2018 November Scepter

PLPULSE.COM

theSCEPTER

SHE CAN PG. 13-19

A look at female power in our school and community highlights what these young women can do.

MUSICIANS IN MOTION PG. 22

Review: A “Star is Born” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” present the life stories of artists.

AIMING TO END MISCONCEPTIONS PG. 28-29

Amidst the stigma around firearms, the trap team finds success in the sport while breaking stereotypes.

ENLIGHTENED LEARNING

Junior Andrew McMurtry performs a science experiment in Mr. Doug Showell’s chemistry class.

ISSUE 2 VOLUME 56

A PUBLICATION OF PAPILLION-LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

NOVEMBER 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 Chloé Grimm Alecsis Moguilner Adviser: Joe Rohacik

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

COVER COVER PHOTO: REBANT SHRESTHA COVER DESIGN: MOLLEE SWIFT Junior Andrew McMurtry observes the flame of a chemistry experiment in one of Mr. Showell’s chemistry classes. McMurtry performed the flame test experiment to conclude the identity of separate metals. The orange flame identifies the metal as sodium.

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

FEATURES

FOCUS She Can

OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS 02 FRONT THE SCEPTER

04 10 13 20 22 26

04 05 06 08 09

Order in the Court An Opportunity for Change Leading the Future Slippery Slope Controlling the Competition

10 A Special Future 12 Strictly Business 14 15 16 17 18 19

The New Standard Bridging the Gap Drumming to Her Own Beat Behind the Counter A Certified Head Start #MeToo

20 Senioritis 21 Don’t Speak

22 Musicians in Motion 23 A Trend That Sticks 24 At the Peak of Performance 26 27 28 30

A Message to Senior Athletes Monarch Morning Aiming to End Misconceptions Early Growth

FAR LEFT: Junior Alyssa Berger works on a clay skeleton. The anatomy students made models demonstrating the different types of muscles.

LEFT: Senior Zach Manning and sophomore Kylie Gruver act during the 2018 fall play. “Done to Death” ran on Oct. 26 and 27 and followed the story of several mystery writers.

PHOTO: JILL MATHISON ABOVE: Senior Hannah Smith sets the ball while her teammates prepare for the outcome. The varsity volleyball team won the district tournament against Lincoln Southeast on Oct. 31.

PHOTO: BRIANNA FISCHBACH

EDITORIAL

PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON

LEFT: The PLHS drama department held their annual haunted house, “Fears Unleashed,” on Oct. 29 and 30.

The money raised will benefit the Tri-City Food Pantry.

POWER TO THE WOMEN

Feminism has become a heavily weighted word. For some, the word connotes feelings of empowerment and strength. Others, however, see feminism as an overdramatic outcry for change on unimportant issues.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, feminism is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.

Unfortunately, feminism has become a divisive topic. Despite the word’s surface meaning, its ideals, including equality and empowerment, have brought about change in our society.

American society has historically been dominated by men. Originally, women allowed to work were immensely overworked and underpaid. More recently, a split in career fields such as engineering, law and politics is more evident of a gender gap.

This difference is inevitably the result of the traditional, and often expected, role of women. They were made to be delicate and pretty, and in charge of only trivial things. Women were largely uneducated, but most often, so were men.

In the last century, a revival of individual spirit and tenacity among women has changed our once patriarchal society.

Beginning in 1900, every state had legislation that allowed women to keep their own wages and property in their name. In 1916, the first woman was elected to the Congress of the United States in the House of Representatives.

In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment finally allowed women the right to vote.

In 1963, the Equal Pay Act promised equal wages for equal work.

Quickly following in 1964, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is founded. In 1972, Title IX outlawed discrimination based on gender in education programs funded by the federal government.

Little by little, females gained small freedoms that have led to great victories.

It is women such as Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barbara Walters, Sandra Day O’Connor, Anita Hill, Oprah Winfrey, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Emma Watson and even the fictional Rosie the Riveter who have set

examples for women to follow. They have inspired so many to pursue what is given to them in the Constitution: equality.

Most recently, the gathering of women and spreading of female empowerment has been seen in the #MeToo movement, as women who have been silenced as victims of sexual assault speak out against their abusers.

In sharing their stories, women hope to gain a fair chance at justice.

These actions, no matter how trivial they may seem, have shaped the world as we know it. Many essential careers are now dominated by females, such as nursing, teaching, social work and public relations. None of this would be possible without the actions of women who came before us.

Feminism is not anti-men.

Instead, it is pro-opportunity. The word feminism has become an emotionally charged word, both in a positive and negative manner, however, the change that has come out of a unified mass of people is empowering of all human beings in that we can do anything if we just work together.

NOV 2018FRONT 03

ORDERin the COURT BY ashley mason DESIGN BY Hannah shin Students at PLHS get the opportunity to work in a courtroom setting.

Lawyers, judges and student attorneys stand to the front of the courtroom. One by one they take turns discussing what the consequences will be for young delinquents.

Students have an opportunity to volunteer as officials in the teen court at the Sarpy County District Courthouse.

“It is a volunteer service in a juvenile court setting,” senior Claudette Sanchez said.

Students have a choice to apply to a wide range of positions that include prosecutors, defenders, jury members, jury forepersons or court bailiffs. Only a few of the positions require short shadowing for training.

“I am a prosecutor, so I get to read their case and decide their community service,” Sanchez said.

Having this opportunity open to students helps the ones who have considered doing law work in their future.

“I want to be a lawyer, so this

Seniors Claudette Sanchez and Dylan Briggs are involved with the teen court.

04 NEWS THE SCEPTER

really helps get a feel for what it is like,” Sanchez said. “It also seemed fun and something I was interested in.”

At first, the idea of coming in contact with someone who got in trouble with the law can be intimidating, but Sanchez finds it to be the best part of her duty.

“Being face to face with them is the best part,” Sanchez said. “You get to see if they’re really being remorseful about what they did.”

With every job, there are downsides. With teen court, the downside is teens dealing with teens, and that doesn’t always make it easy getting help for the ones who got in trouble.

“It’s frustrating when you get the kids who don’t care and don’t want help when that is all you’re trying to do,” Sanchez said.

Despite the negatives, teen court is an easy and exciting way to get involved with the community, get in volunteer hours and strengthen a college resume.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

EMAIL Leonard Matthias

lmatthias@ sarpy.com to sign up or if you have any questions.

an

OPPORTUNITY for change

Students wander the halls with opportunities to volunteer and serve being placed in their hands at every corner. Many students won’t take these options, but a select few are already exercising one of their civic duties.

One such opportunity is the La Vista Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, which is a volunteer committee that meets once a month to discuss important issues impacting the community. These issues range from miniscule problems to things such as the 84th Street project, where they helped redesign the area with the construction team.

“The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council is a group of students that help to advise the city council on a younger person’s perspective because we are the people that are going to be running this town next,” junior Billy Imig said. “It just helps give them an input on what we think would be best for the town.”

The Youth Leadership Council members all have the same goal that drives them: giving back to their city.

This compels many students to join so they can use their voice to benefit the city.

“I wanted to have an impact on the community,” senior Alexis Delos Reyes

said.

The council gives back by volunteering their time and effort. One of these volunteering efforts is the Backpack Buddies program.

“Backpack Buddies is a program that La Vista is involved in,” Delos Reyes said. “It gives school kids a way to have food to sustain them over the weekend.”

This volunteering can be seen in people they impact now and in the people they will impact in the future.

The council spoke at the city meeting for the renovation of 84th Street and gave their thoughts on what changes they think should be made.

“It’s been very valuable to see our input be represented in the 84th Street project,” Delos Reyes said.

As the name suggests, participants will learn leadership skills that they can carry with them through their lives.

They also gain other useful skills that will further improve their futures.

“It’s helped give me skills with adult interaction, being mature and responsible to help me fit in with the high up positions of government and politics,” Imig said.

Students don’t always realize that opportunities are offered outside of

BY BENNETT CLARY DESIGN BY Alecsis Moguilner The La Vista Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council provides students with new volunteer opportunities.

PLHS for them to grow as a person.

They can get involved with things outside of school to receive benefits that aren’t offered in an educational setting.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn how to be a leader and to learn how to communicate with people who aren’t just your peers, [but also] people of all ages,” Delos Reyes said.

Along with social skills, students also make memories while involved in the Youth Leadership Council that are irreplaceable and will stay with them forever.

“My first volunteering was at the Halloween safe night,” Imig said. “I remember it fondly because they had hayrack rides, but it was also starting to snow.”

