PLHS Scepter December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

ISSUE 2 VOLUME 53 WWW.PLPULSE.COM

T HE

SCEPTER A PUBLICATION OF PAPILLION-LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

TABLE OF CONTENTS HAPPENINGS

45 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 &

Community Matters

Get Revved Up for Robotics

They ‘re Hot & They ’re Cold

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They ‘re Hot & They ’re Cold

SPOTLIGHT

Who’s On Your Ballot?

ACTION

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Strength from the Sidelines Fans Take the Loss In The Locker Room

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The Sports You Don’t See Diving In Together Thanksgiving

A&E

The Journey to Find a Job A Lending Hand

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Pit-iful Stereotypes

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Keep On Truckin’

Horoscope/Look Again!

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Horoscope/Look Again!

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OPINION

Trumping the Polls Trumping the Polls

A Lending Hand

Junior David Richardson takes a break in the snow outside the tennis courts.

COVER PHOTO: SAM LAUGHLIN COVER DESIGN: CAMRYN BOWERS

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.

Editor: Laura Kramer Designers: Camryn Bowers Christina Fisher Jordan Murphy Melanie Amweg Editor-in-Chief: Christa Rahl Scepter Editors: Kelley Ryan & Nicole Ludden Ad Managers: John Nelson Alina Cook

Editors: Angela Bober & Brittany Kellner Writers: Alexander Strehle Andrew Hampton Elliott Wolbach Hannah Im Raina Dodge

Monster

STAFF EDITORIAL

S

tress is that pesky pimple that arises the night before picture day. Stress is the beads of sweat and shaky hands as you take that test that will determine your college entrance.

Sometimes, stress is overwhelming exhaustion that overcomes the hours you spent studying. Stress is selfstarvation, or bending over toilet bowls in desperation. Stress is the scars hiding up your shirtsleeve, the lines of release from a world collapsing inward. Stress is those long nights sobbing into your pillow pathetically, because tomorrow is another day of battles you have to fight without armor.

No matter what it manifests itself into; stress inundates the lives of high school students. Whether it is based upon a hundredth of a percentage point to be ranked number one, or receiving enough credits to graduate, it is inevitable.

In small amounts, stress can even be healthy. However, the blatant problem arises in the fact that it is not. The amount of stress that drowns teens daily is damaging.

It is the silent disease that affects everyone roaming the hallways, and oftentimes far more than we are

Editor: Lindsey Lafond Writers: Jonathan Greenfield Alexa Busby Claire Neil Faith Workman Gabby Tingstad Hunter Pombrio Julia Harker Lauren Lafond

Editor: Emma Dargy & Trevor Jurjevich Writers: Brendon Boatwright Hayley Piatkowski Cal Mathison Dylan Nicholson Hannah Cahill Marissa Newman Nathan Gendler Pi Moore

Editor: Will Synowiecki Writers: Cal Mathison Megan Krabbenhoff Lauren Lafond Nathan Gendler Raina Dodge

Editors: CJ Curry & David Chavarria Webmaster: Jake Zink

aware of.

School is no longer a place to receive knowledge: it is a place to receive knowledge better than the person next to you. Students climb the ragged slope to becoming number one; however, some fall off along the way.

According to a poll by the Associated Press, school is the number one super stressor for students between the ages of 13 to 17. There are many reasons why this makes sense.

In their primary developing years, teenagers face heartaches and tragedies that simply trump other aspects in life. No one wants to memorize 50 vocabulary words when they were dumped the night before. No one wants to write a 1000 word essay about a topic that means nothing to them, when their parents are getting a divorce. And no one wants to receive a C- on their paper, when they already feel inadequate in every other aspect of their life.

The pressure students face is serious. The Almanac has printed statistics from the National Institutes of Health revealing a direct correlation between stress and mental disorders. Even more so, 30% of the students they studied face a risk of suicide.

High school consumes four years of our lives, and somehow, it is

PLPulse Writers: Hailey McGuire Kayla Schreck Video: Alina Cook Kassidy Brown

PL PULSE

Editor: Brena Groeper Photographers: Cameron Houser Trevor Lewis

OS OT PH

The Invisible

Editors: Ally Sargus & Sam Laughlin Writers: Emily Lingelbach Megan Krabbenhoft Kassidy Brown Kaylee Penry Trevor Kalal

ON TI AC

DESIGN

the four years we will always look back to. Students not only face the heavy struggles of simply having the word “teen” in their age, but also the lofty impact academics has in itself.

Perhaps one day there will be a brave teacher or superintendent who swoops in to save the day.

Maybe one day, standardized testing won’t be such a strenuous factor of education. Thankfully, the class rank system has been dissolved as of 2020.

But before anyone comes to save us, we have to save ourselves. We have to stop putting so much pressure on ourselves and on each other.

The hallways run rampant with the invisible monster of stress, and everyone is dealing with it in different ways. Why are we letting it destroy us?

Instead of feeling bad that the person next to you got a better grade on their test, remember that he or she struggles just as much as you do, just in different ways. We are all trying to shove ourselves into the same mold, and some of us just fit better than others.

If we support each other, and fight through the chaos knowing that we are not alone, we will win.

We are stronger than stress, and the moment we realize this, that horrific monster that consumes us all will coward away. We can, and we will beat it.

Making Students share their experiences with applying for Scholarships.

Happen

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Apply to as many scholarships as possible.

HAPPENINGS

Grace Chambers

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SPOTLIGHT

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BY ALEXA BUSBY

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College

Make sure you know your deadlines.

Make sure you give them everything you’ve got

Gabby Roberts

Dylan Ashby

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OPINION

College. The word raises different emotions for people. Some people can’t afford it, some just can’t go, some people just don’t want to go. Most people, who do choose to go, are in search for scholarships such as the Goodrich and Buffett scholarships.

According to the Buffett Scholarship’s website, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation College Scholarship, Buffett has offered scholarships to Nebraska students for more than 50 years.

The Buffett Scholarship is awarded to freshmen that are residents of Nebraska and graduates of a Nebraska high school.

Senior Grace Chambers applied for the Buffet Scholarship because she “wants to go to college and without a scholarship like this, or any scholarships, it wouldn’t be a

DECEMBER 2015

reality.”

According to the unomaha website the Goodrich Scholarship has allowed more than 1,500 students to complete a first-class education at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) since 1972. Many recipients are the first in their families to attend college.

Applying for a scholarship can be stressful but counselors are always there to help out.

“We help [students] throughout the whole process and we have several steps,” Counselor Ms. Ann Herbener said.

