlight booth and is used by technical crew to go from booth to backstage. It is a caged area with views of the audience.

do you want to Work in these spaces?

The Stage manager station is backstage on left (pictured here) and right wings. The student stage managers control set changes and cues for the show stage managers for “Hello Dolly” were Audrey Hertel ’18 and Courtney Kilroy ’18.

“The Little Mermaid” 2014

“Children of Eden” 2012

“The King and I” 2013

Fill out a crew application next spring or contact Mrs. Michelle Delisi.

Photos by juliahingorani

“Singin’ in the Rain” 2016

“Rags” 2015

(10) Feat ure

The Net work (October 2017)

To ink or not to ink? The debate over tattoos amongst students hailierydel

The act of inking the skin stands firm in her opposition has been around for centuries. towards tattoos. “Tattoos are For various civilizations, tattoos a waste,” Saettele said. “They have held importance in their harm you, cost money and are respective culture. Tattoos have painful.” functioned as a way to symbolize A great deal of people could status, show skill or act as a rite agree and understand these of passage. issues in regards to getting a Even today, tattoo. Saettele’s tattoos play a resolute beliefs large part in against tattoos modern culture. stem from a reliIt has been gious belief and turned into an her own personal intricate art form opinion. that many peoIt is her strong ple partake in. belief that our It goes individual bodies without saying are a temple of that people have God, and should varying opinions be treated as on whether to such. ink or not to ink. No tattoos please Arianna “Your body Saettele ‘21 is strong in her Some people is the Temple of belief that tattoos are a waste of have already God, and do you money and are painful. planned on getwant His Temting several tattoos, while others ple to be covered in graffiti?” stand firm in their opposition to Saettele said. them.

Even in regards to religious Freshman Arianna Saettele is tattoos, she remains consistent not too impressed with the rising with her dislike of them. If one popularity of tattoos. Saettele were to get a tattoo of a religious

Turtle love Marin Morrison ‘18 has a tattoo of a turtle on the top of her right foot. She got her tattoo with her parents’ permission at Sacred Heart Tattoo in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii when she was 16 years old. She got a turtle tattoo because she loves turtles and her first pet was a turtle. Her next tattoo will probably be a dog’s paw print on her other foot and then she will start a sleeve. She wants to have a lot more tattoos eventually covering nearly her whole body.

symbol or a Bible scripture, Saettele still simply views it as a tattoo and does not support it.

She strongly believes that religious people do not wish to show themselves off or draw unnecessary attention to themselves. In her opinion, tattoos are flashy to the eye.

Saettele’s family is indifferent towards tattoos. Only a few of her family members have them, but the vast majority do not have any at all. In this respect she agrees with her family’s disliking or indifference of tattoos.

She says it is very unlikely she will change her mind in the future. “I just don’t like them,” Saettele said.

Plenty of students agree with Saettele’s opinion on tattoos. According to the Network October survey of 259 students, roughly 40 percent do not like tattoos nor would they like to get one in the future.

On the other hand, Jolie Falcon, a sophomore, cannot wait to have tattoos.

“I want to be about 50 percent covered,” Falcon said with a

laugh. She went on to explain the color ones. she wants small tattoos on her Her family holds no strong arms, legs, thighs and possibly opposition to her love of tattoos. her stomach.

They simply ask that she waits Her admiration for tattoos until she is 18 before she decides came from a camp counselor, to ink her skin. who had a jellyfish tattooed on “My grandma would probably her forearm. give a gasp,” Falcon Falcon said said. But other than she loved that, her family is genthat way erally supportive to her of expreswish to have tattoos. sion, and “Tattoos are cool,” the more Falcon said, but she she learned explained anyone who about has a desire to get a tattattoos, the too should learn about more she it before they make the wanted to decision. She also said get. it is best to get advice She says and ask questions Ink me up Jolie Falcon ‘20 she has about the tattoos. cannot wait to get tattoos. no theme “If you do have planned for She wants several tattoos and tattoos, it’s a really believes they are a cool way to her mulcool way to express express yourself. titude of yourself. If you don’t, tattoos, that she just wants them there are other ways to express organized by color. Falcon said yourself,” Falcon said with a she preferred darker colors like smile. purple or maroon in her tattoos, Tattoos will continue to grow and that she would also want to in popularity, and people will get black and white in addition to continue to love and hate them.

Permanent sign of faith Avery Ost ‘18 has the word “faith” with a cross as the “t” and a Bible verse tattooed on her left side over her ribcage. She got her tattoo in March of 2017 over spring break at Eye Candy Tattoo in Ralston. She got the consent of her parents because she was not 18 yet when she got her tattoo. The tattoo reminds her that no matter what happens she should always have faith and that everything is going to be okay. She does want to get another tattoo but comments that it would be a while because it hurt so badly.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. - Isaiah 54:10

She has courage Math Tutor Ms. Jessica Abel has “Courage” on the top of her right foot. She got this tattoo on a whim in Florida while on a vacation with her friends almost 10 years ago. This was a memorial tattoo for her aunt who passed away of pancreatic cancer. Abel was very close to her aunt, “She was a second mom to me,” she said. “She taught me courage.”

Behind the scenes of being behind bars for Sociology II classes

madelinerobertson

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students, Marian staff and parent rom the first museum visit chaperones travelled to the in kindergarten to touring Omaha Correctional Center near Washington, D.C. as an eighth Eppley Airfield. The minimum grader, field trips have always security prison houses close to been an enjoyable experience.

800 male inmates.

