2018 October Scepter

PLPULSE.COM

theSCEPTER

BE KIND CAMPAIGN PG. 4-5

MAROON GOING GREEN PG 8-12

INCLUSIVE WINNING PG. 30-31

RECORD BREAKING SEASON Sophomore Jordyn Bahl leads the team to historic heights.

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 56

A PUBLICATION OF PAPILLION-LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

OCTOBER 2018

STAFF

NEWS BRIEFS

THE SCEPTER

Editor-in-Chief Delani Watkins Design Mollee Swift Kaylin Ciatti Copy Elizabeth Eidem Coverage Megan Friel

Entertainment Caitlyn Thomas Tatum Jorgensen Features Megan Davey Lissa Lafond News Sam Simmerman Ashley Mason Opinion Annie Waldman

Sports Josey Ryan Sarah Altman Photography Emma Higby Advertising David O’Connell Media Jill Mathison

PLPULSE.COM Editor-in-Chief Design Kaylen Maltais Avery Wagoner Asst. Editor-in-Chief Lily Allpress

Webmaster Alecsis Moguilner Convergence Lucas Neill

MEMBERS Emma Betts Josh Hennings Cat Boatwright Abigail Jensen Eva Burklund Cassie Kessler Kyler Choquette Vincent Lin Bennett Clary Gabe Lyden Chloe Grimm Alecsis Moguilner Advisor: Joe Rohacik

Jack Nieto Rachel Pham Hannah Shin Owen Sumter Kenzie Ward Jacob Williams

COVER COVER PHOTO: JOSEY RYAN COVER DESIGN: MOLLEE SWIFT & JILL MATHISON Sophomore Jordyn Bahl tosses a pitch at the softball game versus the Millard West Wildcats on Aug. 18 at La Vista City Park. Following this win, the Monarchs surpassed the former all-class state record of a 41 win streak.

STATEMENT The Scepter is a school-sponsored publication of Papillion-La Vista High School, 402 E. Centennial Rd. Papillion, NE 68046. The Scepter’s office is located in room 307. The Scepter is printed by aPrintis. The Scepter is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association. The Scepter is a school-sponsored publication and therefore recognizes its responsibility to stay within the boundaries that the school administration sets. The Scepter will therefore inform its readers using a high standard of morals and ethics. The Scepter encourages readers to respond in the form of letters to the editor, which can be sent to room 307. The Scepter’s editorial staff reserves the right to edit the letters for grammatical errors and to remove any profanity. The editors also reserve the right to exclude letters that are false in their statements or accusations. The Scepter will not accept advertisements that promote activities illegal to minors. Advertising rates are available upon request.

PHOTO: REBECCA FONYONGA

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FOCUS Maroon Going Green

FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT

OPINION

SPORTS 02 FRONT THE SCEPTER

04 08 13 18 24 26

04 #BeKind 06 Ground Breaking 07 Another Application 09 10 11 12

Green Thumbs Going Green and Staying Lean Drink Swell Green Team Traditions

13 14 16 17

Eating Green Keeping the Buzz Alive Triplets Crowned in the Past

18 20 21 22

Undecided Death Wish Clash of the Consoles Debunking Horoscopes Young Talent Materialism [Vanity] The Fundamentals of “Talking” School is Ruff

26 27 28 30

Quick to Commit From Fútbol to Football Through His Eyes Inclusive Winning

FAR LEFT: Senior Jack Patzner competes in the DECA Dodgeball Tournament held on Sept. 26. His team, The Average Joes, won the tournament for the second year in a row.

LEFT: Senior Julia Cambell performes at the choir concert on Thursday, Sept. 27.

RIGHT: GSA sponsored Ally Week during the week of Sept. 24. Students signed a pledge at King’s Corner during lunch.

PHOTO: EVA BURKLUND The 2018 Homecoming Court was announced Monday, Sept.

24. The King and Queen were crowned at the Galaxy Gala Dance on Oct. 6.

PHOTO: BRIANNA FISCHBACH

EDITORIAL

PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON

IN A PLACE FULL OF WASTE

We are the next generation. We are the world-changers. We are the difference.

Our world is constantly being changed, by humans and by other unknown things. Humankind leaves a handprint on the world, whether consciously or not. In recent years, the population of planet Earth has become more aware of its green thumbprint.

In our own school, change has been made to reduce the waste we produce. A revamped recycling program debuted this year. Mr. Nick Baker and his special education students have brought back the old recycling program, and collect any paper products with hopes to expand in the future. Schools across the nation produce tons of waste each day. By implementing this recycling program, we can help reduce that waste, and in turn, our imprint on the environment.

As we trek on in this school year,

it is time to reduce the waste that we produce, whether tangible or not.

Our cafeteria produces the most waste out of all the places in our school.

A waste of food and plastic combined adds up. The middle schools in our district use reusable trays, dishes and silverware to help reduce the waste that they send to the landfills.

However, it is important to acknowledge that our environment is not the only thing we lay waste to.

High school students are also notoriously known for wasting time.

The new school year has begun, and it is time to rid of the procrastination epidemic. All the time that we waste looking at a screen really adds up.

Apple’s new “Screen Time” program, an update that came with iOS 12.0, has revealed that to many iPhone users.

A walk down the hallways reveals students frequently staring down at their phones, unaware of the people

that surround them. Our technology is immersing, and a temptation that is more difficult to resist than others.

Teachers see it more than ever in their classrooms, and many have taken steps this year to decrease the time wasted waiting for students to focus.

Our young generation has often been called “world-changers” and “difference makers,” yet we waste our time and resources, and the world moves forward without us. Stop and take a minute to take in the world around you, especially as the seasons change. Become aware of the state of our environment. It is easy to continue walking through life in our comfortable home, and rarely do we take the time to appreciate it.

Lift your eyes from the screen, and notice the sights, the sounds and the smells that are within our school, and beyond its walls.

OCT 2018FRONT 03

SPREADING A COMMUNITY-WIDE MESSAGE ONE PERSON AT A TIME

1

2

1

4

3 04 NEWS THE SCEPTER

5

BY JILL MATHISON DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT The community-wide message, #Bekind, has come to be heard around every local school.

Every parent’s worst nightmare is finding out too late that their child is struggling and they had no idea. After something occurs, you can either let it drag you down, or you can learn from it and prevent it from happening to someone else. That’s exactly what the parents of Reid Adler did.

Mark and Joni Adler started a campaign called “Be Kind” after the shocking suicide of their son Reid.

They decided that instead of letting this situation drag the whole community down, that they would share Reid’s story throughout to prevent it from happening again.

“The #Bekind campaign came about originally because of Reid’s kind heart,” his mother, Joni Adler, said. “A few family members and friends wanted to do something to build a memorial fund for Reid, so they planned a 5k run in April 2016. As they printed shirts, they decided at the last minute to put #Bekind on the back of the shirt and the ‘campaign’ was born.”

The Be Kind campaign originated from a T-shirt design and then was spread throughout just the Ralston schools, but this year it grew bigger than expected.

“What has happened with #Bekind is well beyond anything I could have

ever imagined it would be,” Joni Adler said. “It is a great message and certainly one that our communities, city, state and nation could use right now. I never thought it would go beyond the Ralston community, but we follow and welcome the path that it takes.”

This campaign is not just about the hash tag, but the message it is sending and the story behind it.

“The movement affects our family positively and not so positively. It is a great message and one we should all live by, but is also a constant reminder that we no longer have our son on earth,” Joni Adler said. “I find myself talking to him when I see a #Bekind sticker in someone’s car window, like ‘hey Bud, there you are.’ It is painful to be reminded of what we have lost, but if we can’t have him back, we will strive to make the world a better place with this message.”

The Be Kind campaign has become more than a message, it has become a movement. Starting from a heartbroken family of five, to an entire community, #Bekind has branched out into creative activities, themes and experiences throughout our community.

“What has been done cannot be changed, but what lies ahead we can define,” Reid’s father, Dr. Mark Adler, said.

“Suicide is not the end of pain, it is simply transferred to others, transferred to those that love you most.”

-Joni Adler

FOR HELP visit: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call: 1-800-273-TALK 1: Students at Black Elk Elemntary use chalk to write kind messages outside of their school. PHOTO: EMILY LYON 2: Junior Joe Bianchi stretches a football player from Papillion South High School during the game on Friday, August 31. PHOTO: DAVID O’CONNELL 3: The Ralston High School football players and student section bind together to pledge to #Bekind.

