PLHS Scepter December 2016 by PLHS Scepter

THE

SCEPTER

DECEMBER 2016 A

P U B L I C A T I O N

ISSUE 3 VOLUME 54 O F

P A P I L L I O N

WWW.PLPULSE.COM L A V I S T A

HIGH SCHOOL

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

OPINION

On Call

Crazy In Love

Miss Papillion

Fetching a Friend

4 5 6&7 8&9 10&11

Sparking an Interest

19 20

ENTERTAINMENT

21 22&23 24&25

She’s Not Horsing Around

Passion For Fashion

Breaking the Status Quo

Holiday Travels

NEWS

12&13 14 15 16&17 18

Behind the Rock Return of the King The Flip Side of Class

Downtown Papio

SPORTS

26 27 28&29 30 31

Making a Splash Record Breakers

Keystone XL

The Ice Box

Early Farewell

When No One is Watching

Mr. Jerry Kalina sports a Scepter-Couture festive ugly sweater. COVER PHOTO: TREVOR LEWIS COVER DESIGN: CAMRYN BOWERS

Kickin’ It Indoors

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.

2016-17 PLHS JOURNALISM STAFF

EDITORS

COPY

RAINA DODGE

SCEPTER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NICOLE LUDDEN

COVERAGE

PLPULSE.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BRITTANY KELLNER

CJ CURRY

FEATURES CLAIRE NEIL & KAYLEE PENRY

NEWS&OPINION HANNAH IM ELLIOTT WOLBACH & FAITH WORKMAN

BRENDON BOATWRIGHT HANNAH CAHILL HUNTER POMBRIO JOSEY RYAN DEVIN VETTER

LAUREN DOMINELLO CHLOE GRIMM TREVOR KALAL KENNEDY SAUTTER CAITLYN THOMAS

EDITORIAL It has happened. The election is over, and the results are in. Donald Trump has been chosen as the next President of the United States. Undoubtedly, there is dissent: protests to the results, people rallying against both the President-elect and his opponents. But now, more than ever, is the time for us to band together. Both the irate and the overjoyed will be in our country and our school for the next four years. But we can’t let our opinions tear us apart from the inside. Only through cooperation will we thrive. It will be hard sometimes. Naturally, people will disagree over policy, beliefs, or anything imaginable. But, with effort, we can move past disagreement to

TREVOR LEWIS BRENA GROEPER

ALEXA BUSBY ALYSSA FORAL MEGAN FRIEL IZZY HAAVE MOLLEE SWIFT JOANNA WALTON KAYLEN MALTAIS

NATE GENDLER & DYLAN NICHOLSON

KASSIDY BROWN & MEGAN KRABBENHOFT

PEYTON COSE JULIA HARKER

PHOTOGRAPHY

EMMA HIGBY LAUREN LAFOND EMILY LINGELBACH HANNA OLSON DELANI WATKINS

SPORTS

ENTERTAINMENT

DESIGN

CAMRYN BOWERS

Two Sides, One Hope build ourselves a better future. There will be good times. There will be declarations to be cheered, laudable decisions, quotable moments of history. There will be days when people rejoice, and days when people believe that life is great. There will be bad times. There will be protests and outcries, crimes, hatred, policies with which we disagree. There will be days when people want to give up, and days when people bicker with friends. But most importantly, life will go on. The world will still turn once a day. We’ll wake up in the morning and go to class. There will still be new movies and birthday parties and all of the things that

help us through the day. The good and the bad are two sides of our lives. Without bad times, good is impossible, and vice versa. We see it in our lives every day, in the sunshine after a rainstorm or when we make up after a fight. When we weather the bad together, we can find the good in the world. This is our chance to show the world that we are truly united. That we can look past the superficial and uphold the values we truly believe in. We will be so much stronger when we stand together in defense of our beliefs. Together, we all can accomplish great things and change the world. A simple disagreement over who is in charge can’t stop us.

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

“911, what’s your emergency?” Red, white, and blue lights flash in every direction. The tires on the asphalt road screech like nails on a chalkboard. Dark fumes of smoke flood the sky. Firefighters, police officers and paramedics all sprint in the race to save a life. Meanwhile, back at PLHS, their sons and daughters sit back, cramming for the only life shattering thing on their mind: next period’s test. The lives of first responders impact the lives of everyone, especially their children. For junior Sydney Chittenden and senior Autumn Prante, having a parent who is a first responder means more than just worrying what each shift can bring. It is having someone to look up to, someone to take pride in. With a state patrol officer and second-incommand for the state’s alpha SWAT team as a father, days can be stressful and filled with anxiety for Prante in both her in school and outside of school lives. This is now especially true with the rising threat of intentional harm used against police officers. “I worry quite often due to his positions,” Prante said. “The fact that being a cop has become more dangerous makes him kind of sad; he has spent 15 years protecting people and saving lives and now they think he’s a bad guy.” Though for some students, days can be filled with constant worry. For Chittenden, whose father has been the fire captain at Eppley and an emergency medical technician for 30 years, trusting the training her father has helped to relieve some stress. “On a scale of 1-10, the scariness

C911

First responders as parents can be a bit overwhelming in the daily lives of their children.

BY IZZY HAAVE PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

PHOTO: AUTUMN PRANTE Senior Autumn Prante and her father stay close by spending time together whenever they can.

of having my dad as a first responder is a three because he is trained and knows what he is doing, but accidents do happen,” Chittenden said. However, there are many risks with being a first responder. Once behind the wheel of an ambulance or a cop car, it tends to be difficult to put down the badge. “My dad hasn’t ever really considered doing something less dangerous,” Prante said. “He actually used to be a teacher but he loves his job now and has said that even if people don’t appreciate him and what he does, it is what he signed up to do.” First responders make a difference in the lives of people every day, whether it goes noticed or not. It could be the retrieval of a lost dog to the direct influence in saving someone’s life. “Last Thanksgiving, my dad saved an old woman from committing suicide,” Prante said. Prante’s dad had gone to check on the woman after suspicion and saw empty pill bottles and liquor bottles surrounding her in her car. The woman was unable to speak to him. He acted quickly in breaking the window of her car, pulling her out and starting to revive her before the medics could arrive. After reading the letter she had written, he found that she would have been leaving behind five children and many grandchildren. Whatever the case, first responders are those who risk all dangers in the hopes to bring others to safety. They often go overlooked or forgotten about, but like Chittenden says, “Knowing that my dad risks his life to help others is one of the best things about him.”

