Sept 2015 Network

The Network MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL 7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134 www.MARIANHIGHSCHOOL.net VOLUME 60 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

Crusaders ‘throw’ themselves into the 2015 school year

Nothing but legs Marian’s JV Dance Team completes a crisp kick line in complete unison.

The students and faculty watched in awe, gazing at how high the dancers were able to maneuver their pointed toes. photo by devongottsch

Dancing Queen Mallory Grote ‘17 completes a series of spins for a solo part in the Varsity Dance Team’s performance. Grote nailed her turns on the East Gym floor. photo by devongottsch Toss Up Varsity and JV Cheerleaders toss stunt girls up through the air during Marian’s Welcome Assembly. The squads are coached by Allie Clark. photo by devongottsch

Assembling up the girls to start the year marykiscoan

F

lipping cheerleaders and fistpumping dance team members helped the Crusaders ring in the 2015 school year. Marian’s first all-school assembly on Aug. 17, consisted of a high-energy routine by the Marian cheerleaders, coached by Allie Clark. The JV and Varsity dance teams, coached by Mrs. Michelle Delisi, also dazzled the student body and faculty with their clean-cut moves.

President Ms. Mary Higgins welcomed students and faculty

back from the long summer break.

She introduced new staff members, including Marian’s new principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan ‘80. Sullivan shared a few memories comparing the Marian she knew before to the Marian she knows now.

“As I peeked down the halls before school began today, I couldn’t help but picture all of my friends hanging around waiting for the bell to sound, too,” she reminisced.

Up next was Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs, who is the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal of Marian. Rohlfs

went on to explain the importance of keeping school halls safe and orderly in case of evacuation and emergencies with a PowerPoint presentation displaying the trash found in each class’s halls from that morning.

“Marian is your home, girls!

Let’s keep it clean,” she stressed.

The assembly ended with the classic “Marian Fight Song.”

Marian girls pranced around chanting the song and exiting the gym doors while physically entering into the new year.

Alum returns to stomping grounds as principal: Blast from the past and future plans

Take a look inside!

Meninism

Pg 4

stress statistics

Pg 6

marykiscoan

“T

he best part of Marian–which is hard to put into words–is its intangibles,” Marian’s new principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan said. To her, the school’s “intangibles” include the spirit in the halls, the unique confidence in each Marian girl, and the camaraderie of the community that is so clearly evident throughout Marian.

Considering the way Sullivan speaks about the school, it is no surprise that she is an alumna, for she is all too familiar with the spirit of Marian. A young Susie Spethman journeyed her way through her Marian Field Days as a Freshman Flea (fourth place), a Sophomore Squaw (fourth place), a Junior Genius (first place), and a Senior Wrangler (third place).

When Sullivan walked through the halls as a student in the late 70s, she never imagined being principal of Marian someday. She had actually stated on her college transcript that she wished to be a social studies teacher when she grew up. Sullivan then went on to attend Carroll College in Montana, where she graduated with History and English majors.

After marrying and raising three

sons, Sullivan began teaching and earned her Master’s degree. She began to consider finding a job as a principal, but concluded that Marian was the only school that she stood by 100 percent.

“I have absolutely nothing against other high schools, but there is no other high school–other than Marian –that I can truly sell,” Sullivan said.

As soon as the job opened up, the rest was up to fate.

Now, Sullivan walks through the halls inspiring young women to be the confident, independent, thinking leaders that Marian aims to form.

“We are all together in this.

We are all strong, powerful women, and we are going to take care of each other.

We can do this.”

Principal Susie Sullivan ‘80

marian olympians

Pg 13 SCHOOL SURVIVAL

Pg 15

2 • News

The Network • Sept. 2015

Marian’s long time lunch crew offers healthy addition

megankeyser

H

undreds of girls stormed the Marian cafeteria on the first day of school, craving those chocolate chip cookies they had yearned for over the three summer months of disconnect.

Racing over to the lunch line, they were greeted by a surprise addition to the cafeteria: a salad bar.

“We’ve been adding a lot of healthy alternatives over the years,” lunch man Tim Eoratti said. Eoratti and Bill Agnew began selling Blimpie

sandwiches as vendors in the Marian cafeteria in 1996. At the time, Agnew was on the Omaha Police Department, and his daughters were Marian students.

Eoratti worked full time at his Blimpie restaurant.

“In 2001, Ms. Kish [former Head of School] came to us [Eoratti and his co­worker of the time] because the vendors were not showing up and raising prices on the kids,” Eoratti said. “We said we’d start a lunch program together.

We started out with the basics: hot dogs, spaghetti, hamburgers, tacos. Bill joined me full time in 2002. We also had part time people helping us. Bill’s daughter would help out, his wife, whoever could help.”

“Luann [Thommes, The lunch crew from left to right: Luann Thommes, Tim Eoratti, Bill a lunch crew member] Agnew, and Patti Flemming. photo by megankeyser came on in 2008

Dream Salad Bar Requests:

Thank you, lunch crew!

From, a healthy and happy student body!

avocado chicken ham cubes red onions fruit

*responses taken from the Network survey

graphics by allykmiecik

when her daughters were at Marian,” Eoratti said. “Patti [Fleming, another worker,]joined us in 2012. She was a nurse at the convent, retired, and came to work with us. So, [from then on], it’s been us four. We have one other sub we call when it gets busy.”

After years of serving Marian girls pizza, fries, and cookies, the lunch crew decided it was time to offer healthier menu options. “The salad bar idea came up about three or four years ago,” Eoratti said. “We just didn’t know how to present it or how it would work.”

For what many argue a reasonable price of $3.50, Marian students

and staff are offered a lettuce mix and a variety of toppings, including bacon bits, olives, cheese, tomatoes, croutons, dressing and more.

“We are still trying to get a good cost for the prices,” Eoratti said. “It’s very expensive because we have no control over who takes what. We hope people don’t abuse it and, if they don’t, we will keep the price down.”

While the lunch crew’s chocolate chip cookies are never a bad idea, “it’s good to have some healthy options,” junior Keara Compton said. Many girls agree as they crowd around the salad bar, enjoying their delicious new menu option.

inventory roll­over rate and a new, more “boutique­y” feel.

“It has been very low impact on the school, because they did all the major dirt work out there at the end of July. When they actually come inside to build the BLUEtique, those glass windows will come out, and then there will be some disruption in the quad area during study hall,” Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs, Assistant Principal and Head of the Athletic Department, said.

To solve this issue, the students in study hall in the Quad will be moved to the cafeteria with the doors shut during construction.

Next time you feel the school quake, do not worry. It’s not a thunderstorm, plane, or earthquake.

It is the new BLUEtique.

To read more about the new items in the BLUEtique and the student interns, visit mariandigitalnetwork. wordpress.com.

Construction of new ‘BLUEtique’ shakes up school

elsiestormberg s the school shook, many students’ days were interrupted by the thoughts of airplanes, thunderstorms, or even, an earthquake in Nebraska. No, the vibrations were not any of those imaginative events. It was something quite simpler.

In July 2015, Marian broke ground along Military Avenue and began construction. The plans were to get rid of the student drop off and replace it with a new ­and­improved BLUEtique.

“Initially, our priority was the landscaping on the south side, which has such an impact on our curb appeal, physical appearance, and presence in the neighborhood. We had been looking at a different location for the BLUEtique and then came to realize that our first choice wasn’t the best location. The better location was down on the first floor pushing outside of the quad,” Ms. Mary Higgins, President of Marian, said.

As most students and staff know, the BLUEtique is the quaint shop located in the depths of sophomore hall (first floor) where it is pretty much undisturbed.

A

“It will be great exposure. It is nice when you are the mom of a sophomore because you get to see all the freshmen and sophomores, but when you have a junior or senior you never see them. So if we are in the Quad, we are going to be right out there in front of the girls while they are eating lunch. But, you know, you only have so much time to eat, so you don’t want to come down here to the BLUEtique. You can just go to quad, grab what you need, and go back and eat,” Marian Alum Toni Compton ‘86 and mother of junior Keara Compton said.

Compton, manager of the BLUEtique, went on to discuss how it will be easier to shop not only for students, but for mothers as well.

“When mothers can’t volunteer during the day, they can volunteer at night during games and other events where they are welcome to purchase items from the BLUEtique,” Compton said.

Students and parents will have more access to the BLUEtique and be exposed to a whole new atmosphere.

Compton plans on having a new

Walk-a Walk-a Walk-A-Thon Results!

181%

Platinum Members: 471

$158,951.64 Overall Goal: $88,000 211%

146%

3rd

Freshman Goal: $24,056

Silver Members: 77

2nd

Junior Goal: $21,948

221%

140%

4th

Sophomore Goal: $19,964

1st

Senior Goal: $22,196

Overall, the students raised a total of $158,951.64! Most girls raised money through family/ friend donations, going door to door, and making treats for bake sales.

This money will Bronze Members: 74 go to technology, maintenance, and tuition assistance.

Marian students went above and Gold Members: 73

beyond the goal and leveled up!

Great job!

= 50% of class goal

= 25 students

graphic by kathrynbaginski source Student Board

Sept. 2015 • The Network

Q&A New Faculty How does Marian compare to other schools?

It’s a lot bigger and also all girls.

I also taught middle school and high school, so that’s different.

Are you familiar with any of the Marian traditions?

I went to Field Day last year, so Mr. Kevin Fuller I’m familiar with that. I’m also excited for Surprise Day; that Theology sounds fun.

News • 3 graphic by andreahuber

What are you most excited for this coming year?

I’m most excited to get more involved with the students. Last year I got to know everybody because I was in that office, but I only got to know people kind of on the surface or I only got to know the girls who were always tardy.

Is there anything else you Ms. Adrianna want people to know?

I’m thrilled to be here; this school Magistro ‘09 English rocks.

These apps can no longer be found on devices:

iMessage and Netflix annporter

S

ome girls are barely sur- thinks you’re working on something. It’s hard to viving. Others couldn’t catch you. We are trying to care less. save you from yourselves,” The removal of the Sullivan said. iMessage app “I understand completely and why adminthe blocking teacher/ istration took of Netflix on teacher Campus iMessage away, school Wi-Fi Ministry but I am upset have been hot that I can’t text conof topics Who is the most interesting per my 19-perversation son you’ve met at Marian?

Who is the most interesting son group among [Mr. Schadendorf] was a person you’ve met so far? chat or just favorite teacher for sure and so [Mr. DeLeonardis] is funny; he’s students “Blocking Netflix isn’t was Ms. Tocco. And Ms. Cavel been fun to get to know. say “hi” to ever since the biggest deal, exwas wonderful.

What are you most excited for my mom school cept I can’t watch What are you most excited for this coming year? randomly started. this coming year?

There’s so much. I have a senior Keeping Up With the throughout In the I think just all of our concerts. I’m homeroom, so they’re obviously the school Kardashians.” of Fall very excited for Field Day already. just really looking forward to sharday,” senior Ms. Lauren Mar2013, Mrs. Aleecia Athena Patsalis ‘18 ing what we’re working on. Oh, Also, it’ll be very fun to see those Sara FlaxMorrissey ‘09 implian Cotton ‘05 and Field Day! I get to be at Field traditions from a teacher’s perbeard said. the Choir teacher mented Day. I’ve missed it. spective after experiencing them English have students Other program one-to-one as a student iPad teacher spoken out about this issue to enhance the learning Are you familiar with any of the saying it is harder to comenvironment.

