Common Sense Volume 18 Issue 5 February 2, 2018

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

February 2, 2018

Volume 18 Issue 5

Women motivate women 2nd annual women’s march storms the streets of Omaha

Junior Abby Mcfarland holds up home made poster supporting the movement. Photos by Johnna Sisneros

Onlookers from the stadium club cheer marchers on-Photo by Johnna Sisneros

Johnna Sisneros Staff Reporter

A year ago after the inauguration of current president Donald Trump, millions of women all across the country descended upon the streets in cities all across the country to protest the 2016 election, because they felt that their say was ignored. In that moment of rage and vexation, it was difficult to tell whether or not this was simply a case of political frustration or the culmination of decades of oppression coming to a boil with the hope of change. Now with the second annual women’s march coming to completion this past Saturday, the answer is crystal clear. We are entering a new period in our country’s history mimicking that of the first protests for equality in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Women and other minorities are storming the castle of prejudice in a highly effective two pronged effort. The first being through systematic protest of the current political climate of ignorance and also by challenging the dogma of men’s power overall with influential movements like #metoo and #timesup.

The particular theme this year in Omaha was “women marching on the polls.” Participants were invited to register to vote before or after the march, and many people aspiring to run for some sort of political office were present and paving the way to change the system and inspire others to do the same. “With recent events, I realized that certain freedoms that I have been afforded, like having great public schools and having access to health insurance were things that I had taken for granted and that they were coming under attack, so I decided to try to do something about it,” says Jackie Collett, a candidate for state legislature who attended the 2018 women’s march in Omaha. She said that the event represents much more than just systemic resistance to the presidency, which seems to be a common misconception of a decent amount of the population. “It’s about waking people up,” Collett said. “People like me have it really well, and we need to get people to realize that many others don’t have all of those privileges and we need to not only be more compassionate but also work to making those privileges more attainable for everyone,” she said.

At about 1:45 just after the featured speaker, the countdown began, the marchers began walking, physically and metaphorically to the same goal of equality. Hundreds of people from all walks of life held up home made signs expressing discontent and dreams for a better tomorrow. As the group progressed down the streets of Omaha, you could not help but feel the unity among all participants. They were from different backgrounds, different nationalities, religions and cultures, but all believed in the same concept of the true American dream, the dream that every person is born equal in the eyes of the government and that each person is entitled to equal opportunity regardless of gender, political/religious belief or skin color. In the words of a 2nd generation immigrant named Monica who attended the March, “The goal of the movement is to be heard; it is to say that we are women and it’s time that those who have had power and have messed it up take a back seat and finally listen to what other people have to say.”

art by Sean Burton

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Business teacher promoted to Dean of 10th grade students for remainder of school year

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The struggle for sleep.

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Movie reviews and more

Page 10-11

Varsity boys basketball and Hoops for Hope

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News 2 • 2 • 2018

Morfeld proposes student journalism protection act Vanessa Chavez News Editor

The first amendment can be broadly interpreted but the overall message conveyed is protection of freedoms: freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Such freedoms however are often limited when it comes to educational institutions. A bill to provide protection for student journalists’ rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press has been proposed in the Nebraska legislature. Senator Adam Morfeld is sponsoring LB 886, also known as the Student Journalism Protection Act, because he believes it is important to “ensure that young Nebraskans have the protections necessary to learn civic skills in the 21st century.” Executive Director of Nebraska Collegiate Media Association Michael Kennedy makes clear that First Amendment protections are not just generally assumed. “It belongs to all the people in the United States, no exceptions, encompassing everybody,” Kennedy said. It doesn’t exclude college and high school students,” he said. In 1988 the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Lower Court Ruling held that the decision to prohibit certain articles in the school newspaper violated the student journalists’ First Amendment free speech rights. The Supreme Court, however, ruled to reverse the decision of the Eighth Circuit and stated that the decision of the school principal to prohibit the publishing of certain articles did not violate the student journalists’ First Amendment right of freedom of speech. Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier has since then dictated the protections states give to student journalists. At the high school level, the Student Journalism Protection Act would nullify the Hazelwood decision while at the

college level it would serve as a preventative measure to ensure the eight circuit doesn’t follow the seventh circuit decision to apply the Hazelwood decision to a college student newspaper. The proposed bill would leave the decision making of what can be published in hands of the student editors that are being taught by advisors that are aware of proper journalistic standards. “It is important Without protections, student they are not receiving journalists in the complete education high school and college they’ve been promised. get a complete –Executive Director and thorough of Nebraska Collegiate education,” Kennedy said. Media Association “Without protections, Michael Kennedy they are not receiving the complete education they’ve been promised,” he said. LB 886 does not protect against anything that is libelous or slanderous, constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy, violates federal or state law, or creates a clear and present danger. The bill makes clear that public high schools and student media advisors must make efforts to teach and create a sense of understanding on “mass media

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law and ethics for student media advisers and student journalists.” Senators have been trying for three years to pass legislation that would offer protections to student journalists. In 2016 Senator Al Davis proposed LB 885, similar to the Student Journalism Protection Act, but LB 885 only addressed First Amendment protections for colleges and universities, not high schools. It was indefinitely postponed and never voted on by the legislature. In 2010 a bill of similar nature LB 898 otherwise known as the Student Expression Act was proposed. The Student Expression Act would have protected the First Amendment rights of public school students in order to “prepare students for informed and active civic participation”. The bill would have required each school board to adopt a written statement about free expression and also protect school districts against liability. Kennedy said he supports the Student Journalism Protection Act because it “teaches students how to engage in civic education and discuss beliefs in a responsible civil manner.” “It teaches them how to be engaged in democracy,” he said. Kennedy suggests anyone wanting to show support for the Student Journalism Protection Act to contact the state legislature by phone, email, or letters as well as attend the hearing scheduled for February 8th. “We are exceedingly grateful for Senator Morfeld willingness to sponsor this bill, he understands the importance of this legislation,” he said.

Robyn Baker named Nebraska theater teacher of the year Matthew Rothgeb Staff Reporter

In a world filled with drama, comedy, and wonderful stories that you get wrapped up in till the final bow, people often forget that musicals and plays are an art form that takes hours of practice, learning, and knowledge. Teaching how to be able to transform a stage into a whole new world is an incredibly difficult job that takes years of practice, learning, and knowledge. Here at Millard South there is a teacher that helps to create these wonderful worlds. This year at the State Thespian Festival, Jan. 5 in Lincoln, Drama director Robyn Baker was named the Nebraska Theater Teacher of the Year and this is not the first time she has won this award. Baker said she is “extremely honored to have received this award for the third time. Having been nominated by my peers, the administrators, or the students here at Millard South.” There are many reasons why Baker was awarded this past month in Lincoln.

When asked about why Baker deserved this award. “Mrs. Baker has been an incredible guiding force in the development of countless young theatre students, and has been the best guide and mentor any student, theatre or not, could ask for,” senior Carter Fangmeyer said. There has also been large amounts of praise for the Drama Department that Baker runs. Last year Millard South Drama was ranked in the top three drama departments in the United States and has many actors, actresses, and techies grace the stage at Millard South including Pitch Perfect star Adam Devine. Here at Millard South, the “show must go on,” and there are three more shows this year. The first is The Jungle Book, which runs Feb. 10 and 11. The Crucible runs March 16-17 and Theory of Relativity runs April 26 and 27.

Theater instructor Robyn Baker instructs her Drama I class in an activity called silent scenes where they act out sports without talking. Photo by Matthew Rothgeb

Congressional Leadership Fund offers internship to millenials Ryan Carter Editor-in-Chief

The Congressional Leadership Fund is a movement and internship for young millennials wanting to become activists for the Republican party. A main goal of the group is to re-elect congressman Don Bacon. To do so, CLF does everything from making phone calls to walking around neighborhoods to getting people talking about politics. Omaha leader, Stephen Bader, really encourages the millenials to join an internship, get involved and use their voices. “Being in an internship, especially CLF, is enriching but it also helps personally and professionally. When you work hard, it develops character, confidence and connections, The people you work with are seeing a dedication and sense of more than self and that’s tangible and sets you apart from other members of this generation,” Bader said.