Many apprehensive students might be intimidated to join the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council if they have doubts of their own abilities. Even though everyone has their doubts, students should not be nervous to join the welcoming environment.

“Don’t be afraid to join because I was scared that it was going to be too hard or I wasn’t good enough to join,” Delos Reyes said. “Anyone can do it and you’re only going to benefit from it.”

LEFT: Middle schooler Megan Hiykel listens closely to what junior Billy Imig has to say.

RIGHT: Junior Braxton Fjeldsted and senior Alexis Delos Reyes focus on the business at hand.

PHOTO: DAVID O’CONNELL

PHOTO: DAVID O’CONNELL

NOV 2018NEWS 05

BY Rachel pham DESIGN BY alecsis moguilner The PLHS Education Academy is turning students into future educators.

They have been in front of our classrooms and beside us during every school year: teachers. It is no question that teachers are a leading influence in the growing generations, working with all types of students, from energetic kindergarteners to reckless middle schoolers. Some students of PLHS have chosen to take on the challenge of this profession through the form of the Education Academy.

The academy is open to any upperclassman who wants to pursue a career in education. Students have the chance to see a classroom from a teacher’s perspective, allowing them to add input, ask questions or even deliver a full lesson in front of a real classroom.

“I get to shadow a teacher, so she gives me lesson plans to work on or help run,” senior Karli Eckert said. “It’s really good insight on how she does it, but it also lets me put in my personal touch.”

Being in front of a classroom can be daunting, but those worries are washed away when you’re placed in front of the smiles of young students.

“I saw all the kids and they

were really happy and made a good environment which made me feel comfortable,” senior Madison Maddox said.

Being a part of Education Academy has taught members about more than just how to make a lesson

“You’re going to have a lot of work and you’re not going to get paid well, but money isn’t a big deal when you’re influencing other people; that’s your main job.”

-Madison Maddox

Junior Jena Cruse works with a student during her weekly shadowing at La Vista West Elementary School. She interacted with first graders as they created a book.

PHOTO: KAYLIN CIATTI

06 NEWS THE SCEPTER

plan or run a classroom. The members of the academy also take away life lessons that can be applied to a larger picture.

“You don’t judge kids, so you can’t judge other people,” senior Conner Barnett said. “You learn to have an open mind.”

Students have also come to learn that the life of an educator is not always the easiest or the most glamorous, but despite the notoriously low paycheck, the profession pays off in other ways.

“You’re going to have a lot of work and you’re not going to get paid well, but money isn’t a big deal when you’re influencing other people, [and] that’s your main job,” Maddox said.

The feelings an educator receives are some that can only be felt through experience in front of real students, and these feelings make all the struggles worth it.

“Those experiences are priceless,” Education Academy adviser Mr. Scott Curry said. “Seeing those kids light up at the elementary school when they see our students from the high school is rewarding.”

After putting on those Papillion La Vista Community Schools name tags, the role of a student is replaced with the figure of an educator. The academy has been and will continue to inspire new teachers who are bound to lead the future.

EDUCATION ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS WHEN MAROON GOES MARCHING “I was teaching a class about the Revolutionary War, and Mr. Wood decided to stand up. In the middle of our lesson, he just started marching. So, we just ended up marching around the school.”

Conner Barnett (12)

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE A couple kids asked me if I was in college yet and they said, “When you go to college are you going to miss your mom?” I said “Yes, I’m going to miss my mom.” Then they said, “So are you going to come back for third grade? Because we’re in second grade and we want you back next year.”

Madison Maddox (12)

NOV 2018 NEWS 07

CLOSE CALLS “I was driving out of my neighborhood and I was coming down a hill into the roundabout. I tried to brake but I slid into the roundabout, but the car in the roundabout turned out of it before I came in.”

- preston kellogg

“My mom came to pick me up from school. She was going to drive my car home, and she slid into someone else’s car in the parking lot.”

- KOURTNEY Pierce

SLIPPERY

BY CASSIE KESSLER DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER With winter almost upon us, driving becomes scarier for all drivers.

SLOPE

People who live in Nebraska know that the weather is unpredictable and surprising. It can go from 85 degrees and sunny to 30 degrees and snowing in a matter of days. However, one thing that is known for sure is that winter weather is almost always a certainty, and with this weather comes hazardous driving conditions.

According to Icy Road Safety, there are over 536,000 crashes annually caused by winter weather conditions.

Junior Kourtney Pierce believes all drivers need to be more aware and attentive when driving in the winter.

“Driving in snowy weather is scary because you can’t always tell how slippery the roads are,” Pierce said.

“Make sure you double check everything and be extra cautious.”

Winter weather makes everything more dangerous and can make younger drivers more concerned if they don’t have much experience driving in snow or ice.

“My biggest fear is sliding off the road or into another car,” Pierce said.

One thing people must keep in mind while driving is that ice is not always visible. Junior Preston Kellogg believes that once cold weather hits, the roads become more perilous.

“The roads are icy and it gets hard to control your car,” Kellogg said.

“There’s always the risk of getting into a crash.”

The one precaution that all drivers seem to agree on is that slow and steady wins the race. When the roads are in bad condition, driving slower is much safer.

“I drive a little bit slower than I normally would and start braking sooner,” Kellogg said. “Basically, just being more careful.”

Winter in Nebraska can be very dangerous, and the roads are no different. No matter how far you’re driving, make sure to be more cautious and aware in order to avoid being in an accident.

FREEZING FACTS The average icy road fatality count is 3.6 times the total deaths from all other weather hazards combined.

08 NEWS THE SCEPTER

There are 1,836 deaths and 136,309 crashes annually caused by icy roads.

SOURCE: icyroadsafety.com

According to a study done in 2010, Papillion and Omaha are part of a high-risk zone for fatal crashes caused by ice.

Nebraska had the second most fatal accidents caused by winter weather in the country.

BY OWEN SUMTER DESIGN BY JACK NIETO Students at PLHS get the chance to compete against schools across the nation with Esports club.

CONTROLLING THE COMPETITION Members of the Esports club discuss recruitment ideas between cracking jokes. They planned out different ways to introduce the club to the rest of the school. PHOTO: OWEN SUMTER

Football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and tennis are all included in the wide array of sports offered at PLHS that allow students to compete against other schools in something they are passionate about. Following a positive reception from students, a new addition has been made to the ever-growing list: Esports.

Esports, or electronic sports, are a growing pastime of competitive video games. Players can compete against opponents across the country from the comfort of their own homes. PLHS is one of the latest additions to the widely growing High School Esports League (HSEL), which lets students play competitively in something that they couldn’t do before, including a variety of different video games such as Counter Strike, League of Legends and Fortnite.

HSEL, which started in the fall of 2017, has already attracted thousands of schools across the U.S. Of those thousands, familiar schools such as Bellevue East, Elkhorn South and Papillion-La Vista South have formed clubs.

“I think there are [already] many high schools with Esports clubs,” faculty sponsor Mr. Brian Johnson said. “I think the school will meet the Esports club with enthusiasm.”

HSEL consists of two different seasons, the fall major and the spring major, as well as many smaller weekend tournaments.

“I’m excited for the spring major to

compete against other schools,” Counter Strike team member junior Kamden Stover said. “We’ll have a chance to qualify for nationals.”

To reach nationals, teams must finish in the top five of their region, Eastern, Central or Western. They will play 8 games in a two-month period and compete against hundreds of teams.

“I think we’ll do pretty well,” Stover

“I can see the importance it has on students’ lives; it’s a positive outlet for students.”

-Mr. Brian Johnson said. “We have a lot of talent on our teams.”

For most, the Esports club is the first time these students will be playing together, leaving the captains with a difficult task to fulfill.

“The biggest obstacle is getting to know the players and [fitting] together,” League of Legends captain junior Lucas Montgomery said. “[I will lead] by helping make sure we’re bonded and cohesive.”

As little as ten years ago, having a

career playing video games was something of a fever dream, but now it’s as achievable as ever. The Esports club is a great first step into the world of competitive play.

“Playing professionally is something I would like to pursue as a possible career path,” Stover said. “The club will help get my skill level to where it needs to be.”

The club is all inclusive, allowing everyone who wants to be on a team to compete.

“I hope to attract different students from all grades who might not have joined other clubs,” Johnson said. “I hope to get everyone together and have fun.”

More than just a way to let their talent be seen, the Esports club fosters teamwork and cooperation, as well as giving students a place to feel at home.

“I can see the importance it has on students’ lives,” Johnson said. “It’s a positive outlet for students.”

While the Esports club is in its earliest stages, many members view it as becoming a staple of their school and community.

