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News 12 • 15 • 2017
Veganism Debunked Senior Kyle Burke explains his animal product free lifestyle Ryan Carter Editor in Chief
felt really good so I tried it out, but over time I began The vegan lifestyle is gradually to see the ethical and environbecoming more popular throughmental side to it as well,” Burke out the United States. According says. to riseofthevegan.com, veganism Burke states examples of how has grown 500% since 2014. The he felt better topic can be considand more ered controversial, energetic. due to environHe also says mental and health that his skin factors. Because of has cleared this, some people up and other remain or have behygiene come confused as to calamities why someone would have all but choose this lifestyle. disapeared. It wouldn’t be Not easy to give up a only this, but classic American the enviburger or a filet ronmental mignon, right? Of Senior Kyle Burke aspects of it course, not. Howplays a huge ever, vegan culture role, as well. is slowly making this less of a While many think of diminished struggle. You don’t have to worry animal cruelty as an environmenabout living off of a boring salad tal perk to veganism, there are 24/7. With a bit of knowledge and far more eco friendly reasons to understanding, the vegan lifestyle adopt this lifestyle. Food processisn’t all that difficult. ing industries use less resources Senior Kyle Burke transibecause of veganism - for extioned into this lifestyle about a ample, water, land and oil. It’s also year ago and he says his results easy to sustain more people and have been (and continue to be) reduce greenhouse gas emissions. incredible. Despite the pros of vegan “I initially started because ism, Kyle said that his one major my friend from work did it for con is traveling and trying out her health. She said she overall
new restaurants that he’s unfamil- animal products. Even the waxy iar with. coating on apples is made from As for Omaha, he said he is bugs,” Burke said. very familiar with the extended Overall, the vegan lifestyle restaurants here, but you don’t al- is becoming a more popular ways have the option at your fintrend, but it’s more than a trend. gertips to look at everything put Everything about it, mostly, is a into your meal. Kyle said he feels win-win situation. You get to help it can be difficult to talk to people the environment, your body and about his vegan choices if they’re close-minded. There are multiple misconceptions about the vegan lifestyle, which can make it difficult to have a conversation about it. “People believe it’s at a high expense to be vegan. While being vegan may be a ‘privilege’ in some ways, it’s not as big of one as you think. Also, you are still getting protein, iron and amino acids without using animal product - this tends to be the largest misconception,” Burke said. “While there are many alternatives for animal-based products, there are also some things people wouldn’t expect to be non-vegan. Products such as white sugar, coke products and red food coloring are all made with Vegan stir fry made by Kyle Burke.
more. “If I could give any advice, I would encourage people to stay educated, open-minded and level-headed.There are multiple documentaries, books and resources on the internet to help you if you’re wanting to be vegan,” Burke said.
Student council hosts state convention Jayden John Staff Reporter The Younse Convention Center was the life of Kearney on Nov. 20. Millard South’s nationally recognized student council was up bright and early on Monday morning to prepare for state convention where new state officers are elected. Millard South has maintained its presence in the National Association of Student Council’s state office. This year, NASC welcomed Millard South junior Claire Aken to the team as Vice President. Senior Gabby Hogan passed on her role as the NASC state president. Gabby had this to say about her year as president, “The experience has left me speechless. I have travelled across Nebraska and the United States learning all about leadership and what other leaders do. The only thing I have to is represent what our local councils were doing.” Aken is currently the Vice President of the Millard South junior Claire Aken Student Council, and now she’s also the Vice President of NASC. “Success to me has always been measured by my positive impact on others, and this position is the perfect outlet to do so,” Aken said. Motivational speaker Aaron Davis also spoke to the councils in attendance about his message of the rollercoaster of life and how to be a good person. Aaron Davis is based in Lincoln. He attended UNL where he was a wide receiver on the 1994 Championship football team and went into business and motivational speaking. He told the councils about some of the people in his life. He talked about how he had friends that made poor choices and are still paying the price to this day. He also spoke of how he has lost people and how that can affect people and he is still affected, but you are responsible for your future. He highly stressed that he wasn’t there to make anyone uncomfortable or sad, but to deliver his message to affect people for the better.
A local nonprofit called Launch Leadership was also there, promoting leadership skills and empowering individuals to build up their communities. At the state convention, the students broke into groups, learning lessons about leadership and responsibility. Launch also focuses on the “fire” in you that makes you spectacular. At their workshops they often promote the phrase “Keep The Fire” so you never lose the spark in you. Gabby Hogan has attended Launch workshops throughout her high school career. “Launch is about personal growth and finding your true self,” Hogan said. Because sponsor Kyrie Nehls is on the state advisory
board, not only does Millard South participate in the convention, it acts as essentially the host school. Students created decorations and assembled lanyards for all schools in attendance. The students were at the convention center early to do mic checks and set up decorations. As 8 a.m. crept closer, schools started arriving for orientation, where the Patriots greeted them and gave them NASC shirts. Senior Drew Polacek was in charge of the registration table at the state convention. “It was really hectic but it was cool to see everybody from all over the state. Even though it’s a lot of work, I’m happy that our council gets to help put on the event,” Polacek said.
Student Council members at the state convention in Kearney. Front: Bella Sanders, Alexa Edmundson, Alan Acosta, Sophia Dolton, Maddie Rynes, Haley Gosch, Kaylee Snowardt , Gabby Hogan, Drew Polacek, Jayden John. Row 2: Nadia Johns, Rebecca Garcia-Tapia, Chloe Arnold, Hannah Pokharel, Kaitlyn Gunter, Hale Kilcoin, Molly Bull, George Abalekpor, Hailey Bos, Kelly Vo, Claire Aken, Abbey Dyer, Lindsey Assman, Tristen Glynn