Common Sense
Millard South High School • 14905 Q St. • Omaha, Neb., 68137
September 29, 2017
Volume 18 Issue 1
School board asks residents for levy override The school board of Millard has a track record of being fiscally conservative. This makes their unanimous decision to ask the residents of Millard to approve the first ever levy override even more striking. This would be an addition to November’s ballot and it asks taxpayers for up to a 9 cent property tax increase. That means for every $100,000 of home valuation, homeowners would pay $10 more a year for each penny of override. If the board were to use all 9 cents, that would be $90 more a year for that property valued at $100,000. Revenue for public schools comes primarily from state aid and property taxes. As a result of inflation (the general increase of prices that is present in a healthy economy) Millard Public Schools’ revenue should increase
State Aid Received by Millard
Taryn Smith Staff Reporter
$90 millionThe amount of state aid Millard Public Schools should be recieving $90 million
flation nt for in
accou e aid to h in stat
$14.2 million Deficit
t 3% grow $75.8 million
Source: Millard Public Schools fact sheet 2009/10 2010/11
2011/12
2012/13 2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
School Year 3% a year. But despite Millard’s growing needs, revenue has only increased .9%. Here’s why-
From 2009-2017 Millard has experienced no growth in state aid as a result of a change in the
state aid formula. Property taxes have increased 1.5-1.7% per year, but
Infographic designed by Taryn Smith
this is not enough to account for growing costs and a larger student population.
To put the situation into perspective, below is a comparison of state aid received by the two other largest school districts in Nebraska.
District
2009-2010 State Aid
2017-2018 State Aid
Millard Public Schools
$75.8 million
$75.8 million
5.63 %
0%
Omaha Public Schools
$79.1 million
$126.7 million
15.13 %
60%
Lincoln Public Schools
$177.4 million
$288.2 million
7.66 %
62.42%
statistics are not being presented to “These disparage LPS or OPS but to illustrate that a growing student population demands an increase of revenue. -Jim Sutfin
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Superintendent
2009-2017 Enrollment Growth %
2009-2017 State Aid Growth
The vote to pass the levy override will take place by mail in ballot only. Students that are over the age of 18 and live within the district boundaries are eligible to vote in this election. Ballots will be mailed out on October 23 and must be submitted by November 14. To register to vote go to www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration
Inside Common Sense National Vocabulary Bowl Page 6 photo by Vivian Kaldahl
“Out of Order” Page 7 photo by Nina Washington
“It” Review Page 8
Varsity Football Page 10 photo by Conner Taylor
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News 9 • 29 • 2017
DACA: Resources and Information to help Defend the Dream What is DACA? “The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows youth who were brought to the U.S. as children from outside the United States, and who meet certain requirements, to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. Education and/or employment are requirements of the program. As a result, DACA youth offer tremendous benefits to our community and our country. More than 750,000 young people in the U.S. could be at risk for deportation.” Source: Justice for our Neighbors
Trump’s Decision. On September 5th the President ordered an end to the DACA program that protects undocumented youth from deportation. He is now urging Congress to pass a replacement before the program is completely phased out, approximately six months from now.
DACA recipients DACA recipients CANNOT: CAN: ● Receive amnesty, a path to citizenship, or legalization. ● Vote.
Bills on the table concerning DACA. ● Dream Act 2017 (13 year path to citizenship) ● Recognizing America’s Children Act (10 year path to citizenship) ● BRIDGE Act (allows those eligible for DACA or current recipients stay in the United States for a maximum of 3 years after their DACA permit expires. No path to citizenship. Representative Don Bacon co-sponsors this bill) ● Hope Act (Path to citizenship in as few as 5 years)
The Common Sense Newspaper is still waiting on a comment from Attorney General Doug Peterson who decided to join nine other Republican state AGs in asking the Trump administration to phase out the DACA program.
Resources ● ACLU of Nebraska ● True Potential ● Nebraska Appleseed ● Heartland Workers Center - Young Nebraskans in Action ● Justice for Our Neighbors ● Consulate of Mexico in Omaha
● Receive any federal benefits (food stamps, college financial aid, etc.) Source: Define America
● Get a temporary stay against their deportation for two years at a time. ● Apply for driver’s licenses in some states, including Nebraska). The licenses are marked that they cannot be used for federal purposes, like voting. ● DACA recipients are required to pay federal income taxes.
What is it to Nebraska?
There are approximately 3,000 Dreamers in Nebraska. Besides their culture and diversity, if DACA ends, Nebraska stands to lose over $150 million in GDP.
● Number of DACA recipients: 3,371 ● Estimated number of DACA workers: 2,933 ● Estimated Annual GDP loss from removing DACA workers: $150,222,997
Source: Center for American Progress
Facts about DACA Recipients: 95% are currently working or in school 63% got a better paying job 54% bought their first car 48% got a job with better working conditions 12% bought their first home Survey of 1,308 DACA recipients conducted by Tom K. Wong of the University of California San Diego, the National Immigration Law Center, and the Center for American Progress.
Important Deadline for Renewals: Must be filed by October 5th! ● If DACA Permit expires before March 5th, 2018, then DACA recipients are still able to submit an application of renewal for that permit. But that application has to be submitted BEFORE October 5th, of this year. (Only those with work permits expiring between September 5 2017 and March 5 2018 can file a renewal application.) ● Renewal applications pending or received before September 5 2017, will still be adjudicated. ● There is a $495 renewal fee
Graphic by Vanessa Chavez
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News 9 • 29 • 2017
Dreams Within Reach:
True Potential makes college attainable for DACA recipients Vanessa Chavez News Editor
“In the United States, all of us are system that passes on permanent underabout important and time created equal and we class status sensitive information, should never be legally to children while reassuring them disqualified from parbased on that True Potential will Our commitment is to help ticipating in society the actions continue to support their and pursuing our True young immigrants reach their of their educational goals. Potential for someTrue Potential through affordable, parents. It True Potential is also thing related to our is fundaproviding sources of reliquality education, and this will birth,” said Ross Pesek, mentally able information to make not change, regardless of their 2003 MS graduate wrong and sure they have the tools immigration status. and Founder of True by support- they need to make the best Potential. ing Dream- decisions in their particu The True Potential ers I am lar cases. -Karen Pesek, Scholarship focuses on Co-Founder of True Potential doing my “The most important creating opportunities part to end thing to know right now is for young immigrants it,” Ross that there are some DACA who have Deferred said. recipients that are still able Action for Child More to renew their permit.” hood Arrival (DACA) than six Karen advises those immigration status. Ross and co-founder years ago Mr.Pesek opened a free legal eligible to look at the expiKaren Pesek created the True Potential clinic in South Omaha at Our Lady of ration date of their current Scholarship because they could see DACA Guadalupe Catholic Church where he has documents, and if they recipients with dreams and aspirations that been doing free consultations, in Spanish, expire before March 5th, were important but also the problem they after hours without an appointment. He 2018, they can submit an would have funding college. Because DACA said he has no plans to stop anytime soon. application to renew their recipients are not eligible for many scholar- His clinic is not having as many people with papers but they must do ships or federal financial aid,they decided DACA as one might expect. His theory is this before Oct. 5. Renewto help by creating a 100% privately funded that DACA students are educated, fluent in ing before Oct. 5 will very scholarship program. English and internet saavy, and therefore likely give them two years “Our commitment is to help young are not as dependent on community nonof DACA status. Karen immigrants reach their True Potential profit Pesek said she hopes through affordable, quality education, and groups as this will be enough this will not change, regardless of their imother im- time for Congress to The current situation creates a migration status,” said Karen Pesek. migrants. caste system that passes on permapass a permanent solu Karen says they will continue sup tion for their immigranent underclass status to children porting Dreamers and may even expand For any tion status. the program to include all undocumented Dreamers based on the actions of their parents. “Another immigrants that are interested on taking that are important thing to It is fundamentally wrong and by classes at a community college in Nebraska unsure know is that there are supporting Dreamers I am doing my or Iowa. of what many organizations part to end it. “By definition, Dreamers are educated, their fuand individuals fighthard working and have a clean record with ture may ing with them and for -Ross Pesek, the law. Besides this, Dreamers are resilient, hold, them. Now more than and highly motivated,” Karen said. True Founder of True Potential ever, they must show When asked what Ross believes is the Potential their resilience, they importance of providing DACA recipients has made must stay motivated, with a way for them to further their educasure to and they must stay tion he began to describe the current situareach out to current students to make sure informed,” Karen said. tion they renew their DACA status, if they are “The current situation creates a caste able to do so, and keep them informed
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Resources from True Potential: We post important updates in our Facebook page at @TruePotentialScholarship, also our law firm has a series of videos answering frequently asked questions regarding DACA: @PesekLaw on Facebook. Nonprofits that are sources of reliable information: Nebraska Appleseed Heartland Workers Center - Young Nebraskans in Action. Justice for Our Neighbors If they want to be involved, the Young Nebraskans in Action Facebook page is a great source to join other Dreamers lobbying for the Dream Act.