“I hope the club is very successful and continues for many years,” Stover said.

“It is part of a growing society.”

Whether Esports become the next football or basketball or not is uncertain.

What is certain, however, is the difference the Esports club can make on students.

It can be a training ground for future professionals, or a place to have fun and meet new people. It can provide a sense of belonging to those who wish to belong.

NOV 2018NEWS 09

BY MEGAN DAVEY DESIGN BY ABIGAIL JENSEN Students at PLHS dedicate themselves to working in special education.

A Special Future

During advisement, junior Kyle Struble stands in the hallway. He breaks his conversation to say hello to not one, but three, students passing by. All have different special needs. All cannot help but smile the instant that they see him.

Many students at PLHS are interested in becoming a teacher or working with children, but a few have decided to do this with a more specific group of kids. These students have decided that they want to go into careers working in special education and are beyond dedicated to their choice.

Struble, who plans on becoming a speech and language pathologist, has been involved in many activities with special needs students both in and out of school. The school provides many opportunities for students interested in this field to get an early start.

“Once I got into high school, I really hit the ground running. I got involved in clubs like Circle of Friends and Project Unified,” Struble said. “I

am also in peer aide classes where I help [students] do simple skills in class, [such as] working on their fine motor skills.”

A common trend among these students is the desire to turn a passion into a career. This is the plan for junior

“I might not make hundreds of thousands of dollars, but I will be doing something that I love, just helping kids. Helping people in general is just something that I have a passion for doing.”

-Kyle Struble (11) Jena Cruse, who hopes to become a special education high school teacher.

“I like the saying that if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life,” Cruse said. “I love working with those kids, so I’m hoping that if this career path works out for me, I will end up doing something that

doesn’t really require a lot of work from me.”

The mentality and passion that Cruse has for this work is no different for Struble.

“Working with these kids has greatly impacted my life. They give me a reason to wake up in the morning, to go to school,” Struble said. “I come to see the kids, to see the progress they’re making in their lives, which brings me happiness in mine.”

Although Cruse and Struble prefer the role of the teacher or aide, there is no doubt that they have learned a lot from the students they help as well.

“The students I work with have definitely taught me a lot about the perspective I should have on things,” Cruse said. “Even with everything they have to go through, they always seem to have a smile on their face; they are always able to make me laugh.”

When Struble stands in the hallway, he gets smiles and waves from students of all different ages, backgrounds and abilities. Those students get the same excitement and smile in return.

Jobs In the Special Education Field

Educational Diagnostician: assess and diagnose the learning problems of students.

Paraprofessional: assists the classroom teacher in small group and instructional lessons.

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: uses sports, games, art and other activities to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of special needs students.

Special Education Technology Specialist: assists students with disabilities in becoming more productive and independent with the use of technology.

10FEATURES THE SCEPTER

ABOVE: Senior Brad Noble walks down the hall with freshman Jaime Baquero-Cruz and sophomore Jack Healey.

BELOW: Junior Kyle Struble helps out senior Delaney Van Briesen during his peer aide class.

ore om h p o out le, s k, ad Nob n hang c o t la S iese r Br Kae , senio an Br e r V t o r y hom erha lane Sop ma Eb ior De : E V ns m en mo ABO man E and s ass. e Si peer l h l w o s c o e fr Brun gym her an C le’s shm s in Co sted in e Ben ther in r f e k s r e r tog help e wo s inte ruse . Crus tudent C ena class ther s or J m Juni e in gy few o : W am ea O d L i BE lay a g longs a to p class, er. aide m care a dre

PHOTOS: ANNIE WALDMAN

NOV 2018FEATURES 11

BY LISSA LAFOND DESIGN BY abigail jensen Business teachers Mr. Johnston and Mrs. Janssen give pro tips about how to rock your interview.

Strictly Business

Mrs. Janssen Always overdress for whatever position you’re applying for, but wear something you’re comfortable in.

When they are asking you questions, it is okay to take time to think and ask them to repeat their questions. Don’t just blurt out, think before you speak and always give specific examples.

It’s always a great idea to thank them and send a personal note. It’s always good to ask how to contact them at the end of the interview.

12FEATURES THE SCEPTER

Mr. Johnston If you’re nervous, remember the interview is just with another person. They are just another human being, so don’t over think and make it bigger than what it is.

Make sure you firmly shake hands and make eye contact when you introduce yourself.

Give a resume for every job interview and at the end thank them for their time.

During [the interview] make sure you be yourself and [do] not completely fake who you are so they know who they are hiring. Don’t lie, just be honest.

Make sure you know information about the job and business so they know you are truly interested.

The displays of success by females in our community prove that yes, doing things “like a girl” is indeed something to strive for. In the next six pages, delve into the lives of many expectation-shattering women.

FOCUS DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT NOV 2018FOCUS13

the new

S TA N D A R D

BY elizabeth eidem Females at PLHS shine as academic stars and continue to outmatch males in standardized testing.

Tests, Advanced Placement classes and college, oh my. Overwhelming and boring to most, these senior girls seem to be thriving under time constraints and the typical pressures of school.

On a state-level, females outperformed males in the 2018 ACT exam. Only being out matched by males in the math section, females came out on top with a composite score of 19.6, to males with a score of 19.1. The ACT is a college-readiness test that assesses high school success. This statistic speaks strongly for itself, but females are also outperforming males in the classroom and in admissions to post-secondary schooling.

“There are more female students than males in medical and veterinary schools,” college counselor Mrs. Ann Herbener said. “It used to be the complete opposite.”

This switch in academic dominance has created female shining stars to surface within PLHS. The Preliminary SAT, the PSAT, qualifies 11th grade students for the National Merit Scholarship, and within the class of 2019, the only test takers with scores high enough to be commended or move on to become a

semi-finalist, were females.

Mercy Milliken has a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), is a multi-sport student-athlete and the only student in the class of 2019 with a PSAT score high enough to qualify her as a semifinalist.

“After receiving my score, I received an index score based on the types of questions I got right, and the National Merit organization sets a minimum index score for each state,” Milliken said. “Luckily my score was above this, and so I qualified.”

After achieving a score high enough to qualify, Milliken has had to work to earn a finalist spot. She took the SAT to confirm her PSAT score and underwent an application process. Being successful in this contest would mean obtaining a prestigious scholarship that has its monetary perks.

Being successful in difficult tests is not uncommon among the female population at PLHS, as senior Emilee Foix is an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit commended tester.

Foix also has a 4.0 GPA and has been recognized by College Board for her success on AP exams.

Being considered an AP Scholar with

Distinction means that Foix has received a 3.5 or higher on all five AP exams she has taken. The highest possible score on these exams is a 5.0.

“I have always liked taking these exams because it shows me that my year of hard work pays off,” Foix said.

Being a classroom star may not be looked upon as the most glamorous status symbol in high school, but the success these girls have experienced in high school will carry them into future prowess as well.

“I am applying to many different types of schools,” Milliken said. “They are mostly on the west coast so I can experience new people and places.”

Being a girl has never been a hindrance to Foix, but she thinks that it has given her the innate sense to work harder towards accomplishing her goals.

“I have intense pride in being a girl,” Foix said. “I do not look to boys for competition either, but I am excited when I see my fellow girls succeed.”

Being under pressure with the future staring all seniors in the face, these girls work hard to break down stereotypes and pursue intense success.

PLHS ACCOLADES

ACADEMIC SCORES

2018 AP AWARDS NEBRASKA 2018 ACT AVERAGE SCORES BY GENDER female

17

17.5

18

18.5

male

19

19.5

20

20.5

GIRLS:

25

AP Scholars with Honor 3.25 avg. on all exams & 3+ on 4 or more exams

Math Reading

TOTAL:

17

Science

GIRLS:

6

AP Scholars with Distinction 3.5 avg. on all exams & 3+ on 5 or more exams

Composite

SOURCE: www.omaha.com

14 FOCUS THE SCEPTER

TOTAL:

45

English

VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS 2008-2018

AP Scholars 3+ on 3 or more exams

TOTAL:

16

GIRLS:

12

TOTAL:

26

GIRLS:

17

NATIONAL MERITS 2008-2018 Based on PSAT scores, these people have been recognized as either commended, a semifinalist or a finalist.

TOTAL:

26

GIRLS:

13

BY sAM SIMMERMAN The gender gap apparent in the STEM industry can clearly be seen in the classrooms of PLHS. According to a 2016 Harvard Business Review, only 20 percent of engineering graduates are women.

From there, it is estimated that almost 40 percent of women with engineering degrees never enter the profession or leave soon after doing so.