High school field trips, though “I was really excited to go more rare and more curriculum based, are still an opportunity no student would want to pass up, even if it meant being surrounded by murOct. 16 The first group of seniors that went to the Omaha derers.

On Oct. 16 Correctional Center smile in front of the facility. They and 17, Mr. were accompanied by Mr. Tom Baker and parents.

Tom Baker’s Sociology II classes did exactly because I’ve always had an that. interest in criminology,” senior Two different groups of Tara Sanchez said. The sociology

when he attempted to escape Once the tour was over, the classes went to prison following from a different prison. classes had the opportunity to their recent study of crime and The inmates answered questalk with prisoners. The group violence. tions about their lives before that went on Oct. 16 conversed After going through metprison, the prison food and what with a convicted murderer and a al detectors, the classes were they plan to do once they get man convicted of several counts given brief tours of the prison, released. of armed robbery. The Oct. 17 including the housing units. The “I don’t think I inmates share a cell with at was scared because least one other inmate. The they wouldn’t give largest cells house up to us a prisoner they eight prisoners. wouldn’t trust. I Each group also had the thought when we talkchance to witness prisoned to them I wouldn’t ers interacting outside of have as much empatheir cells. thy, but I did,” senior When not working, Brooke McCarthy prisoners have the option said. of watching television, Each group exercising outside or takOct. 17 The second group of seniors pose in front of enjoyed their experiing classes to further their the Omaha Correctional Center. This group conversed ence in the prison. “I education. with a convicted armed robber and a former white “They have a lot more thought it was really eye supremacist who injured a guard. freedom than I thought. I opening. Not everyone thought things were going to group met with the same armed says ‘Oh yeah I’ve visited prisbe a lot more strict and more robber and a man serving 34 to on’. It was unique. I would go systematic,” Sanchez said.

117 years for injuring a guard back,” McCarthy said.

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

FEAT URE (11)

Discover the truth about paying pesky parking tickets mariadeterman

I

t’s 3:12 in the afternoon and you stroll down upper lot, get in your car, look up and there it is. One of the most dreaded sights of the world: the big, bolded red letters PARKING TICKET. Many have fallen victim to the classic “forgot to put up the hang tag” offense. This little yellow slip sends students fuming for days. However, students can find solace when they hear the history and context surrounding Marian parking tickets. It’s not like the regular annoying city ticket.

The Marian car identification system has had considerable changes in recent years. The old parking permit was in the form of a colored sticker, plastered to the back windshield. In 2016, the new red and yellow hang tags were created. This system allows for easy identification and a distinct contrast between carpool and upper lot students, even if students may not like the lack of ability to exchange them with underclasswomen.

Mrs. Shari Reynolds, Business Office Assistant, is officially in charge of all parking-related matters. She is excited for students to hear the truth behind parking tickets and believes that they can be avoided altogether if you follow these easy steps.

First and foremost, always remember to put your hang tag on your rear-view mirror. This is by far the most common error that results in a ticket.

However, if one day you arrive frazzled and behind schedule, forgetting to slap up your hang tag, you may only receive a warning. Parking lot security guard Mr. Wayne Downie has mercy on first time offenders that is if your parking hang tag is within obvious sight, like on top of the dashboard. If Downie sees your tag, and you simply forgot to hang it up, you will receive a warning.

Secondly, only park in the lot your tag denotes. This means that if you are late to school and spot an empty space in carpool lot, your violation will not go unnoticed.

Another essential parking rule is that pulling through and backing in are not allowed. The primary reason for this regulation is for the safety of all driving newbies and the convenience of seeing tags for Downie.

Finally, there is the ultimate parking violation; one that is rare, yet highly offensive. It comes in that moment when you think you scored a spot at the top of upper lot, pull in and altogether disregard the “VISITOR PARKING” sign.

Spots for teachers are denoted by any kind of number on the cement - either spray painted or darkly colored. All spots along the drive are reserved for faculty and staff as well. If you mosey into any spot in the convent lot, you are in for a whopping $20 ticket.

When asked why Marian doles out these detestable fines, Reynolds said, “The primary reason is security. We have had times before when cars have been abandoned in our lot or have not been accountable, and that’s a security risk.”

While in the heat of the moment, though a ticket may seem superfluous, the reality is that abandoned cars could hold dangerous materials.

In another sense, Marian parking tickets are a necessary stepping stone and great lesson-provider for all young drivers. When you find yourself in the real world, fines for parking violations are far beyond a dinky $10.

On the University of Nebraska Omaha campus, failure to put up an authorized hang tag results in a $30 fine. Unauthorized parking in a reserved stall results in a $100 fine.

Marian’s ticket fee doesn’t sound nearly as bad when you do a side-by-side comparison

with a university. However, they go directly into an account Marian girls have a reputation that helps pay for Downie and for holding off their payments Mr. Richard Huftless’ salary, until the very last moment. This snow removal, cement repair, ultimate procrastination does no light utility fees, fence repair and good for you or your parents. all other necessities for a safe Your parking tickets show parking lot. up on Powerschool as “unpaid Next time you face those fees” and won’t disappear until dreaded red letters on your all have been paid to Reynolds windshield, remember that your in the Business Office. “You parking ticket is paving the way have to have them paid before for a safer Marian. you pick up your cap and gown,” Reynolds said, addressing seniors specifically.

Contrary to what some angered offenders might imagine, parking • Dow ticket nie & H uftless prof’ salari • C its es

Parki

ng Tic

Pay Fo

• Sn ow re eme moval • n • Light u t repair • Fenc tility er fe O • pa ther n epair es No rkin ece bon g lo ssit bon t ies f or a s! saf do e not go towards the bonbon fund for Downie. Instead,

kets

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Graphic by Lily Watkins

Native Americans give perspective on Thanksgiving

lilywatkins

urkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and gravy.