There are multiple internships to help to put forth efforts to discover,” Bader said. you prepare for the professional world and “We are a super-pack, dedicated to you can get connected in many ways. While expanding the republican/libertarian party some people consider internships to be based on new ways, technology and people. time-consuming, For people, that’s internships can what powers be found specialMillennials inspire and are what us on a loized in the field of cal scope. The keep us going. which you want to energy of interns study. It’s a way to and cause and explore your career race can bring – Stephen Bader options. out the best in Congressional Leadership Fund “Go online, everybody. This ask educators and culture is some explore public ads. of the brightest As for organizayoung people. tions, some recruit students and reach out. The people make this special with all differFinding new creative and effective ways to ent backgrounds, personalities, goals, hobget this out are important like flyers, emails, bies, statuses, but they all unite behind this announcements, etc. Not everyone is lucky bigger movement. It changes the landscape enough to hear about it, but they also have of politics in nebraska forever,” Bader said.

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Ultimately, the work of CLF has shown to be very successful. With passion and motivation, great things will come. Bader said he believes that the work of millenials tends to be most successful because of their drive and energy. “Millennials will soon be the largest percent of American population,” Bader said. “So for us, it’s an education and growth opportunity. Millennials are also very talented and underused and underappreciated,” he said. “They get a bad wrap of not caring but what really matters is that when you come in, you have more ability to complete more tasks. Lastly, millennials inspire and are what keep us going. When local residents we reach out to come in and talk to those who are younger than you, they look at them as a higher authority,” Bader said.

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News 2 • 2 • 2018

A change in management for business teacher Allison Kirkebak Staff Reporter

During winter break, business teacher Michaela Wragge was promoted to the Dean of 10th grade students. Being a very well-liked teacher, many students were surprised and unhappy about the transition, resulting in a handful of students trying to drop their classes because they wouldn’t have Wragge as a teacher. It was tough for the students and Wragge. “As for leaving my classes, that was really hard and still is,” Wragge said. “I had a few students try and drop my classes because I wasn’t their teacher...I feel bad that I didn’t have a chance to forewarn them of the change.” As for the business classes that Wragge was supposed to teach, South administration had to find a replacement to fill in her shoes. Finding teachers is sometimes hard, especially in the middle of the year. “We hired someone and she started on January 23rd,” Principal Heidi Weaver said. “I would say that we’re pretty lucky.” Many students were surprised, but what most of the student body doesn’t know is that Wragge has been working in the office as an administrative intern for a couple of years now, and this is a career path that she has wanted to head down. Four years ago, Wragge was given the opportunity to fill in for a short time for Head Principal, Heidi Weaver when Business teacher Michaela Wragge calls parents as part of her new role as Dean of 10th grade students. Photo by Grace Flogstad she was on maternity leave. That following summer she was hired as the summer plays, music concerts and events. summer school principal, interviewing for Weaver said. “We needed someone who school principal. “I will do anything else I need to other assistant principal jobs, her 15 years had experience in the office.” “I absolutely loved it!” exclaimed in order to help out the admin team!” of teaching have also helped her get to Wragge will only be the Dean for the Wragge. “Until now I had always told my exclaimed Wragge. where she is today. remainder of the 2017-2018 school year. students that my ideal job, until I got a “Millard South Even with her Then the district will post the Assistant full time admin job, was to teach during many outstanding Principal position at some point, and the school year and be the summer school has an amazing I was so excited when I was admin team, qualities, the deci- Wragge intends on applying for the job. principal. I am not full time but working offered the opportunity to and I am so sion was still hard “This is a career path that I wanted my way closer at least!” honored to be a for Weaver and to head down!” Wragge exclaimed, “I love Being the Dean of 10th grade means step in. part of it!” her administrative Millard South and being part of a high Wragge is in charge of all discipline for Along with team. school!” 10th grade and any other situations she is – Business Teacher Wragge’s experi “Choosing called to help out with. She is responsible ences working in people for jobs for Pride Time, helping Brad Millard with Michaela Wragge the office, being a is always hard,” scheduling, and helping supervise games,

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Ward makes a difference in North Omaha neighborhood Taryn Smith Staff Reporter

On Jan. 15, Martin Luther King day, Vanessa Ward announced her democratic gubernatorial bid. A long time community organizer, Ward is no stranger to a challenge. For the past 18 years she has worked to make North Omaha a safer place. As the leader of the Central Park Neighborhood Association, Ward has fought to reclaim the streets of North Omaha, working with everyone from republicans to church leaders. By fighting poverty and violence in a non partisan way, Ward has built a reputation of authentic activism (there is even a street named after her). Ward is not only a fierce advocate for Omaha, but for the state as well. During her announcement speech Ward said, “The democratic party that I believe in knows that the state of Nebraska is the most wonderful place on earth and that we have a solemn duty to lead with virtue so that we can be an example to the entire world.” Saying that Ward faces a challenge in running against incumbent Pete Ricketts for the governorship is a massive understatement. Ricketts, the son of Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, has a track record of high spending campaigns. In 2006, Ricketts made a play for the senate, contributing $11,302,078 of his own money to the campaign. While this campaign was unsuccessful (Ricketts lost the election 36%64%), he spent more than any Senate candidate in Nebraska history.

In 2014 Ricketts was elected as the 40th governor of Nebraska. Ricketts is a staunch supporter of the death penalty and during his time as governor, has personally contributed large amounts of money to petition efforts in order to bring it back to Nebraska. Ricketts vetoed a piece of legislation that would have created an independent commission tasked with redrawing district maps, a measure that would have depoliticized the redistricting process. Some feel that Ward could be the change that they say Nebraska needs. “Vanessa Ward offers a fresh voice and perspective to an office that has been held by one of the richest men in America,” said Andy Reel, a senior at Millard South and supporter of Ward’s campaign. “Over the holidays I had the experience of hearing Ward speak. Normally, this kind of thing would not interest me much, and I tend to the conservative side, but the more she talked, the more she got to me. There was none of the typical anger and talking points you hear from most politicians. Instead she talked about bringing people together and what she had done in North Omaha to save her neighborhood from gangs.” While Ward may offer a positive change for Nebraska, will it be enough to beat someone from a family who owns the Chicago Cubs? Money plays an active role in elections and Ricketts has proven he can and will outspend his opponents.

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Patrons get cat-ffeinated at paws-itively purr-fect cafe Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter

This spring, Omaha will keeping the place running. soon have its very first “Cat The cafe will be located in Cafe”. The cafe was founded by an off the beaten path location, Bre Phelan, who came up with the owner thought it would be a unique way to not only pronice to locate it at a spot that vide love to cats but possibly a needs some attention. forever home. The shop Not only will at 522 S. 24th there be a St. will be “Cat Cafe” at divided into this location, halves, one but Eryn side will serve Swan plans to coffee from relocate her local Muglife pet supply coffee. A store in the glass wall will same buildseparate the ing. Swan cafe from a owns Wag room where Pet specialty the cats will store where art by Tori Barkus roam freely. you can buy While you pet food and drink your coffee you may supplies but also offers groominteract with the cats, and posing services. For Swan, the sibly find your new pet. All the new space will allow for a third cats roaming will be available groomer. for adoption. If you’re interested in pay If you’d like to play with ing the place a visit, or possibly the cats as well, you may for a even adopting a cat, it will be small fee that will go towards opening this May.

