Common Sense Volume 17 Issue 7 April 14, 2017

Common Sense

Millard South High School • 14905 Q St. • Omaha, Neb., 68137

April 14, 2017

Volume 17 Issue 7

art by An Vu

by Parker Geiss Staff Reporter

It’s that time of year again. Spring is just beginning, Prom has just ended, and everyone is making plans for the summer. With AP tests, college preparations, and finals for all grade levels looming around the corner, spring is easily one of the most stressful times of the year. To top it all off, juniors also have to worry about the ACT. For these students, it’s key to get a high ACT score in order to get into college and also to earn scholarships all across the country.

Understandably, the test is a high priority for many.

Luckily, Millard South has secured a 3-year grant to once again provide John Baylor Prep (JBP) to the junior class in order to help them prepare for the ACT. This is the second year that Millard South has utilized the services of JBP to come and teach the students helpful strategies for the ACT.

“Skip the reading on the science section,” junior Jacob Ladage said. “That helped me out a lot. Also, 30 seconds left…. It’s bubble time. I remember that much,” he said.

These are just some of the tricks and strategies that Baylor teaches.

With only a few more sessions before the juniors take the ACT, students like Ladage are working diligently on preparing themselves for this test. Zach Randolph, another junior, said he feels that these classes will definitely help with the ACT, but wishes for more focus on preparing for college over the ACT itself.

Instead of several the longer live sessions like last year, administration and JBP planned three 90-minute live sessions, and six shorter video sessions with the goal of helping students improve their focus.

“Last year’s live sessions were 3 hours long, which is a lengthy stretch for anyone,” Baylor said. “Millard South scholars will have to hold each other more accountable during video sessions, because there won’t be a teacher there to push them.”

The drawback is that the videos are during classes.

Junior Taylor Barham said she feels that JBP is targeted for people with lower ACT scores.

“Being in AP classes and with the exams coming soon, I do feel my class time is more valuable,” she said.

Depending on a student’s schedule, it was possible to have three class periods in a row of JBP. This was the case for junior Austin Novak.

“There was one day I had to watch three John Baylor videos in a row. It was math, science and reading. It was tiring but hopefully it will be worth it in the end. I went gym class first period and then that was it. John Baylor the rest of the day.”

The date for this year’s ACT is April 19. Last year, MS earned a 21.4 average score. With this year’s sessions, there are high hopes to get even better scores than last year, and the student engagement seems to be reflecting that goal.

That number may increase with the two extra years of JBP the school gets with the new grant.

Inside Common Sense Cam Burkard takes home Mr. Millard South Crown Page 3

South on Stage and Stage One Show Choirs have dynamic season Page 6

Focus on art in education and scholastic art winners Page 7, 8, 9

Unified Basketball Page 14

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News 4 • 14 • 2017

JOHN BAYLOR PREP THE TIME YOU SPENT *In Minutes

WHERE YOU WORKED At Home 38%

472 785 In school 62%

WHAT YOU DID Review 10%

120 Homework 28%

Live Sessions 21%

240

352 270 275

Practice Tests 19%

Videos 22%

IN TOTAL YOU SPENT

Omaha’s Wheel Tax rolls on despite opposition Rebecca Harvie Staff Reporter

April 18. It is not Easter. It is not Earth day. It is not even inter national tatting day (a holiday to celebrate lace making).

No it is TAX DAY. One of the worst days of the year.

Taxes. No one likes them and no one wants to do them.

They are the bane of adults and the dread of children. They are the epitome of the dull and unwanted aspects of adult life. Yet, sadly every citizen has to do them lest they face the IRS (internal revenue service) and everyone has to do them every year starting as soon as they start truly making money.

While taxes are life draining on their own, there is something worse, when the government chooses to tax you despite you not being within the city limits. Now some may think that if they are outside the city limits then they have nothing to fear, but that is not correct. The government at all levels error in their favor and the most common error happens at the city level and with the Wheel Tax.

Jon Harvie, father of four Millard South students, was one of the thousands of citizens taxed by the city of Omaha starting in 2010 without being part of the city of Omaha.

“When we first moved, we didn’t pay it (wheel tax) because we were outside Omaha,” Harvie said. “Then they changed the law so that areas within three miles of the city of Omaha had to pay even though we weren’t in the city.”

This caused a problem because while those citizens were probably using Omaha streets, they were outside the city of Omaha and had no voice within the city of Omaha. It was literal taxation without representation, which was one of the driving issues that lead to the revolutionary war.

In 2014 the city annexed Harvie’s neighborhood and he was finally able to have a voice, but that was not the end of the tax.

“The tax hasn’t stopped,” Harvie said. “There was a lot of outcry about it because the city was taxing people who didn’t live there and couldn’t vote on those responsible for the tax. They still have it but now we are in the city and can vote.

But others further out have the same issues.”

Wheel Tax FAQ Q: Who is affected?

A: The Jan. 1, 2013 ordinance includes anyone living in a tax district that is wholly or partially within the City limits Q: How much is the tax?

A: The basic rate is $50 but can vary depending on the type of vehicle

20 Hours 57 Minutes Graphic by AJ Bierwirth

Q: Are there exemptions?

A: Yes. Active military and full-time students. source: city of Omaha’s web site

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News 4 • 14 • 2017

Ninjas and Patriots both have stars Kathryn Willenborg Secretary

Being pelted with paintballs, piercing chose to get involved with this pageant a tongue, going skydiving, and eating live because it was an opportunity to make crickets are just a few of the crazy things people laugh,” he said. the contestants of Mr. Millard South were

From each component of the show, willing to do to win the title of the Mr. the judges scored each contestant based Millard South. off of a rubric. Though each competitor

“Being with such an incredible group was worthy, in the end only one came out of guys made getting shot with paintballs on top. Cam Burkard was crowned Mr. worthwhile and the event so much fun to Millard South, Jack Tweedy won runnerbe a part of,” candidate Logan Smith said. up, and Tyler Korisko earned Mr. Conge“I’ve attended the show for the last 5 years, niality. and it was always something I knew I

“Being a part of Mr. Millard South wanted to get involved with,” Smith said. was such a memorable experience,” said

On April 8, 10 senior boys competed against each other in an effort to woo the judges (Nicolas Kintzle, Ashley Martin, Dave Burgan) and be crowned as Mr. Millard South. The competition consisted of five segments including swimwear, formal wear, talent portion, Q&A, and a tear-jerking parent tribute. Prior to the show, the boys also put their dedication to the test by doing the ‘craziest thing’ they would be willing to do to win Mr. Millard South, that will be showcased for the judges and audience to view.

“I was immensely happy with the results of the show,” candidate Jack Tweedy said.

“Being a part of this provided me with a memory I will always cherish,” he Contestant Logan Smith flexes as he shows off his swim wear. said. “The audience Photo by Helen Byon was interactive and made performing in front of a large crowd much easier. Mr. winner Cam Burkard. “It was so much to Millard South offered me the chance to be able to goof around and put on a great do what I do best; make people laugh,” with the rest of the guys and make everyTweedy said. one laugh. “The biggest challenge was by

“Being a part of Mr. Millard South far eating the crickets. I hate bugs with a was so memorable,” candidate Kyle White passion and it was by far the most disgustsaid. “I truly just enjoyed the process and ing thing I have ever done,” Burkard said. being able to get to know the other guys on a more personal level,” White said. “I

Mr. Millard South Cam Burkard sports the crown.

Photo by Ellie Dean

Mr. Congeniality, Tyler Korisko paints for the talent portion of the competition. Photo by Ellie Dean

Patriot Post earns DECA Gold certification Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter

The Patriot Post is a student-lead store here at Millard South. At the Patriot Post, one can purchase clothes, school themed accessories, candy, cookies and more. Students support the store because it represents school spirit in one of the best ways possible.

This year, the school store achieved gold level certification at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. This is the second year in a row that the Patriot Post has received this honor. The application for the award required a 50-page paper consisting of information regarding what goes on behind the scenes at

the store. A National DECA judge reviews the submission and then decides what the store is certified as based on a set of criteria that the Patriot Post had to meet.

Some of the things that occur at the school store that The Patriot Post managers are in charge of are tasks that some might not realize, such as creating products, finances, and promotions.

“Everybody has their own specific job,” Finance Manager Michelle Lavelle said. “Two managers buy and pick out the items, two others do inventory and two managers promote the items we sell in our store,” she said. “It takes a lot of work for the store to function properly.”

“I think that our school is

very unique, and that we are the only ones in the state that is truly student run,” DECA Advisor Jamie Robinson said.

“I think we’re one of the more established stores around here, and we take a lot of pride in it,” Lavelle said.

“The Patriot Post is run by eight seniors who make all the decisions on their own. The teachers guide the students, but the store is purely student run,” Lavelle said.

The store has a bright future and a plethora of possibility, opportunity and potential.

The Patriot Post is looking forward to the new items they’re going to start carrying in the future.

DECA store managers. Front: Kane Sila. Row 2: Kyle White, Billy Purcell. Row 3: Kaylee Balkovec, Kathryn Willenborg, Ellie Dean, Michelle Lavelle and Alexis McKee.

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News 4 • 14 • 2017

Tim Seeger, congregation assist refugee family Vanessa Chavez News Editor

“It’s putting your feet in someone else’s shoes. Everyone deserves an education, basic health care, and to live in a safe society, and when people don’t live in a safe society, if we have the means to do it, I think we need to help in any way we can,” said German teacher Tim Seeger. It is for those reasons, that Seeger and the group of about 15-20 people from St. Michael Lutheran Church, sponsor a refugee family.

During the first three months of a refugee family’s arrival, Lutheran Family Services does much to help the family settle, get jobs, and access the medical and other social service systems despite the limited resources and the number of refugees they are serving. LFS works with the International Center of the Heartland for ongoing support for the refugee families after three months. However, ICH also has limited resources and an overwhelming caseload of families that they serve.

“But when a refugee family does not speak the language, understand the culture, know how to navigate the social systems, it is very difficult for them to become independent and self-sufficient in just three months,” said Karen Boardman, who is the co-leader of the family care team at St. Michael’s. “Sponsor groups, like ours, who can continue to support families in becoming self-sufficient can allow ICH to work more closely with refugee families that do not have sponsors and who are often in crisis,” she said.

