Common Sense Volume 20 Issue 5 March 13, 2020

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

March 13, 2020

Volume 20 Issue 5

Champions take back the title Grace Hansen Staff Reporter

112 athletes; 1 dream.

That is the Nebraska State Championship Saturday.

Music blares over the speakers, along with the sound of the announcer, getting ready for the final matches to start. Finalists line up and walk out from under the bleachers in what is called The Parade of Champions.

Opponents face one another, preparing for domination. As the music continues, lights shine around the arena, videos play and the fans stand up and cheer.

112 athletes; 1 dream.

Number 24, nationally ranked Millard South Patriots entered the Nebraska State Tournament ready to dominate. By the first night, the Patriots had already captured their state title, leading the second placed team of that night by more than 30 points. The Patriots did not stop there. With entering 8 into the semifinals, 6 of those wrestlers made it to the championship round. Of those 6 who made it to the Junior Caleb Coyle celebrates his first gold medal in the 113 pound weight class at state wrestling championship. Coyle beat Lincoln East’s Brandon championship round, 5 of Baustert in overtime. Coyle was a runner up his freshman and sophomore years. Photo by Josh Ferdico them were gold medal winners. All together, the Patriots bumped up to heavyweight for districts and state. could beat him and they reminded me of that every day. had 10 state medalists.

“Winning back to back championships was aweI believed in myself and was not letting my supporters

In an interview with the Patriots first gold medal some!” Trumble said. The team was never nervous bedown,” he said. winner, Antrell Taylor, he discusses what it is like to come cause we already had the tournament locked up after the Coming after Coyle was junior Conor Knopick. off of an injury at the beginning of the season and still second day, so all the nerves were already gone,” he said.

Towards the end of the season, Knopick faced an injury come back to win a championship.

The Patriots had three more gold medal winners at that almost ended his wrestling career. At the Metro

“It’s a pretty cool accomplishment, but winning state the conclusion of the tournament. Junior Tournament, Knopick was is just a stepping stone.” Over the summer Taylor received Caleb Coyle had four of the top five wresdropped on his head dura silver medal at the World Championships. The second tlers in his bracket and ended up coming ing a throw state champion for the Patriots was senior Isaac Trumble. out on top. Coyle has been a three time and was unable to move.

Trumble wrestled 220 pounds during the season, but finalist, two time runner up and now a He lost feeling in his legs state champion. and had the fear of being Coyle elaboparalyzed. rated on his

After spending a night mindset going in the hospital and a week into state. off of wrestling, Knopick – Junior Conor Knopick “At the begincame back stronger than ning of the tourever. nament, I just

In the finals he wresthought one tled number 6 nationally match at a time. ranked Jakason Burks who I was on the side of the bracket was already a 2 time state champion. Knopick ended up that had 4 of the top 5 guys, beating Burks in a tiebreaker with a final score of 4-2. including the number 1 ranked “I was going out there to wrestle; nothing more, kid in the state. I believed I was nothing less,” Knopick said. “I had nothing to lose. I wasn’t the best in the bracket and I the 2 time state champ and going for his 3rd as a senior just had to wrestle my match and undefeated for 3 years. I just went out there to have and always trust my hard work. fun and wrestle.” That was exactly what Knopick did. He Going into the state finals, I knocked down the 6th nationally ranked Burks to numwas wrestling an opponent ber 10 and put himself on the charts, now as the number The wrestling team celebrates back to back state championships. The team scored 213 who I was 0-3 against in the 14 ranked 132 pounder in the nation. points and has five state champions. Lincoln East earned runner-up wtih 143 points. past 2 years. My coaches, my

Photo by Josh Ferdico continued on page 10 family, and my teammates knew I

“I was going out there

to wrestle; nothing more, nothing less.

”

Page 2

Senior Ian Schmidt talks up Educators Rising at the career fair. Photo by Chelsea Molina

Page 7

Majorettes perform at pep rally. Photo by Andrew Smith

Pages 8-9

Baseball participates in Lip Dub. Photo by Santiago Lara

Page 10

State Wrestling photos. Photo by Josh Ferdico

2

News 3 • 13 • 2020

Career fair helps kids choose future path Chelsea Molina Staff Reporter

teachers allow their students to go visit the fair during their first or second What do you want to be when you grow block to explore what is up? A princess? A famous soccer player? there.

Or an engineer/surgeon, whichever will

Representatives from make you financially stable enough to the University of Nebraska buy a Bugatti? The increasing pressure to at Omaha (UNO) and the know what the future beholds for each University of Nebraskasenior grows as graduation creeps closer.

Lincoln (UNL) were both

To help, the counseling center puts present to offer students on a career fair every other year to give an insight in majors such as students options. With over 50 career journalism, accounting, and booths represented Feb. 21, students had agriculture fields. a wide variety of career options to choose Taylor Hart, an Agriculfrom. Senior Tristen Glynn helped to make tural Sciences major from the fair happen as part of his DECA projUNL, spoke to students ect. about what types of classes “I think it’s beneficial careerwise for they could take and the jobs students,” Glynn said. “It helps by letting after college that are availthem know what activities we offer at able for students.

Millard South and what businesses in the

“There’s a great link Senior Tristen Glenn explains the DECA program to prospective students at the career fair. Photo by ChelOmaha area they can look into.” between schools with sea Molina

The fair is offered for students to agriculture and natural sciexplore opportunities that they wouldn’t ences, and there are a lot of we offer more opportunities for college prosperity. 2019 graduate Tori Barkus otherwise look into if not provided by opportunities for students,” students, but we’d like to get more high earned $5,000 for Millard South for an the school. Although not required, many Hart said. “This [career fair] is a good way school students involved for job shadowessay she wrote for a contest sponsored to tie in what students want to do.”

by National Kitchen and Bath. The topic Other booths consisted of recruit- ing opportunities and just to see what we I think it’s beneficial careerdo day-to-day at the office.” of the contest was career fairs and their ment officers from the armed forces,

Attending career fairs like the one impact. police officers, fast food restaurants wise for students. It helps offered at our school can be crucial when

Senior Kelly Vo has attended the fair such as Qdoba, and engineering by letting them know what deciding what to do in the future. Sure, her sophomore and senior year. firms. This was the first year for many activities we offer at Millard choosing to be a lawyer gives you the

“It’s good for students to get and see of the businesses, but because of all South and what businesses in the student interest, many plan to potential to make a six figure paycheck, available career paths if they take their but will going to school for seven or so opportunity seriously, but some students the Omaha area they can look return in a couple of years. years only to sit for over eight hours a day may not take it seriously and just use it as “We made good connections into. looking at paperwork be worth the while time to talk to their friends,” Vo said. with students and would love to be if you don’t like what you do? back,” Carolyn Becker, an engineer

Career fairs can also help for future at KPE Architecture, said. “As of now, –Senior Tristen Glynn

“

”

Biden takes the lead while Sanders slumps Jake Snelling News Editor After momentous victories in Michigan, Mississippi, and Missouri, Joe Biden is now comfortably the frontrunner in obtaining the democratic nomination for the presidency. Michigan was widely considered a make-or-break state for Bernie Sanders, who narrowly won it 49.68% to 48.26% against Hilary in 2016. This time around, the state was far less competitive, with Biden winning 52.9% to Sanders’ 36.4%.

