Quintessence: The Destination Issue

Quintessence

the destination issue

Volume 2 issue 4

lily yates

kayley anderson

nessa woosley

alaina anderson

molly gubbels

maria miller

hope stratman

tom hermanek

maria koliopoulos

sam klemme

ava dreessen

3

4-6

advisor

thank you to each one of you for everything

maddie mollner

1

mr. elliott

you have done for me and for all that you have contributed to Quintessence. You never fail to make me smile, and I will look back on the days of coming up with ideas and sharing in the frustration and unpredictability of InDesign with the fondest of memories. Your unrelenting passion and talent continually inspire me. I would like to especially thank Mr. Elliott for all he has done for not just me but the entire journalism department. We would not be where we are today without you, and we wish you the best in all that is to come.

STAY-CATION

allison heithoff

DREAMING IN SEATTLE

copy editor

PLAYLIST

editor - in - chief

8-10 1

(from the editor)

Our destination is so much more than the location we are headed or the place we have already reached. At the present moment, it is the environment that has ignited our goals, ambitions, and passions; it is also the elevated state of mind that comes with attaining a long-awaited goal. As we each embark on our individual journey, the specific place we are going does not need to be specifically determined, but an idealized destination does. An understanding of ourselves and what we desire our end result to be serves as a map guiding us through each stop along the way. This year’s final issue is an ecclectic journey with various stops: sites in Omaha, locations that had special roles in shaping individuals, and places individuals hope to end up. I hope it takes you someplace new and also directs and inspires you towards your own purpose and ambitions.

Skutt Catholic has served as my temporary destination for the past four years, shaping me in ways I never fully stopped to reflect on until recently. Being a part of Quintessence and the journalism department as a whole has forever left its imprint on my character. The whirlwind experience has included many of my most stressful situations, but it has also highlighted some of my highest moments of accomplishment. I know the time spent and memories made as a result of being part of this publication will forever stay with me wherever I go. I sincerely thank each and every person for anything I have written that you took the time to read or any layout you stopped the page to admire. It has been the absolute greatest pleasure and honor.

- allison heithoff

17-19

STUDIO

20-22

ABROAD

23-25

CHANCE RIDGE

26-28

LOCAL PATIO AND KITCHEN

29-31

PRODIGIES

32-34

DURHAM MUSEUM

35-38 39-42 THE RANCH

14-16

HOLLAND CENTER

OUT OF STATE

0 11-13

EUPHORIA

43-46 UNKNOWN

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A CONTINENTAL CHORUS - molly gubbels

SHEEPSHEAD BAY / St. Vincent HOLLAND / Novo Amor PUERTO CABEZAS, NI / Lewis Del Mar HAMBURG / Mt. Wolf GEORGIA / Vance Joy ENGLAND / The National DUISBURG / Folly and the Hunter LONDON THUNDER / Foals DEAD SEA / The Lumineers ATLANTIS / Seafret BERLIN / RY X BANGOR TOWN / Foy Vance NARA / Alt J COLOMBIA / Local Natives OVIEDO / Blind Pilot [NOWHERE] / Gem Club

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>>>>>>>> NEWSPAPER IN SEATTLE

44

47.6062° N

5

-122.3417° W

NEWSPAPER IN SEATTLE

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or four days this April, Skutt Catholic newspaper students experienced the trip of a lifetime. The National Student Press Association this year hosted its semiannual Journalism Educators Association conference in rainy and beautiful Seattle, Washington.

Young journalists from across the country flocked to the Washington Convention Center and the Sheraton Hotel. Here, they participated in a wide variety of journalistic “break out sessions” where the students were able to learn skills straight from experts in their field.

As well as attaining new knowledge to apply in the newsroom back home, our school’s staff was also able to do a plethora of sightseeing. In a small span of time, the group of 21 (including adviser Mr. Elliott and parent chaperones) made their way across most of the city.

They made their way through the science museum (the day it premiered its ancient Terracotta Warrior Exhibit), the Pop Culture Museum, the Pike’s Place pierside farmer’s market and shops, the giant ferris wheel on Elliott Pier, a tour of the underground tunnels beneath the city, and various fresh, local Seattle restaurants & snack joints.

F

“ you never think you’ll be able

to vacation doing something you love . but i did .”