Doing extracurricular activities can help students build up a better resume. Most of the time scholarships ask what students do outside of school.

“All of the weight is relieved when a scholarship comes in,”

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Chambers said. “It is seriously the greatest feeling.”

Senior Gabby Roberts applied for both Goodrich and Buffett scholarships. She is planning on going to either UNO or UNL depending on which scholarship she gets.

“More students apply to Buffett because it goes to more schools,” Herbener said.

Many students find out about the Buffet and Goodrich scholarships on the Family Connections website.

“There is a Scholarship out there for everybody,” Herbener said.

Even though there are problems that get into student’s ways, scholarships are there to help students with the money problems and to not get into debt.

THE SCEPTER

Never Forget

Honor and sacrifice have lots of meanings, but for many students here at PLHS it applies to the courage and bravery their family members have faced to go and fight for this country.

A new memorial honoring veterans has been built in Halleck Park as a token of thanks for all those that have fought for peace in the community.

“All veterans should be recognized because they have served our country,” junior Chris Luedtke said. “They should be respected because they are giving their lives and time for us.”

Students with military backgrounds support the memorial and everything it means to veterans and their families. The memorial is a great way to remember those that never came home.

“It’s nice to remember the fallen,” Luedtke said.

Veterans that have lived in, were stationed in, or educated in Sarpy County can purchase a name space for $200. There are two monuments that can hold names but more names can be added later.

There are nine flags flying over the memorial. It includes the American flag, the five different branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast

HAPPENINGS

The Papillion community recognizes its fallen heroes in Halleck Park.

BY ALEXANDER STREHLE PHOTOS: CAMERON

Guard), state flag, and the POW and MIA flags.

Proceeds will go towards new additions to the park. The memorial is on E Halleck St and S Monroe St in Halleck Park.

This memorial is a great way to educate the community about all the military families surrounding us.

“It’s always great to recognize the military people in your community and let them and their families know that their work is appreciated,” senior Shay Ryan said.

Seeing a name on a monument helps humanize this country’s soldiers and veterans. It helps people relate to the veterans and say thank you.

One of the monuments bearing veterans names stands in Halleck Park.

SPOTLIGHT

The nine flags fly high to represent each all veterans.

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ACTION

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OPINION

Restarting the Cycle The recycling program is not running, but students are looking for a chance to start it again.

BY RAINA DODGE

PLHS runs on paper: paper tests, paper notes, paper notebooks, and paper textbooks. Yet all of that paper seems to go straight to the trash after the semester ends. But if PLHS were to recycle, old notebooks and quizzes could see new life.

Students of PLHS are committed to the recycling effort. Many recycle at home, and more still would recycle if they had the chance. Those who cannot recycle themselves seek out friends or teachers who will recycle for them.

Freshman Jaydn Hoover and sophomore Chris Whitfield are among students who believe the school’s recycling program should be restarted. Though they think the program was cancelled due to a lack of funding, they see a benefit in restarting it.

“It’s better for the environment,” Hoover said. “Instead of throwing out enough bottles to go around the Earth, we should recycle them.”

As a member of Green Team, senior Huyen-Yen Hoang is very concerned with the state of the environment. She feels that the program could be restarted with the help of a teacher or the dedication of students.

Some teachers, like Mrs. Cyndi

DECEMBER 2015

Berve, have been doing their own recycling since the old program shut down. She cites concern for the environment as her motivation.

“We have a finite amount of resources , so we need to save them,” Berve said.

Ms. Samantha Deck and her students were in charge of the program from 2009 until it was cancelled. However, it was cancelled due to inconsistencies with the recycling company, not a lack of support from the school.

“I feel that the school supported us well,” Thacker said. “The teachers were all very gracious and willing.”

Several clubs have contemplated starting their own recycling programs. The Green Team has discussed the idea, and Skills USA had planned to do so as a service project. However, obstacles like leadership and budget have kept this from becoming a reality.

“The cost of recycling versus the benefit was too much,” said Mr. Dana Janssen, the Skills USA sponsor. “We would have to pay to recycle.”

Though there are many obstacles in the way, PLHS students see a future in recycling. With some hard work, the cycle may be started once again.

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A wide assortment of trash is thrown out every day at PLHS. By recycling this trash, the school could reduce waste while helping the environment.

Monarch Minutes Goodbye, Class Rank

The class of 2020 will be the first to graduate without a valedictorian. Instead, they will be ranked by their academic achievements, such as their GPA. College counselor Mrs. Ann Herbener believes that this change will take focus off of a number that means nothing in college. This will give all students a chance to show off their unique talents.

Show Choir Preview

The PLHS show choirs are hosting a preview performance on January 2nd in the auditorium. After rehearsing for hours each week, all three groups will be performing their shows. Junior Free Spirit member Ambi Anuh-Ndumu calls their show “a force to be reckoned with” and invites fellow students to come see their friends perform.

THE SCEPTER

What’s Happening in

H SA?

The HOSA club is preparing for an upcoming year filled with events.

BY ELLIOTT WOLBACH

Tomorrows health professionals start today. HOSA is a service club that is provided at PLHS. HOSA is a national organization for students that are interested in healthcare, and stands for Health Occupations Students of America. Here at PLHS, our very own HOSA service club is helping to save lives and improve our community’s well-being. Mr. Scott Curry is the sponsor for HOSA at PLHS.

“HOSA is a way for students to help out their community in a healthy fashion,” Curry said.

HOSA also helps students explore different careers in the medical field such as nursing and health care. There are three different HOSA chapters in Papillion, Health Academy, Papillion La-Vista South,

HAPPENINGS

and PLHS. The PLHS chapter of HOSA has about 25-35 students. These students range from freshman to seniors but they are all dedicated about what they want to do. Isabella Walker is a senior that has been involved with HOSA for three years.

She is currently the president of HOSA club at PLHS. Together with the other members, they meet every other Tuesday in Mr. Curry’s room at 7:30 in the morning to discuss important matters.

“Also we usually discuss the upcoming HOSA events, like blood drives or conferences” Walker said. “Sometimes we will have guest speakers come in and talk about their jobs in the medical field.”

HOSA participates in a whole host of events ranging from

SPOTLIGHT

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Blood drives to volunteering at hospital functions. Also HOSA is involved with the Adopt-A-Family charity with an annual fundraiser to help those who are less fortunate.

In the past HOSA has also raised money for charity by selling items like the wrist bands. Recently HOSA had hosted a blood drive at PLHS on Dec. 20.

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OPINION

The GIVING Season

“It went very smooth, we got a decent number of people,” Walker said. “Hopefully the second blood drive will meet or exceed the number of donations.

