Common Sense
Millard South High School • 14905 Q St. • Omaha, Neb., 68137
November 17, 2017
Volume 18 Issue 3
Addams Family Musical The Addams Family emerges from the graveyard. From left to right, Mia Dibble, Sadie Stackhouse, Claire McClannan, Cassady Alberico, Russell Norton, Jamie Dasenbrock. Photo by Maddie Rynes
Russell Norton as Uncle Fester sings along with the chorus in “But Love.” He explains that unless Wednesday and Lucas get married, the Addams ancestors are trapped outside of their crypt for eternity. Photo by Maddie Rynes
Maddie Rynes Staff Secretary
The auditorium day asks him not to discuss it with Morticia was overflowing with until after the gathering that evening, Gospectators as dance mez is sent into a spiral of secrecy and the numbers encapsulated their attention. The questioning of his own morals. The effect graveyard transformed into a mansion of that secrets have on relationships is shown horror, and the moonlight gleamed over the throughout, mainly in the obvious power family as they are guided through dilemmas struggle between the couples of the show. of trust, individual and familial growth, and Despite the haunting color scheme of being torn in two directions. the set and costumes, the themes behind Millard South the show are anything but Drama Department dark. While secrecy seems spooked the school yet to be a common thread, again, displaying The trust and importance of Addams Family with familial bonding are prime extraordinary design. examples of what the AdJunior Cassady Aldams are all about. berico stars as Gomez Every number was a difAddams while his boferent style of song. From dacious wife Morticia the rockette-style “Just was played by senior Around the Corner” to the Claire McClannan. sultry “Tango de Amor” When their daughter between the Addams Wednesday, portrayed parents, to the heartbreakby junior Mia Dibble, ingly sweet “Happy Sad” or finds an unusual love Mia Dibble as Wednesday Addams the humorously romantic interest, everything “The Moon and Me”, the belts during “Pulled.” that seemed picture actors conveyed a different Photo by Maddie Rynes perfect was shattered. inflection with each lyric. 18-year-old Orchestra, under the direcWednesday Addams finds herself in a tion of Brittany Rom, played 23 songs along relationship with Lucas Beineke (Jeremiah with transitions. Grove) from a suburban Ohio family. The “Fester enlists the help of the Addams young couple plans to introduce their famighosts to help him find love, and since we lies at a dinner party held at the Addams’ were all dead from so many parts of time, mansion, a building hard to find unless it left a lot of room for creativity,” junior you know the way in. Wednesday’s sudden ancestor RuthAnne Hale said. “My favorite engagement to Lucas is confessed before the costume was probably the dead girl scout, dinner to her father, Gomez, who feels the who was run over by a train.” need to confide in his wife. When Wednes Each Addams ancestor, played by
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Blood Drive brings in 70 units. Photo by Sarah Braley
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“To the kids!” Gomez Addams (Cassady Alberico) exclaims before the dinner party. Photo by Maddie Rynes
members of the chorus, had outfits desigThere’s a lot to learn from it, even if you nated only for them. With each ancestor aren’t into theater, it’s really entertaining. It’s comes a strange cause of death, and their a night of entertainment at its base level.” morbid ensembles were varied to fit them. An art form has been neglected, CasCauses of death include car accidents, war sady said. Theatrical productions are lost in casualties, and choking on cherry pits. translation; they are a rarity within our lives. “We rented some, with the same Shows like The Addams Family depend designs as the broadway tour’s, and the rest on interactive scenes with the crowd. As our amazing costume department made,” the sign that only gets lit on opening night Hale said. “They all ended up looking fanreads, “Act well your part; there all the tastic on stage” honor lies.” Many onlookers would agree This production was unique not only that The Addams Family cast acted their in costume design, but the way in which it part. This production had immense support breaks the fourth wall. Throughout the mufrom the community and truly shows the sical, the actors often look to the audience ways in which a little drama in your life isn’t for comedic relief and recognition. too bad. However, without an audience, theatre cannot thrive. “You can always tell the actors in the show feel so much more alive when there’s a full audience who is engaging and wants to be there,” Alberico said. “Having an audience is so important. Theater is a really important thing; its an art form that is un- Claire McClannan as Morticia dances in a kick line with Death during “Just Around the Corner.” Photo by Kimberly Jordan derappreciated.