Does imagining 16 newspaper kids crammed into a couple hotel rooms give you chest pains? The staff seemed nothing but excited before the trip, and the thousands of smiley pictures that came from the experience showed that it more than lived up to expectations. Even if the ending was bittersweet, especially for the many seniors on staff and for Mr. Elliott (who will be moving to Salt Lake City next schoolyear), every traveler made warm, fuzzy memories that will last a lifetime.

- lily yates

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Stay-cation

- a vacation close to home 41.2718° N, 97.3918° W

STAY-CATION

8

H

ome is where the heart is- a common saying that rings true for most. My heart just happens to be an hour away from here.

essential to the experience and make them stand out.

Although it’s not an extravagant vacation, there’s nothing like life at the lake. No fancy resort could possibly offer kayaking, four wheeling, canoeing, pontooning, campfires and jetskiing while simultaneously including views of a star-filled sky and still Nebraskan waters.

When someone tells me to ‘go to your happy place,’ I picture this place and the tiny towns surrounding it. The charm these characters bring to every conversation makes you feel as if you grew up around here, too. One of the surrounding towns has a population of about 300 and they have only one gas station that is frequented by four wheeler operators.

This destination has many enticing draws, but most of all it is my heart’s home because of the people. Being completely disconnected from school, work, or busy life at home and just enjoying life with family and friends in warm weather and sun is the main reason there is nothing like lake life.

Fourwheeling and jetskiing give a rush like no other. Wind in your hair (and mud if you’re lucky), sun shining on your already-burnt face, bugs hitting your arms as you speed down the river: all aspects of these activities are

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Our annual fireworks show draws in everyone in these surrounding towns.

As the residents on the corner lot, we have a lot of room to entertain. What better way to entertain than a giant firework show on the fourth of July?

Our massive firework show, put on by my uncle Rodger with help from contributions by other lake residents and others who look forward to it every year, lasts 30 minutes minimum, non stop. The best view is on the pontoon in the lake (far from the blasts if something goes awry). A family friend who is a professional

pyrotechnician sets up the show; it takes him a year to plan and prepare for. The highlight of my year is this weekend of family and fireworks.

Fire pits are our substiute for this event on every weekend that isnt the Fourth. Singing with a few guitars as the fire crackles and roasting marshmallows brings joy to many.

Singing your heart out, good or bad, makes life seem as if there is no end to it. Like we will live forever in this moment, with stars visibly in the sky and the moon on our skin.

Country is who I am at my core. My dream is to one day own my own lakeside house to share memories like the ones I’ve created here with friends and family. Happy and carefree are the only two things I feel in this place, and I hope to take aspects of the lake wherever I go. Muddy wheels and perpetually lake-soaked hair are what summer is to me.

- Nessa Woosley

STAY-CATION

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euphoria

- what constitutes happiness omebody once told me that happiness is manifested in the way that we choose to think. The complexity of the human species means that there are, at the very least, somewhere around seven and a half billion ideologies regarding this, each one undoubtedly evolving right along with the beings conceiving them. The conceptual definition of happiness in and of itself is as uninterchangeable as each and every one of the members of this global family. A hard definition for happiness, by this logic, cannot exist. Instead, we have human reference. Happiness comes to some in the form of the soft sounds of branches against the walls during a storm. Happiness comes to others in the dandelion that managed to grow up through the cement. Happiness comes in living for the sake of simply b e i n g

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[sitting on the beach feeling like you’re next to the ocean even though you’re in the middle of nebraska, with friends and family out in the water playing games; the smell of a bonfire and smores starting to melt into a glaze - sam pane] [when I am happy there’s always some noise going through my head, whether it’s a song or simply the sound of leaves rustling in the wind. In the spring, the sounds of thunderstorms or just the smell of the rain make me happy too. In moments like that i feel really at peace with myself and the people around me - zoe moffitt] [perfect happiness is the mer air; late night drives

smell of horse with good music -

hair, claire

sumpape]