An upcoming event that HOSA is going to is a conference in Norfolk, Ne. Each year HOSA goes to various conferences to learn about the medical field. These conferences are all a little different from each other as Walker explains.

“Conferences usually have a lot of quest speakers in different medical fields,” Walker said. “Also they have different sections to go to that have things that teach skills like CPR or sections that talk about different things that people would use and how to use them in the medical field.”

HOSA is an organization to join if you are thinking of following

DECEMBER 2015

an occupation in the medical field.

Also it provides a great opportunity for students to have access to knowledge, skills and leadership development, helping them to meet the needs of the medical field.

“My favorite part of being in HOSA is being able to teach people about the different careers that are available in the medical field and helping those who are undecided about what they want to go on to become,” Walker said.

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Snow falling, family gathered around inside with holiday decorations hanging. The holiday season has come and many are looking forward to receiving gifts.

But giving is also on some minds.

On November 20, PLHS students had the opportunity to save lives through the Red Cross blood drive, hosted by HOSA. This year’s goal of one hundred and ten donors was reached but due to the numbers turned down, the target for donations was not met.

“There were a total of ninety donation,” HOSA sponsor Mr. Scott Curry said. “That’s two hundred and seventy lives saved.”

Preparations for the drive went under way about a month before the actual event.

“We started by communicating with the Red Cross,” HOSA board member, Lauren Dominello said. “Then we signed donors up during lunch and wrote passes for everyone who was going to miss class.”

HOSA members had the largest role in keeping the blood drive running smoothly throughout the day.

“We [the HOSA members] mostly walked donors over to the canteen, or rest area,” Dominello said.

Overall the blood drive successfully gave gifts of life for many in need this holiday season.

THE SCEPTER

“ “ School isn’t as bad as most people think it is Nick Gay

Grace McAuliff

Finding classes, deciding where to sit at lunch and choosing an outfit for the day. These are a few struggles that freshmen deal with everyday. It may seem like a lot, but just wait until senior year.

Seniors deal with getting the ACT score that they want, picking a college, and achieving their goals for their grades at the end of the year.

“Trying to study and stay on task while doing my homework is the hardest thing I deal with at school this year,” freshman Nick Gay said. “Geometry is my hardest class.”

Along with harder classes, there is more expected of older students.

“My hardest class is AP Calculus and trying to stay on top of the days I missed,” senior Sam Woodruff said.

Even though senior year is typically harder, freshmen sometimes have more hours of homework every night.

“I spend about an hour every night doing homework,” Freshman Grace Mcauliff said.

Senior Liz Rollin spends less

HAPPENINGS

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This year I dress up all day everyday

Sam Woodruff

time than Mcauliff doing homework, she spends thirty minutes at the most. One reason why seniors can have less homework is because of late start or early release.

As students go through high school levels of motivation fluctuate.

“I am just as motivated as I was freshman year,” Rollin said. “I slacked off sophomore and junior year, and now I am more studious because I know how important it is.”

Gay has been motivated so far throughout his freshman year.

He said high school is not as bad as some people think.

“I am less motivated,” Woodruff said. “I could think of a million things I would rather do than go to school.”

On the other side, Rollin loves senior year. She only has four classes, and likes all of them along with her teachers.

Everyone has their own preferences on whether they like to dress nice or more casually for school.

Mcauliff tends to dress up around once or twice a week.

“I dress up once a week or

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“ “ Overall this year has been more fun than last year.”

F S R E E S N H I M O A R N

ACTION

maybe twice,” Rollin said. “Freshman year, I literally had to wear makeup everyday, and now I don’t care at all.”

All high school students have felt the struggle of waking up for school in the morning. Gay usually gives himself around an hour of getting ready in the morning by waking up at 6:45.

With tons of homework, waking up early, and hard classes, Woodruff has a self-diagnosed case of senioritis, along with others. “ In some ways I have senioritis,” Rollin said. “I see how much fun and freedom my friends in college are having and it makes me want to be done with high school completely.”

Whether some believe it or not, years do seem to fly by while in high school.

“I remember being a freshman like it was yesterday,” Rollin said. “I thought all the seniors had everything figured out and were so old, and now I’m one of those seniors.”

A&E

OPINION

Title PLHS students Jaden Armes and Lesley Robles travel from outside the district to attend school.

BY GABBY TINGSTAD

It is 7:45; your final alarm rings and you rush out of bed, you have overslept, yet again. You scramble to find something to wear, frantically brush your teeth, and run down the stairs.

It is 7:50; you are searching for both your backpack and shoes while simultaneously trying to find a quick breakfast to go.

It is 7:53; you are finally in your car and speeding the entire half mile it takes to get to school.

It is 7:59; you are inside the school and speed walking to class.

The final bell rings as you slide into your seat, once again, barely making it on time.

Now, imagine doing this routine 45 minutes earlier, and 10 miles away.

There are two types of

students: those who live close to the school permitting a quick drive, walk or ride or the students who get up a little earlier, just to get going, sometimes across the city to arrive at school on time.

When deciding which school to attend, most students base the decision on the proximity in which they live from the school. A majority of students live close to five minutes away, allowing a quick commute.

Although this is the case for most students, seniors Lesley Robles and Jadin Armes live out of the district and about 25 to 30 minutes away from PLHS.

Robles lives in South Omaha but has attended school in Papillion since Pre-K. Before she could drive, she had to wake up at 5 in the morning to go to her aunt’s house,

and a few years later started to take Papio Transport.

“The hardest part of living far away was having to wake up earlier than everyone else just to get to school,” Robles said.

As for Armes, living in Council Bluffs did not stop her from attending PLHS. Despite the 30-minute commute, she feels as though attending Papio has given her many opportunities that she would not have received otherwise.

PLHS is a place that offers a variety of different clubs and sports to get involved in outside of school.

Some may think that living far away might alter their ability to participate in these activities but both Robles and Armes disagree.

“I don’t think it effects being in clubs,” Robles said. “I like to attend the games, but most of the time I work when I’m not in school.”

Although it may be challenging living outside of the district, Robles and Armes are thankful to have attended PLHS.

“I like being a Monarch,” Armes said. “I couldn’t imagine what it would be like going anywhere else.”

Explanation of map

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THE SCEPTER

ART IS HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

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OPINION

Art can be demonstrated in many ways, some examples are drawing, or painting. Seniors Jacob Crawford, Tori Stengel and Shane Sedlak each have their unique definition of art.