Thanksgiving is the time of year when families gather and celebrate all they’re grateful for in one place. For many people, that’s all the day is—a holiday—and nothing more. But the holiday of Thanksgiving has an interesting history to say the least.

It was first celebrated by the Pilgrims and local Native Americans in 1621 after the autumnal harvest.

This occurrence by itself is nothing negative; yet when looked at in the context of history, the irony is palpable.

In the hundreds of years after 1621, Native Americans would face suffering and genocide from the encroaching colonists (and later ‘Americans’). It’s a national holiday in modern times; but how do those whose ancestors and people have been negatively affected by the holiday feel about it?

Senior Marin Morrison’s grandmother, for example, is 100-percent Cherokee. Her grandmother’s ethnicity has af-

“

fected both Morrison’s upbringing and her family’s celebration of Thanksgiving.

“Though she is not my biological grandmother,” Morrison said of her technically step-grandmother, “I’ve grown up with her Cherokee traditions.” Because of her grandmother, the Morrisons do not celebrate Thanksgiving for its history but rather as a time to

“

T

You believe in what you believe in. [...] I’d rather people not celebrate the history, but what can I do?

-Marin Morrison ’18

gather and eat as a family. Morrison said she does not appreciate it when people celebrate its history, though.

“You believe in what you believe in. [...] I’d rather people not celebrate the history, but what can I do?”

Junior Reina Flores and her family are from the Yaqui tribe.

Thanksgiving for them is “more of a football watching game than anything else,” Flores said.

“We celebrate it, but we’re not big on it. [...] Other people could celebrate it [if they want], I just don’t think it’s that major,”

Flores said. family. all across the continent. The She does not see any certain “Since I’m in an adopted Europeans, though often relying significance for the day, and family, we use it as a way to cel- on the Natives for trading and because of her family has never ebrate each other. I have a Hishelp surviving, regularly thought really celebrated it. panic sibling, I have an African of them as “savages.”

Those with a connection American sibling, and we use They thought the Natives to Native Americans and their it across the board to celebrate were uncivilized for not being history that responded to the each other,” Kampe said. more European-like.

October Network survey often The idea that millions of Through centuries, the Euroexpressed the same sentiment. people lived in the Americas peans—eventually coming to be Many were irked at the fairly before the arrival of Europeans known as Americans, Canadians, common practice of people is astonishing to think about. and the like—virtually wiped celebrating Thanksgiving for its There are many fewer Native out the Native populations. history, and in doing so ignorAmericans today, and it makes There is a gruesome history ing what happened to Native sense when one thinks about it. behind Thanksgiving, that much Americans after the first festival When the Europeans came, is true; but the holiday itself is a was over. they brought more with them time of graciousness.

Senior Haley Kampe is one than just animals and food.

When people come together of them. Kampe is of Cherokee Disease and war ravaged and celebrate unity, that is truly and Cheyenne descent, and Native American communities a time to give thanks. though she is a part of a large adopted family, she still con- Native American Relations at Marian nects to her Native American The Network staff wants to stress that this data is only heritage. gathered from Network survey responses. People may Kampe said she hates it not know of their own or another’s ethnic background; as when such, this does not inherently apply to people the whole student body. diminish the value of Native AmerPercentage of Marian girls who know ican cultures they either are or related to someone by treating them as of Native American descent (5.07%) accessories.

“When some [non-Native] Percentage of Marian girls who person has a tribal celebraknow they are not nor related to tion, with costumes and someone of Native American descent decorations and all—can you (94.93%) not commercialize something *Graphic based on data from 276 Octolike that?” Kampe said. ber Network survey responses.

Kampe still enjoys Graphic by Lily Watkins. the holiday itself as a time to gather with

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SPORTS

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

Marian dance team: revamped, ready for transition katherinemartin

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f you have seen two sassy love being their coach,” Luquette ing style, and having two new on Coach Luquette. The team knew that this was more of a fashionistas walking out the said. coaches during my last year in decided to sneak into the coaches family than a dance team. front doors of Marian around This year, the coaches deciddance team makes it even harder, room, with the help of Coach DiOne of the big changes Mari7:40 in the morning, you have ed it was time to have a regular because by the time I finally get ego, to take all of Luquette’s bean has slowly been transforming seen dance team’s new coachvarsity team that would perform to know both AbbyJo and Sarah, longings, and take apart her bed into becoming a competition es, Sarah Diego and AbbyJo at halftime events and pep rallies I will be graduating. But both of and move them to a new room team, which has been a big Luquette. Luquette and Diego and a select team that would them are amazing and I love change. joined forces to completely compete at State, Regionals and them,” senior Megan Rutten A good reshape the Marian Dance Team Nationals. The varsity team consaid. The dance team has way to this school year. “Everything sists of 25 girls, and the select had plenty of time to bond get a feel about working for Marian has team is a group of 12 girls; the with the new coaches while for the been more than I could ever select girls are also part of the tackling many new events compeimagine! I was so excited varsity team. this year including a titions to move home Universal Dance Aswhile to Omaha and sociation, also known having meet my new as UDA Camp. fun with team. Marian UDA camp is a other has created good way for dance schools an amazing teams to really get to was at the atmosphere for know each other and Millard young women the other teams in North Blue ribbons All 25 girls earn blue ribbons securing their spot at nationals. The Marian Dance Team took part in the Universal Dance Dance to grow and Nebraska, while also learn as well competing and hoping Association summer dance camp on July 17-20 at the University of and Cheer as provide as for a bid to Nationals. Nebraska at Lincoln. Photo courtesy of the UDA Staff.