Biden’s success has largely come out of, well, nowhere. Prior to winning the South Carolina primary, Biden’s campaign was considered a sinking ship while Sanders dominated the national spotlight in the media. Sanders broke multiple records on his way to the wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. He raised over $46 million in donations in February, the most of any candidate in a single month in the 2020 election cycle. He was also the first candidate from either party to win the popular vote in the first three states, a statistic that many considered conclusive evidence that Sanders was going to sweep the field.

But with the nomination process, nothing can be considered conclusive until the nominee is selected. After winning the first three states, Sanders lost by a significant margin in South Carolina.

This loss ended up as the turning point of the nomination process; on the brink of irrelevance, Biden’s campaign was revived.

He took this newfound momentum along with endorsements from former candidates Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar into Super Tuesday, winning ten out of fourteen states, and developing a sizeable lead in

delegates. Biden also managed to secure an unexpectedly large portion of California’s delegates, winning 159 to Sanders’ 209 thus far in the biggest prize of the primary.

After Biden’s decisive success in the most recent round of primaries, many political analysts and experts are calling the election in Biden’s favor. The next round of primaries on March 17 including Florida, Arizona, Illinois, and Ohio are all essentially guaranteed to swing Biden according to recent state-based polls. The former vice president now has a 36-point lead over Sanders in Florida according to a poll conducted by Florida Atlantic and a 29-point lead over Sanders in Illinois according to a poll from Ogden & Fry polling firm.

Biden’s string of victories has also considerably shot his odds against Trump up. He has an average lead of around 8.33% in national polls conducted since the beginning of March, in comparison to an average of around 5.42% in February’s polls. To be fair, Sanders has also consistently polled well against Trump, winning by an average of 5% in the general election in all polls conducted since the beginning of the 2020 election cycle.

We’ll have to wait until November to see if the Democratic party’s bet on the moderate candidate pays off. Polls have certainly failed in the past; Clinton had at one point held a double-digit lead in her contest against Trump in 2016 and we all know how that went. This time, however, voters will have 4 years of experience to weigh against a return to an Obama-era democratic presidency.

Nebraska bill to help college athletes financially Joey Kaipust

opportunities to make money as Staff Reporter

every other student on campus,” Hunt

said.

Across the country, many state

Senior Halle Meyer is committed governments have been debating on to play softball at Midland University, whether collegiate athletes should be and her thought on the subject allowed to get paid for their likeness. reflected those of Senator Hunt.

California was the first state to allow

“Student-athletes don’t have athletes to profit off their image, and time to work like normal students, so several other states have followed. it’s only fair they get the opportunity Recently, this debate has reached to make money,” Meyer said.

Nebraska’s Unicameral in the form of And as it turns out, Nebraska State Bill 962. senators think it’s only fair as well.

Senator “Only four Megan Hunt, Senators Student athletes don’t have who is one of voted time to work like normal the primary against the students, so it’s only fair they bill,” Hunt senators get the opportunity to make said. “The representing this bill, University money. explains the does not proposed oppose it –Senior Halle Meyer changes, and the “[College NCAA has Athletes] not made will be able to make money for their any statements against it,” Hunt said. name, image, and likeness rights.” If

The bill has no large obstacles this bill passes, a collegiate athlete can and has the support of 45 of the 49 profit off things like jerseys, shirts, and senators, meaning it has a very good other items with his or her name and chance of passing. likeness on it. As it currently stands, The bill won’t pass instantly, however. the revenue from this merchandise

“This bill is currently on Select only benefits the university.

File and will have to be voted on two

“Currently, most student-athletes more times to become law,” Hunt said. are living in poverty. Only two In the meantime, student-athletes can percent go pro, so most never have look forward to the opportunity of the opportunity to take advantage profiting off their time commitment. of their name, image, and likeness at

“People work really hard in a time when it is most profitable or college sports, and it’s good they even relevant,” Hunt said. could get some return for it,” said

Student-athletes put in a giant senior Savannah Schewe, who is amount of work for their sport, committed to play softball at College practicing often and travelling crossof Saint Mary. state to compete. This leaves them

“I definitely think it would help little time to work a conventional job. student athletes a lot,” Meyer said.

“Student-athletes deserve the same

“

”

News 3 • 13 • 2020

3

Coronavirus is in Omaha: Slow the spread Hailee Wakefield Staff Reporter

We have heard this same story before, just with different circumstances.

Starting in 1981 with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it affects the immune system if not treated, followed by the Swine flu, and then the Zika Virus found in mosquitos, generalized, of course.

Coronavirus, the illness, otherwise known as COVID-19. The virus itself, called SARS-CoV-2. The coronavirus, contrary to popular belief, is not caused by a popular adult alcoholic beverage. Coronavirus originates from Wuhan, China, and although there are relatively supported guesses, according to Johns Hopkins medicine, there are no real explanations.

Scientists are hypothesizing it was from a seafood market.

It was declared a public emergency on January 31, 2020 by the World Health Organization.

Symptoms of the Coronavirus include shortness of breath, cough, as well as fever, and in rare cases can lead to respiratory issues, kidney failure, or death.

“Therefore the symptoms are going to be cold symptoms, which will be 2-14 days after exposure.

Symptoms include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath and in no particular order. It can be mild to significant severity in symptoms. Symptoms may not become significant until days into the illness as well.

In short it can look very much like a common cold to influenza or worse.” Doctor Micah Ryan of Boys Town Pediatrics said.

This strain is so new that scientists around the globe are scrambling to try and create a vaccine or come up with ways to prevent further spread of the disease.

