The Network - September 2012 - Marian High School by Marian Student Publications

The Network

Marian High School

7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402-571-2618

www.marianhighschool.net

Volume 57, Issue 2

September 2012

Students deal with Test Anxiety, ADHD, Insomnia and more Indepth pp. 7 & 8

Freshman Liliana Boyle

Peanut Allergies: They’re Nuts!

sydneyrhoades t seemed like an ordinary bag of popcorn and M&Ms, but for freshman Collette Gillaspie, it was a disaster waiting to strike. She had bought the seemingly harmless snack from one of the numerous Walk-A-Thon bake sales. “I thought the M&Ms were regular ones because they are the same size as peanut butter ones.” Little did she know, these were peanut butter M&Ms and for Gillaspie, who is allergic to peanuts, they could seriously harm her.

Walk - A - Thon Photo Essay p. 16 SWC Junior High Dance p. 3

“I ate the popcorn first, and then had some M&Ms. I couldn’t taste the peanut butter because of the salt from the popcorn, so I had a couple more M&Ms. After that, my tongue started feeling itchy and by throat started swelling up,” Gillaspie said. Gillaspie and some friends then went up to the office to call her mom. She said that her stomach started to hurt, her tongue kept feeling itchy, and eventually she threw up everything in her stomach. Although now she is okay,

Gillaspie’s close call brings important issues to light. Gillaspie is not alone. She is among the three million Americans who suffer from peanut allergies. Of these, almost onethird of these suffer from severe allergic reactions. According to medicinenet. com, some common symptoms of allergic reactions to food include itching or swelling in the mouth or throat, or diarrhea, vomiting, and intense stomachaches. See Allergies p. 6

interest challenge p. 15

Senior Spends Semester Abroad p. 7

Speaking Out on ADHD: Sophomore

explains life beyond the acronym

meganwoodruff orty-five minutes of lecture and frantic note taking aren’t exactly a walk in the park. For most students, there are two options: spend the class in full attention-mode and write down every important detail, or spend it drawing an intricate doodle. For sophomore Hannah Goebel, however, sometimes there’s not a choice. Goebel has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) since she was 9. For her, focusing in class takes an extra effort. “When I don’t take my medicine, I feel off-task. I can’t pay attention, and I will spend whole class periods just doodling in my notebook,” Goebel said. According to Mayo Clinic, ADHD is a chronic condition that can involve a variety of conditions including difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Some of the most common symptoms are an inability to focus, frequent fidgeting and trouble with paying attention to detail. Between fourth and fifth grade, Goebel’s parents began to notice a drop in her grades in certain classes. “It especially stood out on standardized testing, most noticeably on reading and reading comprehension,” Mrs. Becca Goebel said. Goebel’s parents consulted teachers about the situation, and a friend who is an educational specialist assisted them with the referral process. The testing took place at Immanuel Hospital and involved a parent interview and a test for Goebel. See ADHD p. 7

Ready for a New Coach? Okay!

nicolamccutcheon n attractive male walking down the halls of Marian rarely goes unnoticed, especially when he is one of Marian’s newest staff members. Mr. John Yenny, an Elite Cheer coach, was hired this year as the new Marian varsity and junior varsity cheerleading coach. “I had been working with the [Marian] girls at Elite for the past couple years, and they suggested me to the administration to be their coach when they were looking for a new one,” Yenny said. See New Coach p. 12

Ready, Set, Lift. Coach Yenny assists freshman Maddie Shely in a new stunt for the 2012-2013 cheerleading season.

[ 2 ] News

The Network [ September ]

Get Involved...

...in the Sign Language Club sydneyrhoades f a Marian girl were to walk into Room 318 on Thursday mornings at 7:20, she would be greeted, not by voices, but by silent hand movements. As one of Marian’s new clubs this year, the Sign Language Club brings a unique opportunity to the students of Marian. The idea for the club blossomed last year, when junior Emma Tuttle was researching colleges that had a sign language program. “In kindergarten, our teacher would teach us little signs like the alphabet, and in

high school I realized that I still had an interest in it and wanted to learn it,” Tuttle said. “Then I was looking at UNO’s webpage and saw Mrs. Delkamiller’s name as the teacher and my sister talked to Mr. Delkamiller who said that his wife would be willing to come and teach.” During the Thursday meetings, girls start by discussing club business and reviewing signs from the previous week. Then, Mrs. Julie Delkamiller, wife of religion teacher Kory Delkamiller, continues teaching new signs.

3 -

...in the Pro-Life Club annamandel girls say they are pro-life, most of them wouldn’t necessarily be against prochoice either,” Wiggs said. Wiggs and Steinauer are trying to make the Marian community to become more aware about abortion issues. “It should be a bigger issue than it seems, especially in an all-girls school,” Steinauer said. The Pro-Life club is having many activities this year to boost the Marian community awareness. Some events include: ProLife Week in October, a Pro-Life Dance that will

be held at Marian, and the 40 Days for Life Campaign where girls pray outside of abortion clinics on Saturday mornings. They are also teaming up with Emergency Pregnancy Services, and will be raising money for mothers in need. Another goal is to go to Washington D.C. in January for the March for Life. Overall, the ProLife Club is excited for the opportunities in this school year to educate the Marian community about the important issue of abortion.

...in the Model UN Club theresakennelly he Model United Nations (UN) is a new club introduced to Marian this year. The club started at the end of the 2011-2012 school year with an informational meeting, but this year the Model UN is in full swing. “The purpose of the club is to get girls interested in world politics and to have fun meeting people from around the country to solve global conflict,” founder junior Addie Curley said. Approximately 30 girls are a part of Model UN. The club will be traveling to conferences throughout the year and are looking at several in Kansas City and at UNO. Meetings for Model UN are held roughly once a month in history teacher Mrs. Kim Remmick’s Room 208.

Curley’s interest in Model UN started when she attended the National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. As Curley met new friends at this conference, she learned that several east and west

Detail Planning. Social studies teacher Mrs. Kim Remmick and junior Addie Curley discuss possible conference options for the upcoming year. photo by theresakennelly

onstration. It was such a great learning experience for me to ride a different discipline, and the Western saddle widened my perspective on riding,” Taylor said. Taylor has been riding horses for eight years. Future plans for the club include going on a group trail ride and watching a dressage demonstration. Dressage is just

one discipline of riding among many. Taylor is excited to lead the Equestrian Club for the rest of the year. “I'm looking forward to watching the club grow this year. I am happy we already have a larger number of Marian girls involved than we did last year, and I know we will have a lot of fun sharing our love of horses,” Taylor said.

Ride On. Junior Paige Taylor poses on trian Center.

...in the Percussion Ensemble

laurentussey alling all music enthusiasts! The newly established Percussion Ensemble is an afterschool group that meets Mondays from 3:15 to 4 p.m. Music teacher Mrs. Rachel Misiolek is the moderator, and practices are held in the instrumental music room (Room 301). The purpose of the club is to encourage girls interested in music (without much musical experience) to play

instruments in a fun, engaging way. Some instruments include the tambourine, bass drum, marimba, toms, congas, hi-hat, and the cymbals. “I love playing the drums and wanted a chance to play percussion with a group,” junior Alexa Horn said. The ensemble may be performing pieces at basketball games or instrumental concerts. Get ready for and thump to the rhythm of the Percussion Ensemble.

photo by laurentussey

he Pro-Life Club is trying to inform the Marian community about how life is precious and should be respected. Nearly 30 girls have been active in the Pro-Life Club. They meet every two weeks in history teacher Mr. David Anderson’s classroom, Room 214. The founders of the club, juniors Liz Wiggs and Carly Steinauer, are excited and ready for this club to become more widely known. “If you look at the numbers, although Marian

sarahtownsend he Equestrian Club is fairly new, and keeps growing due to of the amount of interest Marian girls have in horses. Junior Paige Taylor first had the idea of starting this club after lettering in equestrian through the United States Equestrian Federation in the fall of 2011. She contacted guidance counselor Ms. Kathy Janata indicating her interest in horses, and the Equestrian Club was started soon after. Even an experienced rider can gain many new techniques and knowledge about riding in the Equestrian Club. “My favorite memory from last year was our Western dem-

photo courtesy of Paige Taylor

So far, the girls in the club have learned basic conversation signs, the alphabet, family members, and the Our Father. In addition to meetings every Thursday morning, the club is also planning on having a movie night and going to see a closed-caption movie. They are also hoping to interact with members of the deaf community, possibly at the Iowa School for the Deaf. The Sign Language club is focusing on silencing their ears and mouths while opening their minds to new ways of communication.

to be

Confident

...in the Equestrian Club

Tap it out. Junior Alexa Horn practices her marimba skills. The percussion ensemble meets Mondays after school from

...with Young Politicians

coast high schools had Model UN clubs. When she returned to Omaha, she brought back the idea of creating a similar club at Marian. “I knew Rem [Remmick] had done Model Congress before, so we looked into Model UN,” Curley said. Curley is looking forward to meeting people from other cities at the Model UN conferences and collaborating with them on different world resolutions. At the conferences, each school represents a country and works with other schools on solving resolutions to world issues, but sometimes it is hard to reach a resolution that works for each country. “Not everything is going to work, but it is always a good experience.” Curley said.

lauraatherton

hen junior Maddie Worth arrived at Marian and discovered that the previously known Young Democrats and Young Republican clubs had both come to an end, she took action. “I am very interested in politics,” Worth said. “When I realized the political clubs no longer existed, I decided that I was going to change that.” These two clubs have now fused together to form the Young Politicians of Marian.

Under the supervision of social studies teacher Mrs. Susan Juza, this club discusses the importance of being aware of the different political points-ofview and discovering personal opinions in that spectrum. As a new club this year, the Young Politicians has about 20 members with a variety of different grades. After electing a club President, Vice President, and Secretary, this club will discuss plans for conducting an all-school election on voting day, educating the school

on political issues in an unbiased manner, and much more. Worth encourages everyone to check out the club. “People should join to become aware of what is going on in the world. Being educated in politics is something you will use your whole life,” Worth said. Young Politicians is a club for anyone who’s passionate about politics or interesting in learning more about the upcoming election. Meetings are held Fridays at 7:25 a.m. in Room 313.