Protecting Immigrants’ Rights: American Civil Liberties Union’s efforts to Assist Dreamers Vanessa Chavez News Editor
“Our beautiful Constitution, it and an email list to urge tens of thouapplies to immigrants’ rights too,” said sands of Nebraskans to contact their Danielle Conrad, Executive Director, lawmakers about the DREAM Act in ACLU of NeCongress. braska. “ProtectDreamers Our beautiful ing the rights of been a Constitution, it applies to have immigrants’ is critical part immigrants’ rights too, of Nebraska’s essential to the ACLU’s mission economy of protecting since the Constitutional DACA -Danielle Conrad, rights,” she said. program was Executive Director, In the afterestablished ACLU of Nebraska math of Presiin 2012. dent Trump’s Conrad exdecision to pressed that rescind DACA, the young imthe ACLU of migrants who Nebraska is working to educate Nebras- participate in DACA are contributing to kans about the contribution of the 3,300 Nebraska’s economy and communities. young Nebraskans who participate in “Ensuring more Nebraskans DACA and to mobilize Nebraskans who have the opportunity to work and go want to see the program continue. to school doesn’t just benefit young The ACLU is working on sharimmigrants – it improves Nebraska’s ing the stories of Dreamers, like their economy and the lives of all in the intern Joseline Reyna, whose story was Cornhusker state,” she said. featured in the Omaha World-Herald In addition to our own Know Your while also using social media channels Rights information, ACLU of Nebraska
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is sharing information from local and national partners, such as United We Dream, Justice for our Neighbors, Young Nebraskans in Action and Heartland Workers Center. “There are important deadlines for Dreamers, like the Oct. 5, 2017 deadline for renewing a work permit, that we want to make sure Dreamers know about,” Conrad said.
Resources: Dreamers can visit weareheretostay.org to see resources from United We Dream in English and Spanish. Local organizations have partnered to form the Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline (NILAH) to help answer questions from Dreamers. You can reach the hotline at 1-855-307-6730 or nilah.org.
News 9 • 29 • 2017
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‘Finding the Line’ Campuses endure politcal heat Adrienne Bruner Features Editor There has been yet another conflict between political parties on college campuses as University of NebraskaLincoln sophomore Kaitlyn Mullen was caught on camera being harassed by liberal student and staff members on Aug. 25. Mullen was recruiting for Turning Point USA, a conservative group that promotes free market and small government, at a table outside of the student union. She reportedly set up the table without the required permit. The situation escalated, and the police were called to subdue the protesters and a shaken Mullen. Problems like this have been popping up all over the United States since before the last elections, and it doesn’t appear to be getting better. From banned speakers to violent riots, the political climate on college campuses has reached a boiling point. “I’m an alum from Lincoln, so I experienced this one side of it where, when I was in college, was sort of the beginning of this movement and I could see what was going on,” debate instructor and UNL alum James Constantino said. “They had some speakers that would come in and be like ‘this is the way things are going to be […] There was almost a force to it. The flip side of that is now coming out on college campuses and it’s the conservatives that are sort of fighting back to what they see as being pushed into a corner. And honestly, I don’t think either is right.” According to the Lincoln Journal Star, university officials released statements regarding free speech on campus, claiming that UNL is committed to both free speech and academics. “We are committed to free speech from all viewpoints and to maintaining an atmosphere conducive to learning, which includes civil discourse,” University spokesperson Steve Smith told KETV news. This is not the standard set for all campuses. A Gallup poll conducted in 2016 found that about 7 in 10 college stu-
dents say their institution has been “about right” in adopting policies designed to discourage speech and behavior that may be considered offensive. This same study concluded that older adults feel that freedom of speech is more restricted than it was 20 years ago. However, the adoption of safe spaces, the push to maintain the First Amendment, and the line drawn between them still causes tension. “I think students actually know the line. You know the line not to cross,” Constantino said. “At the beginning of class, I tell them very clearly that I have an intolerance for intolerance. I’m not going to put up with anything that has to do with hate towards another student, homophobia, xenophobia… anything that has to do with hate is eliminated right of the bat. And then I think after that, students know non constructive discussions and sort of how those go,” he said. At times when students may make what is considered an incendiary comment, we can learn from it, according to assistant principal Andy Pinkall. These conversations are important to developing a learning environment where students can grow. “You’ll often hear people say ‘that offends me.’ People need to understand about speech, you don’t have a right to not be offended,” Pinkall said. “That’s not what America is about. Free speech means that you are likely at times to hear speech that you don’t agree with, but you don’t have the right to run home and tell your parents that you disagree with what someone said and the school needs to punish somebody. No one is going to grow and learn if that’s the type of environment we’re in. We need to be able to hear other people’s different opinions and disagree with them amicably,” he said. Although this problem is actively playing out on college campuses, it’s a little bit different on the high school
Beloved Mr. MS tradition coming to an end Conner Taylor Staff Reporter Every year there’s a chance for one senior boy to VP Delaney Patten agreed it’s not as fun to watch when prove that he is worthy to become crowned Mr. Millard they’re more reserved and said they should be out there South. Categories competitors compete in have included and have fun with it. a talent show, swimsuit and formal attire competition, “It would also be fun if the candidates walked and the craziest thing one would do to become dubbed around school wearing and doing crazy stuff,” Stackhouse champion. said. However, this year there will not be the traditional In an unofficial poll of the student body that aimed beloved show. Instead, there will be an improved verto see what students perceived as potential candidates, sion. Two-year co-sponsor Mrs. Hartel says that the show several names came up frequently. Names included Jacob will stray from past traditions as she hopes to make Mr. Reinhardt, Andy Reel, Josh Renken, Jacob Thompson, Millard South “Bigger, Better, and Bolder.” (With all caps Jared Shaw, Drew Plum, Brandon Pankers, EJ Mumm, she added.) This year it looks like the show may be before and Davion Wise. prom so there could even be prom related prizes for con Potential emcee candidates included the following: testants. Fatwa Luka, Gabby Hogan, Tori Pedersen, Shaina Smith, National Honor Society is already considering Tabitha Lincoln, Nina Washington, Taylor Lemen, and changes but would appreciate feedback from students Alexis Puff. that’ve seen Mr. Millard South in the past. “I had