This is not the first time that the world has seen a SARS outbreak. It originated in Asia in 2003. A total of 8,098 people were infected, and of those people, 774 of them died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those who are most at risk are those who are exposed or have been exposed to Coronavirus, healthcare workers, friends or family of those who have visited

Wuhan recently, and travelers who are in areas affected by the virus.

When asked about what to do when or if you are showing symptoms of the virus, Dr. Ryan says,

“Stay home. Seperate yourself from other people.

Call your doctor’ s office before you go there. Wear a face mask only if you are sick. Basic sick etiquette applies: cover your cough and sneezes, wash your hands, do not share personal items, clean and disinfect your surroundings, and monitor your symptoms.”

There are updates every day on the virus and those who are affected by it. As of March 5, the mortality rate was at 3.4% according to the World Health Organization.

In an email sent to parents and staff on March 4, Superintendent Jim Sutfin explained that there already is and has been a policy in place for situations such as a Coronavirus outbreak within any Millard district schools.

“We are building a response model that is easily adaptable and can be quickly communicated. We are building three tiers of response; green, yellow and red.

Right now we remain at green. This means normal operating procedures,” Sutfin said in his email.

In the case of an outbreak, teachers are expected to prepare work for E-learning.

Recently, a woman who attended the Fremont Special Olympics state basketball game was diagnosed with the virus, the first in Nebraska.

In response, Fremont and Elkhorn schools have shut down and a handful of staff and students from Millard South have gone into a two week quarantine.

Since she was diagnosed there have been two more cases in Nebraska.

Millard Public Schools has worked very hard to keep its schools safe and clean. The cafeteria has implemented new serving styles in order to keep students healthy, and a deep clean took place on March 8.

As of March 13, there are a total of 11 cases in Nebraska.

All in all, just stay clean. “Wash hands frequently, especially before you eat or touch your face. Avoid people that are sick. Avoid heavy populated areas which increases your risk of exposure. Be as healthy as you can personally control: get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, take vitamins/eat healthy, don’t smoke or vape!” says Dr. Ryan.

UNO’S SIGNAT URE OPEN HOUSE E V EN T

JUNIOR BE A MAV DAY APRIL

Sophomores and juniors! Come get a firsthand look at campus and see why UNO is the right place to begin your college journey.

REGISTER ONLINE

[ BE aM AV.C OM/JR D AY ] THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, PREGNANCY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, RELIGION, DISABILITY, AGE, GENETIC INFORMATION, VETERAN STATUS, MARITAL STATUS, AND/OR POLITICAL AFFILIATION IN ITS PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, OR EMPLOYMENT. 0292ADUGA0320

4

Opinion 3 • 13 • 2020

My sad, Lack of youth voters is the real pandemic breadless life

Halle Benson Entertainment Editor

It is the same thing every Friday in my Pride Time. We all sit down in our seats, someone asks if anyone brought donuts, nobody brought donuts, everyone complains, and we all blame each other for not bringing donuts on Donut Fridays. Like many other Pride Times, if you want to eat donuts on Friday, then you have to bring donuts. I have never brought donuts and will never eat donuts on Fridays, because the fact of the matter is that I can’t eat them.

Let me start from the beginning, I am gluten free. This means I can’t eat wheat or many other types of grain. There is some grain I can eat, which is why I can still eat gluten free bread, it just isn’t made with wheat.

No, I do not have celiacs disease. When someone has celiac disease, the small intestine can’t digest gluten the same way everyone else can. Their body mounts an immune response to the gluten and attacks the small intestine, causing a lot of stomach pain.

I am only sensitive to gluten, but it still has a big impact on my body when I eat foods with gluten in them. In the last seven years of having to eat gluten free foods, I have accidentally eaten gluten twice and once on purpose. The only reason I ate gluten on purpose was the fact that I went to France and really wanted to eat a traditional French croissant.

Why would I eat a croissant from France and not a donut from America?

While eating a French croissant is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it is because the wheat from France is grown softer than American wheat. The wheat grown in America has added gluten and protein, making the wheat more attractive to potential buyers, while the wheat in Europe has less gluten and less protein, which is much more preferred when making pastries. So when I ate the croissant in France, it didn’t affect my stomach like it would’ve if I had a croissant in America.

Donut Fridays are not the only thing I have to worry about when it comes to eating gluten free; I actually have to watch out for many different things. When my friends want to go out to eat at some fast food place, their go-to places are either McDonalds or Culvers. The only thing I can eat at McDonalds is their ice cream, and the machine doesn’t even work half the time. While at Culvers, I can ask for a gluten free bun on my hamburger and eat their ice cream. Some other places that provide gluten free food are Noodles & Company, Qdoba, Red Robin, Papa Murphy's, and plenty of other places. You just have to know where to look.

So the next time you go out to eat with your friends or you bring donuts on Friday to class, ask if anybody has dietary restrictions. It is helpful to know what kind of food everyone can eat before automatically assuming everybody can eat the food at a restaurant or the food you brought to class.

In an ideological battle between the rising progressivism of the youth in Sanders and status quo Boomer mentality in Biden, Boomer mentality is coming up big. Joe Biden sputtered behind Sanders, Buttigieg, and Klobuchar in the first three primary contests, was on his last limb as a candidate, and now he’s comfortably the democratic front-runner.

Biden’s recent unexpected success hasn’t exactly come out of nowhere; he’s ridden a wave of moderate coalescence, with 10 former candidates now endorsing him along with 90+ members of congress. Biden has also consistently won the most critical votes thus far. He’s maintained full control of the African American democratic base by winning 80%-90% of the black base in every primary thus far, while also maintaining a strong majority of voters over 45. Sanders on the other hand has won the strong majority of the youth vote in every contest except for Mississippi, while also maintaining a strong Latinx base that propelled him to the win in California.

So what happened? Why is Bernie Sanders losing in dramatic fashion in places like Michigan and Minnesota, states where he won against Clinton in 2016?

Many major publications have rightfully cited the lack of youth participation at this point as his Achilles’ heel. Bernie hinged his campaign on a political revolution, which only comes with substantial youth voter turnout.

Although Millennials now outnumber the baby boomer population, who were formerly the largest generation in American history, they have failed to show up en masse to the primary polls.

The future largest generation of voters, Gen Z, have also failed to show up at the polls.

Jake Snelling News Editor

This makes sense when looking at past trends out of context. In every election turnout of young voters under age 30 tends to be significantly lower than older folks – except for 2018. In the 2018 midterm election, turnout of voters between 18-29 shot up from 20% to 36%, the largest increase of all voter age ranges. Voter turnout across the board was up a historic 11% to 53% in comparison to 2014’s midterm election, the highest in over 4 decades. For the first time, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z voters (aged 18-53) outnumbered their elders.