That means there are only 12 girls in every 100 engineers. The brave women that enter this male dominated industry are overshadowed, overlooked and underpaid.

A worldwide problem, the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM field, is clearly seen in the classrooms of PLHS. Only two senior girls are enrolled in AP Physics 2, and Sophie House is the lone female in the fourth year of the STEM academy, Capstone.

In House’s first year in the STEM academy, there were five other girls with her, but that number diminished each year. Now she is the only one left.

Although this seems intimidating, it does not make House nervous in the least.

“I’m closer to all the other guys,” House said. “I wouldn’t say that there’s any discrimination that actually affects the work productivity.”

STEM teacher Mr. Dana Janssen agrees that House flourishes the best she

PHOTO: SAM SIMMERMAN Sophie House collaberates with the male members of her team. She is the sole female in Janssen’s STEM Capstone class.

GAP

can in the situation.

“She is strong willed and strong minded,” Janssen said. “She doesn’t let her being a female let the boys dictate what she does.”

House initially signed up for the class with future plans to become an architect. Now, although holding a different dream to work as a Foreign Service diplomat, she still believes the course is teaching her important and unique skills.

“I want kids to come out of here with problem solving skills, teamwork and being able to present something in front of people,” Janssen said.

Last year Capstone also only had one girl, Maggie Phillips, but before that, the last girl to go all four years in the STEM academy was Sydney Wells way back in 2010. She went to Oregon State and majored in nuclear engineering; by the end of her freshman year, she had already been offered a job by a company who was also willing to pay for the rest of her schooling.

“Since the gender gap is so big in the industry, females can get a job almost instantly,” Janssen said.

Although it is clear that the class is mostly filled with males, the female population has increased tremendously since the start of the STEM academy.

Next year there should be six girls in Capstone.

Ashley Stawniak is a senior in the third year of the STEM academy. She has plans to go to college at Iowa State and become an agricultural engineer.

“They have this women in science and engineering program, WiSE, where they encourage girls to stick together so they know they aren’t the only girl,” Stawniak said.

Stawniak is also one of the two girls in Mr. Nick Reding’s AP Physics 2 course. She said that she hardly notices being a minority, and that, similar to House, it does not bother her.

“I’m used to being one of the few girls in a class,” Stawniak said. “I get along better with guys typically, and they are always typically willing to help me if I need it.”

Both girls agree that they wouldn’t change anything about the classes they are in. So far, they have not felt like less than the boys in their classes.

“I know that women tend to face a sort of discrimination where they aren’t as validated,” House said. “However, given how I feel in this class, I feel as though that is going to be changing within a couple generations.”

GENDER GAPS GENDER RATIO IN PLHS 2018-19 STEM CLASSES female

= one student

male

STEM Eng. & Arch. Civil Eng. Intro to Design, Robotics Captstone Development & Arch. Eng. & Arch.

bridging the

2016 ANNUAL AVERAGE PERCENTAGE OF FULL-TIME FEMALE ENGINEERS 14%

Arch. & Eng. Occupations Industrial Engineers

21.4%

Civil Engineers

10%

Architects (except Naval)

24.2% 7.2% 8.1%

Mechanical Engineers Aerospace Engineers SOURCE: www.bls.gov

NOV 2018FOCUS15

to her DRUMMINGo w n b e a t

BY MEGAN FRIEL A senior percussionist overcomes gender stereotypes within the music industry.

Her sweaty palms grasp battered drumsticks; the eyes of a crowd of adults twice her age patiently assess the musicians before them. There is no room for hesitation or doubt in Paige Benak’s movements, and with a quick breath, she strikes a snare to fill the space with the satisfyingly cacophonous sound of drums.

Benak has been playing the drums ever since she mastered the expert level songs on Rock Band in fourth grade.

Playing on a drum kit loaned to her from her cousin, Benak soon found her passion seated behind a set bigger than her.

“When I was in sixth grade, my drum teacher put me in a band with some other girls, and we became ‘Just Sayin’,” Benak said. “It was the first band I was ever in and probably my favorite too.”

From that point forward, Benak has played at a wide array of unique venues, from locales such as Twisted Vine and the Sumtur Amphitheater, to country bars miles outside of Omaha.

“It’s interesting because as a young girl, who no one would expect to be a drummer, I show up to these places and some people are in disbelief when I tell them I’m the drummer and I need to haul my equipment inside,” Benak said.

Despite stereotypes and sexism within the industry, Benak knows “what [she is] capable of and that’s all that matters.” However, the multitude of environments she has played in has forced her to face the reality of being a female percussionist.

“It’s something I wish I didn’t have to worry about, but unfortunately, in today’s social climate, I have to be very aware at all times,” Benak said.

Gender and age are the two factors that Benak has had to confront, yet her skill has transcended all preconceived judgement.

“Age is normally what impresses people, but being a girl just oddly increases the wow factor,” Benak said.

“It’s not as normalized as it should be.”

The pressure from harmful stereotypes has neglected to ruin Benak’s determination. She anticipates going to college in Nashville for networking opportunities and to start a career doing what she loves most.

“As a girl, it’s easy for people’s opinions to reach an overwhelming weight, but blocking them out and finding confidence feels so much better once the judgement is let go,” Benak said.

Her nerves lessened as time passed, and Benak basked in the joy that playing music brings. She found her passion behind a drum kit that has grown with her, letting the thrill of country, jazz, and heavy rock energize herself. It doesn’t matter what music she plays: she plays for herself.

FAVORITE SONGS TO DRUM PHOTO: PAIGE BENAK Benak poses while drumming for a local country band. Although country is her least favorite genre, she enjoys perfecting her passion.

16 FOCUS THE SCEPTER

“Still Into You” by Paramore

“Fight for Your Right” by Beastie Boys

“Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard

“Old Yellow Bricks” by Arctic Monkeys

“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

BY eVA BURKLuND The friendly faces we see at lunch every day are more than what they appear to be.

BEHIND the COUNTER

Who are the people we trust, if we don’t know them? Who is kind to us every day, even though we don’t know their names? Who are the people that handle our food, even though we know nothing about them? Who are the people we talk to every day, even though we never truly see them?

The food service workers at PLHS serve breakfast and lunch for students every day, and despite their constant presence, many don’t get the recognition that most staff members get. Students forget that these hard-working women are people with hobbies and passions just like ourselves.

Susan O’Donnell and Diane Spiers are two food service workers who share a common hobby.

“I like to garden. I get to escape; I get to close my life off and go somewhere else,” O’Donnell said. “It’s like yoga. You just clear your mind and go for it.”

Spiers loves to garden as well, but has another hobby that she is passionate about.

“I love to watch the birds.” Spiers said. “I have bird feeders in my yard. I have all kinds of birds that come into the yard.”

She gets to see her favorite bird every day.

“The sparrows and finches that I have are really pretty, tiny birds.” Spiers said.

“They are yellows, blues, and greens.”

Another thing O’Donnell and Spiers have in common is their love for their job.

PHOTO: EVA BURKLUND “I see the different personalities The food service workers at PLHS serve students lunch every day. of the students.” Spiers outlook of the future. said. “I enjoy talking to them and it “I see different outlooks and that has let me know how this generation kind of shows me how this country is is coming up and how they feel about growing,” Spiers said. “I’m hopeful that things. It’s interesting.” these students here or anywhere will O’Donnell shares a similar love for take care of this country.” her job.

Even though the food service “There’s a lot of neat kids around workers see students every day, most of here; we talk about a lot of you,” the students wouldn’t recognize their O’Donnell said. names.

Students may be in the cafeteria Many students may not realize for 30 minutes a day, but these women that while students’ interactions with spend their days providing food for them are brief and limited to the them. cafeteria, students’ actions reach beyond So, the next time you stand in line, O’ Donnell and Spier’s job. before you silently slump away, smile “I don’t think you guys realize and remember that the person behind how much you make our days.” the counter is a lovely, dynamic woman O’Donnell said. “It’s nice to see you who cares about you and deserves the guys all smile and laugh at my jokes.” same in return.

Students’ behavior does not just affect Spier’s day, but also impacts her

THE LADIES BEHIND THE LADLES DIANE SPIERS Time at PLHS: 9 years Former job: Worked in offices for 30 years Fun Facts: Has a Miniature Schnauzer named Danny Jean, is from Indiana, is a fan of both the Hoosiers and Huskers and her husband was in the military.

SUSAN O’ DONNELL Time at PLHS: 8 years Former job: Was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years Fun Facts: Favorite flower is a stargazer lily and she loves to read fantasy books. The last book she finished was “Dust” by Phillip Hutton.