[ 2 ] News

The Network [ September ]

Get Involved...

Junior Tori Stuckey demonstrates one of the first phrases the club learned: ‘confident to be me.’ The sign for ‘confident’ starts with your hands on your shoulders (Picture 1). Next bring them out to form fists (Picture 2). In order to sign ‘to be me,’ place your hands palms up and run them from your armpits to your hips. (Picture 3) “I like sign language because it’s so unique and different from other languages,” Stuckey said.

Curley’s interest in Model UN started when she attended the National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. As Curley met new friends at this conference, she learned that several east and west

Detail Planning. Social studies teacher Mrs. Kim Remmick and junior Addie Curley discuss possible conference options for the upcoming year. photo by theresakennelly

Ride On. Junior Paige Taylor poses on her horse, Roy, at the Elkhorn Equestrian Center.

...in the Percussion Ensemble

photo by laurentussey

photo courtesy of Paige Taylor

to be

Confident

...in the Equestrian Club

Tap it out. Junior Alexa Horn practices her marimba skills. The percussion ensemble meets Mondays after school from 3:15-4 p.m.

...with Young Politicians

lauraatherton

The Network [September]

Sophomore Retreat Turns Class Into Team

Servite Mass

emilyjohanek

lass retreats are a time outside of feedback from the sophomore evaluathe classroom walls when a class tions from past years left a lot of room can begin to grow together. The for improvements,” religion teacher Mrs. unity and bonding with fellow classmates Lori Spanbauer, head of Campus Ministry, that occurs while learning more about said. oneself is one of the most rewarding Taking the advice from previous aspect of Marian retreats. Sophomore sophomore classes, changes were made retreat, in the past, was always rewardto make this year’s sophomore retreat ing, but to some, it seemed as though more memorable than the past retreats. something was The need for missing. This upperclass retreat year, Campus leaders was only Ministry decidone of the main ed it was time changes. “The reto take a fresh treat was at Camp approach. Kitaki this year Class unity and the emphasis and teamwork was on teamwork. were the focus The sophomores of Sophomore still did team Retreat this building exercises year. “The sophwith discussions omore retreat within the teams,” is changed and Spanbauer said. Human Foosball. Sophomore Bridget different than On Sept. 17, Mulhall kicks the ball during the game of the past for a the Class of 2015 human foosball against defender sophofew reasons. traveled in buses First, the format more Kailey Bachman. This activity was to the campone of the sophomore’s favorites and indidn’t have grounds for an cluded ropes covered in tubes where the enough time to unforgettable day girls had to try to kick the ball in the goal. prepare early of bonding. The Photo courtesy of Bailey Nihsen in the year. The class was split

News [ 3 ]

into four different groups as they headed out for a day full of fun and games. “My favorite part of the retreat was the human foosball. There were ropes with PVC pipes on the top of them and you had to hold on to the pipes and kick the ball in the goal,” sophomore Brooklynn Venteicher said. Although it was a cold, rainy day, the sophomores endured the weather and enjoyed the outdoor activities. “We walked on wires which was the low ropes course. The goal was to not fall off and you had to stay connected to two things at once, such as another hand or the post,” Venteicher said. These activities were designed not only for the entertainment, but also to work on teamwork and bonds among the class. Sophomore Emma Mancuso said that the retreat allowed her to feel closer to her class. “We had a bonding time where there was lots of questions about what we liked and interesting facts about yourself. This gave me confidence and I learned more about my classmates,” Mancuso said. Overall, the Sophomores Class of 2015 agreed that the retreat was a success. “Not only did we get a day off of school, but the groups were mixed really well so I got closer to a lot of new people,” Venteicher said.

Celebrating the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary with the Servants of Mary

photo by theresakennelly

On Thursday, Sept. 13, Marian gathered for an all-school Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Servants of Mary, who founded the school. The Servites were escorted down the aisle by student members of the Espirit de Corps committee and given a white carnation. After the Mass the Servites all signed and blessed one of the beams that will go in the new performing arts center.

Choir Raises Funds, Increases Volume with Middle Schoolers erinmcquillan t was like the floodgates opening. Some students had been waiting nervously outside the doors for 20 minutes or more. Parents were anxiously hanging out in the parking lot worried about their babies entering a high school a few years before they were truly ready. At 7 p.m. the middle-schoolers flooded in. They ran to the table and handed their $5 to the choir girls collecting money and ran inside. They found their friends, screamed a little and gave awkward hugs with the classmates they had been with all week in school and walked into the gym to join hundreds of other kids, to dance the night away.

“I knew it was going to be a good turnout because all the kids came early. It was funny because they came in wearing khakis and polos,” junior Roni Perez said. On Sept. 15, the Select Women’s Choir (SWC) hosted a dance for seventh and eighth graders. While preparing for this event, the SWC girls printed flyers, drawn by Roni Perez, and mailed them to hundreds of middle-school girls across Omaha. SWC girls folded, tabbed, stamped, and helped mail all the flyers. The girls had assumed the boys would learn by word of mouth, and they were right to make that assumption. They bought decorations,

made t-shirts for all the choir girls to wear to be uniform, even chose a tie-dye theme. A DJ was hired from Complete Music, as well as three police officers to help control traffic and kids, inside and outside. Everything ran smoothly. “It took them awhile to get into the dance, but they did after a while,” sophomore Annabelle McDonald said. The dance brought in about $3,500. After expenses, about $2,500 will go toward the SWC trip to Chicago for competition in the spring. “It was definitely worth it. It raised a lot for the choir in a fun, creative way,” McDonald said.

Everybody Dance Now. 8th graders dance the night away at the SWC dance on Sept. 15 in the west gym. photo by eileenbaca

Common Dress Code

Now that school is back in session, it is time to recall the uniform rules to prevent unneccessary points. Here is a list of frequently violated rules and the number of points that have been issued to Marian girls thus far. Just a friendly reminder from the Network!

Skirt or skort must be no shorter than 3” above the knee.

tHE NUMBER OF POINTS issued so far for skirt length violations

The following are not allowed: garments tied around neck or waist, coats or non-uniform sweatshirts, body piercings, and unnatural hair colors.

Black or grey socks or black or grey tights must be worn.

points issued for hair color, sweaters around the neck, and sweatshirt violations

points issued for various sock violations

graphic by mariacorpuz source: Student Advisory Department

mistakes

[ 4 ] Opinion

jessicamizaur

Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: Unidentified Friends Online

’ll set the scene: you’re sitting in your room studying for a Rem test, awaiting a response from that total stud muffin Prep boy you met at the game last Friday. Your text ringtone sounds. You open your phone. And.. and.. What’s this? No, not stud muffin Prep boy, but instead a text from an unknown number. “Hey, who’s this?”–a harmless question in itself. You respond with your identity, asking the sender for his or hers in return. “Idk.” What? Excuse me? Of course you know. A response like that just doesn’t make any sense. In my experiences, these conversations go absolutely nowhere and the person behind the mystery number is never discovered. I imagine the people who engage in this bizarre behavior are the same kids who used to be on the initiating end of those random AIM conversations in grade school. What do you mean “whoz dis??” bballplaya56? I should be asking you where you got my screen name from. (Most likely you got it from your best friend’s cousin’s soccer teammate’s neighbor’s buddy list because you heard I was kinda cute and that I have an impressive Pokemon card collection, I understand.) For those of you who may have not been on The Internet circa 2005, just think of those creepy guys whose Facebook friend requests are always paired with a message that goes something along the lines of “hey do i kno u”. No, no you do not, dude with 50 mirror pics. People don’t just miraculously appear onto friend lists and into phone books, so don’t play dumb. You obtained my number/screen name/ Facebook profile from somewhere or someone. I will never understand the logic behind this method of... I’m not even sure what to call it because I don’t understand what the sender is trying to do. Start a conversation? Meet new people? I’m not opposed to meeting new people. In fact, I love meeting new people. But if you don’t even tell me who you are, I’m not exactly sure how this friendship is supposed to blossom. It’s a simple question with a simple answer, so don’t make me play guessing games... especially if you still want to see my Pokemon card collection.

Parking Lot Predicaments

Mizaur Musings

The Network [ September ]

The Cream of the Crop nicolamccutcheon

want to major in chemistry when I go to college. I know. Scary, right? Thinking back to when I was a freshman, I never, ever, EVER, in a million years, would have guessed that chemistry would be what I want to strive towards as a career for the rest of my life. Science was scary, boring, and difficult . . . until I walked into Mr. Hacker’s Honors Chemistry class sophomore year. I completely credit Mr. Hacker with changing my entire opinion about science; he was the impetus behind my decision to further pursue chemistry as a major in college and as a career in my adult life. Without him, I would never have applied to colleges and universities I am applying to, ones where I will end up spending the next four years of my life. But that’s what the teachers at Marian have the power to do: inspire you, influence you, and change your life. It is a proven fact that our teachers are wonderful; just take literature teacher Ms. Cavel for an example. The famous Connie Cavel was recently recognized as an Archdiocesan Secondary Educator of the Year for her service, dedication, and professionalism in 41 years of teaching at Marian. Ms. Cavel was one of eight teachers and administrators in our entire Archdiocese to receive this award in 2012, and that, in itself, is saying something. Other Marian teachers have also received this prestigious award, including social studies teacher Mr. Tom Baker in

All teachers deserve recognition

2004 and math teacher Mrs. Mary Baker in 1994. I doubt many other schools can boast that many outstanding and recognized teachers as a part of its staff. The Marian Board is definitely doing something right when it comes to hiring new teachers and keeping the many first class teachers they currently have. I find it ridiculous for the Archdiocese of Omaha to have awarded only one Marian teacher with the Teacher of the Year Award this year. In my opinion, the majority of the teachers we have deserves an award. Where would we all be without Mr. Baker teaching us the fundamentals of our society and the fact that government is life?! Blindly voting for the next leaders of our country, that’s where. Where would we all be with Mrs. Baker pushing us to the limits in calculus? (pun intended) Where would we all be if we didn’t have Mr. Bruce Esser giving us life lessons every now and then during Physics? Probably running around with Ned, and definitely not empowered by the innovation and pure logic of his ideas regarding the future of technology, education, and quantum physics. Where would we all be if we didn’t have Sra. Cassie Craig singing verb conjugation songs with us and teaching us chapters and chapters of Spanish vocab?! I know I would be still saying that I was excitado, which apparently means amorous, instead of emocionado, which actually means excited. Had Señora not caught

this flaw early in my Spanish-speaking career, I might have gone on the Spain trip this spring break and told someone that I was excitado to be in Spain, causing an insufferable amount of embarrassment and awkwardness for both me, and my Spanish-speaking compadre. I attribute many things to the teachers I have had the privilege of being taught by over the years. Ms. Susie Sisson introduced me to my love of American novelist, Willa Cather, and Mr. Roger Wright indoctrinated in me the importance of not falling behind the train when it comes to PreCalc. I am even thankful for the teachers I have unfortunately never had the pleasure of being taught by, simply because of the influence they have had on my classmates’ lives. Religion teacher Ms. Kathy Tocco has changed many of her students’ lives with her gift of teaching and promoting social justice and Catholic values in her classes. These and many, many more teachers have made numerous unforgettable reverberations in my life. These teachers have impacted and shaped our lives in ways we could never have foreseen. Without them, we wouldn’t have the opportunities to grow exponentially in our knowledge, experience, and confidence over the four short years we each have at Marian. In my book, we, the students of Marian, have the cream of the crop when it comes to educators. Many of our superlative teachers are deserving of the Teacher of the Year award.