Going into the 2020 election cycle, many media organizations predicted this trend would continue and that voter turnout among younger voters would be record-breaking. Although we still certainly have an opportunity for that in the general election, it has failed to show in the primaries. Overall voter turnout has been higher in every primary/caucus except for Oklahoma, but the percentage of voters under 30 showing up has shrunk everywhere except for Iowa.

Even though this is a disappointing trend in the wrong direction, we can cite many age-old reasons as to why it is happening. Many young people of voting age are apathetic to the process, or struggle with the complexities of registration leading them to miss out.

Many are in a volatile position in their career or lives and are simply unable to dedicate the time to go out and vote, especially in areas where acts of voter suppression are plainly obvious. For example, the Texas Democratic Party closed over 300 polling locations in the year prior to 2020’s Super Tuesday election, with most residing in the neighborhoods home to poorer black and brown voters. This resulted in extremely long wait times in major cities, with a voter waiting at Texas Southern University for a whole 7 hours to vote, finally casting his ballot at 1:30 a.m.

There is a consistent pattern of voting issues for young people, but that doesn’t mean there can never be solutions. An emphasis in our schools on political participation could help younger voters feel more invested in the process, and less like our participation is meaningless. Perhaps the U.S., a country that constantly struggles with turnout, could try making election days federal holidays, or forcing turnout via compulsory voting.

Whatever it is, we need to at least try something. With our constantly growing electoral bloc, young voters could easily sway more politicians outside of Bernie Sanders to frame their policies around their values. We have yet to see action on climate change, or police violence, or income inequality, because our political leaders have yet to see our concern demonstrated via our ballots rather than our tweets.

Adopt, don't shop Breeder pets are often abused, neglected so consider adopting rescue animals instead

Edith Hickman Features Editor

For a short time, I knew a dog named Mitzy. She was a tiny, cream-colored ball of hair and nerves. My neighbors adopted her from a shelter after their previous dog had passed away. That dog was wellbehaved, trained, and was loyal towards the family. Mitzy, though, was more of a challenge.

When I first met Mitzy, she wanted nothing to do with me. With all her 15 pounds of strength, she barked and growled in a panic upon seeing me. She ran around the house, whining, searching for the optimal place to hide. I’d seen nervous dogs before, but nothing quite compared to fear this dog displayed in her own home. After spending an entire evening trying to coax Mitzy into calming down, I had just barely begun to stroke her head.

Our progress was so minimal, though, that despite all my soothing gestures, she once again became nervous to the point of retreating into a corner and barking.

“She used to be a puppymill mom,” is the explanation my neighbor gave me. “She didn’t

even know what grass was when she came here.” It was a simple answer, but it was all they knew about her history.

Mitzy’s case isn’t abnormal nor uncommon. This is the truth behind these puppy-mills and dog breeders. The dogs they raise spend their lives in cages, reproducing until they can’t anymore. “Defective” puppies, ones with cleft palates or other such conditions that make them “unsellable,” are killed or given away. The few breeder moms that are liberated or sold after their usefulness wanes, such as in Mitzy’s case, are left with severe trauma.

These breeder dogs aren’t the only victims, though. With all the homes being taken up by pure-bred puppies, the millions of struggling shelter dogs across the U.S. lose their chance at a home. Why do we continue to allow breeders to put dogs out into the world when there are so many already waiting to be adopted? This is what lies behind the “Adopt, don’t shop” mentality and the knowledge that every dog that is “shopped” comes from a place of abuse and neglect.

The next time I went back to my neighbor's house, Mitzy was gone. Her temperament as a result of the breeding lifestyle was too much for my neighbors, with their young children, to handle.

Corrine is an 11-month-old tabby and domestic medium hair mix. She is housetrained, up-to-date on vaccinations, and spayed/neutered. She is currently adoptable. Photo courtesy of the Feline Friendz website at http://www.felinefriendz.org/ adoption

5

Opinion 3 • 13 • 2020

Staff Editorial: Take Corona seriously already

Nebraska recently confirmed its first case of the world’s newest pandemic, COVID-19. Up until this point, most people were simply monitoring the disease’s progress across the globe. However, with 10 cases confirmed in Nebraska less than a week after news hit of the presence of coronavirus here, it is time to begin taking this whole situation seriously.

Students may believe that they are going to be fine if they get coronavirus, and they might be correct. But an infected person can unknowingly spread the virus to other people who may not be as healthy as most high schoolers are.

Almost every

student knows someone who is elderly or has a compromised immune system, and if these groups come into contact with someone who is infected, it could be potentially deadly, if not, life-altering.

With this in mind, it is essential that coronavirus is taken seriously as a horrible new contagion. Jokes about “corona” may be a good way to distract from the reality of this disease, but COVID-19 is not a joke, especially now that it has come to Omaha in a form other than evacuees.

It is important now more

than ever to do what health officials are telling us to do. Wash your hands frequently and well, making sure that you scrub your hands for 20 seconds rather than quickly running them under the water. If you don’t know what 20 seconds feels like and you don’t want to count, google “songs with a 20-second chorus.”

Chances are you’ll find something to bop along to while you wash your hands.

If you can’t wash your hands every time you touch something, any hand sanitizer with over 60 percent alcohol will work, too. Or you can make your own, using two parts isopropyl alcohol of at least 90 percent and one part aloe vera gel. The parts can be any amount, as long as it is still a two-to-one ratio.

As for everything else, try your hardest not to touch your face. Don’t go to events where there are huge numbers of people. If you think you’ve been exposed, stay home. Monitor your symptoms. You might think that you can go out and do all the things you want, but know that nobody wants to get the coronavirus because you didn’t take this disease seriously.

Art by Sean Burton

Actions have consequences; don't drink and drive

I had a best friend. His name was George Gervase. We were inseparable. He understood me in ways no one else ever had. When we were together, nothing mattered. We shared a sense of untouchable invincibility. We’d go on long drives and listen to music together late at night. We used to go to this spot on the Elkhorn River. Tucked away in the forest, we’d sit and talk for hours upon hours about life and its meaning. As more time went by, George and I continued to grow closer and closer together. We spent long nights making bad decisions and being the reckless teenagers our parents hoped that we wouldn’t be. Eventually, my parents realized I had gone down the wrong path and decided I needed to stay home for awhile. The following weekend, George died. He was drunk driving.