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OPINION

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SPORTS

Sophomore Kiley Alexander is competing in the Nebraska Teen USA beauty pageant as Miss Papillion. BY EMMA HIGBY PAGE DESIGN BY NICOLE LUDDEN

Standing on an empty stage with bright lights glaring down on her, she keeps her eyes clear and her smile broad. Her elegant gown just slightly grazes the ground, only revealing the peaks of her matching heels. The interviewer speaks slowly and calmly into his microphone, asking questions to the pageant girl. Her answer does not consist of the idea of “world peace,” but she takes time and thinks about her answer. This is her 15 minutes of fame, and she will not mess it up. The girls competing in pageants are often discredited for all the work that they put in. There is constant pressure surrounding them to be prettier or smarter than the next girl. Most people are uninformed as to what happens behind the scenes of beauty pageants. However, exceptions are made for sophomore Kiley Alexander because this will be her first pageant ever and she is fighting for the title of Miss Nebraska. She was recently informed that she is competing as Miss Papillion

Miss Papillion

and is now going up against other young women in the state of Nebraska. “Right now I’m competing as Miss Papillion,” Alexander said. “I am going to be competing against other Nebraska girls and fighting for the Nebraska title. If I win that then I will go on and compete against all the other states.” Since the competition is not until Jan. 13, she spends about a fourth of her time practicing. Along with the added pressure of being televised, Alexander has to learn how to walk in heels. She walks around the house, completing everyday tasks with the added stress of not falling. “We have to model athletic wear, an evening gown, and an interview,” Alexander said. “The interview is basically asking us questions on the spot.” The teens who compete in pageants do not do it not for the fame and fortune, but to inspire girls all across the world. “[The pageants] also offer a scholarship to Lindenberg University, so if I am a top five contestant, I am eligible,” Alexander said. “I also do it to teach young girls all over the world and to be a good role model.” What fuels these young women to push through the pain and tears is their supporters. Alexander’s best friend, sophomore Kellie Lang, is her number

one fan. “At first I was shocked because I know her as a softball player who gets down and dirty,” Lang said. “But I think she can win and do really well. She has an amazing personality and will rock it in heels instead of cleats.” Lang, along with other friends, are devoting their time and effort to help Alexander prepare. They spend their free time after school and on the weekends at her house, helping her prepare her pageant wardrobe. “I support Kiley by helping her walk in heels,” Lang said. “I also dress shop with her and watch makeup and hair tutorials.” Competing in pageants takes a toll on someone’s social life. Alexander has spent thousands of dollars in order to look beautiful, and hopefully, to win the grand prize. Competing in these pageants may seem crazy to an outsider, but ultimately, it is fulfilling to inspire people all across the globe. Left: Kiley Alexander gleams in her pageant makeup for her headshot. Right: Kiley tries on an evening gown for an upcoming pageant. This dress was about $2,000 alone. PHOTOS: KYLIE ALEXANDER

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

SPARKING PHOTO BY: DELANI WATKINS Junior Ryan Davenport trains to become a firefighter. Davenport learned new skills and put them to use with the Ralston Fire Department.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question asked in nearly every grade from the time students are in kindergarten. Many dream of being a doctor, an astronaut or a famous singer. For junior Ryan Davenport, the dream has always been a firefighter. Davenport’s father and grandfather, both firefighters themselves, have saturated Davenport’s life with knowledge from the career field. Ever since, his mind has been filled with a passion to help others. Soon to be a third generation firefighter, Davenport refers to the job as a “family business”. “I am extremely lucky to know at such a young age that this is what I really want to do,” Davenport said. “I’ve grown up around the department and seen so much of the career, heard all of my dad’s stories.” Now a part of a training program himself, Davenport has been granted a unique chance. The Ralston Fire Department Explorer Program offers firefighter and emergency medical technician training for its students, whose ages range from 14 to 21. At Ralston Fire Department and Rescue Squad, a training room and an upstairs classroom provide real life, full blown scenarios that immerse trainees into the career field. Now that he is on the job, Davenport knows the field inside and

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SPORTS

an Interest out. Davenport experiences the fire engines and rescue squads from the childhood stories firsthand. “My dad has inspired me to do this,” Davenport said. “He’s been on the job for almost 17 years.” Jeremiah Omoto, one of Davenport’s trainers, takes pride in the training program and all it has to offer. “We have dummies, we have a smoke room and we can shut out the lights and ignite a small fire,” Omoto said. “It helps the kids to figure out if [firefighting] is really what they want to do.” Firefighting is not for everyone. According to Omoto, many get interested and excited about the field, yet don’t realize the amount of courage and nerves it takes to put themselves into what can become a truly dangerous situation. Omoto said that claustrophobia and difficulty breathing often deter talent. The training is not easy either. The program offered at the Ralston Fire Department gives a chance for students to use their skills in a real situation. Trainees are put into situations similar to those that would happen in the field, and given all of the same tools and responsibilities. “The experience is different for everyone, but for me it’s that big adrenaline rush,” Davenport said. “You don’t realize how on-your-feet and aware you have to be until you’re in there.”

While others are preparing for a four-year college or the military, junior Ryan Davenport is training to save lives, just as soon as he graduates. BY DELANI WATKINS PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

Davenport not only spends his Monday nights in training at the Ralston Fire Department, but also attends events that the department puts on, such as pancake and chili feeds. Being a firefighter is more than just putting out the flames, as Davenport has discovered. Becoming a firefighter requires determination and grit. Constant, long-term training is required as technology advances and increases. The job is physically draining, as the men and women in the field must navigate buildings that can be dark and unstable. Firefighters also spend time on the edge of their seats, waiting for a call to come in, and must be ready at any moment. “Ryan is very motivated and has the aspiration and motivation to become a firefighter,” Omoto said. “It’s easy to become complacent, and Ryan hasn’t, and that pushes his peers to become better, and it pushes me as well to constantly want to teach him new things.” Being the unsung heroes of so many stories, firefighters have to be 100 percent committed to their tasks, and at any time willing to risk their lives. They may not perform surgeries like doctors, travel in outer space like astronauts, or perform shows like famous singers, but their job is just as rewarding.