Therefore the congregation at St. Michael Lutheran Church stepped in. The group that would begin to assist the family started when a church member who had worked with refugee families with another organization met with a group of interested members of St. Michael to see if they’d be interested in sponsoring a family. Boardman describes the response as overwhelmingly positive.

“We started our work before we knew the family or when our family would arrive,” Boardman said. “We started by collecting furniture and household items for the apartment and planning for stocking the apartment with food and other items that would help the family get through the first couple of weeks,” she said.

Aside from the support they offer and furnishing the apartment, family care team co-leader, Heidi Pospisil from St. Michael Lutheran Church explains the other ways in which the congregation provides help for the family.

“The family did not have appropriate clothes for a Nebraska winter so we held a clothing drive”, Pospisil said.

The family from Syria arrived in October to 20 members of the congregation greeting them.

“They walked kind of tired and we’re all just there welcoming and applauding them,” Seeger said. “I think other places depending on where they go they’d have receive the opposite, so I think that must’ve been heartwarming for them to see that,” he said.

Since Seeger was the one with the minivan, he had the opportunity to give the family a ride to their apartment, which was set up largely by those in the congregation with items they had been collecting about a month before the family’s arrival.

Weeks after helping the family get settled, Seeger stopped by to visit them and went to Walnut Grove park with them.

“They were here but they didn’t even know where things were and so we went over to the park and they played with the kids and I brought a whiffle ball and a bat and they had never played baseball before, so it was fun to teach them how,” Seeger said.

Seeger’s current role is to drive the mother of the family, and sometimes one of her friends, to an English as a Second Language class where he also volunteers some of his time to help them practice their

English or watch the kids of those who atAnd one to one is easy but then you get a tend the classes. He recognizes the imporgroup of 8 people and suddenly you’re trytance of the mother attending the English ing to follow all these conversations. So it’s class since she cannot work due to having going to take time and patience and I think to care for her children. She doesn’t get the they’re going to keep improving,” he said. practice she needs whereas at the program

When time expired for Lutheran Famshe does. ily Services to help cover the cost of the

“They’re so gracious and genuinely rent, the congregation held a fundraiser in thank you over and over again and always February in order to assist as needed. invite me up for some tea or something,”

“It’s pretty hard to pay rent for five Seeger said. “I go up and each week and it with $10 an hour,” Pospisil said. gets easier with the conversations that we

The family also faces several limitahave, and of course we’re also building a tions. The family’s father has managed to little bit of a friendship, too, which is also get a job, but if he had to walk there, it’d be really neat,” he said. about a 45 minute walk. There’s virtually no

This is not the first time Seeger has bus transportation in Millard, so he catches taken part in helping out a refugee fama ride from someone who’s been here a few ily. When he was about eight years old, his months longer from Syria. The mom can’t church in Wisconsin sponsored a Cambowork since she has two children that are dian family of seven. not school aged yet and she needs to stay

Seeger got the opportunity to see it home to watch them. The only alternative from a kid’s point of view in a way because would be to find a daycare provider and not only did the church help them but they if you’re only making $10/hr. and when became almost next door neighbors when there’s enough work you can get 40 hours/ the family ended up living two houses week, it wouldn’t pay off, especially with down from them. two kids.

“And I

On top just thought, of that, after Everyone deserves an education, wow that’s they’ve been really neat here for six basic health care, and to live that we got months or in a safe society. When people to help out a a year, they family that need to pay don’t live in a safe society, if we was fleeback their have the means to do it, I think ing terrible plane tickets. things that “So we need to help in any way we were hapimagine can. pening in what a plane – German Teacher Cambodia,” ticket from

Tim Seeger Seeger said.

Syria must’ve

He not cost them,” only got to know them for a short time but Seeger said. It might be like $10,000 worth also for years and years, especially since of plane tickets that they have to pay back, they had kids were close in age to Seeger and so how are they going to? It’s underand his brothers. Seeger recalls that the standable, the money has to come from father eventually got job as custodian in a somewhere and obviously it’s a wonderful school, a job in which he worked his way situation for them because they’re in a safe up, and just retired about a year or two ago. place,” he said.

When it comes to the family adapting

Seeger said he believes that the family to the English language, Seeger has noticed is in a place where most people realize that that the kids may not have easiest time with “they’re just human beings like we all are. it partially because when they’re at school, We are all just trying to help each other they’re in a setting where nothing but Engout, trying to make a living,” but he knows lish is being spoken around them. that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Seeger compares

“Their oldest son is in school and loves it to when you finish college and you’re it, and gets sad whenever it’s spring break starting in the “real world” and it’s hard or president’s day weekend or whenever because all of a sudden you have to pay there’s no school,” Seeger said. bills and in this case also care and provide

As for the parents, however, Seeger for your family. said he thinks they may have it a little bit

“Just imagine how difficult it must be tougher. The dad goes to a factory job to do that in a foreign land with a foreign where there’s not a lot of conversation language,” he said. going on and when the mother is not at

Seeger said he is not sure if the family the ESL classes, she is at home and doesn’t will continue to live here in Millard or if have the need to practice English. Another once the school year ends they’ll want to factor is that there are several families from look for a place that’s a little more affordSyria in the same area, so they tend to speak their native language.

“It’s nice because they have people to vent to and relate to a little bit more,” Seeger said. “But I think it also makes it more difficult, because it makes it easier to just stay with that. I think they have to realize that they have to make an effort,” he said.

Seeger said he has noticed that even in the ESL class, there are some adults that go for it and aren’t afraid to ask three or four times for help, whereas there are others that just shy away.”

“I don’t blame them,” he said. “When I go to Germany, I know how mentally exhausting it is for me to just sit there and have conversations with people in German.

“

”

able and is closer to bus lines. Currently the congregation is trying to help them as needed by helping them pay about half the rent for the first couple of months. And ideally, it would be easier for the mom, once the kids are all in school, to get a job. In just 4-5 months, her English has improved a lot and the transportation offered to the ESL class is offering her more skills in speaking English, so when she goes to apply for a job, the language barrier will not be such an issue. It will open more opportunities.

“A big factor in them becoming confident and independent is being able to communicate in English. They, especially the mom, are doing very well in both speaking and reading English – it is amazing how far they have come in such a short time,” Boardman said.

In March, the church’s care team leaders met and decided they’d continue to help for another six months their goal is to make the family self-sustainable by September.

That involves continuing to help them become comfortable with budgeting, providing a used donated car so they can be independent with transportation, supporting the dad in finding a job that better utilizes his skills and will provide a sufficient income with benefits, supporting them in understanding and learning to navigate the medical system, and so on.

“We’ll always be friends and continue to visit them, but as far as taking the lead as mentors, we hope to be done by September,” Pospisil said.

The mother and father of the family schedule the appointments on their own. And then they are taken to appointments. However, when they receive a letter in the mail, especially from Department of Health and Human Services, they still have the tendency of sending a picture to a care team member asking what it means.

One of the limitations more difficult to overcome is transportation. The church’s care team has most of it covered for now, but will continue to be an issue as the family begins to be more self sufficient, which is why a family from the congregation donated a used van that after a little work will soon be theirs.

Seeger says he’s learned a lot about this process and that it’s warmed his heart to realize that he’s making a difference in a small way.

“It’s just fundamental to be a caring loving person that’s not just self centered but realize that there are seven billion people sharing this planet and we all deserve a certain level of happiness and enough to get by and sustain ourselves,” he said.

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Opinion 4 • 14 • 2017

Low-FODMAP diet gives senior fresh taste of life and living

I’ve always had a significant intolwhen I consume certain foods because erance for certain foods. While I can’t my body can’t absorb the molecules remember my entire life, I can clearly correctly. I also have issues when I’m remember my issues dating back to under a significant amount of stress. I when I was approximately 7 years old. didn’t figure this out until later, though.

I’d eat things and wind up getting sick

In the beginning, all my doctor or having horrible stomach cramps that told me was that it was very important left me in tears. My mom attributed the for me to “know myself and what I problems to me being lactose intolercan and can’t eat” and sent me on my ant and tried to monitor my cheese and way, saying she’d see me in a year for a milk intake, but that didn’t work and check-up. This advice showed me that dairy products weren’t the only “probshe knew just as little as I did about lem foods”. I also had significant issues what was going on inside of my body. after eating fast food, anything that Nevertheless, I attempted to follow was deep-fried, and most foods from her advice and monitor which foods restaurants. bothered me the most and avoid them.

This was a really confusing time for I gave them very broad groupings, such me, because the things that normally as “too much fruit”, “deep-fried foods”, caused me to be ill didn’t always cause and “ice cream”. This seemed to do a me to be ill, and the things that nordecent enough job, but there were still mally didn’t cause me to be ill sometimes when I found myself unextimes caused me to be ill. It didn’t make plainably ill after eating something I sense, it wasn’t normal, and I didn’t wouldn’t have deemed as “bad” or “too know why it was happening. All I knew much of a bad thing”. On July 4, 2016, I was that sometimes after eating a meal, figured out why.

I had to have my mom take me home

I was at a Fourth of July party, and so I could suffer through the next few one of the other attendees mentioned hours outside of in passing that the public eye. she, too, has IBS

It took many and a diet that years, but we she’s on for it. eventually decided The other people to get the opinion groaned and of a dietitian. I excomplained that plained my sympthey didn’t want toms to her, and to hear about her she suggested that IBS again, but I we cycle through a was intrigued. multitude of diets I’d never met over the course of another person many weeks to see who had the if anything made a same condition difference for me. (mostly beWe tried things like cause I was too the dairy-free diet embarrassed to and the gluten-free talk about it). I diet, but nothing approached her was working for one-on-one later me. on and asked her Finally, things got about her form Alyssa Soppe to the point where of the condiEditor-in-Chief my family decided tion and a diet that I should see a gastrointestinal that she had mentioned. She quickly specialist. We set up an appointment, explained that there’s an entire diet for I explained my symptoms, and she depeople who have IBS to live by and that cided that it would be necessary to take it has relieved her of many of her sympa closer examination at the inside of my toms. She told me I could contact her body. So, I spent part of my Christmas later on and she’d explain things more break during my sophomore year of in-depth. I gratefully accepted, and I high school in the hospital being tested contacted her within a few days. and examined.