NOV 2018FOCUS17

BY emma higby Students at PLHS received their Certified Nursing Assistant certification and now work at nursing homes helping the elderly.

certified head start

CNA CERTIFICATION:

Who?: anyone planning to work

as a nurse assistant in a long term care facility

How?: must take a class with required training, pass an exam and be placed on a state Nurse Aide Registry Skills: First Aid, CPR and AED Infection control Ability to take vital signs Safety The art of caregiving Range of motion exercises Communication and teamwork

Certificate:

SOURCE: www.redcross.org

18 FOCUS THE SCEPTER

a

Most high school students are blind going into the future. However, some know exactly what they are going to do and how they are going to get there. The medical field is an excellent choice for students who are math and science oriented, and there is a first step they can take in high school. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a career path for early onset medical field students. Receiving this CNA certification can display possibilities as to what they do with the rest of their life.

Many students receive their CNA certification in Nebraska where there is a plethora of assisted living homes available for them to work. They must take a class, pass the test and then find work in that field. Many medical field jobs open after receiving the certification. Some students at PLHS have gotten their certification and now work in assisted living homes.

“I work at Heritage Ridge,” senior Sadie Walker said. “I just started working there and haven’t gotten to know the elders very well yet.”

There are certain tasks that the nursing assistants must perform. Some are more daily functions, while others are more personal tasks.

“I help them with toileting stuff,” senior Maci Saxton said. “Like showering, bathing and eating. Basically, living skills.”

Saxton and senior Nicole Stilmock are both employed at Hillcrest however, they work in different cottages.

“I work at Hillcrest Country Estates,” Stilmock said. “I help them with their everyday activities like bathing and brushing their teeth.”

While working with intuitive and experienced people, the students build relationships and learn valuable life skills from the elders.

“I love all the funny things the

PHOTO: SADIE WALKER Student Sadie Walker poses with her father after receiving her certification. All the hard work and dedication paid off when she landed a job helping the elderly.

elders do,” Stilmock said. “One time we went to Creation Station and painted pottery. Bonnie and Anna are my favorite elders because they make jokes all the time.”

The elders live in the home, so being able to watch students grow up to be something great delights the elders.

“When I worked at Hillcrest, I would paint all the ladies’ nails on Husker game day,” Walker said. “This one lady loved the Huskers, so we would get her ready every Saturday for the big game.”

Being a CNA is a very difficult job, so it is recommended that people who are set on going into the medical field try this first step. Many students are repelled because of the negative connotation with being a nursing assistant; however, being able to make a change in someone’s life outweighs all the harder tasks.

opinion

BY annie waldman

#MeToo

The nomination of Justice Brett Kavanaugh has shed a new light on the #MeToo movement.

“It is a scary time to be a young man.” These words, said by our president, reflect the culture that has been created by the new wave of victims.

President Trump has never experienced the fear of walking down the street or going to the gas station at night. Being a young man might be scary, but what is scarier is being a teen girl in Omaha, where 900 girls are sold into sex trafficking every month.

What is scarier is the fact that there is an average of 321,500 victims of sexual assault every year in the United States, according to netnebraska.org and rainn. org.

In October of 2017, Alyssa Milano asked her Twitter followers to tweet #MeToo if they are victims of sexual assault. This started the #MeToo movement, which has been brought back to life by the Brett Kavanaugh hearing.

The fact that a Supreme Court Justice nominee, now confirmed, can be put on trial in the first place shows the need for movements like #MeToo. Sexual assault victims are still ignored, dismissed and too scared to speak up.

The empowerment of victims by having people, especially celebrities, to relate to can put an end to the fear of ridicule that

comes with speaking up. Kavanaugh’s accusers have been receiving death threats ever since they came out against him. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford had her email hacked, and she had to leave her home due to threats to her and her family.

This type of backlash is damaging to not just women who have been assaulted, but male victims also.

Since 2017, critics of the #MeToo movement have said that it is damaging to men. If it helps male victims that are too often forgotten about, how does it hurt men? The only men that are hurt by the power of the movement are the ones that deserve it, men like Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby, who have used their power to take advantage of young actresses.

The #MeToo movement has made an impression on our society for the better. A few years ago, there would be more people believing Kavanaugh than Ford. Now, Kavanaugh’s allegations cannot be brushed off or suppressed.

Neither will the allegations of the other 96 politicians accused of sexual assault since the movement started. The increase in women and men speaking out against abusers is a direct result

PHOTO: ROB KALL Thousands of people marched around the world at the Women’s March on Jan. 21 and 22, 2017.

of the what the #MeToo movement has caused, which is a more conscious culture.

People of authority are now being held responsible for their actions.

CEOs, Wall street businesspeople and others of high socioeconomic status are being called out for their wrong-doings every day, and the world is progressing because of it. Brett Kavanaugh has reignited the #MeToo movement, and it is here to stay. It might be scary to be a young man, but the threat of allegations is preventable. The threat of sexual assault that women deal with is not.

SEXUAL ASSAULT: 1/6 WOMEN HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED IN THEIR LIVES

SOURCE: www.rainn.org

NOV 2018FOCUS19

IN THEIR

OPINION DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER

(noun)

opinion

BY jack nieto

Senioritis is a phenomenon that has troubled high school seniors for years, but now it has invaded the minds of students of all ages.

Many students tend to slack off as soon as high school starts, but some fall off entirely due to a common case of senioritis. Some students feel they don’t need to do anything for the final stretch, or at worst, anything at all.

The lazy, careless feeling called senioritis is when students tend to give up on school due to the reason that they can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many high schoolers believe in senioritis. But, with one perspective, there is always another. Not only does this debate over senioritis occur here at PLHS, but it certainly can happen at the college level.

“I could confidently say that I didn’t have senioritis, although I had some friends that had a rough ending to the school year,” former senior Corbin White said. “I’ve made some new college friends so far at University of NebraskaLincoln and I’ve learned about how some of them feel like they’re going to give up, but college is a completely other environment than high school.”

Colleges look at both a midyear transcript and a final year report to see if a student maintains their academic success from their previous year’s according to professionals.collegeboard. org.

“The reason why most kids lack 20OPINION THE SCEPTER

SEN IOR IT IS •

•

•

decline in motivation or performance

own respective opinions about senioritis. in high school is because they think that Many debate if it’s really a thing that junior year is the only year that colleges students use as an excuse for laziness look at, which is not true,” White or if it’s a real topic that can be taken said. “I feel like they don’t get enough seriously. information from anyone other than “I don’t think senioritis is always maybe their parents that senior year is an excuse to be lazy,” Dean said. “Senior still very important.” year is full of new opportunities and As students reach the second half hard work and it becomes difficult to of the year, stress starts takes a toll. remember that high school is going on Believe it or not, students may take and college isn’t here yet. Seniors get harder classes to keep themselves on caught up in all of the work that has to track.

“I took a couple of hard classes last get done for college that sometimes high year which definitely kept me involved, school becomes an afterthought.” some of those classes including Spanish In the end, senioritis, or whatever four and calculus,” White said. “And people may call it, is most definitely a some advice for those who will be thing. Although it is real, students still seniors, try to enjoy your senior year, need to push through their disinterest don’t stress, but don’t forget about what during the toughest times in the school you’re in school for.” year.

22% of seniors The word senioritis is complicated. don’t have it or Most people think that senioritis only don’t believe in it affects seniors, but juniors can fall under the category of having senioritis too, which many call it junioritis.

“Senioritis is definitely spreading to other grades, especially juniors!” senior Reagan Dean said. “As classes start to get harder, and the option to take easier classes is at hand, it’s really easy to fall into the habit of not getting 78% of seniors stuff done or taking the easy route.” claim to have Students and teachers have their senioritis SOURCE: www.nhomniscent.com

DON’T SPEAK

opinion

BY kyler choquette

Recently, celebrities using their platforms and following to voice their political opinions have gained attention on the national level.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of free speech to citizens. With the political divide growing deeper in this country, opinions are just getting stronger and louder. People should have the right to voice these opinions regardless of political leaning or background.

Then why do we and the media like to selectively choose who should and should not use that right?

Laura Ingraham is a host and personality on Fox and is a prime example of the hypocrisy shown by selecting who can and cannot speak politically. In response to rapper Kanye West’s recent controversial comments and meeting with President Donald Trump she called West a “catalyst for an honest discussion about the coerced conformity of thought the celebrity culture imposed all of us.” This could be considered a fair statement because West, even if you agree or disagree with him, has sparked a lot of conversation

and he is breaking the standard celebrity mold of just being purely an entertainer.