[happiness is satisfaction with the life you have lived. I imagine the realization of this as a calm conversation with death. no matter where it occurs, when a person can have that talk calmly, they’ve reached happiness - nate meister] [I think being with a group of people and knowing that everyone in the room genuinely loves and cares about each other - kenzie kunasek] [sitting under a tree in a park on a brisk cloudy day that’s raining. It’s cool enough to wear a jacket or flannel. The relaxing rainfall eases the atmosphere around you and makes your senses feel at peace - christian mancilla] [happiness is a blanket on my shoulders. I’m not too hot or too cold, and I have no worries. There’s nothing for me to think too hard about as I drift to sleep with my dogs by my side and my music playing in my ear - becky snowden]

fig leaves and tainted copper vases. there are lilacs in the windowsills, robin’s egg blue paint peeling off of the porch. floral print elastic banded skirts, needles, and baby pink bathroom tiles. the dog collar makes a little song; missing him hurts but she is more than worth it. there are three blankets laid out in the living room, there are ten kids sleeping on them under a tree, yes, there is a tree and it is alive. the smell of clover flowers is really soft, i am climbing a red bud and the wind and the bricks and the grapevines tell me i am loved.

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- maria koliopoulos

uphoriaEuphoriaeuphoriaeuphoriaeuphori

I remember the color of the sky bleeding through her yellow curtains in the morning

“

“

EUPHORIA

12

41.264

2°N

8°W

-96.025

13

HOlland center

- location of senior graduation 41.2588° N, 95.9329° W

n empty stage. The Holland Center’s lights flood the dappled boards, and audience chairs stare back at the wooden platform, eerie in their emptiness.

A

In a short month this stage will be filled to the bursting with graduating seniors draped in deep green. Lights will beat down and be absorbed by 274 eyes, all ready to intake their awaiting futures: the hoping-against-hope passions, the dreary days, the devastation and euphoria of decades to come.

The stage will support not just black robes, high heels, and perhaps a tear or two, but whole lives. Burning hopes. Moments. Dreams aligning themselves with reality. 137 futures, burning as brightly as the lights above.

- Hope Stratman

HOLLAND CENTER

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"Without music, we would live in a pretty dull world, honestly. Whether they want to perform or not, I would like my kids to know that lyrics do matter."

“"Before I die, I want to experience space travel. it sounds crazy, but it's on my bucket list."

- LukASDreessen

- Hans Espiritu "I want to see my name on the credits of something. On the big screen in a movie, in a playbill, whatever. knowing me, it'll involve some happy tears."

- becky snowden

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"I for sure see myself getting married. It will be a time for new adventures, and you get to share those adveNtures with your best friend."

- Nikki White

"My parents are fine with me taking the piano in our house once I get my own place. It calms me down and helps me express myself when other actions and words fail me."

- Jessi Wessel

“"I see the neighbor kids growing up, and I can't imagine how beautiful it will be to watch my own children grow up."�

- Sarah Schrader

HOLLAND CENTER

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Studio

- a secluded artistry 41.0819° N, 96.1345° W

17

t the age of two, most people were learning how to form sentences and taking frequent naps, but, if you’re freshman twins Katie and Kalin Rice, you were learning the fundamentals of ballet. At this young age, they discovered their love and passion for dancing.

a

Together, they showcase their artistry in competitions and various performances, such as Nebraska Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker,’ in which they performed as the lead, Clara.

During the competition season, they compete as individuals and as a duet. Their current studio resides in their own home on a rural acreage outside of Omaha. Here, they are able to rehearse together and continue doing what they love.

At their home studio, they are also mentors. Katie and Kalin’s younger sister Allison has recently begun competing in competitions and was awarded third overall for her first solo.

Along with competing as individuals, Katie and Kalin are members of the Skutt Catholic Dance Team and were awarded tenth place at nationals.

On their secluded acreage, Katie and Kalin are continuing to pursue their passion, and they hope to someday see their sister Allison do the same.

- ALAINA ANDERSON

STUDIO

18

“I love that Allison is dancing.

It’s fun seeing her doing what she loves.”

- Katie Rice

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Abroad

- students living across borders t some point in all of our lives, we imagine moving far, far away; we dream of leaving the vast cornfield-infested state of Nebraska behind to pursue excitement, a different culture, possibly even our lifelong dreams. Imagine immersing yourself in a completely different atmosphere, far more exhilarating than that of a small city in the United States. Sojourning across the country or even across town may seem like an adventure to some students.

Others, however, have experienced quite possibly the greatest adventure imaginable--living in another country. A select few students who roam the halls along with us at Skutt Catholic have experienced different cultures and languages, becoming fluent in languages such as Russian, Arabic, and Spanish. These students have been able to call somewhere other than the United States their home, and fate granted it that they ended up in our small city of Omaha to share their experiences outside of our nation’s borders.