One night, similar to many nights we’d partaken in, bad choices were made, one of those being to drive home. George drove off the road, he hit a fence, a telephone pole, and a tree before finding his final resting

place in a ditch on the side of the road.

I’ll never forget the look on his mother’s face at his funeral–the acceptance that her baby was never coming home. His sisters’ eyes were filled with tears. His friends were huddled in a circle, their tears forming a small puddle on the ground. We were in denial. There’s no way we could have lost him. He was just here, but nevertheless was gone.

I can’t even begin to express the effect George’s death has had on my life. I changed schools, my lifestyle, and the way I view the world. People told me not to blame myself, but the guilt pretty much consumed me. It consumed everyone. Those first few weeks felt like a movie. The world kept turning, yet everyone felt still. Walking through the halls at school, I’d see the spot where we ate lunch together and the water fountain where we’d meet everyday at precisely 10:45 during third period. I was so overcome with guilt and sadness that I holed up in my room. I distanced myself from my family and

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 computers, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Google word processing 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.

my friends. I didn’t want to live in a world where kids are taken from their mothers without reason, but as times passed I’ve realized there was a reason. George’s actions had consequences. Yours will too.

This is just one story and sadly there are hundreds more. We’ve lost a lot of kids these past few years at the hands of drunk driving. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, there were 63 alcohol-related fatal crashes in 2017. Let’s make it stop. How many kids have to suffer before we wake up? We aren’t invincible, people! Things need to change. We need to do better. George was lucky he didn’t kill anyone else. Don’t do this to your friends and your family. Every time you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you are accepting the fact that you may not only kill yourself, but also the family who happens to be in front of you. We need to do better. Reach out to your friends for a ride, call an Uber, find a way. There is always a way to avoid drunk driving. Don’t become a statistic.

Editor-in-Chief Isabel Robb News Editor Jake Snelling Features Editor Edith Hickman Sports Editor Dillon Pelster Asst. Sports Editor Joey Kirkle

Sydney Roberts Advertising Manager

Social Media Editor Hailee Wakefield

Staff Secretary Lindzey James

Cartoonists Keeley King Sean Burton

Staff Reporters Joey Kaipust Santiago Lara Maddy Leland Cameron Merritt Hailee Wakefield

Chief Graphic Designer Joscelyn Hynes Photo Chief Josh Ferdico

Opinions Editor Carson O’Connor

Copy Editors Sydney Mejia Sydney McDermott

Entertainment Editor Halle Benson

Distribution Manager Paige Winchester

Asst. Entertainment Editor Natalie Fedde

Advertising Manager Sydney Roberts

Recruitment Lindzey James Hailee Wakefield Social Event Coordinators Chelsea Molina Brianna Strudthoff Adviser Christine Kaldahl

6

Features 3 • 13 • 2020

Camdon Phillips performs his way to the top Paige Winchester Distribution Manager

Being awarded Best Male Performer two show choir contests in a row, senior Camdon Phillips has an obvious passion for participating and performing in Millard South’s show choir team.

“Show choir came into my life at a really rough point,” Phillips said. “It gave me something to do, a way to get out of the house, friends, and confidence. I wouldn’t be the same without it.”

Phillips is continuing show choir after his high school years by auditioning for the UNL show choir program while majoring in elementary education. Even though he is going into the education industry, Phillips is planning on continuing show choir for as long as he can.

“I had some friends who did show choir and it took a lot of convincing, but I had always thought show choir would be an interesting concept, and when I found out it was real I had to try it, and I’m glad I did,” Phillips said.

As the years of show choir went on, Phillips was awarded Best Male Performer two performances in a row. It is awarded for an outstanding performance within the group and any solos that are featured during the performance.

“I’m super proud of Camdon,” show choir director Amy Wesley said. “Even though he may not think these awards are a big deal, the whole show choir team and I are happy for him.”

According to Wesely and his other show choir teammates, Camdon has come a long way Senior Camdon Phillips performs in the final show ing of this year's South On Stage show, Hide and throughout the years when it comes to vocal Seek. Photo courtesy of Penny Sander

“

As the season ends I start to get emotional because show choir has been my life these past years.

”

– senior Camden Phillips ranges, social skills, and his own confidence as a whole.

“Camdon is a great part of the team, he comes to rehearsals prepared and ready to go, he always has a positive attitude,” sophomore Braydon Bode said. “He’s so much fun to be around and it’s sad to see him graduate this year, but he has definitely left a mark during his years here.”

Phillips has grown a lot throughout the years and is ready to end his show choir career as a high schooler with a bang. Phillips is ready to give it his all during his last performance during the month of February at his last competition and maybe receive one last reward before he goes.

“I love performing,” Phillips said. “It’s so exhilarating and it’s a rush. Nothing compares to the feeling,” he said.

According to Phillips, he loves being on stage just to show the people in the audience all of the hard work that has gone into the performances through the months.

And when he is on stage he gets a rush of adrenaline and it really gives him a spark when being in front of all those people which can be nerve racking from time to time.

“As the season ends, I start to get emotional because show choir has been my life these past years, and everyone who is part of show choir now is my family and it's sad to go,” Phillips said. “But I am ready to move onto bigger and grander things. I can’t wait to see what the future will hold for me.”

Show choir makes history in last competition of the season Natalie Fedde Staff Reporter

Millard South show choirs South On Stage and Stage One just finished an amazing season, making history at their last competition. Women's group Stage One also made Millard South show choir history by placing first in their division and qualifying for finals. Varsity group South On Stage also performed well, placing second in finals, matching their placement from the past two year’s final competitions.

Throughout the 2020 show choir season, SOS and Stage One attended five competitions including Ralston, Millard West, Omaha Westside, Elkhorn South, and Omaha North. The groups have performed consistently well. At their first competition of the season, SOS placed fourth out of twelve mixed groups and Stage One placed fifth out of ten groups.

MSHS show choir was accomplished elsewhere this season also, winning best male performer at their first two competitions. Senior Camdon Phillips was awarded this title at both Ralston and Millard West.

Aside from attending competitions, Millard South show choir performed at other events. They organized a performance event for middle school show choirs and performed in exhibition as well as hosting two performances in the Millard South auditorium for all to see.

South on Stage’s show this year was titled Hide and Seek following a storyline about coming out of hiding and finding yourself. Stage One’s show was called A Story Of My Own. It explored the story of the individual and following one’s own path.