I quickly looked up the diet and

The results of these tests came found lists on lists on lists of foods that back with nothing out of the ordinary. are and are not edible if you have IBS. It was unusual and frustrating because My head was spinning, but I spoke to I knew that there was something wrong my mom about it and convinced her with me. However, none of the tests to let me buy a diet book and to let me could show it, so I received the diagno- give it a go. sis that every patient with gastrointesti- I discovered that this diet is called nal issues receives when there’s nothing the Low-FODMAP diet and is designed perceptibly wrong with them: Irritable to alleviate symptoms in people who Bowel Syndrome (IBS). suffer from IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerIBS is a chronic condition that affects ative colitis, celiac disease, and other the large intestine and digestion. It’s digestive disorders. FODMAP stands slightly different for every person who for fermentable oligosaccharides, has it, but in my case, I become ill disaccharides, monosaccharides, and

polyols. These are just names for the molecules found in foods that people with IBS and other digestive disorders have trouble absorbing. The three basic restrictions of the diet are: no gluten, no garlic, and no onion. However, the diet is much more complex than this.

For example, I can’t consume lactose in the form of milk or ice cream, but I can eat most cheeses. I can’t eat apples or watermelon, but cantaloupe and bananas are perfectly fine.

While the diet is very complex and caused me to dramatically change my life very quickly, it was well worth it.

After starting this diet, I stopped being sick so frequently. I could eat without fear of what would come afterwards. I didn’t have to worry about leaving class or going home just because I ate something bad on accident. I now know what I’m able to consume safely, and it has changed my life for the better.

One of the biggest changes (besides completely eliminating foods that had previously been prominent in my life) was having to pack my own lunch every day. Hot lunch was no longer an option because I didn’t know what was in the food that the school was serving, and I didn’t want to risk the illness.

I’m not exactly sure how we came to the idea, but my family ended up filling out paperwork to see if Millard would be willing to accommodate my dietary needs. We received word back shortly after that the kitchen staff would be more than happy to assist me in finding school-made meals that would be friendly towards my dietary needs. Since then, Millard South’s lovely kitchen staff has been providing me with gluten-free school meals every day, and I don’t have to worry about bringing my own food anymore.

This act of kindness has been a big step towards me not feeling awkward or embarrassed because of my unusual dietary needs, and I can’t thank the cafeteria staff enough for being so kind and willing to help me.

I’ve also learned that my condition is worse under lots of stress or pressure, so I’ve been learning how to alleviate those things as well. I’ve discovered that I’m sometimes able to eat small amounts of gluten or other “bad” foods when I’m not as stressed out without becoming ill. I can relax a little bit with my dietary habits when I’m on breaks from school (which is a major source of stress in my life), and things will be okay.

Overall, my quality of life has increased tenfold after discovering this diet because I don’t constantly feel terrible due to things that I’ve eaten. The stress of worrying about whether or not I’ll get sick the next time I eat has been basically eliminated from my life, and I physically feel a lot better much more often now than I ever did before. The Low-FODMAP diet has dramatically changed my life for the better.

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.

Macy Glinsmann Staff Reporter

Cell phones are damaging our brains and relationships

I’ll admit, I’m almost always on my phone.

I know it’s very unhealthy being on your phone texting, snapchatting, and practically wasting time when you could be experiencing something you’d never expected to. Every time I walk down the hallway, all I see are people looking down at their phones, ignoring everyone. It is proven that cell phones do the same things that drugs do; deteriorate your brain, as stated by CBS News in numerous articles. I, for one, don’t want my brain to be gone. When your parents say “you’re always on your phone,” maybe you should listen to them. They do know more than us. Life without cellular phones wasn’t all that bad. After all, your parents didn’t have all the technology we have now. Phones are becoming something that people can’t live without. But what did people do when there weren’t any phones? They went outside and went on adventures. I, for one, would love to grow up without my phone. I would love to experience life without the addicting electronics. Taking the time to put your phone down and eat a meal with family now seems a daunting task, when in reality it should be something simple and fun. Putting the electronics down will easily make life more enjoyable without all of the added drama.

Trying to go without a cell phone for 24 hours seems like a daunting task, but I had managed it. I gave my mom my devices and immediately thought, “What am I supposed to do?”

But after a few minutes of thinking, my brain was full of things I could do. I went outside and skateboarded, baked a cake to surprise my mom, read some books, and so much more. I somehow managed to see that life without phones isn’t all that bad. There’s many things people do to keep busy, but people our age never seem to notice, because their faces are buried in their phones.

While taking the time to pay attention to my surroundings, I noticed that people are actually quite rude when they have their phones. They don’t pay attention and run into people, trip and fall, and even forget to talk to the person they’re with! How rude is that?

If I needed to make a call, I used this foreign object called a home phone. It connects to your wall, and it only calls. Whaaaat? I know, it seems so hard to use, but it’s actually not as daunting a task as it seems. Just 10 simple digits, and you’ll soon be connected with Grandma Gladys!

Just putting your phone down and taking a look at the world will make everything seem different, as if you’re looking through a new pair of glasses. The world can be beautiful, if you just take the time to look up from your devices.

Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Soppe

Entertainment Editor RuthAnne Hale

Copy Editor Emma Martin

Photo Chief McKenna Krueger

Business Manager Sam Sliva

Production Editor Jordyn Kelley

Social Media Manager Sarah Braley Graphic Artist AJ Bierwirth

Audio/Visual Editor Ellie Dean

Staff Reporters Tori Barkus Hailey Boden Trent Brakel Madi Bullard Carina Covington Conlan Custard Cam Filleman Parker Geiss Macy Glinsmann Rebecca Harvie Kristin Kaipust Savannah Lacy Jessica Lukecart Sarah Braley Isabel Kimminau Eric Murcek Maddie Rynes

Distribution Editor Jessica Malashock

Adviser Christine Kaldahl

News Editor Vanessa Chavez Sports Editor Kailey Boden

Cartoonist Tori Barkus

Features Editor Adrienne Bruner

Staff Secretaries Miriam Cortes Kathryn Willenborg

Opinions Editor Ryan Carter Lifestyles Editor John Reel

6

r i o h C w Sho

RuthAnne Hale Entertainment Editor

While most people have heard of show choir, whether through watching “Glee” or having a cousin, classmate, or friend who does it, only the people in show choir can truly understand its appeal beyond performing and competing. Despite the importance of singing and dancing, what show choir students around the nation love most is the sense of community and family it provides.

Show choir exists all across America, but it is most popular in the Midwest and California. Each show choir usually sings and dances to a five song set, often themed, but all with retro or modern pop music. It involves multiple costumes, fun effects, and exhausting choreography within a twenty minute show.

Many of the top show choirs in the

Features 4 •14 • 2017

Elevates

tough schools, and ended up coming home “Show Choir is the family that helped with a few trophies, most notably 4th place me through my dad’s passing,” she said. “It at the UNO show choir competition. Their has allowed me to express myself in ways I show features songs like “Stay”, “Just Give didn’t know I could. It’s taught me how to Me a Reason” and “Elevate.” open up and meet new people,” she said.

No matter how many awards a show

Junior Sierra Rasmussen has particichoir receives or what show choir they pated in Show Choir for five years, starting are from, the community of show choirs in 7th grade, and to her the impact it made around the world is one of acceptance and love that reaches beyond the competitive environment and creates a positive atmosphere.

Senior Abby Kane was a dance and vocal leader in the 2016-2017 South on Stage, and earned The Patriot Way award for her hard work and leadership. She has been participating in show choir for five years.

“It was the best decision I could have made,” she said. “I have made so many friends that I would not have met otherwise.”

In show choir, she has worked with choreographers and critiquers who travel all over.

“My favorite part of show choir is becoming a family with the rest of my choir. We spend a lot Stage One soloist sophomore Natasha Waller sings of time together and we her solo and fellow performers freshman Camille Kouba and senior Julia Hayduk sing background. become really close,” Kane said. nation are in Omaha. Millard West and Mil- However, Millard South lard North both have very successful show isn’t the only place where choir programs, and both Millard North friendships abound through and Millard West made it into the top 30 show choir. show choirs in the midwest.

Marquise Howard is Juniors Colin Myers-VanAntwerp and Shaina Smith perform

South’s Show Choirs started rehearsing a student and Show Choir in the opener “Masquerade” from Phantom of the Opera at in July of 2016, and their first performance member at Omaha Burke UNO as members of South on Stage. was on December 15th, and the season High. He performs in ended with a last performance was March Burke’s mixed varsity choir, “Synergy”. is immeasurable.

3rd. Both choirs competed at 5 competi “I’ve made a TON of friends in

“It taught me how to be a team player,” tions, taking place in Nebraska, Iowa, Misshow choir, both my own and from other she said. souri, and South Dakota. schools,” Howard said.

“It’s taught me the difference between

The women’s show choir at South Like Kane, Howard said that his faa good leader and a bad leader. It’s given me “Stage One” won two first place trophies, vorite part of show choir is the people and a second family. It’s impacted my life greatly and two third place trophies, with songs the atmosphere. As he put it, “The best part in so many different ways I can’t explain. I’m like “I want to be a Rockette” and “Welcome is to be able to meet new people and have so thankful for show choir.” to New York.” Stage One even ended up another family.”

Overall, Millard South show choirs are ranked the 39th Unisex Group in the Mid Show choir has a very special place proud of what they have put forth this year west. in the heart of Reagan Dean, a member of and are looking forward to another success South’s Men and Women’s group Papillion-La Vista’s women’s choir “Heart “South on Stage” competed against many and Soul.”

Juniors Shaina Smith and Bryce Krupka sing solos and then a duet during South on Stage’s ballad portion of their program at the UNO competition. The ensemble placed 4th.