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Millard community stands by students and passes Senior Trinity Schaffer paints in art display area levy override. Art by Sean Burton during lunch. Photo by Jessica Lukecart
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Students and staff play for a good cause. Photo by Emily Crawford
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News 11 • 17• 2017
The Wright choice: French teacher wins state award Kristin Kaipust Distribution Manager
“This individual goes above and “I had some suspicion that I was beyond the call of the average classroom nominated for French teacher teacher. For her many students, she can of the year,” said Wright. “But I expertly play the role of teacher, parent, didn’t know I was in contending mentor, and cheerleader all in the span of for Foreign Language Teacher of a 90-minute block,” read one Nebraska Inthe year.” ternational Languages Association (NILA) Nominated by French representative from a sealed nomination teacher Jennifer Metcalf and letter. “She is passionate about the French -----, Wright received the award language for being and it “a busy, shows! dedicated As a French teacher I get a chance to While teacher share language and music and art... I she is a who has wonnever waget to teach a little of everything. derful vered in –Terri Wright educator, this work what truethic since ly makes the very her shine is her compassion. She greets each beginning of her 26-year career.” person she meets when a smile and an open “I think that they like how Terri Wright helps students during “Happy French Art Time”. Wright uses art to help students memoheart ready to give. It is a privilege to be her I am very active, not just in the rize vocabulary. Photo by Jordan Kelley. colleague,” Millard South community, but French teacher, Terri Wright, recalls around the state. I’m always becoming suspicious as the representahelping out with things around presentations as well. continues to a regional contest in Wiscontive continued describing a Marian and Nebraska,” said Wright. “I love french very much and I share it sin this March. There, she gets the opUNO graduate. Each year, one teacher is Wright volunteers in events througha lot through presentations on methods of portunity to compete for a regional award presented the “Outstanding World Lanout the year such as the French overnightteaching, not just teaching skill but doing through interviews and essay questions. guage Teacher of the Year” by NILA. The where students spend the night at a camp things that benefit kids outside of class,” “As a french teacher I get a chance to nomination letter of the awarded teacher is and engage in cultural activities- and said Wright. share language and music and art… I get to read unnamed before awarded the plaque. through hosting the French convention Wright received a plaque and has the teach a little of everything,” said Wright. Wright won the award for 2017. every few years. She leads many teaching opportunity to receive further awards as she
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Volunteers lie down for lifesaving donations
Catalonia achieves... independence? Matt Rothgeb Staff Reporter
Repeat donor senior Hayden Stufft gives blood on Nov. 10. “I’m used to it, and it makes me happy to save lives,” she said. Seventy units were collected, which means up to 210 lives can be saved. Photo by Sarah Braley
Chorus unifies Millard musicians Conner Taylor Staff Reporter
On Nov. 2, all three Millard high schools and middle schools came to Millard South to perform at the All Millard Music Festival. On this night, the middle schoolers that rehearsed the same songs sang together as one. Then, the high schoolers performed five songs together. After that the middle schools and high schools sang one final song for their friends and family. They sang Why We Sing. Jason Stevens is the Millard South vocal instructor that was in charge of the concert. “I love All Millard because it’s one of the few events where we come together and make something beautiful instead of competing,” Stevens said. Megan Tantillo was an assistant vocal instructor at Millard South three years ago. She now directs Varsity Singers at Millard North.
“I miss the family feel at South,” Tantillo said. But a full time position at North was financially a decision she couldn’t pass up. Then there’s the choir directors at Millard West. Zack Bjornsen and Thomas Young who codirect both the choirs and show choirs. Bjornsen has been directing at Millard West for eight years now. All Millard is as Stevens said, a chance for rival high schools to come together and make something beautiful. It gives middle schoolers the opportunity to meet and sing with people they may one day go to school with and a chance to see the level of skill it takes in high school choir. The number of students joining choir continually rises and events like these encourage support instead of competition. It’s a night where the Millard schools come together and sing as one in harmony, just as the song Why We Sing says.
Cries of happiness and “independencia” were shouted in the streets of Barcelona when, on October 27th, the autonomous Spanish state of Catalonia declared independence from Spain and the central government in Madrid. Only 28 days after a referendum, or a general vote on whether the people even wanted to be independent, where the people of Catalonia voted 90% in favor of independence, even though only 43% of citizens voted. Many citizens were blocked from voting by the Spanish government in Madrid and Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. He sent police in to stop the vote from happening under the orders to stop the vote and destroy the ballot boxes. They were only partly successful with stopping the vote. However, the people of Catalonia still were able to vote in favor of Independence. This vote was for the citizens to voice their opinion on wanting independence. The vote that would bring independence would have to be made in Catalonia’s regional parliament. That vote came on October 27th when the 135 seat parliament of Catalonia voted 70 to 10 in favor of independence, all after the opposition members of parliament left. The majority vote in favor meant that Catalonia had declared independence from Spain. This Declaration of Independence was long awaited for the citizens of Catalonia for over 300 years, when in 1716 Catalonia was absorbed into Spain. The citizens of Catalonia have their own culture and language separate from Spain, and were prosecuted under the dictator
Franco between the 1930’s and 1975. This left resentment in the people of Catalonia that has led to the want of independence. The declaration of independence, however, is being blocked by the Spanish Government in Madrid with Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution. Article 155 allows for the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to suspend autonomy for the region of Catalonia, and for the Spanish Government to take total control. Rajoy has invoked Article 155 and has fired Catalonia’s Prime Minister, many members of the Catalan Parliament, the region’s police chief, and has put his people in charge over the region and its institutions. Spain’s Central Government taking control is not the only problem for Catalonia. Only 1 nation is recognizing Catalonia as an independent nation, and it is Venezuela. All other countries in the world are not recognizing Catalonia as independent, and the United nations and the European Union are also not recognizing Catalonia as independent. This is a major roadblock for Catalonia, because they have no outside support. These nation’s are standing with Spain because they understand how important the region of Catalonia is for the nation. It receives the largest amount of tourism for the entirety of Spain because of cities like Barcelona. The loss of Catalonia would force a major change in how Spain would function as a nation. The independence of Catalonia would not only affect Spain but the shape of Europe and the world as a whole.
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News 11 • 17 • 2017
Patriots support Gold Star Monument Ryan Lawrence Staff Reporter Hershel “Woody” Williams, medal of honor recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima, had a vision. After spending time delivering news of loss via Western Union telegrams, he was inspired to create a monument dedicated to the families of fallen soldiers. He named it The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. His original plan was to get one monument in his home state of West Virginia. Now he has created twenty five monuments that are already dedicated, with thirty eight states representing them, and fifty more monuments on the way. It is safe to say, Hershel “Woody” Williams, now 94 years old, has exceeded his own expectations. AFJROTC Technical Sergeant Peter Mamula, went to Valley Forge PA for a Professional Development course and met with “Woody” Williams. After the training he came back to Nebraska with the idea of placing a monument in the city of Omaha. The idea was presented to his peer coach Mrs. Lynn Hill. Mrs. Hill assigned the project to a team of Advanced Marketing 2 students, Tori Pedersen, Ally Dunn, and Camryn Mortrude who partnered with AFJROTC Cadets Lacy White and Makenzie Leege. “One of the reasons this team was selected was that Camryn Mortrude is a Cadet Captain and Executive Officer in Millard Souths JROTC program.”