Showmany opporThe Marian Dance Team so when she returned she had case. The showcase was for tunities as had not been to a UDA nothing. The team thought it was teams to show off their routines possible. I am camp since the 2009-10 hilarious until AbbyJo decided to for state. Marian performed at so thankful for school year. “I loved prank them back. AbbyJo talked the Showcase on Sunday, Nov. 5.

Bring ’em out On Sept. 14, the Marian dance team huddles up the support I camp, especially when to the UDA staff and planned The dance team will be combefore their halftime performance. The girls always say a prayer have received before they go out on the field. Photo courtesy of Stacy Rohloff. the team dressed up as The a prank that involved the staff peting at Nationals on Feb.1-5 from the school Cheetah Girls for the fun yelling at them for the prank and in Disney World and at the State as a new coach. I am honored “Having new coaches senior costume night and the UDA staff taking away their beloved spirit Competition in Grand Island on to get to work with 25 amazing year is definitely not someloved our costumes,” sophomore stick. It was a very cruel prank Feb. 17. On Jan. 6, the dance and dancers. Their spirit is what thing I thought would happen.

Adrianna Krueger said. and a few girls on the team even cheer teams are holding a workkeeps me awake for those 6 a.m.

Getting to be acquainted with The dance team really bonded cried when the spirit stick was shop for young girls interested in practices and the main reason I new people and their coachat camp over a planned prank taken. That was when the team the two programs at Marian.

Rituals impact Marian athletes to be driven, confident audreyyost

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arian athletics have been celebrating rituals for years. From the soccer team sprinting up the field saying “Ole’ Ole’ a Blue” at the start of every home game, to the volleyball team singing the same complicated chant before each game; rituals are alive and thriving. Some of these rituals have been passed from generation to generation and some have just recently begun.

Each team has their own way of bonding and celebrating. A popular ritual for Marian athletics is praying before every meet or game. “For cross country, we gather around in a circle and pray

should read the verse of the day to calm me down. It did and I remember vividly my second meet at Westside the verse of the day was 1 Corinthians 15:19 which says ‘If only for this life we have hope in Christ are to be pitied more than all men.’

I felt I had a special connection with that verse. At that meet, I got second in one of my events (I usually get 5th or 6th) and I had a Personal Record in another, it was a really impressive jump,” Ajak said.

Some rituals are more personal to certain teams. Softball has one ritual that has been around for years, and they do it as a way to bless the field. Each year, the seniors pick juniors to draw the Marian emblem on the field in the dirt.

“We do it kind of as a way to bless the field before we play on it. After we draw it we all kneel down and take a handful of dirt, say a quick prayer, and then throw the dirt down Shining bright Delaney Kottke ’18 poses with juniors Kayla Gornall, Haley on the logo,” junior Abby Mercer, Erin Smith, Sarah Gosch, Bethany Bespoyasny and Sally Noble at their annual Christmas party. The girls spent the night taking lots of pictures Hayes said. and sharing secret santa gifts. Photo courtesy of Haley Mercer.

Shortly after, before each meet,” senior Anna Mikulicz a short clap starts and this year, freshman said. Incorporating Mary in prayers has Tatum Villota added a back-handspring been very popular as well amongst sports and backflip as the team ran into the midteams. Many of Marian’s sports teams dle and screamed when she landed. These pray before each competition; it has berituals have helped the team grow closer, come tradition. and reminded them that competitiveness Sophomore Aker Ajak has a different should not take over the fun. type of ritual. She reads the Bible on her Some girls are firm believers in superphone; she’s been doing this for 63 days stitions and they do the same ritual for straight. During her freshman year, she their sport. This is more of an individual was on the track and field team. After ritual that helps internally. “When I am going to a few meets, she realized that she on the sidelines waiting to go into the was getting really nervous. “I thought I game I first stretch my ankle to the right

in a circle, then the same to the left. Right after, I jump three times. This ritual sounds kinda weird but I believe that it helps me focus and stay on my toes during the time that I’m in. I started doing it about three years ago when my team wasn’t really doing well and they needed someone to go into the game and be a leader and set an example,” freshman Molly Monahan said.

Monahan believes she is a very superstitious person when it comes to soccer, because she wears her hair the same way if they won the game prior or changes it if they lost.

Two Marian girls have a different view of rituals. It involves food– zebra cakes, and lots of them. Senior Delaney Gunn and junior Mia McGrath have a su- Champions Mia McGrath ’19 and Delaney Gunn ’18 pose perstition with their zebra cakes. for a picture after the State Championship game. Mia held the sacred zebra cake. Photo courtesy of Mia McGrath.

During soccer season, they are and everyone is on the prowl the whole supposed to alternate buying zemonth before trying to find out who their bra cakes every week or so; McGrath buys Secret Santa is. The girls do two smaller most of them. A designated team manager gifts before the party, and then have their each year holds two zebra cakes during main present at the party. “Last year I got warm ups. “The team manager unwraps it one of my really close friends who was a slightly right after our cheer. Mia takes the senior. For her gift I had everyone write first bite and then I take the second bite, her a letter and send me some pics. I made always in that order, and if we need a little her a scrapbook from all her years on the additional luck I just eat the whole half. team, and it was so cute. It made her cry.

After the game we both finish the other Everyone had a part in it and we were all one. It pumps us up because it’s just such so excited to watch her open it,” junior a delicious pre game snack and it reminds Haley Mercer said. The Christmas party us of State soccer and Morrison Stadium. brings the team closer and excites them After we take a bite we’re just ready to go for the championship season. win the game,” Gunn said.