Marian traditions? municate about projects knew Admininstration Are you familiar with any of I wasn’t before I got here, and or other school-related a is Marian the Marian traditions? because that really I suppose I still don’t know I’m excited to experience Field Day activities. social with filled school a whole lot. I have heard of Field because I’ve heard a lot about it …

“I think it helps us focus, media-obsessed girls, Day. I don’t I’m just kind of excited to experience understand it, but I get the but it’s an inconvenience Facebook, Twitter, Instaevery new thing here this year. sense that it’s very important to for communication,” junior gram, and Snapchat were What are you most excited for this students. I think I’ll need to see Anna Nulty said.

Wi-Fi school on blocked coming year? before I really get it.

Blocking Netflix on away. right I’m just excited to get more comWhat are you most excited for school Wi-Fi is Mrs. Principal Ms. Halli Tripe fortable with my job. I’m also new this coming year?

Mrs. Diane another change Sullivan Susie English & to Omaha, so I’m excited to feel at I am excited for the upcoming Hancock administration home and get adjusted to a new city, speech season and winning lots Speech said she was Front Office new house, new job. made. Some learn to shocked teacher/coach of trophies. girls get so that students had caught up in iMessage on their a series that iPads because any sort of free she is hooked time at school, on it herself. even during or She explained “I’m upset that I time, is class that the Avcan’t kellyndaly spent cramming cancED Survey text my mom in the next episent last spring his year, Marian has been presented with the On the non-athletic side of the sponsorship, anymore during sode of “Grey’s to students, amazing opportunity of an Under Armour Marian gets a 40 percent discount on all Under Anatomy “or the day, but I parents, faculty, sponsorship. Graphic Edge, a custom screen Armour gear.

“One Tree Hill.” and staff all had understand printing and embroidering company out of "If any clubs or student groups want to order Sullivan complaints abut why they did Carroll, Iowa, has worked closely with Marian Under Armour T-shirts or gear for their particusaid that, yes, technology. for quite a few years and recently partnered with lar group, then they also get the discount,” Rohlfs it.” the distraction When asked Under Armour. said.

Mallory Grote of Netflix is a if there was a Through the partnership, they are picking a That means 40 percent off all club T-shirts, problem, but an ‘17 way to block few schools nationwide to sponsor, much like and everyone knows how much Marian girls love bigger issue even iMessage on photos by annporter what colleges and universities receive. their club T-shirts. is the overuse of school Wi-Fi "Marian has shown success both through The sponsorship is a two-year agreement with Wi-Fi. “With so many peorather than delete the app athletics and in the classroom and Under Arthe opportunity to renew when the agreement ple streaming on Netflix, completely, she said, “That mour was very interested is up. The goal is for all it takes up our Wi-Fi. It was our goal. I thought in co-branding with them," sports uniforms, warmups, would slow down the Wi-Fi that’s what we were doing Maureen White, a Graphic and possibly even socks to for everyone else,” Sullivan until a couple of days Edge sales representative, be Under Armour brand. said. before school, when Mr. said.

“There’s not an Under This year, Marian has [Billy] Diebler [Technology This sponsorship will Armour police checking us, purchased 12 additional Director] told me that we affect both athletes and but they highly encourage Wi-Fi access points to try have to totally take it off. non-athletes. Over the next that you represent their to increase Internet speed We tried to just block it three years, every Marian brand as much as possible because there have been here, but we couldn’t,” team will receive brand new for what they’re doing for lots of complaints about Sullivan explained that Under Armour uniforms and us,” Rohlfs said. slow Wi-Fi. iMessage was a huge issue, warmups.

As the 2015-2016 athBlocking Netflix will and that Marian was getThe Junior Varsity softball, letic season begins, Marian hopefully make the Wi-Fi ting numerous complaints reserve basketball, freshman athletes can look forward faster and more accessible from parents about how basketball, Varsity volleyball, to sporting high quality throughout the school. their distracting is app the New Uniforms Rachel Weremy ‘17, Bella Herand cross country teams will and classy Under Armour Even though iMessage daughters. rera ‘16, and Quinn Ruff ‘18 model new Under be the first to receive their uniforms.

Armor athletic uniforms. photo by kellyndaly is gone, emailing and the “It’s the equivalent of new uniforms and warmups “The jerseys this year are phone in the office are passing notes when I was over the next year. “The Under ten times better than last available for each girl to in school. You could get Armour brand has a great reputation for its year’s. They look better and they are more comuse. caught very easily passquality, and since we’ve passed uniforms down fortable to play in... I’m so glad we were able to Some girls might not see ing a note, though. The amongst the teams, that’s going to help out with get new ones,” sophomore Avery Ost, JV softball it now, but removing iMesproblem with the iPad is the longevity of our uniforms,” Athletic Director player, said. As we delve further into this new sage and blocking Netflix that you’re supposed to be Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs said. Rohlfs is happy about sponsorship, Marian athletes can look forward to are just two more distracon it for a class, and you the opportunities and perks that come with the receiving their new, high quality uniforms. tions that students don’t ladies are quick to send a sponsorship. have to worry about. text and the teacher just

New year, new uniforms:

Marian receives Under Armour sponsorship

T

4 • Opinion

The Network • Sept. 2015

Meni‘nix’ the meninists

few months ago, I decided The worst part of it all, this account to spend an average summer has more than a million followers, evening on Twitter while enjoying a and almost every tweet had thousands coffee made by my best friend named of retweets!

Keurig. I was scrolling through my How could anyone agree with this Twitter newsfeed when I came across philosophy on life? Shouldn’t we, the an account called “Meninist Tweets.”

American society, not condone gender Obviously, this vaguely familiar inequality? Sadly, that’s not the case. topic was enticing, and I soon Every day, females are faced with found myself scrolling further and the pressure to live up to someone further into the great else’s expectations. unknown...aka Meninist Women are either devongottsch Tweet’s profile. scrutinized for the My coffee was person they are or how immediately spit back they choose to live into my mug when I their own lives. processed what my Take a look at each naive, Catholic school of your finger prints. girl eyes were reading. It Go on, no one will felt like the whole world think you are weird. as I knew it was crinkled Notice every little up and “Kobe’d” into a line, every curve, every trashcan. design. Each finger is I couldn’t believe the different, because we, repulsive, degrading as human beings are Gottsch-ya Covered all different. Beautiful, remarks that were being made towards women. Negative isn’t it? comments about women’s bodies, Since we are all unique and appearance, and personalities were beautiful in our own individual strewn throughout the entire page. way, why do we conform to the One of the most popular tweets expectations of others? Do not ever, said, “I hate when women stay in the ever, ever let someone push you kitchen … how are they supposed to around. It doesn’t matter if you’re a clean the rest of the house?” male or a female; no one has the right Another read, “I was at a restaurant to make you feel like less of a person. and the waitress had a black eye … So You were made to be unique, I ordered reaaaally slow because she because no one is like you. If everyone obviously doesn’t listen.” on Earth was made to conform WAIT, WHAT?! Who could say to the same mold, why would our such nasty things? I could feel the fingerprints be different? rage boiling up inside of me as I kept People judge each other strictly by scrolling. their gender, not by their character or My eyes almost popped out of their what type of person they are on the sockets when I saw selfies of teenage inside. I know you’ve been hearing boys wearing meninist shirts. Like this since you were 5, but don’t judge hello, you might as well wear a shirt a book by its cover, people! that says, “I want to be single for the I, Devon Gottsch, personally rest of my life,” because that’s the believe in equality. Neither gender message you are sending to females. should be oppressed or treated Hold on kids, it gets worse. Not differently in any way. only were men repping the meninist I just wish we could all bake a cake shirts, but girls were posting pictures, out of rainbows and smiles, and we too! Young women, no older than 20, could all eat it and be happy! *cries posted pictures of themselves proudly profusely* displaying their degrading shirts (with I would like to close on a note to heavy filters might I add). My heart all my female readers out there. If I literally ripped in half when I saw this. can tell you one thing, it’s to always, They argued points like, “I live to always be yourself. The only way to make my man happy.” Honey, if the stop this meninist nonsense is if you Lord wanted you to spend your life don’t let yourself be pushed around. making someone else happy everyday, You are a beautiful, confident, he would have made you a dog, not a independent thinking leader that human being. doesn’t need a man! Live your life for The degrading pictures made me you and no one else. Be whoever you just want to reach through the screen want to be because there’s no one who and shake those girls because they should love and respect you more have so much more potential than than yourself. that.

I ? n’t als ca nd hy r sa W a we

Ah! So fresh So free!

It’s so tight in here!

Smelly, too!

It’s dark!

Because it’s “dangerous”

Ew, it’s sweaty!

cartoon by elsiestormberg

A

You can’t BirkenSTOP me column by noellepick

I

almost started my senior year off on the wrong foot. Literally. I was running late, my mother still needed to take my last first-day-of-school picture, and I could not find my shoes anywhere. I searched and searched while stuffing a granola bar in my mouth, when I finally saw them. As I slipped on my Birkenstock sandals, I realized that something was off.

My feet felt comfortable, cool, and free – the opposite of what I was used to for the past three years.

Finally, it dawned on me: I couldn’t wear my Birkenstocks to school!

It’s against the dress code! I needed to go put on my 6-inch crew socks and closed-toe, restrictive sneakers instead.

I spent the first paycheck of my summer job on my Birkenstocks (Birks). I convinced my grandma to come with me to Younkers, so that I could get the senior discount to apply to them. My Birks accompanied me almost everywhere this summer, from Clearwater Beach in Florida to the Henry Doorly Zoo. I bought mine purely because I liked the way they looked, but I have come to realize that they are the most comfortable sandals I have ever worn.

They have exceptional arch support, and the buckles are adjustable so they can fit any size of foot. The footbeds even mold to your feet after you break them in, providing a fit perfectly tailored to you. Birks are very durable.

Almost the whole sandal is covered under warranty, so if any damage does occur, you can get them fixed for little or no cost to you.

Birkenstocks are a trend revived from the ‘70s, so you know that if they fall out of fashion, they will make a comeback. You can hang onto your pair for the next few decades and break them back out from the depths of your closet when they become fashionable again.

If we were able to wear

Birkenstocks at school, there is no doubt in my mind that I would wear mine every single day. Birkenstocks are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, beating out even the most expensive running shoes I have. In fact, if I did have to run in my Birks, I am very confident that I could, and my feet wouldn’t hurt one bit.

I recently had the opportunity to wear them all day at school because of a free dress day. Never have I felt so comfortable at school! My little piggies could breathe, and I even received a compliment on them from Birkenstock aficionado and science teacher, Mrs. Linda Brock. Brock is a huge fan of the shoe, and owns seven different pairs.

According to the Marian Student/ Parent Handbook, “Shoes and socks must be worn at all times. Boots, slippers, flip-flops and athletic slides are not allowed. All shoes must have a closed toe.” Sadly, Birkenstock sandals violate this rule because they have an open toe. As students, we must abide by this rule, even though the staff here at Marian is allowed to wear sandals.

If the reasoning behind the ban on open-toe shoes, like Birkenstocks, is that we are more prone to tripping and falling in them, then there should be a better reason. Embarrassingly enough, I have taken a tumble many times at school in sneakers during the school day, but I can proudly say that I have never fallen in my Birkenstocks (knock on wood).

Birkenstocks are a good candidate for school footwear, and should be recognized by the school as such.

They allow for feet to be free from the sweaty and uncomfortable confines of the typical shoes allowed by schools.

Hopefully, by this time next year, Marian girls will be able to reach for their Birkenstocks without hesitation in the morning and proudly display them as they walk through the school.

After all, we can’t be BirkenSTOPPED.