He has made an effort to get involved even if people might not like how he has been involved.

The hypocrisy starts when you look at Ingraham’s criticism of celebrities whom she does not agree with calling them unqualified and wanting them to fit into the celebrity mold she praised West for breaking. Her most infamous comments are when she told Lebron James, world famous basketball player, to “shut up and dribble,” and that “it’s unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball.”

To Ingraham, somehow it is okay to listen to someone who gets paid the same as James to make music. An even more troubling example of this hypocrisy is the book she wrote in 2003 titled “Shut Up and Sing,” which is all about why entertainers should stick to what they know.

Handpicking which celebrities should speak can also be seen on the

DOUBLE STANDARDS

left. CNN writer Clay Cane said rapper Kendrick Lamar has a “perfect fusion of politics and hip hop” but when Kanye West did the same thing, Cane said, “We don’t need you. No one needs you. We need resources, not an imaginary hero.”

U.S. citizens all need to take a step back and recognize that if we allow one celebrity to speak out on politics there is no reason another shouldn’t. They are not unqualified to speak because of the way they make money; they are qualified because they are a U.S. citizen, which means their right to speak out is protected by the Constitution. Because of this freedom, that means we, the general public, also have the right to criticize or disagree with their opinions; but, to claim that they should not be allowed to speak out is unconstitutional.

Politics are a part of our lives, like it or not. Everyone is encouraged to participate in our government and vote. If the people can vote on major political decisions, they should certainly be allowed to talk about it regardless of background and opinion.

COMIC BY DAVID O’CONNELL

NOV 2018 OPINION 21

MUSIC in MOTION

BY gabe lyden DESIGN BY HANNAH SHIN What “A Star is Born” has going for it in style, it loses in complexity.

review: A

STAR IS BORN

For those who don’t know, “A Star is Born” is a romantic drama about an established singer helping a dejected woman rise to stardom. It was very well received, earning a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s been subject to a lot of buzz for quite some time now, so one might forgive me for expecting more than I saw. Not to say that this is a bad movie, it’s by far the best romantic drama about an up and coming singer, released in October of 2018 so far. This may seem harsh, but I’m not going to advocate for a movie that hits every mark, like a checklist.

Everyone seemed quick to praise this movie, so before I give my honest thoughts on the film, let’s get what it did right out of the way: The cast is fine, the acting is fine, the cinematography is fine and the set, costumes and whatever is fine. If you’re expecting an absolute train wreck of a film, you won’t find it here. I have no doubt that “A Star is Born” was

review: BOHEMIAN

executed exactly how it was meant to be.

The vision, however lackluster it may be, was fully realized.

“A Star is Born” speaks to a growing concern of mine: the steady acceptance of mediocrity in the movie industry. Giving praise to a movie that isn’t willing to set itself apart from others just devalues the art form as a whole.

There’s an incredible lack of conflict to this movie: all the characters are grudgeless saints and all conflicts are usually introduced five minutes before they reach their peak. Nothing happened that couldn’t be seen miles ahead of the time. While I’m not going to spoil the actual plot, just know that if it seems like something is going to happen, it will. There’s nothing wrong with predictability, but a curve ball or two goes a long way in engaging audiences.

Momentum, or rather, the lack thereof is one of my biggest problems with this film. It felt as if I had been watching for

days, not the two hours and 14 minutes that I had originally signed up for.

There’s this seemingly important branch of the story that caught my interest immediately: I was invested and worried for the main character.

Then poof, it was dropped completely, no more conflict. There’s no weight to anything that happens. “A Star is Born” tries to juggle far too many conflicts, which really damages the flow and runtime. I had thought it was winding down, only to realize that there was still a good 40 minutes left. A lot of this film should have been cut, and it leaves a sour taste in your mouth having to sit through useless padding that added nothing to the plot.

“A Star is Born” falls flat in almost every regard, failing as a romance and a drama. It has the depth of a puddle and your money would be better spent buying one of the other three versions of this movie.

but “Bohemian Rhapsody” is far from a terrible movie. I happened to enjoy the film and would almost go so far as to say it’s even good.

Something “Bohemian Rhapsody” does amazingly well that it knows its audience. It’s filled with self-referential humor meant to mock those in the past who thought the band would fail.

I actually think these moments were done well, for the most part. It’s never jarring or out of place, and it makes for an experience best suited for fans.

The movie is a celebration of all things Queen, so it’s only natural that many scenes reflect that. That being said, “Bohemian Rhapsody” goes through quite the shift in tone reaching the latter half, losing steam as a fun, feelgood movie, but not taking enough time to properly reach the investment the audience would need for the impact of more serious conflicts. I never once felt for the characters and was more entertained than invested.

Characters are often forgotten about or neglected in favor of the main star. While it takes away from the story, it’s not really an issue in terms of watchability as Rami Malek does an incredible job of portraying Freddie Mercury. This can’t be said about the rest of the cast though, as I often found myself confused as to who someone was only to realize that they had been in the movie since the beginning.

Dialogue in this film, while funny, has a tendency to be clichéd, making for awkward delivery. There are many points in the film where someone says something that no real human would ever say. It comes off as artificial and is unfortunately quite distracting at times.

If you’re looking for something with an outstanding creative vision, I’d recommend searching elsewhere.

What “Bohemian Rhapsody” does have to offer, however, is a funny and fairly engaging two-hour long nod to fans of the popular band.

RHAPSODY

Albeit generic, “Bohemian Rhapsody” offers an entertaining experience for fans of Queen.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” follows Queen and their rise to fame. The film is shown from Freddie Mercury’s perspective and most of the conflict centers around him. This was a largely anticipated release, which is not at all surprising, given the popularity of the band.

I find that biopics are an increasingly intrusive genre, designed to target fans of a specific person or group into blindly throwing money at often times, lazy cash grabs. While “Bohemian Rhapsody” doesn’t do anything to set itself above others of its kind, it offers an enjoyable, but somewhat bland escape.

Much to my surprise, this movie wasn’t very well received by critics; it was an unenthusiastic response to say the least. I wasn’t expecting a masterpiece and certainly didn’t get one,

22 ENTERTAINMENT THE SCEPTER

BY tatum jorgensen DESIGN BY HANNAH SHIN Stickers are gaining more interest with the influence of social media.

aTREND

that STICKS

Stickers. They’re only for little kids, right? Wrong. They are everywhere, used by people of all ages.

In the past few months, stickers have become all the rage through social media like Twitter, VSCO and Instagram.

“I don’t think anyone in particular influenced me [to get stickers], but after seeing cute pictures online, it made me want to buy some,” junior Alexis Sokolewicz said.

They can be seen all over by many students who have followed this trend.

“I put my stickers on my water bottle and my laptop,” Sokolewicz said.

Stickers of all kinds can be bought or made. They can be something inspirational, something that brings back good memories, something that

personalizes you or even just something that makes you laugh.

“My top three favorites would be my Husker sticker, Ron Jon Surf Shop sticker and my Rico’s Surf Shop sticker from ‘Hannah Montana’,” Sokolewicz said.

They can be bought from various stores in a multitude of sizes that include designs that everyone will like.

“I bought my stickers from Red Bubble, an online store,” sophomore Jayda Boyer said. “I like it because they have a wide variety of choices that fit the likes of everyone.”

Stickers may also be created at home with just a little inspiration and a sticker maker.

“I have gotten one from Target and others from purchases I have

PHOTO: JAYDA BOYER Sophomore Jayda Boyer decorates her laptop with stickers, joining the new sticker trend.

made with specific brands, but most of my stickers I have made myself,” Sokolewicz said.

Stickers are seen being used by students for more than the sole purpose of being a part of the new trend.

“I got stickers because I love the idea of personalizing [my things],” Sokolewicz said.

Stickers are not just for little kids, but instead, allow people of all ages to express themselves through this new trend.

Go Monarchs!

PLPULSE.COM What does

Dairy Queen

have in common with

the Monarchs?

Royalty.

(and a love for ice cream).

Dairy Queen

345 S Washington Street Papillion, NE (402) 339-8510 Hours Sunday: 12 pm - 9 pm Monday-Thursday: 11 am - 9 pm Friday-Saturday: 11 am - 9 pm

The

LIFELINE to what’s happening

in Papio covered in more than just a

STORYLINE

@PLPULSE @PLPULSE

NOV 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 23

BY vincent lin Talented PLHS musicians celebrate their acceptance into the All-State Band & Chorus.