PHOTO: RALSTON HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK/ ASHLEY CARROLL 4: Students of Ralston High School pose with a ‘Be Kind’ banner in honor of #Bekind day on August 25.

PHOTO: KAYLEE DOUGLAS 5: The Ralston School District places a sign outside of Ralston High School to remind students each day to be kind as they arrive to school. PHOTO: RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PHOTO: JONI ADLER

The Story of a Boy from Ralston

Reid Adler

Told From His Mother’s Perspective “Reid was a fun-loving kid that didn’t have an unkind bone in his body.

He loved everyone. It didn’t matter their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, intellect or skill in sports, they were still his friend. His life on earth revolved around fun with friends. He was smart, athletic and handsome too.

Reid made a mistake and took an inappropriate picture of himself and shared it with a girl, from that time she blackmailed and threatened him with the picture saying that she would share the picture on social media if he did not do what she asked of him. What she wanted from him was to stay in contact, him to return her text messages, et cetera. Clearly this is not a positive way to keep friends. Reid knew what he did was wrong and thought often about how bad it would be if the picture was posted. ‘What would my parents think?’ ‘I would never live this down with my friends,’ are things that likely rotated in his mind.

On January 6, 2016, the girl held true to her promise and posted the picture on twitter. Reid’s worst nightmare came true. He began getting messages from his friends, his response to them was ‘I am a disgrace to the community, an embarrassment to my family and I am going to kill myself.’ His friends tried to convince him that it wasn’t a big deal, that it would pass, and he backed down from his comments and said he was just kidding, he wouldn’t kill himself.

Unfortunately, that was the night that Reid ended his own life.”

– joni Adler OCT 2018 NEWS 05

BY EVA Burklund DESIGN BY Alecsis moguilner The bond that was recently passed is set to make important changes to PLHS.

Ground Breaking

FLOW OF MONEY $109.9 million has been allocated in the bond issue. $24.8 million going to Papillion-La Vista High School $27 million going to Papillion-La Vista South High School

$24.8 million Allocated to Papillion-La Vista High School

06 NEWS THE SCEPTER

PHOTO: EVA BURKLUND Students walk to their classrooms in crammed hallways. The bond issue will attempt to manage traffic control by increasing building size.

One day you hear that there might be changes in STEM. Then, you hear that the front office might be moved.

Then you hear that there might be an addition to the building. Everyone keeps speculating about what is going to change and how much better the school will be after the bond passes.

“They address the issue by looking at housing development, growth over a number of years, student population, enrollment in schools and long-term projections,” principal Jerry Kalina said. “They look at a variety of factors.”

Some recent issues have become increasingly prevalent in the past few years.

“We just don’t have the space that we need here; we shouldn’t have teachers travelling and having kids have to be cramped just to go to a classroom,” assistant principal Jeff Govier said.

“I think this is timely, maybe a little overdue, but it’s going to be a step in the right direction for us.”

The bond strives to deal with two main issues in our school district: security and growth.

Without dealing with these issues, students’ abilities to learn and grow may be affected.

“Our district has made a commitment to give our kids opportunities,” activities director Mr. Jason Ryan said.

The bond will be instrumental in helping the school district deal with an increasing population. It will also help deal with security problems and other major issues.

“Look at all the growth that’s happening in this community,” Govier said, “It’s silly to think that we shouldn’t grow and increase our school.”

Even though it may take a few years to bring the things that might be to our school, once everything is said and done, many administrators believe that PLHS will be improved after the bond takes effect.

“I think this is timely, maybe a little overdue, but it’s going to be a step in the right direction for us.”

-Jeff Govier

Another Application Class is back in session, and students are easing back into the daily grind of late-night studying and crowded hallways. For one fourth of the student body, the start of the new year brings a whole new monster that they must tackle before the end of the semester: college applications.

For seniors, the first semester marks the beginning of college application season and college counselor Mrs. Ann Herbener has set her annual goal of getting 75 percent of the senior class to apply before Thanksgiving.

To some, this deadline can seem daunting, but the application is only the first step on the long road to college.

Herbener suggests getting them out of the way early so seniors can shift their worries to scholarships.

According to scholarship counselor Mrs. Vickie Bradley, when it comes to applying for financial aid, the earlier the better.

“If you’re waiting until last minute, the scholarship money starts getting eaten up and you might miss some opportunities,” Bradley said.

However, this suggestion to start early still does not deter the tendency for students to procrastinate. Herbener has become well aware of this habit and

December 14: Last day to request recommendation Attend all scholarship events you think you qualify for.

BY Rachel Pham DESIGN BY Alecsis Moguilner Seniors get a head start on their futures by starting their college applications early.

PHOTO: RACHEL PHAM Counselor Mrs. Koester helps a student fill out his application at a college workshop

organizes application workshops to encourage students to sit down and start the application process. “[Seniors] think applying is really hard, but once they come in and we start the application it’s not as bad as they think,” Herbener said.

With the help of the counseling staff, senior Brianna Fischbach has already applied to a total of six colleges

November 5 + 7: FAFSA Workshop

April 15: Deadline for final scholarship award letter to Mrs. Bradley

December 1: Complete PLHS Comprehensive Scholarship

Check your email and watch for scholarships.

and agrees that the process is easier with a helping hand. “[The staff is] really specific and make it step by step,” Fischbach said.

“It’s really easy when they’re doing it with you and you’re not doing it on your own.”

Without the burden of college applications, students can focus on other things like daily schoolwork.

“I wanted to get it out of the way, so I can worry about actual school,” senior Rhiannon Carlile said. “It’s nice to not have to worry about it.”

Fischbach and Carlile have now directed their focus to financial aid opportunities and scholarships in order to further the head start they have by choosing to apply early.

Senior year comes with the immense stress of juggling the piles of school work and dealing with the pressure of getting prepared for the future. Finishing applications will give the class of 2019 a chance to relax and put the thought of college aside - at least until scholarship season.

OCT 2018NEWS 07

Maroon going

Green DESIGN BY Kaylin ciatti

PHOTO: ELIZABETH EIDEM

PHOTO: TATUM JORGENSEN

PHOTO: MOLLEE SWIFT

PHOTO: ELIZABETH EIDEM

Green Thumbs BENNETT CLARY Going Green and Staying Lean JACK NIETO Drink Swell

TATUM JORGENSEN

Green Team Traditions OWEN SUMTER

08 FOCUS THE SCEPTER

In Maroon going Green, we take a look at the world around us and what individuals and groups at PLHS are doing to change their impact on the environment.

Green

Thumbs

Mr. Nick Baker and Mr. Dan Harmon pilot a new recycling program at PLHS. Most people live their lives trying to help the planet as best they can.

They do minute things such as typing up a report instead of printing or walking instead of driving, but students don’t always have these conveniences at school. The solution: a recycling program.

Students at PLHS know the school hasn’t recycled for years, but few actually know why. Discussing the topic often leads to a dead end with not knowing why our school never started another program.

“In the past, all the recycling was stored here and then Papillion Sanitation was supposed to pick it up, but they didn’t always pick it up,” the sponsor of the recycling program Mr. Nick Baker said.

The first step with the program is to be open-minded. While everyone is eager to help, they don’t feel encouraged to do so because the last program didn’t stick around for long. Students and staff alike have questions about how this will be any different than before.

“The big difference now is that we have a group of people that are taking it to the recycling place, so we can make sure it gets dropped off,” Baker said.

As those involved look to the future of the program, Baker is optimistic about their growth.

“Ideally, we’d like to try to get all the staff involved and do cans and bottles as well,” Baker said.

The biggest hinderance to this growth is students’ robotic habit to throw any unneeded papers in the trash cans next to the door. Few take the time to think of what their actions cause.

Even a few papers in the trash could be recycled to make brand new things for classrooms.

“Let them know that some of the rooms have blue bins and if they’re tempted to throw a piece of paper away, to put it in the blue bin instead,” Baker said.

Students’ contributions to the recycling program help the Earth and they get to help themselves in the process: they get to see the affects of their choices right there in class.

“Hopefully it keeps the school a little cleaner,” Baker said.