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Opinion 2 • 2 • 2018

Stop being mean to me, I’m just a cashier People try to tell me about Hell to scare me, but I’m a retail worker so I’ve already seen it all. I’ve worked retail for as long as I’ve had a job. For privacy reasons, we’ll just call the store I work at The Craft Store. if you know where I work, please don’t tell my manager I wrote this stuff because my mom makes me pay for my own stuff. A lot of teens work retail. Just like fast food and waiting tables, it’s one of those jobs that practically everyone has had at some point in their life. Which is really funny to me because people will treat you like you’re stupid and worthless. One time I asked a coworker why people are rude to retail workers. She told me that people were rude to us because it was easy. They know we can’t say anything, although I’ve come close. (I live at home so I’ll be fine.) Seriously, if I had a dollar for every rude customer I’ve had to deal with, then I wouldn’t even need a job. We live in a world where people will willingly defend public officials who are guilty of sexual assault but get mad when their giant ceramic chicken isn’t on sale. That’s another thing: signs don’t work

if you don’t read them. Customers’ go-to you. I understand that these jobs require a phrase is “But there was a sign!” Yes, I little more expertise than an entry-level job, know—I hung it there. Did you read the but people respect the fact that the worker sign? Yeah, I know you is the one who works saw the 50% off part, but there and the customer the part where it tells you is merely stopping by what was actually on sale? for goods and services. Of course not. And, no, it’s It’s also really funny to not false advertising. It’s me that people treat illiteracy, really. mistakes made by The customer is not doctors and mechanics always right. In fact, they as what they are--misare more often wrong. I understandings and work here. I have to memmistakes--but they’ll orize sales every week. We literally call a retail or don’t use sku numbers—I fast food worker stupid have to type in prices to their face because manually. I spend about something didn’t ring 20 hours a week here. So, up on sale. I would Adrienne Bruner if you use your Common rather be overcharged Features Editor Sense, you’d realize that than misdiagnosed, I probably know more but that’s just me. about The Craft Store Another thing than someone who comes in once a week you should know about retail workers is for 20 minutes. If you went to a doctor, that we have rules and regulations we have you wouldn’t tell them the diagnosis. They to follow. I didn’t pick them. Cashiers are on would tell you. You don’t tell the mechanic the bottom of the retail hierarchy, below the what they need to do to fix a car. They tell store managers, district managers, regional

managers, some other managers I probably don’t know about, who are all under corporate and our CEO. I think his name is David. It might be Hank. Who knows? Thanks to David for paying me. Anyways, customers constantly complain when we don’t let them use their coupons more than once, or when we refuse to refund them for stuff they bought in 2014. Why customers still have those items is a mystery, not that I care, but they get mad at me. Sometimes they threaten to call corporate. I don’t why they think this will make a difference, because corporate makes the rules and they pay me to follow them. I honestly wonder what customers are thinking or if they are thinking at all. David is not going to leave his cozy office chair in the Oklahoma headquarters to tell me what a terrible employee I am because Linda Who Knits couldn’t use the online coupon on both of her yarns. The few redeeming qualities of my job are my coworkers and my paycheck. That’s about it. My coworkers are honestly so funny and great to work with, so they make it worth it. Please be nice to retail workers and if someone isn’t, call them out on it.

Secret bathroom unveiled and ready for use One of the newest additions to Millard South is quite unknown and has been carried in a secretive nature since its construction. The new addition is a bathroom and it is located just down the hallway past the athletic training room. I was quite surprised the first time I saw it. It is well equipped with a drinking fountain, specifically manufactured to fill up water bottles, like the one near the main bathrooms, a decent amount of space surrounding it, and even heated toilet seats! Okay, maybe I stretched the truth a bit on the last part, but the new bathroom truly is quite nice. I almost regret writing this article because one of my favorite benefits was its discretion. Be honest, how many of you reading this were even aware this place existed? Using this bathroom is like a free, private island vacation getaway hidden in the halls of Millard South. Need a bit of privacy, a place to do some reading? This is the bathroom for you! Ryan Lawrence If this bathStaff Reporter room was a secret you’ve been keep-

ing to yourself and you’re cursing my name for writing this article, I deeply apologize, but Millard South is hungry for the truth and well, here comes the airplane, pal. Although I love the new bathroom I do find myself a bit “heated” as the kids say. Why couldn’t a bathroom be placed in the math area? There’s no student bathroom around there apart from the ones near the art room and if it’s an emergency it might be quicker to drive to the Iowa football stadium! (Toilet joke). Perhaps there actually is a bathroom in the math area, more secretive than the first? Can you imagine one lucky Millard Southian using a bathroom all to him or herself? They’ve probably started hanging up posters by now! No. All we get is a brand spanking new bathroom in an area that literally has five already.

Sure, a couple classes were built along with the bathroom, the new hallway is really nice, and if there’s going to be construction, you might as well build a bathroom, but couldn’t we have placed it somewhere else? All in all I love the new addition and I hope nobody actually reads this so I can keep it to myself for the remainder of my senior year. But if not, I’ll be spending a lot of time in the math area, because I’m almost positive there’s another one hidden there somewhere.

America should not entertain more celebrity candidates Donald Trump assumed the office of the president on Jan. 20, 2017. His administration has produced turmoil, drama, and chaos at an unprecedented rate, and the political landscape has completely shifted in the first year of his presidency. It remains to be seen whether this shift has opened the floodgate for more celebrity presidents like Trump or soured America on the concept. Dwayne Johnson, Mark Zuckerberg and Oprah Winfrey all seem to be posturing for potential 2020 runs, and the people of social media are clamoring for everyone from Mark Cuban to Kanye West to throw their hat in the ring. These celebrities and their supporters seem to have taken Trump’s election as an open invitation for anyone to run, regardless of political experience. Celebrities are uniquely suited to win elections even if they have never touched politics in the past. Celebrities, like politicians, have a strong incentive to appeal to as many people as possible. They are also masters of social media, which has become a modern political battlefield. I would take The Rock or Oprah in a Twitter battle over a crusty old senator every time. Even Trump, who isn’t the wittiest or most charismatic celebrity there is, dismantled old politicians with insults and alliterative nicknames on Twitter. Social media served both as a place for him to get his message out directly to the masses and for his staunchest followers to gather and com-

municate. But fame and social media acumen could only carry a candidate so far. At some point they have to stand for something other than themselves. Trump used his mix of antiintellectualism and overt racism as a substitute for substantive policy plans, but the next wave of candidates can rally behind an even more popular stance: being anti-Trump. Oprah, for example, wouldn’t have to divulge the intricacies of her tax or health care plans. She could just broadly disavow the ideals of Trumpism and avoid policy talks altogether. Trump is a historically unpopular president according to polls, and if the downward trend continues, an opponent might be able to waltz into the oval office simply by disagreeing with him. I think it’s been established that a celebrity could win the presidency. The question that remains is whether or not putting another famous person in the oval office is a good idea. Elite celebrities like Zuckerberg or Cuban don’t know how it feels to live as a normal American citizen who has to worry about money. To be fair, many politicians are also out of touch with average Americans, but it is still a bigger concern for mega-billionaires. The other red flag voters should beware of is a person motivated to run for president only as a means of self fulfilment and validation. If a candidate cares more about how

becoming president will change his or her legacy instead of how it will change the country, that is a problem. I love Kanye as an artist, but does Kanye love America as much as Kanye loves Kanye? 2020 will be the first election many Millard South students can vote in, and it will be a pivotal election in deciding the direction America wants to go. It seems inevitable that a couple big name celebrities will be in the field. While I don’t think being famous disqualifies a person as a candidate, I would not vote for anyone without assurance they care about average citizens, have some policy Carson O’Connor plans, and have Staff Reporter pure motivations.