Peak Performance At the

of

Music has the power to move us, mesmerize us, and immerse us in trenches of depth, ranges of rhythm, and mountains of intensity; thirteen Monarchs may be at the peak of it all.

Out of well over a thousand auditions across the state of Nebraska, thirteen of the most talented PLHS musicians were accepted into 2018 All-State music ensembles. With so many submissions to sift through, the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA) selected only the most pristine of concert band, jazz band, chorus and orchestra performers to participate in these ensembles.

Admittance into All-State was certainly not a walk in the park. Camron Wren, now a senior trumpet player for the All-State Orchestra, took this hard work with urgency and persistence.

“I practiced nonstop for All-State,” Wren said. “During band, during my study hall, during lunch, [and] a little at home too. I wasn’t even in band for the first couple weeks.”

Wren is a talented musician, playing solos in multiple school concerts, starring in a brass trio in this year’s marching band show, and even giving trumpet lessons to another student. However, after failing to earn a spot in the orchestra as a junior, Wren knew he couldn’t afford to let the opportunity slip away as a senior.

“I was very nervous, especially

PHOTO: CHLOE PATRAS

PHOTO: CHLOE PATRAS

PHOTO: BRIANNA FISCHBACH

Summer 2018

Oct. 5

Students receive audition material

PLHS Choir Auditions begin

Top Left: Sophomore J.T. Morrison brings the beat on the tenor drums during this year’s marching band show. His talented musicianship from All-State Chorus also carries over into concert band, in which he plays alto sax.

Top Right: Freshman Ian Maass stands proud, playing his trumpet as a Marching Monarch. Considering his age, Maass impressively earned himself the part of Trumpet 1 this year.

Bottom: Junior Samantha Stuck takes the stage with a solo at the choir program’s fall concert. In the song, “Heaven Distilled A Clemency”, everyone else faded into silence to accentuate her voice.

Nov. 14-15

All-State rehearsals Sep. 19

Oct. 17

PLHS Band Auditions begin

All-State results are released

24 ENTERTAINMENT THE SCEPTER

Nov. 16

Final performance

because I didn’t make it my junior year,” Wren said. “I was really worried that I wouldn’t make it in this year.”

Samantha Stuck, a junior soprano singer in the Chorus, felt that same pressure. Although the human voice is vastly different from playing any tangible instrument, the process is all the same.

“In any free moment, I’d just start singing to practice,” Stuck said.

Stuck has earned herself solos in both the PLHS choir and show choir, and she also plays the flute in band. But despite her musicianship and the months of practicing the audition material, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the twisting of the stomach that comes every year when audition dates come around.

“On the day of, I was really, really nervous,” Stuck said. “I have a track record of my voice dying before auditions, so I have to try to cope with that.”

MEET THE

Undoubtedly though, feeling comfortable with the music leads to easier success. Tim Keller, director of bands at PLHS, emphasizes the importance of practicing well beforehand and consistently.

“You can’t cram for it because it’s a process,” Keller said. “The biggest problem that I observe is that students don’t practice or prepare for it.”

Auditioning for such a major opportunity may seem intimidating, and at times can be quite a burden, but the experience that this process leads to is worth the work.

“It’s amazing to be in a group where everyone else is just as passionate as you are,” Wren said.

Even failure provides invaluable advice. “[Not making] All-State taught me that if I want something really badly, then I just need to work at it,” Wren said.

Going through something as labor-intensive as an audition like this will bring benefits, regardless of the result. Sometimes, it can affect more than just one player.

“If you look at our strongest players and strongest leaders, they’re the ones making All-State,” Keller said. “That directly benefits everybody because then I, as a teacher, can use those students as models and match what they’re doing.”

Excellence in any activity is never earned through indolence, and laziness will never push you towards progress. Hard work always pays off, whether it is in the fine arts or not. Tenacity is the key to climbing over any mountain of adversity because one day, it’ll lead you to the summit.

“You can’t be willing to give up,” Stuck said. “You have to be persistent and live up to the quality of great music.”

MUSICIANS

Instrumental

Camron Wren (Senior) All-State Orchestra Years Participated: 2

Olivia Lott (Sophomore) All-State Band Years Participated: 1

Ian Maass (Freshman)

Riley Martin (Freshman)

Kevin Bray (Junior)

Grace Khayati (Sophomore)

Kaylee Stover (Junior)

Jayden Catarra (Junior)

J.T. Morrison (Sophomore)

Samantha Stuck (Junior)

Paris Gardner (Senior)

Brandon Robinson (Junior)

Vincent Lin (Junior) All-State Band Years Participated: 3

Choral

All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1 All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1 All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1

All-State Band Years Participated: 1

All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1 All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1

All-State Band Years Participated: 1

All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1 All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1

All-State Chorus Years Participated: 1

NOV 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 25

opinion

BY jill mathison The end of seniors’ high school sports careers can be an emotional time for many athletes.

A Message to Senior Athletes

A message to senior athletes on that one last time: take it all in and appreciate the moment, it will all be gone so fast.

For most seniors playing a high school sport, there will be the last time under those Friday night lights, the last time lacing up cleats in the dugout, the last home volleyball game on that squeaky court, the last jump into that pool, pin on the mat, lap around that track, or the last shot you will ever make on that court. The last time you will join your teammates, that one last time, and I guarantee that in the moment, it won’t hit quite yet. “[The end of the football season] felt very nostalgic,” senior Joe Hubert said. “To think that it is all over is very sad.”

Even for those who are continuing their athletic career at the next level, or for the teams that make it past their regular season games, it is still the last time on the home field or court, with your high school coaches and your friends and family supporting you in that spot they always sit. But sometime soon, if you have not already experienced it, you are going to walk off of the playing field for the very last time with that group of people that will never be the same again, and if you’ve been paying attention, it will be emotional.

“Before my last [softball] game had even started, I had butterflies and I was trying to hold back tears because I knew that would be my last game ever in a high school uniform,” senior Madeline Vejvoda said. “All I could think about was how I would never get to play with the same people ever again, and how I would never have the same coaches.”

Take it from an old player, parent or coach that once wore maroon and 26 SPORTS THE SCEPTER

gold. They’ll tell you it was the best of times; some would even say the glory days. These are memories that you will always cherish, the times of your life you will not get back.

“The one moment I will miss the most is walking down those steps onto the football field with “Hells Bells” playing,” Hubert said. “It gave me chills the first time and it gave me chills the last time.”

Soon, seniors, you will go on to the next chapter of your life, you will grow up, you won’t be just a kid playing a game anymore. Nowhere else in this environment is being a kid more amplified than when playing a game with your teammates. Teammates you grew up with before you even understood your game won’t be your teammates anymore.

The bonds created are incredibly special. The wins, the losses, the peaks and the valleys are all shared experiences with your team that are hard to forget.

That one final time is hard for many, because playing a high school sport is special and the memories and lessons are truly a gift.

“Monarch athletics has made my high school experience the best,” Vejvoda said. “Through sports I have made so many friends and relationships with coaches, and without it I would have never met my best friends or been through the experiences that I will remember the rest of my life.”

But when that final week comes, take it all in because the only person who can truly feel that moment and have those memories is you.

There is so much more to life than that sport you played in high school, but while it is here, live it up, look around, take it all in and appreciate the moment.

It will all be gone so soon, but the memories will last a lifetime.

JOE HUBERT football, track

MADELINE VEJVODA softball, tennis

Top: Senior Joe Hubert approaches the opponent’s defensive line to make a tackle.

PHOTO: AVERY WAGONER Bottom: Senior Madeline Vejvoda throws the ball from second base to complete a double play against Millard South in the state semifinals.

PHOTO: JILL MATHISON

Monarch

Morning

BY jake williams DESIGN BY kaylin ciatti More coaches make the decision to incorporate morning practices into the season.

PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON

PHOTO: SHAYLA VIRGILITO TOP: Senior Nolan Niemiec scores back points by putting his opponent into the bow and arrow.

BOTTOM: Swimmers Sydney Taake, Emma Jones, Tia Cho, Lily Cunningham and Chloe Click prepare for the season during a morning practice.

Mornings: that painful reminder to get up, go to school and sit in class all day only to go to a sport practice, but there might be an alternative.

Morning practices may become the new norm with sports at PLHS, with more and more teams choosing to get an early start. While some teams only have two or three morning practices a week, others rely solely on morning practices.

Morning practices are a difficult change to make, but coaches are seeing the potential benefits and reasons for adding morning practices.

“We want to add an element of conditioning and more of a strength development in the morning, and then they can focus on skill development in the afternoon,” head wrestling coach Christopher Curry said.