Traditions empower people through The girls began this tradition halfway their athletics and daily life. “Sport rituals through McGrath’s freshman year and are very important in keeping the team Gunn’s sophomore year. “The tradition close because everyone is is different is just kind of ‘our thing.’ It gives us just individually and with the ritual the team enough energy to get us going for the becomes whole,” senior swimmer Molly game, and it’s a special little bond we Miller said. have with each other,” McGrath said.

The swim team has a Christmas party every year. The girls do Secret Santa,

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

SPORTS (13)

Marian promotes healthy eating, staying active

healthy snack ideas:

annacook

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• avocado toast • Tortillas with peanut butter & bananas • overnight oats • baked sweet potato fries • carrots & hummus • apples with cinnamon & sugar • homemade trail-mix • celery with Peanut butter & RAISINS

ating healthy for Marian girls can can only come from playing a sport, but and fitness center manager, welcomes be quite a struggle. With all of the Marian offers several other opportunities any student to come and work out as bake sales, ice cream, cookies, brownies for those less athletic. long as he is there and the student schedand scotcharoos available each week, the For instance, the weight training class ules a day to work out ahead of time.

Freshman 15 is sometimes a reality for offered is a very efficient way to stay “I am in here from 3 a.m. to 2:30 Marian students. in shape. It gives busy Marian girls a p.m., Monday through Friday during Thankchance to work out the school year. I’m usually here on fully, in school, instead Saturday and Sunday mornings. During Marian of trying to find the summer, I’m here from 3 a.m. to also offers time outside of noon, Monday through Friday and a few many ways class to work out. morning hours on Saturday and Sunday,” to combat “I like going into Dudley said. unhealthy the weight room He works mainly with athletes, but eating and using the encourages other girls to schedule a time habits. machines because to work out with him if they want.

Although I’ve never used There are many components to staythe vending them before! And ing healthy, but according to Ed: “The machines the workout videos main component to being fit and healthy are notowe do on block is what you EAT, not how you train. You rious for can’t out-exercise your mouth.”

Healthy habits Caelan Reinhart ’21 enjoyed her pretzels days are pretty with Sabra Hummus as a healthy cold lunch option. offering fun,” sophomore Whether it be eating yogurt and salad Pretzels can be found in the vending machine. junk food Mo Flanery said. each day for lunch or scheduling time galore, Another great with Ed to work out, Marian encourages there are exclusively healthy snacks option would be to join the Yoga Club girls to eat healthy, stay active and enjoy offered in one of the vending machines at Marian. Not only does it give people doing it! in the cafeteria. Lunch wise, there is peace of mind, it also salad offered daily, along with a variety improves balance. of fresh fruit options.

For those who like a Even though healthy options are ofmore creative outlet to fered at lunch, many students bring cold stay fit, Jazzercise and lunch with their own favorite foods that Zumba offer unique are healthy. and fun ways to stay “I like to bring a healthy lunch active. because I think it’s important to have a Marian gives stuclean body,” sophomore Nora Fitzsimdents the opportunity mons said. to work out through a Maintaining a healthy diet is imclass, but also outside portant, but another aspect of living a of class in the weight balanced and nutritional life is fitness. room. Mr. Ed Dudley, Senior salads Emily Folts ’18 and Lauren Hart ’18 opted for the salad offered as a hot lunch meal. Most days they have a salad for Many students might think that being fit the strength trainer lunch.

Fall sports finish strong katherinemartin

A

Lunchtime leaders Crusaders ate lunch and discussed their leadership styles. They learned about four different ways to lead their peers.

Crusaders elevate others through leadership W delaneystekr

of age or title.

“I think it has helped me already because it teaches us so many different ways to think about leading that I have never thought about,” sophomore tennis player Emma McClellan said.

Some sports are more individually-oriented. Golf is more about individual performance, but the team morale is still important.

“It is different because we don’t play tournaments together, we only see each other in passing, but it is more in practice trying to push people to be more disciplined. Before rounds, we try to make personal goals to match

“

during the day and wishing them good luck,” junior golfer Jalea Culliver said.

“I joined the group because I thought it would be cool to be a part of a group of athletes that come together to try to better our teams through our leadership,” Culliver said.

Members filled out applications at the beginning of the year to join this group. The group, which is not a club, discusses different topics at meetings twice a month, such as bettering their own skills and collaborating with other leaders within their own sport to ensure that they create a positive, competitive environment.

“The meetings are very interactive. I really enjoy meeting with different girls because it is neat being able to see how other people try to approach their own sports struggles and how they have been able to succeed in their own sport,” senior softball player Avery Ost said.

This group hopes to help make the leadership in Marian sports even stronger and contribute to many more state championships.

“

hen visitors enter Marian’s East Gym, they are met with a blue sign displaying the number 63 under State Championships. With such a reputation to uphold, it is important that the athletes and coaches are not only knowledgeable about the sport, but that they understand the importance of leadership.

This year, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs decided that it was not enough to have the leadership come from each individual sport. She wanted to create an environment of learning and growth for the leaders of each sport.

“I wanted to create it because I have a passion for student-athlete leadership and have seen the difference it can make for the experiences of our high school teams,” Rohlfs said.

The members of this new group, Crusaders Elevating Others (CEO), includes girls from the sophomore, junior and senior classes. Rohlfs emphasizes that being a leader does not mean being a captain.

There is room for leadership from all of the players on a team, regardless

I joined the group because I thought it would be cool to be a part of a group of athletes that come together to try to better our teams through our leadership.