The program doesn’t only benefit our planet. Peers are able to utilize these resources to better themselves as well.

“It’s good for everyone especially our kids who are working on those social and job skills,” special education teacher Mr. Dan Harmon said.

The goal of recycling is to always help the planet and those inhabiting it.

This program doesn’t just affect one individual, it affects everyone thinking of the future.

“The goal is to help the earth, to help the school and community, and to help our kids be out and about in both the community and our school,” Harmon said.

PHOTO: MR. HARMON The students in Mr. Baker’s recycling program show off their recycling bins as they prepare to dump the paper. This program is new to PLHS this year, and these students involved are the keystone.

Reported Recycling Rates Around the World

Germany

66%

Austria Sweden England France U.S.

56%

47%

44%

39%

34%

SOURCE: http://www.bestinc.org/bestology/index. php/2018/06/03/week-3-all-about-recycling/

OCT 2018FOCUS 09

Going Green and

Staying Lean Students at PLHS go green this year by biking to school.

PHOTO: MOLLEE SWIFT Bikes begin to line the racks as students arrive to school in the morning. These students are a part of the 10 Every year, “going green” remains percent of people that bike to school or work daily.

FAST

FACTS

10%

OF U.S. YOUTH

AGES 3-17 BIKE TO SCHOOL OR WORK

BOYS

ARE MORE LIKELY TO BIKE OR WALK TO SCHOOL THAN

GIRLS

KIDS

WHO RIDE A BIKE TO SCHOOL DO SO 40 DAYS PER YEAR

SOURCE: https://peopleforbikes.org/blog/ infographic-bike-back-to-school/

10 FOCUS THE SCEPTER

a hot topic. Schools have focused their efforts into changing the way the environment is treated and making the world a better, cleaner place. This year at PLHS has been no different.

Many students and teachers have been very aware of this trend and have taken action. There are many ways in which these students and teachers have been helping the environment, but some are more common than others, such as biking.

“I think people should bike to school more often, so they don’t use up their money on gas, and it’s fun,” sophomore Trevor Hansen said. “I generally bike to school every day, but there are some occasions in which I wouldn’t bike.”

Biking has other advantages.

Driving to school has many issues. By biking to school, you cannot only reduce the amount of carbon dioxide but also improve your health.

“I believe I am helping the environment because I’m not emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by driving a car around,” Hansen said.

“Cycling also is good for your muscles and heart rate.”

One great thing about biking is that you could bike to other places that

67% OF KIDS RIDE ONLY FOR RECREATION

aren’t school. Many people bike around the world because it’s very efficient.

Biking can be used to go almost anywhere you need to in a reasonable time.

“I generally bike everywhere. If it’s raining, I’ll still go on my bike, but I draw the line if there’s thunder and lightning,” Hansen said. “School is the main place I bike to; however, I like to bike to places with my friends and sometimes when I’m bored, or if I have nothing to do, I enjoy biking around the neighborhood or on a trail nearby.”

Biking could bring the community together as well. There are many biking events that go on all around Papillion and the neighboring areas. Some people bike together when they go out to eat or if they want to go do something entertaining.

“Biking gives a better experience that driving just doesn’t deliver,” Hansen said. “I feel as if biking gives me a good feeling. I can’t really describe the feeling, but if anyone else bikes as often as I do, they’d understand. “ It’s transparent that not everyone will bike to school but, even if a small portion of people in the world start biking more often, we can make a significant difference.

29%

OF KIDS RIDE FOR BOTH TRANSPORTATION AND RECREATION

3% OF KIDS RIDE ONLY FOR TRANSPORTATION

Drink

Swell The new popularity of reusable water bottles may be helping the planet.

PHOTO: TATUM JORGENSEN

According to plasticoceans.org, 14 percent of litter is from beverage containers, not including the caps or labels. Luckily for the future of the environment, there are much safer alternatives: reusable water bottles.

Hydro Flask, Yeti and Swell branded reusable water bottles have become very popular over the past year.

Teachers and students alike have been hopping on the wave of this trend.

“I think these [water bottles] have become so popular because they are cute, durable and everyone can personalize theirs and make it unique to themselves,” sophomore Brenna Armstrong said. “For example, I put my stickers all over mine to make it my own.”

The water bottles may also be used for more than just being environmentally friendly.

“I think these water bottles have come to represent more than just hydration,” junior Abigail Saylor said. “If you have one it’s a topic of conversation amongst others who have them. It can be construed as a symbol of social status.”

Many benefits come with the use of these water bottles other than saving the environment.

“My water stays cold, my coffee stays hot and [the bottles] last a lifetime,” Saylor said.

English teacher, Lisa Martin uses a 40-ounce Hydro Flask. On average, a pack of 40 plastic water bottles, at 16 ounces a bottle, costs five dollars. She drinks 80 ounces of water each day. If she were to use plastic water bottles, she would drink around 5 bottles a day, making her buy about a pack of water a week, costing five dollars. With 52 weeks in a year, that’s $260 spent each

year on water bottles alone, rather than spending $60 on a reusable water bottle once.

“I think if you do the math, it is worth [the high price],” Martin said. “I use the water bottles for convenience and because it’s cheaper than buying bottled water each week.”

She used to use plastic water bottles, but eventually realized the consequences.

“I have always tried to be conscious of my impact on the environment and it’s widely known that plastic disposable water bottles are bad,” Martin said. “I [used disposable water bottles] when I was in college and high school because my parents and my college roommates would always have bottled water in the fridge.”

There are many different brands of reusable water bottles and each person has their own opinions.

“My favorite brand of water bottle has to be Hydro Flask because it’s the best bottle I’ve ever had,” Armstrong said. “I would encourage everyone to use a Hydro Flask; I’ve never met anyone that doesn’t love theirs.”

Martin encourages her students to go environmentally friendly with their water usage.

“I think my students would quote me and verify that I lecture them about using disposable water bottles all the time and how bad they are,” Martin said.

If you don’t want to spend $20 to $60 on a brand name water bottle, there are other alternatives.

“I definitely advocate for Yeti’s, but I also endorse knockoffs that work well and are half the price,” Saylor said.

Using these reusable water bottles helps the environment and keeps your water cold.

Sophomore Brenna Armstrong poses with her 40-ounce Hydro Flask. She decorated her water bottle with stickers to personalize it.

FunFACTS Americans consume over 8.6 billion gallons of bottled water each year.

Plastic water bottles can take between 400 and 1,000 years to decompose.

Out of the 50 billion bottles of water being bought each year, 80% end up in landfill.

SOURCE: https://www.banthebottle.net/articles/10startling-facts-about-bottled-water/

OCT 2018FOCUS11

Green Team Traditions After Dr. Himes’ departure from PLHS, the future of the Green Team was left questioned.

PHOTO: OWEN SUMTER Bird houses line the fence outside the cafeteria, bringing a sense of nature to the room. The Green Team spent many months improving the garden.

How can you help?

Bring reusable water bottles Recycle old notes Donate to charities Print as little as possible Volunteer to help pick up around the community SOURCE: https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/ articles/eight-simple-ways-to-help-the-environment https://www.studenthut.com/articles/what-everystudent-can-do-save-environment

12 FOCUS THE SCEPTER

Walking into the cafeteria, the butterfly gardens are the first things students see. They provide a sense of nature in the outdoors; they tie the room together. They represent something more than just an afterschool project; they’re a legacy that will stay for much longer than any of the students.

For the last four years, PLHS was home to a committed group of students dedicated to improving the environment of the school through the creation of many nature projects. Led by Dr. Amy Himes, the Green Team spent countless hours bettering the environment.

“At the time the students came to me, I was working on my Doctorate and studying buildings and facilities,” Himes said. “There is a lot of research that supports having green spaces as an important part of the school community.”

Although Green Team started with a small group of students, eventually, others started to join the club. They all shared a common goal: wanting to help make the world a better place.

“I care about our environment,” former Green Team member Billy Imig said. “We only have one chance in this world.”

The Green Team’s projects raise attention for environmental concerns, as well as being part of the solution to fix them.

“We help raise awareness on issues,” Imig said. “Last year we did the project on honeybees.”

The project consisted of building bird houses and boxes for all birds and insects. “[The project was] a collaboration with the ceramic students and woods students,” Himes said. “The birds, bees

and even wasps love them!”