South on Stage strikes their ending pose of the closer of their program named Fight for love”, a mashup including songs like “Elevate” and “Fight to Win.” The ensemble performed at the Papillion LaVista South Titan Classic in their first competition of the season.

ful year in 2017-2018. Auditions took place between March 28 and April 3, and the lists were posted on April 5.

A hundred and eighteen people were selected to participate in the coming year.

SOS has 56 members with two alternates, with one of the alternates also as a member of Stage One. And Stage One has accepted 60 members as well as one alternate.

“This year’s season has been an awesome, awesome year,” director Amy Wesely said. As her second year at Millard south, much has been different from last year.

“It’s been a building year for Stage One, as we had 37 new members, and SOS really brought in from day one. They were comfortable and committed,” she said.

Wesely herself participated in show choir in both high school and college, and her favorite memory was in her junior year of college.

“I had choreographed a number, and was dancing in the front row, and there was nothing like knowing that my group was performing something I created, and knowing how prepared we were and how good it looked,” she said.

Wesely works hard to create a positive atmosphere for all at Millard South.

“I don’t stand for snarkiness,” she said.

“In Show Choir, it’s about the group, and each individual does their part. There is no room for being a diva, because it’s not just about one person,” Wesely said.

A positive atmosphere is very important to Wesely, and she said she believes that a supportive environment is very important in show choir.

“Show Choir really gives an opportunity to perform and grow with a family, and there is just no feeling like dancing and singing under those lights,” she said.

But the message she wants every student to take away from their experience is bigger than that.

“You should never, ever settle,” she said.

“In music, show choir, school, jobs, relationships, or anything at all. Your goal should always be growth, and show choir teaches that.”

Stage One performs “Cadillac Car” from the musical Dream Girls while the other half of the ensemble makes a quick costume change. The group placed first at the Papillion-LaVista South Titan Classic competition.

7

Features 4 • 14 • 2017

Coping with teenhood John Reel Lifestyles editor

Teens struggling with the daily stress of being a teenager have many resources available to them, whether that be a teacher, a counselor or another trusted adult. Dr. Vicky Munoz, Millard South guidance department head, emphasizes that students should always seek out a trusted adult when struggling with problems. The guidance office is always open and counselors are available.

In addition to counselors and teachers, professional therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists are another resource for any mental health issues a student may be facing.

Common Sense contacted Rossana Snee, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Lakewood, Calif. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families. Her present focus is providing counseling services during daily broadcasts (@askjoshsmom), and weekly tips on dealing with relationship and life issues on PeriGirlsTV, “Your Weekly Tips,” Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Snee responded to reporter John Reel’s questions via email.

Q: As a racial minority, member of the LGBTQ, female, or of a religion different than Christianity I no longer feel our country is as safe as it was before recent political shifts. Should I be afraid? How should I deal with this fear?

A: You’re right, our country isn’t as safe as it used to be

due to the negative political climate in which we live. But I’m not going to tell you to be “afraid.” That won’t help you. I will tell you to be guarded. Stay away from unsafe places and people who are ignorant and fearful. No one can reason with those types of people. How should you deal with your fear? Make sure that for each situation you ask yourself if at that moment your fear is valid. If it isn’t, try and relax about it. If it is valid, and you do have reason to worry, you may need to leave the situation. Be prepared to deal with any negative situation, either by walking away if you can, or by defending yourself. Maybe taking selfdefense classes might make you feel more confident and strong.

Q: How do I know if I’m in an abusive relationship?

A: If something just doesn’t feel right. If you’re feeling di-

minished, physically or verbally attacked. If you’re ignored, belittled, demeaned. If you are afraid to be yourself for fear of being ridiculed or hurt. If you are threatened in any way.

Q: How can I deal with anxiety over college, a bad home-life, or where my life is going?

A: First: Anxiety over college

It is natural to have the jitters if you are starting something new. You don’t know what to expect and the unknown is always a bit scary. Sometimes a lot. It’s all in how you look at it. Starting college is a new adventure. You’ll meet new

people, learn a lot, and in a few years it will be all over. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” “What am I really anxious about?” People adjust to everything, good or bad. After a few days you’ll start to get the hang of it, and it will be just like anything else. Relax. It will be OK. Remember to breathe.

Second: A bad home life: How bad is it? What’s the problem? I don’t have much information on this. But if there’s abuse, refer to question No. 1. If it’s bad, but not terrible, keep busy, stay away from the drama. DO NOT ENGAGE. Take up hobbies that keep you busy and get you out of the house. DO NOT USE DRUGS, SEX, AND FOOD, as a way of coping. It will be temporary and will not solve anything, only add to your problems. Concentrate on your studies.

Remember, this will not last forever. Nothing does. Eventually you’ll be able to move out and live a healthy life.

Third: Where is my life going? You don’t have to know that today. Life has a way of unfolding. Listen to the hints it gives you. You’ll feel prompted to do certain things. Go with that. Don’t think you have to figure everything out right away. Sometimes it takes time to discover what we want to do. Be patient with yourself. In the meantime, do things that make you a better person.

Q: How should I cope with an abusive parent?

A: This is a tough one. If they are dangerously abusive, it’s

best to be away from the situation. Maybe live with another relative. Another possibility is to contact child services and let them know what’s happening. At that point, an investigation will be conducted. This could, however, create an even worse situation at home, if the teen has to stay there. Staying out of the abusive parent’s way is the only thing I can think of, but I don’t have much information on which to go on.

How old is the teen? What kind of abuse are they enduring?

Q: What should I do if I’m to the point of considering suicide?

A: Suicide is not the answer. It

doesn’t get back at anyone, it just ends your life and destroys the lives of people who love you. Suicide is PERMANENT. “Problems” are NOT! You can live a long, happy life. Make that choice. Don’t let someone else dictate what you do with your life, your one life, that you’ll never get back. Live it to the best of your ability. SUICIDE is never the answer, no matter what is going out. There is always a way to fix whatever is wrong. But you need to be alive in order to do it. If you are feeling suicidal, take a look at

the thoughts you’re having. It’s not the external that’s causing the problem, it’s the thought process you’re entertaining.

Reach out to a friend, call a hotline.

Rossana Snee, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Lakewood, Calif.

Q: How can I help if someone I know is suicidal?

A: If you know someone is suicidal, tell them what I just

said above. Contact one of their family members (if they’re kind and loving), and warn them. If the suicide is imminent, you may have to call 911. Give the person the number of a suicide hotline.

Q: What’s a good way to avoid getting overwhelmed and stressed out?

A: Avoiding being stressed out and overwhelmed is quite

doable. Remember all those times when you were stressed out and overwhelmed before? Did it work out? Stressing out is a waste of time. It doesn’t do any good, only makes you sick. Everything passes. Everything!!! Things are temporary. Whatever you’re going through, what difference will it make in a month? A year? Is it really worth it to waste energy on it. Change your perspective of the situation. If you’re overwhelmed, write everything down that you need to do. Prioritize in order of importance. Ask yourself, what happens if you don’t get through the list? Do what you need to do and don’t beat yourself up for what you couldn’t do. It’s all going to be OK anyway. Breathe!

Q: What’s one thing you think all teens should know?

A: What should all teens know? What-

ever seems like drama now, will just be a story when you become an adult. Being a teen is hard, especially nowadays, but you won’t be a teen forever. Clicks won’t matter! If you’re “someone” in high school, you’ll probably not be that same person in college. If you’re no one now, you might be something great later on in life. Keep telling yourself, “I won’t be a teen forever.” What’s important now, will not be important later on. Ride the wave of teenhood. Pretend you’re on a surfboard. Tie your leg to the board and ride each wave. Sometimes there’ll be rough seas, and sometimes it will, be smooth sailing. Just hang on until you get to shore. Again, everything is going to be okay.

Art does good for mind, heART and soul Carina Covington Staff Reporter For centuries, art has been a form of self-expression and an escape from reality. Studies have shown that art programs in school provide a way to think with an open mind. It can teach appropriate ways to deal with adversity, ways to express creativity, and allows students to open their minds and their hearts to new possibilities.

“I believe study in the arts boosts problem solving skills, creativity, and self esteem, and allows for self-representation and selfexpression,” art instructor Loretta Wegner said.

Wegner teaches art foundations, drawing, art history, and commercial graphic design.

Wegner creates art in her free time because she says she loves the connection her art can make with viewers as they dig deeper into the meaning of her art as there is more there than meets the eye.

“Through teaching, I have seen artistic and academic progress as well as personal growth because of art,” Wegner said. She said that some of the most important skills such as self representation and self expression are developed in the art classroom by being able to control the message you are sending to your audience.

Creativity and independence are also evident to Wegner when she is teaching as she watches her students unlock these necessary skills to live a successful life.

Despite the studies showing the success of art programs in schools, students in Millard elementary schools do not receive formal art education with a certificated art teacher as a “special” like they do for physical education and music. But that doesn’t mean art is absent from the elementary curriculum. Art is included alongside instruction provided by the classroom teacher.

“Students who have art education earn better grades, have more creativity, and show better attendance. I not only believe all these things but they are proven in various studies,” art instructor Susan Wilde said. She also said that if she had the choice, she would allow elementary schools at least 50 minutes of art time per week.

Wilde said she feels very strongly on the many important life lessons that are taught and discovered in the art classroom.

“The best part is when they draw on their own experiences and creativity, they will enter a new world that is exciting, that has meaning and that they can share with others. Who wouldn’t want to do that?” Wilde said.

(See next page for scholastic student art awards)

Sophomore Stephanie Kloucek works on her pinch pot in pottery. Photo

by Isabel Robb

Focus 4 • 14 • 2017

8 Blake Wiese Gold Key sculpture “House of Cards”

Blake Wiese has done nothing less than to help sculpt the artistic side of Millard South. Just recently, Wiese was awarded with the Gold Key Scholastic Art Award - an award that only twenty of the 15,000 participants receive.

This can qualify him for being one of the top high school artists in Nebraska.

With over 50 hours of strenuous and precise work, Wiese constructed a sculpture of entire deck of cards. All of the cards were scattered, but the card sculptures still managed to stay in place for the presentation. Wiese had no inspiration for this piece. He simply thought of the idea, found it exciting and decided to build it from there. So how do you decide what to build when it comes to art? How do you find the motivation to continue even if it’s long and demanding?

