November Scepter 2017

SCEPTER THE

+

Explicit Effects PG. 10&11

Growing Numbers PG. 16&17

BROtherly Love PG. 24

NOVEMBER 2017

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

ISSUE 2 VOLUME 55

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

4 Monarchs From Other Nations Click Bait 5 6&7 The Take on the Undertakers 8 Public versus Private 9 Stuffing, Pie & Tacos?

10&11 Explicit Effects

NEWS

12&13 Turning a New Page Final Farewells 14 15 The Highest Note 16&17 Growing Numbers

News Briefs

PHOTO BY: MADYSON MATHISON

PHOTO BY: REBANT SHRESTHA

Volleyball District Champions

Mock Trial

The varsity girls volleyball team beat Bellevue West on Nov. 1 in the A-3 district finals. They swept the Thunderbirds in three sets with scores of 24-14, 25-17, 2510. It marked the 32nd time the Monarchs have qualified for the State Tournament.

On Oct. 30, the Monarch varsity mock trial team competed and won their first trial as the defense against the Titans.

The junior varsity team went against the Bellevue West, but did not win.

OPINION

18 Thanksgiving Overlooked?

19 The Cost of Being Connected

ENTERTAINMENT

20 Playing it Old School 21 Swords and Sorcery 22&23 Trendsetters BROtherly Love 24

SPORTS

25 26&27 28&29 30 31

Taking Over Water Wars

Triple Threat In the Fast Lane

PHOTO BY: CAITLYN THOMAS

PHOTO BY: CASSIE LINGREEN

Slam Poetry Club

Haunted House

Junior Jay Newman has proposed a slam poetry club for the school. This club would be open to all students who want to have a place to express their thoughts and emotions in the form of satirical poems.

On Oct. 30, the Monarch drama department had their fourth annual haunted house. They collected cans from the people who walked through for a dollar discount on the admission price. They raised $750 in total and filled seven boxes of cans which were donated to the Tri-Center Food Pantry.

That’s A Wrap

Senior Mia Pearson leads the girls softball team as they arrive at the homecoming football game after winning state. The Monarchs beat Lincoln Southwest 16-4 in the State Championship in just four innings.

COVER PHOTO: JILL MATHISON COVER DESIGN: ALEXA BUSBY, MOLLEE SWIFT, HANNAH IM NEWS BRIEFS: CAITLYN THOMAS

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THE SCEPTER

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 Chloé 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: Future success rests on bond Papillion, Nebraska. A town that has prided itself in showing up in rankings of “Best Places to Live” by Time Magazine. Throw La Vista into the mix, and you have two towns full of people who cheer on their school’s teams like there is nothing else to live for. We love our towns, but what will take the district to another level?

Papillion La Vista Community Schools has proposed a bond that will not only renovate six elementary schools, but implement additions to both high schools.

These additions include a second story for ninth graders, which allows more space not only for them, but also the STEM, PE and fine arts programs.

Security will be enhanced, making the school a safer place inside and out, with the improvement of technology adding to that. Not only that, but parking will be remodeled with the relocation of the tennis courts, which

will ensure less stress on parents and student drivers.

The future is bright for our towns; however, it all comes at a cost.

With an estimated need of over $100 million, this bond pulls $53 million of that for high school renovations.

The other $47 million will be split for elementary schools, middle schools, activity space, technology and land acquisition.

This amount from a distance seems like a lot, but it will take a small toll on parents’ wallets at around $4 per month, in exchange for a monumental leap for the school district’s betterment.

Supporting the bond is essential because of how much education molds the future of America. We need an environment that will benefit students, so that as adults, we will be prepared to take on professional jobs.

Through these additions,

the opportunities will increase for academics as the student population grows, but only if the bond is put to good use.

Instead of packing students in the classrooms like sardines and mushing them together in the halls, this is the perfect circumstance to keep Papillion moving in a positive direction. We can mold a future dependent on the vote of our adult population, a future dependent on the love we have for our towns.

Parents, think about what you want in the future and share your opinion in community forums, but do not let your voice hide in the back.

We as students need you. It is the people that make the district special; the people create the small and welcoming feel, bringing in a multiplying population. The future of our community is in your hands.

NOVEMBER 2017

03

MONARCHS FROM OTHER NATIONS Most people have lived in the same country for their entire lives.

Some have traveled, but have yet to truly experience the lives that people are living on the other side of the world. For a few students, that side of the world isn’t too far away at all.

A small number of students have lived outside of the country, and for many different reasons. Junior Mercy Milliken considers her home to be Seoul, South Korea, a much different environment than the United States.

“It’s a very safe country, so I’m not used to locking up the house or having a curfew,” Milliken said.

Although South Korea and the U.S. have many differences, there are also similarities between the two.

“Most people in Korea speak English as well as Korean, and a lot of the stores I shop at in the States are

the same as the ones I shopped at in Korea,” Milliken said.

Sophomore Mackenzie Burton lived in Herzliya, Israel, for four years.

She misses not only the beautiful beaches, but the schooling she received there.

“There was a variety of culture in the international school I went to,” Burton said. “There was someone from everywhere, with all different backgrounds and religions.”

Americans have many different ways to view what is happening on the other side of the world, but some of that information can be mixed up or misinterpreted, a problem for foreigners.

“People often get confused between North and South Korea, and end up thinking that I was under an oppressive dictatorship,” Milliken

“ Mercy Milliken Time spent abroad: 10 years Distance from Papillion: 6,355 miles

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

“

The hardest transition was transferring from a private, Christian, international school with 500 students, to a much larger American public school.

A lot of people think that since [Israel] is in the Middle East that it’s a lot of desert, but it’s actually really beautiful. There’s grass, beaches and palm trees.

BY MEGAN DAVEY

PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Students from around the world share their perspective on their exposure to various cultures. said.

Constantly adjusting to new cultures and places can be overwhelming, but it can also be exciting.

“Most people think it might be hard to move from one place to another, and it is, but it’s also a lot of fun to get to know new places and cultures,” Burton said.

For these students, being immersed in different cultures and environments has created a broad and unique perspective of the world around them.

“A lot of people in this country think they’re living in the best country in the world, but more people should try living out of [the United States] to gain perspective,” Milliken said.

” ”

HERZLIYA, Mackenzie Burton ISRAEL Time spent abroad: 4 years Distance from Papillion: 6,478 miles

FEATURES

C

BY ASHLEY MASON

PAGE DESIGN BY DELANI WATKINS

Junior Ryan Lamontagne baits viewers with fishing vlogs on his “Hookin Hogs” YouTube channel.

A crisp morning breeze brushes across the lake water and causes gentle ripples. A stunning sunrise lends enough light for junior Ryan Lamontagne to set up his fishing and camera equipment. The scene is tranquil, but not for long. A sevenpound bass has just taken the bait, gotten hooked, and Lamontagne has it all recorded.

Since 2016, Lamontagne has been recording his fishing trips and uploading the videos to Youtube.

“I started recording videos after watching other fishing YouTubers like Andrew Flair, Jon B, and Alex Peric,” Lamontagne said.

Throughout the week, Lamontagne goes to lakes and ponds around Nebraska, recording his catches all on a GoPro and uploading them to his YouTube channel.