Name issues deserve consideration: PSA on pronunciation

D

ear unaware people of America, Hello, my name is Elsie. Not Elise, not Elisys, not Elouise. It is Elsie. Pronounced like the letters “LC.” I am the victim of the subtle yet deadly mistake of a commonly mispronounced name. Yes, it is deadly.

As the school year unfolds, a whole new set of teachers and students get the opportunity to butcher my name.

Yes, Mr. Delkamiller, I am talking about you. And you Ms. Janata. As well as Ms. Travis (every single day of my junior year). Don’t even get me started on Mr. Baker. And, finally, the worst of all, Mrs. Spanbauer.

As a freshman, my name was annnounced at the May Crowning

Ceremony because I had been selected me that. Yes, I do have issues with my when I was an innocent second grader name. It is a simple, understandable to attend this event. mistake (not including my terrible When Mrs. Spanbauer called my friends), but I still feel the need to name, bless her soul, she said Elise give each and every one of you a quick Stormberg. You can imagine all of the grammar lesson. teasing I got from friends on that sad The name Elsie is spelled E-L-Sday.

I-E, while the name Elise is spelled Teachers are not E-L-I-S-E. the only ones guilty The “s” and of mispronunciation. the “i” are Students do it, too. just jumbled.

My friends especially The origin enjoy calling me of Elsie is Elise. Another name Scottish, Elsie they liked to call me and it is a was “Smelsie,” which diminutive ] C [L is borderline bullying. of the column by elsiestormberg My FRIENDS called

Hello My Name Is

name Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.” However, the origin of Elise is French, also a diminutive of the name Elizabeth.

There is nothing wrong with the name Elise, and I have nothing against it, but well, I do. It’s not all the Elises’ faults. It’s not all the Elsies’ faults, either. It is the people who are unaware of the difference in the names. Please, do not take offense to anything I have written. I am just simply making you aware of the mistake you have been making for the past four years.

Love, Elsie (LC) P.S. All teachers mentioned have given me permission to use their names in my piece. After this, they won’t ever mispronounce my name.

Sept. 2015 • The Network

Opinion • 5

Class rank prevents real learning Class rank amps up excellence column by makenziefuss

column by anyalindholm

H

S

aving class rank in high school is a heavily disputed topic. Colleges want to see where you fit academically in your school. However, where you sit in class rank doesn’t necessarily represent how smart you are. Several local high schools do not use class rank, and many colleges no longer require class rank on applications.

Class rank tends to make great students look like overachievers and good students look like slackers.

Students within the 3.75-4.0 GPA range are great students. At Marian, this gets you a class rank of about 60-100. When I put my class rank on college applications I just want to add, “I promise I’m smart! I go to an academically-challenging school where others are more ambitious than I am!” Unfortunately, most applications do not have an “explain your class rank” box.

Mount Michael Benedictine School and Duchesne Academy are two examples of local prestigious schools, much like Marian, that do not have class rank. They seem to be getting their students into college just fine.

Also, fewer colleges are requiring class ranks on applications at all.

According to Sarah Richardson, the Director of Admissions at Creighton, class rank does not trump a good GPA or community involvement. In fact, class rank is not considered at all in

Opposing

scholarship reviews. “Colleges are still in the habit of asking. Class rank is just one tool of many,” Richardson said.

Furthermore, having class rank encourages students to take an Honors/AP class they will not necessarily enjoy, just to get a leg up on those taking a regular class that interests them.

When you rank high in your class, the pressure is on to keep or improve that number. The mere fact that speech and art become honors classes after taking the first year may play a part in why some students continue taking them.

Should someone just as smart as another classmate rank higher because they got an A in an Honors Art class?

Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, it is not necessary to show us how many people are better than us on an academic scale.

Mount Michael and Duchesne realize class rank stresses students out even more than seeing their GPA does. Colleges do look at class rank as a considering factor, but it is not as important as good grades and community involvement. Yes, I am on my calculator figuring out my GPA on a regular basis, even though seeing that number “stresses students out.”

However, class rank is one stressor I would not be upset about losing.

Viewpoints

ome say life is a game. Games are about healthy competition.

Competition challenges us to work harder and smarter. It provides benchmarks for personal goal-setting and inspires us to push ourselves to accomplish what we may not have the drive to do otherwise.

The same concept can be applied to a class rank system that is based on GPA. I see it as a barometer providing me with feedback as to how well I am “playing the game” and overcoming academic challenges compared to my classmates.

The “class rank game” is really a personal competition. At Marian, the class rank list is not published for anyone to see. Students can only know their individual place in the ranking, so it cannot be used divisively against our fellow classmates. Because of this, it’s a gauge for tracking our progress and accomplishments compared to the class as a whole. If you are not the type of person who is motivated by competition, you never have to look at your class rank.

Personally, I’m goal-driven, and the knowledge I gain from learning my place in the class rank amps up my adrenaline and keeps me from getting lazy.

Some students “play the game” to win by choosing to take certain classes and not others because of how their GPA will be affected. They may opt out of taking a class that’s very interesting to them because it’s considered by many to be too challenging with the risk of not getting an “A”. Or, they choose a class solely because it’s an honors level course with higher GPA potential over one they would really prefer, but is college prep level.

Both options are definitely within the rules of fair game-playing, but not the way I choose to play. I want my personal journey to be fun as well as challenging. I would never encourage someone to enroll in a class solely for the credit if it held little appeal to them or offered them no personal enrichment.

Class rank does serve another purpose: colleges use it as a determinant of our success among our peers. In doing some research, I have found that top-tier colleges are the only colleges that actually utilize class rank. For these colleges, class rank is important because it helps them measure the caliber of classes taken by the student and compare the achievements of each student to their whole grade. Curriculum difficulty levels vary greatly from one high school to the next, so class rank is useful because it enables admissions officers to understand a student within the context of her school.

If life is a game, for me it’s about the joy of playing. The finish line is individual, not common to us all.

Healthy competition propels us to be the best we can be as we strive to learn and grow in our personal game of life, but “competition” is a loaded word.

For some people, it immediately calls to mind images of athletes, medals, and struggle.

However, we do not actively fear the struggle itself; rather, we fear the concept of “winners” and “losers.”

There is no need for trepidation in this case because there is no winner or loser in the class rank system used at Marian. Class rank is not made public. So, if you enjoy a little, healthy competition you may exercise your right to learn your class rank.

The gum craze poses a sticky situation

M

y addiction to gum stems from my expert self-diagnosis of CBBS, or Chronic Bad Breath Syndrome. I first learned of C-DoubleB-S during a family reunion when my cousins whipped out oxygen masks the second I walked in the room. A second cousin once-removed did not get the memo and passed out immediately. “A Stick for the Stink” has been my motto ever since.

After the incident I shall refer to as the “Bad Breath Birth,” I have learned to always have a pack of gum on hand—a deceptively difficult task. The terrors of C-Double-B-S make keeping up a fresh supply of gum impossible.

Between stressful academics and taxing extracurriculars, the comfort gum brings me is better than an encouraging pat on the back. Gum says, “You got this, Collette. You will never be a disappointMINT.” I chew gum every second of the day. I reach into my pocket and find millions of gum wrappers. I go through a pack a week, minimum.

I even face withdrawal symptoms.

I break into a cold sweat and hallucinate when I run out of gum.

Me: *Finds empty gum wrappers in purse* [...] *Hyperventilates* [...] *Considers utilizing Epi-Pen* [...] *Faints* Intercom: “Attention! Will the Emergency Response Team please report to Room 304?”

I am obsessed. I can even tell which

type of gum people are chewing after saying one word to them.

Kind friend: “Hey Collette!”

Me: Hmm. Orbit, for sure. Slightly sweet. Aha! Orbit Sweet Mint! I always CHEWS that flavor. *Mental high five* [...] “Oh yeah, hi!”

Cool pal: “Hey girl!”

Me: Tangy—that’s a new one, maybe seasonal. Long-lasting. It’s definitely Extra. Bingo! Extra Sweet Watermelon. It’s EXTRA delicious. *Chuckles briefly to self* [...] “Oh sorry, hi!”

Every person who always keeps a pack of gum on hand knows that she has the potential to be the real MVP in the room. I feel this inner pressure

every day, yet I usually do not share.

I have always had anxiety taking out my darling, silver-wrapped delicacies in front of others. Until I came to Marian, I never realized the power that gum harnesses. For all of 10 seconds, gum is the key to making friends.

I always go through the grueling mental conflict: Should I offer my babies to my peers, or should I pretend that they are not staring at my hand firmly gripping a piece of gum? I usually go with the latter.

After all, it is a girl-eat-gum world I Coll-Ette As out there, and every gum-chewer collettegillaspie must fend for herself!

The Network 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 the N.H.S.P.A, N.S.P.A. and the C.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 by typed, signed, and sent to this address: The Network, Marian High School 7400 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 Or emailed to us here: netpaper@omahamarian.org Or call us at 402-571-2618 x 1134 An electronic version of this paper and exclusive content can be found here: mariandigitalnetwork.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter @MHSbeat

I See It

Managing Editors: tessamclaughlin & clarawertzberger Copy Editor: kathrynbaginski Photo Editor: elsiestormberg Graphics Editor: makenziefuss Online Editor: noellepick Sport Media Director: lindsaymuse Front Page Editor: marykiscoan News Editors: allykmiecik & anniesoener Opinion Editor: racheljohnson Feature Editors: kellyndaly, makenziefuss, anyalindholm & annporter Indepth Editor: collettegillaspie Sports Editors: devongottsch & lindsaymuse Entertainment Editors: andreahuber & mollymiller Photo Essay Editor: megankeyser Adviser: marshakalkowski

6 • Feature

The Network • Sept. 2015

iPads entering classroom: promise or problem? makenziefuss uring their time at Marian, parents and students have asked at least once, “Are the mandatory iPads really worth it?” Seniors are the only class left who have seen Marian pre-one-to-one-technology, but how much has really changed in relation to having iPads in the classroom?

When it comes down to the facts, 67.7 percent of students who answered The Network’s survey said they prefer reading print novels to digital novels. Also, 83 percent have only one to three textbooks, and 5.4 percent don’t have any at all. Whether personal preference or otherwise, having so few textbooks on iPads raises the question: why do we have them in the first place?

Admittedly, iPads make things almost too easy. If a student splurges to get a keyboard, note taking is a breeze.

Typing notes allows students to write, or even record, parts of teachers’ lectures, as well as take notes.

“I use eBackpack at least once or twice a week. I like how I can put handouts online in addition to giving out the hard copy,” social studies teacher Mrs. Amy McLeay said. This works especially well when someone who wasn’t in class can still get the homework. Also, when working on projects, it is easy to save your progress and work from any device at school or home.

However, this practicality does not come without a price. The technology fee at Marian is $350 per year. The fee goes toward the salaries of our 2-per-

D

21.9%

of Marian girls spend 11 or more hours a week on electives, clubs, sports, and other non-academic activities.

son technology staff, the computer lab that is available to all students as well as the Wi-Fi in the building that supports more than 1,000 devices in the building. This fee also covers Applecare, the iPad case, and the iPad itself.

Despite that fee and the money spent buying online books, 63.8 percent of students still spend $150 or more on print textbooks. Almost 33 percent of those said they exceed the $250 mark.

At Marian, iPads are most commonly used for papers, projects, and apps such as eBackpack, an online “backpack” that holds assignments and handouts for classes. Some students say that the iPad is as good as a laptop when it comes to note taking, but many others think that the iPad fails to deliver. “I never use my iPad anymore: none of my classes use eBackpack. I haven’t touched my iPad since the second day of school,” senior Taylor Nihsen said.