Another project the Green Team did was the making of stepping stones to enhance the garden.

“For two months, at every meeting, we went down to the art room,” Imig said. “It was a really fun project.”

Besides improving the environment, the Green Team improved the school by providing other groups chances to help out. “[The garden] gave service organizations a place to volunteer throughout the school year by picking up trash,” Himes said. “The special needs students were also able to participate in keeping the garden beautiful.”

The Green Team provided many positives to the school, but when Dr. Himes became the Curriculum and Instruction Facilitator for World Languages at Millard Public Schools, its future was left up in the air.

“I honestly don’t know [if Green Team will continue],” Imig said. “I think it would be nice.”

The duty of continuing the tradition of the club, however, was taken over by Mrs. Kristin Lebeda-Svehla.

“One of the most difficult things about establishing a new club or team is finding a purpose,” Himes said. “The Green Team was created originally because a group of students cared deeply about demonstrating their love of nature and of the natural world.”

Green Team has positively influenced the school in many ways over the past four years, whether it be from creating homes for creatures living around the area, or creating a home for students wanting to give back to the community.

eating

GREEN

DEFINITIONS

In every country, food is culture.

In America, hot dogs are associated with baseball games and barbecue are an excuse to get together with friends in the summer.

Meat is at the center of culinary traditions, but lately many people have been challenging this standard.

Various types of diets exclude meat or other animal products. These include well-known diets, such as vegetarianism, and more uncommon diets, such as the pescatarian diet. To many people, the concept of eating meat is a regular part of life, but to some students at PLHS, it is normal to go without it.

Junior Ava Williams is one of the students who has cut out certain meats from her diet. It wasn’t a diet change that she rushed into or was raised with, but rather an idea she investigated first.

“I’m really interested in health and nutrition, and after researching the effects that meat has on your body, I decided that I wouldn’t be eating it anymore,” Williams said. “The effects on animals and the environment were also

causes of me changing my diet.”

There are reasons for changing a diet other than the effects that eating certain foods have on your own life.

Junior Ava Santora, who has been vegetarian for seven months, wasn’t thinking as much about her health when she made the change.

“I chose to be a vegetarian because whenever I used to eat meat, I would feel really badly about it,” Santora said.

“I would imagine that what I was eating used to be alive, and it made me feel sick to my stomach.”

It can be easy to confuse different diet choices or not understand why some people would choose to eat certain animal products but exclude others from their diet. There are many different reasons why people decide to change their diet or continue to eat certain foods.

“I originally became vegetarian for four months, and I didn’t eat any meat at all, but after that I became pescatarian,” Williams said. “I still eat fish because it’s good protein and doesn’t have any of the negative fats that most meat does.”

Vegetarian 1: a diet defined by avoiding all animal flesh, including fish and poultry

Vegan 1: a diet defined by not eating or using any animal products (flesh, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products)

13FEATURES THE SCEPTER

BY MEGAN DAVEY DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT Many students at PLHS have chosen to stop eating meat for a variety of reasons.

Changing a diet can be hard, but having support from friends and family can make all the difference.

“My mom has been pretty supportive, which helps,” Santora said.

“My mom enjoys making vegetarian dinners for me; she sees it as something new she can try.”

Cutting a large source of vitamins and proteins out of your diet can be a concern for your health, but if replaced with other nutrient-rich foods, these diet changes can have health benefits.

“I feel better after changing my diet,” Williams said. “I don’t feel as tired or fatigued, and I make sure to find protein in things besides meat.”

Although meat is prevalent in day to day life, those who have chosen to live without it have made their own standards for what a typical diet includes. The change is considered a hard one for people who have been raised traditionally with meat, but it is one that is seen as well worth it in their eyes.

SOURCE: https://www.pcrm.org/

Pros • Lower risk of heart disease • Reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes • Potential longer life span • Reduced risk of forming kidney stones and gallstones • Lower blood pressure

Cons • Lack of vitamins B12 and D • Lack of iron (potential to develop blood disorders such as anemia) • Lack of protein

e p i n v e i g l t h e BUZ Z a Ke The bees are buzzing with excitement on a beautiful day, collecting honey or just checking on the hives.

This may seem like a scene from a nature documentary, but for senior Tomas Sanchez-Sandoval and teacher Mrs. Kristen Lebeda-Svehla, these are regular tasks.

Beekeeping became a part of Mrs. Lebeda-Svehla’s life after she suggested it to her husband and he agreed that it would be an interesting thing to try.

“I think about any species that’s really different than ours [is interesting], and you get to see the inner workings of the bees [while beekeeping],” LebedaSvehla said. “It’s nature and I’ve always been a fan of nature and how it works.”

While Lebeda-Svehla harvests the honey from the bees to sell, others, like Sanchez-Sandoval who helps his dad keep bees, mainly focus on keeping the bees alive and well.

“My dad is what you call an

Dressed in the protective clothing to avoid bee stings, senior Tomas SanchezSandoval and his father check on their bee hives and remove sections of honeycomb.

PHOTO: TOMAS SANCHEZ-SANDOVAL

14FEATURES THE SCEPTER

apiarist, or a bee conservationist, but it is not his full job,” Sanchez-Sandoval said.

Part of being an apiarist is taking bees out of trees or houses and relocating them to safer places. Around five years ago, Sanchez-Sandoval’s dad needed help and while helping out he “found it interesting” and “liked the challenge of it.”

“I’ll help him check hives and help when he’s cutting the hives out of trees or houses,” Sanchez-Sandoval said.

Bees aren’t just for honey though. There are many other benefits, and plenty that can be learned from maintaining the hives and caring for the bees.

“It’s not always easy at times, it’s a lot of trial and error, so if you’re not patient it can be challenging,” Lebeda-Svehla said. “There are a lot of environmental benefits, though I’ve noticed that my garden does better because of the pollination.”

BY CAITLYN THOMAS DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT A look into the lives of the student and teacher here at PLHS who keep bees and why they do it.

Another benefit of beekeeping is learning about the intricacies of the hives and how they function as a whole.

“It’s different every time you go in. When you check the hives in the morning, it’s still kind of cold and they’re not as active as when you check in the afternoon,” Sanchez-Sandoval said. “Every hive is different from the others like it is its own person.”

While beekeeping is not a traditional hobby to take part in, it is not difficult to take up.

“It is something where just about anyone could have one hive in their own backyard,” Lebeda-Svehla said. “Then you can check in every once in a while, especially when they’re making honey.”

While observing the complexities of the bee hives and colonies garners more experience and knowledge about the world and how it functions, it also makes for a fun hobby to partake in on a bee-utiful and sunny day.

types of bees

drone

Duties: Mates with the queen, dies right after mating.

queen

Duties: Lays up to 600800 eggs a day, secretes pheromones to control workers.

worker

Duties: Does construction, storage, keeps the nursery, guards, caretakes, scouts and forages.

Graphic BY MOLLEE SWIFT

INside the hive SOURCE: https://www.beverlybees.com/parts-beehive-beginner-beekeeper/

Outer cover

Works like the roof of a house to protect the bees from elements.

Inner cover

This is a ventilation source for the bees that may contain a hole or mesh to provide comfort for the colony.

Honey super

These frames of comb collect the bees’ surplus honey that we can harvest for ourselves.

Queen excluder

This plastic or metal grid has holes small enough for worker bees to fit through, but not drones or the queen so that the queen doesn’t lay any eggs in the hives above.

Deep super

These boxes contain frames of comb that the bees typically use to raise thousands of bees (lower chamber) and store most of their honey and pollen for their own use (upper chamber).

Bottom board

This is the floor of the beehive that also protects the colony from damp ground along with the hive stand.

Stand

Whether made of bricks, wood or other material, this stand’s sole purpose is to keep the hive off the ground.

OCT 2018FEATURES 15

BY LISSA LAFOND DESIGN BY HANNAH SHIN The three members of the Grigaitis family live their unique lives as triplets.

Everyone knows twins from television shows and movies such as “Zach and Cody,” “Parent Trap” and “Full House.” Many people know twins in their own lives as well, but hearing of triplets is rare.

Freshmen Meagen, Brenden and Hayden Grigaitis live unique lives as triplets.

They deal with some of the same problems as other siblings who are many years apart in age.

“We just argue about everything, [such as] them taking my stuff and [them] coming into my room and not closing the door,” Meagen said.

