Issue 8

the

Lance

IN-DEPTH

Find out where all of the seniors are going to college pg. 10-11

8701 Pacific St. Omaha, NE 68114 Volume 59 Issue 8

May 5, 2016

BUDGET ISSUES RESOLVED?

LB1067 and possible taxes create hope 680

Douglas county property value change proposals

Bennington 36 31

680 64

Proposed decrease Area Proposed increase Area District 66 area

W. Maple Rd. 72nd St.

W. Dodge Rd.

WHS

Council Bluffs

Omaha

N

L St.

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La vista MA DI GA N B R O D S K Y

PRODUCTION EDITOR “It has to come from somewhere.”

In the face of a $5.5 million deficit, this statement has become the standard response to the current district budget situation. District income has fallen short while operating expenses continue to grow, and necessary reductions will soon be made in order to retain the safety and financial stability of a district as respected as Westside.

After determining the cause of a deficit this large, the next step to take in this situation is to ask not only how it will affect us in the future, but what can be done to fix the problem.

Potential remedies to such complicated issues rarely present themselves so quickly, but luckily for Westside, reaching even a small amount of indemnification has just become a much more obtainable goal.

On Tuesday, April 19, LB1067 was approved by Gov. Pete Ricketts. This bill essentially repeals the Learning Community budgetary processes, which Westside and 10 other school districts currently operate under.

The Learning Community, or LC, consists of 11 school districts in Douglas and Sarpy County, and was established by the Nebraska State Legislature in 2010 with a mindset of “one city, one school.”

A source of discontent from many senators and superintendents over the past 6 years, the initial LC legislation ultimately changed the way the majority of these 11 districts were funded, and therefore how much funding from the state they received.

Before the LC, Westside operated with a process known as “option enrollment” when it came to admitting students from outside the district.

However, under LC regulations, these students are now known as “open enrollment” and grant Westside with $1100 less in state aid per student.

Also, before the LC, property taxes collected in each district went straight to that district, but under the LC — are pooled into what is called the Common Levy, and then redistributed among the 11 districts. These two factors combined easily make up 75-80 percent of each district’s total funding.

These new regDIRECTOR OF FINANCE ulations, which are costing districts l i k e Westside millions of dollars in budget cuts, make it easy to blame the LC for causing these deficits. However, the LC never set out to cause any harm to the fiscal standing of any district. Instead, one of their original goals is to “increase socioeconomic diversity in Learning Community schools,” as they have shown through the creation of two elementary learning centers, one in North Omaha that focuses on assisting those in poverty, and one in South Omaha that focuses on supporting foreign language speaking families.

With the passing of LB1067, the Learning Com-

BRIAN GABRIAL

munity centers are not harmed, but all budgetary processes for each district will return to pre-LC conditions. In the words of Brian Gabrial, Westside’s Director of Finance, the passing of 1067 “reverts us back to playing by the same rules as all the other districts in the whole state.” Gabrial, who previously worked for the Learning Community, believes that the switch back to option enrollment will be the most critical for Westside.

“It’s not going to make it all up, and it’s not a fix that’s going to be forever, but it can get us to a little bit better place,” Gabrial said. “It’s kind of a give and take, because if you were to just look at the Common Levy itself and not take into account option enrollment, we actually do gain a little bit from the Common Levy state aid pooling process, but we’ll gain much more now that we’re back to option.”

In other words, the amount of money Westside would otherwise be losing from the open enrollment process far outweighs the amount that we receive from the Common Levy. Now that LC continued on page 2

“It’s not going to make it all up, and it’s a fix that’s going to be forever, but it can get us to a little bit better place.”

Graphic by Jim Schueneman

2

NEWS

CONT.: New developments may be changed that’s great, but that means it has to come from continued from page 1 regulations are on the path to being reversed, the somewhere.” amount that we can obtain from reverting back to Even with the return to option enrollment option enrollment will help to eventually return us funding and the termination of the Common Levy, to a sound financial footing.

Gabrial ensures that this year’s budget cuts will Regardless of what district is being considered, remain on the table, as it would be “impossible” Gabrial remains optimistically cautious about these new developments, as it is entirely possible for them to be altered DIRECTOR OF FINANCE or even repealed in the next legislative session that will occur before LB1067 is enacted.

With the passing of LB1067, however, Gabrial is hopeful that many of the initial LC opposers will shift their focus to other issues, but recalls that the state aid formula, another large component of the LC legislation, is often revisited in the many bills written by LC opposers who have constantly tried to alter or defund the LC. “It’s kind of a complicated formula,” Gabrial said, “Which is problematic, because if they go in with the best of intentions to change one thing in it, there for LB1067 to make up for a $5.5 million shortfall. can be a ripple effect and something else gets Even with these reductions being made, costs will changed over here.” continue to grow steadily over Westside’s future.

Gabrial also anticipates seeing advocates for “There’s no way 1067 alone passing can get us foundation aid, or the idea that every district back to where all these things are back on the tashould get aid from the state while whatever re- ble, but it helps,” Gabrial said. “It makes it so we sources they have at their disposal are ignored. aren’t having a very similar, or even more di cult From OPS, he anticipates seeing advocates for conversation a year from now, when [we’re] in more funding for children in poverty. real trouble.” “[We’d] never be against either of those things, According to Gabrial, what’s ultimately going except for the fact that none of those proposals to help Westside rebound to a strong financial ever come up with an idea that increases the to- standing is a return to property valuation growth. tal pot of state aid needed to pay for it,” Gabrial Property valuations in the metro had been steadily said. “It becomes kind of this game, where there’s increasing for the past 20 years, until 2008, when a pot of money, and if you want more for poverty, they attened out, leaving Westside, along with

BRI AN GABR I A L

multiple other districts, essentially in the dust.

“When the state has put forth the model that says, ‘Property taxes are going to a substantial portion of your budget,’ and then they atten out, [the] fact of the matter is that a lot of costs don’t atten out,” Gabrial says. “ ven if the state wanted to help out a district that has at property value growth, I’m not sure how they would with the current formula.”

While good news for Westside has come with the April 27 Tax Equalization and Review Commission order on Douglas county to increase property values by 7 percent, this ruling is not viewed by all in the same regard. As the increase would affect 78,000 real estate parcels in the metro area, encompassing District 66, this would tentatively result in an overall increase in Westside’s property tax funding, which is now on the path to return to pre-LC budgetary processes. ssentially, if property values in the Westside district increase, so do the taxes homeowners pay on them, resulting in increased revenue. However, many lawmakers are already trying to appeal this action, as a tax increase in any form is understandably upsetting to the individual taxpayer.

Overall, while a month ago the fiscal outlook of District 66 seemed bleak at best, the recent passage of 1067 and the possibility of a property value increase has provided Westside with a new source of optimism. The final outcome is yet to be determined, but these developments offer significant opportunity for economic recovery.

“It makes it so we aren’t having a very similar, or even more difficult conversation a year from now, when [we’re] in real trouble.”

right across the street from Westside High School!

the

EDITORIAL

Lance

The Lance is a school-sponsored publication of Westside High School, Westside Community Schools, 8701 Pacific St., Omaha, N 681 . The Lance o ce is located in room 251.

Phone 02 -2650. The Lance is an in-house publication.

The paper is distributed every month to all students, except in vacation periods. Subscription rates to others are $25 prepaid.

The Lance is printed by White Wolf Web, in Sheldon, IA. Advertising rates are available upon request. The Lance editorial staff reserves the right to edit all ads for clarity and grammatical errors. The editorial staff reserves the right not to publish any ads that are libelous or that contain non-factual information.

The Lance editorial staff also reserves the right to nullify contracts at any time without prior notification. The Lance also refuses ads that promote activities illegal to a majority of the student readership.

Reader response is welcomed in the form of letters to the editor. Letters should be less than 00 words, signed by the author and sent to room 251.

Names may be withheld upon special request. Lance editors will decide whether to honor such requests.

The Lance editorial staff reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and grammatical errors.

The editorial staff also reserves the right to not publish any letters that are libelous or that contain non-factual information.

The Lance is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association and the Quill & Scroll Society.

The Lance staff recogni es that the administration of Westside Community Schools controls the curriculum and, thus, sets the parameters of the production process of school publications. The Lance staff also recogni es its own responsibilities to inform, enlighten and entertain its readers in a way that re ects high standards of journalism, morals and ethics.

Editors-in-Chief Nata Ward, Jace Wieseler; Managing Editors Libby Seline, Celena Shepherd; Production Editors Madigan Brodsky, Jim Schueneman; Design Editor Casey Arritt; Cartoonists Nick Gross, Raven oung Staff Writers Alexander Bergin, Benjamin Brodkey, Shannon Chinn, Jack Cohen, Sam Cohen, Sarah Hermann, Cole Hopkins, Emma Korengel, Kayla Kyle, Trevor Mumford, Nicole Petersen, Bella Radler, Steven Simon, Nolan Tracy, Elise Tucker, April Van Unen; Photo Editor Mitch Francis; Adviser erred egelis.

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Photo by Libby Seline

seniors signing out

Lance senior editors say goodbye Nata Ward, Jace Wieseler, Jack Cohen This is our final issue of the Lance.

We’ve spent countless hours, days and months working on each issue.

We’ve groaned and sobbed and threatened to kill each other for what feels like decades. But it’s time for that to end.

Goodbye late nights filled with laughter and tears.

Sayonara papers covered with edits and red ink.

Goodbye and good riddance.

This is our last time to reach out to you, our readers. After this issue we no longer will be sharing the stories of people across Westside or inform you about the important news across the community.

So we’ve decided to leave with you some advice. We may not be qualified to do this, but we’re going to try. And we’re going to do this in the classic Lance way filled with sarcasm and sass. So, enjoy or don’t. We don’t really care.

Do’s and Don’ts of High School

Most embarrassing moment

Nata: ack Cohen start us off.

Jack: Don’t wait until the last minute, partic-

Nata: One time I tried out for the play. Actually

ularly the last day of the quarter, and expect to grind out four different classes into grades where you want them.

Jace: Do go to things.

Nata: Do go to things, advice from Jace Wieseler.

Jack: Make good relationships with your teachers. Class is much more enjoyable when you can sass a teacher and they can sass you back.

Biggest REgret Jace: Not going to every sport event. I regret not going to a boys tennis match. I regret not going and watching the golf team.

Jack: I regret not being as involved as I could’ve been. Now that it’s over, I’m like ‘Wow I should’ve gone to more basketball games. I should’ve gone to a baseball game.’

