February Scepter 2018

SCEPTER THE

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Dreamers and Doers PG. 7

The Future Lies Ahead PG. 10&11

The X’s and O’s of Athletics PG. 25-28 FEBRUARY 2018

WWW.PLPULSE.COM A PUBLICATION OF PAPILLION-LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

ISSUE 4 VOLUME 55

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

4 5 6 7 8

News Briefs

Generation Shock Dazed and Concussed Men in Gold Dreamers and Doers Taking Different Roads

NEWS

9 Where do you Rank?

10&11 The Future Lies Ahead Immaterial Riches 12

PHOTO BY: FORENSICS TEAM TWITTER

PHOTO BY: DYLAN RANEY

Forensics

Robotics

The forensics team successfully started the second half of their season.

Above, the team attended a tournament held at Creighton Prep on Dec. 9.

The robotics team competed at Gross Catholic High School. The team placed sixth out of 32 teams to end their season.

OPINION

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#TimesUp

ENTERTAINMENT

14&15 Caught Our Eye Footloose 16&17 18&19 Oh the Places You Can Go 20 Scrutinizing Screenplays 21 The Fortnite Epidemic Fun and Games 22 10 Are 10 23 Going Vineral 24

SPORTS

25-28 The X’s & O’s of Athletics The Return 29 30 The Puck Stops Here 31 Back in Black and White

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PHOTO BY: ASHLEY MASON

PHOTO BY: HEATHER SLUGA

Dissections

Heart and Soul

Mr. Terry Lyman’s Honors Anatomy and Physiology classes dissected fetal pigs to learn about organs and organ systems.

The girls from Heart and Soul danced to their show ‘Madeline.’ They won grand champion in the all-women’s division at the Papio South, Lincoln Southeast and Ralston competitions

FEATURED ON COVER: Senior Michelle Zeng and the varsity show choir Free Spirit perform their program on preview night.

PHOTO BY: ANNIE WALDMAN COVER DESIGN: JILL MATHISON 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.

EDITORS

STAFF

The Scepter

Hannah Im Editor-in-Chief Alexa Busby & Mollee Swift Design Delani Watkins Copy Megan Friel Coverage ChloĂŠ Grimm Entertainment Lauren Dominello Features Alyssa Foral News Faith Workman Opinion Josey Ryan & Devin Vetter Sports Emma Higby Photography Caitlyn Thomas Advertising

PLPulse.com

Editor-in-Chief Asst. Editor-in-Chief Design Convergence Webmaster Media Editor

Kennedy Sautter Kaylen Maltais Julia Harker Trevor Lewis Aidan Cho Izzy Haave

Lissa Lafond

Lily Allpress Sarah Altman

Alex Manning

Emma Betts

Ashley Mason Jill Mathison

Billy Broderick

Lucas Neill

Kaylin Ciatti Megan Davey

David O’Connell

Elizabeth Eidem

Avery Wagoner

Phil Gradoville Tatum Jorgensen

Annie Waldman Joanna Walton Kenzie Ward

Dakota Kelley Cassie Kessler

Jacob Williams

Samantha Simmerman

EDITORIAL: The Divide It is easy to see the differences.

Whether it would be between race, gender, belief, generation or success, the root of conflicts can be traced back to disparity between two sides.

For example, in the rapidly changing society, millennials are characterized by laziness and an addiction to technology, while older generations are often seen as too conservative and even narrow minded.

Students are further divided by those who choose a traditional route often equated with success, while those who choose to pursue their passion unconventionally, are often seen as naive.

Politically, we have witnessed a downfall through a partial government

shutdown due to a struggle to negotiate an agreement between two divided sides.

It is equally as easy to get caught up in comparison, constantly needing to label ourselves, and putting others in categories. Understandably, this process organizes the world into simpler ideas, such as bad and good, and it fulfills the need to understand and reason.

With the comfort of categories come preconceived notions of what one should believe. Prejudice limits all of the unique thoughts possible and dictates what one should think, rather than allowing the opportunity to explore the limitless options.

Of course, these labels may

make it easier to find a social circle of support and like minds, but it may be the factor holding us back from reaching a state of understanding.

More often than not these social constructs prevent us from reaching out to the other side, opening communication and finding a solution not for a singular group, but for establishing morality and creating positive change.

By no means will finding a compromise be as easy as discerning the differences. But with small efforts to extend a hand, offer encouragement or to initiate conversation, the step towards understanding can be taken with certainty.

FEBRUARY 2018

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generation SHOCK

Reichenbach became a paraproffesional Then, it was sock hops. Now, it for second grade then high school band is homecoming and prom. Then, it was

BY JOANNA WALTON Elvis, and now, it is Drake or Bruno PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY in 1989 and Allard taught for almost forty years.

Mars. The look of high school and Office administrators Ken Allard Throughout those careers, they education may change, but the feeling and Bonnie Reichenbach reflect have seen good ideas slip away along remains the same. on changes during their long with the bad.

With all this change throughout education careers.

“I’d like to see students show more the years, older generations have respect to adults. That’s something that differing experiences and opinions, and has changed a lot,” Allard said. they must constantly adapt to new technology and ideas.

Along with respect, security has definitely heightened “We did more of the reading, writing, and arithmetic,” in their time teaching. office administrator Ken Allard said about his high school With so much happening in education and the world, experience. “There’s a lot more offered now.” both of their opinions have developed with the time.

Today, students have a variety of electives and “Back when we were younger, we went with the flow, challenging classes. and we do now,” Reichenbach said.

He and coworker Bonnie Reichenbach have both spent Allard commented that his developing opinions have decades in education and have formed a great bond over turned more liberal than before, following the trends of the their long experience. They jokingly call themselves the country.

“Seventies Club” in reference to their age.

“Lots of people don’t understand that even at our age, So much has changed since they first stepped inside a people are learning new and different things. You gotta have high school building. For example, Reichenbach’s school an open mind,” Allard said. would raise the flag every morning and live trumpeters An open mind is vital, considering “we’re all pretty would play the national anthem to begin the day. much the same when you come down to it,” Reichenbach Of course, there are the obvious differences in said. education as well, such as the inclusion of more technology.

Whether fashion trends or education philosophies, For so long, the school library was the only source of nothing stays the same and it is easy to lose sight of the fact information for research. that life is constant learning. However, we can all take a note Reichenbach enjoys the change, stating “computers are from the proud members of the ‘Seventies Club,’ and go awesome” and that there is “so much more media.” with the flow.