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

She’s Not

Horsing

A R

Senior Mady Anglim recounts on her experiences with horse riding throughout the years.

D N O U

BY CLAIRE NEIL PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE

Elementary school is usually the time when kids find a sport or activity that they excel at and enjoy. These activities range from being on a soccer team to going to dance classes. Senior Mady Anglim discovered her passion at one of her birthday parties. “In fourth grade I wanted to have a horse birthday party,” Anglim said. “We got a lesson on horse riding and I have never stopped since then.” Anglim has always had an immense love for animals. She currently has two cats, one dog and one rabbit. Along with her pets at home, Anglim has her favorite horses in the stables. “I don’t have my own horses, I ride other people’s,” Anglim said. “In the past I typically have ridden a horse called ‘Tank’, but since he is retiring, I will now ride either ‘Cat’ or ‘Justice.’” Anglim has been riding since fourth grade, taking lessons from trainer Carey Dughman. Dughman has been training for over 15 years and currently has 35 students. Dughman said that in order to be good, horse riding requires dedication,

patience, good communication and lots of time. “I ride once a week and typically do two to three competitions per summer,” Anglim said. “I would like to do more, but I have always been busy with softball and competitions are very expensive.” Anglim competes in a type of riding called saddleseat. This is where the rider gets a pattern and is judged on how well the horse follows the pattern along with the overall appearance. Horse riding sounds much different than most school sports, but it does have some similarities. “It compares to a high school sport in that you are a part of a team that one must dedicate to daily practice and routine which requires much physical endurance and strength,” Dughman said. “If you do not do your work and dedicate yourself, the entire team suffers.” “Practice makes perfect” is a common saying that holds true to horse riding. “Mady is a very dedicated

rider with much self-discipline and desire to achieve the best she can be,” Dughman said. “She is a very coachable rider and offers leadership and always approaches every challenge with a willing and winning attitude.” With all of the time that Anglim spends on a horse, she has only fallen off twice. “One time when I was riding, the horse got spooked which made him sit down on his butt like a dog,” Anglim said. “I just slid right off and didn’t get hurt, but it could have been bad if he would have fallen back on me.” Even though there is always the chance of getting hurt, it does not stop Anglim from doing what she loves. “My favorite part about riding is that I forget about what is going on around me,” Anglim said. “I strictly focus on riding and feel like I am in tune with the horse.” Anglim has always had a love for animals, and thanks to her fourth grade birthday party, she will always love horses too.

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PHOTO: BRENDA ANGLIM Senior Mady Anglim competes in saddleseat with ‘Tank’ during a competition. As Anglim looks past high school, she most likely won’t ride in college. “I would definitely look into a college’s equestrian team, but the colleges I’m looking at don’t have it,” Anglim said. “If I can keep riding during and after I will.” Anglim will continue to ride this summer and see where her schooling takes her and what that will mean for her riding career.

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

BREAKING THE STATUS QUO

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OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

“No, no, no/stick to the stuff you know/it’s better by far to keep things as they are/don’t mess with the flow, no no/stick to the status quo” is the worst advice ever given by “High School Musical.” Being different, unique, eclectic, and totally out there defines who we are as people. Trying new things and saying no when society says yes makes the world a more vibrant and interesting place to live. Unfortunately, high school is full of social norms, peer pressure and the ever-present desire to fit in. For senior Elliot Dritt, however, high school pressures and expectations are just a bump in the road on his journey to show others his true self. He is a very involved student and participates in show choir, musicals, plays and so much more. Dritt is similar to a lot of students, but what makes him stand out against the crowd is his unique style and his willingness to accept and embrace difference. “Elliot is different in the sense that he doesn’t care what people think,” senior Jackie Frazier said. “He does what makes him happy and does not care about following social norms because that is not what is important.” Casting aside the always present and scouring eyes of judgers is the first and most important step to embracing difference and personalities that are unique. “I do things that are good for me and then I think about how it will affect others,” Dritt said. “I do what makes me happy.” Though it makes for a happier life, brushing away other’s opinions can be a difficult task. Sometimes the critical eyes can be overwhelming. “Sometimes I doubt wearing a certain outfit, but by then I’m usually at school and it’s too late to change,” Dritt said. For Dritt, it can be difficult to turn a blind eye, but his friends are always there to turn to and to be a

DECEMBER 2016

comfort. “I’ll support him through anything, whether it be his fashion sense or what he wants to do with his life or anything else for that matter,” Frazier said. “He would do the same for me because we stick up for each other always.” Comfort and support are not the only things that a friend can offer, and when the judgers become more disapproving, it is always nice to have a protective friend. “I stick up for Elliot if people look at him weird, whisper or say anything about him wearing makeup or high heels to school,” Frazier said. “I admire how true and honest he is.” Being able to remove the worry that comes with caring what others think allows Dritt to live the life he wants and dream about a wonderful future. “My extended family wants me to be an architect because they want me to have money, but I want to be a Broadway performer,” Dritt said. “I really do not care what others think, because there is no point in wasting my life doing what makes others happy.” Though he has a lot of adversity to face, Dritt always has people there to support him and to pick him up when he falls. “Elliot is one of my best friends and I wish him luck in whatever he decides to do in his future,” Frazier said. For all the others out there who haven’t reached a happier place in their lives, Dritt is a prime example and role model who can be true to himself, and stick up for what he believes in. “If you want to show the unique personality you have, start small and go a little out of your comfort zone,” Dritt said. “Go with the pace that makes you comfortable and do it for you.”

It’s easy to follow the crowd and to blend in, but for senior Elliot Dritt, being different makes for a happier life. BY HANNAH CAHILL PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

PHOTO: JULIANNE PLOURDE Dritt excitedly plays football during the fall play. Dritt played Jem in “To Kill A Mockingbird.” PHOTOS: HANNAH CAHILL, HEATHER SLUGA & DELANI WATKINS (far left) Dritt in his many roles at PLHS. PHOTO: HANNAH CAHILL Dritt and Frazier goof around as they pose for a picture. Dritt and Frazier have been good friends since sophomore year.