There are some perks to having multiple people your age around all the time, despite the arguments and complications.

Brenden and Hayden both said they appreciate always having someone

16FEATURES THE SCEPTER

to talk to.

Along with normal sibling dynamics, they experience the problem of sharing more.

“When we were younger, we had to share birthday parties,” Meagen said.

Despite their sharing many things, as co-ed and non-identical triplets they don’t necessarily share the same qualities.

“We are pretty different, [but] me and my one brother, [Brenden], look the same,” Meagen said.

Being a triplet is a unique experience, but being the parent of a set of triplets is an even more special predicament.

“At first [our mom] said she was surprised and then excited,” Hayden said. “But, afterwards it was crazy.”

PHOTO: MEAGEN GRIGAITIS Meagen, Brenden and Hayden Grigaitis pose for their first day of preschool.

PHOTO: LISSA LAFOND The triplets recreate their preschool photo during freshman year.

CROWNED in the Past

BY Elizabeth Eidem DESIGN BY Avery Wagoner Several PLHS teachers, once royalty on their homecoming courts, are royalty now as Monarchs.

Seniors line the stage, all with anxious smiles, bracing to hear the words, “and the winner is...” announced by a teacher. The crowd cheers and one lucky king and queen walk to accept their crown.

This scene is familiar to current students attending a homecoming dance, but a high school homecoming court experience is reminiscent of some teachers’ pasts.

Mr. Shawn Gray, a chemistry and physical science teacher, was Albion High School’s class of 1999 king at his school’s homecoming equivalent, Color Day. Gray graduated from a senior class of 60 students, and his whole town celebrated with him.

“A lot of people from the town came to the coronation ceremony in the school gym,” Gray said. “I was in the

newspaper the next day.”

Gray was involved in everything from band to football during his high school days, and that level of involvement is reflected in other teachers that were on court, like Mr. Mitch Albers and Mrs. Jessie Boyd.

Albers, a physical education teacher, attended PLHS and graduated in 2007.

Albers was not crowned prince or king, but he did recall his court experience as being a memorable one with friends.

“My reaction when I first learned I made court was just to see which one of my friends were on it with me,” Albers said. “I ended up being with a bunch of my buddies that I grew up with.”

Boyd, a 2008 PLHS graduate and member of the 2007 homecoming court,

was just happy to be thought of by her peers as a good candidate.

“I wasn’t even at school for voting,” Boyd said. “When I came back to school, they told me I was on court and it was a nice surprise.”

Being on court or being crowned did not drastically change these teachers’ experiences, but it left them feeling honored to be recognized by their friends and community.

“It was also neat to see one of my good friends win,” Boyd said. “I was happy to have those memories.”

Being taught by high school royalty is not something most students can say, but here at PLHS, make sure you ask for a wave when you see a royal teacher.

MRS. BOYD

MR. ALBERS

MR. GRAY

PHOTO: MRS. BOYD Mrs. Boyd graces the football field while being recognized as a homecoming court member.

PHOTO: MR. ALBERS Mr. Albers poses with the rest of the boys on homecoming court.

PHOTO: MR. GRAY Mr. Gray takes his throne as Albion High School’s king at their Color Day dance.

OCT 2018 FEATURES17

Undecided Wish

Death by cat boatwright DESIGN By Abigail Jensen Haunted Houses gain popularity as Halloween nears.

The word “haunted” is usually applied to houses, graveyards, or even people that have been possessed by the supernatural, but the word also pertains to the ones that have been terrorstricken.

According to americanhaunts. com, it is estimated there are about 2,800 haunted attractions that scare almost 80,000 participants each year.

With Halloween around the corner, these attractions have become a yearly staple for many who celebrate this bone-chilling holiday.

Halloween is a holiday that has billions of dollars put into the works; millions are put into the haunted houses alone. Each house has a unique aspect that makes it scarier or below average compared to its competitors.

“Shadow’s Edge is the scariest haunted house I have been to because it literally made my friend cry,” sophomore Nick Sells said.

Some haunted houses are not as scary as others, but they all seem to pack at least some kind of fright.

Of course, there are parts of

DO YOU LIKE Yes HAUNTED No HOUSES?

haunted houses that always seem to scare people to the core.

“Jump scares from behind are my biggest fear because they are frightening to about everyone,” junior Lucas Albino said. “It is an experience that leaves you scared afterwards.”

As someone leaves a haunted house, nothing could be better than tears welling up in the eyes, and the rush of adrenaline that leaves them wanting more.

While some love this sensation, others are too scared to participate in these ordeals.

“I hate haunted houses,” junior Olivia Boudreau said. “They are the worst thing ever, and I will never go into one. I hate to be scared.”

Haunted houses have become a predominant component of All Hallow’s Eve. While some choose to take part, others decide this eerie adventure is not for them. No matter what path you take, this holiday could become the nightmare of all nightmares. And remember if one door closes, and another opens: the house is probably haunted.

15%

Poll taken from 90 votes on twitter @PLPulse

18 ENTERTAINMENT THE SCEPTER

Scan this code to check out Mr. Gray’s Pumpkin Explosion Experiment

85%

PHOTO CAITLYN THOMAS

Omaha Spooky Spotlight-

Hummel Park

by Kyler choquette

PHOTO: KYLER CHOQUETTE If you want to visit Hummel Park, it is found at 3033 Hummel Rd, Omaha. You can visit during its operational hours of 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

This secluded, wooded park is home to many dark stories. Some true, others legend. While the Albino farmers may be false, the dark history of murders and attacks in the 1900s are very true.

The infamous concrete stair steps are said to lead to hell, and that is why you can’t count the same number of steps going up and down; in reality it is because of their dilapidated state.

Thanks to its history, it is hard not to get an eerie vibe at this famous park, and that is why you can’t help but peek behind your shoulder when a branch is broken.

Anyone who is looking for a fright without admission should visit this spooky landmark.

OCT 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 19

BY JOSH HENNINGS DESIGN BY HANNAH SHIN The Playstation and Xbox rivalry continunes to heat up.

Clash

As video games have begun to overtake media, households and everyday lives, there have been two consoles that have dominated the modern-day gaming market. Although PlayStation’s numbers are over twice that of Xbox’s, many gamers’ opinions differ when it comes to which is the better console.

Sony’s PS4 has sold over 82.2 million consoles, while Microsoft’s Xbox One has sold over 30 million consoles since both of their releases in 2013. Both the PlayStation and Xbox are widely known as two of the best and most advanced systems within the gaming industry, as they have been the leaders in the video game enterprise for decades. Still today, in the fourth generation of consoles, avid fans of video games continue to debate which platform is the best.

“I decided to purchase a PlayStation over an Xbox because I’ve always gone with Sony when it comes to gaming consoles,” junior John Cisneros said. “I wanted something that I felt comfortable with, and something that I was used to.”

When it comes to buying a new gaming system, a major contributing factor to decisions is which platform the majority of the user’s friends have.

Although PlayStation has sold more units, that doesn’t count out the Xbox, in terms of customer satisfaction and the product’s multi-media platform market.

“I purchased an Xbox One, because I’m used to the way the controllers are set up,” junior Salvador Lopez-Luna said. “My friends recommended it to me since that’s what console they all used.”

The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are both similar in storage options, RAM memory and displays, although one staggering statistic stands out. At the release of the latest generation, the Xbox’s MSRP came in at $499, rivaled with PlayStation’s MSRP, coming in at $299. While both gaming consoles are nearly flawless, some players decided to 20 ENTERTAINMENT THE SCEPTER

OF THE

Consoles

go with both platforms, despite the price difference.

“It was worth it to buy both consoles, mainly because I have a lot of friends that play on both consoles,” junior James Stultz said. “If I had to have chosen between the two, I would’ve gone with the PlayStation, since I think it has a better gaming environment.”

Some gamers are happy with just one console, but others feel that there’s more of a benefit for having both platforms. This would be the ideal for most video game buffs. However, because of the costs of games and networking, most customers only purchase one console.

“I sometimes wish I would have gotten a PS4 because they have really good exclusive content and games,” Lopez-Luna said. “I also have a lot of friends who have a PlayStation, so I wish I’d be able to play with them.”