An interest in are can come at any age, whether it be 8, 27, or 59. Art can be a truly unique talent and hobby for an individual.

Expressing art can come in any way, shape, or form, Crawford takes a different approach to show his artistic style.

“I express my art in a lot of different ways like martial arts, my clothing, and of course, my artwork,” Crawford said.

Art can be a very timeconsuming activity, taking many hours to finish just one project.

With art being so tedious, it is difficult to see the relaxation it can provide.

“I like to use art as a way to relax,” Stengel said. “It really just brings peace to me.”

With so many details going into a work of art, someone can focus on any detail they want, thus providing many meanings for the individual.

“I love all the different interpretations you can get,” Sedlak said.

“You can interpret a piece of art in any way.”

Of course, with being an artist, there is a difficulty choosing just one type of art to work on.

“I started with charcoal design and loved it,” Crawford said.

“Now, I do a bit of digital design.”

There is always a reason behind the artist’s work of art, some are very telling, others are not.

“My art reflects my views on political and social issues,” Sedlak said.

With completing so many

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projects, there is always one work of art that will always be remembered most by the artist, this is especially true in Crawford’s case.

“My most memorable, and most difficult was my drawing of a Lamborghini,” Crawford said.

“It took me close to nine hours to complete.”

Discovering the main influence of an artist can be found anywhere, media, politics or family, the choices are endless.

Sedlak said he was greatly influenced by Led Zeppelin and The Beatles due to their unique message in their music.

The influence of art can shape they way the artist’s style for a extended period of time, but the artist will enjoy it the entire time.

Art can be interpreted many ways. For Crawford, Stengel and Sedlak it is a way to get out of their comfort zones and enjoy life doing it.

THE SCEPTER

WHEN WINTER COMES HAPPENINGS

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ACTION

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OPINION

It’s cold, snowy and it gets dark out at 5:30. For some people it’s their favorite season, but for others, it can bring struggles and hardships. It’s winter.

While some love the snowy and frost filled nights of winter, others not only hate it, but actually get depressed during the colder months.

More than 3 million people in the United States struggle with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It is also commonly referred to as seasonal depression.

“It’s depression that occurs at the same time every year,” Junior Annie Plumb who struggles with seasonal depression said. “In simple terms for my case, I get sad when winter comes.”

Seasonal depression affects people dramatically during the winter months because there is less sunlight, so people get less vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin for mental health.

Plumb has found ways to get

more vitamin D during the winter and deal with her seasonal depression.

“Even though it sounds weird, tanning makes me happy,” Plumb said. “It’s like a little heaven for when you’re sad.”

Tanning and light therapy are common treatments for seasonal depression to get more vitamin D in the person’s body and help with some of the sadness.

“Light therapy tricks the brain into thinking the body is getting sunlight,” Mrs. Vern Davis PLHS psychologist said. “It’s a light box you sit in front of and it eventually makes you feel better.”

Seasonal depression can be self diagnosed and symptoms are shown by displaying feelings of fatigue, social withdrawal, and unexplained sadness. But, as Mrs. Davis explains, “everyone experiences it in different ways.”

Just like normal depression, everyone handles it differently and

can display different symptoms.

“There were a lot of nights spent crying alone in my room and I had no idea why,” Plumb said. “But over time I just found what made me happy and eventually when spring came, I felt happier again.”

Seasonal depression can affect anyone and should be taken seriously. Plumb explains that “it isn’t a joke and it is offensive when people don’t take it seriously.”

It is important for anyone who thinks they could have seasonal depression to get help.

“People often brush it off, but it is a real thing,” Ms.Davis said.

“It can be treated and no one should have to deal with this kind of sadness.”

Plumb knows from experience that “it is 100% possible to feel better” and mental illnesses are “not something to be ashamed of.”

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DECEMBER 2015

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THE SCEPTER

“So

Shines

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Some students e spend th holidays d oo doing g or deeds f need. those in

Good

Deed

in a

WEARY

Winter holidays: the time for giving and receiving. Unfortunately, there are those who aren’t as fortunate to receive as much as others.

Many students spend time reaching out to the community in order to give to the people who may BY HAN need receiving, either on occasion or JONAT on a regular basis. Whether it is for ELD volunteer hours or for the pleasure I F N E E GR of giving, these students are willing to sacrifice their time in order to spread joy to others.

Junior Colby Nary tutors students from first to sixth grade at Saint Thomas Moore Catholic School after school every Monday through Thursday.

“I get to help kids continue their knowledge through my high school experience,” Nary said.

For two hours every afternoon, Nary interacts with the younger students in order to continue their growth in school.

“When I’m not teaching, I’m reading to the younger kids or playing games with the older ones,” Nary said.

Junior Eli Thompson and his family do many volunteer activities, though they do a few on a regular basis.

“[I volunteer at] a place called Empty Tomb Ministries,” Thompson said. “[There are] a bunch of homeless people and we serve them food.”

Once a month, the Thompsons help feed the homeless and needy while sharing their love for their religion.

“To get the food, they will go upstairs to a church service while we prepare the meal,” Thompson said. “When they’re done, they come down and we serve them trays of food.”

Thompson and Nary impact these people’s lives tremendously through their actions, but what

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ACTION

others may not know is that the people also impact their lives.

“There was this first grader I helped out and when I walked in, he yelled my name, ran over, and gave me a hug,” Nary said. “It makes me feel happy and somewhat satisfied since I’m helping out the future generation.”

Thompson embraced his younger, more naïve side in order to connect and make memories with the children at the ministry.

“One time, I got to color pictures with the little kids there and they tried to draw pictures of me in various shades of crayon,” Thompson said.

Volunteering isn’t meant to have reward in return for the work given, but these students feel like they’ve received all the reward they needed.

“I get a very satisfying happiness from it afterwards. It counts as service hours and it helps me have a good impact on the community. I got a t-shirt for doing it,” Thompson said.

Nary finds his job rewarding in almost the same exact way Thompson does.

“My reward is happiness and I’m also doing it for my college resume and volunteer hours,” Nary said.

Nary finds joy in “helping guide” his students so they can “prepare themselves for higher grades.” He believes that his actions can “let others know that there is good in this world.”

The good deeds done by the many members of the community not only impact the ones receiving, but also the ones giving. With everyone’s help, the people of the community can grow closer to one another and find joy in helping others.

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OPINION

New Year New Opportunity

When it starts to get cold out and the end of the semester is nearing, that means basketaball season is here. For some high school students it also means grueling practices and weekends filled with games, but it’s all worth it.