They both have had impressive careers in education.

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CON D N CU A D E Z

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FEATURES

BY ANNIE WALDMAN PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

Students at PLHS discuss short and long term effects from concussions.

A mystery has been brought into the world. It sneaks up on students, but hides in plain sight. It can stay in a person’s life for a week or several months, and it is as unpredictable as it is common.

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that are caused by a hit to the head or violently shaking the upper body. Symptoms of a concussion are usually headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness, nausea, ringing in the ears, fatigue and slurred speech.

Sophomore Abigail Saylor has had two concussions from softball, and she has felt the effects of them both.

“In class I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t look at the board and I couldn’t do any electronic assignments,” Saylor said.

When athletes go back to sports, it can be hard both physically and

mentally.

“It was really hard [to come back to sports] because I wasn’t allowed to do anything for so long, and I lost a lot of muscle and muscle memory,” Saylor said.

Recovery time is crucial for preventing more concussions down the road. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, can develop in cases where people get a very high amount of concussions or subconcussive impacts.

“Medical science says that as long as they have fully recovered from their concussion, they are allowed to go back to their sport,” school nurse Annette Jeanes said.

According to the school protocol, there are four steps to recovery. In step one, students stay home and only do things like sleep and lay in a dark room, and no driving is allowed. In

steps two and three, students increase their introduction back into school. In the final step, students return back to school for full days.

“I like the concussion protocol set by the school board,” Jeanes said.

Long term effects from concussions can become a factor in a student’s day to day life.

“I still have memory problems,” Saylor said. “I start a sentence and search for a word or someone’s name, and I just can’t think of it. I have far more trouble focusing and paying attention than I did prior to having concussions.”

Concussions, no matter the severity, affect a large amount of the population. Everyday things such as tripping over a shoelace can result in an unwanted trip to the emergency room and a visit from the mysterious injury affecting the world.

FEBRUARY 2018

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MEN IN

PHOTO: HEATHER SLUGA

Senior Jarrett Morgan dances in the guys’ second costume during Free Spirit’s closer, “Under the Sun.”

BY LAUREN DOMINELLO Males from the varsity show choir, Free Spirit, share their experiences in the group.

Makeup. The color pink.

Baking. Romance movies. Show choir. There are a lot of things in life that are stereotypically feminine.

However, there comes a point when the mindset that certain things are only for one gender becomes outdated and ignorant.

Singing and dancing, for instance, are often thrown into the mix of activities “just for girls.” But the Papillion-La Vista co-ed varsity show choir, Free Spirit, is here to show the world that stereotypes are not always true.

“Free Spirit is a very dynamic group of people from all different backgrounds, but it’s one giant family where everyone can feel comfortable and have fun,” senior Garret Jackson said. “It has really taught me that it’s okay for a guy to be in touch with his emotional side.”

Free Spirit is a group with 24 male and 26 female singers who competed at five competitions this season, one being in Minnesota. Their show features the theme “The Road to El Dorado,” with five songs, including a boys and a girls feature.

“It is very busy but very rewarding because it has made me appreciate music on a deeper level,” Jackson said. “I have teachers that I have really gotten to know and learn from, and they have made me a better person.”

Jackson has been in the varsity show choir since his sophomore year, and he knows just what it means to be one of the guys dancing on stage.

“I would say there are no major drawbacks, but it is definitely against the norm because it is thought to be more of a female thing,” Jackson said.

Even though there are no downsides to being a male in show choir, there are differences.

“Females definitely have it harder and they go all out getting

ready for our competitions,” senior Anthony Bonacci said. “I have nothing but respect for them and everyone in the group.”

Bonacci joined the varsity group as a senior, but no matter what grade they are in, it is an unforgettable journey they all take together.

“It’s one of the greatest experiences of my life,” sophomore Noah Potterf said. “The group is fun and energetic, and the people are amazing.”

For many, Free Spirit is much more than just a show choir, it is a place where lifelong friends are made.

“I have made great friends that I would love to keep in the future and look back on,” Bonacci said. “I can be open with pretty much everyone in the show choir and be who I really am, and they all seem to accept that.”

Whether they are a male or a female, a sophomore or a senior, once they get on that stage all that matters is the passion and intensity the choir puts into their performance.

LEFT: Junior Ty Bainbridge shows his talents during the male feature, “Glitter and Gold.”

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RIGHT: Paris Gardner sings in the opener, “City of Gold.”

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PHOTOS : HEATHER SLUGA

FEATURES

DREAMERS

BY ELIZABETH EIDEM PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER

Three students share their big career aspirations for the future.

Pinching friends should become a common practice within the halls of PLHS because students here are definitely dreamers. Students look to the future and see themselves as professional athletes, lawyers, or maybe teachers, but other students see themselves in careers that are out of the ordinary.

As parents, adults tell their children to dream as widely as our imagination allows, and senior Lauren Nothhorn has followed this advice.

Nothhorn dreams of becoming an infectious disease neurosurgeon, and has had a passion for infectious disease since the Ebola patients arrived at Nebraska Medicine in 2014.

“If they would have asked me to go and work with those patients, I would have said ‘Yes! Where can I sign up?’” Nothhorn said.

To make this dream become a reality, Nothhorn is enrolled in the Health Systems Academy and has

&

DOERS

made connections within the hospital system.

Similar to Nothhorn, senior Cassie Lingreen has worked hard in high school to make her big dream of becoming a fashion stylist a reality.

“I have tried to get into the field by working in retail,” Lingreen said. “I have also looked for colleges that will successfully put me into the field.”

Lingreen’s dream has stuck with her since she took a career aptitude test in a freshman business class, and she looks forward to a bright future where she would ultimately be styling for celebrities.

Junior Savannah Hamm dreams to become a traveling journalist and, like Lingreen, has had an inspirational experience that has influenced this dream.

“I went to a church service with the Spanish church that meets in the same building as mine,” Hamm said.

“Hearing everyone get to worship in both languages but feel so empowered together inspired me.”

Hamm is doing what she can to learn about other cultures and to spruce up her writing skills. She is

LAUREN NOTHHORN Grade: Senior Dream: Job: An infectious disease neurosurgeon

CASSIE LINGREEN Grade: Senior Dream Job: A fashion stylist

actively enrolled in sociology and journalism classes. This sets her up for future success in her dream of writing about the world’s places tourists might not see.