How do you think Marian could increase attendance to dances? Write in suggestions to our staff!

Marian Dance or Bust: Attendance Rate Diminishes Return

gabbymaenner arian dances have received a bad rap in the last few years and have been losing attendees left and right. What students sometimes fail to realize is that the money raised at Marian dances goes towards the National and Nebraska Association Student Council’s fees as well as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Without the dances, Marian wouldn’t have an amazing Surprise Day or the Dum Dums and Smarties that Student Board (StuBo) provided us at the beginning of the year.

Only 290 people attended the Welcome Dance this year, whereas 585 people did last year. Some girls said they would have attended the dance if it was held outside in the Sophomore Parking Lot like it was three years ago, but holding Welcome Dance outside is more expensive, and there wasn’t enough profit to keep supporting it. The stage alone cost $1,000 plus extra security. They also no longer sell t-shirts for Welcome Dance due to lack of profits they hoped to bring in. At $5 a head, at least 140 girls would have had to attend in order for the ini-

tial costs of the dance to be covered. A DJ usually runs $350, security $300, and StuBo likes to give the teacher chaperones gift cards because they don’t get paid to supervise. Thank goodness the dance at least paid for itself this year. But, think what could happen if attendance were boosted. More girls should attend Marian dances because the money goes back to help the school and support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year’s 2012 Spring Fling only had 40-50 people in attendance the whole night, and Marian lost a lot of money by

hosting it. It wasn’t worth it. More girls need to attend our dances. I know many Marian girls attend Prep dances, so why not bring your guy friends back to our dances and help benefit a school that already does so much for you? Despite all the ridiculous stories, Marian dances are whatever you make of them. So make your experience worth it and make it worth the time of those organizing it. We typically don’t even need to have an organized dance to have a Dance Party. So why not capture that spirit more often and just show up?

How do you think Marian could increase attendance to dances? Write in your suggestions to our staff!

The Network [ September ]

Opinion [ 5 ]

The Right to Write. . . On my hands alipaasch

Recesslessness: High School Students Demand Recess Back

ote to self: Don’t forget the lit test notes wash off, but that’s okay because Monday, sociology quiz tomorat end of the day, I don’t need them row, and the meeting with my anymore! counselor. How can I ever remember evFor example, if you need to give your erything in my daily 17-year-old life? Oh dog a bath, or go over to your grandthat’s right, all I need is a pen (or Sharpma’s house, how else are you going to ie) and my trusty hand! remember? Are you actually That’s right, I am one of The most going to write in your agenda “meet with grandma Wednesthe proud users of skin as important day” and put a 9-by-7 inch an assignment notebook. While the given Marian things that assignment notebook in your purse? No. And what if you lose agenda is great and I use it are at the your assignment notebook? on a daily basis for every class, the most important top of my list Then what? Poor grandma will be sitting at her house all alone things that are at the top of end up on because someone forgot to go my list end up on the front and back of my left hand. the front and visit her! Why risk losing your agenda, and basically your life? Some people think back of my What are the chances of loswriting on your hand is ing your hand? Slim to none. By “inappropriate” or “unleft hand. looking at my hand throughout clean”, but I think writing on your hand is one of the the day, I’ll never forget if I have something to do in a later block, wheremost efficient ways to remember things, as I generally do not pull out my agenda especially if they are out of the ordinary. in every class. If you are a nonbeliever One might say it “washes off easily” but of writing on your skin, ask yourself, why? I’m here to tell you differently. Sharpie There are many positives of using your stays on my hand after multiple bathroom hand as an agenda. If you’re a victim of runs. By the time I get in the shower, the

“

memory loss, think about writing things down in a place where you will actually remember to look.

Ink Smudges Not Welcome marieroubidoux

use paper to remind me of my daily toou’re sitting at church, holding do’s. Paper and pen go hand in hand (no hands with your neighbor and pun intended), which is why pen actually praying the Our Father. After it stays on paper. Does pen stay on your concludes, you drop your hands, wipe sweaty skin? No. your clammy palms on your uniform I just don’t understand what’s so hard skirt and look down to see they have about pulling out a notebook mysteriously turned 50 shades of pen. You If you write to jot down your thoughts or you need to do. If you sneak a peek over at something things write something on your hand, your neighbor and the mystery has been on your hand it’s bound to disappear after you your hands or shower and solved: You’ve been a it’s bound to wash you have no choice but to write it victim of TPT (Temporary Pen Tattoo). disappear again...and again...and again. But what happens if you forget to reWhy. Why do people after you write your message on your skin? feel the need to use their skin as a memo board? wash your Then you’ve wasted your ink and your time writing a message that Do they get some kind hands or got washed away and now you’re of excitement in giving stuck with half credit in math themselves a pen tattoo shower. because you forgot to do your that boasts the message assignment. Ha. Assignment notebook of “WAT $$$” or “Don’t 4GET MATH wins again. HW!!” Personally, I’d rather keep my If you have writing on your skin, don’t hands the nice flesh color they usually hold my hand or I’ll probably have to take are without a smudged blue tint, and you on a short field trip to the bathroom sinks. Just pull out a notebook and save your skin the distress. If you want to go green, you can even put a memo in your room” because it will also be home cellular device because, let’s face it, you to the students who play stringed inknow your cell phone like the back of struments, percussion and the handyour hand (pun actually intended there). bells, as well as those in the band. There’s so many different things you can We apologize for this oversight do instead of writing all over your skin. and agree that all students who share I’ll take my clean hands over your Picasso their musical talents at Marian dehand-art any day. serve to be acknowledged.

“

Correction/Clarification

In the August issue, The Network staff reported that the new Performing Arts Center was going to have a “band room” in addition to many other amenities. It was brought to The Network’s attention that this room is better called the “instrumental music

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 the opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community. Students, faculty, and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. All letters must be typed, signed, and sent to: The Network, Marian High School 7400 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 Or e-mailed to us at: netpaper@omahamarian.org Follow us! An electronic version of this paper can be found at: Visit our website: Twitter: @MHSbeat www.omahamarian.org/netpaper http://www.omahamarian.org/netpaper Instagram: @thenetworkstaff

y fingers tap the desk maniacally. My feet look like they are trying to smash a colony of ants. My mind begins to think of kittens and Harry Potter instead of Spanish verb conjugations. I am restless. I NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS DESK. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I see my fellow classmates doodling in Lex Go the margins alexisvinton of their PreCalculus notebooks and checking the clock every 30 seconds. This feeling of restlessness is not our fault. No one likes to sit still for strenuous amounts of time. If only there was a way for us to spend all of our energy. Wait, what ever happened to recess? That’s right. That time when students are let free and are able to drop kick a basketball as far as they desire. Or when students are free to eat grass as they please. (Confession: I was that kid who ate grass during recess. People even brought me ranch dressing to dip the grass in. Would I make this up?) If Marian reintroduced the recess that we enjoyed as children, I guarantee that students would be more focused. According to school officials*, the reason that we don’t currently have recess is because the faculty is worried that recess could turn into some crossbreed of Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games. Marian isn’t the only school suffering recesslessness. High schools across America choose to have boring classes all day instead of taking a short break for recess. I know I represent all students when I state that, given the choice between taking notes and eating grass, I will always choose the latter. I dare you to look me straight in the eyes and tell me that recess is a bad idea. It can’t be done. Recess is better than being locked in a room full of baby polar bears. I’m calling for a revolution. Let’s take our jittery energy and play together in solidarity. Let’s throw down our books and demand recess back. We will not be truly free until we are free to play outside as we please. Until then, we will be confined to desks and uncomfortable classrooms. But don’t lose hope- recess is just a dodgeball throw away. *I did not actually consult faculty or administration. I did, however, imagine myself having a conversation with them.