The Monarch boys and girls basketball programs are both having a fun season so far.The girl’s team just got a new head coach in Josh Siske, and many new coaches assisting him with the varsity and coaching the lower levels. Everyone is very excited for this new season and the possibilities it will bring.

“This season I think our team will work together really well,” sophomore Lexi Harrison said. “I think we have really good chemistry and can excel under Siske’s coaching.”

Good practices are one of the key elements to having a great season. They need to be high energy and intense, so when the games come around everyone is used to that high level of play.

HAPPENINGS

The Monarch boy and girls basketball program are both having a good start to the season

BY HAYLEY PIATKOWSKI

“Our practice is really intense and always go, go, go,” junior Hannah McCarville said. “We run a lot and work very hard.”

On the boys side of the program they have many of the same coaches from last year except for a few coaches. The boys ended the season 15-9 last year, but are hoping for more this season.

“This season will be A1; We’re expected to prove people wrong,” said senior Chad Lechtenberg.

The boys lost six important seniors from last year and that will have a big affect on the team this year. Ayo Baker, the primary point guard will be returning, along with forward Ed Chang , shooting gaurd Chad Lechtenberg and guard Isaac Hiebert who got injured last year and didn’t get to play for most of the season.

“I’m excited because I haven’t got to play a game in over a year and I just love basketball,”said Hiebert.

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Both the boys and girls programs are ready and excited for this upcoming season.

“I think this season will be great; We’ve got a group of guys that love each other,” Hiebert said.

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OPINION

Ballin’

The Rise of a star, Ed Chang.

By: NATE GENDLER

When people think of Papillion La-Vista basketball players one of the first ones who come’s to mind is Sophomore Ed Chang. Chang at 6’ 7’’, is just a sophomore and has more room to grow physically and in the game.

With offers flowing in from different colleges around the country, Chang is always swamped in letters and recruiting information.

Add in the practices, school work, and life in general, and you have a lot of time spent. Despite all this, Chang still finds time to simply play the game he loves, just being himself with a court and a ball.

When not playing for Papillion La-Vista, Ed is playing for other offseason teams around the metro and the Midwest.

“I play for Mokan Elite, a Nike sponsored team in Kansas City.” Chang said.

“They help a lot because we play against the top players of each class.” Chang looks forward to continue competing with the Mokan basketball team.

While playing for these great Mid-western teams, Chang also gets much attention from colleges in and around the area.

“I have been hearing from California at Los Angeles, Stanford, Wichita State, Creighton, Nebraska and South Dakota.”

Chang said. “Hopefully I will play Division-I basketball and possibly professional.”

HAPPENINGS

With big personal and long-term goals, Chang also expects to have a monster career here at Papillion La-Vista. His goals reach further then just himself, also wanting to have a team full of class-act athletes.

“My expectations are to be the best I can be, become more of a leader and to be the best teammate a teammate could ask for” Chang said.

Although in his sophomore year, Chang will become a huge component for success in this year, and the continuing years for Monarch basketball.

All of the goals set have to be achieved by Chang and the team by putting in work in the off-season, continuing to push, and being relentless in the pursuit of restoring the crown, back in Papio.

“My off-season is tough.”

Chang said. “What drove me through it is the fact that I can become a D-I player, and not many people get the chance to do that.”

With hard work, usually comes a pay off at some point down the line. For Chang and the Monarch basketball squad, they hope to compete, get to, and win state in the near future.

“I think we have a good chance,” Chang said. “We’ll have a lot of people who can contribute to the team, but we will have to see what the future holds.”

As a teammate, Chang needs to fit, and find his groove into the

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team, and he has done just that.

“I would describe Ed as essential to the game; he has everything, all parts.” Teammate BJ Deng said. “He is extremely hype, and has lots of energy; he is a terrific team player.”

With that the future sounds bright and encouraging. Chang is young, and talented. There may be some mistakes along the way that shouldn’t happen, and some ordeals that seemed unreal to pull off for a player this young. But this is all part of the learning curvature of a young player.

Players like Chang will need to boost morale, play hard, and learn from their mistakes. With three seasons left, Chang feels ready to unleash the beast.

Chang looks to throw down on the hoop, displaying his skills and height.

Photos: BRENA GROEPER

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OPINION

College Choices: Creighton Stanford UCLA UNL USD

Wichita St.

Chang, mid-dunk, hopes to make statements like these in games in the next few years, while playing for the Monarchs.

DECEMBER 2015

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THE SCEPTER

TOUGH california love The Monarch wrestling team recieves a new head coach, Braumon Creighton.

BY PI MOORE

A

new school year usually comes with new teachers, students, and coaches. Wrestling coach Braumon Creighton came all the way from Palo Alto, California, to coach the Monarch wrestling team.

“I love being on the high school campus and I love my new program so far,” Creighton said.

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Moving from another state can be a thrilling yet challenging experience. As the novelty wears off, the ongoing adjustments continue.

“It’s been challenging for my family and me,” Creighton said. “We are still adjusting.”

There are many differences between California and Nebraska, but only a few that brought coach Creighton here: family and friends, and better wrestling.

“The kids are awesome,” Creighton said. “I love them already.”

Coach Creighton was a wrestler as well as a coach. He wrestled at Millard North and UNO. He was a high school undefeated State Champion, 4x NCAA DII All-American, 2x NCAA National Champion, 1999 Omaha Sportscaster Athlete of the Year, and was in the NCAA DII Hall of Fame.

“My one goal left is to become a master motivator,” Creighton said.

Besides his accomplishments as a wrestler, his coaching career is just as impressive. In the past he was a National Team coach for California and Nebraska, a

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Junior World Team coach in 2012, and an Olympic Training Center instructor.

“I enjoy affecting young people,” Creighton said.

Creighton was coached by “The Great Mike Denney” in his years.

“He impacted and affected the way that I coach,” Creighton said.

“Although, I still want to be more patient and become more of an expert with arm bars.”

Each coach brings their own individual style and ideas along with their strengths that help develop a program.

“We need to improve our training habit and mentality this year,” Creighton said.

Coach Creighton is anxiously waiting to see how the hard work that the boys have put in pays off as the season progresses.

“We will be in the thick of it!”

Creighton said.

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OPINION

suplexing stereotypes Female wrestler, Allison Shuster is determed to succed on the mat.

BY NATE GENDLER

Many people think of wrestlers as your average teenage boy, who has the usual feisty personality, who comes to school wearing a shirt and sweatpants, but this wrestler is far from that; she is a nice eleventh grade girl. Yes a girl.

Allicyn Schuster is a kind soul, and daughter of a Police officer.