Jace: Or the hockey team, state champions.

Like, I didn’t go to a hockey game but they were good. When are you ever going to go to another sporting event where you know everyone that’s playing?

Nata: mocking ace I wanna go to a sporting event!’ That’s boring, it rains all of the time. I want to do things with my friends, like sophomore and junior year. I don’t want to go to sporting events. I’m glad I figured out that I didn’t have to go to sporting events.

Nata: Yeah, I’m pretty happy with my senior year. I’m ready to move on. And I don’t regret not going to sporting events.

Jace: As much as you say you won’t miss it, you’re gonna miss it.

Nata: What am I going to miss?

Jace: You’re going to miss the security of having your parents there to financially support you for the most part. ou’re going to miss saying ‘Hi’ to that kid in the hallway that you’re never going to see again.

Nata: I’ve gone to school with the same people for all 1 years of school.

Jace: eah, you’re going to miss them. As much as you say you’re not going to, you will.

Jack: Well, I regret not learning how to do laundry yet. So that’s going to be a culture shock.

the first day of high school, I tried out for the play.

Jace: And you didn’t make it?

Nata: Got up there and couldn’t remember a single line. They actually asked me not to come back.

Best classroom experience Jace: very newspaper class ever. Take journalism.

Jack: Retweet.

Who would win in a fight: Joslin or Fjell?

Jace: oslin.

Jack: I have my money on oslin. Oh, but I don’t know Fjell is the psychology teacher. Here’s my professional analysis. Fjell, since he’s a psychology teacher, he has more of a mental edge into the game.

Jace: But Joslin’s a statistics teacher so he could find the probability of him winning the fight.

Nata: Do you really think they’re going to win with their brains?

Jack: Well, half of boxing is reading your opponent.

Nata: They’re boxing?

Jace: Any fight it’ll be oslin.

Nata: If it’s martial arts, it’s Stejskal.

Jack: Although if there was one teacher who I needed if things hit the fan, it’d be ernigan.

What are you not going to miss?

Jace: The bathrooms.

Jack: eah, definitely not going to miss that. Or all of the unnecessary rules that are put in place because of the very small minority of people who cause problems. Like the food rule or the last 10 minute rule.

Jack: Oh, or I’m not going to miss waiting in these ridiculous lines.

Nata: You’re still going to have to wait in line…

Jace: What lines?

Nata: Guys, lines are not even a thing past high school. ust don’t even get used to it.

Jack: I’m not going to miss being babied but also don’t let me be in charge of my life, please.

Jack: Also, I’m not going to miss high school dances, because no matter how much they tell you, high school dances are boring.

Jace: No. Nata: High school dances are boring.

Jace: No, incorrect. ou have to make them fun.

You can’t just stand there and not dance and then expect to have a good time. ou can’t. Dances aren’t boring, you’re just boring.

Jack: I’ll tell you this, if you allow the expectations of high school dances to get in the way, they’ll never be enjoyable because stuff always goes wrong. It’s never the way you want it to be.

If you don’t care about it, you’ll have a good time.

I’ll guarantee that there’s going to be that one person you didn’t want in your group, but they’re going to be in it anyway.

Nata: And sometimes your friends will vote you into prom court and you’ll actually have to go to prom.

Jack: She’s nominated for the most cliché awesome thing in the world. Tough life you live.

Jace: So yes, go to dances because you can make them fun.

Jack: If you bare-knuckle fight your group before the dance, guaranteed a good time.

Advice on peer pressure Nata: Your friends are just as stupid as you are, don’t take their advice.

Jack: Be confident enough to say, screw you I’ll do whatever I want.

Jace: Humans are inherently selfish people, and they’re not going to care in the end if you do it or not.

Jack: Don’t do it for the vine.

Jace: Someone else can do it for the vine, but you don’t have to.

Advice on social media Jack: If you are stalking somebody, if you like it, leave it. If you like it, and quickly undo it, they’re still going to know. But if you’re like, it happened, that takes some guts. I mean you’ve rung the bell, you might as well stand by the bell when the person gets there.

4

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OPINION

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Graduation ADvice Learn to love your current problems

SARAH H E R M A N N STAFF WRITER

If there were awards given to those who overthink their problems, I would definitely get the prize for the “Number One Worry Wart.” I’m almost positive there is no one who is as worrisome as I am about the smallest things in life.

Once upon a time I was an awkward, unbearably annoying and somewhat confused middle school student, whose biggest problem was my constant fear of wondering what torturous activity we would be doing in gym that day. Since entering high school, my ever-changing problems have grown slightly worse as the years have passed by.

Freshman year was a year I spent constantly smacking myself for not cherishing my middle school years. Going from being a part of “the leaders of Westside Middle School” to a literal shrimp among the very mature-looking seniors was hard for me to grasp. The first year of my high school career was spent wallowing in sadness over the fact that I still had three long years left. If only I knew how lucky I was.

Sophomore year was the year I decided I had to constantly look like I was fresh off the runway.

Every. Single. Day. I’d spend hours upon hours watching every single YouTube makeup tutorial

there was, and then proceed to spend the remaining hours of the day trying out my newly-learned eyeliner techniques. I basically broke the bank begging my parents to buy me every single makeup product that existed. Oh, how I wish makeup was the biggest problem facing me currently. unior year was when I finally reali ed how ridiculous of a person I was. I stopped crying over how young I was and started crying because of how OLD I was. I signed up for classes I wasn’t capable of succeeding in, just to prove to myself that I was incredibly smart (I’m talking about you, AP Physics). I spent countless nights studying for Advanced Algebra tests, and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning writing essays I procrastinated until the last possible minute. y first three years of high school were spent worrying about things that don’t even matter to me now. Looking like a model off the cover of a Sports Illustrated magazine and getting an A in every class seemed to be the most pressing issues I had at the time. While this wasn’t exactly the best mindset I could’ve had, it’s definitely nothing in comparison to what lies ahead of me now.

I’ve finally reached and nearly survived the

final year of high school senior year the year of college applications, senior project and countless scholarship essays. As a 14-year-old freshman sitting through never-ending social studies lectures, I dreamed of finally leaving the dreaded high school halls. But, now that I’m here, all I want to do is go back to worrying about my old problems, such as no longer ruling middle school.

If you find yourself worrying about that qui for nglish class that you put off studying for, just forget about it. Don’t even give it a second thought. I’m not suggesting that you spend your night binge-watching the new season of your favorite Net ix show and completely bomb your finals, but don’t let your world revolve around something that won’t even matter to you in ten years.

The following piece of advice applies to every high school student: learn to love your biggest problems and worries. In a couple of years, you will find your self stressing about something completely new and probably even more significant than whatever you are anxious about currently.

Just remember that you will never be as young as you are now, so take advantage of the small time you have left here at Westside.

Why it’s okay to not have everything figured out

KAYLA K YLE

STAFF WRITER

High school graduation: a time that brings joy to many and terror to me. In just a few short months, I will be embarking on my journey to college and eventually, to my career. And as exciting as that all is, I can’t help but feel like I need more time.

The future is a terrifying concept for many and was something I never really worried about until now. I figured that there was no point in stressing out about something that hadn’t happened to me yet. And now, going into a completely unfamiliar environment away from my family and friends, I’m feeling more anxious than ever.

I’m someone who gets very used to my surroundings and once I get comfortable, I’m reluctant to change things up. This has been something I’ve had to deal with my entire life.

Moving to new schools and even changing the color of my bedroom walls has resulted in a huge panic. The change of going to college is a drastic one and is important in everyone’s lives, but it’s just one I don’t feel ready for.

I know it’s a common feeling to not know what you’re doing going into college and to be nostalgic for the past. It’s rare for an 18-year-old to know exactly what they want to do in life and attain it. Most of us are just fumbling around, going along with whatever comes to us, and I’ve joined that crowd.

Ever since I was a little girl, I said I wanted to be an author. I love writing more than anything else and it’s always something I’ve constantly done. However, saying you want to write for your career causes a lot of scrutiny and panic with the people around you. Any creative field is something that isn’t going to be easy to get into and trust me, I’ve heard that about a million times throughout my life. Sadly, I let those people and the pressure to get a “real job” discourage me from working towards that goal.

Now I’m realizing that being pushed into a career I’m not sure is right for me isn’t the best choice and it’s not how I want to spend my life.

No one should allow themselves to be pressured into changing their life choices because some-

one else isn’t okay with it. Writing isn’t an easy career, no, but it also isn’t impossible. I’m not going to give up on that dream just because it’s not realistic to achieve, since it’s something I truly want to do with my life Alternately, I’ve realized it’s okay to not be entirely sure what I’m going to do next year or after college or for the rest of my life. No one really knows what they’re doing because life has never come with an instruction manual. Our childhood dreams of becoming astronauts or movie stars may not necessarily come true, but that doesn’t mean we’ve let ourselves or anyone else down. It just means life had different plans for us.

The future is something so uncertain and huge that it can feel intimidating for anyone to think about, especially when you don’t know how it’s all going to turn out. Look around at the people near you: we’re all scared and anticipating what’s to come. Don’t panic if you don’t have it all figured out yet. You’re in good company.

PowerGrade A

Thirteen days of school left, including finals. It gives us enough time to say goodbye to the majority of our friends, cry over our yearbooks and catch up on our studies. It also allows us to be out of school almost a week before Memorial Day, which means some much-needed extra summer time.

C

To finals on Monday and Tuesday. It may be inconvenient to come into school on an extra Monday and Tuesday when we could have wrapped up finals the prior Thursday and Friday. However, with the tests occurring on Monday and Tuesday, we get an extra weekend to study for the tests.

F

An F goes to seniors’ last day tomorrow. Not only does it invoke envy from the underclassmen, it also means many of the seniors won’t see each other again. It is also sad for underclassmen to see the seniors go. Many underclassmen have bonded with seniors over the years through different school and extracurricular activities.

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OPINION

Is Privilege the Problem?

Check Your Privilege.

We take things for granted every day. Whether it’s our clean water, access to affordable health care, being born into money, we don’t think about it. We lose sight of the privileges we get on a day to day basis. This is particularly evident in the case of white privilege.

ALEXANDER B E R G I N STAFF WRITER

White privilege is the fact that in the United States, being born as a white person comes with more advantages, usually, than that same person being born as any other race.