“I wouldn’t always go to the happiest of places,” Hamm said. “I would also go to the impoverished areas as well.”

These big dreams that are always on students’ minds come with their fair share off hardships. Lingreen, a first-generation college student, will be attending an Art Institute with high tuition prices, but she has many familial influences within the fashion industry that makes this seem nominal.

Nothhorn also has role models in her life, as her mother was in the field of infectious disease, and she is prepared to face the many years of schooling ahead because she likes the challenge.

Dreaming in high school is an effortless way to look forward to the future with zeal and make the present seem more profitable. These students look to their future with wide eyes, and they are doing everything they can to make their dreams come true.

SAVANNAH HAMM Grade: Junior Dream Job: A traveling journalist

FEBRUARY 2018

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Taking Different Roads

BY ASHLEY MASON PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

Two students from PLHS share about their alternatives to college.

Going to college after high school is the most popular route, but for a few students, going to college is not the plan after graduation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 65.9% of students go to a college after high school. However, there are multiple alternatives such as trade school, apprenticeships or the military for the people who decide college is not for them.

Some students may also take a gap year. A gap year is a period of time before starting college where someone might try to take on an internship, volunteer or save money.

This is exactly what senior Carla Erives is doing.

“I need the time to think about all the factors that go into college, and for me it’s more beneficial to take a gap year,” Erives said.

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A gap year can be helpful for some, but it’s not for everyone and can be hard to get back in the routine of going to school after the year is over.

“The gap year gives me time to gain work experience so I can find out what exactly I want to do in college,” Erives said.

For others, such as senior Kyle Sonier, going to the military is something they have wanted to do all throughout high school. This is due to the different experience it provides than going to a college.

“You learn great leadership skills, get to travel around the world, and have the advantage to not pay for college since the military will,” Sonier said.

For those considering a military career, there is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which is a multiple-choice test used to determine qualification for enlistment.

“Just think about the experience and communication skills you’ll learn while in the military,” Sonier said.

“Think about everything you could

encounter.”

It is never too early to set a guideline for a career path. Opinions and views can change throughout high school, and so could a career route, but there are alternatives and something out there for everyone.

ADVICE FROM SENIORS: Carla Erives “Think about yourself in the next two years and see if you will still be happy with your decision.”

Kyle Sonier “There will be many new people to meet and socialize with.”

NEWS

Where Do Y O U Rank?

BY EMMA HIGBY Juniors and seniors are the only classes bound to class rank, while freshmen and sophomores are not.

AP and honors: those labels might frighten some students, but for upperclassmen, it is what they choose to do. Taking difficult courses looks better on transcripts, and depending on the grades received, will determine class rank.

Juniors and seniors are confined to taking harder paced classes because they are still part of the class rank system, whereas freshman and sophomores are not. PLHS has removed class rank altogether for the underclassmen. The harder classes offered are more likely to be chosen by the upperclassmen.

“I chose some AP and all honors classes for junior year,” junior Jason Hoffman said. “For some of my classmates, they are taking really hard classes and they’re really trying to push themselves.”

Class rank can be perceived as good or bad. For some, it pushes

them to take the extra classes and push through them. For others, it might not be as important, but it can also be a burden.

“Honestly, I’ve never understood class rank and why it’s so important,” Hoffman said. “But it can be useful because students are driven towards something.”

Sophomores do not know the stress of class rank, so they’re more subject to taking slower paced classes.

Some students, however, still take the harder classes even though it is not reflected into class rank.

“The class rank doesn’t really affect me,” sophomore D’Mitri Valadez-Moon said. “I take all the classes I want to take, and don’t have to worry about colleges seeing [my ranking].”

Having or lacking class rank does not necessarily affect students in college. They will take the transcripts with or without it.

“I think that it’s unneeded,” Valadez-Moon said. “If colleges will take students either way, then I don’t see the point of it.”

In fact, the removal of class rank may be doing students a great service.

PLHS post-secondary counselor Shelli Koester explains the studentfocused benefits of removing class rank.

“It forces colleges to look at students more globally and look at their activities,” Koester said. “It provides equal opportunity for all students.”

Class rank is important, depending on the student. For upperclassmen, it acts as a stimulus for them to do well in school. For underclassmen, the lack of class rank makes school just a bit easier.

Ultimately, colleges will look at it, but they will also not downgrade those who do not have it.

PHOTOS: EMMA HIGBY Students around PLHS work hard in order to maintain high GPAs, regardless of their class rank standing.

FEBRUARY 2018

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BY DELANI WATKINS PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Junior Jair Alvarez and his family are affected by the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to not renew Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans.

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NEWS

Junior Jair Alvarez lives the life of a typical American high schooler.

Each day, he gets to school early and leaves late, taking part in French Club, History Club, Upward Bound, Student Ambassadors and National Honor Society. Most days, he works a job at Wendy’s, and he enjoys sleeping and watching Netflix. Alvarez has lived in the United States for his whole life, but now everything he has ever known may be changing.

Alvarez’s mother risked immigrating to the U.S. illegally from the small nation of El Salvador in 1991, escaping civil war and violence. As a result of a massive earthquake that shook El Salvador in 2001, President George W. Bush extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program to Salvadorans.

She was able to apply for a residency permit that granted her legal status in the U.S.. Each time the permit has been renewed, she has remained in the U.S., as conditions have been deemed too unstable for Salvadorans to return to their country.

TPS was designed to grant immigrants work rights and prevent them from being deported. Every 18 months, TPS is re-evaluated for renewal.

The current Trump Administration has placed a focus on minimizing the number of residents

in the U.S. who are not citizens, but work here legally. A recent announcement from the Department of Homeland Security stated that TPS for Salvadorans and residents from many other countries will not be extended.

Many of these people have been in the U.S. for decades, and have made a life, family and home here, including the Alvarez family.

“It’s kind of scary, not knowing

what’s going to happen,” Alvarez said. “Right now, my mom is planning on going back to El Salvador and returning to the U.S. legally.”

The decision, which has and will split families apart, has changed the attitude of many towards the current presidential administration.

Alvarez believes that the TPS decision and its effects “[have] hurt our most American beliefs.”

TPS residents are protected until

September of 2019, but until then, fear of what the future will bring weighs heavy on almost 200,000 Salvadoran immigrants. While some will return to their native country, others are looking for new means to remain in the United States.