THE SCEPTER

K C O R E H T D N I H BE Jace Pierce, James Saroka and Ethan Schlund are a select few who have created rock bands in their free time. BY HUNTER POMBRIO PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

Rock music: society hates it, but also desires it. It was a start of a new generation of teenagers acting out. It takes your emotions by hold, providing love, passion and pure ecstasy. The freedom of thought and expression is given to the listener. Being in a band is an unusual activity. There are few that are a part of the movement anymore. Juniors Jace Pierce, Ethan Schlund and freshman James Saroka consider it their mission to continue the legacy by being in a band. Each has their own unique way of first getting in to forming a band. “I liked listening to music, then learned how to play and read music, then wanted to try a new thing, so I joined a band,” Schlund said. The idea of joining a band is a complicated process that Pierce took; it made him reach out to fellow individuals that share a common goal. “I liked making music and went out and met [graduate] Shane Sedlak, [senior] Camryn Bowers and Corey Robinson,” Pierce said. “We made the Phosphenes.” The ultimate goal of a band is to perform at shows and have

a great time, exactly what Saroka accomplished. “I’ve played shows that were sponsored by D-Rocks and Christmas lighting time,” Saroka said. “It is where they turn on all the lights downtown.” Being a band member has a different meaning for each individual; for Pierce and Saroka it is quite the opposite. Saroka prefers being solo and giving himself the input to change. “Being in a band for me gives me a group of people that help mold me for the better,” Pierce said. Having been a part of a band will change the individual and give the member an idea about their future. “Being in [a band] has led me to think of what I want to do in life and who I want to be in life,” Pierce said. A rock band may be viewed as being an outdated activity, but that is certainly not the case for these individuals. Rock is energy-filled therapy; it is feelings able to be expressed through guitar riffs and chills appearing when a drum solo plays, evident that it will always be around.

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PHOTO: HUNTER POMBRIO Jace Pierce, Ethan Schlund and James Saroka play a jam session together to improve their skills. This is their first time playing as a group. “I’ve developed leadership and listening skills,” Schlund said. They played their favorite songs together. THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

“We just came up with it one day in class and wondered what it would be like to have one,” junior Megan Helmberger said. To students, the mascot will be just as important as the cheerleaders or band. The energy behind these supporters is BY MEGAN FRIEL contagious to the student section, and the PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE mascot would provide even more of it to fans. The Monarch Man: commonly “I think it would be cool to pep up mistaken for a butterfly among schools the crowd,” sophomore Kristine Nelson around the Omaha area. This largesaid. chinned ruler is often seen painted The process behind the actual on walls and printed on posters and mascot requires support, funding shirts. While this image of a zealous and approval from principals and the king is seen daily by students, the last school board. Students in the leadership time he donned his crown for athletic academy have had a distinct role in the events or pep rallies is something project and, according to Helmberger, few can remember. However, this era “helped with the design, [and] logistics.” of mascot-less events for PLHS is As well as support from the school coming to an end, and the monarch in maroon will soon come marching in. board, finding a maker of the mascot has also been a critical step for the project. The last mascot was retired “The process has really been nearly a decade ago, and plans for a lots of emails between the companies, successor have now emerged from also meeting with the booster club,” students within Leadership Academy. Helmberger said. While the process is still in the The mascot is slated to grace beginning stages, the idea is quickly games, pep rallies, fundraisers and becoming a reality.

Students in Leadership Academy have successfully led the project for the revival of the Monarch Man with plans moving steadily forward.

other school events with his presence sometime in the upcoming months. However, the mascot is not just walking fabric; there is always a person inside. The question of the student behind the suit is a matter for a later day, but tryouts will be held for any prospective Monarch Man or woman. These preparations have already begun for many students despite the delay of concrete plans. “I heard that [a potential candidate] is working on a backflip, and that will automatically make our school better than the others,” sophomore Jace Armstrong said. Coming out of retirement and digging his crown out once again, the Monarch Man’s coronation day is swiftly approaching. Winter athletics are soon going to be his palace, and the student section his knights. This king is most definitely not a dainty butterfly, despite popular belief, and will be there to cheer on athletes of all sports for as long as possible. With a crown on his head and a scepter in his hand, the man in maroon is going to be marching in with his army behind him.

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The

Flip

Side Of Class

Flipped classrooms offer students a unique learning opportunity. BY RAINA DODGE

You walk into class bright and early on Monday morning, ready to learn. It might be an ordinary Monday, but this is no ordinary class. This weekend’s homework was taking notes over a chapter in the book, and today’s lesson is an experiment on the same subject. This unique class structure is a reality for many students taking flipped classes. Teachers such as Mrs. Ally Derby assign things differently: notes are not done in class, and homework is not for home. Instead, students take notes at home and do assignments, labs and other activities in class. Derby calls this structure “fundamentally opposite of what a teacher normally does.” Derby has noticed marked improvements in students’ grades, and reports that all but one of her students last year claimed it benefitted them. Guided notes are the students’ only homework grades; for most, this means an automatic 100%. Derby is also able to work through more practice problems with students, making tests easier for them. However, the new structure can present a challenge to students used to a traditional classroom. Some students are apprehensive about the idea of flipped classrooms and the challenges that note-taking at home presents. “I feel like I wouldn’t be able to focus,” junior Megan Vanderlaan said. “I’m able to focus more in class when

we take notes.” Sophomore Hayden Bahl, a student in Mr. Shawn Gray’s flipped Physical Science class, prefers a normal class structure. Bahl dislikes taking notes at home, saying that “there’s no instruction, basically.” He gets his notes from a prerecorded video, leaving less of an opportunity to directly ask questions. “I like it when you sit in class and the teacher explains things, rather than sitting at home where you’re not

as focused,” Bahl said. Derby’s home notes are based on a pre-made note sheet, which students fill in while watching note videos. These videos last seven to ten minutes. However, Vanderlaan worries that “you wouldn’t be able to get the right information since you’re doing it on your own.” Class time is used for a variety of activities. Each class is different: Derby uses class time to go over mathheavy problems and concepts while Gray’s class frequently works through labs. “Doing labs, you can figure out what you learned in the notes videos, but you never get a chance to go over the notes with the teacher,” Bahl said. While students may be concerned about the intricacies of a flipped classroom, the end result can outweigh the initial confusion. Many teachers have faith in the flipped system and the benefits it offers their students. “Students are wary at first, unsure of how it works,” Derby said. “Once the process starts, they really enjoy the pattern.”