Their goal is to raise enough money for the monument, which is expected to cost around thirty thousand dollars. JROTC, with the help of Sergeant Mamula, works with the National Monument Foundation and has received the requirements and specifications of placing the memorial in Omaha. “It’s a lot of hard work, but we’re excited to see the outcome and are proud of our impact on the community” says Tori Pederson, speaking for the group. In order to raise funds, Mrs. Hill, Srgt. Mamula, Tori, Alley, Camryn, Lacy and Makenzie proposed the project to companies One side of the Gold Star Monument will be built in unity with the monuments from other states, as representsuch as PayPal, The Omaha ed above. The other side of the monument will be specified to Omaha. Photo courtesy of Lynn Hill. Stormchasers, and the SAC Federal Credit Union, in an extension of the Omaha Mayor’s office, the make it well worth it. There is still a long effort to obtain charitable donations. They Omaha Public Arts Commision. This compath ahead to achieve the total completion also organized a Staff vs. Student basketball mission unanimously voted to give land for of the monument, but once it is finished, game, where all proceeds are dedicated to the monument at Memorial Park. everyone involved will be able to feel pride the creation of the beautiful monument. The process to create the monument in the long lasting symbol of appreciation Public park space in the city to build the is definitely a struggle, however, what it they have created. Gold Star Monument was granted by an means for Gold Star families in Omaha will
Forensics maintains long-standing Squashfest tradition Adrienne Bruner Features Editor Each year, the Millard South Forensics and Debate teams gather together to organize Squashfest - a small tournament hosted by the Patriots every November, named after the traditional harvest picking. Although Debate no longer partakes in hosting the tournament, Forensics will
continue the tradition that has existed for over 20 years. The 2017 Squashfest will take place today after school. “I’m just going to try to help with what I can,” freshman novice Lexie Corrales Thompson said. “We’re mostly working on the finals posters to show who made it to the ending and if they’re going to win or not, and welcome signs, just to be welcoming,” she said. This is Thompson’s first year at Millard South, as well as her first year in Forensics. She is one of many volunteers assisting with Squashfest. There is still a lot to do, according to Coach Rebecca Johnson. While students do a lot of work at the forefront- running the ballot table, selling concessions, guiding competitors to the right roomsJohnson works behind the scenes to recruit judges, notify schools, organize spaces for competing and administrative work. Additionally, parent volunteers provide food and snacks for all. “I think for me, since it’s my second year of doing the adminFreshmen Avrey Jones and Caden Lane work on a poster during class to announce the istrative computer part, that’s the finalists competing in Duo, an interpretation event performed by partnering competimost stressful for me because I tors. “I’m looking forward to helping people,” Jones said. Photo by Adrienne Bruner. don’t want to mess it up,” Johnson
said. Judges are a key factor in competitions as well. While schools that are attending often bring their own, many are recruited. Judges are typically college students who are active in college forensics and teachers or coaches that have experience working with forensics and speech teams. On the other hand, the novices will experience hosting their first competition. “I’ll most likely [learn] know how to host a competition, and to be on the other side of the competition and realize it’s not that scary. I’ll probably be more confident with what I’m doing after that,” Thompson said. According to junior Ricki Nguyen, she is excited to see the novices hold their first Squashfest. Nguyen has been in Forensics since her freshman year. “[Hosting] taught me that whenever we go to different schools, how hard the schools work, how all the different schools work and all the effort they make. Just to make their tournaments run well it takes a lot of effort and I know whenever I go to a different tournament, all the students of that school put in a lot of hard work,” Nguyen said. Every student will play an important role in the competition, whether it’s giving directions or handing out medals. In spite of the stress they will have fun, but most importantly they will gain the experience. “They have a sense of empowerment because it’s their tournament. So, they get a little braver, a little stronger. They come out of their shell more and so then, in future tournaments, they can know what to do and what great is,” Johnson said.
Remember the Fallen The Remember the Fallen display will be in the main hallway through the end of today. Photos by Grace Flogstad.
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Detention Blues Or Google Detention Rules? Classroom causes It’s 11:45 am. October 27th. Believe it or students to not I am sitting in the office serving detention. My second time this week. Am I resentful? Not quite. I’m actually relieved. Not only snowFLAKE out do I have to serve time, but I get the convenience of doing it during my off block. In fact, I’m grateful. For one, I came up with the inspiration of this column about detention that I am literally starting in detention right now. Another reason I am grateful is that during this second detention I was able to work on my personal statement for Creighton University too. Ironic? Eh. There’s just one thing that doesn’t quite click though. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this the proper punishment for high achieving students that have a few tardies. For one thing, I appreciate the allotted time I am being given to put myself in a productive state of mind. I don’t feel like I am being punished, and I’m not sure if I’ve learned anything about getting to class on time from this experience. So it leaves me wondering… is detention working? I know what you’re probably thinking though. Some kids deserve to serve time. However, from my first detention experience I gathered a few observations. How exactly are these kids being punished besides the fact that it takes time out of their day? They’re told to be quiet but when the proctor isn’t looking they’re whispering profanities and immature remarks that make me feel like I’m sitting next to John Bender from the Breakfast Club. I think some of the remarks actually killed off some of my brain cells. So I’m just sitting there eating nachos from Lina’s and thinking why won’t these kids shut up like they’re supposed to and sit in crippling silence. That’s how kids used to be punished. Nothing to do, nothing to say. You sit there wishing you were somewhere else and you leave wishing you never have to serve another rotten detention. But these kids, these immature kids that are probably here from tardiness or mouthing off to their teachers are sitting on their phones and jacking around. They pretend to be working on school work but I can see the majority of them are on snapchat or playing Ballz or some other sort of game behind the proctors back. How are they benefiting from this? And the kids that care about their grades like me, how are we? Like I said, I’m thankful. I’d probably be home watching Netflix, but instead I’m here being productive. Perhaps a more appropriate punishment would be putting us to good work. That way, instead of secretly texting or gaming for 45 minutes-2 hours, we could be doing something we wouldn’t be doing at home. Like serving a teacher with certain tasks under their supervision. Or being forced to volunteer with some of the organizations at our school. I know I wouldn’t mind this, but some kids might gain something more from serving time that makes a difference. Or they’ll think it’s so lame they’ll try harder not to get a detention. Even in this scenario, it’s a win-win for the school. I’m not saying we should or need to change the detention system. I’m merely listing off observations and opinions that arouse from serving my time. If the school chooses to punish mistakes by giving time to be productive, then thank you. I kind of look forward to my next detention.