Managing Editors: laurentussey & meganwoodruff Copy Editors: nicolamccutcheon & poornaramasubramanian Photo Editor: sarahreynolds Front Page/Graphics Editor: sydneyrhoades Online/Convergence Editor: jessicamizaur News Editors: rachelrensch & sarahtownsend Opinion Editors: eileenbaca & megandennis Feature Editors: gabbymaenner, annamandel, erinmcquillan & annapope Sports Editors: emilyjohanek & haleysnyder InDepth Editors: lauraatherton & alipaasch Entertainment Editors: bizzyboulay & theresakennelly Photo Essay Editor: mariacorpuz Columnists: jessicamizaur & alexisvinton Reporters/Photographers: whitneyhayes & marieroubidoux Adviser: mrs.marshakalkowski

[ 6 ] Features

The Network [ September ]

Allergies: Freshman discusses allergy dangers Continued from p. 1

With the most severe forms of allergic Restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse reactions, the victim begins to go into and Five Guys have peanuts for people anaphylactic shock. During this, the to eat placed on the tables and strewn on body releases histamine, the floor. “My family doesn’t eat out which leads to swelling, a lot, especially at places like Hu difficulty breathing, Hot where they use peanut oils heart problems, for lots of things,” Gillaspie circulation issaid. sues, and even Traces of peanuts exdeath. There ist in all kinds of things, is no way to including egg rolls, salad prevent these dressings, candy bars, severe sympvegetarian products, toms from ocmarinades, and certain curring; treatment specialty pizzas. Gillaspie can be administered also has problems with only after someone peanuts on airplanes. has eaten the food. If “The smell of peanuts someone is going into is sometimes too anaphylactic shock, overwhelming. they have to use a Like on airshot of epinephplanes when rine (adrenaline), they hand out which counteracts little packets of the affects of the peanuts, I get histamine. bad headaches Most people because it’s so who have such overwhelming in strong reactions to a compact space.” things, such as peaIn addition to nuts, often carry airplanes, around a shot of classrooms are *Taken from a survey of 257 students. epinephrine with also a comthem or an Epi pact space. Pen for short. However, Gillaspie didn’t Therefore, Gillaspie would appreciate it if know where her Epi Pen was, so when people wouldn’t eat snacks that have nuts her swelling continued, she had to go to in the classroom. the hospital where they gave her a shot of The most important thing that Gilepinephrine. laspie wants to stress is that if someone Gillaspie says that she is mad at hereats peanuts or peanut butter, make sure self for not being more careful about the they wash their hands. This can prevent foods she eats. However, it’s important peanut traces from being transferred to that students who have severe allergies someone who is allergic. be able to enjoy Marian Moms and bake Overall, the Marian community can sales without constantly worrying about become more aware. If someone brings what is in their food. Gillaspie suggests something to the bake sale that has nuts that Marian have peanut-free tables at in it, put a note on it. bake sales. “I would like that, if there was If someone is eating something that a different section and I wouldn’t be wor- has nuts in it, make sure it won’t bother ried and I would just be like ‘Oh, this is anyone in the room and that they wash okay to eat,’” Gillaspie said. It is not just their hands when they are done. All these the Marian community where students changes are small, but it could have a big have to be concerned about allergies. impact on someone’s life.

of Marian girls are allergic to peanuts*

Reaching New Heights. Junior Elena Lisko scaled the side of the Woodman Building on Saturday, Sept. 22.

“I didn’t feel scared at all!” junior Elena Lisko said.

Lisko raised $1,000 in order to participate in the climb. All funds went to the Boys Scouts’ Mid-America Council. Over the Edge USA organized the fundraiser.

photo reprinted with permission from James R. Burnett/ The World Herald

Emergency Response Team to the Rescue

poornaramasubramanian mergency Response Team to the cafeteria, please, Emergency Response Team to the cafeteria.” Marian girls have all heard this over the intercom at one point or another. But who is the Emergency Response Team, and just exactly what do they do? The Emergency Response Team consists of the following staff: athletic trainer Mrs. Melissa Brusnahan, Assistant Principal Ms. Kathy Tompkins, Student Success Coordinator Ms. Jen Christen, Dean of Discipline Ms. Ronda Motykowski, science teacher Mrs. Kristine Calhoun, and english teacher Ms. Susie Sisson. Whenever there is an emergency in the building, these staff volunteers are summoned and take care of the situation promptly. While other schools may have a fulltime school nurse, Marian has a certified nurse who is only in the building on Thursdays. Since emergencies can not be scheduled for certain times, it made sense for a team to be on hand. “There was a need for an organized approach to address emergencies. If anything happened, we wanted a designated staff to be there to handle it,” Sisson said. Members have to undergo different

“E

training procedures before they are ready to “go out in the field.” They are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, response to asthma attacks and other respiratory problems, the use of the EpiPen and nebulizer, and response to shock. Brusnahan is a certified CPR instructor and trains the team in this area. In addition, members are also trained in first response, such as calling 911 or a rescue squad. Although Marian is fortunate to have a properly-trained Emergency Response Team that is ready to spring into action, accidents can be avoided and Marian can become a safer environment if a few small precautions are taken. “If a girl knows she has a medical condition, she should monitor her behavior and know what to do in an emergency. Everyone else should pay attention to their surroundings,” Sisson said. While Marian girls can do their best to keep themselves healthy and safe, in a school the size of Marian, accidents do happen. It is beneficial that the Emergency Response Team is on hand to step in should anything go awry.

Suggested Emergency Reactions Fainting: -Call 911 or your local emergency number. -Check for breathing and injuries. -Elevate the legs up to a foot off the ground. -Loosen any restrictive clothing. -Do not give the person anything to eat or drink. Heat Stroke and Exhaustion -Immediately rest in a cool, shaded place -Stay hydrated with water or other uncaffeinated drinks -Apply cool, wet cloths or water mist while fanning the person. Sprain: RICE Rest the injured area Ice Compress the area with an elastic bandage gently. Elevate the injury

The Network [ September ]

Features [ 7 ]

Senior Expands Horizons Overseas annapope

“M

oving to Africa?!” Imagine the fret senior Megan Nath had as her parents relayed news of their near future. Nath was terrified, knowing her life was about to be turned upside down. During her junior year at Marian, Nath’s father, Ravi Nath, accepted a scholar position in the capital Windhoek, Namibia which required their family of four to pick up their lives in Omaha and relocate to Africa for seven months. Nath’s move is even more extraordinary because it was not her first time on the continent. In sixth grade, her family traveled to Africa for a four week vacation, not knowing that they would later call it their home for an extended period of time. Before leaving, Nath said she was scared to leave her friends, family and all of the luxuries that came with living in

America. After returning to the states, though, she was ecstatic about all of the opportunities and experiences they were able to engage in. She could not wait to share her stories with her friends and extended family. Every day, Nath attended school and dedicated her free time to Magemeno Home for Orphans where she taught and played with Namibian children. She also volunteered at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals which relates to the Humane Society in America. Nath was presented with the Goodwill Ambassador award from her school. During Nath’s time in Africa she went cage diving with sharks in Cape Town, got up close and touched cheetahs, and even adopted a puppy lab named Zeus that she brought back to America. “Everything in Africa was different, but where I stayed, I felt pretty comfortable because there was a lot of other Americans,” Nath said. Nath attended Windhoek International School where she met many other students who were children of African ambassadors and other Americans. “Everyone I met was so open-minded and fun; they reInto the Wild. Nath and her brother, Cameron, pet a cheeally made me feel tah at Harnas, a place for injured and orphaned animals. right at home,” photo courtesy of Megan Nath Nath said. On the

Getting Involved. Nath poses with some of the children she met while volunteering at Magemeno Home for Orphans on her last day in Namibia. She volunteered there for the seven months she lived in Africa. photo courtesy of Megan Nath weekends, Nath and her new friends went to teen clubs and other parties. Although she was excited to return home, Nath never became too homesick because her aunt, cousin, and one of her friends visited during the long seven months. Unable to use her phone, Nath stayed moderetly connected to her friends back home by using Facebook chat and staying updated on Twitter. Not only did Africa prepare Nath for her future in a social aspect but also in an educational way. The classes Nath took in Namibia compared to Marian. She pulled

ahead and took classes more demanding classes than her course load she was taking before leaving. Among many other advantages of living in Namibia, Nath is now able to put high school study abroad on her college applications and has one interesting story to write about. For Nath, the move turned out to be a win-win situation which exceeded her expectations. She brought so many new things to America and hopes to return to Africa sometime in the future. “I wouldn’t have traded it for the world,” Nath said.

And That’s The Way the Cookie Crumbles haleysnyder

photos by haleysnyder

The method behind the magic : 1

1) Step one: Locate the Otis Spunkmeyer box of frozen cookie dough.

2) Step two: Scrape the pan of leftover cookie crumbs from the day before.

3) Step three: Open the box and place the cookie dough on the pan in neat, 5 x 8, organized rows.

Step four: Once there are five trays loaded of cookie dough that are ready to go, he places the trays in one by one into the oven preheated to 325 degrees. “The cookies are in the oven for 7 to 8 minutes. We bake them for the correct amount of time so that no girls get sick,” Eoriatti said.

5) Step five: Time’s up! Freshly baked cookies are ready to be served with a smile! “I pull them (the cookies) out of the oven and let them sit for extra softness!” Eoriatti said.

ne of the most debated questions in the daily life of a Marian girl: Should I get cookies today, or not? We can all relate. It is a constant battle between trying to maintain that cookie-free figure and stuffing all three cookies in my mouth at once. Tim Eoriatti and his partner Bill Agnew are proud owners of three Blimpie stores along with serving as Marian’s main lunch men. Eoritti is also an afternoon part of the maintenance staff. He has been striving to supply the best hot lunch cookies since 1997. “I just want to find a cookie that all the girls love,” Eoriatti said. Last year, Eoriatti wanted to test out a new brand of cookie. After much thought, he decided to order a bunch of boxes of the new brand, assembled them anxiously, and waited to see what the Marian student body had to say. Obviously, it wasn’t long before girls started to notice that their beloved cookies were replaced with new ones. “The expensive cookies were tried last year, but girls kept asking ‘Where did the old cookies go?’” Eoriatti said. He knew from that point on that the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies were here to stay. Otis Spunkmeyer cookies are the Mar-

“

ian girls’ dearly loved “old cookies”. These cookies are the brand that are delivered to Marian for Eoriatti to bake for lunch everyday. Otis Spunkmeyer has granted Marian girls the honor of experiencing taste bud heaven five days a week, both lunches. However, Tim Eoriatti is the one who has mastered how the preparation the delicious cookies. “I bake by the steps, you have to bake them [the cookies] to a certain specification,” Eoriatti said. Over the years, he has specialized in the soft, gooey center that we all know, anticipate and savor. “I always bake them the same way because I know the girls don’t want me to change it,” Eoriatti said. Lizzy Van Dyke, sophomore, is a cookie lover herself. “The cookies are so fresh and really not that big.” Van Dyke said. “They are my favorite cookies.” Marian girls are not the only ones who adore the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. “I have been known to pop a frozen cookie dough pod into my mouth when no one is looking!” Eoriatti said. Most Marian girls can confirm this statement: Tim Eoriatti is an expert at brightening someone’s day that comes within smelling distance of the to-die-for, wonderfully-concocted cookies.