“I gather my equipment and what baits I’m going to use, then head out to a pre-planned spot,” Lamontagne said.

CK

Lamontagne has over 1,400 subscribers and often fishes with Andrew Flair, another fishing vlogger from Nebraska with about 400,000 subscribers.

“I saw one of Flair’s videos and saw Ryan and thought to myself no way that’s him,” sophomore Salvador Lopez-Luna said. “I checked out Ryan’s channel and instantly subscribed.”

Along with Lopez-Luna, many other students have subscribed to Lamontagne, following for his tricks and tips. Even friends and family of Lamontagne like to be in the vlogs.

“People are interested in being in the videos because they like to rewatch themselves fishing,” Lamontagne said.

Lamontagne’s social life has not changed because of the making of his vlogs. People still treat him as a normal student.

“I’m making videos to relive the moment,” Lamontagne said.“ I don’t want the attention.”

The popularity of Lamontagne’s videos has led him to the idea of making his own merchandise.

“I’m coming out with merch[andise] December first, labeled with my channel name, ‘Hookin

B A I T

PHOTO: CADEN FUQUA Junior Ryan Lamontagne holds up a three-pound bass from his most recent fishing trip.

Hogs,’” Lamontagne said.

Lamontagne hopes to keep making interesting content that is fun to watch and eventually get paid like professional YouTubers.

“I believe he’ll accomplish that,” Lopez-Luna said. “There is a lot of good editing and content.”

Fishing may be a hobby to some people, but to Lamontagne it is his passion.

PHOTO: MATT TARGY Left: Lamontagne poses with a five-pound bass. It was his biggest catch of the summer.

PHOTO: RJ FROEHLICH Right: Juniors Matt Targy, Henry Sis and Lamontagne patiently wait for a fish to hook their line. This was their most successful trip, catching 75 fish in total.

NOVEMBER 2017

05

THE TAKE ON THE

BY ELIZABETH EIDEM PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

Junior Zoe Timberlake and sophomore Eden Stranglen expand upon their dream of becoming morticians.

When considering future careers, most students dream of becoming a lawyer, doctor, teacher, astronaut or the President of the United States.

Two students, however, dream of becoming a mortician: a caretaker for the deceased and their families.

Also known as a funeral director or undertaker, morticians are tasked with coordinating the entire funeral process. From embalming to filing the official death certificate, morticians do it all. Morticians assist the family of the deceased as they experience this tough time, and this is the part of the job description that is most appealing to junior Zoe Timberlake and sophomore Eden Stranglen.

Timberlake’s interest peaked after she dissected crawfish in freshman biology, but the interpersonal connection is what she looks forward to most in her future.

“Morticians help people go through a rough, yet important time in their life,” Timberlake said. “I will be helping the families find closure.”

Stranglen is fascinated with the profession and loves helping people.

Her fire for the career was first introduced when she began shadowing her dad, an active mortician.

“At first, I thought I wanted to be a pharmacist,” Stranglen said. “Then I started going to work with my dad and that switched what I like.”

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Timberlake was inspired by a California mortician and YouTuber and has plans to move to California herself.

“When college rolls around, I will look into different mortuary school programs,” Timberlake said. “I will probably go to California because of their new and different embalming techniques.”

The determination of the morticians-to-be, combined with their shared love for helping people, makes this profession perfect for them.

“There are a lot of phone calls and meetings with families,” Stranglen said. “There’s a ton to being a mortician.”

However, phone calls and funeral arrangements are only half of being a mortician. The other half involves preparation of the dead bodies.

Preparation of the body involves an elaborate embalming process and cosmetics that are applied to the body to make the deceased look as natural as possible.

“There’s more to being a mortician than just working personto-person,” Timberlake said.

When talking about their future, these dreamers sometimes hesitate telling people directly that they wish to become a mortician.

“Some people, like my close friends, think it will be really cool,” Timberlake said. “But other people just look at me like I’m weird or extremely morbid.”

Stranglen looks at her dream for the future as a chance to live out her social side and just help people atypically.

“Yes, it’s different,” Stranglen

said. “But different is good.”

As many students look to their future as a birth of a new life, two students are dead-set on their future as a mortician, and it is anything but morbid.

FEATURES

HE UNDERTAKERS MORTICIANS ON THE JOB: MEDIAN SALARY: $54,830 ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION: Associate’s Degree JOB GROWTH OUTLOOK: 5% Stats from: bls.gov

OTHER ODD JOBS Forensic Pathologist: A physician who performs autopsies to determine the cause of death or disease Taxidermist: A professional who preserves and prepares animal skins and parts to create animal replicas Wig Maker: An artist who makes wigs using a tedious, customized process

PHOTO: ELIZABETH EIDEM Junior Zoe Timberlake and sophomore Eden Stranglen stare their futures as morticians dead in the eye.

Stats from: forensicscolleges.com

NOVEMBER 2017

07

s u s Privatever Public

How To Blend Into Private School

BY CASSIE KESSLER

08

PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

Students from PLHS share their experiences from private school.

Public schools seem to constantly be on the receiving end of criticism in the media, while private schools are thought of as prestigious schools for the rich. However, many would be surprised to find that students who have been in both find each to be appealing for different reasons.

Sophomore Caleb Richards spent time at both Creighton Prep and PLHS. “I was [at Prep] for the first semester before deciding I wanted to transfer to Papio,” Richards said.

Although both schools are high schools, there are many academic differences that separate the two.

“The major difference class wise would have to be the amount of religion that was incorporated into every subject,” Richards said.

“We also had core classes such as Theology, which were dedicated to only religion.”

Many students remember the awkwardness of junior high dances.

But for Emilee Foix, who attended St. Columbkille for nine years, that scene was removed.

“We only had one dance,” Foix

THE SCEPTER

said. “Our other events were super small because we only had a little over five hundred people in the school.”

Richards holds the belief that PLHS has a better social environment than his previous school.

“I feel that from a social standpoint, it is easier to find a group of friends at Papio than it was at Prep,” Richards said. “I think private schools tend to be more cliquey, but I feel like Papio isn’t like that.”

Although rumors may fire that private schools are better than public schools, that may not be the case, especially if strict dress codes bother students.

“Even though there is a dress code at our school [PLHS], I used to have to wear a uniform every day [at private school],” Foix said.

While stigmas that surround private schools boast that they are better than public schools, all the factors should be looked at before coming to a decision. For certain students, PLHS is a better way to go.

“After spending time at each, I have found that I have had a better time socially and I have enjoyed my classes and teachers at PLHS more,” Richards said.

Public schools may not receive as much praise as they deserve, but it’s important to remember that both types of schools work toward a common goal: the education of students.

FEATURES

Stuffing, Pie, & Tacos?

BY TATUM JORGENSEN PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER

Students describe how they celebrate their Thanksgivings.

The aroma of freshly cooked meat and pumpkin spice candles spreads throughout the whole house, but instead of turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, it’s tacos!

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating with your friends and family, but each person celebrates with slightly different foods and traditions.

Some students may celebrate Thanksgiving Day the same way as the majority of other Americans.

“We gather around the table and carve a turkey,” sophomore Jacob Calhoun said. “We don’t really do anything special.”