“My mom has been in this country for about 26 years and is a single mother who works hard to provide for her family,” Alvarez said. “It breaks my heart knowing that she is scared of being separated from me at times like this.”

With the frequent reconsideration of TPS comes worries of losing work and being deported.

Immigration obstacles have been prevalent in his life, but Alvarez has not allowed them to slow him down. Alvarez’s experiences have given him big hopes and dreams for the future.

“I want to be a social worker,” Alvarez said. “I want to help kids in situations like mine who don’t necessarily have the means to advance.”

While El Salvador is where the Alvarez family comes from, it is not home to them.

“How far I’ve gotten I owe to the people in this community and school,” Alvarez said. “The city of Papillion is home to me.”

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IMMATERIAL RICHES

BY DAVID O’CONNNELL PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

Bitcoin receives skepticism, praise and confusion from students.

Remember the financial crisis of 2007? The banks alienated people by causing pensions to plummet and subprime mortgages to collapse. Then, Bitcoin came along with the pitch, “To heck with the banks! Who said we needed them?” That was the birth of cryptocurrency in a nutshell.

Weeks after the financial crisis, Bitcoin became the most prominent of cryptocurrencies that uses encryption techniques to regulate the generation of currency and verify the transfer of funds, without using a central bank.

This brought much interest, confusion and skepticism among students and teachers.

To understand the basics, a ledger is an accounting system that keeps track of who has what and who owes what to whom. Bitcoin acts as the same way, except it does not use the traditional methods in which people would use a trusted third party like a bank or credit card to record transactions.

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“Some people believe that banks -- especially central banks like the Federal Reserve -- are unfair or cannot be trusted,” UNO economics graduate student Jeffrey Hardy said.

Moreover, Bitcoin is a misnomer and is not actually a coin, but rather something people can invest in that is used in an exchange system.

Because it’s a currency, bitcoin can be used to buy things if retailers accept it.

“You own an intangible piece of computer code that says you own a bitcoin,” Professor of finance at Creighton University Dr. Ken Washer said.

What determines the price of a bitcoin is comparable to what determines the prices of houses and other stocks.

“We often look at what similar houses sell for to determine what others are worth,” Washer said.

The reason why Bitcoin rises and falls is based on the famous phrase, “buy low, sell high.” This means if you buy a bitcoin lower then you sell one, you will make money without having to work for it.

“It completely relies on people buying into it,” senior Ivan Hurst said.

Bitcoin really began to gain

attention when the price of one bitcoin rose to over 19 thousand dollars.

If you bought 100 dollars worth of bitcoin in July of 2010 at the price of five cents, you could cash out in december of 2017 for around 38 million dollars.

As of January 2018, one bitcoin is worth over 11 thousand dollars as there has been major fluctuation in recent months.

“You can lose it all in a day or gain it all in a day,” Hurst said.

While making thousands sounds captivating, Bitcoin has transaction time delays, unpredictable transaction costs and unstable valuation.

“Warren Buffett and other prominent investors believe this a bubble, and when it bursts a lot of people will lose money,” Washer said.

While the argument of Bitcoin is hard to overcome, people and businesses all over the world are experimenting with cryptocurrencies to see if one can serve as an efficient exchange system.

“What we can all learn from the experiment of Bitcoin might help us develop new systems that will be even better for everyone in the [long] run,” Hardy said.

NEWS/OPINION

#TimesUp OPINION BY FAITH WORKMAN PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

Several movements to heighten awareness about sexual harassment have sparked passion in the hearts of our students.

They say that the numbers are one in four. I have four close friends; the answer is three. Three girls too young to know that they were being abused at the time it happened. Only one who told. One who went into the courtroom and faced her abuser, cold eyes and no remorse for what he had done. The prosecutor asked her vague and unanswerable questions like “Why didn’t you tell sooner?” Or “Why didn’t you just...stop him?” She was ten.

There is a gray area in the definition of “sexual harassment” in our world. There are people that subject their children and women to terrible sexual crimes for profit.

Places that have so many rapes started treating it like a natural occurrence.

Men don’t speak up because of societal standards of not showing weakness. The statistics on male

sexual abuse doesn’t come close to accurately accounting for their pain.

This controversy has swept our nation with the coming out of millions of people and their battle with sexual abuse. Celebrities dressed in all black for the 2018 Golden Globes after a movement that started where sexual abuse survivors were to put #MeToo on social media to draw attention to just how many victims there are in the area of sexual crimes. Even Oprah Winfrey spoke up about the controversy of sexual harassment in Hollywood and the rights of women to be treated as equals.

The most used defense I hear in the case for sexual harassment is that “If that is sexual abuse, then everyone I know has been abused,” and yet they don’t see what is so terribly wrong with this. It lets the abusers know that they can get away with doing it over

“There is nothing controversial about the truth...#metoo” @EllenBarkin

and over again.

These victims develop anxiety, depression, PTSD, and some have even been lost to suicide. Nightmares take over where sleep should, and they spend time feeling guilty for a crime that wasn’t their fault. Society has told them they could have stopped it or even that they were asking for it.

If nothing else than bringing awareness to how many people suffer with the pain of having something stolen from them, I hope to invoke a sense of passion in people. Those who have witnessed their friends, family, and loved ones being subjected to sexual harassment. I beg that you don’t sweep it under the rug, and if you are the victim, tell someone. It should not be a secret that keeps your heart in a cage and your words in a box anymore.

“I think the best way for men to support the #metoo movement is to try to be thoughtful, sensitive, and supportive” @Stringerclifton

FEBRUARY 2018

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Caught Our Eye

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ENTERTAINMENT

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7 1) PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON Sophomore Neve Wilson swims the backstroke in a swim meet.

2) PHOTO: DAVID O’CONNELL Senior Jace Pierce plays his guitar at a boys basketball game.

3) PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN Senior AJ Salinas defends against a takedown from his opponent from Bennington.

4) PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON Junior Paige Pankow performs a hip-hop routine with the dance team at the winter pep rally.

5) PHOTO: JENA CRUSE Senior Grace McCarthy enjoys a game during the Summer in January Circle of Friends outing.

6) PHOTO: DAVID O’CONNELL Senior Caleb Feekin drives to the hoop in a game against Omaha South.

7) PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN

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Sophomore Dayton Bauerkemper focuses on drawing a picture in art class.