I always bake them the same way because I know the girls don’t want me to change it. Lunch Man Tim Eoriatti

”

InDepth [ 4 ]

losing

ADHD: Student affected in and out of classroom Continued from page 1

“The most common symptoms I’ve seen in high school students are difficulty with concentration and focus and a tendancy to be easily distracted,” Dr. Sheilah Snyder, Marian alumn and professor of pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said. Once diagnosed, most ADHD patients are put on some type of medication. One of the most common of these is Adderall, which is a stimulant. Adderall and medications similar to it work to increase a user’s focus. “Hannah does seem to be more focused when on her medication. However, as with any medication there are side effects like sleeplessness, loss of appetite or agitation. We have had to change medicines over time because one stops working for one reason or another and that can be very unsettling and frustrating,” Mrs. Goebel said. Although these medications are effective, companies have recently been trying to produce more non-stimulant medications for ADHD because stimulant medications can be abused. Likewise, a behavioral approach to treating ADHD can also be used, but usually in combination with some sort of medication. “One point that we would like to emphasis is that with children that have ADHD you must develop particular learning strategies that work for them. We have worked very hard to develop new techniques for Hannah, like using an iPad and quizlet.com for note-taking,” Mrs. Goebel said. ADHD and its treatment have been known to make a difference in study habits, but they can also become

a factor in other activities. For Goebel, a member of Select Women’s Choir and a cast member in the upcoming musical, Children of Eden, ADHD affects her vocal performances. “When I’m on my medicine, I feel more anxiety on stage. I feel like my voice quivers and that there is more pressure to get my notes right. I just don’t want to mess up or get anything wrong,” Goebel said. Likewise, ADHD can take a toll on personal relationships. Although Goebel is very open about her ADHD with her friends, she still believes it can sometimes affect her social life. “When I take my medicine I’m not always myself, so socializing can become difficult. Sometimes I think to myself that if I didn’t have this [ADHD] my friends might treat me differently or that I would act differently,” Goebel said. On weekends, Goebel usually doesn’t take her medicine because she feels more like herself. ADHD diagnosis has risen in recent years, but Snyder believes that this is more a reflection of the better methods available for identifying ADHD than it is a true rise in the condition. “We are recognizing it [ADHD] more than we used to. There were probably lots and lots of kids in my parent’s generation that had ADHD but were never diagnosed with it,” Snyder said. Snyder also noted that diagnosing teenagers with ADHD can be slightly difficult because there are other comorbid factors that could be contributing to an individual’s behavior, such as depression and bipolar disorder. “If

a person is diagnosed with one of these conditions, it may get in the way of the diagnosis of another,” Snyder said. According to the nurse’s records, four percent of Marian students have been diagnosed with ADHD. According to a Google survey taken by 257 Marian students, 15 percent think that they may have it. Despite the fact that it is becoming more common, Goebel believes that the term ADHD should not be used casually. “I really wish people who don’t have ADHD would not claim to have it. I don’t like when others use it as an excuse for not being able to pay attention,” Goebel said. Goebel said she wants others to understand the implications of an ADHD diagnosis and how the medicine can affect behavior. Likewise, Snyder hopes that people will be more open about ADHD and will seek treatment for it when it is necessary. “I think there’s a stigma attached to ADHD where people don’t want to admit they have it or their parents don’t want to admit that their children have it. It’s important that they talk about it because students can learn better and do better in school if they are diagnosed,” Snyder said. “If ADHD is ignored, the student is the one who suffers.”

Nodding Off

Students suffer from sleep deprivation poornaramasubramanian & bizzyboulay

t is a well-known fact of life that children dread bedtime. For a child, the worst part of the day is bedtime, and everyone is guilty of doing anything possible to stay up for another half hour. For those in high school, however, that viewpoint has changed drastically. In the September Network Survey, 58 percent of the 257 respondents said they did not get enough sleep during the week. Having extracurriculars on top of schoolwork can lengthen the day significantly for students. This causes students go to bed later and, consequently, get less sleep. A 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics report suggests that, for teens, too much work and too little play can actually backfire down the road. “[Going to bed late] definitely doesn’t have a positive impact on my grades. The first two or three blocks of the day are very long and I often struggle to stay awake. My notes tend to be pretty difficult to read because I keep dozing off,” senior Jenna Denker said. Denker routinely goes to bed around 1 or 2 a.m. Although schoolwork is one of the primary reasons that many Marian girls stay up late, it is not the only one. Another factor is insomnia, a sleeping disorder that can make it hard for a person to fall asleep, or stay asleep, ac-

cording to the Mayo Clinic. Sophomore Katie Siwa was diagnosed with insomnia at age 11. “I usually fall asleep an hour or two after I lie down. On the days I have insomnia, I usually don’t sleep at all, or I end up waking up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep, so I just stay up until it’s time to go to school,” Siwa said. Insomnia can lead to negative effects such as irritability, depression, anxiety, difficulty paying attention or focusing on tasks, increased errors or accidents, and tension headaches. “Usually, it does affect me, but I try not to let it get to me because I know that I have a lot to do, so I just shake it off,” Siwa said. Insufficient sleep has become an epidemic that affects not only teens, but also children and adults. Multiple credible sources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Sleep Foundation suggest that teenagers need nineand-a-quarter hours of sleep every night. While sacrificing sleep for better grades might seem justifiable, it is also important to keep in mind that sleep is a biological need for human beings. “Sleep is so important for your body and health, because if you don’t have the rest you need, it is difficult to function the next day,” Siwa Taken from a survey of 256 students. said.

InDepth [ 5 ]

Students illegally use ADHD and ADD medication on standardized tests alexisvinton

ecently, there have been whispers about high school students illegally taking ADHD and ADD medicine during the ACT and the SAT. That is, students without a medically diagnosed attention deficit disorder are taking drugs designed for students who have trouble focusing. This is the subject that no one seems to know anything about. It is underground, illegal, and very well-hidden. Many students know things, but they keep all information carefully concealed from adults, doctors, teachers, and counselors. Adderall and Ritalin are two of the most common drugs prescribed for ADHD and ADD. These two drugs

are not like most medication. According to a November 2011 article by Susan Watts in the New Scientist, Adderall works to enhance the memory and cognition of everyone. Designed to aid people who are behind, if taken by someone who learns at a normal pace, Adderall and other ADHD/ ADD medicine will increase a student’s focus to an unprecedented, borderline dangerous level. According to a January 2012 article in The New York Times “Ritalin Gone Wrong” by L. Alan Sroufe, “Stimulants generally have the same effects for all children and adults. They enhance the ability to concentrate, especially on tasks that are not inherently interesting or when one is fatigued or bored, but they don’t improve broader learning abilities. . . . To date, no study has found any long-term benefit of attention-deficit medication on academic performance, peer relationships or behavior problems, the very things we would most want to improve.” Upon talking to multiple school counselors and a nurse, it became clear that most people, even professionals, have no idea that this illegal drug usage is happening. Both the ACT contact number and the BoysTown National Hotline refused to comment and insisted that they had no information on this topic. The only ones who seem to know anything about this illegal ADHD/ ADD drug use are the students.

Junior Maria Mathey, who was willing to go on record to speak about this subject, heard about this problem a few years ago. “My older brother has it [ADHD] so I heard about this happening. A lot of people wanted it [the medicine],” Mathey said. “I’ve been asked by a handful of people if they could buy it from me because they knew I had access. But I would never take it from my brothers who need it.” Buying ADD/ADHD medicine is a trend among high school and college students alike. According to the June 2012 article by Alan Schwarz titled “Risky Rise of the Good-Grade Pill,” students can make hundreds of dollars or more a week selling Adderall or Ritalin to other students for $5 to $20 a pill. Whether it is hidden or not, the illegal use of ADHD/ADD medicine is happening. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, Adderall and Ritalin are both classified as Schedule II controlled substances which means that they have a high potential for abuse and psychological dependence. Schedule II controlled substances also include cocaine and methamphetamine. Any person found selling or using a Schedule II controlled substance is guilty of a Class III misdemeanor and could be sentenced to three months in prison and/ or a fine of $500. The dangers of using medicine without a doctor’s recommendation are severe and apply to Ritalin and Adderall as well as other ADD/ADHD drugs.

page design by lauraatherton & laurentussey

The Hidden Problem

Nail-Chewing Stress Putting testing to the test

whitneyhayes

u-dub, bu-dub, bu-dub. Marian girls hearts are racing as they rack their brains for the answers to the test. They studied days in advance for this test and they know all the material upon entering the classroom. But as the teacher hands out the test, they begin to stress. By the time a test lands on their desk, their anxiety has reached an all time high. If this sounds like something that has happened to you while testing, you may suffer from test anxiety. While some anxiety can enhance your graphic by alipaasch

ability to focus, excessive anxiety will do more harm than good. While testing, stress and worry can interfere with your ability to prepare for and perform on tests. Regarding testing anxiety, many people suffer from different symptoms. “It usually depends upon the person. Sometimes it’s worrying about the grades rather than the test,” Molly Atherton said. Atherton is a counselor at Methodist College who specializes in test anxiety. Some people suffer from behavioral inabilities to learn, while others suffer from emotional distress. “I know for me, it’s getting nervous and blanking everything out before a test, even if I study before,” sophomore Jordan Leeds said. Test anxiety is not something that you are born with; it can occur at any time in your life. “A big majority of it started in eighth grade when we were preparing for high school,” Leeds said. Although test anxiety can be difficult to deal with, you are not alone. Many people have trouble with anxiety while testing. To reduce anxiety before a test, make sure to review all of the material that will be on the test. While studying, find memory tricks that work for you and keep a positive attitude the entire time.

The more you worry, the more likely you will have higher anxiety when it comes time to take the test. “Study and keep your head in the purpose of your test. Practice and be prepared for that,” Atherton said. To reduce stress during a test, take a deep breath and minimize distractions before you begin. Make sure to estimate how much time you have to complete the test and allow yourself plenty of time to finish. Finally, use any extra time you have after the test to review the problems and to improve your answers. If the teacher doesn’t indicate time remaining or give a warning then asking them to do so can really help you out. “Remind the students to prepare for the test,” Atherton said. The best way to combat test anxiety is to study, study, study!