such an amazing experience being a part of “Maybe get rid of the parent thing at the end,” senior Mr. Millard South,” 2017 winner Cameron Burkard said. Taylor Lemen said. “It gets a little boring.” “It's something very special that brings everyone together. It’s a touching part but it’s also the hardest to get together If you have any doubts about doing it, do it. You won't Mrs. Hartel said. Reducing it could also give more time regret it. Everyone should go see it, it's a great show,” he for other events. said. “I’d like to see them do stand up comedy,” junior Go on Twitter right now or in Pride Time to cast Zander Smith said. Junior Bryan Botkin said he wants to your vote for this year’s theme. All votes will be taken see more questions for the contestants to answer. While into consideration. @mshscommonsense. Also feel free Lemen said she would love to see a lip syncing battle. to email Ms. Hartel or Mrs. Wolfe if you have a new event “I don’t like when they just juggle for their talent,” Lemen idea. said. “They should push past their comfort zones and take risks and not be afraid to embarrass themselves.” Many students including two-time Co-Head of the Mr. MS production National Honor Society welcomes its newest members. Thirty-two members were inducted Sept. 17 into the Millard South Chapter. crew Sadie Stackhouse and NHS
level. Teachers are usually expected to be less open about their beliefs and students more open to hearing others. In the event that someone may have said something that was considered unacceptable, the administration would have to run an investigation of what actually occurred before they could take disciplinary action. According to Pinkall, these are often times when they have to explain to students that teachers are setting up dialogue to share different ideas and see different sides. “My job isn’t to tell people how to vote, my job is to educate people and let people make their own decisions. Educate people, give them information, and then people can take that information and draw their own conclusions,” Pinkall said. Students continue to share and develop ideas at Millard South. Senior Brock Miller worked as an intern for the Trump campaign, and experienced various forms of harassment during that time. Despite this, he was able to share in Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential elections. Through his work experience, he learned a lot about understanding others’ views alongside asserting his own. “Go into with the mindset that people have different views and if you’re not able to convert someone in an argument, then don’t try arguing,” Miller said. “Try to be understanding of other people’s views and listen, say, hey, this person might have grown up different than I have, I might have it easier than them, they might have it harder and so I’ve got to respect their type of views. No person is the same, so you really can’t convince anyone unless you take it from their point of view.”
A debatable change for the MS speech community this year Jayden John Staff Reporter
Moana, Spiderman and Pennywise are set to debate at this year’s preseason clinic in October. The event, called The Nightmare Before Cross Examination, will be a day of wacky costumes, enthusiastically verbose debaters, and a haunted school. For years, the event was called Squashfest and was the often the first full tournament of the season. Now, however, the event is a clinic that precedes the start of the season. The debate and forensics teams combined their preseason tournaments into this event until two years ago, when they broke apart to host their events separately. To start, they are changing the name entirely. It will now be The Nightmare Before Cross Examination. Cross Examination is a questioning period held in all debates and it’s used for clarifying and persuasion by answering questions of the spectators. It’s also because it takes place on Oct. 28. There’s been some controversy regarding attendance. Some schools that have previously attended the preseason tournament have decided they
don't want to attend this year's new clinic. So instead of having entire schools’ teams attend, individuals from schools will be attending. Due to a select few schools declining to participate, the clinic will not be giving debate-related awards, but there will be awards. “We will be giving out costume related awards,” head debate coach James Constantino said. “More of the awards will focus on costumes or weird talents our attendees have.” This tournament isn’t just an excuse to wear a costume to an event, it’s a clinic where varsity debaters and others go to learn and train how to judge novice debate rounds. The clinic hosts practice rounds to help prepare debaters for the season. “This clinic will be good preparation for novices to see how tournaments are set up, and have fun while doing it,” debate team captain Antonia Kainu said.
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Opinion 9 • 29 • 2017
Staff Editorial
Broadway: not just for New Yorkers
Levy override: necessary for district’s future
RuthAnne Hale Staff Reporter
art by Sean Burton
Millard’s future hinges on its residents’ choice to pass the levy override. If the override is passed, Millard will continue to operate at the prestigious level that it has maintained for so many years. Lifelong students of Millard may have become desensitized to the opportunities afforded to our education. As a result, failure to pass this measure will be far more noticeable. If the levy override is rejected by the voters of Millard, we will start to see drastic changes in the way Millard operates. These changes might include larger class sizes, fewer course offerings or one less day of instructional time. But hold on a second, doesn’t “one less day of instructional time” translate into an extra day of summer vacation? The answer is yes, but that one day means so much more than an extra 24 hours given to us that we would probably spend slugging around our houses. Failure to pass the levy override
would cause larger class sizes. Larger class sizes mean that teachers have even less time to give one-on-one feedback and personalized instruction. Larger class sizes could also be indicative of a smaller course offering. If class sizes have to be larger, then courses with too few students might be cut. If the levy override fails, we might face the elimination of our block system. As of now, all Millard high schools offer 8 classes a semester. If the levy override fails, this might go down to 7. A reduction of the number of classes we are able to take means we will have fewer chances to earn college credit through AP classes dual enrollment. Let’s say that 1 AP class allows you to earn 3 hours of college credit if you score above a 3 on the AP exam. Taking that class and passing the exam allows you a savings of $712.50 at UNL and $648.57 at UNO.
November’s ballot asks taxpayers for up to a 9 cent property tax increase, which means for every $100,000 of home valuation, homeowners would pay $10 more a year for each penny levied, so don’t Millard families still come out ahead? The levy override is Millard’s last resort. Our school board is fiscally conservative meaning that they would not be asking for the override unless it was absolutely essential to Millard’s survival. If you believe that you are a better person because you have attended Millard Public Schools, talk to your parents about attending one of the informational meetings being held across the district. If you are over the age of 18, register to vote. The fate of our schools is in your hands and you have been given the power to save them.