The monetary cost of iPads is significant, as is the educational cost. iPads can prove to be a distraction, especially when students play games in class. Notes can accidentally get deleted from note-taking apps. Aside from all of that, what is the mental cost of using iPads instead of print books and hand-written notes?

“Books on iPads may be harder to read, but both have advantages. It depends on each person’s individual brain. If it is hard for someone to comprehend text with all the distractions, they need to get a book,” reading specialist and student success coordinator

30%

STRESS

The of girls number pend s who only a urs 1-1.5 ho week cademic in non-a s. activitie

Marian girls’ average number of hours of sleep a night* 21.8% 7-8 4.5% 8+ 5.1% <5

Speak out!

Mrs. Jennifer Christen said.

Ferris Jabr, a writer for the Scientific American in New York, wrote “Why the Brain Prefers Paper” that pres“I think iPads help us with ents several “I think the iPads are time-management but it would different types helpful because I can use be even nicer if we could apps to study and make of studies on actually buy them since we quizzes for myself!” won’t have anyone monitoring how books on Ashley Stanek '19 us in college.” digital devices Mia Soulleire '18 prevent people from efficiently reading long texts, subtly hurting one’s reading comprehension.

“We don’t use our iPads at This poses a all junior year. It’s up to every “I do not think iPads are that person to make sure their iPad serious probhelpful since I only use mine is being used effectively and to lem when textin one class.” manage their time.” books, novels, Katie Ely '16 Isabelle Swanson '17 and notes are on iPads. graphic by makenziefuss Having iPads in the the technology and others are classroom can have some setbacks, as still struggling. The administrathe Marian community has seen over tion is reviewing IPAD training the last few years. However, as the times change it must be expected that and usage throughout this year the school and the student impact will due to feedback from the AdvancED surveys. change with it.

When it comes to the techMarian students and staff are still saavy world, who knows what’s learning all of the quirks and issues next on the technology to-do list. with iPads. Some have fully embraced

STATS

Annie Foley, '19

“I usually go for a quick run when I am stressed out, because it helps me sort through my stresses.”

Maddie Helm, '17

78.9

“The best advice I can give is to be organized so that you never fall behind, and work out because it relieves your stress and gives you energy.”

%

of st u go t dents u o s 10-1 bed ar ually o 2 u the p.m du nd scho r ol ye ing ar.

Natalie Ashbrook, '16 “I like being busy, honestly... I do [dance] for a reason, and it’s because it’s what I love.”

30.4% 5-6

38.1% 6-7

*Based on an Aug. 28 Network Google survey of 324 students. graphic by clarawertzberger

Sept. 2015 • The Network

Feature • 7

Marian summer trips create bonds Winning in Winnebago The students of the Winnebago trip pose with Mrs. Lori Spanbauer and Mrs. Susie Sullivan in front of a newly photo courtesy of lorispanbauer painted ramp.

Winnebago

anniesoener rs. Lori Spanbauer has wanted to take Marian students on a service trip since she was hugely impacted by a service trip she took to South Dakota three years ago. This June, with the help of a student, the theology teacher did just that.

While chaperoning a Washburn Leadership Conference last February, Spanbauer and senior Maggie Reding got the ball rolling by discussing service trips. Reding mentioned her desire to go on a domestic U.S. service trip through Marian, and Spanbauer knew that it was time to put her plan into action.

“She had such a passion for it that I decided right then that God was nudging me, through Maggie, to organize a trip to Winnebago as soon as possible,” Spanbauer said.

This summer, Spanbauer, Reding, and five other Marian students embarked on their journey to Winnebago, which is about 45 miles north of Omaha.

Most of the comforts of home were left behind, such as cell phones and Diet Coke. The group kept themselves busy by doing service daily, praying and preparing the reservation site for their annual pow wow. Principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan joined the girls and helped with service work on Wednesday.

Junior Kirsten Meyer says her favorite part of the Winnebago trip was working at the service sites.

“Claire Crockett (‘16) and I painted a ramp that everyone in the pow wow enters through. It hadn’t been painted in five years and it was really cool to continue that tradition,” Meyer said.

Four seniors and two juniors began their journey to Winnebago as strangers, but came home with tight-knit bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.

M

Marian takes Frelgium All the students in the France and Belgium trip pose for a photo at Normandy photo courtesy of kimremmick Beach.

The Dominican Republic

N

M

anniesoener tessamclaughlin early 40 students and several faculty inimal showers, ethnic food, and whole lot of heart embarked on a 2-week journey to France are what made the 2015 service immersion trip and Belgium this past June. They explored all of to the Dominican Republic one to remember. Girls had the must-see landmarks Europe has to offer from to send in an application to be considered to go on the June 2 to 15. “I loved the northern coast and the trip due to the limited space available. Sophomore and beautiful seascapes,” Mrs. Kim Remmick said. junior students don’t have to be taking a Spanish class to The social studies teacher coordinated the trip apply for the trip. with Mrs. Molly Witzenburg, Mrs. Julia Pick, and As for the application process, senior Avery Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Ashley Bauer. Several advises hopeful applicants to not sweat it. “Honestly, parents chaperoned the trip as well. speak from your heart. Tell them your honest opinions The time in Europe definitely required some and feelings on all the answers. Don’t say what you think adjustments. Here in the U.S. of A, one can chow they want you to hear,” Shepherd said. down on a Big Mac while writing a 5-page essay, Girls who went on the trip this summer spent their because what says freedom better than free WiFi days working on a service project. at McDonald’s? Junior Melissa Geis recalls that “We painted the church of our campo [a rural farming the dynamic in Europe differs from America’s in village]. We also planted coffee plants in the back of many ways. Parisians don’t cool down their drinks the church. While in the city of Santiago, we visited an with ice cubes, WiFi is harder to access, orphanage and a Batey, a Haitian refugee camp, and and perhaps the biggest culture shock of all: played with the kids there,” senior Emma McGill said. public restrooms aren’t free!

Even with all of this hard work, the girls didn’t forget Another big difference? The concept of the way to have fun. They got to participate in a bizarre activity roads and traffic work. Senior Sophia Terwilliger many Marian girls wouldn’t imagine: killing chickens. recalls her favorite memory as the time Shayla “Watching Ellie [Rommelfanger] and Macy [Thonen] Taute got hit by a car. One minute, Taute is each kill a chicken was really entertaining. That sounds minding her own business, and the next thing she really bad, but we were going to have chicken for dinner, knows she’s on the windshield of a Mercedes. “I and when our host asked us if anyone wanted to kill the was wondering why the car was getting closer and chickens, Ellie and Macy volunteered. Their reactions/ then it hit me. LITERALLY,” Taute said. facial expressions were really funny,” McGill said.

Europe may have been an adjustment, but it was Painting the church proved to be a rewarding nothing some confident, independent, thinking experience for the girls. McGill and her peers were leaders from Marian couldn’t handle. Marian girls, grateful for the experience. keep your eyes peeled for announcements about “It felt really good. On our last day, the campo upcoming summer trips. Mr. Bauer plans to take a gathered at the church to thank us, and it was an group of students to Thailand and Cambodia this amazing feeling to see how appreciative they were of summer. their newly painted church,” McGill said.

how irritated you are over the thought of hitting the books again. Just let it aying goodbye to summer is like all out. You should slightly resemble saying goodbye to your best bud. a mix between Oscar the Grouch and You never see it coming. One day the Tazmanian Devil. Clare Crockett is it’s May 21, and before you know it, still angry about the school situation. boom. Here it is: August 14. All of the “I’m stressed with the workload and sudden your good friend Summer is college, and I just want to enjoy the gone, all you’re left with are memories year, but there’s a lot of of better times and lots pressure. Summer was of syllabi. If you are like such a nice break.” the typical teenager, you Stage three: Barmay go through the five gaining. Maybe if you stages of grief every year go on one more trip, around this time. you’ll be fine. If you Stage one: Denial. could have just one Pretend it’s not hapmore week of freepening. School can’t be dom, school wouldn’t starting. We just took be so bad. If these our finals. There’s no thoughts are running way school will start, so through your mind, don’t sweat it. Just think graphic by kellyndaly you’ve hit the third for a second. If it still stage. You may feel feels like summer, then unfulfilled. You didn’t live up to the it’s summer. The weather is still hot. summer hype. You promise to never Maybe if you pretend it won’t happen, procrastinate on another paper ever it’ll just go away. School is a figment again if school wouldn’t start so soon. of your imagination. It’s not real.

Freshman Lizzie Burn is still in denial. You would even read the all-school summer read if you could have just “It just hasn’t hit me yet!” Seriously, another week. Junior Shania McAmis it’s not going to happen. knows the feeling. “All I wanted was Stage two: Anger. Do you feel just a few more weeks.” McAmis said. like your blood is boiling whenevStage four: Depression. Why even er somebody mentions homework? bother getting out of bed? Going back You’ve made it to the second stage. to school means the end of everything You’re livid. It’s not fair. I swear the fun and happy, so what’s the point first day of school gets moved up of even going through the motions? every year! Why are we subjected to That’s right. You’ve stepped into the classes and homework and projects? fourth stage. Suddenly, the reality beJust rant. Complain. Make a scene, comes clear. There’s no more tanning maybe throw a temper tantrum. Yell. by the pool, no more sleeping in all Scream. Make sure everyone knows

S

Back to school tips:

1. Don’t watch Netflix after 2a.m.

2. Actually study in study hall.

3. Wash your skirt at least monthly.

4. Shower weekly (consider shaving).

photo courtesy of erinwalter

France and Belgium

Getting over the back-to-school blues mollymiller

Building new relationships Erin Walter ‘17, Allie Morrissey ‘17, and Kaitlyn Baysa ‘17 pose with their newfound friends from the Dominican Republic.

morning. Why even make an effort?

All hope is lost. The jovial late nights are over, and you will soon be very accustomed to early mornings. You understand that Soph Lot is a very real possibility. Yep, life is pretty much over.

Stage five: Acceptance. This is the end of the line, the last stage. You don’t really want to accept the fact that summer is a thing of the past, but what choice is there? You’ve already gone through every stage, so now it’s time to put on your big girl pants and realize that it’s the end. The fight is useless. School is here, and it’s here to stay. Whether we like it or not, living the summer dream is in the past. So go ahead and have a good cry let the tears stream down your face because

you lost something you can’t replace.

Watch a sad movie, and while you’re at it, finish up all your Netflix shows.

Now it’s time to let the hem out of that plaid skirt. Don’t feel bad if you’ve slept in it a few times already this year, we’ve all been there.

Organize your planner, you two will be close pals for the next nine months. And seriously: finish up that summer read, it’s time. Now dry your eyes, because the last step is to fight through the pain. Just throw yourself in. There’s no going back. As freshman Carolyn Griffin puts it, “Being at Marian is an experience that makes you open your eyes and realize you’re a part of this. “ It’s time to get back to your home away from home. It won’t be that bad.

illustration by viennatang

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Indepth • 9

LEVEL UP WITH BOSS POINTS BOSS POINT EVENTS IN OCTOBER

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

October 1: Softball Senior Night at Marian

October 8: Metro Cross Country at Papillion LaVista South

October 23: Gnimocemoh Dance at Marian from 8-11p.m.

4

District Golf

District Golf

5

6

State Golf

11 Father/Daughter Mass and Breakfast 10a.m.

18

12

26

13

14 21 Musical 7p.m.

Metro Volleyball

27

Free dress for Special Olympics

2

8

7 State Softball

20

saturday

3

District Softball

State Golf

Metro Volleyball

25

1

No School

19

friday

WEDNESDAY thursday

28

12:40 Dismissal State Softball District XC

No School State Softball

15

Student/Faculty Volleyball Game

22

Musical 7p.m.