[ 10 ] Features

The Network [ September ]

Double Trouble:

Freshman class boasts seven sets of twins haleysnyder

he usual reaction that is received when telling a person that there are seven sets of twins in the freshman class is amusing. It always includes the widening of the eyes, raising of the eyebrows, and a mouth wide open in disbelief. People often reply with the popular phrase, “You’re kidding!” It was a unique opportunity to interview this many girls about their sisterhood. The twins that began the interviewing process were Abigail (Abby) and Alexandra (Ally) Hermanek. After that, the girls that were interviewed were Emily and Kaitlyn Mckenna, Hannah and Taylor Lazio, Elise and Emily Pape, Clare and Morgan

Crockett, and last but not least, Maggie White and Molly Coghill. White and Coghill were interviewed because they have a male twin who attends Creighton Prep or Mount Michael. Each set of twins were asked ten questions regarding the twin’s relationship with her sister (or brother). While interviewing, the girls finished each other’s sentences and giggled when they were asked a question. Although some twins gave long answers and some kept it short and sweet, all the answers were riveting. The interviews exhibited a substantial amount of sisterly love and were extremely precious. Enjoy!

Molly Coghill

Q: Are you close with your boy twin (Matt, a freshman at Mount Michael)? Molly: Most of the time. Q: What is your favorite part about having a boy twin? Molly: That we are so close in age.

Abby and Ally Hermanek

Q: Did your parents dress you in matching clothes when you were little? Said at the same time: Yes! Ally: All the time. Same bows, socks, everything. Abby: It was so cute. Ally: No, it was terrible. Abby: Same Halloween costumes too! Q: Do you correct people when they call you by your twin’s name? Ally: Yes, but we don’t get angry! Abby: We have had weird combinations: together we are Allby.

Renaissance Festival rachelrensch

(Sources: 1000weirdfacts.com, nursingschools.com, everydayhealth.com, urbanmommies.com, bbc.co.uk)

Q: Do you finish each other’s sentences? Said at the same time: Yeah! Clare: My mom tells us to stop talking in stereo. Q: Are there any false stereotypes people often accuse twins of that you would like to point out? Morgan: We are not the same person. We are unique, and we have a lot of differences.

Q: What is it like to be a twin? Taylor: You always have someone to study with and you are never really alone. There is always someone to play volleyball with. Q: What is the craziest thing someone has asked you regarding being twins? Hannah: Someone has asked us if we had the same birthday.

Q: Are you close with your boy twin (Tom, a freshman at Prep)? Maggie: Yes! We are really close. Q: What is your favorite part about having a boy twin? Maggie: We don’t get mixed up.

1. The oldest pair of twins is 102 years old 2. Identical twins don’t have identical finger prints 3. Elvis Presley had a twin who was stillborn 4. 22 percent of twins are left-handed 5. 1 out of every 250 pregnancies results in a set of identical twins 6. Mary Kate and Ashley are not identical, they are fraternal 7. If twins marry another set of twins, it is called a quaternary marriage 8. 40 percent of twins invent their own language 9. Ashton Kutcher, Scarlett Johansson, and Gisele Bundchen all have a twin 10. A full term twin pregnancy is 36 weeks and 3 days

Clare and Morgan Crockett

Hannah and Taylor Lazio

Maggie White

Twin fun Facts:

English Department Sponsored Trip Attendees: 39 girls and 5 chaperones Cost: $50 per girl The last time Marian went as a school was in 1999. The plan is to offer the trip to all grades next year and then every other year after that.

graphic by whitneyhayes & gabbymaenner

Emily and Kaitlyn Mckenna

Q: Do your interests differ or do you generally like the same things? Emily: We both do cross country together and we did plays together when we were younger. But we do do separate things. I do speech and Kaitlyn does dance. Do you hang out in the same friend group? Kaitlyn: We have two different friend groups but, we merge sometimes!

Elise and Emily Pape

Q: Do you often get angry at one another for taking things (clothes, jewelry etc.) without asking? Elise: Yes I do! Emily: Yes! Q: Do you get along well or do you fight a lot (best friends or enemies)? Elise: We fight a lot! About everything.

photos by mariacorpuz & haleysnyder Jest Hanging Out. English teacher, Ms. Connie Cavel, social studies teacher Mrs. Kim Remmick, student success coordinator Mrs. Jen Christen, instrumental music teacher Mrs. Rachel Misiolek, and attendance secretary Mrs. Karen Brown are decked out and ready to have some fun at the Renaissance Festival.

Making Friends. Huzzah! Are We Under Dressed? Marian girls shout in excitement at the gates of the Renaissance Senior Kate Johnson, junior Janie Kilgore, and Junior Morgan Frodyma provides a tasty treat to a new found friend. Festival in Kansas City on Sept. 8. junior Roni Perez go back in time and pose for a picture with two of the festival’s most animated participants.

The Network [ September ]

Features [ 11 ]

rachelrensch ver wonder what the building at the bottom of sophomore lot is? It’s often unnoticed by most Marian girls as they drive by every morning. Who really knows what that building is truly used for? The answer might surprise you. Mary Schutt, the vocational coordinator of this mysterious place called Encor, explained the basics of what goes on there. “We work with developmentallyimpaired people. We provide training and we teach job skills or any skills that they need to make it in the world,” Schutt said. In all, there are about 60 disabled people there. They are all seated in the middle of a large room at tables that have been pushed together, while the staff desks are placed around the perimeter of the room to watch over the workers. Encor stands for the Eastern Nebraska

Community Office of Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Although you may just be realizing that this building exists, it has actually been at this location since 1989. “We used to be in Benson. We decided that we needed more space and land,” Schutt said. To teach them the skills that they need in life, numerous companies send in recyclables such as old books and leftover plastic windshields that need to be prepared for the recycling process. Workers tear the pages out of no longer needed books and recycle the paper, while others cut the plastic windshields and sort it into certain piles. Companies also send in shelf holder parts to be put together and sent back. Everyone’s hard work is paid off in both money and life skills. They are paid by the pound, but taught

by the second. “The most rewarding part is seeing the progress that these guys can make, sometimes real small or sometimes it’s like getting a job or like an apartment,” Schutt said. Considering the fact that Marian students and staff are now using the 72nd Street entrance more than usual, the traffic was thought to be a problem for Encor. “It’s definitely a challenge, but I know that the building will be a great place so it’s worth it,” Schutt said. The staff and workers also arrive later and leave earlier than when the traffic is most congested. “The staff [at Marian] is all very understanding and there is just no way around it, so we deal with it the best we can,” Schutt said. With this information in mind, remember to be extra cautious as you

Encor. photo by marieroubidoux

Mystery Solved: Marian’s Neighbors Revealed

come and go from school so as to avoid accidents! The mystery of that unknown building at the bottom of sophomore lot has been solved. All Marian students and staff will now know what they are driving by and what goes on inside as they pass through on their way to school. Also, feel free to give them a friendly smile because it could easily brighten our neighbor’s day!

English Teacher Ms. Connie Cavel Receives Prestigious Archdiocesan Award annamandel Award taken to a whole new level. English teacher Ms. Connie Cavel was one of eight educators who were honored to represent the Archdiocese of Omaha. The dinner was held Thursday, Sept. 19 in La Vista, Nebraska. According to the Omaha World Herald, Cavel has taught for 41 years and has taught about 7,000 students. Pictured in the photo are Head of School Mrs. Susan Toohey, English teacher Ms. Connie Cavel, Archbishop George Lucas, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Monsignor James Gilg.

Marian Irish Dancer Takes Center Stage gabbymaenner

unior Libby Brueggemann has been however long, sometimes it’s frustrating Irish Dancing since she was in third and I quit, and sometimes I do really well,” grade. Brueggemann said. Her teacher, Marty “I started Irish dancing because I grew Dowds, is a world champion Irish dancer up watching Riverdance a lot, and my who is originally from Ireland and was mom wanted me to experience my culalso a lead dancer in Riverdance. tural heritage,” Brueggemann said. She takes classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Dowds Irish Dance Academy. “Wednesday’s class is only like an hour and a half, but if we aren’t doing well he will keep us later. Saturday’s class is two hours, but again if we aren’t doing well he will keep us later. I also practice at home, what I usually do is run before I practice so I’m already warmed up and my muscles are good to Irish Style. Junior Libby Brueggemann performs at an Irish go. Then I Feast in Greeley, Nebraska. Photo courtesy of Libby Bruegpractice for just gemann.

“I have performed literally all over school,” Brueggemann said. Omaha, but my most recent performance A novice is a level you reach once was in Greeley, Nebraska. It’s a small town you’ve placed highly in a feis (pronounced that has an Irish Fest every year and we “fesh”), which is like a competition. were invited to come dance! It was really The girls also wear headbands or tiaras, fun, I loved it,” Brueggemann said. She has and can either curl their hair or wear a competed many times in many variettraditional curly wig. “I have been very ies of dances such as Reel, Jig, Slip Jig, tempted to wear my wig out. If I wear my Treble Jig, Hornpipe, and St. Patrick’s Day wig to a performance and when we wear it (traditional dance). A traditional dance to competitions I always love to keep it on means the steps are the same every time it because I wished my hair was like that and is performed, whereas other dances can be I like the looks people give me. It’s really choreographed differently by any person funny,” Brueggemann said. or team. Brueggemann’s teacher hopes for his In a soft shoe dance, dancers wear students to compete at the 2013 “Worlds” shoes similar to ballet shoes, whereas in a in Ireland, where the best dancers from hard shoe dance their shoes have fiberglass all over the world compete. “I am really on the heels excited and toes to to go to make noise Worlds, if against I’m able the wood to, beon which cause that they dance. is where “I have a my dance little stage to teacher is practice on from, it’s at my own his culhouse, but ture, and it really isn’t it’s where that big so In Line. Junior Libby Brueggemann and the other he grew it’s hard to dancers at Prep’s culture week. Photo courtesy of Libby up. It practice, so Brueggemann. would be usually when really cool I practice it’s basic trebles and leaps to just to see everything he got to see every day,” make sure I have them right when I really Brueggemann said. full on dance the step,” Brueggemann said. What does the future have to hold for Irish dance costumes are worn to show this Irish dancer? “I do really like dance off the culture of the dance as well as the but I will probably stop after some point. style. “We wear solo dresses, once we earn But I am definitely going to put my kids them as a novice; but we also have school into it. My dance goal is just to be the best dresses which are different for every I can be,” Brueggemann said.