Students complete activities in Mr. Gray's flipped classroom. Flipped classrooms place focus on activities completed in class, with notes done at home.

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

The Keystone Pipeline that would stretch through many bodies of water as well as communities could be more of a threat to the environment than initially thought. BY ALYSSA FORAL PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

A heavy demand for oil returns a high profit for the companies providing it, but as the desire for fossil fuel increases, we could possibly be putting our environment in more and more danger. The Keystone XL Pipeline is a 1,779 mile long pipeline that would extend from Hardisty Alta, Canada all the way to Steele City, NE, carrying tons of tar sands oil that would be refined in Port Arthur, TX. According to 350.org, tar sands oil does not have the same impact as regular oil: it has a large carbon footprint and sometimes requires more energy to produce than it creates. On Nov. 6, 2015, President Obama denied the presidential permit needed to continue building the Keystone Pipeline. The TransCanada Corporation, attempting to build the pipeline, has taken legal action. According to TransCanada’s website, they are suing the U.S. Administration under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). They are suing in order to pursue construction of the pipeline on American soil. The pipeline went through a

seven-year review process for possible environmental impacts, and the State Department’s conclusion was released in January 2014. The State Department concluded that the pipeline would not effect carbon emissions and that oil companies would develop tar sands regardless of Keystone being built or not. However the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disagrees with the State Department’s conclusion. The EPA stated that plummeting oil prices could “result in increased oil sands production” therefore leading to further greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA also expressed their concerns with the State Department’s conclusion that Keystone will not leak. However, after only one year, the existing Keystone pipeline leaked a dozen times while in operation. With the pipeline going through communities and over 70 large bodies of water, including the Missouri river and the Platte, citizens are concerned with the impacts a leak may have on the ecosystems. “It’s not a question of if the pipeline will leak, it’s when it will

leak,” Green Team sponsor Ms. Amy Himes said. Partnered with the environmental impact, there is also the economic impact. The Keystone Pipeline would help create American jobs, an estimated 1,950 jobs for a two-year period and 50 permanent jobs. “The Pipeline would help create jobs for American people who need it,” junior Madi Wilson said. “Creating more jobs is really important for our economy and our country.” It is also seen as a reliable source of energy to help fuel everyday American lives. This project is largely backed by the Canadian government, oil companies and some unions. President-elect Donald Trump also supports building the Keystone Pipeline, which he expressed back in May 2016. He said he would support the pipeline if the U.S. government got a share of the profit. Meeting the higher demands for oil our society is facing could harm our environment, but it is up to all of us to weigh which we find more crucial to our well-being.

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K E Y S T O N E XL STEEL CITY PATOKA

CUSHING OIL TERMINALS PIPELINE PROPOSED PLAN

HOUSTON THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

Early Farewell Seniors Faith Bokelman and Felicity Taylor are graduating at semester in order to get a head start on their future.

BY EMILY LINGELBACH

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS & JULIA HARKER

As you walk down the aisle, you are filled with many emotions of happiness, exhilaration and relief, yet at the same time you are nervous for what is just ahead of you. Wearing your cap and gown, you walk up to receive a piece of paper that signifies the end of your high school career and a start to something new and unfamiliar. This day is something most people have looked forward to since the first day of freshman year, but for some students this vision looks a little different. Seniors Faith Bokelman and Felicity Taylor have decided to finish up their high school years at the end of this semester. “I realized I wanted to graduate early the second day of my senior year,” Bokelman said. “I only needed a few more credits and there wasn’t really anything holding me back.” This decision has its benefits along with some disadvantages, as the

students will start their new everyday routine. “I’ll definitely get more hours in at work and time to sleep in, but I will miss seeing my friends in the halls everyday,” Taylor said. Between January and the start of their college career, both students plan on working to save up money for their upcoming future. “I think graduating early will make me more prepared for college because I will be taking easy prerequisites to get ahead for the fall,” Taylor said. Although Bokelman and Taylor are graduating a little earlier than most, they both will attend the graduation ceremony in May with the rest of their class and aim to stay in touch with their high school friends. “I will still continue to go to some of our school’s games,” Bokelman said. “I also have my friends’ numbers so I can always text

them to see if they ever want to hang out.” The end of a high school career is something most students think will never come. Now that it is finally here for some, it is a thrilling yet surreal thought. “My time in high school was not too bad; I had fun while it lasted,” Taylor said. “I’m excited to be done. It is a bittersweet moment.”

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CRAZY Every year, 1.5 million high school students across the nation fall victim to an abusive relationship. How can we reduce this statistic and keep our peers safe? OPINION BY KAYLEN MALTAIS PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

Splotches of black and blue mark their body. The angry red scars that stain their skin tell the story they try desperately to hide. Insecurity rages a relentless war within them, and while they stand in front of the mirror staring into the eyes that once sparkled with life and laughter, they pray that somehow, someway they can free themselves from this suffocating pain and sorrow. In high school, we often don’t sit around and fixate on how dark life can be or how the people we love most have the power to break us. However, many students are secretly left dealing with these dark revelations. According to Love Is Respect. org, a project of Break the Cycle and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.” Frankly, this statistic is terrifying. So many of us date and have boyfriends and girlfriends, but how many of us are suffering from

HELPFUL HOTLINES

-Youth Emergency Services: 402-345-5187 -Reporting Hotline: 1-800-652-1999 -YWCA Women Agianst Violence/Date Rape: 402-345-7273

LOVE

some type of dating violence? How can we tell? There are many signs that could help students identify whether they are currently in an abusive relationship or not. These indicators include constant put-downs, intense jealousy or possessiveness, an explosive temper, uncontrollable mood swings, infliction of physical pain, and the pressuring or forcing of one to partake in sexual activities. We all need to be more aware of our relationships and the relationships around us. We need to understand the differences between a healthy relationship and an abusive one. We need to open the discussion and start talking about what our generation can do to crush these statistics and help those in need. This can be accomplished by looking out for the signs and reporting it when we see them. Mrs. Mary Boelman, who teaches Human Development and Early Childhood 1 and 2, expresses the need for a plan after the abuse is reported.