Metro Volleyball

29

10

9 16

17

23

24

Free dress for Project Rachel Musical 7p.m.

Show ’em who’s BOSS: Marian school spirit needs a boost

30

The birth of BOSS points: System recognizing school spirit expands

graphics by collettegillaspie

allykmiecik t was a brisk fall Monday after school. The school bell had just rung, signaling the end of school for most and the start of a weekly meeting for Student Board. The year: 2013. The concern: school spirit.

The sports teams were excelling as usual, but the hype and excitement of being a supportive Marian fan was at an all time low.

Girls always talked about how well the sports teams were performing, but never really put forth the effort to make it to a game.

Similar situations were occurring with other Marian social events that

I

used to be all the rage. Just the year before, the Welcome Dance, which is hosted by the Student Board, had a shockingly minuscule population of less than 100 girls.

Senior Student Board member Andie Hanus looked back on that dance and said, “Something needed to be done, and fast.”

During that Student Board meeting, a solution was found. The girls decided to create a system in which going to Marian events was encouraged and also rewarded.

Girls would be tallied as they came in the door of events, and points would be awarded to each person, which would contribute to

T

attendance at games as well, so this was perfect timing.

BOSS points have, so far, been a very successful system to build our school spirit and raise attendance at school games and functions.

Student Board’s hope is that, even though BOSS points started the excitement of school spirit back up, the students learn to go to the functions, dances, and sports games without expecting an award.

They should go with the intention of supporting Marian.

Hanus said, “After all, we’re constantly making history here at Marian,” so make sure you’re there for the action.

Halloween

31

graphic by collettegillaspie

commentary & graphics by noellepick

he student section is packed shoulderbut not attend more than one game per to-shoulder, the bleachers rumble season? For an institution that celebrates from stomping feet, gigantic cutouts school spirit for an entire week in April, we of players’ heads are proudly have disappointing attendance at schooldisplayed, and the crowd is sponsored activities. dressed like frat boys.

Imagine if every event had the Marian students come attendance of a finals round or from far and wide to support championship game. Not only would their school during state players be encouraged tournaments, even if it to compete at is the day before final their highest exams. State games are level, but crazy, fun, and often the students the most attended sandwiched in games of the season, the bleachers regardless of the would also make sport. The scene is very the best memories different “forming during the regular banana” season and games. swinging School different spirit is colored T-shirts in the something air.

Marian Marian’s Student prides Board has realized itself on, this, and in an effort to but the increase attendance, student has implemented section the system of BOSS tells a (Building Our School different Spirit) points. Not only story. do BOSS Points have Often, a direct effect on Field Go Bananas Jenna Taylor ‘16 and Payton Ranck ‘16 cheer on very few Day’s Color Block, but Marian at the Volleyball Senior Night. photo by allykmiecik students they also increase school other than cheerleaders and dance team spirit and affect our teams’ performances. members attend home games. How can According to Eamonn Brennan, an ESPN we tote around the Sportsmanship Award Staff Writer, a supportive and cheerful

an overall class total.

When asked about the name of the new idea, Hanus said, “The name we came up with for the system was simple, and it’s all about building our school spirit, which is exactly what ‘BOSS’ stands for ‘Building Our School Spirit.’”

Another main reason BOSS points were originally created is because there were many requests from Marian students to take the focus of Color Block solely off WalkA-Thon, so that Field Day choices weren’t determined just by money brought in.

It just so happened that the school was in desperate need for

student section can positively affect a team’s success rate.

From this information, it can be assumed that the more successful the team is during the regular season, the more likely it is that it will continue onto a postseason tournament. This means there will be more games for students to attend and cheer at!

Other schoolsponsored activities deserve some love too.

Many students are not aware that other wildly successful activities also host their own BOSS point events.

For example, the Speech Team puts on an annual Speech Showcase in the Performing Arts Center where students can come to watch speeches put on by the team.

If students would like to know when BOSS point events are coming up, there is a poster located on the second floor landing of the middle staircase. This poster includes the date and time of upcoming events, and can be easily accessed during the school day.

Ladies, let’s break out the blue face paint and get ready to rumble! The school year has just begun, and there are countless games and activities that await our attendance. Let’s show our sisters some love and support. This is our chance to show everyone who’s BOSS.

Sign Me Up Students eagerly wait in line to check in to the 2015 Welcome Dance. photo by megankeyser

Solid Signaling Hannah Mueller ‘16 signals to her teammates at the start of a play on Volleyball Senior Night. The Varsity Volleyball team won against Millard West that night. photo by annporter

Students and staff speak out: racheljohnson

“People just need to be more dedicated. I went to the Welcome Dance the same day I got my wisdom teeth out.”

Katherine Martin ’18

“I would attend more BOSS events if they offered free cookies at the event.”

Riley Miller ’19

How do you think we can increase attendance to BOSS events?

“It would be cool if we had small entertainment or games during half time, time outs, or before the game. Like “kiss cam” or free throw contests.” Bella Carollo ’17

“BOSS points have generated excitement, but in order to really get people to come to events it’s about changing the culture of our school. It’s about going to the events to support your classmates and community, not about being rewarded for your attendance.” English Teacher, Ms. Megan Piernicky

“I would go to more BOSS events if teachers offered some form of extra credit.”

Addison Baffert ’16

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ The Network • Sept. 2015

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

8 • Indepth

10 • Features

The Network • Sept. 2015

TARS connect technology inside, outside of Marian racheljohnson

S

ome call them a secret society, while others see them as an intelligent clique of senior girls. Some may know them as the girls who control the overhead projector at Mass. Formally called Technical Aid Resource Students (TARS), these girls have a vast knowledge of anything technology-related. They dedicate their time to assisting Marian students and staff with a variety of jobs and solving problems involving computers, cords, and more. They worked diligently Monday through Thursday from 8 to noon.

The TARS’ summer work included stringing cables through the ceilings to improve the Wi-Fi, helping underclassmen set up their iPads, and setting up the new computers in Etherhaven and Pipeline. They named each computer in Etherhaven after an inspirational woman. “Because Marian is a very feminist community, we thought it would be inspiring to name and set each desktop photo as

an inspirational woman. Plus, who wouldn’t want to stare at Michelle Obama every day?” senior Maggie White said.

The TARS worked hard this summer to improve Marian’s technology, but they certainly did not forget to have fun. One morning amidst all of the cable stringing and wiring, the TARS decided they wanted 99 cent pancakes from IHOP across the street. “We called to get a to-go order of pancakes, but apparently it was only if you dined in. Savannah tried telling them our life story to convince them to deliver, but they refused. We just wanted pancakes,” Strattan said.

Though they did not get the pancakes they wanted, the TARS frequently brought in donuts and other treats.

The fun did not stop with food. On July 9, the TARS attended the Waka Flocka Flame concert together at The Waiting Room Lounge. “Seeing a concert brought us together on a whole new level,” Yakopec said. The TARS

TARS: Seniors Madeline Allen, Ashley Yakopec, Sierra Strattan, Savannah Nichols, Faith Vinton, and Maggie White.

got invited to meet Waka Flocka before he performed and even got pulled up onto the stage.

The TARS’ work will continue throughout the 2015-2016 school year. You can find a TAR in their Etherhaven office on the first floor

Servite Corner: Sr. Jackie Thorn, O.S.M. A: I am here to be a visible Servite

Q: What is your role in Campus Ministry this year? What are your goals for this year?

presence to the girls through greeting them in the morning and roaming the halls during the day. My role is to minister to the students and staff as needed, and to help organize Junior Retreat, class Masses at the Motherhouse chapel, and prayer experience in the chapel. My goal is to do all those things successfully, and I would love to learn everyone’s names! I hope to carry on the spirit of the Servants of Mary.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Detroit, Michigan (the best city in the world)

Q: What was your favorite thing

you did over the summer?

A: I didn’t do much because of my move from Fremont to Omaha. Once

I was settled, my friends visited me, and we went out to dinner!

Q: How long have you been a sis-

ter? Where has it taken you?

A: I felt God’s calling to enter the convent in 1963, so 52 years. Since then, I have served as a principal of Holy Ghost and Holy Cross in Omaha and Servite High School in Detroit. Then, I served in parish ministry at St. James in Kearney, St. Bernadette’s in Omaha and St. Pat’s in Fremont.

Q: If you weren’t a sister, what would you be doing?

A: In high school I wanted to be a

police officer. Sometimes I was as a principal!

Q: What have you enjoyed about

being a Servite presence on campus?

graphic by racheljohnson

during blocks A, D, E, and G if you are ever experiencing technical difficulties with your iPad or laptop. For additional updates and TARS news, be sure to follow them on Twitter @MarianTARS.

Jubilarian Celebration October 3, 2015

70 Years: Sr. Lucy Bottosto 60 Years: Sr. Baraba Bouchard, Sr. Carol Claussen, Sr. Carolyn Foley, Sr. Esther Joyce 50 Years: Sr. Margaret Buchta, Sr. Sarah Deeby, Sr. Marcia Haggins, Sr. Jackie Ryan, Sr. Jackie Thorn

A: I really enjoy meeting and greeting the girls, seeing smiles on their faces, and receiving positive responses.

Q: Are there any fun facts you

would like Marian girls to know about you?

A: I love sports! The Detroit Lions are my favorite football team, and I played softball and basketball in high school. I’m going to try to come to as many of the home games as I can here at Marian. anyalindholm

Student Athletic Training Program needs more students lindsaymuse

M

arian has a long-standing tradition of excellence, particularly in the field of athletics. While most people only focus on a current sport’s season, there is often so much more that goes on behind the scenes.

Take, for example, the setup of a gym or field, the water coolers and ice buckets, or the athletic trainers, student or otherwise, who are present on standby.

“The student volunteer trainers are an extension of me. Not only do they learn how to tape ankles and bandages blisters, but they are present at sport games and events and they can get in contact with me if an athlete gets hurt.

They know that if an athlete sprains an ankle, they should get the ice bucket ready because the athlete will be put into it immediately,” Athletic Trainer Mrs. Melissa Brusnahan said.

These individuals and their duties often get overshadowed by the game until an athlete in considerable pain hunts them down in order to obtain some form of relief. However, student volunteer trainers can be found in training room after school, by the

practice fields or able to train girls courts, or setting to help take care of up for games in their Marian teamthe gym. They mates,” Brusnahan Who: sophomores & have knowledge said. juniors with CPR training and sometimes For some girls, & basic first aid knowledge even experience this program is of sports injuries, an opportunity to What: work in training and they work learn the basics for the benefits of of medicine while room with athletes athletes. still being a part of When: after school, as The athletic sports and athletics. training pro“After my knee many weekdays as possible gram at Marian injury, I was done Where: meet in training has existed for with sports, yet I more than 21 still wanted a part room & then move to gym, years, courtesy in the world of court, or field of Brusnahan. As athletics,” senior the head trainer, Madalyn McKeone Why: to volunteer & Brusnahan has said. learn the ropes of physical been looking for The athletic girls who are training program training interested in currently has four How: see Mrs.Melissa both sports and girls who volunteer Brusnahan in her office medicine to aid to keep the program graphic by racheljohnson her in providing going by working physical relief to with Brusnahan: athletes during Elsie Stormberg, games and practices. “I want to be McKeone, Sophie Knoblauch and Kait-

HELP WANTED

lyn Baysa. These volunteer trainers are not enough to keep the training room staffed and operating through a fall season with four sports in session, that often take place at the same time but at different locations.