Conner Taylor Staff Reporter
With winter fast approaching I am reminded of the possibility of snow days. Snow days are the greatest part of winter for me for many reasons, including the beauty of the snow, giving me an excuse not to leave my house, and most importantly, a day without Matt Rothgeb school and homework. This year, however, Staff Reporter that day without school and homework is no longer a reality, but rather just another day of school. This extra day of school is because of Google Classroom. Teachers will post assignments and class work online and make them due the next class even though we don’t have school. Google Classroom is destroying the long standing American tradition of snow days. Now don’t get me wrong, Google Classroom is an amazing tool for teachers to assign work and manage assignments. It helps students keep track of due dates and motivates them to turn the assignments in on time. However, it creates large amount of stress for students and many more problems, such as the assignments on days off. A major problem though is connectability. This switch in the past two years from paper assignments to online has major repercussions. Two years ago any students could get their homework done at work or in a car. It was universal and could be done without any problems. This year however, students cannot do homework unless they have a strong internet connection. This limits homework to very few places, and that is a problem. For many students, they are limited to doing homework at school, home, or at a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi. This is incredibly hard for many students who have jobs that don’t provide internet or having to go on family car rides to somewhere for 8 hours. This lack of internet is more straining on those students who do not have wifi at home. In our world today, Wi-Fi is taken for granted by people who are surrounded by it 24/7. For many though, Wi-Fi is a commodity that is not available at all times. Students who are without Wi-Fi at home, for whatever reason, are now being put at a disadvantage by our school system, because they are unable to do their work. They are then able to fall behind and do not succeed to the levels of their fellow students who live connected to the internet. This imbalance in providing unequal education should not be happening.
Exclusive scholarships? I don’t think so Yes, there is such thing as diversity eligibility criteria. scholarships. However, that does not Even more interesting is that Caumean that all people of color are getting casian students are 40% more likely to money for college just for existing. win private scholarships than minority The idea that “You can get scholarstudents. To put minority students on an ships just for being diverse”, is completely equal footing would require increasing inaccurate. These are simply scholarships annual private scholarship awards for in which you have to be a minority/PerAfrican-American students by $83 milson Of Color in order to be eligible to lion and Latino students by $197 million. apply. I stress apply because no, I will not (Source: The Distribution of Grants and fill out an application and get money as Scholarships by Race) soon as I click the button that says that When people say things like “I wish I identify as Hispanic. I have to work I could just use a filter so I can get diverjust as hard as the sity scholarships” or next person on the “I’m a certain percent application and Native American so I demonstrate that I should be able to apply”. deserve the scholarThose comments are ship through my not only disrespectful GPA, ACT score, and offensive but ignoschool involvement rant. You might want and whatever else it to use a filter to apply asks for, just like any for diversity scholarother scholarship. ships but do you want According to to continue to use that Mark Kantrowitz, filter and endure the publisher of Fastweb. racial prejudices like com and FinAid.org, the ones I’ve had to face most race-restricted my whole life? scholarships also For example, would Vanessa Chavez include additional you want to be wearNews Editor criteria based on ing that filter as you academic perforare walking to a high mance, extracurschool football game ricular activities and with your friend and community service. have someone shout The argument that there are more from their car “don’t forget to bring your scholarship opportunities for me to apply green card”? Or do you want to continue for because I am Hispanic is completely to wear that filter so you, your family, invalid. Again, there are scholarships in and any other Mexican you know can be which in order to be eligible to apply you labeled as a “rapist and drug dealer” by have to be a minority, there really are not the now president of the United States? that many. According to Kantrowitzs’ God forbid minorities get an oppor“The Distribution of Grants and Scholartunity a more privileged person doesn’t ships by Race”, less than 5% of all scholar- have. ship programs and less than 10% of the total number of individual scholarships consider the student’s race among their
Opinion 11• 17 • 2017
Kassandra Kizlin Staff Reporter
Finding confidence in a world of judgement Something I’ve noticed, and have been guilty of myself, is humanity’s need to judge people and ourselves. It happens all the time in big and small ways. When you see someone wearing an outfit you wouldn’t and think, Why are they wearing that? you’re judging them. When you hear someone’s score on a test and think, I can’t believe I got such a lower score, then you’re judging yourself. People should make a conscious effort to squash these thoughts. Though we shouldn’t hate ourselves for ever thinking this way, we are only human, we should still try to judge less. It can lead to an unhealthy way of thinking. When you judge yourself, often times people compare themselves to others which is unhealthy in many ways. If you judge them harshly you may end up feeling like a better person than them, which isn’t true. This arrogance may permeate through your life and cause you to miss out on wonderful people and experiences. You must keep an open mind when navigating the world. This problem has infused itself into everyday life. When you don’t like someone you may get it in your head that it’s something to do with them, something that makes them less than you. In reality you can dislike someone without condemning them. On the other hand it is also important to not judge yourself too harshly. Something to keep in mind when you make a mistake is that something you did is separate from your self worth. Remember that you are human and humans make mistakes. Being too hard on yourself has grave effects. You should especially not compare yourself to others. You may start to see yourself as much less than others but you aren’t. If you’ve ever thought that someone else is more attractive than you, remember that it is absolutely relative and there is no reason to compare yourself with someone. Also, how other people see you shouldn’t matter. Don’t judge others, yourself, or let other’s judgement hurt you. We all need to take a step back and see that we are all human, we are all flawed, and we are all responsible for ourselves alone. When you want to wear that outfit, wear it. When you love something and want to talk about it, talk about it. As long as someone isn’t hurting anyone, then they should be allowed to live how they are.