“Do something you really want to do. If you don’t want to do it, it won’t turn out right,” Wiese stated. It’s all about making it your own.

Blake became interested in pottery when he started high school. He surprised himself when he decided to carry it on throughout the rest of his high school years. It definitely paid off. (what exactly is the award)

Blake will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Although he will not be majoring in art, he will be minoring in it. He had considered the Kansas Art Institute as well - another great school for art majors.

If you want to get started now, you can. It’s never too early or late to bring out your creative side and Millard South is just the place to do it.

“You can take pottery or advanced pottery if you’re into art,” Wiese said. The options at South for art are endless so don’t feel just stuck to one.

Expand your wings and pick up the paint brush.

By Ryan Carter John Reel Silver Key painting “Dumbo, Brooklyn”

To John Reel, art was simply a way to pass the time. This “time filler” would eventually culminate in an award winning masterpiece. Reel explained the process of his work.

“It all started because I had a big interest in French Impressionism, but I wanted to give it a more modern look,” he said.

This modern take on a classic style led Reel to receiving his first award, the Silver Key award.

When asked, he said that he wasn’t even planning to pursue a career in art.

“I don’t plan to become a big time artist or anything, but I might continue it as a lifelong hobby.”

One thing Reel was adamant on however, is how good art is for the mind.

“Art showed me that there is more than one way to understand and solve problems,” he said.

Reel has always preferred a sense of fineness in his works.

“I love working with tempera paints, watercolors, oil paint, things like that. I hate working with things like clay and chalk pastels, they’re just way too messy,” he said.

With regard to the importance of art, Reel said, “Make art some part of your life, in some way.”

By Trent Brakel Chance McClellen Silver Key ink drawing “Self Portrait”

Scott Shaw Silver Key graphite drawing “Disconnected”

Scott Shaw, an art student here at South, won a Silver Key for his Pencil and Paper work, “Disconnected”. Shaw started his High School art career as a freshman, taking all the necessary art classes from Art foundations to Digital design, Advanced Drawing and so on, to make it all the way to Advanced Studio Art his Senior year. Shaw’s reasoning for taking all these art classes throughout the years was,

“Eh, they were pretty easygoing and there wasn’t much home work.”

Despite this attitude, Shaw became rather adept at pencil drawings specifically, in which he won the Silver Key for. When asked where his inspiration for this piece came from, Shaw replied with

“I was just sketching when my art teacher saw it and thought I should develop it more.” So he did, and with the advice from his art teacher, Ms. Wilde, he further developed and completed this award winning 3-part art piece.

When questioned if Shaw had anything to say to aspiring artists out there, he stated,

“Take a painting class so you know what you’re doing later on in advanced studio, as well as life.”

“If you can’t paint you’re not an artist.” (Scott can’t paint)

By Cam Filleman

These days, talent from all walks of life is nationally showcased and paraded to huge audiences via television shows like, America’s got talent, The Voice, American Idol, And even shows like Shark Tank in the business world. With programs like these earning such high marks and garnering such a massive viewership, we often fail to notice more local, softer spoken examples of talent in and around where we live.

Take Chance McClellan, for example, a relatively unnoticed virtuoso for his work on multiple art projects has produced some excellent finished products.

His most recent being a human portrait made using various techniques using water.

“I’m not really sure what inspired me to make it, it just sort of came to me,” McClellan said.

Needless to say, a creator of this caliber should be recognized for their work, but

for the most part McClellan has mainly flown under the radar.

“When I was a lot younger is the only time I can think of winning anything for it. I won some competition for drawing, but other than that I haven’t ever received much recognition,” McClellan said.

However, despite being mostly unheralded in terms of art, McClellan still enjoys many aspects of it.

“I just think it’s really fun to do, and being able to create whatever you want is what makes it great.”

Art is just about one of the biggest platforms for creation there is. There are dozens of different avenues to explore and try.

“Personally, my favorite has to be drawing and sketching,” he said. “That’s probably what I’m best at. And my least favorite would be crafting and sculpting with hands on stuff,” McClellan said.

Artistry seems to have come naturally to McClellan, whereas others can go with years of practice and never perfect their craft.

“I first realized I had a talent for it when I was about six or seven,” he said. “And as for the future with art, I’d really like to go into something involving digital design in college.”

By Conlan Custard

Focus 4 • 14 • 2017

9 Delenn McBee Honorable Mention charcoal drawing “serenity”

With a recent aknowledgemnt from Scholastic, Delenn McBee shared the inspiration behind her art, and why she creates.

McBee, having expirienced body issues growing up, has found comfort in expressing herself through her craft.

“I like to draw different body types. It’s like body positivity,” said Mcbee. “It’s therapy, but cheaper.”

McBee uses a wide variety of media when creating, her favorite material being charcoal. Specificaly she enjoys drawing human figures.

Having been accepted, she intends to continue her journey at the Kansas City Art Institute next Fall.

McBee also sees art as being part of her future life, and in a big way.

“I want to do character design for video games, that’s mostly what I’m into.

By John Reel

Elena Garcia Tapia Honorable Mention colored pencil drawing “Non-Objective Color Harmony”

Elena Garcia Tapia expresses her art as she works towards future goals. She continues to work for her childhood dream of becoming an architect.

“When I was little, I always watched HGTV and I’ve always liked looking at houses and building,” Garcia said.

Garcia’s art “Non-Objective Color Harmony” received an honorable mention in the Scholastic Art Awards competition.

“I’ve always liked art,” Garcia said. “I’ve always been very creative.”

She has taken classes such as engineering and interior design to work towards her goal and plans to take Advanced drawing and Civil Engineering and Architecture in future years.

“I enjoy drawing. I usually draw the outside of houses and building and sometimes the inside as well. Architecture is a way I can combine two things I love.” Garcia said.

Garcia uses her knowledge of art when working on a building sketch. She said perspective- an important art class technique- is an key part of her sketches. Even with limited knowledge in the math aspects of architecture, Garcia still focuses on drawing and designing.

“I like how architecture can give a place feeling,” Garcia said. She used shapes to incorporate space into her award winning piece.

“I feel great, I’m happy to get recognition for something I’m proud of,” Garcia said.

By Kristin Kaipust Krysa Birdsley Silver Key mixed media sculpture “Inner Workings”

Krysa Birdsley won her Scholastic Art Award for her work “Inner Workings”. As shown you can see her piece is a ceramic hand turning to bones from the wrist up. Birdsley tells, she got her inspiration from watching Halloween movies.

Before this piece, she’d never won any awards but has found home in creating art. Birdsley has always enjoyed art, finding freedom in getting to create art from her imagination. Her specialty is working with clay making ceramics but she also enjoys drawing (even though she will not touch charcoal). Krysa has plans to follow the path of art possibly as a high school art teacher or maybe even an animator.

She has spent her time in high school taking all the pottery and drawing classes Millard South has to offer, right now in Advanced Studio Art the highest art class South has. She explains that taking classes in high school helped her decide what she wanted her career to be, and gave her the creativity to get through her other classes.

“Inner Workings” is just one of her many great works, and if you ever drop by Studio Art you can find Birdsley working on even more great projects.

By AJ Bierwirth

Renee Ludwick Honorable Mention sculpture “Zues”

For many individuals, owning a pet is a privilege, a responsibility, and a source of companionship, but for senior Renee Ludwick, her pet lizard was her muse; her inspiration for award-winning pottery.

After owning a rhinoceros iguana named Zues for ___, Ludwick and her father realized that the pet required more maintenance than the family was able to provide, so they decided to donate Zues to the Kansas City Zoo where the iguana could receive the proper care from trained professionals. In an effort to honor her pet, Ludwick decided to base her pottery of the animal.

Ludwick said she has been doing art for as long as she can remember, though she hasn’t always acquired “awardwinning art” skills. Despite this being the first art contest Ludwick was entered

into, she has always had a passion for art. In Ludwick’s spare time, she primarily draws and sketches, though she enjoys doing anything that allows her to use her hands.

Ludwick said she wishes she could create more pottery pieces outside of school, but the expensive materials make this task difficult.

Ludwick has enrolled in nearly every art course available to here at Millard South including Art Foundations, Drawing, Advanced Drawing, Pottery, Advanced Pottery, and Studio, which is an art class offered to students who have taken at least __ art classes.

Next year, Ludwick plans to continue her studio art studies at Concordia University in Seward. Ludwick said she was drawn to the smaller class sizes and one-on-one attention Ludwick could available from her professors.

“Art has impacted my life expanding my way of thinking,” Ludwick said.

“When I confront problems, art has provided me with the ability to think on my feet and change things to format what I’m envisioning.”

By Kathryn Willenborg

8

Focus 4 • 14 • 2017

10

Entertainment 4 • 14 • 2017

For Honor brings little honor to player Parker Geiss Staff Reporter

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the greatest warriors in history ever got into a fight? Bring together knights, Vikings and samurai into a game and you’ll get an addicting but very frustrating hack n slash game.

Published by Ubisoft, this game will make you both want to play game after game honing your skills and throw the controller into a wall.

The first thing that you do is decide which faction you want to back, deciding from Vikings, samurai and knights.

There is, however, a constant “faction war” that every player contributes to. To put it simply, for each game you play, you add points to your faction’s territory, which contributes to your team overall. It then makes you go through tutorials before you start playing anything online. DO NOT SKIP THESE. I learned this the hard way when I skipped the advanced one, and spent my first few weeks not knowing how to parry until my friend told me that I could.

The combat takes some time to get used to, but with practice it’s easy to understand. You can block and dodge, parry, and have light and heavy attacks. Each character has its own moves, as well as play style that works best for each one. The game can get frustrating very fast even if you are good with a character, so it helps to start out playing one person and moving to another when you’re confident with that one.

The leveling system lets you prestige each of your

characters, which only affects one game mode by letting you get higher level gear but doesn’t make any character stronger by just leveling up. This is more of a competitive form of game, so you have to play a lot to get really good. Some people might not reach that point, but if you’re willing to put the time and effort into the game then you’re going to enjoy it a lot.