“When [the victims] finally leave, that is the most dangerous time for them,” Boelman said. “They need to have a plan. If they are teens, they can get resources from the YES House, a teen shelter in Omaha, YWCA, Center for Women Advancement, churches and school counselors.” It may seem like a challenge far too difficult to overcome when trying to help someone going through an abusive relationship, especially at this age, but there are many things we can do that can help. “I would let them know that I was there to support them,” Boelman said. “I would find community resources. I would go with them so they did not have to go alone. I would talk to my therapist or a counselor at school.” For too long, people have felt alone and afraid at the hands of an abusive significant other, and with these tools, it is now our job to give people the help they need and finally free them from the hold of abusers.

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

Fetching a

Friend

Our furry friends are always there for us through the good and the bad.

BY FAITH WORKMAN PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

As a homework-driven, activitystricken, and just plain exhausted teenager, waking up at six every morning is the epitome of utter misery that I would do anything to abolish. I am not lying when I tell you that I sit up in my comfy cloud of a bed for a solid fifteen minutes wondering if my education is really worth not sleeping in till noon. With that being said, that was a few months ago. I mean, before I got a dog. Before I got that amazing ball of fluff, waking up was the hardest part of the day. Before I heard the pounding of paws down the stairs and the thuds because he was too excited to wake me up that he would tumble down the stairs. Not long after he was right back up, jumping and barking for my attention. With the slobbery kisses and the excitement to see me, definitely not just because he wanted me to feed him, I was out of that bed in five seconds flat, wrestling him on the ground. After realizing this was my life now, slobbers and all, I excited to start the day happier.

Dogs are the therapy everyone needs. They comfort you when you cry, without even knowing why you are crying. They just cuddle up to you and listen to all of the world’s problems. If you are like me you may be wondering: but what if my home doesn’t allow pets? What if I can’t afford one or don’t have time to take care of one? That isn’t a problem. When I was having a hard day or just needed a break from the stressors of life, paying frequent visits to the local animal shelter would be the perfect remedy. Sitting there with the dogs for a few hours is the best therapy. They don’t know who you are, but if you need a self-esteem boost, they will literally jump fences to be pet by you. Sometimes dogs protect us and sacrifice their own lives to save us. Everything from police and service dogs to just simple household dogs are always devoted to caring for us. So next time you feel yourself overwhelmed with those stressful tasks in life, a simple visit to a puppy pen can instantly cure the blues.

CARTOON BY KENNEDY SAUTTER

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PASSION FOR

FASHION Both old and new trends are sweeping the halls of PLHS.

PHOTO: JULIANNE PLOURDE Senior Julianne Plourde wears one of her many scrunchies.

BY KASSIDY BROWN

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

Yves-Saint Laurent said, “fashions fade, style is eternal,” and every day we see trends disappear. From skinny jeans to Birkenstocks, everything fades and everything returns. Different trends make their way through the halls every day. Some come back and some are entirely new, especially during fall and winter. “I love boots, long socks and big sweaters,” senior Nicole Narak said. Many trends that were big in the late ‘90s and early 2000s have slowly made a huge comeback in the fashion world. “My favorite trends so far have been chokers and jean skirts,” senior Julianne Plourde said. “A jean skirt is super cute but casual and a choker can spice up any outfit.” However, there are always those trends that people want to forget ever existed because of how bad they seem

now. “I hated flared jeans; they were unflattering,” Narak said. Some people believe that there is no such thing as a bad trend. It all depends on the person and their fashion taste. “I think everyone pulls certain trends off and can make it work,” Plourde said. There are a handful of trendsetters in each grade. Whether they know it or not, that is the person other students look to for trends. “I started wearing jean skirts and scrunchies and everyone else is now too, and I love it,” Plourde said. When it comes to a new trend, most people are scared to be the first one to wear it. Either it is really eccentric and out there, or something no one has seen before. “I try to bring hats and leather into my looks because I think it’s

really cool and it can be different,” Narak said. Since 2016 is coming to a close, 2017 is open to tons of opportunities for new trends. “I really see scrunchies coming back in,” Plourde said. “Some people have been wearing them, and I really hope it becomes a huge trend in the future.” Many famous brands are looking into the fashion of the past to get inspiration for new clothing lines. “I see a lot more distressed clothing coming out, and I feel like multi-colored denim will get really popular,” Narak said. These halls have seen a lot of trends come and go. Some are subtle and some are overbearing. One thing is for certain: no one knows exactly what the next big thing will be.

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

Holiday Travels Three PLHS seniors describe where they travel over winter break and how they celebrate the holidays. BY MEGAN KRABBENHOFT PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE

For some, the holidays mean cozying up to a warm mug of hot cocoa and watching classic Christmas movies with the family while the snow falls upon the rooftops. But to other PLHS students, the holidays mean a little something more. Students are traveling farther than before to visit various destinations. So how do students feel about leaving the peaceful town of Omaha during the chaotic winter season? “I go down to Texas to visit with family and friends that I haven’t seen in a while; it’s always so much fun because we end up meeting more people and seeing new things that aren’t here in Nebraska,” senior Amanda Lewis said. Senior Will Schmidt agrees, he is thrilled to be able to travel for Christmas like all the years in the past. “Every year I go up to Breckenridge, Colorado to visit with extended family. We do lots of skiing and snowboarding, and it’s always really exciting,” Schmidt said. But winter is not really winter if

there is not any snow, right? “Christmas down in Texas is a lot different because it’s a lot warmer and you can actually be outside doing things with family instead of being cooped up inside,” Lewis said. So what about students who choose to celebrate in the cold weather? “Colorado is cold, but it’s a different kind of cold than in Omaha; it’s a lot more enjoyable, ” Schmidt said. Just over 700 miles away, Chicago’s weather is about the same as Nebraska’s. However, experiencing the holidays is a bit different. “It’s a much bigger city and there are so many more activities,” senior Lydia Kim said. “My favorite is ice skating in the park.” There is much to be remembered about every trip away from home, but Kim shares the most memorable moment in her traveling history. “I used to live in Chicago, so being able to catch up with all my old friends is always the best part,” Kim said. Every area of the world celebrates

Christmas and its festivities differently. Omaha has options when it comes to rejoicing in holiday cheer. From iceskating, viewing the lights displayed downtown and decorating the family Christmas tree, traditions will live on. “Christmas at home is a lot more personal; it’s just me and my close family and we open lots of presents,” Lewis said “In Texas it’s a lot more focused on spending time with friends and extended family.” Celebrating away from home has some discrepancies, but for Kim, Lewis and Schmidt, the extensive airport lines and over-joyous familiar faces that are anxiously awaiting their arrival are nothing new. Each trip brings about something new, time spent with family that will never be forgotten. Whether the journey is three days or three minutes, a joyful family to celebrate with is all that is needed this winter, since it seems finding time for the entire family becomes more and more rare as teenagers grow up.