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Opinion 11 • 17 • 2017
Staff Editorial: Millard’s levy override passes with overwhelming support
The school board of Millard asked its residents if they believe in the power of education and an overwhelming majority said yes. On November 14th, the ballots were counted and 19,422 citizens voted in favor for the levy override opposed to the 11,636 who voted no. This is a huge win for public education in Nebraska. Millard will continue to operate at the prestigious level that it has maintained for so many years. Failure to pass the levy override could have resulted in increased class sizes and less instructional time, a bleak future that has been avoided. The success of this measure reflects the strong ties shared by the Millard Community. Parents worked together as community liaisons, increasing awareness by putting up signs, going door to door and talking to friends. When the time came, parents also stood outside schools to collect ballots and delivered them to collection sites. Alumni posted videos explaining why they supported the override. In one such video, Molly Kilcoin stated that her time at Millard prepared her for life after college. Post high school preparedness is a message that is echoed around the community. In a letter written for a pro levy override rally,
Eric Crouch, Heisman Trophy winner and graduate of Millard North said “Millard Public Schools was instrumental in giving me confidence and determination to be successful in life.” The current students of Millard helped to preserve a culture of informed citizenship. Senior Gabby Hogan explained the levy override to both her parents and her classmates. Hogan said “I think it’s very important to stay invested in the community as a student now because one day we will be in charge of these decisions.” After the passage of the levy override, the question is asked, what happens next, where will the additional tax revenue go? In a letter to the residents of Millard, the school board said, “We want you to know we are fully committed to being the fiscally conservative board we have always been... The point of the levy override initiative was to create stability in our budget.” The successful passage of the levy override was a community effort that represented how powerful the residents of Millard can be. There was no winner or loser generated from this ballot, because we are all on the same team, Millard citizens for continued excellence. art by Sean Burton
Shoe salesman contemplates the lost art of discipline
Conlan Custard Staff Reporter
Traditionally, a certain phrase resonates throughout the households of millions of families, being “children are meant to be seen and not heard.” For generations past, this was a mantra for parents to reiterate to their kids in an attempt to instill proper behavior and respect
when dealing with other people. Fast forward through years of rapid urbanization and changing norms and folkways of American culture, and things have greatly changed. The new generation of post 2010 children are growing up in an atmosphere that is vastly different than the likes of so called “millennials” and even high school aged teens. For many reasons, this is alarming. Working in retail, I gain more firsthand knowledge each and every day about just how whiney, troublesome, and bratty the children of today can be. Back to school hit my shoe store hard simply from the sheer volume of disrespectful children that traveled in and out each day. But now that we’re settling into the fall and things are becoming a routine, I still dread serving free popcorn to customers on the weekends for fear of having to clean up yet another mess or listen to an obnoxious little tike bawl their eyes out for half my shift. Hopefully, I’ll eventually become desensitized to it all and it won’t bother me. Another knocked down display or unpleasant experience will become the norm, but for
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.
now, it leaves me frightened about how the next generation will be able to get along on their own with dwindling moral compasses and an inability to keep from screaming and making a scene in public without having an ipad or some other smart device glued to their faces. However, I don’t hold the kids that wreak havoc upon anything and everything in public responsible for their own actions. In my eyes, the blame falls squarely on the parents that allow the behavior to exist. I know I speak for many people when I say that my parents wouldn’t have let me act that way. Most parents (mine included,) would have such little tolerance for it that they would go so far as to drop everything and leave the store right then and there,, but it just goes to show how drastically things can change over a few years. Values that the traditional family once held up high are not as important to the modern parent. Expectations of the utmost respect, dignity, and basic manners have been thrown out the window. Part of the blame must also be given to the fact that every day our society
Editor-in-Chief Ryan Carter Photo Chief Grace Flogstad
becomes more technology driven and parents that can’t be bothered to interact with their children consistently will simply hand them their phone or tablet to play with, hurting them in the long run. It is only further perpetuating the stereotype that children born after 2000 have no attention span whatsoever. There’s no “go do something constructive” anymore for kids of the present day. Gone are the days when there was drawing pictures, playing outside, or building with blocks. In 2017, if your kid isn’t glued to a device the majority of the time, you’re in the minority. In closing, I’ve come to understand kids a lot better, and I’ll try my best to keep from pulling my hair out the next time they unleash chaos where I work, because kids crave exploration, and in a time where all they have are bright screens looking back at them, the only way they can explore might just have to be in the middle of a shoe store.
Alyssa Pyle Cartoonist Sean Burton
Production Editor Jordyn Kelley
Staff Secretaries Lexie Pleiss Maddie Rynes
News Editor Vanessa Chavez
Audio/Visual Editor Emma Willenborg
Sports Editor Carina Covington
Distribution Manager Kristin Kaipust
Features Editor Adrienne Brunner
Staff Reporters Max Aden Lindsey Assman Sarah Braley Sadie Brower Conlan Custard RuthAnne Hale
Opinions Editor Savannah Lacy Entertainment Editor Nina Washington Social Media Manager
Jayden John Isabel Kimminau Allison Kirkebak Kassandra Kizlin Ryan Lawrence Jessica Lukecart Jacob Reinhart Matthew Rothgeb Johnna Sisneros Taryn Smith Conner Taylor Adviser Christine Kaldahl
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Features 11 •17 • 2017
Experiences of older black generation Ryan Carter Editor in Chief
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fluences racism. This seems to be a huge debate in America, especially since the election of Trump. “The media has a propensity to sensationalize events in the sake of increased rating points or Arnold Nesbitt readership and thus does not always give a true and balanced view of race relations in America. America tends to be in a state of denial as it relates to race relations. Additionally there is a tendency for us not to talk openly about the situation so that all cards are on the table. To facilitate true discussions on race matters we must be willing to hear both sides of the story. Racism is not inherent. It is the product of discussion and feelings that are first heard in the home and then transmitted in conversations to others. In my family we tend to consider individuals rather than groups. We made and continue to make an effort to be sure that our family continues to be open and inclusive of all people and all culture,” Nesbitt said.