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- Maddie Mollner

Vladikavkaz, Russia

“

I lived in a small city in Russia for about a year because my grandparents lived there, and also because my dad got a job there in finance management. When I first got there I barely knew any Russian, so it was really hard to adjust at first. But I met some other kids and we ended up going to the same school together so it was fun to get to know them and they helped me get used to it. I still keep in touch with some of the kids I went to school with.

I went to a private school where they taught in English so it was a lot easier to understand what they were teaching me. We lived in Europe for a total of five years. I’ve also lived in a small city in Tbilisi, Georgia, which is a country south of Russia.

“

43.0252° N, 44.6660° E

Photo by Martin Weiler

ABROAD

20

Amman, Jordan

31.9454° N, 35.9284° E

- Noor

“

“

It was just me, my brother, and my mom in a small apartment in Amman. When we moved there I was already fluent in Arabic but Rani wasn’t. I remember when we went to a place called Jerash, which are a bunch of ancient ruins that the Romans used. We explored a bunch of these ancient colosseums and little prison cells built by the ruler, which was really cool. We went to a private school that ran under the British school system, so we spoke English and took Arabic as a second language in a class.

21 Photos by Noor Qaqish

San Luis Potosí, Mexico

- Jimena

“ Photos from Jimena Dorador

Every summer I used to go to my uncle’s ranch for two weeks on my own since I was about six. I always liked returning there since it was a break from everyone, because you couldn’t talk on the phone or anything, so it was nice to be on my own for a couple of weeks. Our whole entire family was living there except for my dad’s brother, and they still live there in the same town. When we go there it’s really nice because everyone lives like five minutes away from each other and we’re all just really close.

- Ana

“

“

We were both born in Mexico and we moved here in 2008 when I was seven and Ana was nine. I really liked going to the park, it was called Tangamanga, and our grandpa used to take us there all the time. He would also take us to this kiddie castle that we could play in that was in the mall, we went there almost every weekend, and that was probably my favorite thing. We still go there twice a year, during Christmas and summertime, but this summer we’re not going so we’re really going to miss it.

“

22.1566° N, 100.9855° W

ABROAD

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Chance ridge - a hidden paradise 41.2646° N , -96.2559° W

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C

hance Ridge, just on the edge of Skyline Drive, hides an unparalleled natural beauty.

Overlooking miles of highway lined with towering foliage, it captivates the ideals of a simpler world. A pale blue sky looks down on its fields as if the clouds themselves were in awe of its simplistic serenity.

My 2008 Ford Fusion rolls down the winding hill, making a routine stop at the vet clinic to see dogs of all breeds enjoying the warm sun.

Passing majestic horses and outspoken cattle, my filthy car makes its final stop at my anticipated entrance. As soon as the doors open, I am almost always swarmed by the two most loving Rottweilers in the world, quickly followed by Cindy Smith, my second mom.

People on horseback trot through the arena carefully and elegantly as I make my way down the hall. A quaint room made to serve as an apartment welcomes me routinely. Though it doesn’t hold the extravagant wonders of an art museum,

it serves as a home for so many. I can’t even begin to recount the amount of times I’ve caught myself with a laughter-induced stomach ache or scratched legs from the talons of puppies. Over the seemingly short period of nine months, I have been accepted into one of the most loving families aside from my own. Chance Ridge has become a second home to me and its walls hold stories and memories beyond my own comprehension.

Dancing on tables, eating leftover wedding cake, and riding through fields on rangers with shepherd dogs in hot pursuit, have occupied endless nights. It has been perhaps the greatest adventure of my life: making memories with the dorks I call friends. Even with its noisy quincineras and faint smell of horse residue, Chance Ridge has become, all at once, a sanctuary for me, a place that serves my happiness better than any other.

- molly gubbels

CHANCE RIDGE

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“ To me, Chance Ridge means family. I see my mother and father-in-law every day and my mother-in-law is my best friend.”

“ I spend most of my time here. It’s a lot of work, but if there’s ever a day when I can’t be here, it feels... odd.”

“This place pretty much means everything to me. I don’t know what I would do without it. ” - Cindy smith 25

LOCAL PATIO AND KITCHEN - good food, locally sourced -

41.2599° N, -95.9284° W

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your article // 19 26

owadays, a walk through the produce section of a grocery store may seem like an international adventure. Within just a few minutes, one can see tomatoes from Mexico, bananas from Guatemala, and kiwi fruit from New Zealand.