8) PHOTO: HANNAH MCQUISTAN Sophomore Olivia Boudreau shoots a layup in a game against Millard North.

FEBRUARY 2018

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Julia Campbell

David Beckham

Role: Vi Moore (Preacher’s Wife) Started Drama: Freshman year Reason She Joined: Joined drama because it looked exciting Former Productions: Has been in “The Outsiders” and “Hairspray” Fan of “Footloose”? A new “Footloose” fan

Xavier Nelson Role: Ren McCormack (Male Lead) Started Drama: Freshman year Reason He Joined: Joined drama because his brothers and sisters were in musicals and plays

Liam Hemsworth 16

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Former Productions: Has been in “Legally Blonde,” “TKAM,” “The Outsiders,” and “Hairspray” Fan of “Footloose”? Has been a fan of “Footloose” for years

MARCH showtimes Thurs. 3/22: Fri. 3/23: Sat. 3/24: Sun. 3/25:

7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 2:00 pm

ENTERTAINMENT PHOTO TOP: ASHLEY MASON Junior Julia Campbell answers a phone as her character in “The Outsiders.” After perfecting smaller roles in the school plays, she landed the large role of the preacher’s wife, Vi Moore, for “Footloose.”

PHOTO BOTTOM: ASHLEY MASON Senior Xavier Nelson sits on the set as Johnny in the fall play “The Outsiders.” “Footloose” is his fifth production since he joined drama freshman year.

BY MEGAN DAVEY PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Cast members of the upcoming PLHS production of “Footloose” share what goes into putting the story on the stage.

It’s the 1980s and the world has been taken over by loud music and expressive dancing. It’s time to break the rules, challenge traditional standards, and express yourself through song and dance, of course.

The PLHS drama department is putting on the production of “Footloose” for the 2018 spring musical. The movie first took over the big screen in 1984, then Broadway in 1998. It depicts the lives of teenagers that have decided to take a stand against their town’s harsh rules and embrace their generation’s culture.

Senior Xavier Nelson portrays the character of Ren McCormack, a newcomer in the small Oklahoma town where rock music and dancing have been made illegal. Although Nelson does not face the same

constricting laws as Ren, he can still relate to the character.

“I’m like Ren in that he doesn’t want to be confined by all the rules; he just wants his own freedom to dance,” Nelson said.

Some of the cast members, such as junior Julia Campbell, have experienced a change in their own perspective towards the musical since the beginning of rehearsals in December.

“I have always liked the theme song ‘Footloose’ and the movie, but once I found out we were doing the musical, I grew to love it even more,” Campbell said.

Although the musical puts a spotlight on the actors on stage, there is a whole other world of people performing behind it.

“Whether they do costumes, set design, hair, or makeup, there are so many people who work behind the scenes on our crews that make the musical successful,” Campbell said.

The musical itself is about more than catchy ballads and teenage rebellion; it makes a statement about what it means to have the right of selfexpression. “‘Footloose’ is about your freedom to be who you are,” Nelson said. “No one can take away the rights that you should naturally have.”

It’s the time for self-expression, the courage to break the standards, and maybe some choreographed dancing.

The musical will not only get its iconic songs stuck in the audience’s heads, but also leave them with the message of freedom to express yourself.

FEBRUARY 2018

17

O h

T h e

you can go

BY KENZIE WARD

PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

With winter affecting many things we do, Omaha has many options to choose from to entertain all.

Kaneko Hours:

Monday-Friday 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday 11 p.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday Closed Closes March 23rd

What To Do:

Enjoy the non-profit light exhibit and art museum downtown. With art, philosophy, and light display, it is a place everyone in the family can appreciate!

Ratings: 4.7

PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON The Triph is one of many famous light displays at Kaneko.

Runza Hours:

Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Sunday 10:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

What To Do:

During the winter season, Runza takes the temperature at 6 a.m. each Tuesday and allows that to be the price of the original Runza for the rest of that day!

PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON

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Runza displays their great deal for Tuesdays.

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Ratings: 4.0

ENTERTAINMENT

P l a c e s

PHOTOS: ASHLEY MASON

Left: Omaha’s midtown ice rink is a popular rink to go to.

Right: Lights of the buildings downtown light up the streets.

Grover’s Ice Rink Hours:

Monday-Friday 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday 12:45 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Sunday 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

What To Do:

Spend time with friends and family at Grover’s Ice Rink. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, ice skate for only $5 per person!

Ratings: 4.6

Old Market Hours:

Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

What To Do:

Along with the variety of shops, the Old Market in Omaha displays holiday lights around every corner.

Hurry down before the lights turn off!

Ratings: 4.5

FEBRUARY 2018

19

SCRUTINIZING

BY CAITLYN THOMAS

PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

From remakes of classics to superheroes to musicals, 2018’s blockbuster lineups are sure to be hits.

screenplays

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE RELEASE DATE: DEC.20, 2017

A new take on a timeless classic, “Jumanji,” takes major risks in trying to replicate the joy that Robin Williams brought in the 1995 original film. Featuring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillian, as well as Nick Jonas, this movie is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Saturated with humor and suspense, “Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle” takes the infamous board game and transforms it into a more relatable video game, as well as showing traditional high school stereotypes being broken. “Jumanji” lives up to the original, despite the lack of Robin Williams.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN RELEASE DATE: DEC.8, 2017

Relatable themes and musical numbers that make you want to sing along despite not knowing the words, and an origin story of one of the most beloved circuses in America; “The Greatest Showman” has it all. With previous musical stars such as Hugh Jackman from “Les Misérables” and Zac Efron from “High School Musical,” this movie lives up to the title of greatest. While it has its lighthearted moments, it addresses underlying problems in society then as well as now, such as racism and the way people treat those that they see as “outcasts.” “The Greatest Showman” is truly a movie for all.

BLACK PANTHER

RELEASE DATE: FEB.16, 2018

Making history as one of the first movies to have an almost entirely minority cast, Marvel’s “Black Panther” premieres tonight. Following the story of T’challa, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman, the king of the fictional nation Wakanda, the movie displays the fight for good and the wellbeing of his people. Set after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” and before “Avengers: Infinity War,” fans are given more insight into one of the newer characters introduced in the movie franchise. With seats almost if not completely - sold out, the newest Marvel blockbuster is well worth the hype.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Fortnite

The

BY BILLY BRODERICK PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY

“Fortnite” has taken the gaming community by storm.