However, with the way people play, you’re still probably going to find yourself raging at other players over the mic. The game should really be called “no honor”, because the best way to kill someone is by throwing them off a ledge or into some spikes, much to the frustration of the other player. There are also many characters that seem incredibly broken, attacking you in ways that give you no way to block or counter at all.

Overall, I’d rate this game 7/10. It’s got some balancing issues, and people have noticed that it will randomly reload

ThirsTea for more from unique place Ryan Carter Opinions Editor

There’s a new trend floating in from the coast called ‘Thirst-Tea’. If you’re looking for a Southeast Asian (originally from Taiwan) treat, you might want to consider stopping by Thirst-Tea for some boba tea, edamame or another delicious healthy treat.

For those of you who are unaware of what Boba Tea is, it is a drink with tapioca pearls, usually made with milk.

However, at Thirst-Tea, the options are endless. You can get popping boba or regular boba. You can get a slush, a milky tea or a dark tea. You can change your flavors of tea and flavors of boba. That’s only a small portion of the options- the rest is for you to find out yourself.

It’s for sure a unique experience for the first time someone tries it. It almost shocks you a little bit when one of the little bobas comes up your straw. It grows

on you, however, and you just want more and more. For those of you who want any recommendations, I strongly suggest the U5 (Lovely - Strawberry/Peach Green Tea with Strawberry popping boba) or D3 (Passion fruit with mango jelly).

I think one of the best things about Thirst-Tea is the atmosphere. It’s a colorful, fun place. The first out of many times that I went there, I was automatically pulled in by the music, service and just the overall chill atmosphere. I even asked the staff what their Spotify playlist was that’s how good it was. Multiple people started crowding in so I had to make sure I got my place in line fast. It’s a booming industry so it’s pretty busy.

Overall, I strongly give this place a 10/10. It’s something we’ve never seen before in Omaha and I see it going nowhere, but up.

Shirley’s Diner makes vintage feel modern Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter

Shirley’s Diner recently opened up at a new location. Where the old Pizza Hut was is now the new Ma and Pa shop, Shirley’s Diner. Even though we will all miss the old place, as most of us grew up going there, the new one is even better.

From the outside, the building looks very clean and new. But when you walk inside the place has a vintage vibe, similar to the old Shirley’s location. The place had lots of decorations that remind me of the 50’s. When I first walked in the place was very crowded so my family and I had to wait about ten minutes to be seated.

Shirley’s menu offers a variety of options.

First, they have unique appetizers that include basic onion rings, fried pickles, fried jalapenos, poutine fries and chicken tenders. They also have a wide variety of breakfast options. As for lunch and dinner they offer soups and salads, burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, specials and kids meals.

I decided to try something different and order the cheese frenchie. It’s basically a fried cheese sandwich. On the side I ordered their French fries. My meal was around $9 all together, which isn’t bad considering the big portions they offer. Our meals came shortly after I ordered and they definitely

did not disappoint. The food was amazing, it tasted homemade and I can’t wait to go back and try some of their other options.

Everyone that went was very pleased with their food and only had good things to say.

My parents both tried their burgers and were very satisfied.

The service at Shirley’s diner was also

a match and more often than not someone gets disconnected. This, along with bad matchmaking will make the game very frustrating at times. It is a very unique and well made game that has plenty of qualities that help you overlook this. It’s still very fun to play and mess around with, not to mention the realistic environments that the game developers have made.

Heartworms by the shins introduces a new page for the band John Reel Lifestyles Editor

The alternative Albuquerque band, The Shins has gone through significant changes since their last album “Port of Morrow,” released in 2012. A major shift being that the band is now just composed of James Mercer, the lead singer and founding member. As James Mercer explained to NME. com, “As things started to wind down for me I wanted to try something totally different.”

Their new album “Heartworms” explores a new sound for The Shins, psychedelic pop. But, it can seem hesitant to fully incorporate the sound into the album, leaving some songs like “Name for you,” “Dead alive,” and “Mildenhall” nearly stripped of the psychedelic sound altogether.

The main problem with the album is that it tries to use both the experimental psychedelic sound and the classic Shins sound at the same time. The result is a little of both, but neither fully stand out on their own. Some songs such as “Painting a whole” and “Cherry Hearts” do come close to successfully trying out the psychedelic sound - these tracks offer a vibe remnant of The Grateful Dead, and the 1960s wall of sound era, while remain-

very impressive. While we were eating we were asked multiple times if we wanted refills on our drinks and if our food tasted good.

Overall, we were all really satisfied with Shirley’s and would definitely go back. The food was really good and so was the service.

ing Shins at heart.

What The Shins has done successfully in past albums is stick to one sound, and they have been stronger for it. Songs like “Phantom Limb,” “Caring is Creepy,” and “New Slang” were able to stand out, because their albums offered other tracks that weren’t so distracting.

The album does have some high points “Fantasy Island” is a great ode to Mercer’s aging and the recent confusion within his life regarding The Shins, “Name for you” offers a sound similar to their 2007 album “Wincing the Night Away,” and “The Fear” is a moving piece about how fear can warp and change us, Mercer singing “If I only had the sense to let it (fear) give away to love.”

Photos by Jessica Lukecart

Entertainment 4 • 14 • 2017

11

Before I Fall does book justice

Ryan Carter Opinions Editor

The new film, Before I Fall, directed by Ry Russo-Young, is a film I could watch over and over again.

The film was based off the novel

by Lauren Oliver, where Samantha Kingston keeps repeating the last day of her life. She’s a senior in high school and her whole life seems to be in place. With a popular group of friends, a stable family and a stunning boyfriend, what could go wrong? Everything changes from the moment she and her friends crash into a truck and die instantly. From there, Samantha cannot seem to escape the last day of her life - a feeling of deja vu.

After reading the book, I walked into the movie unsure of how it would be played out. I thought they would just replay the same thing over and over again.

Thankfully, I was mistaken. Each day relived is a new experience, story and set of emotions. It gives Samantha a bigger chance to develop her character and show the many sides of her personality.

By the end of the film, Samantha has saved the life of someone else - I can’t tell you who though.

That’s for you to find out.

Another factor that highly enhanced the movie was the soundtrack. With artists such as Grimes, Tunji Ige, GEMS and many more, the vibe of Before I Fall became much more enticing. The mood varies drastically throughout the movie because of the music.

The actors as well were a phenomenal choice. Zoey Deutch (Samantha), Halston Sage (Lindsay) and Kian Lawley (Rob) each proved themselves to be young, new and stunning actors, which was extremely appealing.

Overall, I highly recommend not only the movie, but the book as well. If you’re looking for a relatable, funny and emotional movie, find your local theater and buy a ticket to see Before I Fall.

Life is suspenseful and pulse pounding, but predictable Sam Sliva Business Manager

With a new Alien movie coming out in a few months, one would have to wonder why anyone would make a movie like Alien. Director Daniel Espinosa takes a unique look at an otherwise over done genre. A group of astronauts on the International Space Station discover the first life outside of Earth. It starts off as a little cell that slowly turns into some spooky starfish thing and all hell breaks out.

I’ve got to say this movie was pretty good. The casting was pretty good with actors like Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson and Jake Glly-

enhaal, and the acting all around is really good. The sense of suspense is always there, and you’re never quite sure where the creature (cutely named Calvin) is at any given time. The setting of the space station is very alien and clinical, which leads to making the audience feeling kind of freaked out by the whole setting.

The first half of this movie is really well made. It’s very creepy as the crew try to track down the alien as it breaks quarantine. The alien’s design starts off very abstract and just very creepy. Everything works really

well, with a lot of very well done set pieces and moments that had me and my girlfriend freaking out. Now the second half was still very effective but not quite as effective as the first half.

It turns into your basic Alien movie, and with a new Aliens coming out in May, one would have to wonder about the timing of this release.

I’d recommend seeing Life in a theater at least once. The sound design and the scenes in zero gravity are really something to see, but this film is not without issue. I’d give Life a solid 7.8/10

Ed Sheeran Shocks Us All With New Album Sam Sliva Business Manager After a year-long hiatus, Ed Sheeran shocked everyone with a surprise drop of two singles, Shape of You and Castle on the Hill. Of course, shortly before these singles were officially dropped, everyone was freaking out, because he dropped a few subtle hints on his social media pages. His layout on Twitter changed to blue, and the fan base on Twitter went crazy. It had been exactly one year to the exact second of the beginning of his hiatus when he started dropping things.

Then came the singles. Shape of You is a well known track being played numerous times on the radio

already. It’s a catchy tune and quick to get stuck in your head. And, it’s quite popular compared to the other track dropped along with it, Castle on the Hill.

The entire album does remind me of his past few, but with a twist.

Some songs start with almost an R&B or blues-y vibe, slow and rhythmic with raspy vocals. Others start up fairly fast paced and energetic. The songs seem to melt together perfectly, evenly filled up with fast and slow songs. Sheeran’s vocals differ on all tracks as well, sometimes sounding sweet and soft, sometimes sounding

harsher and raspy.

Some of the best tracks on the album are Perfect, Galway Girl, What Do I Know?, Barcelona, Bibia Be Ye Ye, and Save Myself. All of these tracks are very different from each other, but they’re all equally beautiful.

The album in its entirety is amazing, and in my opinion, every song is great. Although the first track, Eraser, took a few listens to really enjoy it, it’s one of the only songs on the album like that, but it is good. I strongly recommend checking out this album if you haven’t already, it’s a good one.

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Entertainment 4 • 14 • 2017

I Am Not Your Negro touches on today’s racial issues Savannah Lacy Staff Reporter

I Am Not Your Negro, an Oscar-nominated documentary directed by Raoul Peck, gives the audience an inside perspective on the Civil Rights movement from James Baldwin’s point of view. James Baldwin is not a politician or a civil rights leader, but he is a poet. Since he is a poet, his words brought great force to the film and can correlate so well with the current times even though it was written over 30 years ago. The script is a letter that Baldwin sent to his literary agent about his final book, “Remember This House,” where he talks about the lives and deaths of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.