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However, Local Patio & Kitchen, which opened its first location in Downtown Omaha last year, prides itself on using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible.

Local specializes in classic American fare, though often with a delicious twist. Diners can find burgers like the classic Local Burger, the spicy sriracha patty melt, sandwiches like a reuben and the B.P.L.T. (which stands for bacon, pastrami, lettuce, tomato), and a few salads as well.

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Perhaps one of the most delicious offerings at Local is the B.P.L.T. (see bottom right). This delicious take on a classic sandwich is served with an incredible roasted garlic aioli, and is likely to please even the pickiest of eaters, as it is simple yet delicious. All sandwiches are served with tater tots, which frankly are nothing special, so the $1 upgrade for waffle fries with house seasoning is more than worth it.

Unfortunately, Local offers few options for those seeking a lighter, more nutritious meal, offering only a few salads alongside its greasier dishes.

That being said, if you’re looking for a tasty, locallysourced meal, and don’t mind what could be classified as glorified ‘bar food,’ then Local is worth trying.

LOCAL PATIO & KITCHEN

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Prodi

- and where the

41.0804° N, -96.1250° W

he perpetually successful wrestling career of senior Korbin Meink began at Platteview Wrestling Club, where he had his first practice. Meink was a kindergartener at the time, and tragically lost his first five matches.

It wasn’t until second grade that he rejoined, and has been competing ever since. His fondest memory comes from his freshman year, when he won his first of four state titles, and the entire crowd booed him after the match. “This sport has brought so many opportunities to me,” Meink stated. “My best friends are all wrestlers. I came to Skutt because of the wrestling program. I am even getting college paid for for my wrestling. You could say that wrestling is my life, but that’s too cliche for me.”

T

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digies

they came from -

41.2774° N, -96.1784° W

enior Haley Kneriem’s career in dance started at Patti Herxog’s School of Dance when she was just two years old. Soon after, she joined Kitty Lee Dance Studio, and has been there ever since.

Her fondest memories come from traveling and taking classes from many different choreographers from around the country.

“I don’t want to get too sappy,” she reflected, “but [dance] is a part of me. I don’t think I can go an hour without it. If I am not physically dancing, you know I’m going through something in my head or tapping my feet under the table... I go to school and get good grades because if I don’t, my mom won’t let me go to dance... it’s been a part of my life for sixteen years, and it’s become one of the biggest parts of me.”

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PRODIGIES

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- ava dreessen

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Durham Museum - A little bit of history in Omaha 41.2521° N, -95.9281° W

nion Station used to bring people from all over the United States right here to Omaha. They were here to reach all types of destinations. This was a major train station during the 1930s, during the Great Depression, and a decade away from World War II. This location has now been transformed into a museum dedicated to the history of the station, and all of Omaha itself.

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Construction on the station began in 1929 and finished 1931. It was created due to the growing dependence on fast transportation. During the war though, the station began to grow, bringing in almost 10,000 passengers on 64 trains, every day. The station began to die down and lose its usefullness as planes, cars, and other modes of transport started to dominate the market. The engine dropped its last passenger off at the station 1971.

DURHAM MUSEUM

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If you were to head down to the lower levels of the museum, you can see the history of the very early Omaha going back as far as the time of Native Americans. It has the some early examples of living and lifestyles. If you wanted, you could take a look at the hunting tactics of an earlier people that had been in this very location.

Just outside this area is a large list of people that have lived in Omaha and made a considerable impact on this city or even the world. A name that may be recognizable may be Bob Boozer, a basketball player that won a gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics along with an NBA Championship in 1971 as a part of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has a street named after him near Skutt Catholic.

Another cool place to visit is the train running the length of the lower level that you can walk inside and see. General and first class seating can viewed.

The train is genuine, and is cool to look through as you can almost look in every compartment without much limiting you. Sadly, you cannot go inside the steam engine itself, but you can go on the oustide look at all the facets and details that are put in to the construction.

A map of Omaha is laid out on the floor just outside the train. It has almost every notable location in Omaha on it, including high schools. See if you can find Skutt Catholic.