From YouTube to Snapchat to Twitter, the largest Battle Royale game of the year, “Fortnite,” developed by Epic Games, has been everywhere.

“Fortnite” is virtually all over the place. The game is practically inescapable. People are talking about it at the dinner table, in the locker room and in the hallways.

“I see it at least everyday,” senior Carly Lindenmeyer said. “It’s on Twitter, Snapchat, and sometimes in person when someone will play it during hangouts.”

Why is this game so captivating?

As a player the answer seems to be plain and simple.

“It’s fun,” senior John Campbell said. “You can play with your friends and it’s exciting.”

For most players, the game has become a part of their daily routine.

“I play six hours a day on average,” Campbell said. “Everybody plays it and everybody wants to get better than their friends so we play more.”

Epidemic

“Fortnite” has successfully attracted the casual gamer and transformed them into the dedicated.

“I wasn’t a big gamer before ‘Fortnite’ came out,” junior Nolan Vondra said. “Now I play everyday.”

Despite what social media seems to display, the game just isn’t for everyone.

“It’s intense and good for competitive people,” Lindenmeyer said. “But, it’s not for me. I just don’t like video games unless it’s ‘Mario Kart’.”

No one could have foreseen the success “Fortnite” has reached. The last-man-standing game has practically taken over the world as Epic Games accounts for 45 million players.

To put that into perspective, if “Fortnite” wasn’t free and all the players had purchased the game,

according to IGN.com, “Fortnite” would fall fifth on the list of bestselling video games, between “Super Mario Bros’” and “Grand Theft Auto V.” While some might think the popularity of “Fortnite” is a bad thing, most players can agree on the game’s unifying nature.

“It brings the community together,” Campbell said. “It gives groups of friends a phenomenal bonding experience.”

The game has conquered all gaming platforms in a matter of months and intends to stay at the top.

Seeming to come out of nowhere, the “Fortnite” takeover does not appear it will leave the same way.

Like it or not, the game, memes and “Victory Royale” snap stories are here to stay.

PHOTO: BILLY BRODERICK This is the final screen when a game of “Fortnite: Battle Royale” is won.

FEBRUARY 2018

21

Fun AND Games

BY LISSA LAFOND

PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

Students recall their favorite games played in elementary P.E. class.

The smell of sweat in the air of the locker room, the slamming of those small lockers after you and your friends change into shorts and a t-shirt.

You walk out to the gym and see students running seemingly endless laps.

In high school, many students dread P.E. class, due to the stress of changing out and having to try and get all of your points. However, there are those rare moments when you play a fun game, with nostalgia making it feel like you’re back in elementary school enjoying every moment.

Senior Hannah Bailey and sophomore Gordon Lytle recall their favorite games that they played in elementary and throughout their school career.

There are an abundance of weird

Which elementary gym class game was your favorite?

22

Dodgeball Matball Capture the Pin/Flag Scooter Tag/Hockey 7%

10%

Poll information taken from 104 votes on @plpulse Twitter.

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43% 40%

games you played as a child, but for some the classic games are the best.

“I really loved to play dodgeball and matball, but most of my favorites were some of the more obscure games I had never heard of,” Lytle said.

Dodgeball is well-known for being a high school gym class game, included in many popular movies like, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Chicken Little.” Despite dodgeball being played often, it isn’t always the most enjoyed game.

“I loved anything like capture the flag. Games like steal the bacon or some other toy from the other side,” Bailey said.

What really made these times pleasant was not necessarily the games at all, but rather the people they played with.

“The best part of the games was really doing it with my friends,” Lytle said. “It was really just a time to have fun and bond with them.”

“It was nice to not be in a traditional classroom and felt good to get up and blow off some energy,” Bailey said.

Next time you get a chance to get out of the classroom and play a game in P.E., think back to old times and enjoy it.

10 10

ARE

ENTERTAINMENT

BY SAM SIMMERMAN PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

As 2018 rolls around, some of our favorite things turn 10 years old.

Batman helped save the people of Gotham and defeat the Joker when “The Dark Knight” was released on July 18, 2008.

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” came out. It was the first of the “High School Musical” trilogy to be shown in theaters.

The series stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale.

The US economy went way down during the recession and 57 people were killed when more than 85 tornadoes touched down on Feb. 5 and 6.

On Feb. 8, Nebraska voted to get rid of the electric chair, its sole form of capital punishment.

Apple first sold the original MacBook Air; it was promoted as the lightest and thinnest laptop made.

Beyoncé released her number one hit “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)” on Nov. 18, 2008 where it spent 27 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

We first watched Wall-E and EVE roam around landfills in Disney Pixar’s animated sci-fi motion picture “Wall-E”. The film has an estimated gross revenue of $533.3 million.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 596 United States athletes won 112 medals. These included 36 golds in sports such as swimming, basketball and beach volleyball.

The United States made history by electing its first African American President, Barack Obama.

Topping Billboard’s 2008 yearend chart is “Low” by Flo Rida feat. T-Pain; it was number one on the Hot 100 for 10 straight weeks.

FEBRUARY 2018

23

Going VINEral

BY EMMA BETTS PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER

Rumors are leaving students with the question as to whether or not Vine is making a return.

Vine was released to the App Store on Jan. 24, 2013. On Vine you could create and post six second video loops for others to watch, relate to, and hopefully enjoy.

Due to its struggle to gain a larger user base or make enough profit to add new features, Vine quickly fell behind other competitors and was removed in October 2016.

Sophomore James Saroka used Vine before its unanticipated removal from the App Store.

“I enjoyed Vine because it encouraged people to get creative with the limited amount of time they had,” Saroka said.

This app was very popular to young audiences because it was simple to use and it was meant to be funny.

“Vine [was] different from other social media because people posting on the app are not posting to brag about themselves, but instead to entertain,” Saroka said.

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For every person who used the app, there seemed to be a video suited to their satisfactions.

“It had a wide selection of videos for different types of people,” sophomore John Cisneros said.

There are many people who are now public figures because of Vine whom used this platform to acquire a large fan base.

“Nick Colletti and Evan Breen were my favorite Viners because they were naturally funny,” Saroka said.

Losing their ability to continue creating and watching these videos devastated millions and caused a huge media outbreak. Fortunately, rumors have surfaced claiming the release of a second version called Vine 2.

“At this point it is inevitable,” Saroka said. “One of the founders of Vine, Dan Hoffman, has been posting updates of Vine 2’s progression on Twitter.”