Brusnahan is looking for new recruits, especially sophomores, who are willing to work with her for a couple of years. These girls have to be willing to get their hands dirty learning to wrap shoulders, ankles, and knees, and taping up blisters on runners’ feet. They must have basic first-aid knowledge and a willingness to work hard to cater to the athletes.

Junior Kaitlyn Baysa started volunteering in the student athletic training program when she was a sophomore.

After sustaining a significant concussion and spraining her ankle multiple times, she decided that she wanted to participate in the program.

Her advice to other students thinking about wanting to join the program: “Do it because you learn a of cool and weird stuff about the body, and it could spark an interest in some type of career.”

Sept. 2015 • The Network

Features • 11

Seniors just want to slounge around megankeyser

“It really wasn’t even a thing; just any seniors were disappointed a couple chairs shoved in a corner,” about this year’s removal of the junior Lucy Fishburn said. exclusively Senior hangout area that Student Success Coordinator and resided in the Quad last school year.

1996 alum, Mrs. Jen Christen, remem“It feels awful. It was all I looked bers her class’s slounge. “It was in a forward to, and not having it makes room on the third floor [Room 306],” me feel like an insignificant senior.

Christen said. “Every summer, class #NORESPECT” officers senior Savannah picked Nichols said. a theme Many postand test stressed, painted cookie-eating, it. Girls hair-braiding hung out seniors flocked in there to the slounge’s over their couches during study the 2014-2015 halls. school year.

They had This year, the a TV and The Class of 2015’s slounge. This area in the Quad will now couches have played be used for the new BLUEtique. vanished and GameBoy seniors’ braiding and Nintenskills are no longer utilized. do games.”

“I just wanted comfy chairs. Guess Principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan, ‘80 I’ll have to bring my own,” senior still has memories of her slounge. “I Mary Beth Apker said. vividly remember one of my classWhile some students express feelmates sitting on the windowsill with ings of sadness and betrayal, others her cigarette in hand. All the nuns seem unfazed by the removal of the could see her.” In 1980, the slounge slounge. had been used as not only a study “It wasn’t much of a privilege room but also a smoke room. anyways,” junior Brigid Elbert said, One of Omaha’s other Catholic allsaying last year’s senior lounge wasn’t girl schools has a senior lounge comanything in comparison to what it was plete with lockers, couches, bean bags, in the past. and a stereo system. An entire floor

M

Do You Prefer...? graphic by annporter

of the building is reserved for students.

Girls are able to play foosball, relax in each classroom, or visit the snack shack that is open all day.

While these girls enjoy the luxuries of class lounges, Marian students are requesting things to add if the slounge were resurrected. “[I’d want] our own room with lots of couches and not let any underclassmen in or teachers” junior Claire Kilborn said.

Not only do students request an area to unwind and de-stress, but some want a recreation area where they can be active.

“There should be a pingpong table or Just Dance,” sophomore Kyleigh Gall said.

“It was just not kept up,” Christen said, explaining the reason she believes the senior lounge was taken away.

Sullivan is not opposed to giving the seniors a lounge. “I hope to have one some day, but I don’t know where to put it,” she said.

Students push new location ideas, including what will be the old Bluetique or under the Quad steps. “The corner [was] not doing the senior lounge any justice,” junior Tylin Welch said.

“I know that the old slounge location will be under construction soon, so we can’t put couches back there,” Sullivan said.

“I think you deserve a place,” Christen said, and many Marian students agree. Students are encouraged to propose ideas to Sullivan.

Marian Twitters Who to follow? graphic by andreahuber

Marian High School @OmahaMarian Softball Team @CrusadersSball Swim & Dive Team @MarianSwimming FBLA @OmahaMarianFBLA Speech Team @MarianSpeech Basketball Team @marianbball Volleyball Team @MHSCrusadersVB TARS @mariantars Tennis Team @MarianHSTennis Student Board @MarianStuBo Max the Dog @HappyToTheMax Trap Team @MarianTrap

67.2% Print Books 32.8% Campus Ministry Digital Books @OmahaMarianCM 65.6% Chipotle Track and Field 34.4% Qdoba "I want Raising @TRACKMarian Canes catered to 58% Student Pubs 8 classes per day my grad party." @MHSbeat 42% Block Scheduling -Erin Waltler '17 31.4% Have more suggestions? Email Chick-fil-A us at netpaper@omahamarian.org 68.6% Raising Canes 94.2% Target Walmart 5.8% 36.5% Mountains "I have a very strong opinion 63.5% Beach about how Scooters is better than Starbucks. Scooters just has so 63.4% Chocolate much more of a variety of good things to order, where as Starbucks Fruit-flavored Candy 36.6% only has good coffee. The quality of Scooters coffee AND smoothies is 51.8% Starbucks undeniable. The quality of Scooters diverse menu is just undeniable."

48.2% Scooters -Kate Ruffalo '16 70.2% Notes on iPad 29.8% Notebook *Based on an Aug. 28 Network Google survey of 324 students 66.4% Sleeping & Soph lot Waking up & Upper lot 33.6%

12 • Sports

The Network • Sept. 2015

Softball strikes with spirit

Volleyball team serves up new coach, new players, great season

kathrynbaginski

I

t is the goal of every Marian team to see its title up on the banners in the East Gym. Last year, the Varsity softball team chased that goal like they were running toward home plate.

After a 12-0 win in the semifinals of the 2014 State Softball Tournament, the team knew they would make the banner, so according to the team, they danced instead of warming up.

This season, with that secondplace joy still fresh in their minds, the team members are working harder than ever to make each other proud.

“Every time we have practice I feel like I am with my actual sisters … All of us are so excited to go and spend time together and play the game that we love,” senior Emily Cheloha, third baseman, said.

A new coaching staff, hours of hard work and the strong bond of sisterhood have allowed the softball team to improve greatly in the past few years.

“It does not matter the role… on the team, everybody treats each other respectfully, and the chemistry is about as high as I’ve ever had,” Head Coach Mike Heard said. Heard and Assistant Coaches Chad Perkins, Aaron Groff, Melissa Groff and Katie Holmes support the team and encourage them to enjoy what they are doing as the girls push themselves harder each day.

“We are so close to each other and have so much fun together that it doesn’t feel like we have to be there.

We want to be there, and we know we have the potential to go far,” Cheloha said. She was proven correct when the girls got third in the 2015 Metros on

elsiestormberg & tessamclaughlin

A

Softball Spirit Emma Raabe ‘18 crouches at home plate, waiting to catch the ball at the Varsity Marian v. Millard West home game on Sept. 3. The Varsity team won 4-3. photo by noellepick

Sept. 14 at Westside.

Every single player has a passion for what she does and a love for her sisters that goes beyond just being on a team. “I play for something more than just myself. I am not going just to get good stats or promote myself; I play to have my team’s back,” junior Melissa Geis, left fielder, said. The team builds on each other’s strengths as they work hard, and they never forget to have fun and laugh a lot.

As of Sept. 28, the 2015 Varsity softball team was ranked first in the Nebraska Class A softball rankings and had an overall record of 20-2, but neither of these achievements is as extraordinary as the love these girls pour into their sport. Before every game, the girls draw an “M” in the dirt and pray together, reminding themselves that, no matter how many times they run the bases, they are always running toward their sisters.

Golfers face year of firsts

makenziefuss

A

“I like the big team because we can see a future for the Marian golf team. The only negative is that there are so many names to remember!”

rmed with a see a future for the new golf coach Marian golf team. and an official The only negative assistant coach, is that there are Marian’s golf team so many names to was ready to take remember!” junior off on the first day Grace McMinn of tryouts on Aug. said.

10. Assistant coach The team Ms. Connie Cavel started off strong was a literature this year, winning teacher up until Junior Grace McMinn their second her retirement last tournament by year, and she was seven strokes. warmly welcomed into the golf team Freshman Jalea Culliver shot an 83 on family. Cavel was a golf coach from a par 70 course at her first high school 1984-1994, so her knowledge and meet, helping ensure the Crusaders’ experience is up to par. victory. Every player placed in the Top New head coach Robert Davis has 10. been leading the team this season.

The golf team isn’t all work; the Davis held a few clinics over the girls have fun at practices by doing summer to help get the golfers ready drills and playing games. to hit the course running. Several golf “The most fun I have had at team veterans noticed the significant practice was when we replicated a rise in attendees, but they never golf trick where we got in a line and imagined to have a competition team we each putted at the same time. The of 19 girls and a development team point is that it was really synchronized of 11 players. The development team and we all made our putt so it was works on weekends to improve their really cool. We even got it on video!” golf game without competition. junior Isabelle Swanson said.* The biggest golf team Marian has The team has been successful so seen in the past three years was 11 far, winning two of their first three players. Up until this year, 13 girls tournaments. “I think the most would have been an oversized golf important thing Marian could do for team. This year, the team has 13 the golf team is to keep us in your freshman golfers alone, dramatically thoughts... nice comments in the halls beating out last year’s freshman are always appreciated!” Culliver said. population of one. *To see this video, visit the online “I like the big team because we can Network!

s school swings into play, Marian’s volleyball team begins a great season. Mrs. Amy McLeay, social studies teacher and new head volleyball coach, is excited about her first season.

“I think as a coach, along with my assistant Katie Stanzel ‘01, it’s just taking it week by week, if not day by day, to make sure that we are training to their highest potential. Then, when they get out there to compete, really take advantage of the opportunities.

I think our biggest challenge is still having the girls enjoy what they are doing while reaching their goals,” McLeay said.

In the past, Marian’s impressive volleyball team has been led to victory under the coaching of Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs. With multiple state titles under her belt, Rohlfs has put the whistle down and continues to lead as Assistant Principal and Head of the

Senior Night Senior volleyball players Sophia Terwilleger ’16 , Katie Bellford ‘16, Hannah Mueller ‘16, and Elizabeth Loschen ‘16 receive flowers on Senior Night. Senior Night was held on Sept. 22 at the last home vollyball game of the year. photo by elsiestormberg

Hand Signals The new varsity head volleyball coach Amy McLeay signals the next play to the team. McLeay took over the team after Rolfs stepped down. photo by elsiestormberg

Athletic Department.

Nevertheless, the girls plan to maintain their victory streak. “The team will be strong; all of our players are talented and hardworking,” senior Elise Duryea said. Duryea has been on Varsity all four years, growing as a player and a teammate.

Freshman Emily Bressman is beginning her journey in the same shoes as Duryea. “I’m excited to experience what the team went through last year,” Bressman said, hoping the team would score yet another coveted state championship title.

The senior class rules the team with nine out of 14 players graduating in May. They might dominate the team, but they don’t let that stop them from reaching out to new players. “I was nervous at first because the team is all seniors, but I’ve gotten more comfortable, and I’m really happy I get to be part of the team,” Bressman said.

With determination coursing through the veins of the team, winning a three-peat state championship title will be just another game.

Cross Country attacks Green Monster

collettegillaspie ross country is tough— really, really tough.

Practices are leg day, every day. There are no time outs, no halftimes, no water breaks, and no substitutions in a 5K race. The team shirt this year boasts the slogan, graphic by collettegillaspie “My sport is your sport’s punishment.” So far, the team with Papio South last summer.” has successfully competed in several Hingorani said, “I want to beat my meets.

Coach Roger Wright has high hopes personal record from last year, and I want to enjoy cross country more this for this year’s team. The rallying cry, year.”