How many times have you heard someone say, “They are talking like a black person,” in reference to someone talking in a “ghetto” accent? Talk like this goes on everyday in several forms. When people say this they don’t inherently mean for it to be racist, and it shows us just how bad the problem can be. Think about it. When that sentence is used, you are saying that black people just naturally talk uneducated and vulgar. If someone said that about me, I know I would be offended.

This form of stereotyping has become common for the majority to use against minorities. “White culture” is the baseline for our societies norms, so when people branch out from that, many

feel the need to single out and make fun of such behavior. For example, if a black person were to wear clothes that more resemble their heritage or ethnicity they may be persecuted by the mainstream, whitewashed, media. They will stand out in a crowd and unfortunately in America, it’s not uncommon to see people stare.

It’s not just the culture of minorities that are pushed down in favor of the white culture already in place. The law is not on the side of African Americans especially compared to their white counterparts. For example, similar percentages of white and black people smoke weed, yet African-Americans get arrested and convicted disproportionately more often than white people, according to the Washington Post. This to me sounds like white people have the privilege to be above the law at times.

This is not acceptable.

According to the NAACP, African-Americans are incarcerated at six times the rate of white people.

Now some people might say this means that black people just do more crime, but if we look at the facts there’s no reason it should be that way. The mind of a white man and mind of a black man are the same, so why might one race be getting more arrests over the other? Well it boils all the way down to what happened in our history.

When slaves were freed from slavery after the Civil War, they were just freed and that’s it. Nobody wanted to give them proper employment, or fairly sell them land or proper food. They started in a state of poverty and the race has not made it’s way out of this awful set back.

Because of this set back, black people are more likely to experience not just being in poverty, but also living in a neighborhood where everyone else is in poverty too. People want to make a living for themselves and their family, so they do anything they have to in order to make sure that happens.

People that grow up in a bad environment are more likely to commit acts that they saw growing up. If you saw people making money from selling weed, that option is always in your mind. If you saw girls selling themselves on the street, that option will always be in your mind. Younger generations might also know the people they see this behavior from and have relationships with them. This desensitizes the action even more, making it a doable option in peoples head. This all sets up black families in poverty to continue on in a dangerous cycle.

We also can’t ignore police brutality in this discussion as well. With the stories of Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, we learn that there is a problem in our society. These people died due to actions taken by our police officers that many choose to ignore to this day. There was no need for the death of these people. We need to come together and understand that our own internalized racism isn’t going to help us fight crime or bring our country together.

All of these incidents, just don’t generally happen to white people. White privilege is being able to say that you don’t have to deal with these problems because of the color of your skin. It’s real, it’s here, and it’s time we pay attention and make this society an easier place for everybody.

Privilege Checked.

Believing in the idea of “white privilege” is not doing us any favors in trying to end systemic racism. The assumption that there is “white privilege” is a common belief that is causing all people to be treated unfairly. Assuming that white people are inherently superior is racist, and so is the appropriation of special treatment to minorities.

Yet at the core of this “white privilege” narrative we see both of these ideals demonstrated. Simply put, the concept of “white privilege” is a prejudiced one. As a community of learners and as a society we owe it to ourselves to take a good look at our perception of “white privilege” before we go on perpetuating it to other people and future generations.

Firstly, I’d like to point out that there is absolutely no evidence to support that white people are inherently better than other people. In fact whites are behind in a lot of areas. Statistically whites do not lead in median household income, they do not lead in achieving higher education, they aren’t even leading in infant immortality. In all honesty whites have their share of struggles that can be demonstrated by statistics as well.

First of all 98 percent of work place deaths are taken up by white men. Secondly, whites are the most likely to be a victim of a violent crime.

Lastly whites are heavily disadvantaged when getting accepted into colleges or getting jobs due

to things like a rmative action. In fact minorities are favored 2 1 when getting jobs in the fields of math and science. The first problem with the narrative of “white privilege” is that for whatever reason society is fighting a battle against white people that doesn’t need to be happening. Whites aren’t winning. We’re doing kind of okay at best.

That’s only one side of the issue. On the other hand we have observed instances of minorities receiving all sorts of special treatment. Whether it be in education and jobs (via things like a rmative action or appropriating violence and riots. Society is babying minority groups, and ultimately, all that does is delay their development.

How can we expect minorities to thrive and prosper in a competitive world when they are held to a much lower standard than the white majority?

It's almost like society expects minorities not to do as well, and that's racist as heck.

For example look at the cases of society appropriating minorities committing acts of violence and property damage because of their race. Most

notably things like the Ferguson riots where minorities displayed atrocious behavior after receiving the grand jury verdict. Their reactions were then justified because of their race. These sorts of appropriations are deplorable and do our society absolutely no good.

America has a history of racism dating back hundreds of years. We as a generation of young people have finally arrived at a place in time where we have the power to create a truly equal society. I believe that we can actually put an end to systemic racism. I also happen think that the “white privilege” narrative is probably in pursuit of this same goal. It is just very counterproductive because while the intentions may be good it still assumes white supremacy. Assuming that whites have inherent privilege is racist.

While there are probably good intentions in trying to promote the narrative of “white privilege,” there is pure and simple prejudice at the core of it. No one race is better than the other, and no one race is inferior to the other. To develop a society with true equality we need to treat people equally. No more of this trying to tear white people down and no more of trying to boost minorities up. If everyone has to play by the same rules and be held to the same expectations, society will begin to develop and before long I believe we can truly be a society rid of racism.

COLE HOPKI NS

STAFF WRITER

OPINION

7

COST OF CONVENIENCE

The price differences of the Café Express and the Cafeteria At first, I thought that I was spending too much money on food because the Café Express cost more. The fact that ountain Dew ickstarts cost 5o cents more in the Café Express than the vending machines, made me think that the food in the Café express was more expensive.

“It is cheaper to get a Kickstart out of the vending machines, but students don’t always have money on them, so they use their lunch account [at the Café xpress ,” said odi SAM COHEN incaid, a itchen STAFF WRITER Assistant at the Café Express.

I was wrong. The differences in prices when it comes to soda are a product of the contract Westside has with vending companies. Those companies decide what the price for each product in the vending machines will be. The prices of beverages are the same in the cafeteria and the Café Express since they are both owned and operated by Westside High School.

I think that consistency in pricing is important around the school. There should be no cost difference separating the Caf xpress and cafeteria. The only non-cost related difference between them that I see, is the accessibility that comes with going to the Caf xpress rather than the cafeteria.

Kincaid thinks that convenience of being able to run into the Warrior Hut and grab a sandwich is beneficial for students who may not have time to eat at the cafeteria. This is true, but I believe accessibility of the products there could be contributing to overspending on food throughout the day.

“What I have noticed is that we’ll get kids coming into [the Café Express] multiple times a day,” the Cafeteria anager, Craig Cannon said. Also, incaid noticed that students tend to purchase more snack foods like chips and sodas at the Café Express.

It’s not that the food is inherently more expensive, it’s that students are buying more food in the Café Express than the cafeteria. Buying a la carte items like chips and cookies adds up over time, which contributes to how fast students spend their lunch money.

There are only a few actual price differences between the cafeteria and the Caf xpress.

“If they were to sell a cup of fruit at the cafe, as opposed to the cafeteria, it’s possible there could be a change in price because of packaging costs,” said incaid. This means that it would be more expensive to buy a cup of fruit from the Café Express than the cafeteria.

In the end, the quantity of food purchased there is the real difference, not the minute changes in price. If you are trying to spend less money on food, buy less food.

A BIG MIS-STEAK

The verdict on Sausage Party (Spoilers ahead if you actually cared about this movie) I have made many mistakes in my life. Reading the leaked script of Seth Rogen’s summer blockbuster Sausage Party is by far the biggest one I have made since my first days on this planet.

When someone first mailed me the trailer for this film, I assumed, like most, that it was a cheap children’s film out to make a few bucks. The title choice should have been my red ag that this was not the case. It starts off innocently enough, with a hot dog and a suspiciously designed hot dog bun in love and on their way to a woman’s home with other food items after she purchases them. However, as soon as a potato is picked up and peeled after singing the opening notes of “Danny Boy”, the tone suddenly shifts, as the potato screams in pain, and lets out an Irish-accented “ esus ” The remaining foods look on in terror, unleashing even more “colorful language”, and as the song suddenly shifts to the recorder refrain of Wiggle, I knew I was in for a ride. The rest of the trailer is a profanity-ridden highlight reel of EMMA KORENGEL STAFF WRITER the story of a Seth Rogen-voiced hot dog to tell the truth to the rest of the supermarket foods that they will be cruelly eaten by humans. Overall, I was left unsure of how to feel when it was over. any comedies that turn out well have la y-looking trailers, so perhaps this wouldn’t be as bad as it seemed. It was harmless enough. Or so I thought.

Normally, this would be where the story ends, until the summer release date and consequential critiques. But, a few years ago, in 201 , a major leak at Sony let loose many scripts onto the vast plains of the web. And, unbeknownst to many until the trailer, the full-length draft of Sausage Party was one of those scripts. It spread like wildfire. And, like Icarus, who fell to the earth after getting foolishly close to the sun, my hubris got the best of me, as I read it in full one Friday night. nder usual circumstances, I would not endorse reading leaked scripts as opposed to seeing the final product, as this obviously chops away at the profits to the original artist. However, after reading all 10 pages of work, I can, under no circumstances, advice normal people to see this movie. Do not. No. I am 100 serious. This film is not funny. It is la y. The main joke is that la y sort of swearing where you insert it into everyday sentences as if middle school had come back to haunt me on screen in the form of a Seth Rogen hot dog. Personally, I’m not an uptight person about comedies, and I understand that comedy is subjective for everyone. What I find unfunny, you might find hilarious. For god’s sake, I loved Anchorman 2, even if it disappointed most people. But this is not comedy. I can’t honestly say I laughed once throughout this entire adventure of a read.

I have no idea how I can summari e the majority of what I read without getting an o ce write-up, but a girl can try. The villain, who’s voice has yet to be finali ed in the actual film, is a “feminine hygiene object”, who turns his wrath on Frank, the

hot dog played by Seth Rogen himself, and Brenda, the bun played by Kristen Wiig. When the couple is separated from their respective packages in an unforeseen accident parodying Saving Private Ryan, they must make their way home through the supermarket. Along the way, they encounter ash, a piece of Lavash bread, and Sammy Bagel, who’s food subspecies is self-explanatory. These two serve as, oddly enough, commentary on the Israel Palestine con ict, for no particular reason.