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A large part of our history is found in the majority of the lower level. This shows what we were during a more industrial age. You can take a tour of what houses may have looked like, including the old technology like televisions and refrigerators. Along with houses you can view some older school classrooms. Another facet of Omaha you can view is the older medical procedures and equipment.

Someting that is interesting to think about is that this used to be the destination for thousands of people, every day. So many people who came here glad to see their loved ones, or feared for their lives as they fled to a better place from war. Now, this is a quiet museum that sees a small amounts of onlookers. It makes you imagine what it used to be. This bustling station changed to an architectural Cathedral. Take a look at what you can find yourself at the museum.

They commonly have a traveling exhibit that can be visited for a couple of months. Make this your destination for your next weekend.

- Sam Klemme

DURHAM MUSEUM

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Out of State ...or country 41.2571° N, 95.9951° W

kutt Catholic prides itself on the majority of its students moving on to higher education or a higher calling. Whether it is in the career field or on the battlefield, SkyHawks have a tradition of achieving bigger and better things.

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In every graduating class, there is always a slew of students attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha, and don’t get me wrong- those are certainly good schools. However, some students decide to venture a little farther outside of the nest.

It requires a great deal of courage to move hundreds or thousands of miles away from everything you have ever known and start your life from scratch. But that is exactly what these students are doing. They are certainly not the only ones in the class of 2017 to attempt it, but their accomplishments in the arts, academics, or bravery is exemplary of Skutt Catholic’s legacy.

I was able to squeeze in a brief interview with each of these students between senior studies presentations and their last bits of stress and school work in their high school career. I was taken aback by the fact that each of them did not seem to be afraid of taking this big step out on their own.

While many were rightfully a bit apprehensive, they all hold so much hope for their future. Even though they are going to a completely new city where they know little to no one, these students are confident in their ability to survive and thrive in any environment, and that is something that you can admire, no matter what stage of your life you are in.

- Maria Miller 35

Renee Mergen s ``

44.6495° N, 63.5743° W Where are you going to college and why did you choose that school?// I am going to NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I chose this school because it focuses on quality over quantity, providing the best faculty and equipment for the students.

What is your major?// I’ll be aiming for a BFA Interdisciplinary Arts degree.

Are you afraid of leaving Omaha behind?// Of course I am!

I am in love with Omaha and the community here. However, It’s comforting how surprisingly similar Halifax is to Omaha!

What will you miss most and why?// I will truly miss my friends. Most of us are going far away, several are going international just like me. It’ll take some adjustment to get used to life without all these positive friendships I’ve had for years.

Michaela Slattery 42.3355° N, 71.1685° W

Is the distance from Omaha a pro or a con for you?// Definitely a pro, because if worse comes to worst, I can always come back to Omaha, right?

Do you know anyone where you are going?// No

Where are you going to college and why did you choose that school?// Boston College. I was born in Massachusetts and ever since I was little I wanted to move back to Boston.

I walked around the campus when I was younger and since then I’ve always wanted to go there.

What is your major?// Nursing Are you afraid of leaving Omaha behind?// No, because all my extended family lives in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

I’m excited to see relatives I don’t normally get to see.

What will you miss most?// My parents and dog because I won’t get to see them until Christmas break.

Do you know anyone where you are going?// Yes, I was at Boston College this summer for a program so a few of my friends from there are going to there too. I also have a few distant relatives that go there!

What is your favorite part about the college or city?// I’m obsessed with the Red Sox so being able to go to the games will be fun. I’m also excited to go to BC and Patriots football games and to just explore Boston in general.

OUT OF STATE

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Tim Mendick

29.3737° N, 98.6265° W Why did you choose to enter the military?// I chose to join the military because I am a very patriotic American. I believe it is my calling to serve and protect my country. This is something I have wanted to do my whole life.

What branch of the military are you joining?// Air Force.

Do you know where you will be stationed?// I will be stationed at the 155th Air refueling wing in Lincoln and this will be my “home base”. After a year or so I will most likely be deployed somewhere overseas such as Afghanistan.

Where will you do your training?// My training will take place at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and it will last for about 4 months.

What are you feeling as you are getting ready to go into this?// I am very excited to be a part of the greatest Air Force in the world. It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I get the question Aren’t you afraid of being deployed to a war zone? a lot, and my simple answer to this is no. This is my career and I know what I am getting into so I am prepared to be deployed.