The main selling point of Microsoft’s latest gaming console, the Xbox One, was that it was a device great for games and personal entertainment. Sony focused more on the gaming side, while also including entertainment options as well. Although the PlayStation 4 may have higher stats in specs and technological power, the Xbox One offers many options for entertainment and media outlets.

“I personally enjoy PlayStation more, because I feel that Xbox has more of an entertainment focus, although both consoles are great on their own,” Cisneros said.

With the current generation of consoles slowly entering the last stage of their life, video game fans can all agree that the modern technology and innovation of gaming consoles is incredibly intricate and impressive.

Whatever platform players use, gamers can easily enjoy their experience. The Sony and Microsoft gaming rivalry will always be astonishingly competitive, as fans of each brand will defend their preferred console until the end of time.

EVOLUTION OF CONTROLLERS 1994

2001

2000

2005

2013

2013

THE BEST CONSOLE

56% PLAYSTATION

44% XBOX

Poll taken from 96 votes on twitter @PLPulse

Debunking

Horoscopes BY kenzie ward DESIGN BY Abigail Jensen Within the astronomy classes, students learn of the scientific evidence that contradicts astrology.

PHOTO: DAVID O’CONNELL Mr. Doug Showell leads an activity in his fourth period astronomy class.

The alignment of the stars has a great effect that stretches beyond the sky; many people use the stars as explanations for their personality types or reasons for things that happen.

Astrology is the study of the influence that distant cosmic objects, usually stars and planets, have on human lives. Many studies show that the number of those who believe in astrology exceeds the number of those who debunk it. Astronomy teacher Mr. Doug Showell gave a lecture to his students on his take of astrology.

“I personally do not believe in [astrology] because there is not one item of proof,” Showell said. “There is no evidence that it works, it never has worked, and it never will work.”

When addressing his opinion on astrology, Showell was hoping to change his students’ minds and beliefs on the topic. Junior Sam Kurutz witnessed the way Showell expressed his thoughts on astrology.

“Showell hasn’t changed my mind because I never believed in [astrology] in

the first place, even though some sayings for some horoscopes have been pretty accurate,” Kurutz said.

Showell defined astrology as the belief that an individual’s life and future are based off of where the sun was when you were born. However, what most students do not realize is that the location of the sun when you were born was a completely different location than where the sun was 2000 years ago due to the precession of the Earth, or the wobble of the Earth’s axis.

“I show my students what a horoscope is, why they’re false and why they don’t work,” Showell said. “How can something a billion miles from the earth affect you, your life and what happens?”

Kurutz believed that Showell’s opinion is true because of the proof he has gave. She argued that astrology is redundant because no one has the same type of day, which Showell agreed with.

“It is important to believe why [astrology] is false and included scientific reasons on why it is false,”

DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?

Yes

Showell said. “This way, people do not make foolish choices based on an assumption that is not real.”

Those who consider astrology to be true are a greater percent than those who do not believe in it. This is why Showell is so determined to point his students in the direction of scientific and independent reasoning, rather than astrological pining.

“I think the reason people believe in astrology is because it is easier to believe that that is in charge of their life, rather than they are in charge of their own lives,” Showell said. “They’re unwilling to make their own decisions and choices, as opposed to what a writer who made up something in the newspapers and websites.”

Whether or not the stars truly have an effect on people’s lives, they are a topic of interest and controversy. This topic has a place within the astronomy curriculum, but for the purpose of providing students the tools to think critically, and more importantly, for themselves.

25%

No Poll taken from 81 votes on twitter @PLPulse

75% OCT 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 21

1

2

BY Vincent Lin The Young Americans light up the dance floor in their final performance to wrap up their three-day workshop.

Young Talent 3 Sometimes, a little bit of courage is all it takes to shine.

Being a star of the show is something that the Young Americans encourage for teens of all ages. On Sept.

16, 2018, a group of 45 students from the Young Americans College of the Performing Arts arrived at PLHS to host a three-day workshop for students from elementary to high school who wanted to refine their fine arts skills or who were simply interested in the performing arts. Throughout each day, students participated in activities to improve their singing, choreography and cooperation, yet the benefits of the program extended much further than just performing.

At its core, everything in the Young Americans program, from the rehearsals to the performance, trains students to become the best performer that they can be.

Each day, students participated in several classes available to them, including improv and dance classes.

While the group was working 22 ENTERTAINMENT THE SCEPTER

up to its final performance, the professionals worked hard to help their students feel at home.

“Everyone was really supportive of the people who weren’t as confident,” junior Jordyn Knox said. “Everyone was willing to help people get to where they wanted to be.”

From all their hard work came their incredible final performance loaded with a huge variety of musical genres, from songs like “Here Comes the Sun,” to various Disney tunes, to music from “Footloose.” Each musical number turned a budding school performer into a soloing superstar.

“When I first did Young Americans, I was really shy to perform in front of people, even though I liked performing,” junior Kevin Bray said.

“Then one of the Young Americans asked me if I wanted to try to do a solo, so I tried it out and discovered that I really loved it.”

The Young Americans’ focus is to give students new experiences that they never knew they would love.

“They really try to get you out of your comfort zone and get you to do something new, something you haven’t tried yet,” Bray said.

In a lot of ways, it is about more than just performing. Simply by participating in the show, students can learn new skills not written in the syllabus.

“I think [Young Americans] did a lot for my confidence,” Knox said.

“Now that I’ve sung alone in front of people, I’m more comfortable speaking

Looking for more

GREAT

performances?

DONE to

DEATH

WHAT? PLHS Fall Play

4

in front of people.”

Most of the time, those benefits are absolutely invaluable.

“Young Americans really teaches you how to open yourself up and let in new people, and when you do that, you become a better person,” Bray said.

Being a part of the performing arts can certainly provide physical growth, such as becoming a better choral singer or a more convincing actor; yet, those usually aren’t what make it worthwhile.

Programs like the Young Americans grant so many immaterial benefits that build your character, your confidence, and the collective skills you need to become the best version of you. Maybe someday the courage you need will come to shine.

5

1. Harley Tangeman brightens up the music on the bongos. Taking the floor, Tangeman helped to transition the show from their opening dance circles. Photo: Jena Cruse 2. Kaylee Stover takes a solo in the show’s opening dance circle. The Young Americans also cycled through a few other free-style dance groups to start their performance. Photo: Vincent Lin 3. The students and cast of the Young Americans celebrate during their final bows of the performance. This concluded the remarkable journey that their performing arts workshop had led up to. Photo: Vincent Lin 4. Students dressed as the penguins from Madagascar share the spotlight with an ever-iconic Minion in the Disney-themed section of the show.

Also accompanying them on the stage was a huge compilation of famous Disney and Pixar characters, superheroes, and even characters from “The Lego Movie”. Photo: Vincent Lin 5. Nate Brown takes a lead role during the Young Americans’ Rock N’ Roll mashup. This final section of the show led into their amped up ending bows.

Photo: Vincent Lin

Five once-famous mystery writers collaborate to create a murder mystery TV series.

Each character stands out with their own unique personality to create a comedic parody of the murder mystery genre.

WHEN? October 26 - 27 7:00 p.m.

WHERE? PLHS Auditorium OCT 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 23

OPINION IN THEIR

DESIGN BY HANNAH SHIN

MATERIALISM [VANITY]

BY Gabriel Lyden The rise in modern luxury clothing has lead to everyday items being re-purposed as status symbols.

It seems as though companies are getting lazy with their branding, or maybe it’s just a big joke that I’m not a part of. The $68 t-shirts with nothing but “Supreme” on them come to mind.

The rationale behind it that I’ve heard is that the absurd price tag is the point, but why?

Everyone, not just the youth, seem to be stuck in a narcissistic loop where purchases on increasingly stupid products with the right logo on them translate in to vain shows of status. Ah, you have a point, who am I to wear a $40 pair of shoes? I should have invested in the $360 ones if I didn’t want to get bullied. Everyone as a whole could really stand to benefit without this incessant smugness that has now become commonplace.

I don’t even blame the companies at this point. If someone wants to blow their first two paychecks on sweatpants, then they shouldn’t be surprised if they find their financial situation lacking. It’s bizarre to see something as universal as sneakers be used as a status symbol.