At one point, the gang stumbles into the exican food aisle, which is written to look like a “impoverished village”, and is ruled by a dictator named El Guaco (a tub of guacamole) who is only on screen to make puns and die. ou can’t make this up. Later on, the “feminine hygiene object” befriends the rats living outside the supermarket and recruits them to do his bidding. Oddly enough, his villainy is somehow a subplot, rarely being mentioned or on-screen and not doing much, which only contributes to the plot being an absolute mess. There’s another subplot about Frank’s friend Barry, a deformed hot dog played by timid ichael Cera, going to get help and becoming the chosen one food esus, along the way running into a stoner. It is later explained via this stoner that sentient food exists within a th dimension that human’s can’t perceive without use of opioids, like, per say, heroine. Honestly, why I kept reading at that point, I can’t understand. So for those keeping track at home, if you include the part where Brenda goes solo, we have plots going simultaneously, all about different characters, jumping to and through seemingly at random. But we’re not done yet. There’s a lesbian taco played by Salma Hayek. There’s a Native American bottle of boo e who is accompanied by eagle sounds every time he comes onscreen. At one point there’s an extensive, very descriptive play-by-play of a certain sort of party I can’t legally describe in a high school newspaper. The movie starts off with an orchestrated musical number that contains the line “Ha How do you like me now, Corn in the house ” The film ends in a bloodbath between the humans and food with Barry riding in on a decapitated head screaming “The Gods can be killed ” The bagel and the lavash bread end up hooking up together at the end until the lavash dies strangling a Rabi. verything in this movie is a mess. It’s a mistake, as a whole.

Long story short, personally, I would not suggest reading nor seeing Sausage Party. It wasted my time and it will waste yours. I can’t reasonably expect to stop you from googling up the script out of morbid curiosity or shelling out some cash to see it in theaters, but by god I will try. “But wait ”, some might say. “That script was leaked years ago. How do you know this is how the real film will be ” Good question. I don’t. But one thing I know about making any animated film is that the voices come before the animation, and often the voices are done years in advance because the animation work takes more time. ost likely, these are the concrete lines and events of the finished product. And, seeing as how the trailer has scenes line-by-line from the script, the outcome is looking bleak.

This has gone on too long. I’m done. Do not see Sausage Party, do not read Sausage Party. Do not subject yourself, your family, or your friends to Seth Rogen’s self insert, -rated, food fanfiction. ou deserve better.

8

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9

CENTERSPREAD

10

onwards and outwards

CASEY A RRI T T

DESIGN EDITOR

The future of Westside’s graduating class JACK C O H E N

Nebraska

STAFF WRITER

Nebraska Christian College -Alyssa Naab

University of nebraska - Kearney Central Columbus Community College -Miranda Sargent

The end of high school is an inevitable conclusion to the journey seniors started four years ago. No longer will this class be together as the group separates into a multitude of universities both big and small and near and far.

This new group of Westside alumni will spread all across this country.

Check out Lance’s future plans map to see where everyone is going and what everyone is doing once they’ve gone onward and outward.

-Tay Bridgeman

-JayCee Bridgeford

College of St. mary

-Taylor Kniewel

Creighton University -Alec Karre -Ben Volberding -David Silva-Eraso -Hadiah Kedwaii -Kiley Simmons -Lilla Lovas -Paola Avalos -Payton Hulburt -Sophie Cosimano

Doane College -Lydia James -Grace Denker -Tyler Pierson

university of kentucky -Anna Wilwerding

-Cameron Cote -Chelsey Kolls -Lizzy Tranmer -Jameson Smith

-Adia Matousek -Alejandra Ramirez -Brennan Malone -Bridget Woodrad -Catherine Staben -Colin Oltman -Connor Tucker -Darien Henry -Elise Tucker -Frankie Tangeman -Hanna Workman -Hannah Schlichte -Isaiah Langworthy -Jana Tucker -Jewelia Sims -Katie Germany -Liliana Bacon -Lonna Haynes -Peyton Brockman -Robert Ragland

Concordia College

Kentucky

Midland University

Metro community college

-Lynsey Curran

Hastings college

-Roger Slatten -Savannah Johnson -Taylor Hedrick -Tyler Johnson

Nebraska methodist college

-Cassie Dryden -Catherine Burnett

Nebraska wesleyan univers -Cadence Hollers -Grace Ward -Jakob Phillips -Jake Radicia -Khanh Nguyen -Michael Merical

peru state college -Olivia Coulter

Wayne state college -Aidan Breedlove -Amanda Heath

Corrected copy will be posted separately on Wired -Audrey Knudsen -Melissa Loney

xenon Academy

-Brienna Seidler -Ona Rush

University of Nebraska - kearney

Illinois

york college

-Brittany Scovill

Kansas

Bradley University

Rad Capitol School for hair Ethyn Niroomad-Rad

University of Nebraska - Li

University of kansas-Lawrence Kansas state university

-Sophie Budwig

-Candace Quaites -Elizabeth Amato-Hanner -Haley Foral -Hannah Pred -Jack Connelly -James Buckley -John McCarthy -Maddie Duggan -Patrick Nieto Jr. -Sam Arnold

Columbia College -Natalie Day

DePaul university

-Emma Reilly -Rhoebe Placzek

Lake forest college -Alli Vester

Loyola - chicago

-Alec Vanderloo

university of illinois

-Aaron Casey -Alexis Ludwigs -Alexis OVerman -Allie McAndrews -Amber Myers -Anna Erixon -Annaliese Rashid -Carah Ludwig

-Carleigh Pope -Isaac Henson -Yvonne Stone

Garden City Community College -Michael Sweetman

Kansas city art institute -Harper Newell

Manhattan christian college -Yvonne Stone

Missouri

Amara Cut

Truman state university

Iowa

Iowa Western Community

cornell college -Xavier Puls

briar cliff university -Devin Fischer

Iowa state university

California

university of SoutherN california -Brett Robinson -Elias Ginsberg

University of californa los Angeles -Eva Wetzel

-Bridget Boyce -Jared Kolok

-Claire Nelson -Jake Militti -Mckenzie Meradith -Meredith Peetz

University of dubuque -Maya Solarana

drake university -Lauren Zimmerman -Sol Marburg

Northwestern College -Elise Arant

grinnell college

Missouri State university

Mississippi

-Alec Nolin -Anna Hengen -April Adams -Ashley Jensen -Caleb Corsaro -Cameron Stennis -Nachia Olsen -Paige Barajas -Rehtaeh Meeks

-Hannah Peters

Northwest Missouri State Univers -Braxton Anderson -Emmalee Shields -Mandi Patterson -Nikole Wagner

ty avila universi ks e e M lfonza

-A eeks -Anthony M

Saint Louis University -Joey Wenzl

University of central missouri

University of iowa - iowa city

-Brian Timmons

-Andrew O’Donnell -Lauren Chesire

Washington University -David Huang

Graceland College

-Amory Carnazzo -Cole Hopkins

Iowa central community college -Abdinasir Abdi

Massachusetts

-Isaac Ferber

North carolina

boston University -Eric Lund -Ziyu Fan

University of North carolina at chapel hill

new ire psh

-Bridget Mizener

ham outh College

south carolina

m tt dart k Pelle tt lle ic

college of charleston -Scout Peterson

furmun university -Julia Clements

Texas

-N er Pe t -Pe

University of north texas -Nicholas Young

Texas Christian university -Alex Lindquist -Jacob Faugild -Madisn Hoy

Minnesota Hamline university -Madaline Haney

Macalester College -Andrew Mizener -Hope Reznicek

Southwest Minnesota State -Taylor Harden

Universiyt of minnesota mankato Samantha Faulkner

CENTERSPREAD Georgia

University of pennsylvania -Abigail Lippincott

colorado state university -Callie Anderson

New york university

Regis university

-Jacob Hershiser

princeton university

University of Northern Colorado

-Erin Toy

-Maddie Calvert

t

University of colorado - boulder

n o m r e v

-Rachel Zetzman

-Casey Arritt -Cassidy Williams -Chris Hysack -Ciara Seward -Claire Hofmann -Claire Wilson -Cole Jankovich -Daniel Burns -Danielle Galvin -Edmon Adams e -Eliza Jasa -Emma Limas sity -Evan Sweetman -Grant Gaden -Grant Jordan -Gregory Tracey -Hannah Stodolka -Heather Humphrey -Isabell Rashid -Jace Wieseler -Jack Cohen -Jacob Kent -Jacob Thomas -Jakob Larsen -Jasmyn Ross -Jayden McAtee -Jaylee Johnson -Kara Ruffcorn -Kate Hughes r -Kayla Kyle -Kenneth Erickson incoln -Kirsten McCormack -Lauryn Wengert -Lily Rashid -Madeline Look -Majdi Alkarute -Megan Andrews -Michaela Thompson -Nate Wagner -Nick Trude

new jersey

-Jack Jenson

Syracuse University

-Lizzie Harwood

Pennsylvania

Colorado

new york

university of georgia - athens

sity

11

-Abigail Hack

nt vermo f o y sit Univer die Simon e d a -M colleg bury away e l d id M

-Nicole Saner -Olivia Keilig -Payton Knott -Reece Kremers -Reilly Christensen -Richard Sheibal -Riley Schroeder -Riley Szatko -Sabrina Severin -Sam Frankel -Sarah Hermann -Sophee Harrison -Spencer Jordan -Sujata Sapkota -Sydney Schulenberg -Theodore Murphy -Trenton Cooper -Xzavier Fort

-Amy

-Elizabeth Kopetzky -Elizabeth Lawyer -Elizabeth Nigro -Emma Loyd -Emma Rouse -Greg Bellus -Hannah Keator -Hunter Tessin -Isabella Saklar -Isabelle Knight -Jack Zipay -Jackson Cunnigham -Jacob Frazier University of Nebraska - Omaha -Jake Stacy -Abby Coen-Taylor -Jared Mathison -Alec Stouffer -Jensey Franco -Alexandra Neumann -Joe Clark -Aliyah Jabenis -Kaitlyn Stickel -Alyssa McKee -Karly Cahalane -Amanda Reischlein -Kellen Dobry -Amber Nims -Lathan McAndrews -Anna Reynolds -Levi DeVries -Ben Frazier -Logan Duryee -Benjamin Kerby -Louis Nodskov -Benjamin Mordhorst -Lysette Pena -Breanna McGill -Madison Reich -Carly Kirsch -Mariah Tessin -Chris Ramsey -Mark Bacon -Christopher Schmidt -Maryan Farah -Clarissa Dennis -Matt Johnson -Colin Kirsch -Max Malnack -Cora Kroeger -McKenzie Kostszewa -Drew Sorrell -Meghan Morse -Elias Witte -Michael Thompson