Do you plan on having a military career or is there another field you would like to enter?// I plan on making a career out of the military, but I will continue to farm when I’m on leave.

Do you plan on attending college?// I do plan on attending some college, but am not sure how much at this point.

Emily Koster

41.8818° N, 87.6231° W Where are you going to college and why did you choose that school?// I will be attending Loyola University Chicago. I chose it because of its location and because I like the programs for my major. They offer a 3-3 for law school.

What is your major?// Computer Science with a Pre-law focus Are you afraid of leaving Omaha behind?// I’m ready to leave Omaha, I’ve been working toward going to an out of state college my whole high school career, really. I’m not conflicted about it at all.

What will you miss most?// I will miss my friends and family the most, no doubt.

Is the distance from Omaha a pro or a con for you?// It’s a pro because it’s not too close, but it’s just a one hour flight away whenever I want to come home.

Do you know anyone where you are going?// As far as I’m aware, I don’t!

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What is your favorite part about the college or city?// My favorite part about Loyola is their split campuses. They have a downtown campus a few blocks from Michigan Ave., as well as a campus right on the lakefront.

Kayley Anderson

37.8719° N, 122.2585° W Where are you going and why?// University of California Berkeley, it’s a really good school, near the ocean and it’s been my dream school since before freshman year.

What is your major?// You can’t declare until the end of sophomore year, but probably Neurobiology and English with a Chem minor.

What career field do you hope to enter?// Neurosurgery Are you afraid of leaving Omaha behind?// Yes and no, I’ll miss my friends and my family but I’m excited to get out and see the world and gain a new perspective.

What will you miss most?// I think probably just the comfort of having friends who’ve I’ve known for a long time around; being on my own will be kind of scary.

Mckenna Kirkpatrick 34.9992° N, 81.9713° W

Where are you going and why?// I am attending the University of South Carolina Upstate. I am playing volleyball, so the coaches and the team was a big factor for me, and I wanted to go to North or South Carolina. I’m 45 minutes from mountains. 3 hours from beaches, and close to all these big cities that are drivable distances. It all just worked out perfectly for me.

Is the distance from Omaha a pro or a con for you?// I think it’s a pro because I have to be independent, but it’s a con because I won’t get to come home often.

Do you know anyone where you are going?// Not a soul.

What is your favorite part about the college or city?// The campus is beautiful and you can see the bay from a huge hill on campus it’s also close to San Francisco and who doesn’t love San Francisco!

What is your major?// Nursing What will you miss most?// My family, my dogs, and my friends. I’m super close to my family so it’ll be weird to be away from them. I’m sad that my dogs won’t understand where I am and I just love them. I will miss my friends because it’ll be weird to only see them when I’m home for holidays and breaks instead of seeing them daily.

Is the distance from Omaha a pro or a con for you?// I think it’s a pro. I’m excited to go to a whole new region of the country and experience new culture. It’ll also push me out of my comfort zone which I think I need after being in Omaha for the past 12 years. I’ve always been into traveling and I’m pretty adventurous, so I’m not too worried to leave. Because I am paying volleyball, I’ll get to travel all around for games; I’m too excited for that to be scared of leaving!

Do you know anyone there?// My grandma lives in the town of my college which strangley worked out perfectly. It’ll be nice to have that familiar face. Otherwise no, I’ll be meeting lots of new people which is the best.

OUT OF STATE

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The ranch

- the evolution of a family 41.2483° N, -95.9647° W

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40 THE RANCH 40

W

e’re always going somewhere: to school, home, to practice, or sometimes even less tangible, we have hopes and dreams for our future. We always have somewhere to go, a next step to take, and it’s a phenomenon that doesn’t end with high school. But perhaps we need to not focus so much on the tangible destination, but on the person we become when we reach it. We are, each of us, a destination. Our parents, our grandparents, even as far back as great-great-great grandparents and even further, have been a step to us. Each person’s life became part of a common familial destination, and someday we too will join part of that family tree. My own family came from two very different places. My father’s parents are hippies, my mother’s have owned the same plot of land for over a hundred years. But somehow, they came together in a common place and formed a destination that contained a piece of each. It doesn’t matter where you go, or where you came from, everyone you meet will be part of a different destination. The key is to learn and grow by allowing yourself to have a fleeting glance into another person’s life, so that one day the person you become will be a destination that was worth the wait.