Calhoun eats what is considered the “traditional” holiday food each Thanksgiving.

“We eat turkey, cranberry sauce,

green beans, mashed potatoes and pie,” Calhoun said. “We like to keep it classic, like my grandpa likes it.”

Other students celebrate in a nontraditional way, such as senior Isabella Jacobs.

“For Thanksgiving we have a Mexican fiesta, so we eat tacos, enchiladas, Mexican dips and many other Mexican dishes,” Jacobs said.

“We still have normal desserts like pumpkin pie, though.”

Change is something most people hate, but the Jacobs family has embraced it with great intentions and ideas.

“We eat Mexican food because our family got bored of the ‘traditional’ holiday food and wanted to change it up,” Jacobs said. “This was all my uncle Joe’s idea and now

the whole family loves it.”

As there is a variety of different foods to choose from, it was hard to stick to just Mexican food.

“We were first deciding what new style of food to have and it turned into a screaming match between those who wanted Italian and those who wanted Mexican,” Jacobs said.

After celebrating one way for so long, it would be hard to change the tradition.

“I wouldn’t change how we celebrate,” Calhoun said. “It is perfect the way it is.”

Although each person celebrates differently, the goal of Thanksgiving stays the same: spending time with loved ones and eating great food.

Which

TRADITIONAL DISH is Monarch Nation’s favorite?

TURKEY

STUFFING 21% 17% PUMPKIN PIE

18% 44%

MASHED POTATOES

NOVEMBER 2017

09

T I C I L EX P

effects

BY MEGAN FRIEL Teenagers regularly send explicit media, but they don’t always know the legal implications surrounding them.

teens f o % 0 2 nt have se os ot h p e d u n s of o e d i v r o ves. themsel

23% of teen girls and 24% of teen

boys have felt pressured to send or post sexual content.

39% of teens have sent

sexually suggestive images via a me­ssaging service.

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FEATURES

It’s the itch in the back of your head, a worry that someone knows.

Palms are sweaty as you dread the day someone swipes too far to the right on your camera roll, when an experience shared turns into a declaration of guilt.

Memories can be relived easier than ever in the age of digitalization.

Photos and videos can be taken in seconds, and shared within a few minutes. Panic-inducing media can be found on the phones gripped by countless teenagers walking through the halls of PLHS, hidden by a fourdigit pass code.

“It’s very risky behavior.

Anything that has been digitalized is available forever,” school resource officer Andy Mahan said.

Before the accessibility of phones, there had to be concrete evidence to be convicted of a crime.

Now, a photograph or video that shows an established time and place is sufficient enough for action to be taken.

“I’ve heard stories where people

apply for jobs, and when they search them on social media, an [explicit] picture posted by their boyfriend comes up and they end up not getting the job,” Mahan said.

Students have varying opinions throughout the school: for, against and

“

It’s very risky behavior.

Anything that has been digitalized is available forever.

”

OFFICER MAHAN

everything in between.

“I wouldn’t send [nude photos] because it’s personal,” junior Marissa Ziemba said. “Your body is yours and you shouldn’t share it with anyone else.”

A common worry that plagues the minds of students is the possibility of secret photos being shared.

Teens over 15 who voluntarily send nude images to another consenting teenager have not committed a crime. Forwarding the images to others is a felony.

Go to thenationalcampaign.org for more statistics and information.

Promises can be broken, and within a matter of days, explicit photos and videos can be spread like an annual winter cold.

“You may think it’s going to stay with one person, but chances are, a teenage boy is going to share it,” Mahan said.

However, gender isn’t necessarily a huge factor when looking at the statistics. According to research completed by The National Campaign, 25% of teen girls and 33% of teen boys say they have had sexually explicit photos meant for someone else later shared with them.

The motives to send explicit content isn’t always clear - sometimes it’s pressure, or maybe it’s love.

Other times, the reasoning behind the thumb pressed on the send button is more complex. Before posing in your new Victoria’s Secret underwear, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with your rights, and the consequences on your future are weighed.

For a student’s opinion on social media misuse...

Visit plpulse.com and read “It’s Not Your Story. It’s Their Reality.”

by Kaylen Maltais.

NOVEMBER 2017

11

Turning a new Page

BY EMMA HIGBY

PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Special education students along with their peers take part in an after school activity, the First Chapter Book Club.

Many high school students are overwhelmed with extracurricular activities, and while some just participate to fill their college applications, many students take part in clubs like these because they genuinely enjoy them. For the past three years, the special education department has offered students the choice of being involved in the First Chapter Book Club, a program where peers and students read books together.

The sponsor of the club, Ms. Sheri Wagner, has been overseeing the club since its beginning. “[The special education department] got an e-mail from central office saying that there was a program through the Ollie Webb Center and they wanted to know if we would do it,” Wagner said. “Ms. [Ashley] Sherlock and I split the program. I oversee first semester and she oversees second semester.”

Helping students learn new things and engaging with them is very beneficial to their future education.

“As long as I’m here, I’ll be sponsoring the book club,” Wagner said.

Seeing the students really happy about making new discoveries is one of the reasons that teachers do their job.

“I love to read and seeing these

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kids read and enjoying it and sharing with their peers is really fun,” Wagner said.

The book club is made up of special education students and their peers who all love to read.

“We get into a circle and take turns reading the books out loud,” senior peer helper Lexi Harrison said.

“After we finish reading a number of chapters, we do an activity as a group.”

Being involved in something requires a commitment outside of school. Students in the First Chapter Book Club dedicate their Mondays after school to help other students read.

“This week will be my sixth or seventh time,” Harrison said. “I joined this year with my friend [senior] Jordyn Dvorak despite the club forming a while ago.”

The most rewarding aspect of this club is witnessing a student get stuck on a word, and then watch them overcome the problem and get excited when they are able to solve it. There are numerous clubs and opportunities dedicated to helping your peers, whether it is to learn, to read, or to study. The First Chapter Book Club has been a spectacular learning experience for students all across the school.

NEWS

A Peek Into the Pages Swiss Family Robinson

The Merry Adventures of

Robin Hood

“The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood” is a novel about a famous 13th century outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. In the book, Robin Hood is portrayed as a hero among the people despite his well known status.

“Swiss Family Robinson” is about the Robinson family who shipwrecks and gets stranded on a deserted island. In the story, having family close at all times is a perfect opportunity for exciting adventures and becoming closer as a family.

Frankenstein In “Frankenstein” a young man travels by boat to the North Pole. During his journey he encounters a man, Victor Frankenstein. This man tells his story and confides that he is fascinated with the secret of life, and is convinced he has found it. This novel follows Victor Frankenstein and his obsession with bringing the dead back to life.

The

Black Beauty

Three Musketeers

“Black Beauty” is focused on a young horse and his family. The young horse begins training to become a riding horse. The heartfelt novel will make readers feel sadness, joy and anger all at the same time.

“The Three Musketeers” takes place in Paris surrounding a young man and his encounter with the Three Musketeers, while he is on his way to becoming a Musketeer himself. The story entails romance, war and just about everything in between.