Just like her mother, Schuster is in an unusual place for girls, but still excels with flying colors compared to her male counterparts.

“I came from a kick boxing background so wrestling wasn’t much different,” Schuster said. “As I’ve grown it has gotten harder with strength and technique.”

Wrestling has many struggles already, one would think that being a girl would make these harder to overcome.

“Physically and mentally wrestling is hard,” Shuster said. “I just ignore the criticism I get for being a girl wrestler.”

Emma Randal, team USA women’s assistant wrestling coach helped in the progress of Schuster becoming the wrestler that she is now.

“She helped me the most and taught me how to become a better wrestler at the training center,” Schuster said.

So what now for Schuster?

Heck, what now for women in men’s sports? Maybe you will see a girl playing football or lacrosse. After all it is 2015 and after all times are changing, with people like Schuster spearheading the way.

DECEMBER 2015

Absolutely Her Ad Goes Here!

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THE SCEPTER

Running Towards

Being able to get five hours of homework done is a chore and takes a lot of time out of every ones day, but getting it all done while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, participating in multiple sports and a multitude of extracurricular activities is a back breaking task.

Senior Courtney Pickering is one of these extraordinary student athletes who has graciously accepted the overwhelming amount of responsibility. All of her hard work did not go unnoticed, as she was selected as the Wendy’s Heisman award winner for the state of Nebraska.

“When I found out I was a state winner I was

HAPPENINGS

really happy,” Pickering said. “I wasn’t expecting to get anything so this was very exciting.”

Though she may not have guessed that she would be a state winner, teachers all around the school saw the potential that Pickering had.

“I definitely thought Courtney deserved it,” guidance counselor Ann Herbener said.

“She’s the whole package.”

Through the entire process of filling out the arduous application, Pickering had family, friends, and teachers to help her showcase how involved she is in the community and the school.

“My parents helped me fill out the application

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Recognition and Mrs. Herbener filled out a recommendation for me,” Pickering said.

All the help she got and all the work she did not only was an exciting moment for Pickering, but for the school, cross country team, and track team as well.

“I am extremely excited for Courtney, the XC program, and the community,” athletic director Jason Ryan said. “She is the first finalist in a long time and our schools first state winner.”

Being the first to win an award is a hard thing to do, but once done, it can help pave a path for other students to become just as likely to

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win the award.

“Because of the publicity, other students will know about it and I will be able to use her as example to show other kids that filling out scholarship applications is worth it,” Herbener said.

Even now, Pickering continues to impress many, and paves a path for the large number of students with the same potential and aspiration as her.

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OPINION

Going places

Senior athletes commit to different colleges to continue their athletic careers.

BY DYLAN NICHOLSON

Alexis Howe Sport: Softball College: Nebraska at Kearney “I really liked the coach and atmosphere at Kearney.”

Colin Chick Sport: Baseball College: Wayne State “I’m going to have to work really hard to earn a role on the team but I was up for the challenge.”

Katie Stephens Sport: Volleyball College: Wayne State “I loved the feel of the college and the coach was a huge reason I committed to play there,”

Sam Dellinger Sport: Softball College: Creighton “'I feel comfortable around the coaches and always enjoyed going to their camps and games, the atmosphere is

great.”

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Ben Broderick Sport: Golf College: Webster “I decided to commit to Webster because I liked the golf coach and I have the opportunity to play right away.”

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The Need to Feed

VARIOUS ATHELTES OF PLHS HAVE TO FOLLOW SPECIFIC DIETS IN ORDER TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THIER SEASON

BY BRENDON BOATWRIGHT

The required diets for some sports can be very strict, and need every single calorie to be counted. In other sports, however, athletes can chow down on every single piece of food they set their eyes on.

Athletes at PLHS also have to follows these rules so they can be prepared for their specific sports.

Some sports such as swimming and wrestling require tough, locked down diets that allow little sway from anything other than healthy foods. Junior swimmer Danny George has a strict diet that he has to follow.

“I eat a lot of protein rich foods and avoid fatty foods,” George said. “I also eat a lot of carbs in the form of rice, bread, and potatoes.”

Junior wrestler Jake Dinges is another athlete in the school who also has to watch what he eats with absolute precision.

He enjoys eating vegetables and fruits while cutting out sugary foods

HAPPENINGS

from his diet.

Although some diets may require deep concentration and a strong will to follow them, a varsity lineman’s diet does not. Senior football player Alex Atkinson is a member of the “line” and does not have to watch what he eats as much.

“Being a lineman and a heavyweight wrestler, my diet isn’t strict,” Atkinson said. “It usually consists of making sure I eat enough to keep on size.”

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Even with all of the restrictive diets and calorie counts, these athletes do have some break days and eat what they enjoy most.

“My favorite meals usually come on Fridays because it is the day I can eat whatever I want,” George said. “The foods I eat range from carbs, proteins, and even whole tubs of ice cream.”

Dinges enjoys “steak because it is full of protein and is a very filling meal” during his free day.

“My favorite meal is probably PB&J because it is always my pregame meal and I feel ready to go after some,” Atkinson said.

By following their own specific diets these athletes can put themselves in the best position to be ready for their sports. All of the energy they need comes from their specific diets and with those they can preform to their upmost ability.

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OPINION

The Improv Team performs ‘party quirks’ at Monarchs on Stage.

PHOTOS BY: KELLEY RYAN

Scenarios Simple The PLHS Improv Team shares what makes their group a team.

BY JULIA HARKER

You are throwing a party. A tupperware party to be exact. The guests of the night include Hillary Clinton, a cactus, a stalker, a bandaid and a sea horse. The goal of your party is to figure out these guests using intellect and wit.

Members of the Improv Team, H3O use perceptive comprehension to perform improv games for audiences.

An improv team is a group of students who perform in scenes together without scripts, using quick thinking skills.

“Since joining the team last year, I have become more comfortable on stage and am able to perform without the restraints of a script,” sophomore Joseph Silknitter said.

Outside of school, the group practices to work on strengths such as communication and fast thinking.

“We practice by playing games,” senior Alaina DeLeo said.

“We play games that help us become for alert. Half of us play, while the other half watches. Then, we talk about how we could improve in the scene Practicing is important, so they can be ready to perform. The team doesn’t perform very often so

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when they do, every moment counts.

“We perform at many different events,” Silknitter said. “Our highlights of the year include the ITS festival, Celebrate Creativity, and Monarchs on Stage.”

Improv is an art that can help in many different aspects inside and outside of theatre.