The film which was released on February 7, 2017 transformed the way that I think about race because of the ways Baldwin speaks about his experiences with racism and the Civil Rights Movement while accompanied by a montage of footage and photos from the time of Jim Crow to the recent events in Ferguson. Many parallels are shown between the Civil Rights Movement and the opposition of the Obama administration and the killings of many young

African Americans including Trayvon Martin. I had always been interested in learning more about race issues and I’m sure that I will come back to read more of Baldwin’s essays for his perspective.

The film covers the oppression of not only African Americans, but Native Americans as well who have been misportrayed and misunderstood in America. This concept was brought up through the movies where cowboys were killing (what the media portrayed as) “savage” Indians based off of ignorance. These films reminded Baldwin of how he felt when he saw movies that misportrayed African Americans. Baldwin’s quote, “Ignorance allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have,” relates to this issue because the lack of awareness by the audience of these films cause many people to think the way that the producers intended.

Baldwin addresses the way that our

entertainment can affect the way that we view things such as race. Movies can easily depict African Americans as bad people to get the majority of viewers to pick up on that portrayal.

I would recommend this film to anyone because I think it is important to educate yourself and try to understand a different outlook on race other than what you have heard before or what your current thoughts are, the film caused me to rethink my previous opinions. The documentary can be watched on Amazon and Itunes until it is released on DVD in May. Baldwin has lead me to a belief that democracy

Two takes on The Zookeeper’s Wife Unoriginal, repetitive, gory, lacking impact Emma Martin Staff Reporter

By now, the number of movies and television series set in WWII has climbed into the hundreds. There are documentaries, dramas, and love stories from every country in the world and from every angle imaginable.

Many of these depictions are based on true stories, and The Zookeper’s Wife is no exception. The movie begins in 1939 Warsaw shortly before the war and is based on a family of three (father Jan Zabinski, his wife Antonina, and their son Ryszard) who own and run a zoo. Soon after Germany occupies Poland they also occupy the Warsaw Zoo, which ends up serving as a base for Nazi soldiers and a major obstacle for the main characters who smuggle Jews into and out of their home for several years.

While parts of the storyline are unique, the movie fell flat. Scenes of the zoo animals being killed and various bloody limbs being dragged towards graves were more gory than heartbreaking, and at times the owner of the zoo, Jan, acted more like a jealous boyfriend than a husband attempting to save hundreds of lives.

There were powerful moments of the movie (a young Jewish girl, after losing her entire family and being sexually assaulted by Nazis, beginning to speak after a long period of silence because of the kindness shown by the Zabinski family and the companionship of a rabbit that had survived, and seeing several laying dead in the street

of the ghetto where the Jews were forced to live as winter hits the town), but they were too few and far between to deliver the full impact the war had on the world and its people like other movies covering the same content.

If you’re looking for a movie to watch this weekend, stay home and watch a much better WWII film such as Saving Private Ryan or Schindler’s List instead.

Touching, thought-provoking, and historical Jessica Malashock Staff Reporter

This movie was very intense yet uplifting in many ways. The film starts off by showing the Zabinski family at their zoo in Warsaw, Poland. The Zabinskis are running their zoo and loving life while taking care of their animals.

One day, Germany invades Poland and bombs the country, including the Warsaw Zoo. From that day on, everything goes downhill. Once the Germans invade the zoo, they begin to slaughter the remaining animals. Although this was a gory and devastating scene, it foreshadowed what was to come to people throughout the war. Without this scene,

the actions of the Germans wouldn’t have been so detrimental to the viewers.

The film shines a light on the sensitive and devastating point in history. It shows the dangerous extremes this remarkable family goes to to save innocent lives. Antonina Zabinski, the zookeeper’s wife, is portrayed by Jessica Chastain who plays the part beautifully. Chastain takes the part to a whole new level and really makes you feel the emotion. Chastain has played a huntsman, an astronaut, and even a cartoon cheetah. For the most part she plays a heroic and fierce leading woman and proves that women can do anything men can do.

This incredible, true story, makes you take a step back and review upon how you

have been living your life. It makes you question, “What can I do to help others in need?” You can’t help but smile from this movie after knowing that there were, and still are, people in this world who will risk their lives to save innocent people around them. This movie inspired me to help those around me more, and it made me realize that you can always do something to help.

This is an intriguing and inspirational story of heroism during the Holocaust.

The Zabinski family risked everything they had to save a plethora of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto. It really makes you step back and reflect on your everyday life and the actions you take.

is never finished and we must fight for improved rights and better justice every single day. This thought was provoked from James Baldwin’s quote, “A country is only as strong as the people who make it up and the country turns into what people want it to become. Now, this country is going to be transformed. It will not be transformed by an act of God, but by all of us, by you and me. I don’t believe any longer that we can afford to say that it’s entirely out of our hands. We made the world we’re living in and we have to make it over.” If no one resisted, the next generation would have all these problems to face.

Get Out film keeps viewers’ minds racing Hailey Boden Staff Reporter

Jordan Peele’s interesting, and somewhat parodic take on the dynamics of racism in our country and around the world definitely gets us thinking. In his recently released movie “Get Out”, Peele sets the scene of an African-American man named Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) taking a trip with his Caucasian girlfriend Rose Armitage (Allison Williams) to meet her family where Chris is worried about the fact that they do not know he is black.

When they reach Rose’s family Estate, although her parents claim that they have no problem with his race, Chris begins to feel a sense of uneasiness and a series of strange events begin to take place. After noticing some odd behavior from other African-American people on the Armitage property, Washington finds himself in a seat across from Rose’s mother, Catherine, a psychologist who puts Chris in a deep trance which is only the beginning of his problems.

This movie is does more than just scare the heck out of you; it keeps you on your toes and has your mind racing the entire time to try and figure out what might come next. “Get Out” speaks not just to the mistreatment of races other than white in our society today, but we also get a look at the extremes of the human psyche and how it can lead us to do absurd things.

As you watch this satirical horror film, you might begin to realize that race issues, senses of superiority, and cultural appropriations are just as relevant in our society today as they were when one person could own another.

Hopefully this will call the audience’s attention to the issues that every race faces on a daily basis, but if one thing is for sure this movie will be talked about for quite some time.

Entertainment 4 • 14 • 2017

13

The Cat and the Hat fills the house Miriam Cortes Staff Reporter

Students prepare to watch the production and are seated with their respective schools. Students from seven of the MPS elementary schools attended.

The sets, based on illustrations from the book, were primarily designed by juniors Joy Weidenhamer and Olivia Richard. Photo by Miriam Cortes At the conclusion of the performance, Millard South Drama has tradition of answering questions from the audience about the production. Director Robyn Baker said the kids were very interested in the costuming, special effects and what grades the actors and actresses are in. Photo by Miriam Cortes

All students get the opportunity to tour the drama complex and talk to the production crew about the technical aspects of the show. Sophomore Sara Lancaster shows the students how the big net was built for the production. Photo by Miriam Cortes

Before the show starts, director Robyn Baker introduces the grade junior Emily Ritzen and sophomore Nathan Madvig who play the and girl and boy in the show. Baker engaged students and introduced them to the plot of the play. Photo by Miriam Cortes

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JOIN US FOR OUR JUNIOR BE A MAV DAY

APRIL 21, 2017

Mammel Hall | 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68182 About 1,000 students are bussed to Millard South every year to watch the annual children’s show that was previously performed in February as part of the regular season. Photo by Miriam Cortes

REGISTER AT BEAMAV.COM/JRDAY

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0396ADUGA0117

14

Sports 4 • 14 • 2017

31-14

Annual Unified Basketball game brings schools closer together Sophomore Carrington Burkard shoots the basketball against Millard West in the second annual Unified Basketball game on March 17. Patriots won by a final score of 31-14. Photo by McKenna Krueger

Unified Basketball takes the court

Millard South cheerleaders cheer on the Unified Basketball team from the front row of bleachers. Photo by McKenna Krueger

Senior Alyssa Beeson, sophomore Mahinda Melton and senior Megan Henderson celebrate after the team’s Unified Basketball game victory. Photo by McKenna Krueger

Senior Zak Lines breaks away to shoot an open 2-pointer.

Photo by McKenna Krueger The Millard South Unified Basketball team lines up as their names are called shortly before the game begins.

Photo by McKenna Krueger

Sophomore Ashlie Kindle dribbles the ball as she runs up the court. Photo by McKenna Krueger

The Millard South Unified Basketball team lines up for a team picture. Photo by McKenna Krueger

Sports 4 • 14 • 2017

15

Unified Basketball is a slam dunk for social inclusion Maddie Rynes Staff Reporter

Entering the gym, fans’ smiles were beaming. Students packed the bleachers, anxious for the buzzer to sing out, and the players got ready to show the school just how similar they are to their peers.

Millard partnered with Special Olympics to host the 2nd Annual Unified Basketball game on March 17. The Patriots played Millard West Wildcats at home and although the rivalry still forges ahead, Q Street united for an extraordinary experience.

“It has taught me that the school can be unified as one and show their support for everybody, no matter what their differences are,” sophomore Grace Altrock said.

Unified Sports bonds general education student helpers with special education players as one team to break the stigmas of those with intellectual disabilities.

Millard has taken part in Project Unify and has incorporated multiple sports, like bowling, basketball, and next year track and field, into our school to integrate athletes and to build support for all students.

Special Olympics Unified Sports are defined as, “Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.”

The main gym was packed tightly with hundreds of students and staff watching the game.

“These games are all about social inclusion, and the athletes who participated loved every second of the crowd going wild and cheering for them,” team coach Jane Elam said.

“I think these events are important for the entire school. The students in the crowd learn what inclusion and sportsmanship are all about and it’s a rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

From the start of the game, the focuses of the team helpers were unanimous.

“I was trying to focus on all the kids getting a basket and

getting cheered for, especially the other team, too. We didn’t want to leave anybody out,” Altrock said.

The game ended with Patriots in the lead at 34-14.

Although we won, the main point was that we united to understand our fellow students better.

“I think that our students really didn’t know much about this event going in, but after watching it, I think they understood what unified sports is,” team coach David Stalling said. “Having our athletes and partners playing together really shows the patriot way!

We are a family and our school is amazing.”