Far left top: Junior Ashley Hansel smiles as she wins an activity. Far left bottom: Sophomore Jackie Negrete reads one of the books for the club. Left: The class does an activity to further their understanding of the book. Right: Students read the novels together.

PHOTOS: ASHLEY MASON, HANNAH IM AND EMMA WILLIAMS

NOVEMBER 2017

13

Final Farewells (пока)

BY IZZY HAAVE

PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

Ms. Julie Phillips and senior Keira Carlson share their last years together as Russian class comes to a nearing end for both.

PHOTO: DELANI WATKINS Seniors Caitlyn Harrison and Peyton Czerwinski write Russian terms on the board in their Russian 4 class.

Poka; goodbye. With a nearing end of a 25-year tradition only offered at PLHS comes a bitter-sweetness for teachers and students involved in Russian classes.

For Russian 4 senior Keira Carlson, choosing Russian as her foreign language freshman year was a no brainer.

“I wanted to be unique and I knew that not a lot of people pick Russian,” Carlson said. “I also thought it sounded very interesting, and it would be something that would set me apart from the crowd when applying to colleges.”

This easy choice for Carlson has been a decision well made.

“I got to develop a great relationship with Ms. Phillips because I have had her all four years, and since Russian 4 class is so small, I have made great friends,” Carlson said.

“The language and culture of Russia is so interesting and unique that I don’t know if I would have enjoyed a different language as much.”

The nearing end of an era comes with mixed emotions for teacher Ms.

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Julie Phillips.

“It is kind of sad because it is a great opportunity [to take a Russian course], and we are the only high school in Nebraska that has it as an option for students to enroll in,” Phillips said. “But we still have a very strong foreign language program altogether.”

After 25 years of teaching Russian class, Phillips plans ahead for the future of her personal life, and her life as a teacher.

“In a couple of years, in case I choose to retire and do something else, I do not want to walk away from my students and leave them without a teacher,” Phillips said.

Luckily, with the number of students and the plan to end the class, Phillips won’t be leaving any students behind.

“To make it possible for an end to the class, we quit offering Russian 1 and 2, leaving only Russian 3 and 4 to be enrolled in for students who have been in the language for many years,” Phillips said. “We usually have

about 60 students enrolled in Russian class, and this year we only have 15.”

Though Russian class is coming to a halt, the legacy Ms. Phillips has created through the class will always be remembered in Monarch history.

The

Highest

It is always an incredible feeling when you accomplish something you have worked long and hard for. Every familiar face you see in the halls says an excited congratulations, even that person you barely talk to in class.

As high school students there are a variety of opportunities to achieve success. Whether it’s a class, sport or club, each student tries to be the best.

In choir, being awarded All-State is being at the top and getting to sing with the rest of the teens who are the best.

13 students were recognized this fall for their talent in singing. This includes freshman Jacob Hirschfeld and senior Xavier Nelson.

The strenuous process of being in All-State choir begins with an abundance of practice of the possible

NEWS

BY LISSA LAFOND

Note

songs they will be asked to sing portions of at the audition. They can get the sheet music as soon as the previous May to practice.

“I took my own personal time to work on it,” Nelson said. “Also, we did some of the songs in choir, so that helped too.”

However, it can be hard to manage. To help them handle both school and All-State, they could get help from the choir teachers, Ms. Meredith L’Heureux and Mr. Tyler Buglewicz.

“There are summer workshops, some paid and some free, and concert choir does a few of the songs,” L’Heureux said. “If they are not in choir they can work with me and Mr. Buglewicz during class.”

Making All-State is something

Other

ALL-STATERS

PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

Freshman Jacob Hirschfeld and other choir students make All-State. all students, from freshmen to seniors, work for, but few end up making it.

Freshmen rarely make All-State, but Hirschfeld is proof that it can and does happen.

“I feel pretty great about making it as a freshman,” Hirschfeld said, “I didn’t think it would happen.”

Making All-State gives them more musical experience and status; they get looked up to and even envied.

“I feel like it allows people to look up to me and sets ground for future freshman to strive for,” Hirschfeld said.

Making All-State choir is an exerting process, but the 13 who made it can feel accomplished as they finish their season.

Xavier Nelson Andrew Popelka Noah Potterf Derrick Skinner Jackson Speece Anthony Sumpter PHOTO: SCHYLER CRUSE Left: Freshman Jacob Hirshfeld performs at halftime with the Monarch Band. His musical talents extend past band as he qualified for All-State choir.

Anthony Bonacci Asha Christie Alyssa De La Cruz David Grover Garret Jackson Casey Hirschfeld

PHOTO: HEATHER SLUGA Middle: Senior Asha Christie performs at Monarchs on Stage in Nov. 2016.

PHOTO: AIDAN CHO Right: Seniors Xavier Nelson and Garret Jackson perform with Ardente Voce at Monarchs on Stage in Nov. 2016.

NOVEMBER 2017

15

Growing

NUMBERS

BY ALYSSA FORAL PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

The school board has proposed a bond issue to adjust to the rapidly growing community.

1,700 students are rapidly filling up the halls and each and every student can feel it. The overcrowding isn’t just a PLHS issue; it is wide spread across Papillion La Vista Community Schools.

The school board has proposed

PLHS

a new bond to the Papillion-La Vista community that will include additions and updates all the way from the elementary schools to both of the high schools. The list begins with additions to existing grade schools, one new grade school, an addition to Liberty Middle school and additions to both high schools.

With the community growing, the enrollment in the school district is rapidly increasing as well.

“Papillion and La Vista are known as great places to live and

Proposed

• 18 classroom two-story addition for 9th grade • Expansion of cafeteria • Flexible learning space used for fine arts and other classroom activities • Classroom space for STEM / skilled trades programming • Additional PE classroom space • Pool at PLSHS • Restructure parking • Meeting facility • Movement of tennis courts • Umpire room at the District Stadium

BOND PROJECTS

Activity Space

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raise families. That is due, in part, to the success of our school district,” Papillion-La Vista Schools Board President Lee Denker said.

A growing population will not be sufficed by simply updating previous facilities. The community is seeing growth beyond expectation. “[The bond] includes land purchases for future growth and technology improvements around the district,” Denker said.

This bond would not only impact the students at school with the

PLSHS •22 classroom addition for 9th grade students • Expansion of cafeteria • Flexible learning space used for fine arts and other classroom activities • Classroom space for STEM / skilled trades programming • Additional PE classroom space •Additional parking and parking renovation

NEWS

updating of facilities, but it will also effect them economically at home.

“Financially the impact to each homeowner will be determined based on what ends up on the final project list,” Denker said. “We hope that property owners will see little to no impacts since some bonds will cycle off as the new bonds are added.”

There is also potential that the bond will help property owners indirectly as well.

“Strong schools help increase the value of property throughout the

district whether the homeowner has kids or not,” Denker said. “The bond issue has the potential to help property value if it passes.”

The school board is only in its preliminary planning period of the bond and still needs the approval of the community.

“We plan to vote in the spring of 2018, but our community and listening sessions will help the district determine the appropriate time for putting the final list of projects up for a vote,” Denker said.

CURRENT ESTIMATED COST:

Overall this bond issue impacts student lives the most, so being informed is crucial.