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Opinion 2 • 2 • 2018

Staff Editorial: School should start later “I’m exhausted, I just want to go home and take a nap,” is a statement constantly spoken throughout the hallways and classrooms of Millard South. With a start time of 8 AM, research shows that students aren’t really receiving the sleep they need. Teenagers are required to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night to be healthy. While this is normal in relation to other adults, the times in which students are most likely to get their sleep differs. UCLA health says it’s natural for teenagers to fall asleep after 11:00 PM. Through puberty, teenagers sleep schedules are often pushed back 2 hours. This is called “sleep phase delay”. A study at Stanford collected data on the sleep schedules of a group of 10-12 year olds for 5 years. The study showed that as the children got older, while they still slept for about 9 hours, most no longer woke up naturally

before 8 AM. The study also showed that teenagers were more alert at 8 PM than they were earlier in the day. This not only shows that school start times are unnatural for students but also that students are not performing at their peak during the school day. To get to school by 8, most students wake up by at least 7. That doesn’t account for sports, club meetings, bussing, or long commutes. If school only started an half hour later- the time suggested by both the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics- students would be more alert and perform better academically. The facts show that more sleep in the morning improves performance in core classes. In an ACT culture school like Millard South, a later start time would not only

Traveling: I’ve done it and you can, too From uncomfortable chairs to sharing rooms with strangers I’ve done it all. During the last month I have traveled much more than what I find normal, I went to Israel, a youth conference, and went on a college visit with only a few days in between. There was much I learned about how to travel in this time. To start off, on December 25th I went to Israel with about 35 other Jewish kids from all around Omaha for ten days. This was and amazing trip for many reasons but what I learned about packing is something I will remember. On this trip I was only allowed one carry on suitcase and a backpack for all of the 10 days. One of the best ways to pack a suitcase is to roll up your clothes instead of folding them and you can also layer clothes and roll those together to minimize air space within

Kassandra Kizlin Staff Reporter

your suitcase. It’s also a good idea to get a suitcase that has a zipper that when unzipped gives you another inch of room for all your possessions. That inch goes far. When you have a long trip with much space always try to pack only as much clothing as you need but still bring extra socks, and underwear. Once you get to your destination and begin to travel as a tourist you should ditch the purse and opt for a smaller backpack to bring with you everywhere. It will help because it’s important to have a water bottle, jacket, and umbrella in case the wind turns. It’s more comfortable to walk around with than a purse to have all the things you need. Bringing a small bottle of lotion with you will also be very handy on your travels. Especially if you go to places like Colorado which is so high up that the dry air dehydrates you and your skin more than we’re used to in Nebraska. There is a misconception that

I’ve seen in America that hostels are dirty and dangerous places that travelers stay in to save money. This is only partly true. Yes, people do stay in hostels to save money, but in my experience, hostels are very clean with nice beds. A hostel is actually a cheaper version of a hotel with more than one bed, I’ve seen up to 5 on my trip, in a room smaller than a hotel room by utilizing bunk beds. The bathrooms were even nice. And when you room with someone you aren’t used to sharing a room with, something I did a lot, was bringing a good pair of earplugs or noise cancelling headphones. If you’re like me and can’t fall asleep with noise this is a good idea. It’s easier to block them out than make them be quiet. This helped on the airplane, in hostel room, and in the hotel room with my mother. I bring them on every trip that I’m sharing a room. When you go on a trip and you don’t know how many towels you will have access to and if you’re like me and you need a towel for your hair there is a solution. At CVS they sell small towels sewed to be specifically for your hair. They are much smaller than large towels and easily packable so you know you’ll have enough towels. On all these trips I traveled in cars, plains, busses, and trains. There are pros and cons to all of the modes of transportation. I think that busses give the most room especially since you’re the most able to get 2 seats all to yourself on a bus. Planes obviously are faster so they are sometimes worth the extra money and cramped space. It’s important to note that even on 12 hour flights with TV you’ll still be very cramped and it’s best to sleep through them rather than deal with them consciously. I have found that I prefer buses to planes unless the bus ride is over 9 hours, honestly. However, after a 12 hour plane ride 3 hours on a plane feels very short. When I got back into the country to Newark NJ on January 5th our planes back to Omaha got canceled so we got a charter bus to drive 23 hours back home and when you’re traveling in a cold season, always sit in the middle of the bus. That night the front and back of the bus got so cold that there was frost while the middle was toasty. It was so bad that I couldn’t sleep. In that case, I wanted the plane. In the future I may not travel as much, or not as much in the same time of the year but the practicality that I learned from this will help me with my future travels and I hope it helps those who read this.

benefit student morale but also their performance. Even half an hour more of sleep would create better alertness for the student body and could create a safer environment for morning drives. Lack of sleep can also cause teenagers problems such as depression or poor impulse control and violence. While fixing a problem with so many variables, bus schedules, sporting events, school end times to name a few, could seem overwhelming, there are so many positive outcomes. In an influential district like Millard, many other districts in our state might follow the lead. Changing our school start time would positively impact the community and student body with results such as better athletic and academic results and more alertness in the classroom.

New Years resolutions are a waste of time It’s that time of the year again, the beginning of the year. The time where everyone starts talking about making changes and when people start saying “New Year, New Me” so much it almost sounds like a satanic chant. It is also the time of people making New Year’s Resolutions, and in my opinion New Year’s ResoMatt Rothgeb lutions are Staff Reporter a complete waste of time. Resolutions are useless because they are rarely finished. In most cases people cannot even last the full month of January with their resolutions and give up. People give up for many reasons, weather it be laziness, realizing their resolutions was to hard, or not having enough time for their resolutions. Those are for the simple resolutions, such as study more or work on something more, but the resolutions people struggle most with are the drastic life switches. When people make drastic life switches for resolutions, many fail within the first week. The major types are trying to be healthier, either working out or dieting. It is common knowledge that millions of people want to get healthier every New Year, but every year people give up on that goal. I have met people who wanted to start working out and quit drinking pop, but come January 4th they stopped going to the gym and started drinking pop again. The major reason people stop try to achieve their resolutions is because they simply do not have the time. This is a common problem for most people because we all forget that life and schedules continue on no matter if a new year starts. Adding three hours at the gym a day is hard when you only have two hours of free time. School and work does not stop for anyone just because we had to change our calendars. We also do not need to stop and change ourselves because we change traveled around the sun once. We can make these changes we want to make anytime of the year. New Years is just an excuse for people to start to make these changes. This is the time for people that talk about making changes to just talk and force themselves to start doing it because everyone else is. The truth is if people want to make a change they should do it whenever they feel like it. If it’s three in the morning on a Tuesday in August and you want to start learning how to play guitar. Do it. If you are eating a cheeseburger and feel like you should start working out. Do it. If you realize college is going expensive and you need to apply for scholarships so you won’t be broke and sad for the rest of your life. Do it. If you really want to make a change for yourself or make an improvement you need to do it whenever and not wait for a time to motivate you.

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 CC 2017 Adobe Photoshop CC 2017, 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.

Editor-in-Chief Ryan Carter Photo Chief Grace Flogstad Production Editor Jordyn Kelley News Editor Vanessa Chavez Sports Editor Carina Covington Features Editor Adrienne Brunner Opinions Editor Savannah Lacy Entertainment Editor Nina Washington Social Media Manager Alyssa Pyle Cartoonists Sean Burton Daelynn Arnold Staff Secretaries Lexie Pleiss Maddie Rynes Distribution Manager Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporters Max Aden Lindsey Assman Sarah Braley Sadie Brower Myranda Carbullido Conlan Custard RuthAnne Hale Jayden John Isabel Kimminau Allison Kirkebak Kassandra Kizlin Nicki Kreutzian Ryan Lawrence Jessica Lukecart Carson O’Connor Jacob Reinhart Matthew Rothgeb Johnna Sisneros Taryn Smith Adviser Christine Kaldahl

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Sleep Focus 2 •2 • 2018

SLEEP TIGHT

Blue light makes your sleep schedule blue Sadie Brower Staff Reporter

art by Sean Burton

What was it like being in a sleep study?