Player Kellie Jacobsen, who scored a two-pointer, wanted to tell the students and staff that supported the game, “Thank you!”

Team Roster

1 Alexandria Combs 2 Alyssa Beeson 3 Anna Stratman 4 Ashlie Kindle 5 Carrington Burkard 7 Dakoda Lorimer 8 Devin Combs 10 Dylan Kohler 11 Grace Altrock 12 Haley Bos 13 Haley Fliam 14 Jaxon Harre 15 Josh Harvie

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Josh Renken Kellie Jacobsen Latrell Allen Nicholas Grady Mason Freel Megan Foley Megan Henderson Molly Bull Ashleigh Bobo Rachel Zook Tyler Lyons Zach Arends Mahinda Melton

Boys track team seeks best events at home opener Eric Murcek Staff Reporter

In most sports, competing at home is a given. In Track and Field, however, most teams are lucky if they have one meet at their school. On April 8, Millard South hosted the Millard South Invitational.

Last year, the boys’ track team had a good showing, finishing in fourth place out of ten teams. Repeating this result would prove much more difficult, as many of the top placers from last year either graduated or didn’t return.

On top of this, the cancellation of the Bellevue East Invite the week before meant that this was the first time this season that the varsity team competed in an open meet, and this would be the first time many of the athletes ran their events.

Because of all these factors, the goal

of the team going into the meet wasn’t to score points, but to find the best way to score points in future meets.

“This meet, we wanted to see who we could place where. We already kinda know who we have in the four by four relay, so we were seeing if those athletes could run more events,” Head Coach Mike Edmundson said.

The boys four by 400m relay team of Zac Charity, Andrew Ceballos, Senior Jack Dempsey placed first in the high jump, jumping a height of 6’2” and continuing his undefeated season. Photo by McKenna Krueger Jacob Ladage, and Noah Rasmussen had been coming off first place relay times low enough to get in a position where. finishes at both the Millard to qualify for state,” Edmundson said.

“In Fremont (April 14th), we’re doing a North and Ralston Relay

Unlike the four by 400m relay team, switch-up in the four by 100m, in the same meets. the four by 800m relay team has been differ- way that we did with four by 800m team At The Millard South Inent at every meet this season. The team of at Millard South. We’ve only had one open vite, the four by 400m relay Noah Rasmussen, Gunner Matson, Deveon meet so we’re just trying to get registered team finished fifth, only four Wise, and Ben Smith finished in fourth times in for everyone. So we can say who is

seconds behind the team that place with a season record of 8:29.87. faster than who. Lincoln (April 20th) will be won the race.

– Head Coach

Going forward in the season, the focus like a pre-district test.” Edmundson said.

“We were also seeing if

Mike Edmundson will be shifting from event to event, so

we could get the 4 by 800m the team can get an idea of who runs best

“ This meet, we wanted to see

who we could place where. We were seeing if those athletes could run more events.

”

Sports 4 • 14 • 2017

16

Girls track excels at first meet Kailey Boden Sports Editor

Compared to boys there are fewer girls on the Patriots varsity track and field team, but they most definitely show they are still mighty and will step up to the line and get the job done when they’re needed.

In sophomore Jaisee Stinson’s case, she showed extreme flexibility with her range of skills on the track on Friday’s meet. Needing a fourth runner in the 4x800 relay, Stinson stepped up and ran a highly impressive time, contributing to the relay team’s second place finish, along with senior Taylor Somers and freshman Lorelei Hayden and Hannah Denson. The relay finished with a time of 9:58.22, 20th on Millard South’s all time.

“I pretty much run in whatever events that the coaches decide to put me in for that meet,” Stinson says. “And to be good, you just have to power through.”

With Friday’s meet setting off the season, there were a lot of things that show the Patriot’s early success, leaving the team with a sense for how the season is going to progress. The meet was hosted at Buell Stadium and while there had been previous meets before that, it was the first meet of

There were nine different athletes that event in which she broke the school record ended with a top five finish in their indilast year as a freshman. vidual events and all three relays also placed “I am terrified of hurdles,” Stinson adin the top five. The 4x800m relay, 4x100m mits. “Yet I smile every time I go over one relay, and 4x400m relay finished in 2nd so I guess it’s just a love/hate relationship!” place, 4th place, she said. and 5th place, There were respectively. many other “The PR’s and 4x100m relay is top finishes hands down my this early favorite race,” on in the says senior season.

Mallory Burton.

Jordan “It’s quite an Major

accomplishment placed 5th – sophomore when you make in shot

Jaisee Stinson a relay team on put with a varsity, and no throw of matter the out33’7.25”, come of the race, we all have each other’s along with Fiona Walker and her new back.”

PR, a 7th place throw of 33’5.25”. In long The 4x100m relay placed 4th place on Frijump Taelar Solano contributed a 5th place day, with a time of 51.42 seconds. finish, with a jump of 15’8.25” along with

Many younger athletes on the team Roni Foote’s PR jump of 15’10”, placing are also showing great potential. Freshman 3rd. Triple jumpers Carina Covington and Maddie Krull added to the 4x400m relay Ginni Lynam placed 2nd (32’5.5”) and 3rd team’s 5th place finish with an individual (32’3”), respectively. Lynam’s jump was also PR (personal record) of 65.92 seconds. another personal record, showing strength Hayden ran her way to a Millard South 12th as just a freshman. The 100m dash gave Esther Broyles a chance to shine, placing 5th with a time of 13.05 seconds. Last but not least, in the 400m and 200m dash was Ashlyn Curry and Kylie Melenka setting their new PRs. Curry ran a 65.97 second finish in the 400m dash and Melenka ran a 28.26 second race in the 200m dash.

The Patriots successes at meets come from their hard work and good attitudes in practice.

“I enjoy and look forward to practice every day,” Stinson says, “I know that I am going to get better and faster.”

When describing her outlook on practices, Burton Freshman Lorelei Hayden competed in the 3200m run for the first time ever, and placed second with a time of shows just how uni11:57.89. Photo by McKenna Krueger fied the team is and how that contributes the season consisting of “finals” where the all-time finish in the 3200m run with a time to the team’s overall success. top finishers from earlier in the meet would of 11:57.89, placing 2nd in the varsity meet.

“Although our track team is separated run again to compete for the top 6 finishes.

Last but not least, Stinson shows continual both by varsity or junior varsity athletes In the end, many of the girl competitors growth off her successful season last year, and event group, there is a feeling of unity showed their strengths and contributed placing 1rst in the 300m low hurdles with a at practices,” Burton says. “Everyone enmany good things for the team as a whole. time of 48.34 seconds. This is Stinson’s main courages one another, and there is absolute-

“ I am terrified of hurdles,yet I

smile every time I go over one, so I guess it’s just a love/hate relationship!

”

ly no negativity at all, just striving to help one another reach their full potentials.”

This unified feeling in Patriot activities is what has coined the term “The Patriot Way” and is many of the track athletes’ favorite thing about being on the team.

“My favorite thing about being on the track team is getting the opportunity to represent Millard South,” senior Taylor Somers says. “I love being a Patriot and I hope to show others what it’s like to follow the Patriot way.”

As both a cross country state champion and with multiple previous state track individual titles, Somers faces the pressure whenever she steps up to the line for a race, but more often than not, this pressure works in her favor. On Friday’s track meet, Somers placed 1rst in the 1600m run, one that is her particular favorite. Overall, her main focus is to never let herself, her coaches, or her teammates down.

“It gets to be a lot of pressure at school when friends will talk to me about races or winning and I don’t want to disappoint,” Somers says.

At the end of the day, the athletes want to recognize how big of a role the coaches play in the day-to-day work. Shaun Tevis is the girl’s track and field head coach but all members of the staff coach by events and not gender.

“My favorite thing about the coaching staff is how supportive they all are,” Somers says. “They have all had my back over the years, always picking me up when I need it, and I know I can talk to any one of them about anything and expect them to always say the right things,” she said.

Each athlete on the team can expect the coaches to not only be concerned about individuals’ physical health, but emotional and mental health as well.

“I love how they bring so much hope and positivity to practice,” says Burton.

“They believe in you and will see your potential when you have a hard time seeing it yourself.”

These coaches give endless support, time, dedication, and talent to shape each and every individual on the team into a successful student athlete.

“The goal of the Millard South Track program is to develop young studentathletes and is done by encouraging all students to participate with the ultimate goal of developing a winning program that is team driven while focusing on individual achievement.” Many of the athletes individual goals for the season matched up with the programs overall objective: “My personal goal for this season is to make it to state again, with my relay team and also individually,” Burton says, along with making it through the season without any more injuries, ones that have been detrimental for her in the past two seasons.

Varsity soccer teams suffer tough early season losses Adrienne Bruner Staff Reporter

The 2017 soccer season kicked off to a start this spring, with tryouts in early March and districts looming ahead in May. There have been some obstacles throughout the season, but the Patriots have not given up.

“We have been doing pretty good but we have had some tough losses,” Junior Kyla Winkelbauer said.

While it’s only mid-season at this point, both boys’ and girls’ varsity teams have played some good matches. They will be attending districts during the first week of May to compete for a spot at state. Despite

some losses, they stay optimistic.

“All of our competition is in the top ten and we are always very close to beating them. We just can’t afford to make mistakes,” junior Ryan Lawrence said.

According to boys’ varsity coach Jim Cooney, the losses have been the worst. Mistakes can affect the outcome of a game no matter how high the players’ skill levels. However, they have played well i some crucial games, such as their 1 to 1 at Metros. Players continue to keep up the hard work; they hold practices regularly throughout the week in order to gain potential wins.

“We have practices everyday and we do things like shooting, possession drills, and we scrimmage. We warm up by passing, do a little bit of possession, and a shooting drill we call ‘shot-shot-cross’. I have a really fun and close relationship with my teammates,” Winkelbauer said.

Despite everything, both teams still hold a close bond. The season was well-spent, and both teams received an opportunity to improve.

“So far the best part has been watching the team grow and get better,” Cooney said.

“ All of our competition is in

the top ten and we are always very close to beating them. We just can not afford to make any mistakes.

– junior

Ryan Lawrence

”