SOS was made up of 57 freshman through senior males and females and was directed by Katelyn Hinderer. Their show included five numbers with choreography by Kevin Chase. Stage One had 54 freshman through senior females and was directed

by Nathan Wallace. Their show also had five numbers and was choreographed by Braxton Carr and Stephani Hyatt.

Both Hinderer and Wallace were new to the groups they directed this year. Hinderer directed Stage One last year, but stepped up to take Amy Wesely’s place as director of South on Stage. Wallace was completely new to Millard South. Hinderer will be leaving next year, but Wallace will be sticking around for hopefully another record-breaking season.

Music commons is not your trash can Natalie Fedde Asst. Entertainment Editor “Is that a prop or is that a dead mouse?” asked student teacher Casey Allen during a tour of the fine arts department on her first day at Millard South. It was, in fact, a dead mouse. While Allen loves working at Millard South, this wasn’t exactly the best first impression of the school and our fine arts facilities.

This is not the first time rodents have been found in the fine arts department at Millard South. Bugs and rodents are left out in the cold in the winter, causing them to venture inside. And where do they go?

Right to the food.

Choir teacher Jason Stevens said this happens because, “students do not follow the rules.”

It is well known among fine arts students that no food or drink other than water is allowed in any fine arts area. However, these rules are often ignored.

“I have definitely eaten in the music commons much more than I probably should be admitting,” says sophomore

Turner Wittstruck.

“Many of the students eat dinner in the music commons,” Stevens said

“People go into the practice rooms and leave their trash there,” drama teacher Robyn Baker said.

It may seem like there is a simple solution here. Just stop eating in the fine arts department. However the cause of this trash problem isn’t just student carelessness.

Baker said she believes this problem occurs because, “fine arts people are scheduled back to back activities, so if they are going to eat, they have to do it in between activities.”

“Between drama and show choir, I don’t have much time, so I get food and munch as quick as I can. Predominantly fast food,” Wittstruck said.

Stevens said he understands the scheduling problem. “We want [fine arts students] to have food before rehearsals, but we want them to clean up after themselves.”

“I have had to vacuum up ants in the girls dressing room during tech week because someone left food out,” senior Madi

Wesch said.

Bugs and rodents aren’t the only problems caused by messy students.

“Sometimes liquid gets spilled on equipment, and equipment needs to get repaired as well as [causing] stains in the carpet,” Stevens said.

Stevens said that he often finds crumbs, wrappers, and takeout containers underneath or even inside the pianos. This can cause equipment to not function as well.

“There hasn’t been a day I’ve been around the department and not seen trash,” Wesch said.

These avoidable mishaps cause damage that is time consuming and expensive to fix.

Our custodians are stretched thin,”

I love music students.

So generous.

Art by Keely King

Baker said. “It took 30 years to renovate our fine arts area. Millard South overall has great facilities.”

The main goal, Stevens said, is for students to enjoy the space.

“We want to have a space that is welcoming and students are proud of," Stevens said. "We also want a space where equipment works. We want a space that is not attracting rodents and bugs, and we want to teach kids how to clean up after themselves."

Features 3 • 13 • 2020

7

Majorettes bring home the gold Sydney McDermott Copy Editor

“I joined the Majorettes because I wanted to be a part of something in high school,” junior Lindsey Scholz said.

She definitely accomplished her goal as this year on April 8-12, she and other members of the Stepper-ettes are going to a worldwide competition in Holland.

She is going with other members of her senior pom group such as senior Kayla Klinkacek, sophomore Damiana Curtis, and freshman Allison Kilzer to Worlds for their Batman vs. Joker pom routine.

The Worlds competition is held in Eindhoven, Holland, and many different teams and individuals from all around the world come to compete in pom and dance twirl. It's held every two to three years, and the last competition was in Norway during 2018.

“The last time our studio was in Worlds was Italy 2015, which I was not a part of, but I remember watching early in the morning from home and I was so excited when they won and hoped one day I would get to compete at Worlds,” Klinkacek said.

There are many different levels of competition such as state and finals, but none of them have a requirement to move on to the next level, except for the Worlds competition.

“We go to the state competition The majorettes perform at the spring pep rally. The group is scheduled to travel to Holland in April. Photo by Josh Ferdico to get the experience of performing in front of a crowd and the feedback of judges,” Scholz said. “But Worlds is the only one with a requirement that you there's nothing quite like our routine.” coming competition.

“The team is mostly a democracy; we have to get first place in finals if you're in Everyone practices the routine Wednes “Competitions are nerve-wracking all put in our ideas and then Grace and I a group event and third place or better day evenings at the studio for a few because you only have one chance will make the final decision. But being a in individuals, which we did.” hours and even sometimes on the week- to do the best you can,” Scholz said. co-captain pushes me to want to do my

The routine the Stepper-ettes are ends for longer. Klinkacek says she tries “The judges watch for even the smallbest for my team, as when I'm by myself performing this year is Batman vs Joker, to run through the whole routine four est of mistakes. And the worst part is I don't try as hard because no one is where half of the Stepper-ettes perform times at home every day by herself to sometimes the music won't work or will depending on me.” as Batman and the other half perform make sure she is ready for competition. stop mid-performance, and you either

Scholz says she enjoys performas Joker. The routine contains a fight

“Baton requires a lot of practice, continue the routine or you have to start ing at competitions and practicing the between the comic hero and villain and which is mostly just repetition to get over comroutine to ensure is part of the pom section. muscle memory,” Scholz said. “That way pletely. I hope her and her whole

“Our Batman vs Joker pom routine if we get nervous before a performance, that doesn’t group is smooth is a high energy routine packed with all we can let memory take over and we can happen to us and synchronized Baton is my second family; they different parts like waves, lifts, hip hop, perform exactly as we had practiced.” this year.” to get the winning are people you can always go to medal. and a slow-motion part,” Klinkacek said.

While both Klinkacek and Scholz

Scholz is “Every time we get to run through it, have been practicing as much as they a part of both whether it is to solve a problem or “I like the it feels like we have just run a mile but can, they still have jitters about the upthe Stepperchallenge of pushjust someone to talk to. ettes and the ing myself in a Majorettes routine to do the team here at best I can before – senior Kayla Klinkacek Millard South. competing,” Scholz Scholz explains said. “I feel like the Stepperbeing a part of a ettes as more team is less stresscompetition-based and the Majorettes ful because it is a better feeling to have are more performance-based for sports other people around me when performgames and halftime shows. ing. It takes the pressure off of being the

Scholz is a co-captain with junior center of attention.”