“Outside of theatre, improv has helped me in various interviews because I am able to communicate well on the spot,” DeLeo said. “It is also applicable to drama because improv requires fun, over the top characters, which helps me onstage.”

Although there are many good actors when it comes to improv, there are a few things that make it a difficult art to master.

“My least favorite part about improv is probably the fear that I would get a prompt I don’t know or understand,” DeLeo said. “Because it’s improv, it is impossible to guess what I could be portraying.”

Overall, improv takes a lot of time and patience to master. But once it is achieved, it has endless benefits.

“I love the environment and the endless creative possibilities it allows,” Silknitter said.

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What’s the funniest thing you have ever said or Done... [as Ameilia Earhart] “I’m sorry I’m late for the party! I got lost.”-Joey Silknitter “I don’t know what globes are.”

-Matthew DeHaai [as a stalker] “Look a band-aid.

DNA!”-Camryn Bowers “I had to pretend to be an emoji. It was really fun to recreate the different faces and object.”-Caylin Choquette “Offictur, atum ut quam escia vel incipsu.”-Hannah Mollinelli

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OPINION

Stringingthe Lights The story behind the house with the dazzling Christmas light display.

BY KAYLEE PENRY

The holiday season is a time for giving, loving and spreading holiday cheer. Some people spread more cheer than others, like Marc and Deb Hansen. You may know them better as the owners of the house that completely decks out with Christmas lights that flash to various Christmas songs every year.

The couple lives on 10417 Elm Hurst 109th street in Portal Ridge. Hansen has been doing this for over thirty years, and started the computerized part around fifteen years ago. He plans on passing the tradition to one of his sons, but does not plan on stopping any time soon.

“I always loved seeing the lights as a kid when my father did it, so I wanted to do it as well for the kids to enjoy,” Hansen said.

Putting up the display is not easy though. The Hansens have invested nearly $30,000 over the years, leaving around 60,000 lights and enough decorations to make the display different every single year.

Along with costs, it takes a lot of time to make everything work well.

“I usually take three weeks of vacation, starting around Halloween to put it all up, and we usually turn on all of the lights on Thanksgiving night,” Hansen said.

With all of this effort and dedication, many people wonder what they do this for. The answer is the sheer joy of people.

“We usually try to play

HAPPENINGS

Santa and Mrs. Clause on Friday and Saturday nights and hand out candy to the kids,” Hansen said. “That way, we can interact with the people, and that’s really what it is all about.”

Hansen also mentioned that they have received multiple awards, and that people sometimes think that when he is handing out candy canes that he is asking for donations.

He wanted to assure people that’s not what it is about at all; it is about the joy of the people.

“We have had two marriage proposals in our front yard, and that’s very cool to see happen because of our display. We also have had busses and limos come by full of people watching the lights go to the music,” Hansen said.

The Hansens have been very loyal to their decorating every year for the past thirty years, except for

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one.

“We only did not put the lights up one year when we were moving between houses and we were living in an apartment around Christmas time. It was a rough year,” Hansen said.

Hansen is retiring in the spring, and says that he will have more time to improve on the display and how it will work. They also say that next year will be different and bigger because of the amount of time they will have to spend on it.

Looking at Christmas lights is a fun activity for many families to do during the holiday season, and most people make sure to stop by the Hansen’s house to enjoy the display they work so very hard on for the people of Papillion and La Vista to enjoy.

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OPINION

Wintertainment Activities

BY KASSIDY BROWN

Dec. 28

LaVista Holiday Wintertainment Dec. 20 Dec. 29

Christmas at Union Station

The Beatles Yesterday and Today Dec. 21 Tribute Show

Elf! The Musical Dec. 30 Dec. 22

Ice skating

Christmas movie marathon Dec. 31 Dec. 23 New Years Eve

Holiday Lights Festival downtown Jan. 1 Dec. 24

New Years Day

Christmas Eve Jan. 2 Dec. 25 Shopping

Christmas Day Jan. 3 Dec. 26

Take down the tree

Exchange gifts Jan. 4 Dec. 27

Get ready for school

Eat leftovers

To Tree or not to Tree

BY ALLY SARGUS

Live Christmas Trees

vs

Artificial Christmas Trees

Pros • Fresh scent • Many selections to choose from • More traditional • Takes in carbon dioxide and releases fresh oxygen into the air • Embodies real Christmas spirit

Pros • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Needles are sharp Constantly needs to be watered Getting them into the house Sheds needles Disposing of them afterwards

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Less of a hassle Reusable each year Shape them the way you want No maintenance necessary Sturdier branches to hold ornaments

Less traditional, may look phony No scent Can easily break if used incorrectly Requires storage space Lacks Christmas spirit

THE SCEPTER

We’re all in this

Together Monarch and Titan high school students tell us what its like working together on this years winter show, High School Musical.

BY Megan Krabbenhoft

In a little over 3 weeks, two of the biggest high school rivals will be teaming up to present their newest play to the Monarch and Titan nations.

That’s right; on Jan. 5 and 6 the united drama departments are presenting the classic “High School Musical.”

Every winter there is a combined show, the location of it switches off between the two schools each year. This year it is being practiced and performed on the Monarch stage.

Students from Papillion LaVista South drive to this school every school day, arriving just prior

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to seventh hour. All of that hour, also know as Play Production class is devoted to practicing and it continues until five every night.

40 kids spend the (early days) of Play Pro learning names, getting to know each other and playing bonding games.

“Bonding is such a big part of Play Pro. To have a successful show you have to get to know who you’re working with and become good friends with them all,” Monarch senior who plays Troy Bolton, Chris Layne said.

As the practices continued, the friendships progressed but what is it like for the Papio South students

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that may have never preformed on our stage?

“I’m comfortable with all my cast mates but it can be quiet intimidating. There’s such a high potential that I have to live up to,” Muñoz said.

Some of the cast reflects on whether the play is like real high school.

“Obviously we don’t just randomly break out in song, but the idea of the cliques are just like our schools,” Muñoz said.

“It’s so similar to our high school, full of the stereotypical cliques and social divides. It’s awful how accurate the representations of

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OPINION

Wolfie on Broadway Paige Wolfe shares her experience with publishing a play

BY TREVOR LEWIS

the different groups are,” Layne said.

High School musical was not only chosen because of the relate ability but also because “kids at the school today grew up with the cast of ‘HSM’, they know and are familiar with it. It also allows for such a large cast, making sure that everyone has the opportunity to be involved,” drama teacher and director Molly Grasso said.

There is something special about this performance though.