Staff Editorial
Everyone wins while playing Unified Sports The Nebraska School Activities Association has recently started supporting unified sports, which has given the kids that are enrolled in special education a chance to partner up and compete in sports such as bowling, basketball, and softball. In the most recent unified sporting event, unified softball, the teams had a great turnout. The goal of unified sports is to give all students an opportunity to experience success. The games have had a huge impact on the school’s special education program,
allowing the kids to participate in activities and events they normally could not experience in high school. Research has shown that by offering a combination of inclusive activities and youth leadership options, as well as a variety of activities that engage the entire student body, the school community now has a part in building a socially inclusive climate – one free from teasing, bullying and the exclusion of any group of students. The NSAA has done a great job partnering with
schools all across the state and unified sports in giving kids experiences in athletics, and allowing kids to gain quality friendships with the athletes on the team. Our school has done a fantastic job in promoting the unified games and clubs. The unified bowling team had a great season last year with multiple special education kids and volunteers to partner up with the kids and becoming good friends with the kids. Unified sports has grown to be all over the country giving disabled kids a chance
Common Sense Common Sense is the official publication of Millard South High School 14905 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. School district guidelines determine the suitability of advertising content. To place an ad or inquire about rates, call (402)715-8363. Common Sense is a monthly publication produced in Room 130. Common Sense uses desktop publishing hardware and software: Apple 5G computers, Adobe InDesign CS6 Adobe Photoshop CS6, and Microsoft Word software. Printing by White Wolf Web in Sheldon, Iowa. Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed with the student’s first and last name, grade, then submitted to Mrs. Kaldahl. Unsigned letters will not be published. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, and clarity. Letters of profane nature or other infractions of school or district policy will not be published.
to be a part of their school’s sports team and learn qualities like teamwork, sportsmanship and friendship. We strongly support unified sports and the positive impact they brought to our school. We hope to see more unified games coming soon with more great competition and sportsmanship. The unified teams have a great season in front of them and are hoping to make an impact on the school.
Editor-in-Chief Ryan Carter Photo Chief Grace Flogstad Production Editor Jordyn Kelley News Editor Vanessa Chavez Sports Editor Carina Covington Features Editor Adrienne Brunner Opinions Editor Savannah Lacy Entertainment Editor Nina Washington Social Media Manager Alyssa Pyle Cartoonist Sean Burton
Music is known for its power to induce emotion, and a story can put you in an infinite number of places. Putting them together can be one of the most powerful experiences ever, and that is what makes musical theatre one of my favorite creations of all time. Musicals, like “Dear Evan Hansen”, which discusses mental illness, “Kinky Boots”, which looks at gender identity and sexuality, and “Come from Away,” which speaks about 9/11 can advocate for social change. But when you live in Omaha, experiencing these incredible moments happens very rarely. Sure there are high school productions, community theater, and the occasional ticket to a touring show, but that can often be expensive and not quite as awe-inspiring. So the solution for many across the globe has been controversial: bootlegs. People sneak cameras into a musical and post them online, giving those in Texas the opportunity to experience the power of music and a story. However, the actors, production crew, and the orchestra don’t get compensated. They put their soul into their job, and bootlegs take away their means to survive. But the solution is clear: get professional recordings and sell them. Disney has taken steps toward this by putting their musical, “Newsies,” on Netflix. “Shrek the Musical” is also on Netflix, but other than that, only movie musicals, mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, are available for streaming or purchase. I believe that Broadway can do amazing things. “Something Rotten” never fails to make me laugh and leave behind whatever kind of day I’ve had, “Newsies” inspires to me to fight for what is right, and have hope through every situation, and “Falsettos” always leaves me treasuring the ones that I love as long as I have them, no matter how messy those relationships can get. It’s because Broadway can do so much that it needs to be available to everyone, without neglecting the cast and crew that work so hard to create something amazing. So I plead with everyone to cherish every opportunity to see a show, and I plead with producers to do their best to make broadway available to all.
Staff Secretaries Lexie Pleiss Maddie Rynes Audio/Visual Editor Emma Willenborg Distribution Manager Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporters Max Aden Lindsey Assman Sarah Braley Sadie Brower Conlan Custard RuthAnne Hale Jayden John Isabel Kimminau Allison Kirkebak Kassandra Kizlin Marissa Lara Ryan Lawrence
Jessica Lukecart Jacob Reinhart Matthew Rothgeb Johnna Sisneros Taryn Smith Conner Taylor Adviser Christine Kaldahl
Features 9 •29 • 2017
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South defines mastery in August vocabulary bowl Kristin Kaipust Distribution Manager
While some students groan at the mention of Vocabulary.com, few are upset at the win of the August vocabulary bowl. The competition, starting at the beginning of August, began supremely relaxed. AP Lang and Lit students had been assigned lists of 200 or so words over the summer and had showed average scores throughout June and July. Word mastery spiked in August, however, as students picked up the pace from the early months and reached the top of the leader board. “I started my lists the day before it was due,” junior and AP Lang student The top five medalist in the August vocabulary bowl. Josh Reuting said. First Row: Ricki Nguyen, Savannah Lacy, Miranda Carbullido. This seemed to be the case with many Second Row: Shelby Tomasek, Bryan Botkin. students. Thus, word mastery boomed. Photo by Jayden John After noticing the lead, South’s AP Lang teachers pushed to maintain it. This involved an ongoing battle with Floyd Central High School in Indiana as well as a couple close calls with Etiwanda High School in California. “Being against another school feeds our fire more and makes us really want to get ahead,” junior and AP Lang student Ricki Nguyen said. Nguyen made top 5 within Millard South with a total of 688 words mastered. The other medalist included Savannah Lacy with 854 words, Bryan Botkin with 840 words, Myranda Carbullido with 624 words, and Shelby Tomasek with 443 words. Many students and teachers within the school became very invested in the bowl. AP Lang teacher and vocabulary.com enthusiast Christine Kaldahl is cited for her unrelenting encouragement throughout the month. “She is very passionate and her enthusiasm drove us to championship,” Reuting said. To earn points, students “play” lists. As words on the list are mastered, points are scored for the school. Millard South mastered a total of 49,677 words. Comparatively, Etiwanda High School finished with 40,699. Top 3 medalist with medals and banner in order of A continual champion in Nebraska, South has most words. Savannah Lacy, Bryan Botkin, and Ricki dominated the leader board against schools such as Nguyen. North Platte (825) and Millard West (235). Millard South was awarded a banner from vocabulary.com and will also be featured on their blog ceived medals. The banner will presented at tonight’s for the month of August. The top five students will re- game between the first and second quarter.