Grace Lankton this year for the Major Klinkacek said she also really enjoys ettes, and Scholz says she really enjoys being part of this team and feels like being someone the girls can look up to, everyone has become family to her after but it comes with a lot of responsibility all these years practicing and performing and a lot of pressure. together.

“Being co-captain is a little unnerv “Baton is my second family; they are ing because there is a lot of responsibilpeople you can always go to whether ity that comes with the title,” Scholz said. it be to solve a problem or just someone to talk to,” Klinkacek said. “I am so glad that I get to twirl and dance with my 60 best friends, sisters, and our one brother. I don't know how some people go through life without twirling. I am just excited to be doing what I love with the people that I love. I hope to bring home the gold for the United States.”

“

”

Freshman Dakota Menkel performs with the majorettes.

Photo by Josh Ferdico

s-

8

Entertainment 3 • 13 • 2020

Pixar moves ‘Onward’ in new film Brianna Strudthoff Staff Reporter

If you’re looking for a mindless film with a great storyline and characters this is the perfect option.

One of Disney’s best movies in awhile. The movie is about two siblings who come into possession of a magic staff and a spell to bring their father back.

Their quest is filled with ups and downs, lies, and crazy people that burn down their own restaurants.

Throughout the movie we see a lot of character development. As the siblings go on this quest to bring the rest of their father back they face many challenges and doubt each other often. Like siblings often argue over every option; which path to take, how to cross a canyon, how to deal with pixies, and more.

Onward gives us great character diversity with having almost polar opposite siblings. The older brother Barley, played by Chris Pratt, shows us a young-hearted, dreamer who doesn’t have a clue about the world; while the younger brother

Ian, played by Tom Holland, gives us a socially awkward, intelligent kid.

The relationships between brothers; mother and son; and son and step father really evolve over the film.

Onward is one of Disney’s most developmental movies in awhile. They even have an officer that is of the LGBTQ+ community.

This movie is a mix between Zootopia and Frozen; adventure and siblings. If you have siblings this movie may pull on your heart strings.

Only children may not appreciate this film as much. And although it’s a ‘childrens’ movie, the relationships in this movie is way above a children’s film.

I feel like this film reflected a lot on our world today. They opened the story with how the world used to be then continued to show how everyone is watching tv, getting lazier, and losing their heritage. The film will make you think about our world and then continue to make you want to go on an adventure.

‘Parasite’ worms its way into my heart Chelsea Molina Staff Reporter

Wow. If you have never seen a foreign film, or just hate reading subtitles, this movie will definitely change your mind.

Taking home four Oscars, making Oscar history, Bong Joon-ho is a creative mastermind. The trailers for the movie gave me a Tarantino-ish type of vibe. If you’re not familiar with this, it most likely means the trailer left you confused and not really sure what the movie was going to be about.

This is exactly what I liked about it. The trailer gave snip bits of the movie, but not enough to figure out what the plot was. At first I thought it was about some crazy family that became rich, but boy was I wrong. The actual movie was just as emotionally confusing. So much so that I saw it twice, and possibly will see it a third time.

The family is a bunch of con artists who trick this gullible rich family to hire their family for positions they are barely qualified for. Little do they know the old housekeeper has some underlying secrets that can blow the families entire cover. Once discovered, the movie twists and turns in ways you wouldn’t expect. There’s humor, tragedy, murder, serendipity, and so, so much more. Parasite is a movie worth every penny. Save yourself a couple of hours this spring break and go. Watch. It.

Lip syncing our way to school spirit

Junior Kinser Lundt takes the lead singing “We are Family” for the Student Council- sponsored lip dub March 5. Photo by Santiago Lara

Santiago Lara Staff Reporter We Are Family. A simple phrase that everyone knows and understands, not to mention the song title to a very catchy song that was chosen to be used in this year’s Lip Dub.

“We chose this song because it is both meaningful and easy to learn/lip sync,” sophomore Sophia Nkwocha said. “It is uniting; It shows that we [students of Millard South High School] are all one big family in the end,” says freshman Vincent Rotolo.

The event was organized by the Patriot Pride committee of Student Council. A lip dub is simply mouthing the words to a song, however encompassing all of the clubs and activities that attend into one unifying video.

The first lip dub made at Mil-

lard South was in 2012. Students mouthed the words to the popular ‘80s song Right Now by Van Halen.

It showcased almost every club that MSHS hosted at the time, starting from the front doors, through the auditorium, snaking backstage, passing through the music commons, then through a labyrinth of hallways, advancing through the library then ending near the gymnasium; all done in one ably performed take.

This year’s Lip Dub was recorded on March 5. Students who came followed a similar route to the original. However, turnout wasn’t as big as StuCo had hoped for. However, attendance was nothing to scoff at.

Cheerleading, baseball, drama, and several other clubs showed up as well to participate, but it was fewer than what they wanted to portray.

“It was pretty cool but it is

sparsely populated. It would have been nice if we had information before. I wasn’t sure if any teachers would show up or what clubs were going to show up,” said freshman and Lip Dub participant James Thomson, representing Forensics.

“We sent an email to every club sponsor,” senior StuCo President Kali Herbolsheimer said. “I personally thought that more people would come, but I think that because of the virus, they avoided going to school more than they have to. I feel like It went really well for what we had.”

The event was supposed to be two hours and 30 minutes, but the excellent cooperation of those involved cut it down to merely an hour, and it only took one take, excluding the practice run. Energy was high, and everyone seemed genuinely happy to be participating in a video that will hopefully inspire next year’s freshmen.

“We wanted to convey Patriot pride and show that we cared about our school,” senior Fox Nerville said. “Not to mention showing off the clubs we have to the future freshman.”

“I think it is really important especially for middle schools so that they can build confidence and help them transition from middle school to high school, because that can be a really stressful time,” senior Kaleb Worden said.

And while this video is mostly meant to motivate and excite next year’s freshmen, it will likely be available to view within the next month after it is edited.