Senior’s performance at lunch gives viewers a real appetite for art Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter
It’s not every day at school you expect to see something unique, almost completely out of the ordinary. I think that is what most people see when they noticed senior, Trinity Schaffer painting in the art gallery during lunch for people to freely watch. Schaffer got interested in art when she was very young. She started out with crayola sidewalk chalk, and she would spend her time making huge pictures in her driveway. The idea to paint in the gallery came to her when she was putting up other people’s artwork. “Teachers and students would walk
up and watch me put art up in the gallery and I said I could do you one better. I could paint for you while I’m in here,” Schaffer said. Almost as soon as she got the idea she talked to Theresa Hogh, the head of the art department. “I was like I have this terrible awful, amazing idea.” It was pretty great. I asked my teacher and she was like ‘yeah go for it.’” Although the idea to paint in the gallery was completely original, Schaffer did get some inspiration watching a man finger paint a portrait at church for people to watch during the service. Schaffer also had a camera set up in the gallery, recording the crowd and their reactions to her paintings to not only-
watch later but to use her unique idea to get scholarships. The majority of people had a very positive reaction and showed interest, Schaffer said. “I’ve gotten reactions where people walk up and say ‘hey this is so cool.’” Although most people loved her idea, she said she has received hate messages over social media. “I’ve had a couple really cruel people text me on social media and tell me that my art is awful,” Shaffer said. “But I don’t really care because I’m going to use the video that I’m taking of people’s reactions and put it into my portfolio and get scholarships since I got accepted into my dream college, Savannah College of Art and Design. “People look at pieces of art, and I don’t know what they think if they don’t have an artistic background. And so I hope to increase intelligence about art and that it’s a skill that can be practiced and achieved,” Schaffer said. “If somebody sees me paint and thinks ‘maybe if I practice I can do that’ there would be more people taking art classes and getting Senior Trinity Schaffer works on her piece inside the art display case during her lunch period. Schaffer interested in art again,” also recorded herself painting on video, which captured the reaction of the audience outside the glass she said.
To put the cherry on top of my conversation with Mr. Nesbitt, I asked what a huge portion of America seems to ask - Does President Trump’s election truly put a spotlight on racism and social injustice? “Yes, he does. He is the president of all people in America. He seems not to know that. He is extremely divisive no matter the issue but especially on issue of race. Because of his “not being politically correct” and “make America great again” everyone has taken that as an opportunity to say and act without regards and respect of Americans who look different. This is also a call to those who want to return to the time when white people were considered superior, majority, had the best jobs, best school and homes communities. The world has changed,” Arnold said. Next time you get to speak with someone like Arnold Nesbitt, take your chance. There is so much knowledge and wisdom beyond your years if you open up the door. We are all different and we’ve all experienced different things in life so we can teach one another. Opening your eyes to new ideas and beliefs can really shape you as a person.
All State Musicians Orchestra Hannah Grove ~ Abby MacIntosh ~ Kyle Burke ~ Molly Johnson ~ Ben Havens
Band
Megan Grove ~ Benjamin Worden
Choir Alex Branton ~ Ruthie Hale ~ Emily Shafer ~ MaryKate Gregory ~ Bryan Botkin ~ Bryce Krupka ~ Logan Mears
enclosudre. Photos by Jessica Lukecart.
Musicians spend 3 days at the
Graphic by RuthAnne Hale
Working at a country club for over a to be politically correct has replaced comyear now, I’ve been able to observe many mon sense as it relates to race relations,” things. As someone would probably assume Nesbitt said. Nesbitt also spoke about how already, Oak Hills Country Club is promisince the election of Obama, some whites nently white. Oak Hills has an astounding have felt threatened by the progress that the atmosphere with friendly people and good black community is making. Points were service, but one thing I had always noticed also made saying among a large portion of was the lack of minorities. the white workforce felt that less qualified One of the minorities at Oak Hills is Arnold blacks were placed in jobs that they would Nesbitt. The Nesbitts are the only black normally have gotten. The current atmomembers at Oak Hills. While the Nesbitts sphere is such that the relationship between are accepted and loved by professional the Oak Hills community, blacks and I have always been curious whites is Racism is not inherent. It to see how Arnold felt as a teetering on is the product of discussion minority. one on nonWhen my employer hired a trust. and feelings that are first young, black male named “I try not to heard in the home and then Carlos for a bartender posiput myself transmitted in conversations in a position, I was jumping with joy. I spoke to Arnold about tion where to others. this, which gradually led to people can –Arnold Nesbitt a very intellectual converbelittle me. sation. As a young, white I try to female speaking to a 70 year always be old, black male, there was so much that I professional when around people I don’t didn’t know. My questions were endless about know. On the other hand I have been times now and times from his childhood. attacked by people both personally and professionally simply because I was black,” “I think that as a whole, things have Nesbitt said when speaking about his expechanged for the better, however I feel that rience personally around not only the white some sectors of our society feel empowered community, but society as a whole. I then these days to say and do a thy please. Not asked Nesbitt about his opinion on what in-
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Entertainment 11 • 17 • 2017
A cool twist on a Classic Treat
A thrilling spin on a mystery classic
Carina Covington Sports Editor
Lindsey Assman Staff Reporter