Don’t get me wrong though, most of my wardrobe has some band logo or movie reference on it. I love promoting my interests and personal tastes, but I’m promoting something. Any high school student willing to work at McDonald’s 24OPINION THE SCEPTER

for a month or two can buy pretty much any piece of clothing they can find, but instead of sharing interests, they’re showing the world that they too have what it takes to work a minimum wage job and walk to a clothing outlet.

The idea of purchasing something because it’s expensive is disrespectful to both those who work hard to support families but have less and to the parents of those children, whose money is being thrown away. It’s incredible to me that you can buy a full set of clothes for the price a one of these shirts, but even that isn’t 100 percent of the problem with the materialist culture.

So many people badly want to be a part of this to feel normal or to set themselves apart, and while not everyone feels this vulnerable, there are those who grow up and see role models be a part of this issue and end up getting dragged into spending money and joining the insufferable vanity that’s become commonplace.

At least in the past there was some dull inspirational quote instead of just the name of the company in bold. While minimal, the level of effort was at least tangible, but they’ve certainly found a niche that works, and that’s undeniable.

If all people really want is a way to take out their bloated sense of selfimportance, then what incentive, really, does any corporation have to stand in their way?

Today’s brands feed into people’s narcissism by inflating prices for no other reason than to appeal to those looking to show off. In the end, who am I to tell others what they should do with their money, other than that they may consider that society could grow richer with more humility.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TALKING

BY Emma Betts Students in the 21st century often have a so called “thing” with someone, but are not dating or together. Why do people have such a hard time committing to a relationship?

These days, teens struggle to commit to anything, besides maybe a sport or hobby. Honestly, it is just frustrating trying to understand why students can not pull off a relationship because they think “talking” to one another or having a “thing” is the more efficient way to start a real relationship.

Wrong. What does that even mean?

Are they together? Are they not? Are

SCHOOL IS RUFF

STUDENTS WERE ASKED IF THEY WANT A THERAPY DOG TO VISIT EVERY OTHER WEEK

BY Annie waldman Therapy dogs relieve stress by being in schools, so why do we not have one?

For most students, school is a very stressful place. There is too much homework, too many tests and not enough hours in the day to get proper sleep. Our stress levels are so elevated these days, schools could add one thing that would make our lives a little more carefree.

Therapy dogs are used in schools to make students happier, less stressed and more comfortable. Ever since Sunnie, the therapy dog who used to visit from time to time died, our school has not had a therapy dog visit, even though it promotes learning and makes students happier.

Therapy dogs can increase reading

and writing levels by making students more confident and improve attendance.

Seeing a four-legged friend in the hallway even every once-in-a-while would make so many students’ day. A furry friend would make everyone forget about the test they didn’t study for, and the amount of homework they will have

they both off limits? You never know the boundaries when two people are ‘talking,’ which makes relationships complicated in today’s day and age.

If you want to understand how confusing the concept is, try to explain it to your parents without them thinking you are insane. The most upsetting part is our parents did not have any of those bewildered labels because people were not afraid to carry out an actual relationship. They simply would be dating, making it official and eliminating any confusion for everyone else.

These days everyone’s emotions, social anxiety and confidence get in the way of creating an actual relationship.

Teens are scared of rejection or liking someone not up with the social standards. Whatever the excuse may be, teens hate the idea of a relationship playing games with their ego. They are terrified that they will get their heart broken or simply just lose a friend as the result of a failed relationship.

This is where ‘talking’ comes into play; if you are not committed to one person, you can stop your ‘thing’ at any given time and move on instead of facing the conflict and forming an actual bond with someone.

It allows people to be lazy with their relationship instead of giving the other person the respect and full

Poll taken from 116 votes on Twitter @PLPulse

to do later that night.

If our school could not budget to bring a dog in occasionally throughout the year, they should at least bring one in during finals week. Finals week is when stress is at an all-time high, so having a cute puppy to cheer us up in the hallways would be an automatic mood booster. If something could limit stress for a little bit and make students feel better, why shouldn’t the school do it?

Sunnie was a fantastic surprise when she came to school. She at least made my day, especially when she and her handler, Lynda Molyneaux, subbed for my Spanish class. I don’t know if everyone loves dogs as much as I do, but I know that a lot of people appreciated her being at school.

I think that there is no reason that we can’t have a therapy dog come to the school, even if it’s just occasionally.

If we could afford having one before Sunnie’s death, we can afford having one now. A new Sunnie would be nostalgic for upperclassmen and teachers and entertaining for everyone. School would be a little more stress free if we had a new dog walking down the hallway with us.

attention that they deserve. It is an easy way out and an easy way to toy with someone’s feelings.

Students need to realize that sometimes getting your heart broken a few times is what it takes to help you understand what you want in a relationship. Just stick with the person you like instead of letting them slip away without even putting up a fight. There are plenty of fish in the sea, but how do you know if you caught the right one if you don’t even reel it in? Who knows, that connection could have been amazing. You will never know if you always take the easy way out.

OCT 2018 OPINION 25

QUICK TO COMMIT Most seniors have to deal with the pressure of deciding which college to attend. They go on college visits and ultimately must pick the college that’s right for them. But for some underclassmen, the stress of this process is already over and done with.

Sophomore Jordyn Bahl committed to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln the summer after her eighth grade year.

“It was easy to decide because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Nebraska,” Bahl said.

However, the decision is not that easy for everyone. Sophomore Norah Sis, who committed to Creighton University this year, had a harder time choosing which school to commit to.

“It was really hard to decide, but after visiting Creighton, I really liked it and I fell in love with everything there,” Sis said.

There are many other factors that go into deciding where and when to

BY Cassie kessler design by abigail Jensen Find out how certain underclassmen have already chose what college they plan on attending.

“It’s been my dream to play for Nebraska, and finally being able to represent them is going to be super cool.”

-Jordyn Bahl commit. Students must consider all of their options, while also keeping in mind what the best choice is for them.

“Part of the reason I wanted to stay close to home was so that I could play and have support from all the people that have helped me develop as a player,” Bahl said.

Committing as an underclassman did not make the process any easier for

these students. It was just as stressful for them as it is for seniors. Yet making the decision was just as rewarding.

“It was very stressful, but now just having it out of the way, I can focus on high school and club season,” Sis said.

Although leaving for college is still a few more years away for these underclassmen, this does not mean that they are any less excited to go to their school of choice.

“It’s been my dream to play for Nebraska, and finally being able to represent them is going to be super cool,” Bahl said.

Most students who are struggling to commit to a college will receive advice from their parents or counselors, but these underclassmen have a few tips to help those trying to decide.

“I’d just say make sure it’s where you really want to go and not where other people want you to go,” Sis said.

“Just make sure it’s right for you.”

Sophomore Norah Sis attempts to block against Papillion - La Vista South. The Monarchs fell to the Titans in 4 sets.

PHOTO: JILL MATHISON

Sophomore Jordyn Bahl prepares to swing against the Millard West Wildcats. The Monarchs beat the Wildcats 5-0.

26 SPORTS THE SCEPTER

PHOTO: JOSEY RYAN

From Fútbol to Football

BY JAke Williams DESIGN By Abigail Jensen Foreign exchange student Mo Gust experiences playing Football for the first time.

Football is one of the most popular sports in America, and it’s a great taste of American culture. For foreign exchange students, it is a brand new experience.

Senior Mo Gust is one of the three foreign exchange students that the Monarchs have welcomed this year and the only one to be playing football for PLHS. “I wanted to have that whole part of America, and I think that football is the American thing," wide receiver Gust said. "The team spirit is different, and the sport is awesome.”

With no prior experience in American football, Gust has had an uphill battle.

“It is hard, but it is a very cool sport,” Gust said.

His hard work has not gone unnoticed, and his coaches have been impressed with his performance.

“We love Mo,” head football Coach Randy Hubert said. “He’s got a great attitude, energy and he wants to learn.”

Besides being a fun way to enjoy America, football has also provided a welcome and friends for Gust.

“The sport was like you get a team, and then it is much easier to know people at school, so it was very, very good,” Gust said.

Football is a sport that most Americans enjoy, and for foreign exchange students it's a great welcome and taste of America. Whether you are cheering from the stands or dawning a jersey, each Friday night football brings us together to have a great time.

Distant Additions To PLHS Robert Schulte

Thomas Ingebrigtsen

Native Country: Germany Activities: I’m doing cross country here, but normally I’m a cyclist and I love photography.