“The final list of projects has not been finalized yet; your voices will help shape the final list,” Denker said.

Bond issues have greatly impacted the Papillion-La Vista community before. Nearly all of the facilities built will be as a result of approved citizen funding. Allow your voice to help shape the future for students in the community.

$115,000,000

TECHNOLOGY $1.5M INFRASTRUCTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL $5.8M LIBERTYADDITION $7M LAND ACQUISITION $8.2M ACTIVITY SPACE NEW ELEMENTARY $12M SCHOOL ELEMENTARY $27.5M RENOVATIONS $53M HIGH SCHOOL ADDITIONS

NOVEMBER 2017

17

Thanksgiving Overlooked?

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CARTOON: KENNEDY SAUTTER

THE SCEPTER

After Halloween, kids everywhere are home sick from stuffing their bellies with Halloween candy. They quickly get excited when they realize that the holidays are right around the corner. To kids, holidays like Christmas means they get gifts, so they get pumped up for December.

This results in Thanksgiving often being overlooked and forgotten about, due to an increased focus on other holidays.

It’s important not to look past Thanksgiving, because it’s the time of year to give thanks for what you have and spend time with family. The time spent with family is truly valuable, no matter what your definition of family happens to be. Whether it’s relatives, close friends, or people you work with, the idea of everyone coming together to express gratitude is powerful.

The fact that people forget about Thanksgiving is heartbreaking. In today’s society, it seems that holidays are just used as a business tool. Think about it, stores were stocked full of Halloween candy and costumes in August and Christmas decorations have already seemed to invade half of each store. Thanksgiving doesn’t make nearly as much money as Halloween or different holidays do for businesses around this time of year. Even though food can cost a pretty penny, businesses make more money off of other holidays, and whoever puts their product on the shelves the quickest, gains the most profit.

Money is a big part of the world we live in, so another factor of why Thanksgiving is overlooked is because of Black Friday. Black Friday sales have started to expand to Thanksgiving Thursday, or even the Wednesday before. Instead of spending time with family, people

OPINION BY ALEX MANNING PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY

With all the hype about the holidays, has Thanksgiving been forgotten? have gone out shopping or camping out for that one gift they want to buy.

Everyone who camps outside of stores on Thanksgiving night would rather get a good deal on some item than spend time with their families. This completely defeats the purpose of giving thanks, because not only are you away from your family, but you’re in line to buy material items. It seems that Thanksgiving doesn’t even matter anymore.

In other countries, however, Thanksgiving traditions are still a huge part of their cultures. In places like China, people celebrate by having feasts, parades, and enjoying sports, much like American traditions. In the Jewish culture, there are eight days after the harvest where it is forbidden to work, called Sukkot. During this time, they are required to eat all of their food in a wood hut type structure called a Sukkah. Some even choose to sleep in the Sukkah for the duration of the holiday. Most Thanksgivings around the world are celebrated at the end of a harvest season. The way you celebrate Thanksgiving depends on you, but no matter where you live, it’s a time to give thanks for everything you have.

Thanksgiving might seem like it’s slowly becoming forgotten, but it is still very prominent in cultures around the world. The holiday season is a very stressful time of year. This just means that when Thanksgiving comes around next week, be sure to spend as much time with your family as possible.

OPINION

The Cost of Being

Connected

OPINION BY CHLOÉ GRIMM PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

New security features in smarphones have taken it too far.

It’s 2017: there are no flying cars, boards that hover once you step on them, and people are not routinely traveling to spend a casual weekend on the moon. Instead, people are consistently possessing an intense fear of mishandling a device that holds more computing power than the first space shuttle ever produced. They’re kept in steady, protective hands, or set far away from any danger, but never out of sight.

Since 1992, when the Simon Personal Communicator was created

by IMB, smartphones have impacted society and how we communicate throughout everyday life.

People are increasingly being connected to the world via “on the go” mobile devices, mainly smartphones.

According to Statista, smartphone usage is forecasted to grow from 2.1 billion in 2016 to 2.5 billion in 2019.

Smart phones have developed tremendously over the years and so have the views on them, but aside from older generations thinking that they’re frying the brains of adolescents and millennials, what is more

concerning is the new security features behind them.

The thumbprint scanner, iris scanner, and facial ID are all “enhanced security” features that are included in recent smartphones like the Galaxy S8 and the iPhone X. They all seem like easy, accessible ways to unlock a modern day smart phone, but there are some important questions being ignored. Has it gone too far and can we trust them?

The thumbprint scanner first became popular when it was introduced to Apple’s iPhone 5S and has become essential in future and current generations of smartphones.

If our thumbprint is one of the main things that separates us from everyone else, especially when it comes to legal documentation like at banks and hospitals, why are we sharing it with a device?

A person shouldn’t feel comfortable giving their DNA to a smartphone that could easily be hacked at any given moment, let alone a clear recognition of your irises or face.

Being able to scan your irises to unlock your phone is creepy, but allowing your phone to scan your face is another step too far.

Facial recognition isn’t new, in fact, it’s been around for years and

is only the beginning in regards to changing the way we keep private information secure.

On future iPhones, Apple wants to replace the thumbprint scanner with FaceDepth. This will not only unlock your phone, but allow you to make and control 3D emojis called “animojis.”

You’ll also be able to use this feature to make payments. It’s an appealing concept, but frightening to most.

According to Insider, Apple said that there is a one in a million chance that FaceID would mistake someone else’s face for yours – if there is a chance at all, most should be skeptical.

Technology has gotten too personal, and consumers are not aware of the possible underlying effects that come with these new and improved features. Without questioning what is being done with their personal information and where it’s going, people around the world are buying these products to simply keep up with the Joneses.

Everyday people thoughtlessly give up private and intimate information to a cloud that we don’t know who has control or access to.

Invest your time on research before you invest your money on these products that come with these security features. For all we know, they might not be so secure after all.

NOVEMBER 2017

19

Playing it Old School

“Sometimes we would have family game nights with snacks,” No matter their age, some Christie said.

Board games promote healthy students will always remain kids competition among teams or players. at heart; so why not let them “I remember the family rivalry embrace it by taking a walk down memory lane to revisit some old- and the fun we had spending time together,” Christie said. “ I like school board games? playing board games because you get In today’s world it is easy to get to interact with people personally.”

Sophomore Lauren Unverzagt caught up in spending too much time on electronics. Looking back to when agrees that board games are a great way to keep busy and pass time. we didn’t have all of these devices, it was still possible to have fun while “I enjoyed playing board games interacting with each other face-tobecause they kept me entertained and face. One of the popular ways to pass I always had a good time,” Unverzagt time was playing board games. said.

There are an endless variety Board games were a simple and easy way to spend quality time with of board games available to satisfy friends and family back when students almost all personalities and interests. were younger. Sophomore Annalise “I liked Candy Land because of all the cute little characters,” Christie Christie used to and still continues to said. play board games with her family.

BY EMMA BETTS

PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Other games such as Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, Battleship, Clue and Sorry were popular choices back in the 2000’s.

“All of my memories involving board games are great ones,” Unverzagt said.

Another advantage of board games is that they help children learn colors, shapes, numbers and how to count.

“I often play board games with my nieces and nephews,” senior Brianna Mather said.