Maddie Rynes Staff Secretary

“The study was really interesting! The portion of the study I participated in was not observing me sleep, it was considering the effects of sleep deprivation or limited sleep.”- language arts teacher Alex Kirkland “It was weird, you have to go to a building and get sensors placed on your head and body, they watch you sleep...like the whole time, it’s uncomfortable, unnerving and awkward. Expecting to get a good nights sleep there would be setting yourself up for failure.” -family and consumer science teacher Nichole Larson “I did an at home study, which is cheaper at $180. You get a nasal cannula, and you get a pulse oximeter, and a box that you wrap around your chest. Mine was uncomfortable because I thought the leads were loose, but other than that no.You could roll over on either side still. My youngest because she’s a child she had to do a pediatric at Children’s. checked in at 7 in sleep lab and hung out until 915 and technician hooked her up. She had a lot of leads electrodes placed in hair, 2 bands. Hers was $4000 and $400 for the doctor and was probably more accurate than an at home lab. It was Erin Weidenhamer connected to leads that a ponytail of leads down her back. They wrapped face and head in transmit information to a computer. The gauze to keep leads from falling out. She didn’t sleep very well but computer records information such as heart she slept enough to get the data.” -language arts teacher Vickie Weirate, blood pressure, breathing, movements, and other factors affecting your sleep. Photo denhamer by Vickie Weidenhamer

Would you participate again?

“I would definitely participate again!” -Kirkland “I wouldn’t want to, I had surgery that resolved my problem so I don’t need another thank goodness.” -Larson “I snore, which I didn’t know they recorded sound. I found I have sleep apnea” -Weidenhamer “Erin did hers first because we went camping this summer and I could hear that she wasn’t breathing she’d have to get up and catch her breathe. She was always tired for over a year no matter if she got 10 hours or 2 hours of sleep. I talked to my brother in law and he told me that I did the same years ago. Her solution was to get her tonsils out. Hopefully my problem is fixed since I had a surgery to fix mine.” -Weidenhamer

t n e

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What have you learned from it?

sleep schoolwork

Students’ schedules stifle sleep serenity Myranda Carbullido Staff Reporter

3 a.m. is a time when only new parents are awake, but juniors Gage Fichna and Melany Smith are up as well. He is busy making videos on YouTube for his almost 80,000 subscribers while she lies on her bed contemplating life as she tries to fall asleep. Although their situations appear to be different, isolated occurrences, they are actually 2 sides of the same issue- sleep deprivation in teens. Everyone struggles to fall asleep once in a while, but for these two, sleep does not come easily ever. According to a study published in 2010 in Journal of Adolescent Health, only 7.6% of high schoolers get the recommended amount of sleep (9 or more hours) while 68.9% get 7 or fewer hours on an average school night. Although this study was published 8 years ago and the information gathered stems from the self-reported surveys of about 12,000 teens, when combined with research results from the CDC, the National Sleep Foundation, and other sources, one conclusion in particular is made evident- teens are not getting enough sleep and this problem does not appear to be going away anytime soon. With these growing numbers, it should come as no surprise that even art by Daelynn Arnold

Sleep study subjects solve restless nights

here- at Millard South- many students suffer from a lack of sleep. Students like Fichna and Smith have even been diagnosed with insomnia. “I sleep for about 2 hours on a weeknight,” Fichna said. “Usually I go to sleep around 4 or 5 in the morning and then wake up around 6:30 to start getting ready for school,” he said. Other students like junior Eric Hernandez cite their phone as a major reason for their lack of sleep. From YouTube to Snapchat, phones and the easy access to the internet and social media they offer are continuing to prove to be integral parts of our lives. Just one more video… Has she texted me back? Thoughts such as these constantly bombarde the minds of many teens preventing some of them from getting adequate sleep. From home remedies to medication and therapy, there are many things one can try or do to attempt to get more sleep. “I use my inhaler, turn on my diffuser, go downstairs and make tea, and try to stay off my phone,” Smith said. While these occasionally work for her, more often than not, they do not. Many teens still have trouble falling asleep after trying various remedies. This continual lack of sleep with no relief can lead to many side effects such as stress and bad focus. “In debate I fall asleep sometimes,” Fichna said. …”When I’m tired I zone out, but I still get my work done,” he said. “My lack of sleep definitely affects my eating habits,” Hernandez said. “I usually skip breakfast because I’m just not hungry,” he said. After trying all of these remedies, finding few solutions, and having to deal with all of the effects the future can seem bleak. Fichna has struggled with trying to sleep for so long that he said he has come to terms and accepted the fact that he may never get much sleep. Other students want more sleep, but they do not see things changing anytime soon. “I’m used to it,” Smith said “I don’t think it will change, but I would want it to, and, right now, I don’t see it affecting my future too much,” she said.

“I learned I don’t sleep like normal people. I don’t have all cycles of sleep. And when I go exceed 40-100 hours without sleep, I don’t have cognitive impairment or fall asleep for short periods of time. When most people stay awake for a few days, their bodies start falling asleep for short periods of time.” -Kirkland “I learned that I had sleep apnea, my body would wake up every hour throughout the night because I stopped breathing. I didn’t ever hit a deep sleep so my body never repaired itself that well. I had a surgery done to help and it worked out great for me.” -Larson “I snore, which I didn’t know they recorded sound. I found I have sleep apnea” -Weidenhamer

Sleep Hygiene: Habits for a Healthy, Sound Sleep Schedule Never sleep more than 8 hours ~ Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on weekends ~ Do some calming activities before bed, like do a puzzle or read a book ~ Treat sleep like an appointment, don't skip it for watching TV ~ Don't hit the snooze button. While tempting, it hurts you in the long run ~ Take naps under 30 minutes as early in the day as possible ~ Finish eating and exercising 2-3 hours before bed ~ If its been 20 min since you started trying to sleep, get up, do something relaxing, and go back to avoid tossing and turning

graphic by RuthAnne Hale

Space In general, keep your room cozy, cool, dark, and quiet ~ Use blackout curtains, earplugs, humidifiers, whatever you personally need ~ As much as you can, use your bed for sleep only ~ Keep your mattress and pillows nice, and replace them when needed ~ Leave homework and other stressful items out of sight at bedtime ~ Keep electronics away from your bed, and try using a simple alarm clock over your phone

YOU Exercise every day ~ Spend time outside ~ Manage Stress ~ Limit Caffeine to morning only ~ If your sleep doesn't get better or worsens, keep a sleep diary and Consult your doctor

Infographic By RuthAnne Hale Information from The Better Sleep Council, The Mayo Clinic, and The National Sleep Foundation