Other teams, like the swim and dive team, have made the decision to split up practices based on skill level and to help even out large numbers.

“The non-qualifiers practice in the morning, and in the afternoon, we

have the qualifiers who practice so we can focus more on our individual skills,” junior swimmer Sean McElmeel said.

Practicing in the morning and afternoon can be difficult for student athletes who already have a lot on their plate.

“It might be a challenge for some of our athletes, but I think if we want a successful season this is the course of action we need to take," coach Curry said.

Even though it requires a greater amount of work, coaches and athletes are starting to see the advantages of select morning practices that help focus on skills.

“We lost a lot of close duels last year, so this could be a stepping stone since other teams will be sleeping while we are working,” junior wrestler Cody Niemiec said.

Practice is required to win, and each year coaches are looking to better their teams. Morning practices might become the tool they are searching for.

NOV 2018SPORTS 27

Aiming to End Misconceptions

BY Sarah Altman DESIGN BY kaylin ciatti Members of the Monarch Trap Team shatter the misconceptions surrounding their sport.

Every Sunday during the fall season, senior Tyler Booth travels south on North Washington Street for 20 minutes. He passes local businesses which fade to homes and homes which slowly fade to dusty corn fields. As he turns onto Rural Route 1, he meets a dead-end road. At the end of this road lies the home of the Monarch Trap Team.

Booth unloads his various pieces of equipment with care and makes his way to one of six traps at the Papillion Gun Club, eager to test his prowess. With the butt of his gun nuzzled in his shoulder and his hand firmly clasped around the stock, he determinedly takes aim and fires, demolishing clay pigeons left and right. With each clay pigeon he shoots, he shatters another misconception surrounding the trap team.

Misconceptions swarm the halls of PLHS, dominating the dialogue.

They are evident in the passing period

28 SPORTS THE SCEPTER

between third and fourth period as students anxiously anticipate a calculus test and ever-present in the bathrooms at lunch, where girls and boys alike retreat to gossip. More than ever, they hang above the heads of those on the trap team.

One such misconception deals with the trap team’s seemingly unknown abundance of success.

“You won’t find any of our trophies or records displayed anywhere,” junior Alayna Saint said.

The dazzling glass display cases that grace the outer gym walls are devoid of a multitude of trophies attributed to the trap team.

“We are one of the top teams in the state and we consistently take home awards every weekend,” Booth said. “Last year at state, we took home 11 trophies in one day.”

The reason these shows of success aren’t advertised for all to see is

complex.

“We shoot under the school’s name but aren’t sponsored to any extent,” Booth said. “It’s up to us to be recognized by the school.”

This recognition is hard fought for, but it is often overshadowed by a cloud of partisan politics. The stigma surrounding gun violence has permeated high schools all around the nation, and the Monarch Trap Team is not immune to its effects.

Where gun violence is concerned, misconceptions about the trap team run amuck.

“In the neighborhoods near where we shoot, there are people with concerns about kids with guns,” Saint said. “In reality, if you know how to use the equipment responsibly, you just set a good example for others.”

Senior member Sabrina Buls agrees with this assessment.

“People who hate gun violence

can like the awareness of the trap team,” Buls said. “On the team, you must be safe, responsible, and 100 percent aware of your surroundings.

In doing so, you teach others how to handle a gun with respect.”

Given the serious nature of their sport, the trap team faces increased scrutiny from all sides.

“We are held to a higher code of conduct than most sports in the school, whether it be for behavior or responsibility,” Booth said. “If you mess up once, you’re off the team and can’t come back.”

Hidden within the responsible ranks of the team lies another misconception that deals with gender.

While trap is a male-dominated sport, the Monarch ladies experience success against the odds.

“The girls have won state multiple times, and no one knows,” Saint said.

“People just don’t have an awareness of the trap team, and thus they don’t want to join.”

In general, the Monarch Trap Team finds itself lacking female members. The ladies it does have, however, pave the way for teammates to come.

“There aren’t many girls who do

trap,” Buls said. “As a senior, it’s nice to show middle schoolers and younger girls progress. It’s important that they know that they don’t have to be afraid and that they can be here if they want.”

Anyone can find a home at the Papillion Gun Club, no matter their beliefs or background. In this sense, the trap team shatters the most meaningful misconception of all.

“People think that everybody on the team is a Trump person, but we have people of all different political beliefs and backgrounds on the team,” Saint said.

Despite their differing beliefs and perceptions of the world, the team stands indivisible and experiences success together.

“The trap team is a big family,” Booth said. “We trash talk, but at the end of the day, we all support each other.”

As Booth and the rest of this family shoot every Sunday past the dead end off North Washington, they hold the weight of their shotguns against their shoulders. Here, they can hold their guns without the weight of numerous misconceptions perched on their shoulders as well.

1

2 1: Senior Tyler Booth steadies himself and takes aim at clay pigeons reaching top speeds of 60 mph. Booth and the rest of the team shot on Sunday, October 28th at the Papillion Gun Club to hone their skills.

2: Sophomore Dylan Booth stares down the barrel of his gun and tracks targets through the sky. Booth works to improve in preparation for spring competition season.

3: Freshman Leo Villotta blasts pigeons out of the air at practice.

3 PHOTOS BY: SARAH ALTMAN

NOV 2018SPORTS 29

BY JOSEY RYAN DESIGN BY MollEE SWIft Sophomore Ethan Neil and freshman Samantha Riggs have made their impact on Monarch athletics early on in their high school careers.

early growth Monarch athlete alumni are everywhere, coaching back at their alma maters, playing in college and playing overseas, but they all started at one place: Papillion-La Vista High School.

However, becoming a great Monarch athlete didn’t start their senior year, most not even their junior years. For a lot of Monarch “greats,” the rise to be one of the best Monarch athletes started the summer before their freshman years with camps, lifting and practices.

Freshman Samantha Riggs and sophomore Ethan Neil have proved what hard work and determination can do 30 SPORTS THE SCEPTER

for athletes. Riggs, a freshman playing on the varsity volleyball team, broke a school record held by a former all time great. Neil, playing tennis as a freshman in one singles, placed third at state, but as a sophomore, Neil overcame a 3-1 deficit in the finals and became a state champ at one singles.

Riggs was coming into a successful program that had been to the state tournament the past six years.

“I was not expecting to make varsity,” Riggs said. “I knew that it was going to be really challenging having to compete with upperclassmen who are

very talented.”

Despite not believing she would make varsity, Riggs did and even earned her role as the starting libero. “[Riggs] plays her role so well and she truly is the best of the best,” senior volleyball player Karli Eckert said.

Neil, on the other hand, had played with a lot of his tennis teammates before he was in high school and understood the role he would play on the team.

“I’ve been playing tennis for a long time and knew that I would probably be playing at one singles,” Neil said.

ALL ABOUT THEM FAVORITE TENNIS PLAYER Rodger Federer

FAVORITE VOLLEYBALL PLAYER Kelsey Robinson

FAVORITE MOVIE “Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back”

FAVORITE MOVIE “Home Alone”

IF I HAD A

IF I HAD A

MILLION DOLLARS I would get a tennis court and pool in my backyard.

MILLION DOLLARS I would give it to my family.

PRE-GAME RITUAL Listen to the same songs and double sock my socks.

PRE-GAME RITUAL Listen to music FAVORITE FOOD Frosted Flakes He took this role and ran with it which led him to have success during his sophomore season. This was evident with the way he performed at the state tournament and on Oct. 12 he became a state champion.

“It was an unbelievable feeling, it really proved that all the hard work paid off,” Neil said.

Twelve days earlier, on Aug. 30, Riggs broke the record for the number of digs in a game. Gina Mancuso, who now plays overseas, previously held the record of 25 digs.

“I had been working hard and

FAVORITE FOOD Chinese knew that I could beat that record, so when I did it felt really good,” Riggs said.

Both of these athletes have already exceeded their expectations, but for Riggs her three more years could be lethal for other teams.

“I want to eventually break the career record [for digs], and hopefully win a state championship,” Riggs said.

Both Neil and Riggs have a exciting future ahead, and for Monarch fans, they have the ability to continue to watch these outstanding athletes grow and take the Monarch tennis and volleyball programs to new heights.

LEFT PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON Freshman Samantha Riggs serves the ball against Millard West on Aug. 30. Riggs had 31 digs and 20 serve receptions during the game.

RIGHT PHOTO: JENA CRUSE Sophomore Ethan Neil attempts to return the ball to his opponent. Neil won the NSAA State Championship on Oct. 12 and finished the season with a record of 42-4.

NOV 2018SPORTS 31