Overall, board games are a great way to spend quality time with friends and family while creating bonds and rich memories that will last a lifetime.

Why not get off those cell phones, grab a friend and play your favorite board game?

How to Play...

Two opponents secretly place their battleships in their desired location in an effort to dupe their competitor. Each round, the players will take turns calling out the grid letter and number of the exact position they wish to bomb.

Each miss is marked with a white peg and each hit a red peg. The goal of the game is to hit and sink all of the opponent’s battleships.

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Each player selects one of four colored gingerbread characters to use as a game piece. Every turn, a player must draw a card with a colored square. Next, the player must move their gingerbread to the next square of that color or return to the pictured position.

Before completing the game, players will pass each other and characters featured on the board. The game is finished once a player’s gingerbread game piece reaches the Candy Castle.

Each opponent selects a character as a playing piece at the beginning of the game.

Every round, each player must spin the spinner to determine how many squares to move forward. If a player were to land on a space with a ladder they may climb up that ladder, or if a player were to land on a chute they must slide down and remain in the ending spot. The first player to reach the top of the game board wins.

Players must try to be the first person to move all of their same color pegs around the board from the start to back home. Every round, each player will draw a card then move their peg the given amount of spaces or the position listed on the card. If another person lands on the same spot as another peg, the first peg on that space must return back to the start.

ENTERTAINMENT

BY JOANNA WALTON PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

With its unprecedented success, the new Dungeons & Dragons club could be the school’s next great tradition.

SWORDS & SORCERY Inside the library after school on a Thursday, there is an exciting energy in the air. A group larger than a classroom is chatting enthusiastically.

Computers and papers with strange drawings of make-believe creatures are strewn everywhere. Periodically, dice rattle against the tables.

To most people, the scene is odd, maybe even dull. However, to the members of the new Dungeons and Dragons club, they are within an imaginary world of adventure.

The Dungeons and Dragons club has only had a few meetings, yet they already have over forty members.

Considering D&D is characterized as an unpopular pastime, one might wonder how it became so successful.

“It’s never gonna work,” Junior cofounder Victoria McNamara said when her friends approached her about starting a D&D club at the school.

Even so, they found a sponsor, English teacher Ms. Karleen Gebhardt, and went for it.

“When I was a kid, I used to play Dungeons and Dragons, and I have a lot of good memories of how fun it

can be,” Gebhardt said.

Apparently, that experience is still true today, since many long-time players have joined the club. However, one does not have to be an expert to play.

“You don’t have to be experienced,” McNamara said, “the Dungeon Masters will instruct you.”

Dungeon Masters, as McNamara described, are the ones who “play god” and decide what happens in the game.

Around the room, her promise seemed to carry out as a few people rushed from member to member, explaining and looking up rules for the newest players.

Their first meeting was an introduction to the game, and the second was all about character building. With its math calculations and plethora of dice, this activity is up to both chance and choice.

“This represents possibility, not just in the game, but in life,” Gebhardt said.

In fact, the game can take a turn in any way the characters wish.

“My favorite part is the weirdness of it all,” McNamara said. “Anything can happen; it’s so diverse.”

The game itself is somewhat like make-believe or writing a story together with a group as you play characters in a fantasy world.

Considering most high school students do not play make-believe with each other, there must be some reason such a wide variety of people join.

“It is very welcoming. There are all different types of students,” Gebhardt said.

Those different types of students range from long-time friends to new friends.

“You love ‘em; they’re great to you,” McNamara said about the group.

For anyone who loves creating new ties with people through creativity and imagination, Dungeons and Dragons club is on Thursdays in the library from 3:30 to 4:30.

Bring a sword, wand and plenty of dice.

NOVEMBER 2017

21

BY ANNIE WALDMAN & KENZIE WARD PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

TRENDSETTERS

New trends are influencing students throughout their day to day lives.

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Winged eye liner and blinding highlight cover the faces of teenage girls.

Makeup trends have been popping up all over the place this year.

Junior Ellie Hallett has been on top of all the latest styles for almost 5 years now.

“Makeup trends right now include highlighting and glowing skin,” Hallett said. “Another is the cut crease which I have on my Instagram page, @makeupbyellie. During the Halloween season, bloody gore makeup is the trend.”

Although they’ve been a huge hit lately, a lot of makeup trends come and go fast. Look for new trends every now and then or create a new one!

Kanken backpacks, chokers, and high-rise jeans dominate the school hallways.

Fashion trends have blown up because of social media, especially on Instagram. Sophomore Emma Dewitt is a student who has a passion for fashion and an eye for upcoming trends.

“My favorite trend at the moment is Birkenstocks,” Dewitt said.

Some trends from 2017 have been Vans, pastel hair, and ripped jeans. Colors have been very important, like army green and millennial pink.

Trends of all amounts of popularity can be seen throughout school on students, just keep an eye out for them!

PHOTO: ELLIE HALLETT Junior Ellie Hallett shows off her 2017 Halloween makeup look.

Adult coloring books have been a major craze over the past few years, but recently, a new app named Sandbox has taken this to a new level.

Sophomore Rhaiyna Lampe is one of many people who have not been able to put down their phones.

“It’s really addicting and said to be therapeutic,” Lampe said.

“Everyone has been downloading the app and showing their friends and now all my friends have it.”

Some students see this app as a distraction, but to others, it helps them focus. Make sure to check out the app if you are crazy about coloring!

PHOTO: ANNIE WALDMAN Sophomore Emma Dewitt demonstrates the ripped jean trend.

ENTERTAINMENT

‘07

‘17

Hair Trends

Chunky Highlights

Ombre hair

Side Bangs & Fauxhawks

Mermaid Colored Hair

Clothing Trends Low Rise Jeans Colorful Jeans Leggings

High Rise Jeans Ripped Jeans Fishnet

Social Media Trends MySpace

Snapchat, Twitter & Instagram

plpulse.com The

lifeline

to what’s happening

in Papio covered in more than

just a

storyline

@plpulse @plpulse

NOVEMBER 2017

23

BROtherly Love JILL MATHISON PAGE DESIGN BY JOSEY RYAN

Mr. Scott Curry and Mr. Chris Curry, shown in the picture, are twin brothers, and have more than the typical friendship. After growing up in the same house and ending up teaching at the same school, most people know of them, and often see them coaching together.

Teachers at Papillion-Lavista High School have more than just the ordinary friendship.

These pairs of teachers are very often found with each other and hanging out.

Mr. Nate McCabe and Mr. Mitch Albers’ relationship is wellknown at this school. “We lived a block away when we were younger,” McCabe said. “Now we share an office and have lots of similar interests.” Often you can find these two fighting throughout the school day after walking back up from the locker room. “We fight a lot because we are so much alike and we both like to be sarcastic and argue,” Albers said. All this time spent together can often lead to arguments about Albers’ outfits. “He could really work on his attire, pastels are a little much for a high school education,” McCabe said.

“Although, he tells me I look like a camp counselor.”