Food: I like to eat at Five Guys.

Favorite thing about school: Football games [because] you meet so many people, and I basically made all my friends there.

Native Country: Norway Activities: I have played soccer for eleven years.

Language: I speak two languages and I am learning German.

Travel: I’ve been to 10 countries.

Favorite thing about school: I enjoy the school spirit and the Friday night games, so that's a lot of fun.

OCT 2018SPORTS 27

BY Sarah Altman DESIGN BY Jack Nieto Junior Isaac Grelk paves the way for cross country excellence running without central vision.

THROUGH HIS EYES

Walking through the halls of PLHS, junior Isaac Grelk is assailed by a loud chorus of sneaker squeaks resonating off the cement walls. The passing bell rings sharply in his ear, and he feels people pressing in on him from all sides as he braves an intersection. Looking around, hundreds of students swarm this way and that, like ants navigating their colony. Getting through the halls is hard enough, but imagine doing it with no sight.

This daunting scenario is Grelk’s reality.

Grelk has Stargardt Disease, meaning he has no central vision. His eyes are unable to break down vitamin A, causing blockages that slowly deteriorate his retina. As a result, his total vision acuity falls between 20/200 and 20/400. Every day, he uses his peripheral vision, among other things, for support.

“I have a lot of tech to help me,” Grelk said.

“I have a handheld Optelec and a laptop and iPad for

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enlargement.”

In the hectic halls of PLHS, he has novel ways of navigating.

“I walk down the halls with a friend,” Grelk said. “For classes, there is a blue dot on the door that lets me know it’s my classroom.”

The passageways of PLHS, however, pale in comparison to the worn trails at each cross-country meet.

As a member of the cross-country team, Grelk braves these beaten paths without the benefit sight.

“I typically don’t run on my own,” Grelk said.

“I need a buddy that is about the same pace as me.”

For Grelk, this guide runner takes the form of senior teammate and friend, Konner Reineke.

“At the start of each meet, it’s hard for him because there are so many other people around, but once we get going he does fine,” Reineke said.

“Rough terrain also affects him, but he is never afraid to keep

AD

running.”

The courage it takes to keep plowing on has been developing in Grelk for his whole life.

“He has learned to live with [Stargardt] overtime, and he now has an amazing sense of awareness and peripheral vision,” coach Joe Pilakowski said. “He senses things better than most.”

While running, he succeeds due to a culmination of this awareness and acuity.

“I have to have a lot of self-awareness,” Grelk said. “I can’t always see everything, so I pay attention to other things, like the feeling of the ground underneath my feet.”

For many, vision represents an unalienable aspect of our identity. This, however, narrows our view on the world.

“People value vision a lot, but there are other ways to do things,” Grelk said. “You go somewhere and say, ‘this place has a nice view,’ but it can also have a nice sound, feel, and smell.

Other senses are not valued enough. It gives me a broader perspective.”

This wider angle on life translates to success on the cross-country team, where Isaac finds no trouble fitting in.

“Isaac is unique in the sense that he doesn’t want or expect anything from anybody,” Pilakowski said. “He always wants to be treated like any other member on our team.”

Despite all the obstacles he faces, he perseveres and was a near-varsity performer throughout his junior season.

“He gives a sense of courage to the team that there is nothing you can’t do,” Pilakowski said. “When 40 others see a young man, nearly blind, out there running, it’s inspirational to me and the team.”

His tenacity encourages others to persist, even as their lungs burn and legs wobble.

“By seeing Isaac tackle what he has to tackle on a daily basis, all the complaints, like ‘it’s too hot, too windy,’ are minimized,” Pilakowski said. “His benefits are tremendous and invaluable to our team.”

Although Stargardt Disease produces many obstacles, it is no match for the mighty spirit of Isaac Grelk.

“Despite everything, I still swim and run cross country and track,” Grelk said. “It can’t stop me from doing what I want to do.”

OCT 2018SPORTS 29

BY JOSEY RYAN The 2018 Monarch softball team has included, and thrived, with two new members.

Walking in the front doors at PLHS, past the main office and book store, the pits and library are a center point. What lines these walls are some of the most treasured photos of an athlete’s life: state championship pictures. At PLHS, there are 34 state championship pictures. 14 of these come from one sport: softball.

With only 26 years of softball being a NSAA sponsored sport, PLHS has made the most of it and has won more than half of the state championships, including one in 2017.

Only four seniors graduated last year, and the Monarchs quickly rebuilt by starting their season right where they left off. As of Oct. 5, the Monarchs had a record of 31-0 and maxpreps.com had the team ranked number one in the nation.

These 2018 Monarchs lived up to the rich tradition and looked to finish this season the same way they 30 SPORTS THE SCEPTER

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ended the last. But, they also focused on something other than softball that started the first game of their season and gave them extra motivation.

Every year, the Monarchs play the first game of the season against the Millard West Wildcats, and each year they raise money for an organization.

This year the money raised was donated to FAST, or Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics.

Senior Delaney Van Briesen, a student affected by Angelman Syndrome, threw the first pitch of the game, and sitting very close to her was one of her close friends, freshman Emma Eberhart, who is also affected

by Angelman Syndrome. Angelman Syndrome is a genetic disorder causing developmental disabilities and nerverelated symptoms. However this did not stop Van Briesen and Eberhart from getting involved with the softball team.

“Ever since that first game, [Van

Briesen and Eberhart] have been a part of our team,” senior Madeline Vejvoda said.

On Sept. 19, the softball team recognized their five seniors, and one was Van Briesen.

“It was very emotional to think that Delaney was a part of that community and group of girls, [it] was just pretty awesome,” Delaney’s mom Kerri Van Briesen said. “It’s not something we ever dreamed she would be a part of.”

This team, and this inclusion of Van Briesen and Eberhart on the team, was something these two girls anticipated.

“Every morning before she is even hardly awake, [Delaney] is signing softball, wanting to know if there is a game,” Kerri said.

This excitement was not one way, however. The players also looked forward to seeing Van Briesen and

1

Eberhart as they watched them play.

“They just bring positivity and happiness to the team,” Vejvoda said.

“Especially when something doesn’t go our way, we can look over at Emma and Delaney and see their big smiles and that gets us back on track.”

However, both Kerri Van Briesen and Emma’s mom, Teresa Eberhart, do not believe any of this would have been possible without the inclusion of their daughters in “normal” classes.

“From the classroom to when she was the student manager for the basketball team, all of that sets that stage of our vision for Emma’s life that she will be a valued, active member of our general community,” Teresa said.

Not only this, but the relationships the Monarch softball team created will form a bond that could be seen in the future.

“When you are out in the general

F.A.S.T.

community, and you have people that know you, these people can speak up for you,” Teresa said. “This not only gives them the highest quality of life but the safest as well.”

The Eberharts and Van Briesens were truly overwhelmed with the inclusion the Monarch softball team created for Delaney and Emma, but the players also felt very fortunate.

“Having Delaney and Emma as a part of our team was one of my most memorable things in high school,” Vejvoda said. “It really changed my perspective on life and it made me realize to appreciate everything I have and to cherish every moment with my friends.”

With targets on their backs and Emma and Delaney by their sides, the Monarch softball team had a recordbreaking season, attempting to put the fifteenth picture on the wall.

Facts

Angelman Syndrome affects 1/15,000 people.

There are four different types of Angelman Syndrome: Deletion, Mutation, Uniparental Disomy and Imprinting Defect - Delaney and Emma have the same type: Mutation.

The Monarchs and Wildcats raised $2,508.51 to go towards the F.A.S.T Foundation from their Aug. 18 game.

SOURCE: cureangelman.org

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3 1: Van Briesen celebrates senior night alongside her parents and fellow teammates.

PHOTO: EMMA HIGBY 2: Senior Madeline Vejvoda and team present jerseys to Van Briesen and Eberhart after their 15-0 win over Papillion-La Vista South.

PHOTO: JOSEY RYAN 3: Van Briesen and Eberhart wait together for the team following a Monarch win. PHOTO: JOSEY RYAN 4: The Monarch softball team gather around Eberhart after giving her a jersey to match their own. PHOTO: JOSEY RYAN

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5

5: Eberhart and Van Briesen have fun together while supporting the Monarch softball team. PHOTO: JOSEY RYAN

OCT 2018SPORTS 31