On Friday, Jan. 8, High School Musical will be adjudicated in front of the members of the International Thespian Society. If the performance goes well the cast could

DECEMBER 2015

go onto show the play at the International Thespian Festival in June.

They hope the Monarch (and Titan) nations, show support to the drama departments and come to the performances in January.

“Everyone come see it! It’s cheesy but it gives off a great message about working together and cooperation, especially like what is happening right now between our two schools, ” South’s drama teacher Jeff Nienhueser said.

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Budding playwright and sophomore Paige Wolfe was 13 when she enrolled in the Rose Theater playwright class. Through the class, she entered the National Competition of Young Playwrights for Change, which she won.

“That year’s topic was bullying,” Wolfe said. “So I took my take on friends bullying each other by making up lies behind each others backs.”

While writing such a complicated plot, Wolfe was put up to the difficult challenge of writing a play with a small amount of time.

Writing an original play is no easy task for a student, especially with a topic that has a stereotypical story line.

“The hardest part was getting a good idea to write about because there is the classic story of the big ugly bully that picks on the kid with the glasses for his lunch money,” Wolfe said With stereotypical stories, there are stereotypical expectations. Trying to expand on the classic story was one of the hardest tasks.

“I wanted to find a different route and make it more personal,” Wolfe said. “It was difficult to balance real life and made up characters.”

After getting the story written, the obstacle of publishing it became another challenge. The play, now being published, has been performed at the Rose Hitchcock Theatre during the year of the Young Playwrights festival.

Different students have different facets of theatre, and many of them are very interested in future in drama.

But, with so many drama students performing a play, it is unique to see a student write their own.

THE SCEPTER

CHRISTMAS CONTROVERSY S

now.

No school for two weeks. Lights everywhere. Family in town for the week.

Jolly songs about a fat man who brings gifts to children made by small people.

What do all of these poorly structured sentences make you think of?

Obviously, the answer is Christmas. You know that whether you live under a rock or have views that differ from Christianity.

The Christmas season is, in fact, not a season at all. For one precious month at the end of the year (two months for me because once Halloween is done you already know my Michael Buble Christmas album is on repeat for days), this holiday is a lifestyle.

The horribly fantastic clashing colors of green and red and thrown onto literally everything.

Seasonal, festive songs are justifiably blasted in almost every department store across America.

Shopping, both in stores and online, is done with such savagery that people are legitimately killed.

Come on people! I literally couldn’t design a better holiday myself. It’s so ridiculous that it’s fantastic.

If I am being serious though, Christmas is a holiday that really brings family, friends, and even strangers together. Through organizations like the Salvation Army and Adopt A Family, thousands of families are brought together to celebrate and make memories. There’s not a person I know that doesn’t have at least one happy memory of this holiday season.

Overall, the craziness of the lights and presents along with the shared holiday spirit of giving creates a splendid holiday season. In fact, Christmas, my friends, is in no way overrated at all.

HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

S

anta Clause and his factory full of working elves is a lie. Finding out my dad ate the cookies and my mom wrapped all the presents made me wonder what everyone’s obsession with the holiday season is.

I have yet to understand why it is called a winter wonderland. Traffic is awful because there is a car crash at every intersection. I am cold.

And I have to wake up 15 minutes earlier to scrape the ice off my car windows.

The only sound worse than the scraping of ice is Mariah Carrey’s Christmas album. I get it; it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Black Friday sounds like scary movie title.

There probably could be a horror movie on it, those shoppers are nuts. If something costs 100 dollars and I buy it for 50, I spent 50 dollars. I didn’t save anything. People walk out of Menards after dropping a year’s salary and wonder why Menards had such good deals.

Besides the cold and awful music, when was the last time a decent Christmas movie was on that didn’t star Will Ferrell? I will say Elf is a fantastic movie. But the story is about an abandoned child who gets enslaved to make toys in the arctic. Then nobody gets any presents from Santa because he can’t fly.

Yet, everyone is happy.

The holiday season is not at all what it is made out to be. After all the crazy weather and events; if families around the world can give and be thankful toward one another that is all that really matters. It would just be a little better if Rudolph was real.

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OPINION

coffee chaos

Religion and coffee have turned into one of November’s biggest controversies.

OPINION BY FAITH WORKMAN

It is seven in the morning and sleep is calling you back to the warm comforts of your bed. It is time to head to school but there is no way this tired brain can get through an eight hour school day.

There is totally time for a Starbucks coffee. That hot, creamy froth warms that tired body right up and you are ready to tackle the school day.

Starbucks has been a place for people to go for their deliciously brewed warm or cold drinks since 1971. The holidays are especially warm and Christmassy with the adorable holiday cups that Starbucks has to offer. The featured holiday decor has been bringing fellow Starbucks goers joy every Christmas.

This year will be the first year that Starbucks is not selling Christmas cups for the holidays.

Since November 1st, when the cups were released, it has been a conflicting topic for Starbucks, as people have seen the new red cups as “an attack against Christianity.”

Here’s the thing. Christmas is what a person makes it. It’s a holiday that is either a religious time for a person or a time of simply family and gifts just like one would either pray at Thanksgiving or not, go to church on Easter or not, almost any holiday one could make religious or...not.

People these days need something to do, something to either gossip about, rant about, or pout about. Religion, I believe, so happens to be the biggest thing people get fired up about mainly

DECEMBER 2015

because scientists believe in proof and Christians need Faith. Faith and proof never mix, they never have and ultimately it comes down to everybody being offended by everybody else. No one can have morals or beliefs that wont be blatantly bashed out in the open, but guess what? The reaction of the believer or the non-believer is what they want to feed their urge to find something to rant about.

In all actuality, does a snowmen that we build out of black snow in our driveways or an ornament hung on a tree really have anything to do with religion? They are symbols that people have made up to make movies and get the world ready for the holidays but don’t actually symbolize the religion in itself. All Starbucks has done is take these decorations off of a cup, not sell anti-Christianity cups. Even if they did, the beliefs of a person should not be influenced by anyone but the believer if you truly commit to that title.

Humans make mistakes. They curse, bully, defend, and fight. It is one thing to be a person who is in the wrong doing of dumping a person’s beliefs into the trash but it is another to be a person who gets offended by the slightest things. In a

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perfect world people wouldn’t be either but sadly this isn’t a perfect world.

The ultimate take away from the red cup controversy is that either, don’t go to Starbucks if it is really causing that much anger or ignore it. It is a color on a cup. I think that nowadays it is an important and intelligent skill learning how not to take offense to non-offensive things.

Don’t be blind to what is going on in the world, but also remember that not everything is an attack against ones beliefs or lifestyle.