[ 12 ] Sports

The Network [ September ]

New Coach: Redefining Marian Cheerleading Continued from page 1

Yenny was a gymnast for 12 years and has been coaching competitive all-star cheerleading for 11 years. This is his first time coaching cheerleading at the high school level. “The kids have been very great, the faculty and staff have been very welcoming, and everything’s been very positive. The parents have been really awesome, too, and they’ve given me lots of support,” Yenny said. The cheerleaders have been practicing their routines, stunts, and cheers every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday since early June. With Yenny’s help, numerous changes have been made to increase the rigor and intensity of Marian cheerleading. One of the most noticeable changes Yenny made to cheerleading this year has been the addition of new stunts and lifts in many of the routines. “There is a governing body in the U.S. that tells high school cheerleaders what they can and can’t do, so those are the rules we have to operate within, along with what our athletic director feels comfortable with doing,” Yenny

said. “So far we’ve been doing very basic skills. Hopefully, as the girls continue to improve, we can start improving the skills.” The cheerleaders performed their stunts at the Creighton Prep football game on Aug. 31 and were extremely well received by the Marian girls, Prep students, and parents attending the game. “I have been very impressed with the girls’ work ethic and motivation,” Yenny said. In return, the cheerleaders feel equally impressed with their new coach. “This year has been a lot different,” Cheer Captain junior Emma Henderson said. “Last year wasn’t a challenge; now we are able to push ourselves more as a team.” The cheerleaders performed and cheered at the Mount Michael homecoming game on Fri., Sept. 21. In addition to cheering at Marian basketball and volleyball games throughout the year, they will also be competing in the State Cheerleading Competition on Feb. 15 and 16 in Grand Island.

Building the Pyramid. Coach John Yenny observes his team practicing a new, additional stunt this year. photo by nicolamccutcheon

Fresh Face on Court Adds Defensive Speciality annapope

Bringing It In. Freshman Brittany Witt (in white) getting together with her team before they return to the game. photo by mariacorpuz

graphics by erinmcquillan

Sports Lingo

Volleyball

er different colored jersey is not the only thing that separates Brittany Witt from the rest of the Maria varsity volleyball team. Witt is the only freshman on varsity, with the exception of Andrea Hanus who swings from the Junior Varsity team. Being libero, a back row defense specialist, Witt had rather large shoes to fill coming to Marian. Kate Elman, Class of 2012, is Witt’s predecessor. Elman went on to play volleyball for Creighton University. Despite her worries, however, Witt approached tryouts with her head held high and came out on top. “I instantly felt welcomed on the team and it especially helped that my Marian big sister [Sydney O’Shaughnessy, ‘14]

was also on the team,” Witt said. Growing up playing volleyball for her grade school, St. Patrick’s in Elkhorn, and club teams, the everyday practices and workouts were nothing out of the norm for Witt ,who has also dedicated a majority of her time to Premier Volleyball, a competitive club in Omaha. Recently, she took her talents to play with the National All-Tournament Team. Her natural passing techniques have proven to stand out among others, and have already furthered her career as a volleyball player. The volleyball team is known for their loud, positive, but also competitive attitude. The team approaches every game with a winning state of mind and almost always follows through.

With a current record of 15 and 1, the path toward state is getting closer with every match. Witt and her teammates partake in a tradition of singing and dancing to a CD they made together as a warm up before every game. This is the players’ way of waking themselves up and reinstating their connection as a team. As the libero, Witt is just one of many important parts of the team. Witt has only just begun high school and hopes to continue to play volleyball with Marian for the next four years. She will surely be the girl to watch while she plays for Marian and later on in life. In one of the many Marian volleyball games still to come, make sure to keep a special eye out for No. 5 on the court.

Cross Country

Golf Softball

The Network [ September ]

Sports [ 13 ]

Husker Fanatics Dive into Sea of Red: Revealing die-hard Nebraska fans annamandel Husker Fanaticism Runs in the Family. Jackie Jensen poses with her parents and older brother at Memorial Stadium. A couple years ago, when Jensen’s brother was on the Huskers’ football team, she attended every home game.

Varsity Schedules Cross Country

-Thurs, Oct 4 Metro Conference Meet: PapillionLaVista South High School -Thurs, Oct 11 District Meet: Papillion-La Vista South High School -Fri, Oct 19 State Meet: Kearney Country Club

photo courtesy of Jackie Jensen

am probably the biggest fan in my family,” Jensen said. Only time will tell how the Huskers’ season will play out this fall. Each Saturday is a new game, but to Jensen, “It’s Husker Saturday, and there is no place like Nebraska.” Marian girls are not only obsessed with the Nebraska football team, but also Nebraska volleyball. The volleyball team plays their games at the Coliseum. They usually finish their seasons in the top ten in the NCAA. Freshman Elle Putnam is a big fan of Nebraska volleyball. “I have been a fan my whole life,” Putnam said. She watches most of the games on TV, but hasn’t attended a game since she was younger. “My favorite player is probably Gina Mancuso,” Putnam said. To show this Husker spirit, last year alone, 34 girls out of 163 graduating class went to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. This is 21 percent of their class. Whether it is Memorial Stadium, the Coliseum, or at home, Marian girls are “redded-out.”

Volleyball

-Thurs, Oct 4 6:30pm Norfolk at MHS - East Gym -Tues, Oct 9 6:15pm Away Game vs. Lincoln Pius X & 7:30pm vs. Papillion-La Vista High School at Papillion-LaVista High School -Fri/Sat, Oct 12-13 Invitational TBA Westside High School

Softball

-Tues, Oct 2 4:30pm Game at Bryan High School -Thurs & Fri, Oct 4-5 District Tournament -Wed-Fri, Oct 10-12 State Tournament: Bill Smith Softball Complex - Hastings

graphic by emilyjohanek

t’s Saturday. Not just any Saturday, but Husker Saturday. The day 85,000 people flood into the Sea of Red: Memorial Stadium. At the game, Memorial Stadium becomes the largest city in Nebraska. For those Husker fanatics not at the stadium, they are most likely glued to their TV’s at home, anxiously watching the game. Senior Jackie Jensen is one of those die-hard “I bleed Husker red” fans. Two years ago, Jensen attended every football home game because her brother was on the team. “My brother was a walkon and redshirted his freshman year. He doesn’t play anymore due to an injury,” Jensen said. Since her brother was on the team, she also had the opportunity to go to a Husker family dinner at the end of his first season. “I got to meet Rex Burkhead, Alex Henery, Kenny Bell, and head coach Bo Pelini,” Jensen said. Although she no longer attends the home games at Memorial Stadium, she still watches as many as she can on TV. “I

Golf

-Mon & Tues, Oct 1-2 District Tournament -Mon & Tues, Oct 8-9 State Tournament: Norfolk Country Club

Softball Team Hits It Off

Senior speaks on season

meganwoodruff hrough five innings they never once stopped cheering. Each player that went up to bat was greeted with non-stop encouragement and advice from the sidelines. Even if she struck out, she knew she would walk back to a dugout full of supportive teammates.

Despite the final score in the Marian varsity softball team’s Sept. 14 game against Westside, the team clearly finished on top in one aspect: unity. Senior Nicole Liske, who has been the starting center fielder since her sophomore year, feels a special connection with this year’s softball team that hasn’t always been present in past years. “My favorite part has been how close-knit everyone is. The chemistry is great, we all get along, and we have a lot of fun together,” Liske said. One of the changes in this year’s team has been the addition of three Marian alums to the coaching staff. Molly Feichtinger, class Huddle Up. The varsity softball team gathers in the middle of 2008, is the new of the field during the top of the second inning of their Sept. head junior varsity coach and an assis14 game at Westside. Down early in the game, the Crusaders were not able to come back and lost 0-8 after five tant varsity coach. innings. The junior varsity photo by meganwoodruff team helps develop

At Bat. Freshman Taylor Asche swings at a pitch in the third inning. Asche hit a single but was left on base at the end of the inning. photo by meganwoodruff young players and prepares them for playing on the varsity team in the future. Chelsea Lawson, class of 2011, and Sara Borowiak, class of 2010, are new assistant varsity coaches and assistant junior varsity coaches. “All three of them used to play for Marian and they are so much fun to be around. They have Marian swag,” Liske said. Although the season started with an impressive season-opening victory over number six-ranked Omaha Westside, Liske doesn’t believe that the team has been playing up to its expectations or its potential. “We didn’t do so well at Metros,” Liske said. “We lost 5-3 to Omaha Burke, a team

we can run-rule any day. We couldn’t string hits together, we weren’t consistent with our offense, and when we finally started to come back, it was too late.” Despite these setbacks, the team is still aiming high, looking to win districts and also to qualify for the state tournament, which it hasn’t done since 2007. Liske is also on the varsity basketball and track teams, and she hopes to continue with one of these sports in college. She said it is very possible that it will be softball. For Liske, this season is really about making the most out of her final games as a Crusader. “I’m doing everything I can to soak it all up before it’s over,” Liske said.

The Network [ September ]

[ 14 ] Entertainment

Guilty Pleasure TV Shows

emilyjohanek & sarahreynolds

s fall is ushering in, new and returning television shows once again become the hot topic of conversation. New and returning seasons of old shows are falling from the screen and keeping up (with the Kardashians) may seem a bit overwhelming. Staying up to date with the shows will provide the vital small talk skills every Marian girl needs.