- Kayley Anderson

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THE FIELD CLUB 42 42 THE RANCH

ou have come to the end of this issue, and I have reached the final words of my journalism career. Let me be not the first nor the last to say I am going to miss everything about it. I am going to miss the feeling of solidifying my thoughts to words for all to read. I am going to miss the neverending hours spent on the computer in the journalism lab, and each and every time I was the only person in the school, either the first to arrive or the last to leave. Skutt Catholic is where I embarked on projects and began endeavors that now remain the things I am most proud of to this day. My experiences with this publication truly have shaped me into the person I am. As for the future, I do not know where I will end up. In fact my whole life has consisted of a lot of unknowns, but I have learned that working hard and dedicating yourself fully to the task at hand will point you in the right direction, even if you cannot see exactly where it is leading at the moment. I do not know the things I will learn, who I will become, or what mistakes I will make along the way. While not knowing our future destination can be intimidating, it is also a wonderful opportunity to live each day with the intention of putting yourself in the best position moving forward. I have learned a few things here and there moving along this journey of high school. Here is a reflection of my high school years compiled in the form of tips and advice I have taken away from my time here that I will carry with me moving towards my next destination.

Y

unknown

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- hidden things in store -

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YOU NEVER KNOW UNLESS YOU TRY I have figured out that people tend to provide every existing reason why not to do something seemingly unrealistic or unattainable. Quite often in these situations, uncertain outcomes outweigh the favorable ones, but I don’t think that justifies not trying. You never know what might happen. Take this upclose shot of Taylor Swift during her 1989 World Tour. I decided last minute to make posters for the concert in hopes of getting noticed, even though multiple people told me I was wasting my time and it was not worth it to work on something that would surely not be recognized. Well, it was. And those posters took me from back of the arena, nose-bleed seats to front row with Taylor’s mom. The point is, I almost listened to the people that tried to convince me to give up my attempts, but I am incredibly glad I didn’t. That night would not have been nearly as memorable.

“ you don ‘ t have to have it all f

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

High school has enlightened me to a commitment towards goals bigger than myself, namely through playing basketball and participating in Quintessence. Individual success is gratifying, but collective success is that much more empowering.

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LET GO OF ALL WORRY

Two summers ago, I attended the Lantern Fest in Omaha and had the chance to lift up one of these lanterns into the sky. It was an incredibly symbolic experience that reaffirmed the idea that worrying has absolutely no place or benefit in life. What happens will happen.

TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANT

Going on my first-ever service trip t Ridge Indian Reservation reminded how blessed of a life I live. It caused never take an opportunity for grante there are people out there, such as reservations, that may not receive a

More times than not I have found myself swamped with a multitude of pressing obligations. I couldn’t help viewing life as a giant to-do list, driving to school each morning already exhausted and depleted thinking about everything that needed to be accomplished. But one day I was pulling into the school parking lot and I saw this stunning sunrise. I was instantly flooded with a realization that life is indeed good. Even in the midst of days where everything seems to go wrong, there lies something beautiful.

SLOW DOWN AND APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS

l f igured out to move forward. ”

ANTED

trip to Pine nded me just aused me to ranted because h as those on ive any.

If you would have told me coming into high school that I would go to Los Angeles for newspaper, I would not have believed you. I joined newspaper with the intent of pursuing my passion for writing and that dedication in the context of high school journalism not only fulfilled this, but it also brought about a newfound motivation to strive for excellence alongside people who share in my same passions.

I will never forget standing on the beach in Santa Monica the last night of the trip where the Flightline newspaper was recognized as one of just fifty Pacemaker Finalists in the country. Standing there with our toes in the sand and the sun setting on the water was when the sheer improbability of the situation sunk in: newspaper had brought us there. That moment really proved to me that life really does have so many wonderful and unexpected things in store.

SOMETIMES LIFE TAKES YOU TO THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACES

One of my favorite quotes is the one written across the top of this page. It is comforting to be reminded that not everything in life has to be perfectly planned out. I am one of the most indecisive people I know, so I often turn to the work that lies directly in front of me and do my best with everything put before me. This has led me to where I am today, and I could not be more thankful for the journey I have undergone so far and how it has formed me as an individual. I don’t know what my future will hold; most of us do not.

IT’S OKAY NOT TO KNOW Sometimes the best destinations are hidden behind the guise of the beautifully unknown.

- allison heithoff

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