- Jalea Culliver ’19

s many students heard repeatedly during homeroom announcements, Marian’s four fall sports teams: cross country, golf, softball and volleyball have been doing very well.

“I’m very proud of our softball, golf, and cross country athletes. They represented Marian with a great deal of character and perserverance this fall,” Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs said.

The varsity softball team had a season full of ups and downs, finishing as the district runner-up and having a 11-18 record.

The team had a tough game on Oct. 6 because districts was meant to be double elimination, but due to unforeseen weather circumstances, the team faced single elimination and lost to Millard South.

The first sports team to go to state this year was the golf team. The Marian team placed second at districts on Oct. 3, qualifying them for state.

They set out for Norfolk, Neb. and competed on Oct. 9 and 10. With seven girls competing. the team finished sixth overall with a total of 770 strokes, and Jalea Culliver finished fourth place out of 70 golfers with a score of 174 strokes.

Cross country came next. The cross country team, made up of a monumental 79 girls, finished in third place at districts this year and the coaches selected eight girls from the 79 to represent the team at state. The state team competed in Kearney, Neb. on Oct. 20 and finished eighth after going into the competition ranked eighth.

Though volleyball has not had state yet, they have had a very successful season so far with a record of 33-2. The varsity team is ranked fifth in the nation.

If they make it to state, you can see them compete in Lincoln, Neb. at the Pinnacle Bank Arena on Nov. 9, and depending on the amount of games they win, you can see the team play for the championship on Nov. 11.

(14) ENT ERTAINMENT

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

Fall is a ball: Marian girls share best fall experiences ‘Turtles’ is anything but a slow read maddierobertson delaneystekr

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F

hether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, siblings make fall complete. They help you rake leaves, carve pumpkins and in freshman Rylee Gregg’s case, act as a human shield for her friends in haunted houses. “We went to Bellevue Berry Farm and one of my friends was super terrified to go in a haunted house,” Gregg said. Of course, the group’s attempts to scare Gregg’s friend and the terrifying haunted house characters didn’t help. “When she turned around we’d jump and scream. One of the guys working there even said we’d be his dinner. My brother is like six feet tall, so in the end he had to end up being her bodyguard,” Gregg said. By the end of the haunted house, no one was eaten for dinner. In fact, Gregg’s friend seemed to enjoy the experience.

“She would do it again. I think she had fun in the end,” Gregg said.

all weather makes for the perfect opportunity to jump in the leaves, pick apples or go on a walk to admire the changing scenery. For sophomore Isha Kishore’s friend, however, a brisk walk turned into a one-mile run. “She cannot do haunted houses.

We had to force her to come with us. It was at the entrance of Haunted Hollow and the clown came out and he had a chainsaw. She saw him and ran from the entrance to the end of a dirt road which was about a mile. Her parents had to pick her up,” Kishore said. “Peaches the clown was actually really nice. But now she has a fear of haunted houses and clowns,” Kishore said. umpkin-scented everything is a fall staple. For senior Kaci Kirchhoefer, that includes her head. “I was with my friends carving pumpkins and they were like, ‘You should put a pumpkin on your head’. So I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it for $10’. It was a large pumpkin, I had room in there.

I put a bag around my hair so the guts wouldn’t get in. My friends spun me and I wobbled around. I ran at them and they said it was scary. I showered later that night, but my friends said I smelled like pumpkin,” Kirchhoefer said. When asked what she would do with her newfound wealth, “Buy another pumpkin,” Kirchhoefer said.

P

S

nuggling up in sweats to watch a Halloween movie is a great way to spend the afternoon, or in junior Lizzie Byrne’s case, the entire day. “I started watching all the ‘Halloweentown’ movies around 10 a.m. and stopped around 4 or 5 p.m. I didn’t watch the fourth one because it’s awful. It wasn’t hard though, I’ve done it before. I’ve actually watched the first movie again since then,” Byrne said.

Her friends, while not present, supported her binge watching. “When I told Lizzie Byrne ’19 them they were like, ‘I respect that’,” Byrne said.

T

he shape of the earth and its creation has always been a bit of a mystery to mankind. In “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green, one particular myth about the shape of the earth is that the earth is flat and sitting on the back of a big turtle. And underneath that turtle is another turtle. And another turtle. Turtles all the way down.

This story is used to emphasize the image of spiraling and repetition that is used throughout the book.

Anxiety can be a burden for anyone. Remembering an assignment you haven’t started the block before it is due, being late for an important meeting or hearing the garage door open and realizing that your mom asked you to clean the kitchen and you have done nothing of the sort; all instill a degree of anxiety. Panic sets in, but once you find the solution or face the consequences, the stress and anxiety fade.

Imagine living with that panic and stress nonstop.

In “Turtles All the Way Down” Aza Holmes lives with this terminal stress. She refers to it as a “never-ending spiral” that is constantly tightening, and inhibits her from be-

ing herself. “The thing about a spiral is, if you follow it inward, it never actually ends. It just keeps tightening, indefinitely” (7).

She cannot be herself because her mind is overtaken by irrational thoughts that rare diseases are going to kill her. This book touches the importance of loving yourself for who you are, even if you aren’t exactly who you want to be yet.

Aza experiences all of the turmoils any 16-yearold would, but experiences them with voices in the back of her head telling her about the dangers of everything she is doing.

This book not only addresses the anxieties of Aza, but those of Green himself. In an interview with Megan McCluskey from Time, he spoke about how his own mental illnesses served as a parallel for this book.

He said it was extremely difficult for him to write the book, but he felt it was necessary to address mental illnesses and the effect they can have on daily life.