History teacher Mrs. Metz finally joins South Allison Kirkebak Staff Reporter
Being able to teach in the district where she lives has become a reality for social studies teacher Jennifer Metz. “I love Millard South and I have always wanted to teach here,” Metz said. “This is a part of my community and I want to teach where I live.” Even though she has been living in Millard for 19 years, until now she has never taught in Millard. Metz has been teaching for about 20 years at a handful of schools. Four years at Burke, two at Westside, 13 at DC West, and she also teaches classes at Metro Community College. Ever since History teacher Jennifer Metz she can remember, teaching was the one thing she wanted to do. “I used to play school with my sister, and I was really good making her do things she didn’t want to,” Metz said with a chuckle. “I always wanted to be a teacher since I was little.” With Metz’s father being in the Air Force she lived all around the world. “I was around a lot of different cultures,” Metz said. Moving from place to place, she says, really gave her a foundation and idea of what she wanted to teach, social studies. “I love how big my department is, and I love the diversity here at South,” Metz said. Metz teaches World Geography and United States History as well as helping out with the History Club. In the future, she said she hopes to be involved in more clubs and activities. Even though this is her first year here, Metz has already had a positive impact on her students. “I think she’s a great teacher and she’s good at her job,” junior Maclain Cullinane said. Students really like how she runs her class and the learning environment of her room. “I think she is funny and knows how to keep the class fun,” junior Annabel Callahan said. Metz said she can’t wait to extend her teaching career throughout the years as a Patriot. “I really like teaching, and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.” Metz said.
Music never ages
Though the staff/parent/alumni choir does
Matthew Rothgeb Staff Reporter
In an annual returning tradition to give the retirnment home a field trip the Vocal Music Department had their fall preview fundraiser to raise funds for the year, and most importantly to show off the wonderful musicians in the Vocal Music Department. The concert featured a song from each of the choirs Macho Voce, Bella Voce, Cantori, and Singers. This fundraiser also included two songs from the Parent Staff Alumni choir. The group performed a song in Swahili called “Mungu Ni Pendo” and a traditional choral piece called “Beyond the Rain and Rivers.” This is the group’s second consecutive year but this is not the first time this group has been formed. Mr. Stevens, the Vocal Music Director and the Director for the Choir, talks about the first time he had the staff choir was 13 years ago when he first started teaching. Back then they did not perform but just rehearsed for fun. They soon disbanded it though. That was until last year when Mr.
Stevens brought it back for the first time in over a decade. He brought it back for the staff members and more. One staff member that joined was Mrs. Stackhouse. “I partici-
there that tries to separate us as humans. It’s about unity and balance.” But unlike when the group was formed originally, Stevens allowed parents and alumni to join. He invited It can speak for you when you don’t have the parents as words to say how you feel. It can transcend lan“A little revenge guage, age, gender, and any barrier out there that for those tries to separate us as humans. It’s about unity students and balance. whose --Amber Stackhouse, Staff and Alumni parents forced them to do music,” pated last year and had a great experience, according to Stevens. He also added alumni so I decided to do it again.” to the choir as a way for the previous choir Mrs. Stackhouse also had some Mr. members to continue doing music. Stevens’ style wisdom. “Music has and Two examples of alumni coming back always will be a huge part of my life. It can are Allison Norton and CJ DeFazio who speak for you when you don’t have the graduated in the past two years, both of words to say how you feel. It can transcend whom are members of this year’s choir. Allanguage, age, gender, and any barrier out lison Norton praised the group saying, “It is
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a great group of people and it is cool to see so many people from so many areas around Millard South.” DeFazio said “I joined the choir because I love singing and love making music.” They both enjoy music so much that CJ sings at The University Of Nebraska Omaha’s Choirs and Norton sings in her sorority’s choir and in an acappella group. Overall they both talked about being involved in music and the importance of music on their lives. But Norton said something that echoed what Stevens says he believes about the fundamental need for music. “The reason that I joined this group is that I wanted to be able to come back to a place that helped shaped me into who I am today and show students that are still in high school that music is forever and just because you graduated, doesn’t mean that has to stop.”
Entertainment 9 • 29 • 2017
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‘Eminent Domain’ shines light on tough family affairs and crude oil Savannah Lacy Opinions Editor
“Eminent Domain,” Laura Leininger-Campbell’s lively play full of plot-twists about the construction of a pipeline affecting a Nebraska family farm, catches attention due to it’s relevant storyline and focus on the typical Nebraskan family’s struggles and perseverance. The play was performed at the Omaha Community Playhouse from Aug. 25 to Sept. 17 and was directed by Amy Lane. The Nebraska playwright, Laura Leininger-Campbell, came out with this play as her first original piece in attempt to show the resilience of Nebraska families. Taking place in present day Nance County, Nebraska, an owner of a family farm has to make the decision to sell a portion of his land for the construction of a pipeline when offered a large amount of money from an oil company. The landowner, Rob, decides that he couldn’t sell his property due to the risks of an oil leak which would ruin his soil and crops. Since losing his wife to cancer, Rob knew he couldn’t fight the oil company by himself so, he asked his daughter, Adair, who is a lawyer to help him out. Once Adair flies into Nebraska to help her family out, family tensions unravel between Rob’s siblings and their aunt and
nephew. Political differences and old affairs created drama throughout the play, but overall the family came together to fight against the eminent domain order. One aspect of this play I particularly liked was that their nephew, Evan, in the play brought them all together in almost every scene. Evan was heartbroken about the loss of his aunt and kept a stopwatch that she gave to him with him at all times. The priority of family was very evident in this play. When the lights went off at the end of the performance the crowd burst into applause and everyone seated near me was wiping away their tears. It is not surprising to me that this play was a 2016 Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference finalist. The play was very touching, realistic and I was
surprised by the emphasis on family ties rather than the politics behind the pipeline. Leaving the theatre, I picked up on many comments made by the audience that this play was “the best I’ve ever seen at the playhouse,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Christina Rohling as Theresa MacLeod, Eric Salonis as Evan MacLeod, Erika Hall Sieff as Adair MacLeod, Bill Hutson as Rob MacLeod, Thomas Becker as Mat Salinas, Jeremy Estill as Bart MacLeod, Judy Radcliff as Jane MacLeod, and Cork Ramer as Cam MacLeod. Photo by: Robertson Photography
‘Out of Order’: An escapade of 100 shenanigans Nina Washington Entertainment Editor
“Out of Order,” the first play of the season, surely did do an amazing job in making the audience burst in a contagious laughter, from start to end. The story centers around Richard (Matt Rothgeb) a sly and collected politician who very quickly gets himself tangled in a mass web of lies after trying to cover up a dead body (Dustin Anderson) found in his hotel, and having a frivolous affair with the secretary of the house (Sadie Stackhouse). The whole show
was like a soap opera; over exaggerated, urgent, and nothing less of a big and bold character. Ray Cooney, the English playwright who wrote this show, is well known for his other comedic pieces such as Run for Your wife and Funny Money, so if you are familiar with those plays, this show has that comedic vibe. With constant chasing, door slamming, and witty comebacks, it successfully kept the audience entertained full way through. The situations the characters faced
Jane Worthington (Sadie Stackhouse) and Harold Cromwell (Kaleb Worden) dance around the hotel room. Jane wanted to distract the Cromwell from noticing the dead body. Photo by Nina Washington George Pidgen ( Cassady Alberico) screams in a panic when he sees Private detective Jack Baker ( Dustin Anderson) hanging in the coat closet. Baker was moved into the closet to keep the suspician away from the hotel manager (Lauren Ashley). Photo by Nina Washington
were are ludicrous, so foolish that it was amusing. Another addition to its comedy, was its extreme dynamic, and as situations wreak havoc, we could see each character shift from poise, to totally frantic. George (Cassady Alberico) who played Richard’s personal secretary, perhaps gave the widest range of vocal and physical dynamic, turning into a totally different man by the end. The play screamed irony as well, as George and Richard began to shift in “who’s the boss and who’s going to take the lead” when troubles arise.