Con

indiana

louisiana

-Molly Byers -Molly Clark -Morgan Blasing -Nagat Mohamed -Narjes Aleid -Nata Ward -Owen Rush -Parker Gifford -Jenna Hynek -Ryan LaHood -Sammy Beckbest -Savana Nawojski -Shayla Muller -Tanya Konuhova -Tayli Humlicek -Tom Cubrich -Tristan Martin -Troy Suwondo -Tyler Gregurich -Usman Khan

Butler university -Jack Goldstein

Tulane University

-Mitchell Hagan

louisiana state university

-Victoria Liakos

Corrected copy will be posted separately on Wired Did not participate

Workforce

Florida

Palm beach atlantic university

Florida State University

-Samantha Duncan

-Krissy Hosman

university of tampa -Nick Gross

University of south florida - st. petersburg -Gillian Chloupek

Washington

Western washington unviersity -Lindsay McCormick

-Cecil Glass -Dawson McAdams -Jessie Edgman -Liz Cheek -Nikolas Decker

Undecided - Colllege -Joe Fehr -Stephanie Dong

Transiton Program -Tony CarabantesBetchel

virginia

george m

-Jame

ason u

s Leg

ge

niversit y

south dakota

South Dakota School of mines and technology -Ben Hector -Cameron Hickey

University of South dakota -Ryan Bailey -Tiffany Chlopek

University of sioux falls -Kauran Outerbridge

Augustana University -Grace Porter -Sammi Baker

Military -Axel Chavez -Dom Wardian -Emma Elhers -Eric Wagner -Justin Garvey-Lease -Nathan Bendorf -Slade Blakeman

-Dzhamshed Addurazokov -Shawn Agee -Liam Al-Hindi -Sarah Alexander -Bayan Algahsim -Max Anderson -Phillipe Attikpo -Anne Ausdemore -Hugo Bahena -Lilian Barber -Ian Barchus -Kyle Barchus -Samantha Barnett -Zachary Barr -Austin Barrett -Arianna Bauersachs -Joshua Beckley -Jaden Bennett -Hunter Bigge -Costen Bishop -Marnath Bol -Christopher Brandley -Tyler Brittain -Sean Brockman -Kristen Brown -John Brunkhorst -Jeffrey Bryson -Shannon Burke -Elizabeth Butler -Kennedi Campbell -Anahi Cardenas-Vega -Dominick Carissimo -Kiyah Caudell -Zakk Christian -Courtney Conway -Justin Cote -Cameron Crook -Christopher Cruz -Hunter Cubrich -Tyler Cummings -Collin Curfman -Paige Destefano -Jackson Dier -Antonio Do -Emila Driscoll -Samantha Droz -Madison Dunn -Jack Dwyer -A’Lisaa Ealy -DaiTeiveion Edmonson -Madison Ellenwood -Katherine Emmanuel -Alicia Eppenbaugh Isaac Ferber -Easton Fletcher -Ryan Fletcher -Chase Fontenot -Isaac Fox -Elizabeth Furchert -Kelin Gady -AnnaMaree Gammel -Nathan Genzler -Melanie Germishuys -Tyler Givens-Dunn -Cecilia Glass -Calvin Graeve -Maija Grinivalds -Sydney Hanel -Jared Hansen -Breanna Harvill -Madison Hector -Abegale Headlee -Tyler Herout -Wyatt Hert -Michael Hill -Christopher Hinde -Thomas Hoglund -Nora Idriss -Kody Jackson -Wiley Jacob -Monica Jansky -Julia Jensen -Angel Jimenez -Brandon Jimenez -Kyra Johannes -Connor Johnson -Jovon Johnson

-Tre’Quan Johnson -Devin Johnston -Kaylee Johnston -Kathleen Jones -Jada Jordan -Jacob Kalasky -Devin Kellogg -Kaela Kelly -Emma Kemp -Kaitlyn Kirby -Nathan Kocmick -Emma Koski -Jordan Kreus -Kyle Krone -Alexis Kruse -Gunnar Krzemien -Nicholas Kussman -Alexander Lechnowksy -Shihang Li -Amber Lonneman -Elliot Mackling -Jeffrey Marion-Anderson -Kaylie Marmo -Jayden McAtee -Emma McMahon -Max Melcher -Tatum Messerley -Miranda Meyers -Francesca Michelizzi -Guinevere Miles -William Monaghan -Nathaniel Moore -Max Morris -Benjamin Morrow -DeAcia Neelon -Jessica Neff -Kimberley Newton -Louie Pascarella -Daniel Petersen -Kristofer Peterson -Alexis Poloncic -Dennis Portillo -Hannah Poth -Mitchell Povey -Dylan Quinata -Devante Rahn -Sophia Ramierz -Melisa Rana -Dakota Ray-Price -Alec Reilly -Mckenzie Robins -Franklin Rodriquez -Juan Roman -Connor Russell -Dalton Salber -William Sanchez -Haley Schuler -Fred Schultz -Taylor Scoggins -Kyle Scott -Richard Sheibal -Jackson Shepherd -Caleb Siemer -Sierra Siler -Emma Smith -Ethan Stark -Megan Stephenson -Tyler Summers -Janeecia Survillion -Ryan Sweeney -Mindy Tangeman -Wyleigh Tangeman -Jazzmyn Thomas -Quiana Thomas -Sasha Tripp -Abigail Turman -Toni Turner -Michael Vega -Michael Warren -Stephen White -Rachel Wiseman -Brooke Williams -Destiny Wilson -Jack Zielinski -Theresa Zorinsky

12

FEATURE

Making Mai Way

Sophomores find opportunity from summer job JI M S C H U E N E M A N

PRODUCTION EDITOR Every weekend while most of us are asleep, vendors at the Omaha Farmers Market prepare for another busy day. Whether loading up a truck or assembling the stand, they are up before dawn getting ready. Standing among these vendors, stirring a batch of tea, is sophomore Kaney Joynoosaeng.

“My dad was able to get a stand, and since he wasn’t able work it himself, he got me to do it,” Joynoosaeng said. “Eventually, I was able to own it myself.”

It first opened in Harvey Oaks Pla a in 2007, but Mai Thai now has a location in Aksarben. With the Farmers Market right outside, Joynoosaeng began working there as well as helping around the restaurant.

“The drink has a specific measurement because the color has to be perfect to get the best result in avor between tea and half and half,” oynoosaeng said.

The day before, Joynoosaeng begins a regular routine. He starts the tea with a vat of hot water and herbs, filters it, adds sugar and lets it cool.

“At first the stand was just me,” oynoosaeng said. “I would get $ 0 and pay my dad the rest, and it wasn’t that big at first. It wasn’t easy for one person to do it all, so I got some friends to help me.”

Joynoosaeng now has full ownership of the stand and works it with sophomore van Price.

“Before I actually owned it I had to start paying for stuff like the space and supplies, and I had to make the tea on my own,” Joynoosaeng said.

“While the restaurant is open, we don’t get a liated with their business”.

Last summer, oynoosaeng and Price were there at 7 0 a.m. every Sunday moving coolers, making drinks and assembling tents in order to be ready for the hundreds of market-goers they would encounter.

“It was better to be productive in the morning, since I would usually spend my mornings still in bed,” Joynoosaeng said. “Mornings were quiet and calm, and depending on the weather we would get a line and it would get quite busy.”

Now with no dependence or help from Mai Thai, oynoosaeng, Price, and others are looking to expand the business model.

“For the market, we plan on doing drinks, but for concerts we will sell meat,” Joynoosaeng said. “We’re still doing the market, but we’re also thinking about looking for a building. My dad has another restaurant which he’s selling. We’re planning to actually buy it and we’ll make a different restaurant.”

Joynoosaeng plans on continuing to work at the market, but will build off his two years of experience in his new venture.

“It was a good way to meet new people and to start something without too much risk,” Joynoosaeng said. “It helps because it would let us know how it feels to work in an environment like this, knowing how we would have to wake up early and

chai tea

omaha farmers market already have the mindset of working.” oynoosaeng and Price are now in the early stages of starting their own extension of the restaurant called Mai Thai Express.

“We’ve already done two years of the tea stand, so we want a new challenge,” Joynoosaeng said.

“It’s an opportunity to start something new.”

Graphic by Jim Schueneman

A Final Farewell

Exchange students reflect on their ten months in America SH A N N ON C H I N N STAFF WRITER

Almost ten months ago exchange students Myra Yarkova, Amy Urick and Denise Koecke packed their bags, said their goodbyes and hopped a plane to spend the school year thousands of miles away.

They left everything they’ve grown up with, everyone they care about and everything familiar to them to experience life in another country. Now, ten months later, as the school year is winding down to a close, these three students will have to pack their bags to say goodbye to friendships and relationships of a lifetime once again.

In the past year, Westside has hosted exchange students from all across the globe, bringing views and cultures spanning from one continent to another. Three of these students are Yarkova, Urick and Koecke, and after spending an entire year in America, they look back at how their journey has changed them.

Being from Ukraine, Japan and Germany, these students experienced ways of life that were completely foreign to them, and their first impressions of America weren’t necessarily what they were expecting. “ y first impression was everything was big and sweet,” Koecke said. “When I came here I couldn’t eat half of the stuff because there was way too much sugar in it.”

Koecke, with short black hair and pale skin, eventually got used to the food in America, but is still excited to go back to traditional German foods back home such as German bread and home cooked meals, especially her mom’s sliced potatoes, schnitzel and her grandma’s cheesecake.

“My mom cooks and my grandma cooks,” oecke said. “I can’t have that kind of stuff here.”

Although the food in America was surprising to Koecke, the hospitality of Americans was also unexpected to the exchange students.

“I expected American students to be much worse.” Koecke said, “I had kind of lower expectations but it’s better then I expected.”

She had thought this because of stories she had heard from different exchange students back in Germany, who may have had a different idea of what America was like.

“There was a history teacher who asked one of the exchange students how Hitler was.” Koecke said.

In Koecke’s experience though, the students and other American citi ens proved to be much differ-

ent then initial assumptions.

“The people are so much more friendly and they communicate.” Koecke said. “Germans don’t really talk to strangers, we have huge personal space.”