This book is a great story about accepting yourself regardless of flaws, and the difficulty of dealing with mental illnesses.

Which Teacher’s Pet are You? hayleygolden

Start

Favorite Fall Drink

Hot Chocolate

Which Fall Pattern

Pumpkin Spice Latte Which Fall Trend?

Cozy Sweaters

Thanksgiving

Picture

Favorite Fall Activity

es r i f

s

Burgundy Ha ll o w

You got Dr. Sharon Genoways’ dog Ellie - an alpha weiner dog ready for fun and adventure!

Photo courtesy of Dr. Genoways

Pumpkin Patches

Haunted Houses

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Bo

Favorite Fall Color Plum

ee

n

Picture

You got Mme. Janet Tuttle’s cat Harvey.

Harvey is a steadfast cat who’s always open to affection.

Photo courtesy of Mme. Tuttle

Scarves or Mittens

ve r a Sc

Plaid

Cute Boots Which Fall Holiday

Stripes

el m ra es Ca ppl A

Cream y rr e nb ds a o Cr o W

Mittens Favorite Fall Food Pumpkin Pie Favorite Fall Candle Warm Caramel Cupcake You got Ms. Sue Altman’s dog Cindy Lou! Cindy loves to cuddle up and enjoy the fall weather.

Photo courtesy of Ms. Altman

ENT ERTAINMENT (15)

THE NET WORK (October 2017)

For entertainment purposes only: Marian zombie apocalypse survival guide

shannonmcsweeney & lilywatkins

M

ad Cow Disease. Radioactive viruses. Michael Jackson music videos. There are so many ways a zombie apocalypse could happen at any moment, so be prepared. In today’s world, with travel being so easy, no one Goggles (Zombie is safe from a plague. Since zombies eat brains, Marian girls are the most at-risk for a zombie attack. Whether you guts in the eyes already have a foolproof survival plan, complete with an anti-zombie safe house, or you think we’re crazy and zom- = not a good bies aren’t real (except for students on Monday), we have created the official Marian Zombie Apocalypse Survival time) Guide™ for you. Keep this article close, because you never know when zombies will attack.

Waterproof jacket East Gym (I mean, winter IS workout room locker rooms coming) 4. prop shop

West Gym

stairs

kitchen

choir room

3.

cafeteria

dance studio

BLUEtique

restrooms

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112

storage

104

recruitment

1.

119 117 115 113 111 etherhaven stairs 105 103

Marian girls have a lot going in their favor if Doomsday ever came to pass. Their own school is just one of them. Chocked full of places to hide, Marian girls can still get their education while simultaneously running from the undead.

1. The Middle Staircase: If Marian girls can’t make it up and down these stairs without tripping, zombies have no chance.

2. The Cove: if the zombies catch up to you, just run in circles around the lockers. They’ll never catch you!

3. The freezers, cafeteria: They’re spacious and

Turtleneck (In case you get chilly)

2.

The Cove

Hair ties

office stairs

101

100

cool. A zombie wouldn’t touch you unless they wanted to become a hamburger patty.

4. Under the old theater stage, West Gym: Though there are doors that lead under the stage, it’s a tizzy to try and open them. If you can get them open and hide, it’ll be too cramped for any zombie to try and get you.

Fanny pack (To carry snacks and weapons alike)

Fingerless gloves (For the aesthetic) Lululemon leggings (It’s a zombie apocalypse, not a fashion apocalypse)

SOF?!

Socks (The thicker the better) Velcro shoes (There’s no time to tie your shoes)

Do you know where Sofy is?

You up there?

WHERE IS SHE?!

SHAN?!

The corn maze will be closing in 10 minutes

comic by shannonmcsweeney & sofyhererra

17 Again: Teacher Edition gracesall & audreyhertel

CUNNINGHAM

If you had to pick a stereotypical If you had to pick a stereo“Breakfast Club” character, how typical “Breakfast Club” would you describe yourself in high character, how would you school? describe yourself in high A “rarity”. I was in the band, but also school? a basketball player. I was really into acaI don’t necessarily identify demics; I was a National Merit, Spanish with any of the characters in Honors Society.

The Breakfast Club—I’m not What did you do/where did you typisure I’d admit to it if I did. cally hang out on weekends?

Aren’t they all pretty weird? I My friends and I hung out at parks a am not weird. (Ha ha.) If I had lot, and we would grab some fast food Ms. Adrianna MagMr. Peter Cunningto answer, I see myself as John and go to park and play basketball. istro in 2009, her ham in 2006, his Bender: we share a calloused senior year of high Worst class you took in high school? senior year of high school at Marian. exterior, masking our tender Not the class itself, but Church History school at Creighton innards. because our quizzes and tests were multiple Prep.

What did you do/where did you typically hang multiple choice. out on weekends?

Funny stories?

I spent every Friday night of high school at My friend and I started “Sweater Vest Mondays” senior year Don Carmelo’s Pizzeria. (Known lovingly as “The and we found them at Goodwill and Salvation Army.

When I was a senior Marian had Christmas Dance and I found a Don’s” or “The Pizza Shop” to my friends.) I worked for my parents. It was a great job—mainly navy sweater vest and wore it to the dance. My mom was super embarassed because my friends all wore sports coats and I had a because several of my best friends also worked there. Working with your friends is just as fun as sweater vest on. you’d imagine it to be!

Sports?

I played basketball all four years. Freshman and sophomore year I played baseball and football freshman year.

Did you have Marian friends? Field Day attendance?

All my friends that were girls went to Marian, but I never went to Field Day. I never quite got it but they talked about it all the time.