From all the surprises; shocks, running, this show was very much so fast paced and full of energy. This contemporary piece was very relatable and enjoyable to go see. Everyone felt all the panic and excitement whether the character was thinking up a lie, opening the hotel door, or if they are entering through the door.
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Entertainment 9• 29 • 2017
You'll Float too
King's best book to movie adaptation yet Nina Washington Entertainment Editor
Even If you haven't read the book, many people are familiar with the face of Pennywise the clown, a menacing, shape-shifting entity who feeds on the fears of children living in Derry Maine. This film was quite extraordinary, and those who were just looking for horror, missed the whole point. Instead of constantly relying on jump scares like many horror cliches, the movie successfully built a creepy atmosphere of uncertainty and a physical villain who acted in a way that wasn't goofy and hard to watch. In the ‘90s IT, Tim Curry plays a brilliant job as Pennywise, however watching it today, it's not as terrifying as it was back then, kind of like the exorcist from the ‘70s. The cinematography is purely what created the terror. The use of lighting and shadow play was impressive. What made this film so realistic to me was that the casting was perfect and that there was genuine camaraderie from the very start of the film, which seems to lack in the horror genre. You could tell that the cast spent time together, because the comedy in the film was always timed perfectly and it was relatable. Because of this, the 2 hour and 15 minute feature never dragged on. Bill Skarsgård, who played Pennywise, understood what his role was. He knew that he was not just playing a clown; IT is something inhuman and monstrous, and he was able to show that through body movements no one was expecting and subtext that overpowered his actual
words. The production team was clever in that they kept the kids away from Bill, so when they saw him for the first time in full makeup and costume, it'd be during the filming process. That definitely showed, because the kids had real tears and terror on their faces, and that was the best part. Skarsgård absolutely gave the audience a new reason to fear clowns. Obviously, a movie can never fit every detail from the book in, so there were some parts that were condensed, los-
ing character development, but the chemistry from the cast fixed that issue. I think they did the right thing in deciding to focus on the kids’ point of view rather than going back and forth where the adults have flashbacks like the book and ‘90s movie did. Overall, this feature is engaging, creative, and creepy. Even Stephen King agrees, as he watched it twice in enjoyment.
Annabelle Creation jumps at the opportunity to scare audiences Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter
Typically, while looking through movies showing in theaters I don’t opt for horror. But like almost everyone from time to time I enjoy good scare. I was definitely in the mood for one the night I decided to see “Annabelle Creation.” The movie is directed by David Sandberg, who has directed many other horror films you might be familiar with such as “Lights Out.” In the movie, a younger couple’s daughter gets hit by a car and tragically killed. Devastated, the couple tries summoning the daughter’s spirit back, not taking into account the evil that follows that. Eventually, the spirit goes into the doll called Annabelle. Finally, after the wife gets hurt they call for help from the local church and the problem seems to be fixed. Years later, the lonely couple, alone in their big house invite a group of foster girls to live in their house. Almost immediately the main character, Janice (Talitha Bateman),
from “The 5th Wave” has odd experiences involving the doll that don’t add up. Mostly, like most horror movies now a days, the movie has its fair share of jump scares. There is definitely some gore, but not too much. It does have a pretty nice story line that is able to keep your attention throughout the whole film. You never really know what is expected next and so you never get bored. The movie received a 68% from “Rotten Tomatoes” which is fairly good. Most reviews I read, both professional and from the general public seemed to show that people didn’t love the movie, but generally liked it. Also, people didn’t seem to be terrified over it or necessarily lose sleep, but got a general scare from it. Overall, it wasn’t my all time favorite movie but it was pretty good. I would recommend seeing it if you get the chance. I think most people will enjoy it.
Entertainment 9• 29 • 2017
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One of us is Lying is truthfully riveting Marissa Lara Staff Reporter
Karen McManus, author of One of Us is Lying, describes the book as a mixture of The Breakfast Club and Pretty Little Liars.. This is her first book she has published during May 2017. The cover was also very appealing. The cover is separated into a 4 pieces and each face is on the cover. All of their faces are covered with torn notebook paper. In big red letters it says One of Us Is Lying. If the cover does not draw you in the book will. The book starts off with five students in detention because the teacher claimed that they were using their cell phones. Bronwyn, who is shooting towards Yale, has never been in a detention. A potential baseball star named Cooper is also in the room with Addy who is a very popular girl and in a similar friend group as Cooper. Nate, who is a trouble maker is in the room but no one is surprised. Simon, who is socially shunned (and depressed), selfcreated high school gossip app About That continue to emerge. By the end of detention the first four are considered murder suspects. At first the characters were so sketchy towards each other because they were all from a different friend group. Throughout the book the characters develop more feelings and trust for one another. They all start trying to solve the murder mystery together. At times they would meet up in secret because they were not allowed to see each other. All four characters find who they truly are and realize they are not the labels they are given in the beginning. This book somewhat compares to a book called The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. In both books they are trying to find out who killed who. That relates more in the mystery genre. Heading more towards the romance genre I think the book
Preoccupied with Pride and Prejudice Kassandra Kizlin Staff Reporter
relates to All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. In One of Us Is Lying most of the characters are being scandalous with their romance. In All The Bright Places the two main teenagers sneak around a lot just to be together. Karen McManus reminds me a lot of John Green. She is very detailed about her loves scenes just like John Green was. She puts so much thought into her words and scenarios just like Lauren Myracle and Rainbow Rowell. Karen McManus relates to my 3 favorite authors really well so it is no surprise her writing was familiar to me. The book was honestly a 10/10. The book was a huge page turner and it only took me 3 days to read. When I finished the book I emailed her right away and told her how much I loved her book. I told her it felt like I was watching a movie. On September 15th 2017 she had an interview and mentioned that E! Was trying to make the book a TV show. Karen McManus not only made it a mystery type of book but she added a bit of secretive romance with the characters.