“A championship scene in 2015,” is Stay tuned to see how the Cross neatly typed at the bottom of each Country team does at Metros (Oct. 8 meet sheet. “My goal is to make a at Walnut Creek), Districts (Oct. 15) young team as good as it can be by and State (Oct. 23 at Kearney). They the end of the season. Kearney was show what it really means to run like a good example of this. The girls a girl. stepped up and competed well. It is a goal of ours to get back to the state Cross Country Results so far: meet,” Wright said.

• Seward Invite (Concordia) Varsity This year, Marian’s top runners 6th of 14, JV 3rd of 14 include junior Katie Williams, • Nebraska Wesleyan Invite (Pioneer freshman Kira Bravo, and sophomore Park) Varsity 4th of 6, JV 3rd of 6 Julia Hingorani.

• Bellevue West Invite (Bellevue Officially, Williams has only been West) Freshmen 1st of 9, running for two years. “It [cross Sophomores 5th of 9 country] is a good way to meet people.

• Millard South Invite (Walnut Grove) Runners are usually nice people. It is Varsity 7th of 10, JV 4th of 10 a good way to get my competitiveness out, and it keeps you in shape. The • Class of the Metro (Walnut Grove) people make it fun.”

Team 1st of 13, Freshman 1st of Bravo is new to the team but a 13, Sophomores 2nd of 13, Juniors seasoned athlete. She balances cross 2nd of 13, Seniors 3rd of 13 country and club soccer and even • Kearney Invite (Kearney Country trained over the summer. “I trained

C

Club) Varsity 8th of 19

Sept. 2015 • The Network

Sports • 13

Young Olympians: Marian athletes make their mark Double trouble: Haley Keenan flips her way into All American success lindsaymuse

J

unior Haley Keenan may have began her athletic career by wearing hair bows and leotards, but now she can be seen sporting pompoms and a cheer skirt. Keenan didn’t just stick with tumbling. Instead, she flipped into a new sport and landed a spot on the Varsity cheer team.

Keenan is now a Level 9 out of 10 at Airborne Academy. At a competition, she competes in three different events: power tumbling, trampoStick It Keenan smiles after a line, and successful gymnastics routine double mini.

Each event consists of two routines in which she competes as an individual to score for her entire team.

Keenan made the varsity team her freshman year and has participated for three years.

“I wanted to be able to put my tumbling skills to use,” Keenan said.

As a cheerleader, Keenan also gets the opportunity to participate in unique camps and tryouts. This past summer, Keenan, and the Marian cheer team participated in the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp

in downtown Omaha, where Keenan received the chance to try out for the title of All-American.

After learning all the routines, performing for the Marian coach, Allie Clark, and doing a cheer, dance, and jump in front of the entire camp, Keenan earned the highly coveted All-American title.

This All-American title is sanctioned by the Cheerleading Association, and has opened up unique opportunities for Keenan.

“I was invited to be in parade in London, but I was unable to attend.

However, it was still a huge honor to be asked to go,” Keenan said.

This recognition and opportunity will stay with Keenan for years to come.

She has learned that she can do anything she sets her mind to, even if it means blazing a new path for a young gymnast with tumbling in her blood.

Katelyn Gochenour: Stick-chucking chick competes in Cuba marykiscoan

Youth Games in Cuba during the sumne may notice the ever-so-bubbly mer of 2015. She was awarded 16th senior Katelyn Gochenour bounc- place.

“When I stepped ing around Marian’s into the stadium, it halls. Little do many was packed and evstudents know, soon eryone was screaming after all her classes and taking pictures. At are complete, her that moment, I realrigorous training ized that I wasn’t just begins. competing by myself, Through a combut for my country. bination of lifting, Having USA on my sprinting, long-disjersey was the best tance running, feeling in the world.” jumping/bounding, Gochenour plans medicine ball throwto throw javelin at ing, and swimming, Red, white, and Crusader blue Oklahoma University.

Gochenour trains to Gochenour competes for team USA She hopes to make the compete at the OlymUSA Olympic team by her graduating pic level for javelin throwing every year of college, but if that is not the case, day, 365 days a year.

Gochenour’s favorite performance Gochenour will train until her dream becomes reality. so far was competing at the World

O

Abi Knapton makes a splash at Nationals

devongottsch enior Abi Knapton has only been diving since freshman year, but she has been incredibly successful in that short amount of time.

Her impressive skills allowed her to compete in the 2015 USA Diving AT&T National Diving Championships in Orlando, Florida this past summer.

“I actually slipped on platform in semifinals and got Tuck and cover 16th. I placed 21st on 1M in semis, and then in the 3M pre-lims, I was too close to the board on one of my dives, Knapton demonstrates impressive flexiblility at so I was scored low and ended up in 14th. Even with evNationals erything that happened, it was a good experience, and I’m happy with how I did, ” Knapton said.

There were more than 700 divers at Nationals, but Knapton held her own.

Her undeniable talent did not go unnoticed. Knapton has been recruited by University of Nebraska-Lincoln to join their diving team, and she has accepted their offer. This future Husker is sure to make a splash.

S

Bows and Toes Keenan flies high as she does a jump during a cheer performance on the first day of school. photo by devongottsch

Rose VandeVegt has blades of glory, proves commitment worth effort

devongottsch igure skating is a dream that is not attained by many. However, for freshman Rose VandeVegt, this dream has become a reality.

VandeVegt began skating at the age of 4. Getting on the ice for the first time sparked a passion inside of VandeVegt that would quickly ignite into a love for skating.

VandeVegt has competed in numerous competitions and has been very successful while skating for Figure Skating Club of Omaha. Skills like hers

F

do not come easily, so VandeVegt’s practice schedule is a full-time commitment.

“I practice six days a week.

On school days, I wake up at 3:30 a.m., and I’m on the ice by 4:15. I do that Monday through Friday, and Saturday I skate from 7-12. To be the best, you have to be committed 100 percent every day,” she said.

Just like her rigorous prac-

Ready for action VandeVegt takes her initial pose before her routine begins

tice schedule, VandeVegt’s competitions are not a small undertaking.

“I travel around the United States quite a bit.

Regionals is where you compete against skaters in your time zone. The results from regionals are directly related to who gets to compete in sectionals. Then, whoever does well at sectionals goes to nationals. I competed at

regionals, and I was one spot away from going to sectionals,” VandeVegt said Gracing the rink with poise, undeniable talent, and an abundance of sequins, VandeVegt hopes to continue her passion in college.

“Colorado University in Boulder has a phenomenal skating program. I want to skate there because a bunch of those skaters go off to the Olympics.

That is my dream...to be in the Olympics one day,” VandeVegt said.

Sexism doesn’t stop, neither do they: girls in male-dominated sports clarawertzberger t’s tournament day, and junior Delaney Villarreal is up against a regular opponent. She has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for four years, but the sexism she experiences is something she never stops fighting.

“My opponents will often take the competition casually. I get so irritated… I have also had a particularly annoying competitor that claimed the win [at my first tournament] was given rather than earned, therefore implying that he would never lose to a girl, much less a 13-year-old,” Villarreal said.

The gender discrimination Villarreal experiences is nothing new.

I

Girls face opposition when they play male-dominated sports simply for being female.

“A coach will tell their male athlete, ‘You just got beat by a girl,’ to try to motivate them,” senior Katie Petersen said. “Why should that matter?”

Petersen, a national-award-winning trapshooter, said she is sometimes the only female at a tournament. Nonetheless, she tries to see the other competitors at trapshooting tournaments equally, regardless of gender.

Femininity could be a roadblock on the path to success in sports that are seen as “boys’ activities,” but these girls don’t see it that way. Sophomore

Megan Doehner, a Marian trapshooter opponents by surprise. Doehner said for the last two years, loves being in something that many women may a mostly male sport. “Walking up to agree with: “Women should never the line to shoot and being the only limit themselves… Just because a girl gives me an sport has been extreme sense of male-dominated pride.” in the past doesn’t Despite being limit its future. We underestimatare the future!” ed, these young For a gallery of women always other Marian girls keep their heads in male-dominatup and aren’t ed activities, go to afraid to excel in our Online Netwhat they love, work at marianLeavin’ boys in the dust Peterson is ready even if it means digitalnetwork. to shoot as a male competetor watches. taking their male wordpress.com

14 • Entertainment

The Network • Sept. 2015

Welcome Dance Wardrobe Winners

Dance all Night Janna Whited ‘17 busts out some of her smooth moves while sporting red, white and blue paint handprints. She also shows off her bro tank purchased from Stubo. photo by mollymiller

Patriotic Posing Class officers Shannon McSweeney ‘18 and Sofy Herrera ‘18 take a break from dancing to pose for a quick picture decked out in face paint and an American flag hat. They were ready to dance in style. photo by mollymiller

Looking Good Guidance counselor, Ms. Kathy Janata chaperones the dance with class while showing off her sass in her red, white and blue.

“I’m all about patriotism,” Janata said. photo by devongottsch

Freshman in style Taylor Hofbauer ‘19 and Maeve Kelly ‘19 both bought boxers from American Eagle and purchased bro tanks. Kelly also sported hand prints and face paint. photo by elsiestormberg

Freshmen, families ties rock school halls anniesoener

L

et’s face it: most parents just DON’T get it!

We, as teens, need our freedom from nosy ‘rents. But what if your parent is a part of your school’s faculty or staff? For five Marian freshmen, this is a reality. And it’s not as terrifying as people make it out to be. In fact, being in the same building as a parent has lots of perks.

No money on a free dress for philanthropy collection day? No problem. If she’s in a pinch, freshman Erica Steiner enjoys the reliability of having her mom work in Student Services. Need a place to eat a quick breakfast before the first bell rings?

Freshman Aidan Remmick has it covered. She and her friends hang out in her mom’s social studies classroom to kill time.

All five of the faculty and staff members agree that sending their daughters to Marian was a no-brainer.

“This is my 21st year at Marian, so I’ve had 20 years of seeing what Marian girls can be,” athletic trainer Melissa Brusnahan said. Her experience with

a freshman daughter at Marian hasn’t been drastically different than past years because she is not a classroom teacher.

Mrs. Mary Steiner said it’s fun to see her freshman daughter around the halls, but adds that it’s important to let Erica do her own thing.

Theology teacher Mr. Kory Delkamiller is a fan of letting his daughters have freedom at school, however, this doesn’t cut embarrassing dad jokes out of the picture. Freshman Lydia jokes around with her dad in the hallways, and Maia is one of her dad’s students in his senior theology class. Mr. Delkamiller said he feels privileged to be able to have encounters with his daughters at school. “It’s not if I embarrass them, it’s when I embarrass them!” Delkamiller said.

Mrs. Anna Kolterman, who is involved in Ministry Council and is a Liturgical Minister, also has two daughters in the building. She said she feels blessed to have junior Juliet and freshman Cecilia at Marian. “The girls are lucky to have each other at Marian for support and mentoring

and I am fortunate to get to see them in their day-to-day.”

Mrs. Kim Remmick echoes similar thoughts.

“It’s fun to see Aiden in the hallway and hear, “Hi Mom,” every now and again.”

Remmick enjoys being in the same building as her daughter, but she adds that Freshman Families Brusnahans, Steiners, Remmicks, Koltermans and balancing what Delkamillers. photo by anniesoener she knows as a teacher and what five freshmen have many advantages. she wants as a parent can be difficult.

Finally someone besides their classAlthough parents can be so embarmates understands the full concept rassing, they really are looking out for of all things Field Day. Most students their daughter’s best interests. Even don’t have this luxury. if your mom checks PowerSchool five The five freshmen who have parents times a day, it’s because she cares. in the building have four years to look Having a parent who is a part of forward to at Marian. Embarrassing Marian’s faculty and staff may seem moments are inevitable, but that’s a terrifying to some girls, but these parent’s job, after all.