Urick, a short girl with light skin and dark hair, also noticed this difference in hospitality from apan coming to America, and it surprised her as much as it did Koecke. “ Americans just kind of talk to random people,” Urick said. “In Japan you need to know that person way more when you go to speak to them, it’s kind of different.” rick’s first impression of America was more somber however, with the sadness of missing her family and country weighing on her. “ y first impression was ten months is going to be so long.” Urick said. “I remember crying every night for the first week.”

When Yarkova, a girl with wavy brown hair and dark rimmed glasses, arrived in America her first thoughts were how thankful she was to be here. “ y first impression was that oh my gosh it’s a miracle, I’m living the dream.’” Yarkova said. “I really understand that I got a great opportunity to change my life.” arkova noticed strong differences between the U.S. and Ukraine, the political and economic structure of each country when she arrived, and it was a surprise to see the difference in the ways people think.

“Ukraine is kind of a democratic country, but it had been a part of the Soviet Union for a pretty long time,” Yarkova said. “We still have a population that were born and raised in Soviet Union and still have those kind of communist ideas in their heads.”

Without this mentality constantly around her, Yarkova was able to learn and grow by acquiring more American ways of thinking.

“In Ukraine there is only black and white, yes or no,” Yarkova said, “but in America things are black, white, and grey, so now I look at things from different sides.”

Despite the many differences in culture and mindset, the students have learned many things from being in America. They have discovered that these lessons have changed how they act and think.

“I feel like I learned how to tell my opinions better,” rick said, “When I first came here I didn’t say anything and I couldn’t get into that conversation, but now I can naturally do those things.”

Although Urick was social in Japan, when she

first came to America she was afraid to talk to many people at first.

“It just kind of hit me that everyone here was American,” Urick said. “I was really scared.”

Although many of the students were afraid to come to America at first, their trip paid off by teaching them many valuable lessons. While living alone in an unfamiliar country, Koecke was able to learn more about independence.

“I feel like I’m more self-su cient now just because I don’t have my family anymore,” Koecke said. “I had to deal with things pretty much on my own.”

Yarkova also dealt with this, and she learned that even though America is thought of being a sort of shining empire, there are still hardships that can be seen.

“I’ve learned that the world’s not always sunshine, there’s a lot of misunderstandings among people and you have to find compromises for different situations,” arkova said, “America is definitely a country of opportunity, but basically I’m here alone.”

By coming to this country, the students have found all knew perceptions of America, and have learned lessons they won’t soon forget when they return home.

“I got to know another perspective and see things from another point of view from people thousands of miles away.” oecke said. “That definitely changes a lot.”

Exchange students Amy Urick, Myra Yarkova and Denise Koecke pose for a picture Wednesday, April 28. Photo by Shannon Chinn

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14

FEATURE

A LITTLE BIt OF LUCK

Sixth grader plays golf at tournament, does well LI BBY S E L I N E

be tallied up and compared against other players.

After placing in the top three in Nebraska, she MANAGING EDITOR made it to the subregional competition in Kansas City where she placed in the top two. This brought Prairie Lane sixth grader Kaitlyn Hanna never her to innesota where she won first place in her golfs without her UNO hat. age group. She was then given the opportunity to The ball cap sits on top of her head as she clos- go to the Masters in Georgia and compete in Geores her eyes to visualize her shot. She then looks gia. down at the ball by her high socks, raises her club, “[Winning] was a lot of fun,” Hanna said. “At swings and follows through. first I didn’t know I was going to the Masters, This but then [peois her ple] put up a r o u sticker that PRAIRIE LANE SIXTH GRADER tine. said I was. I T h i s was really exhelps cited.” h e r At the Masduring ters, many ceeach lebrities such touras Justin Timn a berlake and ment Niall Horan a n d were there, she bebut Hanna lieves was most exher hat cited to see gives Justin Rose her a who won the little bit of luck.

Masters last year.

“Sometimes you need luck and that’s what golf “[Going to the Masters] was a lot of fun,” Hanis kind of about,” Hanna said. na said. “That’s where a lot of professional golfers Hanna has been golfing since she was she was play. [During the Drive Chip & Putt competition] about 3-years-old. Since then, she has started instead of doing three drives, three chips and practicing golf at Champions Run and began com- three putts I did two drives, two chips and two peting in tournaments when she was 8-years-old. putts. So [my score] kind of went down more, but She also joined Nike Junior Golf and has been it was awesome.” practicing through GolfTEC in Omaha.

On April 4, Hanna competed at the Masters.

“I liked the atmosphere around going to all of She placed in the top ten in her age group at this these organizations and meeting new friends,” competition. However, Hanna does not focus on Hanna said. how well she does and instead just wants to play Through Nike Junior Golf, Hanna found out the game. about the Drive Chip & Putt. Hanna recently com“[My golf friends and I] just play and have fun; peted at this competition competition in Nebras- it doesn’t really matter about the score,” Hanna ka. At this tournament, she had to do three drives, said. “I know if I hit a bad shot, I know what I three chips and three putts. Then her scores would would do and I just fix it.”

K AI TLY N H A N N A

“I think golf is ten percent luck and 90 percent mental...”

She believes a positive attitude is very important because a negative attitude can affect how well the game goes.

“I think golf is ten percent luck and 90 percent mental,” Hanna said. “[By that I mean if you think] you’re going to hit [the ball] into the water, you’re going to hit it into the water. So you have to always think positive about the next shot.”

Hanna enjoys golf because she thinks it’s peaceful and she loves meeting new people. In the future, she hopes to pursue golf in high school. In the meantime, she enjoys just being a normal sixth grader, but she does enjoy being seen as a leader.

“I know that other people in Omaha are looking up to me—especially the little kids I see at Champions,” Hanna said. “[Kids at Prairie Lane say they] want to get started in golf too….it’s really cool for someone to look up to me.”

Prairie Lane Sixth Grader Kaitlyn Hanna competed in the Drive Chip & Putt in Augusta, Georgia.

She finished tenth in the nation and was the youngest in her division. Photo courtesy of Amy Hanna.

Extraordinary Employment

Westside students prepare for unique summer jobs STEVEN SIMON STAFF WRITER

SENIOR

NA TA L I E D A Y

Disney Princess

For a summer job most people mow lawns, wait tables, or lifeguard, but senior Natalie Day’s job is very unique, she’s a Disney princess. Day dresses up as a Disney princess and is hired for kids’ birthday parties. Day works for and is hired out through a company called Kidz Cook with Joy. This company will come to a birthday party, create a theme for the party and teach kids how to cook a treat. At these parties, Day will typically make an appearance as Ariel the mermaid and teach party-goers how to bake something like a cupcake or a cookies. Along with parties Day works at a daycare where she teaches kids how to read, sing or even walk like a mermaid.

SENIOR

ISABEL L E K NIGHT

CNA

Neurotherapy is a medical practice in which patients are exposed to different electromagnetic frequencies to find responses in brain activity. Neurotherapy can be used to treat anxiety, stress, or other symptoms. This summer, sophomore Abigail Cameron will act as a neurotherapist’s assistant at Moore Neurotherapy. As someone who is a patient at Moore Neurotherapy, Cameron wants to help people who have needs similar to hers. She will start off doing this by scheduling appointments and acting as a secretary and eventually will run neurotherapy sessions. Cameron will work eight hour days three to four times a week.

SOPHOMORE

A BI GA I L C A M E R O N

Neurotherapist Assistant

This summer senior Isabelle Knight will be working at CHI Health Immanuel Hospital as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Knight will work 24 hours a week throughout the summer performing various tasks to aid nurses and help monitor patients.

Some of the tasks Knight will perform include checking patient’s vitals such as blood pressure and sugar levels, inserting catheters, and assisting patients with personal hygiene. Knight heard of CNA openings from a friend working at Immanuel and because she will be pursuing a career in nursing, she decided to get a head start.

SENIOR

NIKOL AS DECK ER

Drummer

It sounds like a dream come true, but this summer, senior Nikolas Decker will be rocking out all across the country in front of hundreds of fans. Decker, a drummer, and his band, The Kennicks, a rock/ punk rock band will be playing gigs in 6+ cities all across the country. Cities they hope to play in include Lawrence, Denver, Milwaukee, Houston, and even Pittsburgh.

To arrange gigs in each city, the band contacts a booking agency about six months in advance and the agency finds them a venue that will pay around the amount they are looking for.

The Kennicks then travel to their venue and put on a show for their fans. Decker is living his dream of being a musician and wants to people to know that if they have a dream they should go for it regardless of what others say.

SPORTS

15

IT TAKES TWO TO TENNIS

With sister graduated, state champ looks for second chance to compete

N A TA W A R D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The problem with the ball machine was that the ball machine was not McKinney.

Sure, it had 12 preloaded drills and could simulate your opponent’s thought process better than the average model on the market, but it couldn’t cheer senior Lizzie Harwood up after a tough loss.

It couldn’t give her a pep talk between serves. It couldn’t have Lizzie’s back at the state championship her sophomore year and it definitely couldn’t play doubles with her.

In fact, as of Monday, April 11, Lizzie hadn’t played a doubles game for nearly two years. After her sister McKinney Harwood’s graduation in 2014, there just wasn’t anyone with the same amount of training that Lizzie had, that is, ten years of competitive tennis in her background.

There is a distinct difference for a tennis player between doubles and singles — which Lizzie was now forced to play — beyond the fact that one you play alone and the other you have a partner. Singles was about independence, about drive and ultimate individual focus. In singles, all you had to worry about was yourself, and if you were good, you could go all the way.

Doubles, however, was about having a person standing beside you, covering the forehand side of the court for you, it was about having a team.

Lizzie wants a team again.

Every practice, Lizzie spends about an hour on the far court, alone with tennis racket in hand, ball machine serving her in the same locations, with the same speeds, in the same set of patterns every time. Her teammates occasionally join her, but oftentimes, they run separate drills on another court.

Lizzie holds one of tennis’ most-coveted positions — one-singles — a spot that is typically reserved for the strongest player on the team. However, even with this accomplishment, Lizzie, her teammates and even head coach Shaun McMahon can see that she is not having the best season. After ten years, countless tournaments, and numerous victories, Lizzie has decided that this will be her last year playing tennis. She will not go on to the collegiate level when she attends University of Georgia next fall.

Tennis used to be everything. Lizzie remembers it even used to be fun once.

But that was two years ago, before the fancy new ball machine, when McKinney played with her.

Junior Ashley Tyler learned everything she knew about doubles from her sister, 2015 Westside alum Elizabeth Tyler.