Cell phones, TV, computers, and tablets have officially consumed most teenager’s lives, which has contributed to some amazing achievements but has also taken away basic functions of human society. A lot of teenagers spend most of their day on a screen and whether they are scrolling through instagram or writing an essay, one risk that they face is overexposure to blue light. Most people know blue light can be bad for your health but do not know what it really is. There are red, orange, yellow, green and blue rays on the light spectrum and rays on the red end of the spectrum have a longer wavelength, creating less energy. The problem comes with the blue end of the spectrum because there is a shorter wavelength, with the highest energy. Our bodies are on a natural circadian rhythm, which is what makes us awake during the day and sleepy at night. Blue light messes with our circadian rhythm because it causes our body to produce less melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces at night time that basically tells your body to go to sleep. To most of us it is known that blue light affects how you sleep, but because it changes your sleep in the way it does, many other areas of your life are affected in ways you wouldn’t think about. If you have ever stayed up watching one to many episodes of your favorite TV show on Netflix, and then found that you had a hard time to focusing or obtaining information normally the next day at school, this is because of the blue light interfering with your sleep and melatonin levels. Another unexpected way the changes in your melatonin can affect you is an increase in appetite and a higher risk of depression. Your sleep is something that is very important and messing with it could put you at risk in ways you wouldn’t think about. Sleeping without my phone right next to my bed at night sounds absolutely insane but in reality, your day to day life could become completely different by simply buying a alarm clock, or staying off your phone an hour before you go to sleep. Electronics have become a big part of all high schoolers’ daily life and it comes with some amazing benefits but we also need to make sure to look out for the possible dangers. One way to make your night more relaxing is to turn on your night shift on an iPhone or get one of the many apps ( Twilight, Darker, or Dimly) to lower the amount of blue light being emitted from your phone. Although this may help relax your eyes a little bit, it still isn’t the best solution because these apps still let through most of the dangerous light on a cell phone. The honest answer to this problem, which not a lot of us want to hear, is just to limit the amount of time you are using electronics in the evening and maybe read or hang out with your friends and family in person rather than over the phone. Who knows, that solution might benefit you in even more ways than your sleep.

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Sleep Focus 2 • 2 • 2018

Entertainment 2 • 2 • 2018

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Insidious - The Last Key

A decent addition to the supernatural franchise Nina Washington Entertainment Editor

To start off, the last key is the second prequel in a row and the fourth movie to the franchise. If you haven’t seen the first movie, the general summary centers around the Larson family and their son, Dalton, who falls into a comatose state after a mysterious accident in their attic. Very strange happenings in the house begin to occur, and Lorraine, Daltons grandma, informs to the larsons

that she has been having strange dreams about seeing dark spirits in Daltons bedroom who are trying to harm him. And That’s where Elisespecialist in paranormal investigation and protagonist in the last key- comes to the rescue. Throughout all these films she explains what it means what a gift and a curse it is to astral travel ( being able to transport your soul and consciousness away from your physical body) into the limbo realm named the further. With that said, the last key begins with Elise as a child and how abusive her past was, how she left home, and her trying to cope with life having this ability. And then we scroll into current time and see that she receives

a phone call from a man who needs help, and believes there are unnatural, and aggressive circumstances taking place, and then she realizes that he’s living in her old house; the house is where it all started, where she opened a door and unknowingly let the further interact with the world of the living. And so, the movie pretty much follows Elise and her sidekicks going back to confront the evil that she ran away from, and her unraveling secrets about the past, her tortured path especially. So here’s why its creepy: You have James Wan as your director, who has produced movies from blumhouse productions’’ Lights off ’’ etc. and the Conjuring franchise- Annabelle too. And What i’ve noticed specifically about watching his films is that he knows what it means to be horrified, and what it means to be terrified. Terror is what sticks, because it plays with us psychologically, because it hides the real monster from the camera. Instead of blatantly seeing someone get murdered, you realize that when you come home, things are out of place, you hear things, but cant see where its coming from, and that’s what the insidious and conjuring movies are very adept at. Shadows, groans, limited camera angle, That’s what made the last key a decent thriller. However, While Elise ( Lin Shaye) did a powerful job in moving the film forward, along with her sidekicks, who actually added in some genuine and awkward but convincing comedy, some characters that had no relation to Elise were severely underdeveloped, Like the new owner of the house, Ted. And I think because it’s the second prequel in a row, It started to lose its foundation and begun to feel a little confusing and sloppy. But overall, a very eerie movie.

Pitch Perfect 3 Turtles All the Way tunes up one Down doesn’t keep up last time Kristin Kaipust Distribution Manager

While John Green can encapsulate me with a video about the Jacksonian presidency, I’ve never found myself particularly drawn to his books. When starting his newest book, Turtles All the Way Down, I was worried it was going to be a drag. Not only did it have a nonsense title, but the blurb on the back of the book was as enticing as rotting garbage. I’m not sure I would recommend Turtles All the Way Down to someone, but I’m not upset I read it. Green writes very poetically with complex metaphors that were really enjoyable to understand and unravel.The book follows 16 year old Aza Holmes. Aza is a very quiet, introverted character, however as she keeps a relaxed front, her brain is constantly thrumming. Greens book focuses on mental illness- specifically Aza’s anxiety and OCD. Aza’s mental illness is an allusion to John Green’s own illness. She starts with a single thought, such as how many germs are being transferred into her immune system as she kisses a boy, but her mind keeps spiraling and spiraling and spiraling until she can’t control the urge to cleanse her mouth. Green writes Aza’s conscious really well, showing her internal dialogue and how she fights with her illness because she knows she is being irrational. I also really liked Azas relations with her therapist. I’ve read quite a few books where main characters visit psychiatrist or get counseling and it gives the book more realism. However, even with a therapist, Aza continues to

fight this losing battle until almost 80% the way through the book. The lack of character development (not only for Aza) was excruciating. While I did not expect Aza to get past her illness, I just kept waiting for her to find a way to cope and to deal with it. While the main plot of Azas illness is running, a sub plot of the disappearance of a billionaire flows beneath. Billionaire, Russell Pickett, runs away leaving his two sons and beloved dinosaur/lizard. Aza and her best friend, Daisy, are attempting to find Pickett to receive the high reward price. The search brings major characters into play but is not necessary to the story. Daisy was by far my favorite character. She had significantly more dialogue than even Aza and a personality that set her apart from other characters in any book I’ve read before.Green succeeded in putting comedic relief intertwined with his deeper focuses such as “what is the meaning of ‘I’?” and “Am I the same person if I am placed in a completely different situation?” with Daisy and Azas friendship. Overall, I felt the book didn’t have a lot of emotion. I didn’t swoon as Aza built a relationship with the billionaire’s son, I didn’t cry as Aza thought about her father’s death. There wasn’t a single moment where the book felt like anything more than a book. I liked the story but I didn’t feel particularly invested in the characters and I kind of felt like I was following three separate storylines that were forced together. Ultimately, while a somewhat enjoyable read, I can’t imagine myself going back to Turtles All the Way Down.

Lexie Pleiss Staff Secretary

Pitch perfect 3 is the last movie in the Pitch Perfect series.The first movie was loved by millions and very critically acclaimed with people of all ages. So of course they came out with a sequel. Like most movie sequels, it was not as good as the first movie.But with the third installment of this franchise, it is definitely not the best out of the series. In this adventure, the plot follows the last movie which is good thing. After the group are on a high of winning the world championships from the last movie, the Bellas find themselves split apart and discovering there aren’t job prospects for making music with your mouth.But they get a chance to come together again for an overseas USO tour, this group of talented, silly girls come together to make some music and questionable decisions one last time. This movie starts out with the action right away which made me excited to watch the rest of the film. But after that quick shot of energy, it is almost completely irrelevant anything else that happens in the story, which happens with a lot of events in this movie. Another problem I had with this movies it seemed like a-list celebs were just thrown in the movie just for the sake of having well known people in the movie. For example, DJ Khalad played in the movie but his character did not add to the story at all. If he was taken away from the movie, I do not think the story would change all that much. But there are elements in this movie that still make it enjoyable. Many of the jokes in this movie are still fun, they even made me laugh out loud at times. All the jokes have good timing and and there were lots of funny scenes throughout the movie. You could also tell that the main cast ( the Bellas) all have a very good chemistry with each other. It was not hard to believe that the girls all had a strong bond with each other, which is nice heart-warming element in the story. But what really makes the movie a fun watch is the performances, which should be the most outstanding thing in a Pitch Perfect movie. The A cappella with pop hits combination will definitely have you dancing in your seat. There is no doubt this movie is a fun watch. But it does have some annoying flaws. But it does have a heart-warming ending and a cute message that is very clear. But i think it is safe to say that we do not need a fourth Pitch Perfect. This was a okay note to end this franchise on.