Best and worst fad from your high school days?

Sweater vests! I wore them all the time.

I grew my sideburns down to the bottoms of my ears, so long sideburns definitely.

Did you ever sneak out in high school? Why? No, I never did because I would get in huge trouble.

What high school movie describes your experiMr. Cunningham ence? and Ms. Magistro pose as the cover I’ll go with “High School Musical” because I of “17 Again”. played basketball and did instruments. That movie came out right before senior year, too!

MAGISTRO

Worst class you took in high school?

I can’t say because I don’t want to hurt Tom Baker’s feelings.

Funny stories?

I adopted a cat with Maddie Shea in college.

We were roommates. The cat’s name was Marian.

We had to!

Sports/activities?

I played volleyball and soccer, and ran cross country. I was a class officer. I was on the newspaper staff. I was an EMHC and a freshman retreat leader. I briefly headed an intramural ultimate frisbee team, but we disbanded after our first practice.

Did you have any Prep friends?

I’ve always heard that girls’ brains mature much faster than boys’ brains, so I decided not to use up too much time on Prep boys.

Best and worst fad from your high school days?

Ghost riding the whip was a terrible fad. I hope that is still not a thing today. I hope me bringing it up doesn’t make it a thing again.

What was your style in high school?

I was a mess. I wore white six-inch socks with Birkenstock sandals every day. I lost my hairbrush freshman year and just never bought one again until I got a job here. I wore a ratty old Marian sweatshirt most days. It was so bad that I remember Mrs. Kalkowski asking me if I needed some money to buy a new sweatshirt.

Did you ever sneak out in high school? Why? No, because I do believe in karma and I don’t want my kids to sneak out on me someday.

What high school movie describes your experience?

High school films are always so overdone in one way or another. I never really identified with them.

However— Just recently a friend told me that I remind her of Kat in “10 Things I Hate About You.” I said, “Oh, nice. Did you know that this movie is based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shr—hey, wait a minute. Kat’s the shrew!” Honestly though, I would not mind Heath Ledger dancing and singing for me in a football stadium, so I’ll take the slap!

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PHOTO ESSAY

THE NET WORK (October 2017) “Human Nature” I primarily chose images of flowers because of my attachment to their uniqueness and nature. I am at peace - Anna DeFelice ‘19.

“Refocused” Metacognizant is my personal mantra, it’s about self-awareness and a deeper understanding of oneself. I am a work in progress - Audrey Otwell ‘19.

“Joy” I drew the balloons in my project with color pencils. I decided to draw the balloons because to me balloons represent happiness, adventure and hope Emma Garriott ‘20.

“I am nature” I chose a plant theme because I really, really love plants and I have a collection of at least 20 going at home. It really portrays my roots - Nina Abbott ‘20.

Art II

Mrs. Lindsay Cisco’s Art II classes are a force to be reckoned with. With pencils, paint brushes and clamoring creativity at hand, there is nothing these young artists can’t conquer.

Another Art II portrait project is on the horizon. This year, Cisco hopes to break the self-portrait pattern and allow the girls to form pen-pals with younger students. Their relationships will flourish throughout the project as they paint one another. Cisco’s hope is that this project teaches the girls to “not always make art for ourselves.”

Cisco teaches three blocks of Art II this year. Her classes have a unique make-up; they are made up of students ranging from tenth through twelfth grades. This mix of students comes together each day to listen to music, share conversations with their table buddies and work on their projects.

Art III students, taught by Mrs. Ashley Bauer, construct a self-portrait project as well—but on a much larger scale. They are asked to compose a realistic, pencil drawing of themselves based off a photograph.

Students spend the entire first semester tediously penciling in their 391 individual boxes. The split-up self-portraits were only one stepping stone to the next level of skill for these ingenious artists.

Art II girls spent all of September perfecting their split-up self-portraits. “I was hoping to get to know the girls better. They had a questionnaire to fill out about their likes, dislikes and personalities. That was supposed to fuel the overall look of the assignment,” Cisco said. This was a way for Cisco to test the waters with her new students, as this is her first year at Marian.

Nearly every piece of art in Rooms 307 and 309 has a story that stretches far beyond the canvas. For students who have never taken art, these layers of deeper meaning are never brought to light. Behind every canvas is a uniquely magnificent young woman—and her pencil.

There was no rubric for the portraits; instead, she let the project build on itself. For many girls, this flexible structure was a new concept, but it was widely accepted by the class. They got to mold, quite literally, the outcomes of their split-up projects.

“I was so proud of what happened. I’m really pleased, surprised, impressed with everyone’s work,” Cisco said.

“I am ready to take on the world” Space exploration is young, but will come with unimaginable revelations and discoveries, just as we will come into ourselves and learn all the beauties we contain - Maddie Warrick ‘20.

“Flowers on my mind” I love nature, it’s beautiful because every aspect of it is special. It reminds me that I am unique - Marin Mowat ‘20.

Split-Up Self “A sprinkle in space” I created and cut out images of some of the characters of Peter Pan because it has always been my favorite story, showing that there is a little bit of magic everywhere and that we don’t have to grow up. I am lost in thought Mary Said ‘20.

“I took the road most traveled” Traveling so often has made me more of a curious and adventurous person, and I have been able to get a sense of the different environments in the outside world. I am adventurous - Abby Elkins ‘20.

“I am enough” As high schoolers, and girls, we may sometimes feel as if we aren’t enough...not smart enough, athletic enough, brave enough, attractive enough. I am a good enough golfer, photographer, singer and musician Scarlett Wedergren ‘20.