Pride and Prejudice, the most famous novel by Jane Austen, published in 1813, tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her five sisters. While they navigate their world they are expected to marry even if they don’t like the man. What many people don’t realize is that the point of the story is about the social constraints of being a woman. Many people only see it as a great love story. It is both. The story begins with the line, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” and so follows the news of a single man, in possession of a good fortune, moving into the Bennet family’s neighborhood. Parties, long unplanned stays, as well as new and old deceit, all driven by the need to marry, entwine with the sisters’ lives. One of the most well regarded things of this novel is the hilarious and well written women characters which will be found as the Bennet sisters storm through your thoughts. What is often forgotten about Jane Austen’s books, like Shakespeare, is that they are supposed to be funny. This book doesn’t disappoint as long as you keep an open mind to the idea that stories can be both a classic and funny. Pride and Prejudice has found its place in history as an amazing classic novel and has inspired many remakes. Some are directly based on the book and others with a more skewed concept such as “ Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” and less noticeably “Bridget Jones Diary.” It has even spawned a fictional vlog series, produced by crash course founder (and brother to John Green) Hank Green, “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.” I’ve see all of “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” and I liked it but to me the book was better. However, this is to be expected when modernizing a story from the 1800’s because society has changed from when it was written. I’ve also seen the 2005 “Pride and Prejudice” which I liked but I also felt that it misrepresented some of the characters. When my friend, whom I made watch it, told me he didn’t mind Mr. Wickham it became clear that many of the elements from the book didn’t come through. I haven’t seen the 1995 mini series with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy but it’s cool to note that he was also in “Bridget Jones Diary” with a character also called Mr. Darcy. “Bridget Jones Diary” is so loosely based on the book that doesn’t carry the same message but it’s still a fun watch that capitalizes on cringe comedy. Overall I’d say that the Original book “Pride and Prejudice” is the best incarnation of itself. When I first tried reading “Pride and Prejudice” as a freshman I couldn't understand the old language. Now, it is one of my favorite books.
You'll holla for Ya Hala New Mediterranean restaurant catches Omaha's eye Ryan Carter Editor in Chief Omaha is widely known for its extensive variety of restaurants. Omaha has everything from Chinese to Italian to a good ol’ American burger joint, but how often can you find something Mediterranean? Not very often. This is why Ya Hala has everyone talking. Located off 132nd and Q, Ya Hala has a culturally pleasing menu with everything from gyros to kabobs to baklava. Falafel, chicken & rice and shawarma are also popular items on the menu. While I was only able to try their
gyros and a piece of baklava, I was extremely pleased with my meal. It was fresh, hot and definitely beat a trip to King Kong. Another pleasing factor to Ya Hala was their prices. Their soup was only $2.99. The average combo meal was between $7-8. The kabobs were around $11 and their hummus appetizer was only $4. Once again, I expected way more. Although the service was a bit slow, the staff was very friendly and made sure we had an enjoyable first experience. On another hand, Ya Hala could
definitely have more decor. Although the place is well-kept and clean, the atmosphere doesn’t really add up to a sit-down restaurant. I would definitely recommend Ya Hala to be place for takeout. However, I believe Ya Hala has the potential to grow and become more of a dine-in restaurant by bringing in more art or bright colors. Overall, Ya Hala is a definite musttry. Considering the low prices for quality food, Ya Hala is going nowhere, but up.
Ya Hala at 132nd and Q, operates in the former Bernie's Pizza building. While the exterior remains virtually unchanged, the interior has been spruced with a fresh coat of paint. Photos by Ryan Carter.
Sunday 12 - 9 p.m. Monday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday 12 – 9 p.m. Thursday 12 – 9 p.m. Friday 12 – 9 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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Sports 9• 29 • 2017
Getcha head in the Game Mentality is the grit of the game Johnna Sisneros Staff Reporter
Many times, when we see a successful athlete we chalk it up to the gene pool or talent. “They were born with it” or “they’re a prodigy.” But according to recent studies, successful athletes aren’t just who won the genetic lottery. Many coaches, mentors and athletes agree that athletic performance is… well… all in our heads. According to The International Journal of Physical Education and Sports. The mind sets limitations on the body for survival, and when we push our bodies to what seems like maximum effort, we are only at 40% of what our bodies are capable of. This principle is known by the United States Military as the 40% rule. “You can’t replace genetics, but I’ve seen a lot of gifted kids that couldn't finish,” track Coach Michael Edmondson said. “Mental toughness is the difference between making it past the finish line and someone outlining you in the last few meters,” he said. This mental toughness is known by many coaches and athletes as “Grit” It’s the hidden potential in all of us, the extra something that pushes us to go above and beyond, to become the best versions of ourselves, even when it hurts. All sports require grit, now depending on the sport the exact type of grit needed is different. In performance based sports like
football, soccer or basketball, one must not tough, to push through the pain and to get only be physically in shape, but they also through the monotony of the training is must be able to block out the crowed and harder than the actual competition aspect,” focus on what is needed of them, regardless Now the question remains “If mental of what their own mind is telling them to strength is so important to performance, do. how does one train their brain?” “You have to maintain laser focus- on Coaches agree that consistency is your assignment and the intricacies of the key to developing grit. Swim Coach Tyler game, the plays and reads, and also playing Hammond explains that “In terms of neuwithin the roscience, if the body rules so as to knows what tempo to Mental toughness is the differnot penalize perform at, the body yourself,” ence between making it past the fin- will maintain it withassistant out a clock. 80% of varsity foot- ish line and someone outlining you our workouts we foball coach cus on race pace and in the last few meters. TJ Martin speed to get the body said. “And used to that level of -Micheal Edmondson, sometimes performance.” varsity track coach when you While consisget fatigued, tency and routine is it is hard to crucial some coaches maintain also view mental that focus,” he said. strength as something that must be estab Intricate focus and control are eslished early on. In the household, and on sential in performance based sports, yet on the field alike. it is the constant training in the other hand, endurance sports like track, which one is pushing the body to the point cross country, swimming and wrestling, where it feels like it cannot go on, and then require a different kind of grit. proceeding to go on. “We don’t have timeouts, we don’t have On the other hand some view the desubstitutions, and we can’t rely on a team velopment of mental strength as something during a race,” Cross Country coach more docile. According to the European Dustin Lewellyn said. Journal of Sports Sciences, in order to build “As an individual runner it’s you vs you, psychological strength in athletes, coaches and to day in and day out stay mentally and parents alike must encourage problem
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solving, as well as emotional maturity, by introducing hypothetical problems for the athlete to think about and solve as well as positive self talk, and proper communication skills. When asked why some coaches still choose to ignore the mental side of training coaches from all kinds of sports conceded that time, and the abstract quality of the subject still stands as a hurdle in the coaching community. “It’s absolutely the hardest thing, to organize, classify and mechanize and put out for someone else to pick up,” says Coach Tj Martin. “It isn’t manageable and it’s too intangible, so you get stuck In the surface stuff, the things we think we can control.” Whether mental strength is developed in hours of grueling practice, or in hypothetical problem solving. It is agreed among coaches, and athletes alike that it is a fundamental aspect of training and performance. Success is not just a game of chance, It isn’t all who got lucky or who had the access to money or training. It is consistency, and work ethic and perception of winning, losing and pain. Essentially, it comes down to grit.