The release of Vine 2 is almost certain and has received a lot of attention.

“I think it will be even more popular because the second time around they will have the [app] perfected and know what not to do,”

Saroka said.

Many students are patiently awaiting for the big return. For their sake, can we “do it for the Vine” and bring the app back?

Did You Know?

Vine was named after Vignette, which is defined as “a short impressionistic scene.”

If you turn the Vine logo, it reveals the number 6, which is the length of the videos on Vine.

Source: Elite Strategies.com

SPORTS

BY JOSEY RYAN PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

An inside look at the divide

between men and women in athletics.

FEBRUARY 2018

25

“I have often been asked whether I am a woman or an athlete. The question is absurd. Men are not asked that.

I am an athlete. I am a woman.” -Billie Jean King Photo: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

In 1811, the first female golf event was played and opened the eyes of millions of women and young girls. Since then, women all over the world have taken an interest and involved themselves in athletics.

However, women’s athletics are still over-looked. Due to this, many fight for equality, and with their success, women’s sports around the world have been taken to heights never expected.

However, following in the footsteps of male athletics has both benefited and damaged the women’s athletic spectrum. With wrong turns and many changes, female athletes are making names for themselves similar to men, but many differences are still very apparent.

Participation in Sports The difference in participation is one of the greatest gaps, but the reason behind it is unknown. In 2017, the girls softball team had about 50 girls try out, which allowed all of them to make a team. Meanwhile 135 boys

tried out for baseball, resulting in 35 of them getting cut.

Why do boys continue to try out when they know they can get cut?

Why don’t more girls try out when they are not allowed to be cut? Why do more boys participate in sports than girls?

These questions have not and most likely won’t be answered for a very long time, but finding the differences in sports is something that can be done.

In 1972, Title IX was passed, stating, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Schooling, clubs, programs and high school athletics fall under this bill.

This law has opened up many opportunities for women all across the country, but it also has created laws within it. Due to Title IX, the Papillion

La Vista Community Schools Central Office has a policy that does not allow girls coaches to cut female athletes.

“Due to the opportunities, and number of girls that go out, the coaches are not allowed to cut,” Athletic Director Jason Ryan said.

However, coaches are allowed to let a player practice, but not let them have a jersey. In boys’ sports, a cut is likely and expected for some athletes, but it doesn’t stop those athletes from trying out, while some girls do not try out in the first place.

Multi-Sport Athletes Papillion-La Vista High School has a long tradition of the Monarch X award. This is awarded to any athlete who participated in ten or more sports seasons. This year about ten boys and two girls will be awarded.

This illustrates the difference in not only participation, but in multi-sport athletes. While this can be seen as good or bad, athletes have their different perspectives.

STATE CHAMPIONS since 2000

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Girls Boys

SPORTS

“I don’t intend to settle for anything short of what is equal.” -Hope Solo

on equal pay

Photo: Ampatent via Wikimedia Commons

Tessa Hurst is a senior athlete who participated in softball, tennis and basketball, earning herself the X Award.

“This has always been a goal of mine. It is a big accomplishment, and has definitely helped me better myself as an athlete to compete in multiple sports,” Hurst said.

Other athletes have a different point of view, and believe that only participating in one sport allows them to have the most success.

“I think [focusing on one sport] has benefited me greatly because I was able to excel in that particular sport,” junior Sammy Marek said.

Many athletes focus in on one single sport to get as good as they can at that singular sport, but others believe playing in multiple sports helps them in other sports.

“I believe that [participating in multiple sports] helps because it helps work on speed and quickness and keeps you in shape for the next season,” junior Nick Gay said.

Not only does it help athletes to become stronger and improve their quickness, but some athletes see the transfer of similar skills.

“Skills from one sport can transfer to another, like how playing defense on basketball keeps your footwork as a defensive back sharp,” junior Joe Hubert said.

While there are both positive and negative effects to participating in multiple sports, the underlying questions about injuries must be asked.

Does playing too many sports cause over use injuries? Does

www.sportsmanagement.adelphi.edu www.forbes.com

specializing in one cause too many repetitive motions on the body?

“Participating in multiple sports helps to allow the body to know how to react to injury,” athletic trainer Marcus Hurrington said.

With injuries, time and socialization on mind, many athletes, both boys and girls, choose to only participate in one, focusing all of their attention on that sport to ultimately earn a scholarship for college.

The

PERCENTAGE

of men’s pay women make

37.6%

Recruiting In August, there was an article in the “Papillion Times” about two incoming high school freshmen who committed to play their respective sports at the University of Nebraska.

Freshman Jordyn Bahl was one of the girls mentioned in this article.

After playing softball all summer, her hard work had paid off and she committed to play softball at the University of Nebraska before ever playing a high school level game.

While many adults see this as absurd, it is becoming a reality, and female athletes are picking their schools earlier than ever. “[Committing] was a relief because I was able to find a school that was a great fit for me,” Marek said.

Marek committed to play soccer at University of Missouri-Kansas City at the end of her sophomore year after starting the recruiting process the summer before her freshman year.

While it was a long process, Marek benefited from it greatly.

“College recruiting has been a good thing because it provided Continued On Page 28

Soccer

16.6% Golf

1.6% Basketball FEBRUARY 2018

27

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” -Serena Williams Photo: Gina Hughes via Wikimedia Commons

me with the exposure I needed and other soccer players,” Marek said While many female athletes commit very early, male athletes have a very different time table. Junior Hayden Bahl recently went on an unofficial visit to UNO for baseball, but he has not made any decisions yet.

“Since I am being recruited later, I have had more time to think about what I want to major in and start a career in,” Hayden Bahl said. “I’m not exactly sure what I will start a career in, but I definitely have a better idea of what options I want to pursue.

The idea of having more time to think about what they want to study attracts many more athletes to decide later, but some do not have an option.

“I think [early recruiting] is nice, but it also isn’t.” Hurst said. “It’s nice to know your options early, but it can be very stressful which is something you don’t want as a young athlete.”

The stress and pressure that is put on these young athletes could cause them to crack under those expectations. It makes some rethink the stress put on athletes, and wonder if there is another way to do things, which leads experts to look at different styles of youth athletics.

Athletics Overseas

The

SOUTH KOREAN experience

Junior Mercy Milliken participates in three different sports at PLHS. She moved to Papillion the summer before her sophomore year and has succeeded in many more ways than just athletics.