“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”

ith stars making their debut this fall, the world of television will be greatly enhanced with truly educational and life-altering material. “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” will dive deep into viewers’ souls, forcing them to discover their inner hicktastic pageant stars. She will capture heart with her ability to overcome unbelievable obstacles with grace, confidence, and a truly inspiring amount of hairspray. “Honey Boo Boo” is one of junior Hannah Fuxa’s favorite shows, “I like Honey Boo Boo because she is a little 7-year-old who is full of attitude and has the biggest personality known to man. She

does whatever she wants and she lets you know that you should be proud of who you are and where you come from,“ Fuxa said. The show consists of a family from Georgia doing redneck activities with memorable phrases. Among the family’s sayings, Fuxa’s favorites are “A dollah makes me holla Honey Boo Boo” and “redneckonize.” “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” is a spin-off of the reality pageant show on The Learning Channel (TLC), “Toddler and Tiaras.” “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” is recommended for anyone who is “looking for a show that provides a great laugh and also the question, ‘why am I watching this?’” Fuxa said.

Chain Reaction:

New Franchises Coming to the Omaha Area

marieroubidoux

the new Chick-fil-A located at the Mutual of Omaha Bank at 33rd and Farnam Street. Opened in late October of 2011, this Chick-fil-A location only offers an express menu but still gives guests a taste of the finger-lickin’ chicken experience. The express menu only contains about seven items, but the franchise is currently building a free-standing location that will include the full menu. The new Chick-filA location is expected to open Nov. 1st at 72nd and Giles. Last year, rumors about a Dunkin’ Donuts coming to Omaha surfaced after a local news report. Sadly, after a talk with the corporate headquarters, those rumors were dispelled. According to a corporate headquarters employee, there are currently no dates scheduled for future construction. Of course, this also begs the question: Would Marian girls enjoy a Dunkin’ Donuts in the metro area? “I guess, but I like other donut places better,” freshman Darbi Mercer said. Contrary to Mercer, junior Mackenzie Duce had a different opinion. “I would, because they have the original glazed donuts. [You could bring] breakfast treats for your birthday!” Duce said. Whether or not Dunkin’ Donuts makes it to Omaha, you can make sure to visit Chick-fil-A or Lululemon in the near future.

nother new reality show this fall is “Breaking Amish” on TLC. “The show is about one Mennonite and four Amish teenagers who leave their families and go to New York City for a new life,” sophomore Kate Pickering said. This show reveals the strict traditions of the Amish/ Mennoite communities while it follows these five teenagers as

they pursue a new lifestyle. “I found it interesting how teenagers wanted to leave the only thing they knew,” Pickering said. The new series showcases many lifestyle differences and the teenagers’ discoveries of modern technology. “My favorite part was hearing about all the differences between my life and their life, for example, that the Amish don’t use electricity,” Pickering said.

“Pretty Little Liars”

aking a step back from the reality shows, Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family is one of the favorite shows among Marian girls. The suspenseful drama of three seasons leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.

Along with the intensity, sophomore Natalie Lucas watches the series for other reasons. “The show is fun to watch because they have cute clothes and cute guys,” Lucas said. “I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a mystery/ drama full of catfights, love stories, and suspense,” freshman Megan Keyser said. Image Sources: tvrage.com blog.zap2it.com tvlistings.zap2it. com

photos by emilyjohanek & sarahreynolds

Looking to change up your playlist on your way to school? Finding yourself listening to that same song over and over again? It’s time for a mix up! Combine them all for a great Fall Playlist!

Fall Playlist For fans of: Hoodie Allen, Mac Miller

“Wings” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis For fans of: Best Coast, The Cults

“Lazuli” by Beach House For fans of: fun. , Neon Trees

“It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons For fans of: Bassnectar, Skrillex

“Finally Moving” by Pretty Lights For fans of: Katy Perry, Train

“Good Time” by Owl City feat. Carly Rae Jepsen

graphic by theresakennelly, laurentussey and alipaasch

ne of the best things about traveling is seeing all the differences between small towns and big cities. How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I wish Nebraska had that!” When it comes to shops and restaurants, most people are guilty as charged. Although it may seem Nebraska is on the caboose of the franchise train, we are slowly picking up steam by welcoming several new chains to the Omaha area. If you’re looking for designer yoga wear, Lululemon Athletica is the place to go. Although the sportswear boasts an expensive price tag, the reviews on the products are unbeatable. “[The sports bra] I bought was really expensive, but it was well worth it. It’s really comfortable and has great support,” senior Kristin Nietzel said. Nietzel isn’t the only person who’s hopped on the Lululemon train. On a recent free dress day, many Marian girls were seen sporting Lululemon cropped leggings that have been described as “the most comfortable pants you will ever own.” Located at Village Pointe, next to Yankee Candle, the new athletic apparel store is open seven days a week and follows the regular mall hours. Chick-fil-A was welcomed to the metro area 10 years ago at the Mutual of Omaha building near Midtown Crossing, but unfortunately was only available for employee use. Now, anyone can eat at

“Breaking Amish”

Entertainment [ 15 ]

The Network [ September ]

Got Pizza? The Pizza Shoppe has plenty to serve

poornaramasubramanian & laurentussey

hen you’ve got a craving for pizza, you typically reach for the phone and call Domino’s, Godfather’s, or Pizza Hut. But one pizza place puts a unique twist on pizza and is the only one of its kind in Omaha. Although it originated in Kansas City, this chain store has spread throughout the Midwest with locations in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. The Pizza Shoppe in Omaha, located in the Benson district, offers specialty pizzas and pastas among many other menu choices. The full menu can be found on their website, but the best option may be to decide once you’re at the shop since not all that is listed on the website may be available at the actual shop. The charming and urban feel of the Pizza Shoppe can be immediately felt when you enter the doors. A pleasant surprise that fit the atmosphere of the shop were walls covered in local artwork that can be bought, and even old bicycles sitting atop the median between the kitchen and dining room. As our party of eight arrived, a friendly waiter fetched our drinks speedily and effortlessly. We especially appreciated that he used cool words like “rad”, and when we told him “thank you,” he replied by saying “fully.” We ordered a Party Package, which included two large pizzas (one specialty pizza and one regular topping pizza), two pitchers of soda, and two baskets of cheese bread. For our half specialty pizza, our waiter recommended a flavor called “The Cabana” that was made up of sliced pickles, Canadian bacon, and alfredo. The

other half we decided would be “Captain Kirk”, which had Italian sausage, mushrooms, and pickles. Our second pizza we ordered as half cheese and half hamburger. The wait was about 15 minutes, which gave us all plenty of time to chat and hang out without hearing our stomachs start to rumble. The first item to arrive was the cheese bread, which was simple, delicious, and flavorful. The pizzas came in no time, and while hot, they were not too hot to eat. We sampled every flavor and concluded that the specialty pizza halves were far better than the hamburger/cheese pizza. The pickles on half were a delight for some, a disgust for others. Overall, “The Cabana” took home the favorite flavor trophy. We stayed long after our plates were empty and enjoyed the laid-back, chill atmosphere. The Pizza Shoppe offers pizzas with a flavor for every taste bud. We suggest you forget the traditional pepperoni, hamburger, and black olives. Prepare yourself for a sensational adventure of the mouth. A useful tip, however, is that certain people like certain tastes, so the pizza that might be your friend’s favorite may taste weird to you, and vice versa. Overall, although the experience of getting to taste unusual variations of pizza was quite enjoyable, it may not be recommendable as a lunchtime or dinner meal; the pizza was delicious, but not quite filling. The Pizza Shoppe may be a better spot to visit when you are in need of a mid-day snack!

interest Challenge Create a simple and inspirational painting as seen on Pinterest! bizzyboulay & sydneyrhoades

Step 1: Gather your supplies: a simple landscape painting, alpha letters (in the size of your choice), acrylic paint, a paintbrush, a toothpick, and a quote.

Step 2: Line up the alpha stickers any way you wish. This could be in one row, stacked on top of each other vertically, or dispersed throughout the canvas.

Step 3: Use your paintbrush and acrylic paint to paint over the entire painting, including the letters. This should typically dry quickly.

Step 4: Use the toothpick to gently pull up the letters. Do this soon after the paint dries so that the letters don’t dry to the canvas.

(Benson) Maple St. Omaha, NE 68104 (402)-556-9090 Monday-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 4-11 pm - Colored polishes - Black and white polish

nail how-to with senior Bridgit Peterson 1

Begin by painting nails with an opaque white polish.

Paint desired gradient pattern onto a clean makeup sponge.

graphic and photos by jessicamizaur

With the sponge, apply your pattern. Reapply polish onto the sponge for each nail. Let dry.

Use manicure tape to create a design on each nail. Paint entire nail with black polish.

- Make up sponge -Manic ure tape

Allow time for black polish to dry. Peel off manicure tape to reveal colored gradient underneath.

WALK-A---THON TAKES THE cake 1.

5. 3.

1. Workin’ at the Carwash. Junior Rachel Ervin helps to wash a car on

Sept. 16 at Intertech off of 156th and Q St. Junior Rachel Wortmann’s father owns Intertech. He donated the water, soap and supplies. The juniors raised around $1,200 at the event.

2. Softball Girls Get a Head Start. Senior Cassidy Gilbride, freshman Emily Cheloha, sophomore Gabbie Jonas, freshman Taylor Asche, and sophomore Jordan Leeds pose for a picture on their walk. The softball girls started off the race together as a team-bonding event.

3. Check! Senior Dani Morrell gets her sheet signed by English teacher Ms.

Connie Cavel. Morrell raised enough money to qualify to be a VIP and earn a shortcut during the walk. Ms. Cavel was signing check point sheets down by the Encore building. The teachers rotate checkpoints every year.

The Network [ August ]

4. Sisterly Love. Senior Megan Woodruff and her sister, sophomore Mary

Woodruff, celebrate their success after the WAT results are announced. Both girls are class officers for their grade. The sophomores took the gold with the seniors not far behind with the silver. “We didn’t work together but we each got the same amount of money from our parents and then we were expected to go out and get our own. I collected more than Megan did!” Mary Woodruff said.

5. Cash Flow. Mrs. Julie O’Doherty counts Walk-A-Thon money in the Busi-

ness Office after collection days. She confirms that the amount of money in each envelope corresponds with the amount written on the yellow sheets. There are counters who double-check her and each other. The information and formulas are entered into a spreadsheet. Mrs. O’Doherty gives the results to Student Board Co-moderator, Ms. Megan Piernicky to be announced. photos by mariacorpuz & laurentussey