Homecoming for Patriots after three game win streak Max Aden Staff Reporter
No plans tonight? Do you have your student ID? Make your way to Buell Stadium at 7 p.m for the most exciting matchup of this football season. The Millard South Patriots with 3 wins and 2 losses take on the Grand Island Islanders who also have 3 wins and 2 losses. It will be Millard South’s homecoming game, which means the same tradition will carry this year. Royalty nominations for sophomore, junior, and senior classes will walk on the field at halftime, and the student section will wear class colors. Freshmen will wear red, sophomores will wear white, juniors will wear blue, and seniors will wear togas. Support the patriots as they try and hand a loss to the Islanders! Last Friday, the Patriots took down the Lincoln Southeast Knights in a close, competitive football game. The Patriots put up 21 in the first quarter and 14 in the fourth quarter. “I think the team really came out hot and really showed how good we can be,” said quarterback Andy Reel. “We slowed down in the middle of the game but ended up being able to get the job done in the end, and I think we really have a team this year.” It came all the way down to a close final score of 35-27, capping the Patriots’ third win this season. Two weeks ago, the Patriots obliterated the Bellevue East Chieftains, shutting them out 41-0. This is the varsity football team’s first complete shutout since Omaha South (48-0), back in 2013. The Patriots displayed their improvement from weeks 1 and 2, and the rest of the season looks hopeful. This was the patriots second win on the season.
(Top) A sea of red cheers on the varsity football team at their first game vs Millard West. Photo by Conner Taylor. (Above) Senior Andy Reel readies to throw a pass. (Right) After the 41-0 win, the Patriot football team celebrates with the student section. Photos by Matt Rothgeb.
Sports 9• 29 • 2017
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Q Street hits first unified softball game out of the park Maddie Rynes Staff Secretary
The summer sun beating down wasn’t the only warm feeling our school shared as the Unified Softball game opened hearts to social inclusion. Millard South played Millard West in the first Unified Softball game on September 12, and the Millard staff showed unrelenting enthusiasm, as Steve Kerkman called it one of the coolest moments of his coaching career of 16 years. “I thought it was a fantastic showcase of just all high school students having the opportunity to compete with their classmates in a competitive setting,” activities director Steve Throne said. Millard South hopes to add more sports for students of all backgrounds to enjoy. After hosting multiple volleyball clinics in the spring and participating in the annual Unified Basketball game twice, Millard South hopes to dabble in more activities for special education students. More Nebraska School Activities Association-sanctioned will be coming in the future. Unified Sports partner general education students with special education students to create a bond within our student body. Unlike regular varsity sports, there are no limitations for anyone wanting to participate in multiple sports per season, except for a physical, time management and the usual collection of fees. NSAA’s Dan Masters, who is in charge of Unified Sports, was a spectator at the game. NSAA will sanction track and field events in 2018. “When we can have unified sports that bring different types of students together but bring different types of school together, everybody learns and grows.” Unified sports may be making our school a more positive environment for all students. These activities are said to “help reduce bullying through empowerment, engagement, and awareness”. Unified Softball is one of the many sports being explored for Millard students. Nebraska School Activities Association “All kids want the same thing: they want their peers to accept them, they want
Millard South and Millard West teams shake hands after the game ended at 37-37. Photo by Grace Flogstad
to have fun, everybody’s intention is to be a good person in society,” head principal Heidi Weaver said. “Kids are kids. People are people. They’re more alike than different.” The game ended with a score of 37-37, and the battle of Q street may forge on, but our schools have become more welcoming to students of all backgrounds, and our district has opened up to include every range of education. “I think everyone appreciates the camaraderie, the excitement, and the joy of watching kids in general get to participate, and participate for just the love of play,” Throne said. “Sometimes we get so caught up in the competition that we forget it’s just a sport we’re playing for the joy of play.”
Freshman Wyatt Geary hugs activities director Steve Throne behind the baseline. Photo by Grace Flogstad
Coach's program is the frontal cortex for team's success Carina Covington Sports Editor
The Patriot softball brainzone sessions. team unveiled yet an “My biggest takeother state championship away from brainzone banner last season. That was our core covenants,” makes 5 since 2009, when senior Hailee Fliam said. “Brainzone”, a once-a-week “Brainzone has taught mental training class during me that anyone can be a summer conditioning, was leader, and it has shown first started by head coach me what being a leader Steve Kerkman. takes,” she said. “I started brainzone Brainzone teaches because we needed a culskills to improve sucture shift in our program,” cess on the field when Kerkman said. faced with adversity and Kerkman said that through life. Some of brainzone ensures that the the main points that are whole team is on the same discussed in brainzone page. Everyone can use the are their core covenants same terms and “speak the accountability, selflesssame language.” ness, integrity, compete, Kerkman was the first and work ethic. person to start a mental “Brainzone plays a training for high school big role in our success softball girls in Nebraska. because it has taught Kerkman has spoken about many of our players how his unique ideas on mental to react when things go training and the success of wrong and gives us ways brainzone at many conferto respond and commuences around Nebraska and Sophomore Jayme Horan gets a high five from Coach Kerknicate with each other,” has even traveled to an ath- man after hitting a home run. Photo by Pam Alfeiri Fliam said. letic directors conference in Millard South came Wisconsin. face to face with a chal One of the activities lenge last year at the state we do includes building team chemistry and improving tournament. They entered Sunday with an undefeated reaccountability through accountability groups. This group cord at the tournament meaning that whoever they played consists of a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen. in the championship game would have to beat them twice The main tasks of the group are to hold the members in as the tournament is double-elimination. The Patriots the group accountable for being at summer workouts lost their first game against Papio sending them into the and to compete with other accountability groups during second round of the Championship series, winner takes
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Softball is 90% mental. The team that wins the game not only has to have the best fundamental skills but also the strongest mindset.
-Roni Foote,
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sophomore and right fielder all. The softball team had to overcome the loss within the numbered minutes and get ready to play again. The mentally strong Patriot team turned around and beat Papio for the 2016 state title. “Softball is 90% mental. The team that wins the game not only has to have the best fundamental skills but also the strongest mindset,” sophomore and right fielder Roni Foote said. Statistically, teams that punch a ticket to the state tournament are evenly fairly evenly matched. “One of the most challenging things is not listening to what other people say, Foote said. “My freshman year we had a lot of people try to say we cheated during the state tournament, but we couldn’t listen to them if we wanted to succeed,” she said. According to Foote, last year at the state tournament many players and even parents from the opposing teams accused the Patriots of warming up the barrel of their bats with the heater that was sitting in the dugout before going to the plate to hit. Foote said that it came down to mental toughness to block out what others were saying. “Approaching the game mentally tough is helpful because you always know in the back of your mind that success isn’t a straight path. There are many ups and downs and you have to build from that.” Fliam said.
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Photo Essay 9 • 29 • 2017
Bellevue University softball players congratulate junior Kellie Jacobsen at the conclusion of the Unified Softball game. On Sept. 12, MS hosted the first unified high school softball game ever in the state.
Unified is the way to be
After the game, childhood friends freshman Wyatt Geary (Millard South) and freshman Hogan Wright (Millard West) show unity. Hogan and Wyatt played unified golf together in past years.
Junior Allison Bartz high fives junior Brayden Allen when he makes it to second base. On the next hit, he made it home and scored another run for South.
Freshman Alivia Wade and junior Grace Altrock sport their new Patriot Softball team hats. The game ended in a 37-37 tie.
Caroline Chamberlein, CEO of Special Olympics Nebraska, rewarded junior Rachel Zook a medal for participating in the game. The Special Olympics has partnered with the NSAA in offering unified sports in Nebraska.
Photos by Grace Flogstad, Photo Chief