Snowbowl Cafe is putting a new twist on the way ice cream is being served. The new cafe is bringing shaved ice cream, magical drinks, and several other unique beverages to Omaha. The shop gives a very welcoming feel with friendly faces behind the counter, many comfy places to sit, and a Polaroid wall of some people who have enjoyed a treat at the Snowbowl Cafe. The menu is broken down by hot drinks, dessert of the day, bubble tea, The Snowbowl Cafe located on 14506 West Center Road. Photo by Carina Covington. jasmine tea, magical drinks, shaved “snow” very prominent strawberry flavoring. My favorite part which is essentially of this drink was the strawberry boba and the jellies. I shaved ice cream with toppings of your choice. would definitely recommend this drink to anyone who One of their most popular drinks is from the likes strawberry flavoring or to anyone who likes boba. magical drink section of the menu called Unicorn. The The regular size is $4.99 and worth every penny. The Unicorn is strawberry milk tea, strawberry jellies, and regular boba tea was also a delicious treat. I chose the boba topped with whipped cream, cotton candy, and strawberry tea with boba and loved the strawberry sprinkles. boba. The drink had a thicker consistency but it had a The most popular thing at SnowBowl cafe is the shaved snow. Instead of serving ice cream through a soft serve machine or by the scoop, they serve their ice cream shaved. They put ice cream in a machine that shaves the ice cream making it very light and fluffy. There are many flavor options and even more topping choices. I chose to try the bubblegum flavor with sprinkles and strawberry drizzle. I was amazed by how flavorful the bubble gum ice cream was even with how light the shaved ice cream was. I also sampled the chocolate flavor. To anyone who likes a rich chocolate flavor I would not recommend chocolate because although the flavor was present, it was not overwhelmingly chocolate. The shaved snow is pricing depends on the amount of toppings you choose Some other flavor options for the shaved snow are green tea, coffee, cotton candy, tiramisu, taro, and sometimes seasonal flavors are also available. There are many options on the menu, the service was quick and kind, and it is in a good location on 14506 West Center Road. Its everyday hours are 11am 10pm but winter hours can vary from that. If you are looking for a unique place to enjoy a cold Snowbowl Cafe’s Bubble Gum shaved ice cream. Photo by treat, I would recommend Snowbowl Cafe for you.
A remake of the of the 1974 movie based off of Agatha Christie’s original book, Murder on the Orient Express has been a largely talked about new movie. Some critics were skeptical of a remake considering the popularity of the original, while others were overly excited to see the revival of their favorite mystery classic. Similar to the original, 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express is filled with a star-studded cast, including Johnny Depp, Kenneth Branagh, Josh Gad, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judy Dench, and several others. The characters in this film make up an odd clan of completely different, yet somehow connected, people. These renowned actors made sure to drench the film in absolute intensity and believability through these complex characters. The story of the film center’s around a trip on a train gone wrong. People from all different walks of life come together to reach a single destination find themselves in the middle of a crime scene when a passenger is found stabbed to death in his room. At the same moment, an avalanche stops the train dead in its tracks. Luckily, world famous detective, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), is aboard the train and he is determined to solve the case before the killer can strike again. The murdered passenger, Ratchett (Johnny Depp), was hated by many due to his corrupt
Carina Covington.
ways and his job as a con man. This makes Poirot’s job abundantly harder, but he believes he can find a single motive when he finds out that Ratchett was not who he said he was. As he puzzles through a series of clues and questioning of passengers, he finds himself unable to find the answer for the first time. As time passes, the passengers become more paranoid and less cooperative with Poirot. Just as the case seems hopeless, he finds a solution he could have never imagined. This film is jam packed with action, suspense, raw emotion, and a little bit of humor to lighten the mood. The plot is a whirlwind of different pieces of a puzzle coming together as several others break apart, leaving you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire movie. The intensity and suspense of this movie definitely play a large role, but there is also an examination of human nature and emotion that is equally compelling. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a thrill, as well as anyone who revels in figuring out the unknown.
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8
Sports 11 • 17 • 2017
Staff and students post up for Gold Star Family Memorial Allison Kirkebak Staff Reporter
Earlier this month, Millard South DECA and Air Force JROTC brought The Gold Star Family Memorial, to the school’s attention. The Gold Star Family Memorial is a monument that honors the families of fallen soldiers. It is comprised of 4 granite panels that depict images of homelands, sacrifice, patriot, and family. Each panel is customizable, but the Patriot panel always displays the soldiers raising the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima. “We were presented with this project by Sgt. Mamula, who saw a dedication in Virginia and wanted one in Omaha,” said senior class president and DECA participator, Tori Pedersen. Their end goal is $30,000 to pay for the entire construction of the monument. Fundraising has been contacting and presenting this information to local businesses. They have presented to PayPal, the Omaha Stormchasers and SAC Federal Credit Union, and other business meetings are pending. People are able to donate online as well. Along with the help of businesses, DECA and JROTC had their own idea for a fundraiser, a staff vs. students basketball game. The game was held on November 9th, everyone was welcome to come. $5 admission and a chance to purchase flowers $1 a piece or $10 for a dozen, to give to loved ones that are serving for our country, veterans, or even just a little something for your parents. Many teachers jumped at the chance to play in this exciting event. “The Gold Star Family is a great cause, so it was an easy decision,” said Principal Kip Colony. A mix of math, social studies, English, and gym teachers came together to form a strong staff team, also with Millard’s Superintendent, Dr. Jim Sutfin. The students