Ashley started her high school career as a singles player, coming off of nearly three years of competitive tennis training during elementary

and middle school. Elizabeth played doubles with a different player then. Although Ashley occasionally wished she could play by her sibling’s side, it wasn’t obvious that the two would eventually become a strong doubles duo that would win fifth in metros.

In fact, it wasn’t until Ashley’s sophomore year that any changes were made. McMahon, increasingly aware of Elizabeth’s intensity on the court, switched her to playing with the calmer and more easy-going Ashley.

Elizabeth was a force to be reckoned with, competitive and focused. Nobody understood doubles like Elizabeth did that year, according to Ashley.

Elizabeth trained with her coach and on her own, picking up skills from watching how 2014 alum and state champ McKinney Harwood played doubles before her.

Ashley was supposed to be the balancing force to Elizabeth’s extreme drive. Ashley was good, but she wanted to enjoy tennis as much as her sister wanted to win it. In that, they found a stable pairing.

So Ashley got to play with her sister. They would talk strategy, they would fight and li abeth would blame Ashley for mistakes. But to know someone as well as Ashley knew her sister, and to play side-by-side with that person in a sport you love — that was nearly perfection. Ashley was happy.

And now Elizabeth is gone.

This year, Ashley still plays doubles, but it felt off in the beginning. There was just something lacking in Ashley’s season. She wasn’t connecting with any of her partners. The person beside her hadn’t spent more than a decade by her side, didn’t grow up with her, didn’t know all the things that made Ashley, well, Ashley.

But there was another girl on the team who understood what it was like to be left behind. And ironically, her name was also Elizabeth, “Lizzie” for short.

So Ashley asked McMahon for a new partner.

When Westside doubles team Lizzie and McKinney reached the state championship in the spring of 2014, it was a near perfect spring day.

Lizzie was focused on her shots, not the weather, and the form of her sister next to her.

The next time Lizzie would play doubles, it would be nearly 80 degrees on a Thursday this April, during a tournament in Kearney. All direct sunlight. The whole team would come home with sunburns, some nearly purple on their skin.

When Li ie walked off the court two years ago, she had earned the title of state champ, but also had become something else.

Alone.

Without her sister, Lizzie was alone.

Lizzie felt out of place now, but Ashley was ready. The red-haired firecracker that was Ashley

couldn’t pass for level-headed, serious McKinney even from side glance. But there was something both Ashley and McKinney shared: skill.

The pair walked shoulder to shoulder to retrieve out balls, dressed in identical Westside jerseys. Tennis is a quiet sport, and although their brief exchanges between serves can’t be heard, the smiles are apparent.

The other team calls the ball out. (There are no refs in high school tennis.)

If Lizzie’s voice cuts through the silence, “Are you sure?” — this is tennis’ passive equivalent of a player giving sass — Ashley is there to calm her down.

Later, if Ashley’s return hit falls too short and hits the net, it’s Lizzie who is there immediately, offering a fist bump to console her, telling her it’s okay.

They play Lincoln North Star. They win 8 to 9.

“Your girls should be proud,” The Lincoln coach told McMahon after the game. “Those were my best players; your girls beat a very good team.”

Returning home, Lizzie was surprised. No, not surprised, more thoughtful. The two had never played together before. They received the change in line-up the day before the tournament, so they had never even practiced doubles together.

But, if Lizzie could say so herself, they had done pretty well.

Yes, Lizzie missed McKinney. Yes, Ashley still missed Elizabeth. But that was okay.

It’s true that no one could replace McKinney, but Lizzie has found that there is no one else like Ashley either. When they play now, the courts are filled with laughter.

Top: Senior Lizzie Harwood and junior Ashley Tyler change sides during their meet against Papio LaVista, Tuesday, April 19. Above right: Harwood returns the ball after a serve by the other team. Photos by Abby Lang

16

SPORTS

On to the Next One

Multiple senior athletes begin the transition to college sports NOL AN T R A CY

STAFF WRITER

For the average athlete, graduating from high school just about concludes his or her

Mitchell Hagan School: Tulane Sport: Baseball Position: First base

career. ery few have the opportunity to take their game to the next level. In fact, according to the NCAA, only 5. percent of all high school athletes play college sports sponsored by the NCAA. A few of our own Westside seniors have been given the chance to play collegiate sports.

Maya Solarana School: Dubuque (IOWA) Sport: Basketball Position: Center/Forward

Playing college sports just kind of runs in the family for senior itchell Hagan and his two older brothers. One brother of his, att who graduated from Prep, is a tennis player at the niversity of Iowa. His other brother, Christian, graduated from Westside, and is now a kicker at the niversity of Northern Illinois. Now, it’s itchell’s turn as next year he’ll be heading to the niversity of Tulane, to play baseball. itchell looks to get the most out of his experience at Tulane, by playing harder and continuing to improve, as the competition will be one step higher than high school.

“I’m really excited to begin playing against better competition next year,” Hagan said. “It’ll really help me grow as a baseball player.”

After helping the girls team win their first state championship in 16 years as a junior in 2015, senior aya Solarana looked to go back-to-back as a senior. nfortunately, the season ended in Lincoln with a loss in the state tournament, to illard West. Despite an early exit in the state tournament, Solarana was able to complete another goal of hers, when she signed her letter of intent to play at the niversity of Dubuque, in Iowa.

“I really like the coach, and they are known for winning,” Solarana said. “And with my major there, I can do different internships in the country or out of the country if I want to.”

Elise Arant

Taylor Harden

Senior lise Arant has been playing soccer just about her entire life. This season Arant has mainly been playing at defender, and she has scored two goals and had one assist. Through her childhood and at high school levels, playing collegiate soccer has always been a goal of hers.

She has scored Next year, that goal will finally be complete as she heads to Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa to compete in the sport that she loves. Playing at Northwestern will be to the benefit of her parents as well, because it’s close of enough to home for them to watch her play.

“The transition to playing at a higher level should be smooth,” Arant said. “I’m excited to also meet new people, as nobody from Westside is going there.”

Senior Taylor Harden has had the dream of playing college sports his entire life, but injuries put that dream aside for a while. In his seventh grade year, Harden was going about his routine at football practice, working on tackling drills. After numerous hits to the head, Harden’s head and neck began to hurt. This ended Harden’s season. He did not play football again until sophomore year, and he had to be restricted to only kicking. Now, after spending a year as the varsity starting kicker, Harden is headed to Southwest innesota State niversity to play for their football team. “ ost of the coaches are young and very relatable,” Harden said. “S S football is a good up-and-coming team that is desperate for a kicker. This gives me a good shot to start as a true-freshman, which was a huge factor in me deciding to go there.”

School: Northwestern (IOWA) Sport: Soccer Position: Center defensive Midfield

School: Southwest Minnesota State Sport: Football Position: Kicker

Leaving a legacy

Westside senior twins continue family football tradition JACK C O H E N

STAFF WRITER

Seniors Grant and Spencer Jordan pose at Phelps Field. The twins are walking on at the University of Nebraska. Photo by Kirsten McCormack

Growing up in the football crazed state of Nebraska, countless kids grow up watching and dreaming to be like the players they see on the field. The athletes on the field became legends and icons. It’s easy to forget that they’re just students and real people. ost children idoli e the players on the field without ever meeting them, seniors Grant and Spencer Jordan on the other hand, have lived with two.

Grant and Spencer are the son of former Husker Biz Jordan (double check name) and younger brother of current Husker fullback Harrison ordan.

The twins found their passion for their family’s game early on.

“When we were in elementary school we played for the Suburban Bulldogs,” Grant said. “We saw football because our older brother had been playing for a couple years ahead of us so we got to experience football hands on and we just kind of fell in love with the game.” ven with such a clear path to follow, Grant and Spencer knew they could chose whatever they wanted to do.

“We created our own path,” Grant said. “Our dad always told us that if we think we can do it then we could.”

Aside from the family connections, the team and the impact it has on people in the state inspired both brothers. “ ver since we were little we wanted to play foot-

ball ,” Grant said. “I think growing up in Nebraska and watching Nebraska football you see what football really means to everyone.”

Nebraska uniquely has one major college football team, uniquely bringing together the state around a college team unlike any other. The ordan’s are excited to be a part of this “Leaving a legacy is cool because you’ll get remembered for being a good football player and representing your name well,” said Spencer.

As in uential as having family that are alumni and current players, it also leads to increased expectations for both of the twins.

“I think they all the team look at us to have the same work ethic as him Harrison ,” Grant said. “He’s known down there for how hard he works so we can’t go down there and lay an egg on your work ethic.

With a lifetime of anticipation behind them, the Jordan’s are incredibly close to beginning their college career, following in the family footsteps. Spencer looks back fondly on the memories through football.

“All the practices and when my dad was my coach,” Spencer said. “It was cool experience because he taught me what he was coached and watching Harrison because my dad coached him also.”

The beginning of the 2016 season represents the culmination of the ordan family. With all sons on the team at the same time, the ordan’s have truly become one of Westside’s best athletic family’s. Both Grant and Spencer expect to redshirt their freshman year and learn from watching their older brother and the rest of the team.

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17

ALBUM REVIEWS

EL I SE T U C K E R STAFF WRITER

HELL’S KITCHEN ANGEL

“Hell’s Kitchen Angel” is Max Schneider’s, under the stage name “Max” debut album that has fans excited for what’s next. The Nickelodeon star turned pop singer’s sound has changed since being on TV. Before his sound was bubbly and fun, but the album is packed with synths, acoustics and heavy drums. One of the best songs that shows Max’s voice range is called “Holla.” The groove and rhythm of the song makes listeners want to dance. His voice as a lot of soul in this song and shows what he can do. Another great song is “Lights Down Low.” This acoustic ballad shows off ax’s lower range perfectly and has fans wanting more. One more song that I would like to discuss is “10 Victoria’s Secret odels.” At first I was asking myself if I should even listen to this song thinking it would just be about how amazing and pretty the models are, but I was wrong. The lyrics tell a story about if Max saw 10 Victoria’s Secret models when he was out on a date with a girl and saw them that he wouldn’t even look at them. He would just continue looking at his date. The story took me by surprise. The catchy beat took charge and made this song likeable. The whole album was superb because each song had it’s own story and represents him as an artist. Most of the songs tell a certain story that might have happened to Max. The songs help fans get to know him well, so at concerts they can compare stories about what they went through. There weren’t any aws at all, which shows true craftsmanship, expect for one song. The featured artist, Sirah, in “ ug Shot” seems to just be there because the album needed another artist. I wanted to just have ax singing throughout the song and not someone else. Overall, the record shows many different sides of ax, but they all come together to make perfect harmonies.