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PHOTOS: JILL MATHISON

Mr. Shawn Blevins and Mr. Jake Schmidt form one of the school’s newest friendships. “We probably met back in college at Peru State, but we recently met again at a high school football clinic,” Schmidt said. Walking down the school hallway, you often see these two together. “I see him way too much, every single day,” Blevins said. Most people say they look very similar, but they both have different opinions about this. “He looks like me, but not as good looking, that makes me feel better about myself,” Schmidt said. “He also teaches me pottery sometimes, and shows me how to use the wheel.” However, Blevins felt differently, “I’d say he dresses well, and he has good facial hair, people say we look alike, so that means he’s pretty good looking,” Blevins said.

Mr. Pat Boyd and Mr. Josh Siske met through sports while Siske was still teaching at Papillion Middle School. “We co-teach four classes a day together and have the same plan in the same room,” Siske said. These two were basically forced to be best friends. “We probably see each other five to six times a week,” Boyd said.

“I like his sense of humor, and when he plays the ‘Friday’ song on Friday.”

Even though this pair doesn’t look as much alike as the last, they seem to try and copy each other. “I’ve always looked up to his beard because it’s a lot thicker and fuller than mine, but I’m getting there,” Siske said. “Yeah, he copied my beard,” Boyd said.

SPORTS

Taking o v e r The Alpha wolf is the leader of the pack. The Beta wolf is the next to take over.

Senior varsity basketball player Peyton Priest has been the beta for two years, until now. After losing a load of players key to the team’s success, Priest is ready to step up.

Without players such as 2017 graduate Ayo Akinwole and senior transfer Ed Chang, Priest is going to have to fill gaps both on the stat sheet and in a leadership role. Both Akinwole and Chang averaged nearly 18 points per game, with Akinwole averaging 5.2 assists and Chang averaging 7.7 rebounds last season.

Priest has been working on his game all offseason. He won’t hesitate to share his biggest improvement.

“Ball handling,” Priest said. “We lost our point guard last year and we need guys handling the ball more.”

Priest is not solely looking to work on himself; he wants the whole team to be ready for the upcoming basketball season.

“Our younger guys need to step up,” Priest said. “We lost a lot of seniors.”

The new Alpha also made it clear

that he was willing to do whatever it takes to prepare his team.

Papillion is used to having one or two guys being the stars of the team. It’s no surprise to the average Monarch basketball fan that Priest is the new focal point of the team.

Priest, on the other hand, was a little surprised when it was mentioned that PLHS was looking at him to take over.

“I do think me and [Caleb Feekin] are going to be two leaders,” Priest said. “But, our scoring and things like that are going to be

BY BILLY BRODERICK PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

After various changes to the roster going into a new year, the basketball team is looking for a new leader in Peyton Priest.

widespread.”

To his teammates, it’s no surprise Priest has the pressure on him to take over the team.

“He’s definitely going to be a leader this year,” senior Cole Lansman said. “He always leads by example by always working hard.”

Priest is ready to hit the ground running this season. All of Monarch Nation may be looking at him to pick up where the team left off, and with the pressure on, he is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. After all, Alphas never quit until the job is done.

PHOTO: AIDAN CHO Priest stands next to senior transfer Ed Chang during the 2016-2017 state tournament.

NOVEMBER 2017

25

WATER WARS As Cole Wilson, senior goalie for the Marcos Polos jumps into the freezing water, it envelopes him as he feels the chill reach his inner body. He grabs the wall at goalkeeper position, attempting to keep his mind off of the cold. He tries moving his focus to the game that is about to be played. As he tries to concentrate, he hears a whistle and sees the ball flying towards the water: it’s game time.

This year, water polo enters its second year as an intramural sport at PLHS. “It’s a lot of fun,” Spanish teacher and water polo supervisor Mr. Brian Johnson said. “My role is to officiate the games and to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get into the water and have fun.”

With a new year of water polo on the horizon, players have put some deep thought into how they play the game.

“My technique is really a mixture of finesse, as well as strength,” Wilson said. “You need to overpower the other team to block shots, as well to score goals.”

Wilson thinks that his technique has helped him to become one of the

BY DEVIN VETTER

PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY

Students at PLHS begin their second year of intramural water polo with some new rules and strategies.

best at what he does.

“I would say I am the top goalie as of now considering we took the championship last year, going undefeated on the season,” Wilson said.

Although the Marcos Polos are the clear favorites to repeat in the championship, Johnson thinks the playing field has leveled out as compared to last year.

“It’s been very exciting; we have a lot of very promising teams,” Johnson said. “This year I would say most teams I see in the water have made great improvements.”

Even with the competition level being high, Johnson knows what the league is supposed to be about.

“I am very excited to continue, and it’s a lot of fun,” Johnson said.

The season is set to run from Oct. 11 until mid-November.

With a new year of intramural water polo upon the players, the players are excited to jump in and having that frigid water surround them. They look forward to this feeling because they know water polo is back.

PHOTO: JULIA HARKER

Junior Gabe Todd looks to score a goal in his team’s match on Oct. 18.

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SPORTS

PHOTO: SAM SIMMERMAN

Senior Zach Zielinski takes aim at goal at his team’s game on Oct. 18. His team, Marcos Polos, is the defending champions of the league.

Teams: 1. Rubber Ducks 2. Average Joes 3. Dude Not So Perfect 4. Marcos Polos 5. The Goats 6. THE CROCS 7. Meme Dream 2k17!

8. Water Boys 9. Pedros 10. Bloomin’ Onion 11. Team 11 12. DFS PHOTO: HEATHER SLUGA Top: Junior Skye Kusler attempts to throw the ball over the opposing team’s defender during a game for her team, THE CROCS, on Oct. 25.

PHOTO: KAYLIN CIATTI Bottom: Senior James Newell looks for a teammate to pass the ball off to in the first game for his team, DFS, on Oct. 18.

NOVEMBER 2017

27

triple

BY SARAH ALTMAN

PAGE DESIGN AVERY WAGONER

Three sport athletes at PLHS continue to dominate, on and off the field

BY SARAH ALTMAN

PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER running with the cross-country team,

As the fall season comes to a close, its off to the gym for PLHS three-sport athletes.

November rolls around, bringing with it biting air and heaps of pumpkin pie. Sophomore Olivia Boudreau stands in the North gym at 5:30, having been sprinting, shooting, and passing with the rest of the varsity basketball team for the past two hours.

Most would be sucking wind after such a grueling workout, but not Boudreau. She spent the fall season

JAKE SYKORA

putting in an hour and a half each and every day.

Boudreau has a leg up on the competition, but at no small cost.

She, like many other three-sport athletes, practices for hours each day, only to come home and be forced to write a top-notch English paper before the midnight turnitin.com deadline.

“Depending on the sport, I’ll usually have anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours of practice after school each day,” said Boudreau, who plays varsity basketball, tennis and runs cross country. “On the

SENIOR 5’5”

OLIVIA BOUDREAU SOPHOMORE 5’7”

Sykora is the seventh finisher for the Varsity cross country team and has developed into a leader through helping others. In addition, Sykora is a long distance runner on the varsity track team, and swims the 50 and 100 free, the 200 and 400 free relay, and the 100 backstroke.

Boudreau, a point guard on the varsity basketball team, also plays varsity tennis and runs JV XC. In addition to this lineup, Boudreau is involved in StuCo, PL club and Circle of Friends, as well as taking all AP and honors classes. Boudreau hopes to become a leader on the court this year.