team consisted of very athletic, and high involved seniors. Also, seniors Drew Gilin and Kyle Perry were the referees of the game, along with retired social studies teacher and basketball coach Larry Ribble. Throughout the whole week, some of the staff and students were smack talking each other over the announcements, making the lead up to the game even better. “We are incredibly excited about the turnout and all the support from our students, staff and community,” said DECA Advisor Lynn Hill, “We are especially thankful for Dr. Sutfin’s participation!” The game brought in a great deal of teachers, students, and families, all together for a great cause. The game was filled with many crazy shots English teacher, Sarah Martin boxs-out and clears the lane to give Superintendent, Dr. Jim Sutfin a wide open by the students, and jump shot. Martin played basketball at Nebraska Wesleyan, and Sutfin played intramural basketball for Millard outstanding plays by South in 1985. Photo by Emily Crawford the teachers that left raise money to benefit the cause.” the students in awe, no teacher, Tessa Adams. The event raised just over $2,400 for one could believe they could still move that With the turn-out and revenue it crethe memorial. A amazing event helped a fast. In the end the teacher took the victory ated, there’s rumors of a rematch next year. great deal for an even greater cause. Teachover the students 44-31, but it wasn’t taken Maybe then the students could teach the ers and student had a wonderful time and as a one team victory. teachers a thing or two. were glad to be a part of it. “We all won that night,” exclaimed “It was such a blast,” said English Colony, “Everyone who participated helped
Boys and girls cross country Football runs the hang 10 at state in Kearney right route to a
winning season
Sadie Brower Staff Reporter
Making their mark at state is always a goal for Millard South Cross Country. This season, the team exceeded expectations when both girls and boys qualified to run at the State Cross Country meet, last month. Even with the loss of talented seniors last year, the team readily punched their ticket to Kearney. Millard South came in third place overall in districts behind Papillion LaVista South in first, and Lincoln North Star in second. Ben Smith landed in eighth place with a time of 17:08 while Jake Scott came in thirteenth with a time of 17:19. On the girls side, sophomore Hannah Denson came in sixth with a time of 19:51, and sophomore Lorelei Hayden in eighth with 20:02. The boys and girls state-qualifying team included Hannah Denson, Lorelei Hayden, Maddie Krull, Abigaile Smith, Lyla Zornic, Chloe Gilbert and Savannah Johnson. The boys team included Ben Smith, Jake Scott, Zach Kush, Konnar Larkin, Dylan Lessig, Nick Perez and Josh Arends. Millard South was not expected to do as well as they did as they headed into Districts. The Patriots knew they were very capable of making it to state even thought they were ranked 16th, making their third place finish at Districts an even more remarkable feat. Throughout the season the team implemented “what went well journals”. In these journals they would write what they did well in their meet and what they need to improve on and work harder on before the next meet. “We can’t control the temperature or the wind which could affect the way we run,” coach Dustin Llewellyn said. “We just focused on the two things we could always control, attitude and effort.” Even with all the variables, Cross Country was still able to have a strong season. As the season was coming to a close, the team
made the trip to Kearney to top off their season strong. The Patriots crossed the finish line in 10th as a team leaving happy with their accomplishments this season. “Something the team has been working on a lot since the beginning of the season was their work ethic,” Llewellyn said. “They finally realized their goal to make state and worked hard for it.” Junior Ben Smith had high hopes going into state setting the goal to place at state. Smith started off fast and with excitement and when he turned onto the last stretch of the race he pushed to his limit to finish the race strong. Although Smith came had the top finish on the Patriots team, the extremely tough competition of the other class A schools beat him and he finished in the top half coming in 38th place. The Millard South cross country team truly stood out this season because of the accomplishments they had. Although there were some second time state competitors, the team was also full of first time state qualifying athletes. “I’ve always been a runner but never really thought of myself as a cross country athlete until this season,” Junior Chloe Gilbert said. “Cross country has pushed me to my limits and truly showed me what I am capable of on and off the course.” This season is most definitely not the last time the patriots will be seen running at state. Their goal for next year is to work harder and harder all throughout the year in order to be the best they can be. “We want to continue to create a culture that is not just the 11 week season,” Llewellyn said. “We want it to be something we can work on all year long.”
Max Aden Staff Reporter
Upon finishing the regular season with a 5-4 record, the Patriots headed into Round 1 of the 2017 NSAA State Football Championships; the Class A playoffs, on Oct. 27, against the Lincoln High Links with determination for a victory. Lincoln High, who had 8 wins and 1 loss this season, was given the home field advantage. The game started slow and defensive, ending up with a score of 7-0 (Links) at half. The Patriots came out in the 3rd quarter with high morale and full of intensity, putting up 21 on the board, while holding the Links to only a field goal. In the 4th quarter, Lincoln High scored 9 more points, but not enough to come out on top with a win. The Patriots won with a close final score of 21-19. “I’m proud of how my team came to play this game. We knew we had to get the win and that’s exactly what we did. The outcome is always positive when we’re playing together,” said Senior Quarterback Andy Reel. Key players who contributed to the Patriots’ victory were Andy Reel (QB), who threw for 164 yards, Isaiah Harris (RB), who rushed for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns, Ryan Lawrence (RB), who rushed for 109 yards, Colin Wolfe
(WR), who had 4 receptions for 72 yards and 1 touchdown, and Dylan Guinzy (WR), who had 3 receptions for 65 yards. “The difference between this game and the first game we played is huge. We really put in hard work and improved. I’m really looking forward to what this team will do in the future,” said Sophomore, Running Back, Isaiah Harris. Defensively, the Patriots put on an impressive performance and shut down Lincoln High, giving them their second loss, and an end to their season. The Patriots’ win sent them into the second round of the playoffs against Omaha North. The game was on Nov. 3, which resulted in a loss of 49-0, marking the end of the 2017 Millard South football season. The Patriots ended up with a final record of 6-5, making it to the final eight teams in the playoffs, a significant improvement from the 2016 record of 1-8. The seniors worked tirelessly to end with a winning season and a playoff appearance. The athleticism displayed by the underclassmen shows promise for seasons to come.