Entertainment 2 • 2 • 2018

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KANEKO gallery illuminates the beauty of light as art Nicki Kreutzian Staff Reporter If you’ve been on social media lately, you might have noticed a flood of gorgeously lit pictures from just about anyone in Omaha with a somewhat decent camera. KANEKO, an art and culture gallery located downtown, routinely featuring exhibits of art that ask us to view ordinary things a bit differently. The current exhibition, light, is no exception. “Ideas for each exhibition are contemplated one to two years in advance,” said Kelsey Scofield, the Marketing Manager at KANEKO. They communicate with multiple teams and committees to generate and perfect the ideas that are featured here. “We felt that showcasing light in an artistic and scientific form would allow viewers to spend some time truly appreciating its wonder and awe,” Scofield said. Light spans four gallery rooms that are filled with pieces from artists all across the world. The Infinity Room, which is mirrored room with light patterns reflecting across, was imagined by Turkish-born artist Refik Anadol as a place where the viewer shifts from the physical world to

a perception of a non-physical one. The Circus Family, located in Denmark, designed TRIPH, a motion-sensing, colorchanging piece, and Corey Broman from Omaha has intricate blown glass shapes on display. It took over a month and a half to set up the exhibit and gather the enormous amount of equipment required to pull it all off. Miller Electric, Echo Systems, and Epson helped out with rewiring the electricity throughout the gallery, and even added over a mile and a half of new power lines for TRIPH alone. This massive undertaking has yielded a piece that is truly impressive. This has given KANEKO a lot of exposure lately. “It’s been an especially popular exhibition among the 18-24 range,” said Scofield. If you’re itching to go and experience this exhibit for yourself, light is running through March 23 at KANEKO. Admission is free, but they are always accepting donations towards the building fund, used to expand upon their current campus at 1111 Jones Street.

Jumanji remake appeals to a modern generation Allie Pyle Social Media Manager

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, is the 2017 adaption of the 1995 movie, which starred Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt. The 1995 movie is about a dangerous board game that makes things appear out of thin air, where all the players must work together in order to finish the game to make everything go away. The 2017 adaption stays close to that plot line and the feel of the original movie, but allows it to appeal to the new ages. In this version, 4 teenagers, with little to nothing in common are sucked into the Jumanji video game. They must act together in order to finish the video game.

Jumanji (2017) stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan as the actual videogame characters, which the four teenagers turn into upon entering the game. The four actors and actresses make an amazing combo, as the movie is not only witty, but just plain out hilarious. This movie is rated PG-13 for a reason, so be aware for younger audiences. While the actual movie is based in the ‘90s, just like the original, it makes fun of the stereotypes of the era in good nature. There was definitely no imagination limit to this movie as everything that happens is creative yet interesting. This movie is definitely a comedy worth seeing.

It’s The Greatest Show, man! Sadie Brower Staff Reporter

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else”. Those are the wise words of P.T. Barnum, and if I were to describe The Greatest Showman using one phrase, I would undoubtedly use that one. The Greatest Showman is a movie I was expecting to love before I ever saw it because of the big bang it has already made on the world of hollywood. The Greatest Showman is a movie that combines a touching, heartfelt story with breathtaking music and choreography to make one of the most remarkable musicals of the year. This show is one that will make tears stream down your face but will also result in laughter until your cheeks hurt. This hearty and talent filled film, starring Hugh Jackman (P.T. Barnum) Michelle Williams (Charity Barnum), Zac Efron (Phillip Carlyle) and Rebecca Ferguson (Jenny Lind), was directed by Michael Gracey. The story begins with the young P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) discovering his wishes bigger than the stars and falling in love with a girl he dreams of marrying, until his family is torn apart and he is forced to live on his own. The boy then grows up to marry the young girl he onced dreamed of, Charity Barnum (Michelle Williams). The Barnum family is faced with many obstacles with little money but an imagination bigger than the world.

When P.T. Barnum loses his job he decides to take a risk that could take away everything he has or leave him lying in riches. The Barnum family buys a theater where they will soon host the greatest show of all time but like Mr. Barnum says, “Comfort is the enemy of progress.” This movie was based off of the story of P.T. Barnum and, the beginning of show business as we know it, in the late 1800’s. A very unique aspect of this movie was the how the director managed to keep the wonderful essence of the 1800’s and combine it with very modern styled music and choreography to create a film like no other. Although this movie may have a bit of an artificial taste to some people, I think that this is the kind of movie everyone needs to see. The characters of the circus are treated as if they are not human and they are just freaks, until Mr. Barnum puts his faith in them to be the stars of his show and shows them and everyone else that they are different, but extraordinary. This story is a reminder that everyone is completely different but embracing the parts of yourself that are unique is what will reach you to unimaginable heights. “A mans station is only limited by his imagination” said P.T. Barnum. Through failure, success, and a great deal of inspiration, The Greatest Showman truly did put on the greatest show.

The Disaster Artist dreams up a miracle Conlan Custard Staff Reporter

Funny, tense, and sometimes painful to watch, The Disaster Artist is the story behind the making of “The Room,” colloquially known as one of the worst films of all time. However, it has gradually over time gained mass popularity as a cult film drawing in a fan base from those who appreciated its absurdity. The Disaster Artist examines how such a thing like The Room came to be in the first place, a tale which can’t be told without first understanding the backstory behind Tommy Wiseau, otherwise known as Johnny, his onscreen character, who more or less is the exact same person. A mysterious man, no one is quite sure where wiseau comes from, how old he is, or how he became so independently wealthy. However, if one thing is for certain, it is his drive and motivation to become a famous Hollywood actor. His journey takes him to San Francisco where he meets his future best friend Greg Sestero, who eventually moves in with him in his Los Angeles apartment to make their acting aspirations a reality, and vow to always support each other. After struggling to find work in their new life together, wiseau decides to write a screenplay for his own movie so he and Greg could finally be the stars. Months later, they

begin shooting for The Room, a project which would turn out to be the most hectic and crazy 58 days of Greg’s life. Wiseau (played by James Franco,) is a man who many in Hollywood would shun and deride for his eccentric personality and wacky behavior, yet Franco saw some universal appeal in his story and unrelenting dedication to make his dream come true. The Disaster Artist was wonderfully made in almost every aspect with the writing and acting performances delivering constant hilarity and tense moments. It has been critically acclaimed for its perfect encapsulation of the original wiseau story and director James Franco’s ability to tie everything together in a way that seems nearly perfect. One thing I felt was a great addition to the movie, was the few scenes placed near the end of the film where original clips from The Room are superimposed next to that of Franco and company’s work, showing the impeccable accuracy they captured the original story with. In all, the Disaster Artist is a fantastic movie that was able to tell a story that is unparalleled in movie history, and most recently gave James Franco his first ever Best Actor nomination. I think if this story had a moral, it would be that everyone should try and find a friend like Greg, who will support your dream even when it becomes a little embarrassing.

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Sports 2 • 2 • 2018

Patriot Wrestling pins down new All-Class State Record and adds another Metro Championship By Carina Covington Sports Editor

The Patriots are going down in history on the mat this season. The team recently claimed their 5th straight Metro tournament Championship after many individual wins throughout the tournament. The team now has 104 consecutive dual wins. They broke the all-class state record of 97 consecutive wins after the Nebraska Duals in Columbus and continue to add dual wins increasing the impressive record. “I prepare the wrestlers for big matches by pushing them to their limits in practice. If practice is the hardest thing they have done, then the actual matches will be easy.” Coach Olson said. Coach Olson is on his first season as head coach of wrestling team. The successful season leaves a lot of promise to a bright future in wrestling for the Patriots. The Patriot team was named “Legends of Gold Team of the Week” following the impressive performances at the Metro tournament. Gavin Peitzmeier, Connor Knopick and Isaac Trumble each took first place in their weight class to help put Millard South in the perfect position to claim yet another first place win. Sophomore Isaac Trumble went 4-0 at the Metro Duals on day one, following with a 4-0 record on day 2 of the meet. His undefeated record is inclusive of his two big wins over number 1 ranked wrestler from Burke High School. Trumble was named “Young Living Class A Wrestler of the Week.” following his performance at the Metro Tournament.