Favorite Moment: The XC Homecoming run

Favorite moment: Getting 3rd at state for tennis

PHOTO: CHRISTINA DELGADO

28

weekends, if I have a game or a meet, I could be gone for all of Saturday.”

Being robbed of Saturday binge time is enough to spook most high school students, let alone the AP and honors course loads stuffed into the backpacks of three-sport athletes.

“I’m taking AP and honors classes on top of playing varsity football, JV baseball, and being on the swim team,” junior AJ Dumont said.

“On top of my regular assignments, there is a lot of makeup work that goes into being successful.”

Piling on top jobs, extracurricular activities, and a social life creates an

THE SCEPTER

PHOTO: HEATHER SLUGA

SPORTS

threat overwhelming peak of pressure. But the student athletes at PLHS don’t crack under it. Rather, they flourish.

“At state last year, my doubles partner and I finished third,” Boudreau said. “At that moment, all the hard work was worth it.”

This success is emblematic of the tenacity of the Monarchs in general.

Driven by a sense of hometown pride and an undying commitment to competition, the athletes are a formidable foe. No one, certainly not South, will impede on their stomping ground anytime soon.

“Beating Papio South in any sport you play is really a crowning achievement,” Dumont said. “This year, standing around my teammates who had worked just as hard as me to be there, was a great feeling.”

It is moments like these that genuinely define the importance of sports at PLHS and the athletes who give their all to bring pride to the maroon and gold.

“It’s a lot of work, but I would never take any of it back,” Boudreau said. “I’ve been playing sports since I was a kid, and I love what I do.”

Being a three-sport athlete is no easy task. If it was, everyone would be suited up in pads in the stadium or in cleats on the mound each and every Friday night. It takes a special breed of athlete to breech this next level of competition, to face this great undertaking with courage, dedication and greatness.

CALEB FEEKIN The Breakdown SENIOR

6’3”

Varsity Baseball: • Committed to UNL • Plays right field, first base, and pitches left-handed • Ranked 13th in state as of last season Varsity Basketball: • Played as a shooting guard last season • 121 points and 74 rebounds during ‘16-17 season • Shot 32% from 3-pt. range last season Varsity Tennis: • Plays doubles • Puts in an hour and a half each day Favorite Moment: “Winning this summer’s legion baseball league with all of my teammates.”

PHOTO: HANNAH MCQUISTAN

(Source: Max Preps)

NOVEMBER 2017

29

FASTlane

BY PHIL GRADOVILLE

in the

When you finally get to lift that trophy or receive that medal, all the worries in the world go away. Senior Javier Quinones is a captain of the swim team. He is a top competitor in Nebraska high school swimming and is striving to further his career.

“I don’t like to take days off. I live by the saying, ‘If you miss one day, it can set you back and someone else is getting better,’” Quinones said.

Mr. Nick Baker is a teacher at the school and has been coaching swimming for seven years. He sets a strenuous practice for his athletes.

“I put in about 15 hours of practice. If there is a meet then there will be more,” Baker said.

As the captain of the swim team, Quinones is ecstatic about the season coming up and getting back into the pool.

“I [plan] on having a great season,” Quinones said. “I am

GET TO KNOW JAVIER

PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

Swim Captain Javier Quinones juggles school, social life and everyone’s big expectations.

excited to swim and meet my new teammates.”

Quinones works hard throughout the week and strives to get better on a daily basis.

“I practice seven to ten times a week and lift three times a week,” Quinones said.

Baker makes sure everyone, like Quinones, stays in shape. “[I] make sure everyone is staying in shape. A lot of kids swim for a club team during off-season,” Baker said.

Because Quinones did well last year, he is expected to have a strong return this season.

“I don’t think about the pressure.

I try to swim for myself and have fun with the sport,” Quinones said.

However, winning requires time and hard work, and sacrifices have to be made.

“I lost a lot of sleep. [And] just the opportunity to have other hobbies,” Baker said.

Quinones has to adjust his diet; he can only eat certain foods, otherwise he can’t build muscle.

“I try to keep my diet the same by eating lean proteins and high carb meals,” Quinones said.

Along with his diet, it is hard for him to keep his career on a steady path and keep a good social life.

“It’s hard to keep a social life, because I don’t have a lot of time to hang out with friends,” Quinones said.

Most coaches yell to teach their athletes, but Baker isn’t the one who puts pressure on his athletes.

“I try to keep my attitude under control. I try to stay calm and not yell at them,” Baker said, “I make sure they are having fun because there is no point in doing something if it’s not fun.”

Quinones, however, tries to forget about the pressure and just swim.

“I just need to be as good as I can and enjoy the moment,” Quinones said.

With people expecting Quinones to have a tremendous year, he has to try and keep his mind off of people’s opinion and keep it in the pool.

Favorite Event: 100 Free Best Time: 47.90 seconds Years swimming: 5 years PHOTO: ALEXA BUSBY

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THE SCEPTER

PHOTOS: AIDAN CHO Left: Javier Quinones prepares for his event.

Top: Javier Quinones comes up for a breath of air as he races to finish.

SPORTS

that’s a wrap THAT’S A WRAP

BY JAKE WILLIAMS

PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

Students prepare for a possible future career in athletic training.

The ref blows the whistle, signaling the end of the play, but something is wrong. There is a crowd of players surrounding one of their own while he lays on the ground, reeling in pain. The head athletic trainer calls you over to come help him with the injured player.

Athletic trainers have a very important job to make sure the athletes are ready to go for each game and recover from each injury.

The professional trainers at PLHS believe in the students and offer an academy that has a class and internships to help further the goals of these students. “[Athletic training academy] has two levels,” Mrs. Katie Krieger said.

“The first level is an athletic training class and internship and the second

year is all internship.”

The first-year class is designed to give an overview of the field of athletic training and other careers in that profession.

“They learn about different injuries and how to assess and treat them,” Krieger said.

Another way students learn about how to treat and access injuries is by interning with head athletic trainer Marcus Hurrington for a required amount of 70 hours for first year students and 90 hours for the secondyear interns.

“I like the aspect of getting athletes better and helping them,” senior Austin Zimmerer said.

With the amount of injuries that have happened this year, the students were busy.

“This year, just football, we had 17 concussions,” Hurrington said.

The academy’s end goal is to prepare students for college courses about athletic training and physical therapy.

“I really enjoy the class and learning new stuff,” junior Sadie Walker said.

The academy is also structured so that the students will get the experience they need at games as well as in the athletic training room.

“It’s really fun,” Walker said “You learn a lot of things and it is a laid-back environment.”

With the experience they have gained, these future athletic trainers will be ready to go for college and the career they will have after that.

PHOTO: COURTNEY NUSS Left: Senior Austin Zimmerer assists UNO student athletic trainer Christine Center to stretch a Monarch football player before the Papio vs. Fremont game.

PHOTO: EMMA HIGBY Top: First year trainer Tabitha Dedinger offers water to the monarch football players as they take on Lincoln Pius.

PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN Bottom: Second year trainer Austin Zimmerer provides water for the football team.

NOVEMBER 2017

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