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Will Schmidt

Destination:

COLORADO

Amanda Lewis

Destination:

TEXAS

Lydia Kim

Destination:

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

Downtown Papillion has a life of its own that many people do not stop to see. BY CAITLYN THOMAS & MOLLEE SWIFT

PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

1st St.

Jefferson St.

Washington St.

DOWNTOWN Papio 24

Sump Memorial Library

1 4 2 1st St. First street plaza

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TRI

Kajoma’s is a free-spirited boutique with beautiful collections of jewelry and clothing for women all around. Unique items are hidden everywhere and it is never predictable what you could find upon walking in. Settled on the corner of Washington and First Street, Kajoma’s is welcoming and well designed.

TriPointe has a warm, welcoming environment, and a large selection on the menu, ranging from Italian sodas to espresso drinks. This family-owned coffee shop is the place to go if you want to grab a delicious beverage and hang out with friends while enjoying the spirit this café contains. There are even small concerts held at TriPointe every once in a while!

If you are looking for an exceptional place to hang out with friends while trying something new, Twisted Vine offers a great selection of décor and art classes for any age group. With acoustic open jam sessions every Wednesday and a variety of paintings available, Twisted Vine does not disappoint.

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Run by the former owner of the Morning, Noon, & Night coffee and tea shop in Shadow Lake Towne Center, this is another model of how important small businesses are. With over 60 different teas to choose from, the Papillion Tea Shop knows the tea category as well as the tea leaf would itself. Go and try it out for a friendly atmosphere as well as tea!

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A qualified place to go for everything pertaining to guitars, drums or pianos, D-Rocks offers lessons, service and repair, accessories, and instruments to buy or rent. With affordable prices and a large selection of brands for any instrument’s needs, D-Rocks is a music hotspot for any singing, playing musician.

With a great selection of Wisconsin cheese and a beautiful ambience, Northwoods is a rustic place that includes three buildings: The Stave, a parlor with outdoor seating, the main shop for cheese and other essentials, and another building for chopping wood. Concealed from most cars driving by, this hidden gem is a great chance to stop in and try a variety of snacks.

PHOTOS: DELANI WATKINS & CAITLYN THOMAS

DECEMBER 2016

THE SCEPTER

MAKING A

SPLASH

Waking up at 5:30 in the morning every day to go to practice, smacking a new dive over and over, and working as hard as possible all becomes suddenly worth it after you perfectly execute a dive when it all matters. PLHS dive team consists of eight members working hard to continue to improve and get better every day. For some divers, they have been working hard for a long time in order to be where they are today. “I have been diving since I was 12,” senior Emma Hawkins said. “I saw a team practicing at a public pool and decided to try it out.” Those years of hard work paid off

last year when she qualified for state. Sports have a magical way of bringing all sorts of people together, and the dive team is no exception. “My first year we only had two kids, and now we have eight, so it is really fun to cheer each other on and go to meets now that the team is bigger,” Hawkins said. Being mentally tough is a critical part of every sport, but it takes even more mental strength to focus on the task at hand while you flip and spin through the air. “It is hard having a mindset that you can do the dive,” senior Gabby Tingstad said. “Once you get over

The Monarchs dive team looks to have a successful season after a lack of appreciation.

BY DYLAN NICHOLSON

PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

being scared of the dive it becomes a lot easier.” Tingstad started diving sophomore year, so when she finally perfectly mastered her first dive, it was a great feeling. “It took me an entire season to learn a reverse, so once I finally completed the dive it felt so good,” Tingstad said. “If anybody is considering trying a new sport or joining a new club I would go for it,” Tingstad said, “I did not expect to join dive, but I am so glad I did.” The next meet is Jan. 6th at Ralston High School.

PHOTOS: AIDAN CHO Left: Senior Emma Hawkins starts her walk for her upcoming dive. Her favorite dive to do is a back 1 1/2 with a 1/2 twist. Center: Senior Gabby Tingstad and junior Jordan Dvorak laugh as they wait to dive. Right: Tingstad finishes her rotation as she enters the water. The Monarch girls swim team went on to win the meet against Lincoln Southeast.

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PLHS Athletic Department puts new record boards up over the past summer with some familiar names included. BY DEVIN VETTER

RECORD

BREAKERS

There is nothing better than being recognized for something special you have done. Everyone loves the feeling. Also, there is nothing better than being recognized for something special you have done for your peers to see. This year, new record boards line the hallway next to the weight room. They represent nine sports

Ed Chang

RECORD: Blocks in a game: 11 (2015-2016). Blocks in a season: 102 (2015-2016).

with records included as far back as the 1970’s. Of the athletes on the boards, there are a few that still roam the halls of PLHS. Included in this group is junior cross country and track runner Jake Norris. “It’s an honor, it’s an enjoyable part of the process,” Norris said. Norris knows that every day, his

Ayo Akinwole

RECORD: Free throw percentage in a game: 100% (20152016).

name is included among the great athletes in PLHS history. “It feels good to have recognition,” Norris said. “Hopefully I can move up higher on the boards.” While he enjoys seeing his name included with the records, Norris knows that it isn’t all about having people seeing his name in the hallway. “My main focus isn’t about records,” Norris said. “It’s about being the best that I can be.”

Jake Norris

RECORD: State Crosss Country Medalist: 11th (2015). THE SCEPTER

DECEMBER 2016

The

High school students put most of their time into hockey so they become skilled in the sport.

BY HANNA OLSON

PAGE DESIGN BY HANNAH IM & CAMRYN BOWERS

Box Nick Jones (10) rushes to the puck before his opponent can reach it. Papio played against Millard South. PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON

While winter usually drives sports inside to avoid the cold, one sport goes inside to be in it. Every student has a different hobby, that is either played for fun, or that is played seriously. Many students interact in school activities, whether it’s football, choir, swimming, or even hockey. Several students play club sports outside of school, and play sports for PLHS, as well. Hockey is an aggressive and fastpaced sport. Many of the players have been playing for years, mainly because that’s how long it has taken them to become skilled at the sport.