Another Millard South Wreslter, Conor Knopick, won “Young Living Class A Wreslter of the Week” because he beat 2 ranked wreslters. “I love the end of the tournaments because I can see how much all of us are improving,” Trumble said. He also stated that staying mentally strong helps him when facing competitive opponents. Isaac Trumble placed first at the Plattsmouth invite to keep his undefeated record going. Trumble was also named Family Fare athlete of the week. Senior Garrett Svoboda, Connor Knopick, and Caleb Coyle also took first place in their weight class at the Plattsmouth. With several other team members placing in their weight class, the team was able to The Patriots pose proudly with “97” after breaking the consecutive dual win record for all classes. The patriclaim the team championots currently have 104 consecutive dual wins. Photo from Patriot Wrestling ship plaque. “The wrestling team took first place at the Bellevue East Invite from Krew Tran, Isaac Trumble, Garrett is hardworking and eager with seven of the JV wrestlers leaving with Svoboda, Blake Smith, Alex Vacha, Connor to learn which makes us more successful.” first place medals. Knopick, Blake Jackson, Caleb Coyle, and Coach Olson said. JV also won against Columbus Scotus Garrett Carbullido. There were also many While the varsity squad is responand Bishop Neumann by almost 70 poiuts Patriot wreslters claiming second and third sible for lots of success this season, the JV to win the tournament. place medals. The team took home another wrestling boys are also proving to be a force The Varsity team dominated at the team championship on the season. to be reckoned with. The JV team recently quad state classic with first place finishes

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Sports 2 • 2 • 2018

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Boys basketball jumps to new heights this year By Johnna Sisneros Staff Reporter Famous basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once said “Great players are willing to give up their own personal achievement for the achievement of the group. It enhances everybody.” These words could not ring more true than to the varsity boys basketball team. Just as an onlooker in the student section, I can confidently say that while all of the players in their own respect are talented individuals, it is on the court where they truly work as a cohesive body with one goal in mind: to play the game to the best of their abilities. Not for their own glory or recognition, but simply for the sake of the team and the school they proudly represent. Our Boys have rode the wave of victory continuously this year with a successful 12 win season that a measly 3 losses couldn’t begin to infringe upon. Thanks to a dedicat-

ed coaching staff, rigorous training before and during the season, and a universal understanding of commitment among the team, the past four years have been a consistent showcase of what Patriot Athletics strives to pursue, with this year being the crowning jewel. “This year’s senior class is a special one,” senior starter Logan Rudolph said. “This is the first class to be coached all four years by our relatively new coaching staff, and this year is just proving how amazing these guys are as it is the best season we’ve had since they’ve taken over,” he said. Throughout the past years, the coaching staff has developed a rigorous training program that has vastly influenced their recent success. It has helped to not only cultivate rugged athleticism and physicality, but also a strong sense of sportsmanship and team spirit among the boys. It has served in enabling the chemistry needed to stand on the shoulders of giants

and continuously bring in the excellent performance that is expected of patriot basketball. With only a few more weeks left in the official winter sports season, all of the team members, as well as the students who support them, have high hopes for state, believing that with the powerhouse roster, diligence of the team, and superb coaching staff, the road to excellence will be painted in Patriot red, white, and blue. In a humble closing statement from head coach Tim Leuschen, “Our student body can count on our guys giving relentless effort each night out there. We are grateful to have the opportunity to play for the best student body in the state.” Senior Tyrell Carroll (3) puts one up for an easy 2 points against Millard North in the Holiday Tournament held at the Ralston Arena. Photo by Kali Herbolsheimer

Battle on Q Street turns into battle fought together for cancer cure

Robby DeArmond (20) drains a free throw, contributing to the teams’ 66-63 win. Photo by Jayden John Dylan Wagner (30), Robby DeArmond (20), Drew Gilin (22), Kyle Perry (32), & Nolan Benak (14) come out of a timeout break with determination. Photo by Jayden John

By Jacob Reinhardt Staff Reporter Friday, Jan. 19, the battle for Q street commenced once again. Millard South and Millard West basketball teams faced off in the Hoops for Hope Basketball game. Despite the rivalry, the two teams came together to raise money for cancer research. The student sections for each school were filled with Hoops for Hope shirts of all colors that were sold in the weeks prior to the big game. This fierce match-up was a treat for everyone who came. The girls fought through adversity all game. Makenna Bray hit a three late in the game which was followed by Maddie Krull blocking a three

from the Wildcats, putting them in the perfect position to leave the court with a big 44-41 win. In the boys game, the Patriots started off hot and kept a steady lead throughout the game. Impressive performances came from Kyle Perry with 29 points and Robby DeArmond with 17 points. The final score of the game was 66-63 as the Patriots came out on top. Altogether, the two schools raised over 2,000 dollars combined for the Hoops for Hope event. Even through this bitter rivalry, the schools are able to come together to help the community.

Senior Kyle Perry (32) strides down court with ferocity. Perry put up an impressive 29 points in the biggest High School rivalry game. Photo by Jayden John

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Sports 2 • 2 • 2018

Sock the court Junior Hailey Bos and senior Drew Polacek count the number of socks that made it to the red box on Sock the Court night while Millard North representatives count theirs in the blue. Millard South had more socks in the box. In all, about 1,200 pairs were donated. Photo by Lindsey Assman

Lindsey Assman Staff Reporter

It’s not often that you see hundreds prepare for it. We could of socks flying across a school gym for only start advertising the the purpose of helping others, but that’s week we came back from exactly what happened on Jan. 13. Each winter break and Sock the year Student Council collects socks for the Court was the following homeless during a varsity basketball game Saturday, so we had a short and has students throw their donations time to communicate to the onto the court during halftime, creating a student body,” said event corather crazy sight. ordinator sophomore George Student Council has been hosting Abalekpor. their annual event, Sock the Court, for four When people hear about Sock the years and this year Court, they was their biggest often ask turn out yet. ‘why socks?’ We collect socks because socks “Sock the colare the most needed item among lect“We Court turned out socks the homeless shelters and amazing,” event because socks coordinator junior the least donated. are the most Hailey Bos said. needed item “Last year we had among home – event coordinator about 250 socks less shelters and this year our and the least junior Hailey Bos goal was to double donated,” that number. Bos said. “So Instead, we are they’re espegoing to be donating around 1,200 pairs of cially needed in the winter when you need socks,” exclaimed Hailey Bos. protection from the wet and the cold,” she This year Student Council decided to said. This need for socks was brought to make Sock the Court a little more interest- attention when Student Council first met ing by challenging Millard North to collect speaker, Mike Smith, several years ago. more socks than Millard South. The school In the future, Student Council plans that collected more socks had a raffle for a to continue hosting Sock the Court and chance to win a Raising Cane’s gift basket. collect even more socks for people who This challenge helped to spread the word need them. about the event in the little time that they “As far as I’m concerned, Student had. Council will definitely continue the tradi “The hardest thing about Sock the tion,” Abalekpor said. Court was the amount of time we had to

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Senior Jared Shaw takes aim for the red box on the court to help Millard South to victory. The student body from both Millard North and Millard South joined in this event to donate socks to a good cause. Photo by Lindsey Assman