ALL PHOTOS: AIDAN CHO, MADYSON MATHISON, CASSIE LINGREEN, HANNAH MCQUISTAN, HEATHER SLUGA, SCHYLER CRUSE, MOLLEE SWIFT, JOSEY RYAN, CHRISTINA DELGADO, DELANI WATKINS

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Junior Mercy Milliken lived in South Korea for 15 years before recently moving to Papillion. While overseas, Milliken was heavily involved in athletics. Milliken clearly saw the differences of sports overseas after one week of basketball practice.

“My first season of basketball here, I learned as many plays as we ran in South Korea, and by the end of the second week here, I was trying to remember the twentieth play,” Milliken said.

While on many weekends, athletes in the U.S. have practice, individualized workout or just frankly hanging out, other students are not.

In South Korea, students attended

Hagwon, which was an outside school program that taught and tutored students to get smarter and prepare them for college.

“In Korea, academics are a top priority, and athletics are not very high up on the list.” Milliken said.

“An international school would never have practice every day after school, only a few, and never on Saturday or Sundays.”

Without this extra practice, both guys and girls could be falling behind, and with the lack of club sports in other countries, athletes that live overseas have a tough time being recruited due to the early recruiting and lack of exposure.

“If you wanted to play a sport in college, you wouldn’t get recruited because you’re on the other side of the ocean, so you would have to contact a coach maybe junior, but probably senior year, and send them video,” Milliken said.

From the first women’s sports event to the most recent, women are excelling in every single sport, even if they are constantly overlooked.

Women and girls of all ages are having chances to participate in any athletic event, but 100 years ago, these opportunities were very slim. With the help of activists, professional women athletes making names for themselves, girls all around the world, are able to participate in an athletic event that they love.

“Overall, athletics have benefited me in multiple aspects of life,” Marek said, “These include: developing relationships, new friendships and a love for the game.”

SPORTS

THE RE7URN anything special this year,” Waldron said. “He probably needs one to three years to rebuild our program, but I just want to see what he can do.”

On the other side of things, University of Central Florida fans are losing Frost along with their entire coaching staff after going 13-0 and proclaiming themselves “National “Words can’t describe how Champions.” much it means to me to be back here “I understand why he left UCF in a place that I love, a place that I for Nebraska,” junior Cole Murphy understand, a place that I want to said. “I think it just works out because represent,” said Scott Frost, the 33rd he is from Nebraska.” head football coach at the University Murphy thinks that Frost’s of Nebraska.

These were some of Scott Frost’s departure from UCF will not totally extinguish their fire that was gained first words as the Nebraska football this season. head coach on Dec. 3. This set the “I do not think UCF will do tone for how the program was going to badly this year,” Murphy said. do things from there on out.

“However, I don’t think they will have “I am very excited we are quite the success that they had this bringing him back home to see what past season.” he can do for the program,” senior With Frost making the move Patrick Waldron said. to Lincoln, Husker fans may have The environment of the Husker football program is not where it needs something to cheer about in the upcoming years with one of their own to be. at the helm of the team.

“We need a lot to change,” “Having him come back to the Waldron said. “I believe [Frost] is the place where he was successful as one that can bring us back to where a player makes me very excited,” we were back when we had [Tom] Waldron said. “I want to see what Osborne.” he can bring to this team and what Waldron knows that it will take he has to bring to the table to get us time to revive the Husker football back up there with the other football program. powerhouses.”

“I’m not looking forward to

BY DEVIN VETTER Students react to the hiring of former Nebraska quarterback Scott Frost for the Nebraska head coaching position.

CARTOON BY: DAVID O’CONNELL

Scott Frost talks with a reporter immediately after winning the American Athletic Conference Championship in 2017.

PHOTO: ELISFKC/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

FEBRUARY 2018

29

The PuckStops Here

BY JAKE WILLIAMS

PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER

The Monarch and Titan joint hockey team faces a challenging season after losing some of their top players.

High school graduation is one of the happiest days for the seniors.

However, it can be sad for those who have to say goodbye. This also affects the teams that seniors play on, which is what happened to the Monarch and Titan joint hockey team.

“We lost a lot of our top scorers,” junior left wing Eric Withee said.

This has caused the team to experience challenges at the beginning of their season.

“We have had a lot of close games. There have just been a couple of teams that outplayed us,” sophomore right wing Sheehan Kreifels said.

With these challenges, new and returning players have been pushed to strive and get better throughout the season.

“I feel like I have gotten faster and stronger,” Withee said.

With half of the season still ahead of them, the team looks to win their big end tournament.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the freshman moving forward and getting better,” Withee said.

With the team looking to succeed, they are optimistic for the rest of their season.

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TOP PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN Junior Logan Withee congratulates junior Eric Withee on a goal.

BOTTOM PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN Left Wing junior Eric Withee races to block his opponent from gaining control of the puck.

Back in BLACK and WHITE For most high school students, when it comes to sporting events, you’re either an athlete or a fan watching from the stands. However, this is not the case for all students.

Some choose to be the official that calls the game.

Sophomore Anna Carlson has been officiating youth soccer for three years. Although becoming a referee may not sound like a lot of work, there are specific criteria one needs to meet before becoming certified.

“I had to take an all-day class,” Carlson said. “In order to become certified, I had to pass a written test at the end [of the class].”

Being an official for youth sports is a viable source of money, something all students cannot seem to get enough of. Sophomore Mary Kate Kelly is

also a referee for youth soccer and makes money for every game she officiates.

“It depends on the age group, but I usually get paid $32 per game,” Kelly said.

However, money isn’t the only reason these students decide to officiate sports. For many, a love of the game compels them to take the position.

“I love watching young kids develop and grow to love their sport,” Carlson said. “I love soccer so I want to help out the kids who desire to play.”

If being a referee for athletics sounds like something in which you’d like to participate, PLHS offers a sports officiating class for juniors and seniors.

SPORTS

BY CASSIE KESSLER PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY

Students referee out-ofschool sporting events for a little extra money.

WORST REFFING EXPERIENCES Mary Kate Kelly

“When parents yell at you because they disagree with the calls.”

Anna Carlson

“One time in a game, my nose just started bleeding out of nowhere, and I had to stop the game for like five minutes. All these little girls were so worried about me.

They were like, ‘Are you okay?’ It was so embarrassing.”

FEBRUARY 2018

31

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