Most people that play hockey got into the sport because someone close to them also played the sport. “My dad played hockey when he was young,” junior Joe Negrete said. “We started to go skating and the first time we did, I loved it.” Not many female sports are usually very physical, but playing hockey is a different story. “I enjoy the fast pace of the game, but you need a lot of physical strength and endurance,” junior Sarie Jangulo said. Playing a sport while ice skating increases the speed of everything.

Many not only play all throughout hockey season, but also do other hockey related activities in the summer. “I do play year round, but it’s not competitive; I do a lot of camps,” Negrete said. Some students play hockey for their high school, so their season is mainly during the school year. Spending most of their time playing hockey, everyone becomes close friends. “I’ve learned a lot of life lessons and met a bunch of good guys,” junior Kobe Alexander said. “I’ve made a lot

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Jordan McAlpine (11), right, skates across the rink to help out his teammates. PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN

Jacob Hayes (10), left, waits for his opponent to make a mistake and take the puck. PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN

of friends, almost brothers.” They need to have skill and think about what next moves to take to win the game. Staying ahead of your opponents is one of the most important things while on the ice. “You need to be constantly thinking of your next action, always be ahead,” Jangulo said. “Not only do you need to think about where you are positioned, but where your teammates and opponents are, too.” There are a lot of hockey teams in Omaha that anybody can try out for. There are teams for schools, for girls, select teams, and teams that come in

all ages. “I play for the Omaha Junior Lancers; you try out for it,” Negrete said. “It’s a select team for all of Omaha.” Playing on grass, turf, gym floor, or even ice, all feel different and bring out different emotions. “It’s a feeling you can’t explain, everything turns from thinking to instinct,” Alexander said. “There’s no other feeling like being on the ice; you feel at home.” Being able to keep going and stay motivated while playing in the rink is a major component.

“The love of the game keeps me going,” Alexander said. “It’s my passion and I never want to quit.” Loving the sport someone plays can make the game more enjoyable and improve the way someone plays. Being a part of a team, whether it’s hockey or basketball, is the best thing anybody could ask for. “I enjoy getting away from everything when I play hockey, and hanging out with the boys,” Negrete said. “I love hockey more than most things.”

THE SCEPTER DECEMBER 2016

when no one is watching Spring athletes condition to prepare for their upcoming season. BY JOSEY RYAN

Waking up, going to school, and going home. For athletes not currently in season this seems to be the normal routine. Sophomore Nick Gay’s schedule is different. Gay goes to conditioning after school to prepare himself for the upcoming spring season. Though some athletes see this as a pest or a waste of time, for those trying to get better, coaches believe this is the best way to prepare for the season. Girls and boys spring sport athletes prepare for their season by having conditioning after school. The girls condition three times a week for about an hour while the boys condition four days a week for an hour. The coaches put together a workout to get their players as prepared as possible for their upcoming season.

Coach Dana Janssen runs the workouts for the girls. He tries to make them as beneficial as possible for the spring sports that girls are involved in. “Our main goal is to keep the girls in shape from season to season,” Janssen said. With this goal in mind, coaches make the workouts tough, and the athletes take advantage of getting time in the weight room. “[The most beneficial] part is getting your upper and lower body stronger for season,” Gay said. These workouts may seem like a dreadful task, but the coaches try to make conditioning a better experience for their athletes. “The coaches are definitely the best coaching staff in Nebraska for high school baseball and our future is

bright,” Gay said. Although the workouts are tough, the players enjoy the task of staying after school with their teammates. “I like just being there, getting stronger and hanging around all of the senior boys and my friends,” Gay said. While some may think staying after school and working out is pointless, the ones that go and make the most out of it have a different point of view. “The workouts definitely pay off,” Gay said. “Especially all the work we do with the plyocare balls; they definitely help in the long run with our shoulders.” Instead of waiting for a whole year, track, baseball, tennis and soccer athletes prepare themselves early to get ready for their season.

Left PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON After finishing his lift, senior outfielder David Richardson sits up to catch his breath.

Right PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN Junior infielder Caiden Hill laughs while lifting with his teammates.

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Kickin’ it Indoors

Boys soccer prepares for their upcoming season by playing in an indoor league. BY BRENDON BOATWRIGHT

PHOTOS: HEATHER SLUGA Top photo: Junior CJ Abels throws the ball in after it travels out of bounds. Bottom photo: Senior Dillon Pickett and sophomore Carlos Salazar prepare for a kickoff after the first half.

DECEMBER 2016

Offseason preparation is a necessity in order to have a successful season. The boys soccer team has been preparing for the spring season by participating in an indoor soccer league at the Omaha Sports Complex. Around the Omaha area, club teams and high school teams compete in this league in order to enhance their skills and play against new competition. The boys soccer team participates in the league for similar reasons. Coaching assistant Drew Laughlin leads the team from the sideline, because head coaches are not allowed to participate in the league. “We play to compete and have fun,” Laughlin said. “We specifically play indoor to begin preparations for the outdoor season and ideally players will benefit by getting lots of touches on the ball and working together as a team.” The soccer team has been participating in the indoor league for years now. Usually the team has a commanding presence in the league and wins a majority of the games. This year the team has a six and one record. “The team is doing really well this year,” senior Brian Marousek said. “We are pushing through each game and competing to the best of our abilities.” Although indoor helps to get the

team ready in a lot of ways, the team also needs to do other activities to prepare themselves for the season. “I’m preparing by playing indoor every weekend,” senior Dillon Pickett said. “On top of that I am also lifting weights in order to prepare myself.” According to NSAA rules coaches are not allowed to do formal workouts before the high school season. “For our team, we use indoor to help condition some of the players,” Laughlin said. “Also, we encourage our seniors to lead some conditioning exercises after school.” Ultimately the indoor league that the soccer team participates in helps to condition the players. It builds bonds between the players that they will need during the season. It also gives the coaches a chance to see who will perform for them when the spring season comes around. “Players that are not willing to give the effort needed in indoor, meaning doing what they are supposed to do with 110% effort all the time, typically do the same in outdoor,” Laughlin said. “Typically the reverse is true too. The players that work their tail off in indoor are the ones you can count on when it comes to the outdoor season.”

THE SCEPTER

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