WEEZER (WHITE ALBUM) Wee er’s new album “Wee er White Album ” has a wide range of easy-going to head-banging songs perfect for the spring and summer weather. The band’s alternative sound has fans coming back time and time again. One of the songs that represents Wee er’s older style is “ acked p” because of the added piano in the background throughout the song. It adds a different tone to the desperate lyrics.

My personal favorite and the song that will get stuck in everyone’s heads is “Thank God for Girls.” The lyrics in the song are smart and the music captures their sound perfectly. “Do ou Wanna Get High ” is another highlight because of the heavy rock in uence to the song. The song is filled with guitar riffs and drums. My favorite part of the song is the guitar solo that Rivers Cuomo plays. Another song that is a highlight on the album is “ ing of the World” because of the heavy electric guitars. It reminds me of some of their older stuff. Wee er can’t make any mistakes when it comes to their albums. y favorite off of the album is “L.A. Girl .” When I heard this song I jammed out to it immediately. The guitar solo was killer and I’m very excited to see them this summer because of that song. It has a lot of heavy rock in uences, so that’s why I like the song. The final song off of Wee er’s album is “ ndless Bummer.” This sober song tells a story about the worst summer ever. The base story is about a break up that went terribly wrong. The guy is telling us about how the break up ruined his life. He doesn’t see the world as a big and happy place, rather he sees it as a dull global. Fans who have been through a similar situation can relate to his pain and story. ach song on the album gives off a chill, too-cool-forschool vibe which is perfect for listeners. Overall, the album needs to be a part of your playlist because the songs are catchy and it’s filled with entertaining lyrics.

THE BEDROOM TOUR PLAYLIST Niykee Heaton’s first album “The Bedroom Tour Playlist” was the set-list from her recent .S. tour.

Her sound transitioned from just having a guitar to having beats, drops and minimal instrument usage. The singer is starting to become a staple for female rappers and singers in the hip hop/pop world, even though some of her songs aren’t true rap. The first song on Heaton’s album is a powerful acoustic lyrical that tells about how she had to get through her sister’s death from cancer called “I’m Ready.” I love how she poured her feelings into the lyrics and made this song relatable for all. Another song that really shows the variety on the album is “Nexus.” The song has a grungy tone to it and it makes me pumped up for the day. “Infinity” is the slow ballad in the album. She tells a story about how she just wants to be loved by someone who won’t hurt her. The song features an acoustic guitar, finger snaps and a slight kick drum in the background. The song shows off her lower range and lets listeners get to know who she is as a romantic person. The final song in the album is “Dream Team.”

The song talks about her friends and how important they are to her. The pace of the song is slow at first, but slowly starts to become faster. y favorite part of the song is the bridge when the beats match her rapping style. One song that I think didn’t represent her was “Bad Intentions” because of the featured artist Migos. Yes, he brought a more rap vibe to the song, but his lyrics didn’t match the song at all. The only lyric that matched was when he said “Bad Intentions” multiple times. I don’t think he should have been featured in the album. He’s a good rapper, but his style doesn’t fit this song. Heaton has an ama ing voice and I just wanted to listen to her in the song. Overall, the album was ama ing expect for that one aw. Heaton is not afraid to be who she is and her heavy bass sound has listeners, like me, wanting more.

LEVI HUMMON The typical country drawl has steered me away of the genre, but Levi Hummon is threatening to convert me. The up-and-coming country star’s new self titled P xtended Play is full of love songs and ballads that would make any girl swoon, even if they don’t like Country music. The general sound of the album is light with the acoustics, but is filled with serious lyrics. The lyrics complement the melody nicely which makes the P easy to listen to. The best song off of the P is “Windows Down Days” because of the acoustic sound. The song makes listeners want to go on a road trip to nowhere with their friends. One more song that really brought out Hummon’s range in songs was “Guts and Glory.” This all American song was about how to celebrate our country. The lyrics told a story about the American dream and how we are all hardworking. These are the type of songs that fans can blast in their car and sing along to. Hummon brings a new sound to the genre, and lets non-country lovers to enjoy just a hint of the music. The only thing I would like to correct is that in “Chain Reaction” the lyrics are very boring and has the typical “rocky relationship” theme. Overall, Levi Hummon’s first P is a hit for me.

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HOROSCOPES Horoscopes by April Van Unen

Graphics by Casey Arritt

Aries 21 mar – 19 apr You’re not the best at self-discipline when it comes to money, but today, a friend will have some valuable advice about finances. Listen to them and take what they say into consideration.

It could help you in the long run.

Cancer 22 jun – 23 jul Expand your networking today by connecting with new people, or by using your communication skills in new areas.

Practice your skills at work or at home to help you grow. Better charisma will result in new opportunities.

Taurus 20 apr – 20 may Despite upcoming drama and complications, there will be a lot of positives in your life too.

The drama will be easy to handle so don’t worry too much about it. Don’t let the negatives distract you from the positives to come.

Gemini 21 may – 21 jun Today will challenge your abilities in a new way.

Be confident in yourself and open yourself up to a new form of bravado by trying to do things a different way. Switching things up in your routine will be the lift you need to overcome the challenges.

Virgo 24 aug – 22 sept Sometimes you find it a challenge to let other people help you but others care about your progress and plans. Try letting your friends in on your thought process and ask them for their honest feedback on your situation.

Leo 24 jul – 23 aug Don’t be so concerned with status that you forget your happiness. Others will judge you no matter what you do. Take time to focus on yourself and those who matter most, no matter other people’s opinions about it.

Libra 23 sept – 22 oct Focus on your future plans and what you can do now to achieve them. It’s a good time to start working towards your goals and laying out the steps you will need to take in the near future. You won’t regret getting a head start.

Scorpio 23 oct – 22 nov You may be overwhelmed by the amount of things you need to prioritize. If you take a few moments to clear your head, it’ll be a lot easier to figure out what your top priority is. You may also realize some things you do not want to do at all.

Capricorn 22 dec – 20 jan Make sure your comments are clear today.

You don’t want people to misunderstand you or your intentions. Misunderstandings can lead to a whole new pool of dangerous assumptions. Make sure those who you converse with understand you. It never hurts to double check.

Aquarius 21 jan – 19 feb It may be time to embark on a new solo project today. The same people you always see may start to bore you but this doesn’t mean you should drop them completely. Change up who you hang out with or even take time to yourself for a change.

Sagittarius 23 nov – 20 dec Today anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself. The outcome of anything you do is up to you. Apply yourself to your work and put energy towards thing you value. Don’t be intimidated by anything.

Pisces 20 feb – 20 mar Your mind is sharp, that will come in handy today.

A last minute change may call for you to reschedule your day-or even week but you will be able to do it because of your sharp wits. Impress and amaze people by being able to handle whatever the day throws at you.

landing lingo

A look into the terminology used in the halls of Westside Word: Swanky

Word: Sheesh

Who said it: Junior Hannah Bowes Definition: A classier version of some-

Who said it: Junior TreVonn Wright Definition: An exclamation of surprise,

thing that is cool or awesome

confusion or gratitude

Used in a sentence: Man that Gucci

Used in a sentence: Fino’s PK in the

Word: Suh, Dude

Word: Sus

Word: Fire

Who said it: Junior Madison Barger Definition: When something REALLY

Who said it: Freshman Nolan Breedlove Definition: A mixed way to say “sup” and

Who said it: Freshman Kaitlyn Ketelsen Definition: A short term for suspicious

Who said it: Freshman Aidan Flairty Definition: When something is better

exciting happens

“hey” at the same time

behavior

than awesome

Used in a sentence: No homework in

Used in a sentence: S

Used in a sentence: Why are you act-

Used in a sentence: This song is super

in s s s t d

fi e

Word: chunky

Word: Sticy

Word: kosher

Who said it: Junior Zach Folda Definition: A term to describe something

Who said it: S h e e e Definition: The next level above sick Used in a sentence: h t s sti n

Who said it: ni S en e S e Definition: A multi-purpose word that

TREVOR M U M F O R D

STAFF WRITER

The passing period can be an exotic place to eavesdrop. Aside from the traditional “hello” or “what’s up” there are new words high schoolers use every day that are unique in their own ways. Westside, being a hip school that allows students to express themselves in creative ways, is a place with an abundance of jargon. argon is vocabulary that is specific to a particular group. This slang gets transmitted like the common cold and, within only a small amount of time, the word soon becomes a part of everyone’s vocabulary. Here’s how Westside students define and use some of these sayings.

Word: Lit

th it s it

Word: chup Who said it: S h e e n in Definition: It’s like saying yup, but it sounds cooler because of the “ch.”

Used in a sentence:

h

e te e

h d de

siti e S n n

d

e si

cool or awesome)

Used in a sentence:

his d de s Royale deck is too chunky.

sh

shirt is swanky.

et

fin s Sheesh

e ns

n

d te

s

ee ess

Used in a sentence: Audrey and I were fi htin

tn

e e

she

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TPM

A&E

TOTAL PROM MOVE CELENA S H E P H E R D , JACK C O H E N

MANAGING EDITOR

Prom. Everybody does the same old thing, every year. Not you though. Not your group. This year was

Ethan Wolter, 11

different. While everyone else got their basic tux, or steakhouse meal, you and your crew stood out and didn’t apologi e for it. Prom isn’t usually like a movie, funny moments happen and things go wrong, so take solace in Lance’s Total “Total Prom Moves”. Get inspired and Happy Prom.

Olivia Robino, 11

Jackson Frerichs, 12

“Girls complainging about their good side for pictures.”

“Girls getting spray tans and being orange.”

“Realizing you forgot your tickets as you arrive at prom.”

Grace Yohannes, 11

Audrey McCan, 11

Spencer Salem, 11

“Girls ordering a salad at dinner so they don’t have a food baby.”

“Turning your best friend’s date into your boyfriend.”

Victoria Liakos, 12

Alex Belgrade, 11

“Crying because your date is late to pictures and the moms want to take the group picture without him.”

Reilly Christensen, 12 “Crying over really bad hair.”

“Being hypnotized at post prom.”

Sarah Schau, Business “Arguing in your prom group intructor message about after party themes.”

“Watching your students grind on each other and never being able to look at them the same.”

Lizzie Harwood, 12

Pj Nieto, 12

“Having to make your own promposal sign because your date won’t make it.”

“Your date stabbing you with the boutonniere.”