Musical men compliment women’s voices, take stage in ‘Rags’ devongottsch

audition for Marian’s most recent productions. Ryan Wortmann, a junior at he musicals and plays of Marian Creighton Prep, has been in Marian have always been impressive to productions ever since eighth grade students, parents, faculty, and even when he started spectators out with a role with no ties in “Children of to Marian.

Eden.”

Many people Wortmann is claim that the especially excited productions about his role in display a wide “Rags.”

He plays range of talBen, a young, ent that is allovable teenager most unheard who falls in love of at the high with a girl named school level.

Bella, played by Even junior Gigi Hausthough man.

Potential Baritone Boys Mitch Henderson, Ryan Marian is “A lot of Prep Wortmann, and Jake White. photos by devonan all-girls gottsch guys do Marischool, every an productions production includes dedicated, talentbecause we love working with the taled young men who contribute a great ented Marian students. I feel natural deal to every show.

Male students from any high school and comfortable around Marian girls, and I wouldn’t feel that way anywhere in Omaha have the opportunity to

T

else. I can’t wait to perform Rags because it’s a new storyline, and this is a Broadway show that is less known but full of surprises and suspense,” Wortmann said.

For another student, this is just the beginning of his theater career at Marian. PJ Mooney, a freshman at Creighton Prep, is excited to begin his journey as part of the “Rags” cast.

Mooney was excited to go into high school because he knew there were great opportunities at Marian waiting for him.

“I wanted to try out because I enjoy theatre, and I saw “The Little Mermaid” which was very impressive. The actors in “The Little Mermaid” put on an amazing performance. Good performances come from good schools,” Mooney said.

Marian’s productions would not have been nearly as successful if it weren’t for the generosity and commitment of high school boys from around the Omaha area. These young

Male Voices Caleb Meyers and Michael Brown warm up before practice.

men continue to amaze audiences with their powerful voices and stellar acting each and every time they perform on the Performing Art Center’s stage.

“Rags,” directed by Mr. Michael McCandless, will take you on a trip back to the turn of the century when men and women, fresh off the immigration boat, were starting their lives in the booming city of Manhattan. With upbeat songs and colorful dance numbers, the cast of “Rags” is sure to impress.

Entertainment • 15

Sept. 2015 • The Network

Q & A with all school read author Laura Rose Wagner Hold Tight Don’t Let Go brings readers to earthquake aftermath in Haiti kathrynbaginski Q: What was your experience in Haiti like, and how did you draw upon that in the book? Is it difficult to write about the earthquake since you experienced it firsthand?

A: I lived in Haiti for around three years, from 2009 to 2012. I went there during a period of relative calm, originally to do research on human rights and household servitude in Port-au-Prince.

In the relatively short time I was there, the country saw an earthquake that killed perhaps hundreds of thousands of people, the displacement of perhaps 1.5 million people, an unprecedented cholera epidemic, and a massive, largely failed attempt by the international community to “save” and “rebuild” the country. That was the big, macro context.

But what I often write about is ordinary life amid all that crisis. From the perspective of someone in the U.S., reading the news, it probably seemed like Haiti was in a constant state of chaos and unrelenting misery, and that all Haitian people are powerless, voiceless victims.

And while the suffering and the injustice are unquestionably real, there were lots of other things going on. People went to school, went to work, tried to find work, raised their families, told jokes, watched soap operas on TV, followed the World Cup, got dressed up and went dancing, read books, fell in love, went to church, checked Facebook on their phones… Ordinary human things. So few foreigners think of everyday life when they think of Haiti.

My personal story, which I’ve written about a bit, is that I was in a house that collapsed in the January 12, 2010 earthquake, and I was buried in the rubble until later that evening, when I was rescued by Haitian friends—Frenel and Bòs John, two men who worked for my landlady. I was injured and evacuated to Miami two days later.

The part of the story I like to emphasize is that in that moment of total disaster— which really, truly felt Biblical, like the end of the world—most ordinary people behaved incredibly decently and heroically.

Marian’s declassified

school survival guide

How to be first in line at Marian Moms:

1. Two minutes before the lunch bell rings, stand by the door and zone everyone out, including your teacher.

Accept any and all disciplinary points. Saturday school will be worth it.

2. When you hear the subtle beep of the bell, book it down to the lunchroom, throwing friend and foe alike out of your path.

3. Now that you’ve made it, make sure your sweat doesn’t drip on the cookies!

How to snapchat your friends without using your iPad:

Most people, including me, were not saved by foreign search-and-rescue teams, but by their families, friends, and neighbors. Of course the standard and frankly racist story that a lot of U.S. news outlets were peddling was about chaos, criminality, and looting rather than the heroism and solidarity of ordinary Haitian people. (continued online) Q: Are there any phrases/words in Haitian Creole that you find particularly beautiful, and do you mind sharing them with me?

A: So many! Haitian Creole is a language full of proverbs, sayings, and metaphors, a lot of which are really beautiful and evocative. I like “both my feet are in a single shoe,” which is sort of like the English “between a rock and a hard place.” I like the word “tchouboum,” which is an abyss, a big dark hole, an intractable problem. I just learned an expression from a Haitian-American friend a few days ago. She was out eating with her mother, in South Florida, and her mom thought the food was only so-so.

“I have to make sure you try good ones sometime, so you don’t see chicken poop and think it’s butter.” Other words, I just like the sound of: “aloufa” (someone who eats everything), “pich-pich” (your eyes are pich-pich when they’re swollen). I could come up with a really long list.

Q: When you first went to live in Haiti, what was the most shocking difference between Haiti and the U.S.?

A: People in Haiti really, really mean it when they say they want you to come to their house and visit. They’re not just being polite. Also, cell phone culture is really different. I’m used to ignoring phone calls if I’m busy, or in a meeting or, say, asleep. That is not the standard in Haiti.

For a lot of people in Haiti, it’s rude not to pick up, no matter what else you might be doing.

Q: It is often easy to forget or ignore that impoverished countries like Haiti have rich and fascinating histories and

Laura Rose Wagner is the author of Hold Tight Don’t Let Go, Marian’s 2015 all school read. She is also a cultural anthropologist and experienced the 2010 earthquake firsthand while doing research in Port-au-Prince. Wagner has returned to Haiti several times since and is currently working on an archive of Haiti’s first independent radio station. photo by laurarosewagner

cultures. What is the one thing you wish everyone knew about Haiti’s history or culture that is often overlooked?

A: I think I’d want people to know that there is nothing natural or inevitable about Haiti’s poverty and suffering. It is the result of very clear patterns of historical exploitation, oppression, colonialism, and interference, and the U.S. and other powerful countries played, and continue to play, a central role in that.

It is easy to look at Haiti and feel pity, but it is intellectually and emotionally harder to understand the processes of power and violence that have made Haiti the way it is today.

And at the same time—and maybe this sounds contradictory—I would want people to know that life in Haiti isn’t only about suffering and poverty. It’s all that stuff I was mentioning earlier. I’d want people in the U.S. to know how funny Haitians are, and the power that humor can have when someone feels powerless in so many other ways. *For the full interview and a link to Wagner’s current project, check out the Marian Network online at https://mariandigitalnetwork.wordpress.com! Follow Wagner on Twitter @TiLauraRose.

15 thoughts from 2015’s WAT: allykmiecik

2.

1.

Oh yeah! I’m totally gonna run this whole thing!

Okay. Yeah. No running. Props to those cross country girls.

3. IHOP. Just do it for the post walk IHOP. 4. Please don’t trip in front of all these cars.

Please don’t trip in front of all these cars.

1. Ask to use the restroom.

2. Locate desired classroom.

5.

3. Peek head in, lock eyes, and smile at friend for 1-10 seconds.

How to get ready for school in five minutes or less:

7.

8.

6.

All the physics girls tryin’ to calculate their displacement during this walk.

Man, my small bladder is NOT my best friend right now.

*Sees journ girl with a camera and laughs to friends while posing for a cute candid photo for a chance to be in The Network* Just keep walking, just keep walking, just keep walking...what do we do?

We walk, walk, walk!

1. DO NOT change out of your uniform before bed— your skirt and shirt make (un)surprisingly comfortable pajamas.

2. Hit “snooze” three to five times in the morning.

Photos of (in order of appearance): Elise Duryea ‘16, Ally Kmiecik ‘16, Anya Lindholm ‘16, Olivia Putnam ‘18 graphic by tessamclaughlin

3. Hide your greasy strands in a messy bun and skip breakfast because, who are we kidding, there’s probably a bake sale anyway.

9. I swear it wasn’t this warm when I left the house this morning.

10. Alright, I am going to ROCK this sweatshirt around the waist look!

11. Who knew a “thon” would take this long to walk?

12. I wonder if Mr. Baker could run a mile in that PacMan costume.

13. I wonder if Mr. Baker could walk a mile...

14. Rock. Rock. Grass. Rock. Sidewalk. Rock. I love this variety.

15. I paid $175 for this workout.

16 • Photo Essay

The Network • Sept. 2015

Welcome Dance 2015 megankeyser he sounds of excited high school students seeped through Marian’s entry doors as students waited to enter the Welcome Dance on Sept. 18. Adorned with patriotic red, white, and blue decor, the school welcomed 408 Marian students,

T

plus guests from other high schools, to celebrate the start of the 2015 school year.

Bass shook the ground as students pre-partied in the back of a pickup truck out front. Girls flashed peace signs for selfies in their flag-striped attire. DJ Hotboy

tested his speaker and started his laser lights. Student Board members readied their BOSS point checklists. All was ready.

At 8 p.m., the front doors were opened and students flooded in. For the next three hours, dance guests cupid shuffled,

cha cha slid, and dougie-ed up some fun memories.

“I had a really fun time dancing with all my friends and meeting people from other schools,” freshman Audrey Laney said.

2

3

4

5

1

6

7

10

8

9

11

12

13

1. Maddie Dushan ‘16, Molly Fisher ‘16, Michaela Moriarty ‘16, Rachael Steier ‘16, Taylor Kniwel (‘16 Westside), Carma Draney ‘16, Ciera Farrens ‘16, Faith Vinton ‘16 & Devon Gottsch ‘16. 2. Riley Miller ‘19 & Ellie Loughran ‘19. 3. Maggie Mullen ‘17, Elle Putnam ‘16, DJ Hotboy & Olivia Putnam ‘17. 4. Tatum Kuti ‘19, Abby Winkelbauer ‘19, Aidan Remmick ‘19, Lashuana Blockwood (‘19 Central), Erica Steiner ‘19, Mia Mixan ‘19, Samantha Tracy ‘19, Cayden Crosby-Wilson ‘19, Leah Ramaekers ‘19, Lily Blake ‘19, Lucy Bazis ‘19. 5. Faith Vinton ‘16. 6. Julia Nulty ‘16 & Sofia Hingorani ‘16. 7. Morgan Stessman ‘16 & Hannah Uhl ‘16. 8. Kayla Gilbride ‘16, Mairin Rochford ‘16 & Abi Birkel ‘16. 9. Cora Ridenour ‘17, Julia Manganaro ‘17 & Sarah McMeen ‘17. 10. Jenna Taylor ‘16 & Noelle Pick ‘16. 11. Maggie Gerards ‘17 & Emma Nelson ‘17. 12. Mary Kubat ‘17 & Brooke Huerter ‘17. 13. Rachael Brich ‘18, Emily Folts ‘18 & Sofy Herrera ‘18.

photos by elsiestormberg, mollymiller, devongottsch, annaslezak & megankeyser