Revisiting ‘Clone Wars’ for the first time Joey Kaipust puts right back on the gas with “The Staff Reporter

Mandalore Plot”, a three part story

Phineas and Ferb. Spongebob. further developing Obi-Wan KenoSimply the names of our favorite bi’s character and creating some cartoons from our childhood can heavy suspense. While Season One evoke memories of simpler days. definitely had a weak back stretch, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is one then I don’t even know what to say of these memorable childhood about Season Two’s later episodes, cartoons for many. Keyword being they are just rather boring. many. I must admit, I never watched Season Three takes a break Clone Wars as a kid. When the new from the chronological march of final season for the show was anthe first two seasons, instead opting nounced after being off air since to spend its first half telling stories 2014, that was the final straw. I interspaced between stories from was going to relive the childhood I earlier episodes, like “Clone Cadets”, never had. And then I watched the which acts as a prequel to Season show. All five seasons. Even the “lost One’s “Rookies”. Some solid standepisodes” sixth season. And after all alone episodes make for an enjoyof this, I have one conclusion. The able middle of the season, and then show is good. Like really good. Let’s comes two of the greatest arcs of get into it. the series back to back. First of these

Clone Wars is an episodic series is the “Overlords” three parter which focused on a war pitting the Jedi tells the story of Obi-Wan, Anakin, and their clone soldiers versus the and Ashoka, three of the show’s cenevil sith and their droid army. The tral characters, stranded on a mystifirst season starts off extremely cal planet, and viewers are treated strong with “Ambush”. This episode to a mysterious and intense plot. somehow manages to set up all the Just as these fascinating episodes recurring themes of the show in a end, we almost immediately jump perfect half hour, and gives a good into “The Citadel”, another three idea of what to expect. The rest of parter. This arc details a rescue misSeason One is a mixed bag, with sion into a high security prison, with some really entertaining episodes, some great action scenes and heavy but also a few boring ones. suspense. Despite the mediocre

While Season One was solid, finale that follows, this season finally Season Two is really where this show manages to have a strong ending, hits its stride. Here is where the with some of the best stories in the show’s creators really get comfortwhole series. able with writing complex plots,

Season Four makes a good and trusting the intelligence of first impression with some solid their younger audience. Season episodes at it’s beginning, like the Two gets a weak start with the amazing four-episode “Darkness on admittedly mediocre “Holocron Umbara” arc. After a few standalone Heist’’ three parter, but almost imepisodes, Season Four comes back mediately bounces back with the with the “Deception” four parter, action-packed “Landing at Point which features Obi-Wan faking his Rain”. These are just the warm up death to infiltrate a terrorist plot on though for “Grievous Intrigue” and the Chancellor’s life, and some of its amazing follow-up “The Desertthe greatest character development er”. “The Deserter” is a near perfect in the whole series. And perhaps story which could definitely make a as the cherry on top, in the finale claim for best episode in the series. of Season Four we see the return After a rare filler episode, the show of beloved villain Darth Maul from

the first Star Wars movie. Initially I was skeptical about the seemingly random return of Maul, but my skepticism was blown away by his excellent characterization in Season Five.

Season Five changes up the usual formula, opting to have 5 four-episode arcs and only one standalone episode. The main ones that stand out are the last three.

The third story “Secret Weapons” is really bad. If there is one thing I hate about Clone Wars, it is definitely these four episodes. As an apology for this, Clone Wars answers with “Eminence”. This arc is raw perfection. Honestly, I would rather watch this than some of the movies. Maul is at his very best here, with a complex scheme and delightfully evil intentions. With one of the best Star Wars stories period behind them, they could have picked any story to tell for the final episode. And of all the grand stories they could have told, they instead opted to go with a simple, yet emotional arc. “The Wrong Jedi” is absolutely amazing, focusing on main character Ashoka as she is framed for crimes she didn’t commit. I couldn’t imagine the final episode of this great show being any other way.

Watching all of Clone Wars was a sort of journey for me. My goal was to relive the childhood I never had, and somehow I succeeded.

While watching this show I didn’t feel like a high school student. I felt like a small boy again, sitting back on the couch Saturday morning and drinking a juice box. The sad truth is that I’m not a little kid anymore, but that aside Clone Wars still managed to entertain me for countless hours with its fun stories and sci-fi action.

I highly recommend anyone with an interest stuck up by the new season go back and watch some of the older episodes, which are all available on Disney+.

9

Entertainment/Features 3 • 13 • 2020

I am very okay with this show Halle Benson Entertainment Editor

One might think this is just another show about a teenage girl with supernatural powers and bloody noses, and that is where you are wrong. At the end of February, Netflix dropped a new show called I Am Not Okay With This. A show adapted from a graphic novel written by Charles Forsman and created for television by the producers of Stranger Things and director from The End of the F-ing World.

There will be spoilers in this review, so you have been warned.

The main plot of the show is about Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis) and her realization of having supernatural powers.

The first time she actually uses her powers, she is giving her best friend’s boyfriend a bloody nose. Already, Sydney is giving me major Eleven vibes. They both have weird powers and either come with a bloody nose or give people bloody noses. But I kept watching, because I had hoped this show wouldn’t turn into

another Stranger Things type of story.

Throughout the show, you begin to realize that Sydney has a major crush on her best friend, Dina (Sofia Bryant).

It is hard for Sydney to come to terms with this new crush, since Dina is dating Bradley Lewis (Richard Ellis), and her neighbor Stanley Barber (Wyatt Oleff ) has a crush on Sydney. By the end of the season, both girls have come to terms that they like each other as more than friends. While I really liked Sydney and Stanley’s relationship in the series, I love the fact that Sydney and Dina are in love with each other, because to be honest, we need more shows with LGBTQ+ representation.

In comparison to many other Netflix shows, this is a show with only seven episodes and each one is around twenty to thirty minutes long. I would have liked there to be more episodes, or even longer ones, but I am happy with all of the stuff they jam packed into each episode. Especially in the last episode of the season. It was full of cute moments, lots of blood, and it ends with Sydney finally

facing the shadowy figure that has been following her throughout the season.

One of the biggest things I noticed about this show is how it was filmed.

Just like The End of the F-ing World, the main characters have their inner thoughts being said out loud as the scene goes on. It is a very interesting way to tell a story like this, because most of the time, you see this type of entertainment in books. When reading books, you are able to read the dialogue between characters and how they actually feel about the situation happening to them. In movies and shows, you usually only see the characters talking with each other, there isn’t normally a voice over of what they are thinking inside their head.

I thought that the way they filmed it for this type of show was a smart choice.

If it wasn’t for the inner thoughts from

Sydney’s head, we would only see the angry side of her and her relationship with Stan. We would have missed out on so many things if the show was filmed in a different way.

All I have to say is that this show is mind blowing, literally.

District concern for mental wellness brings therapy to schools Maddy Leland Staff Reporter

“With more shootings and violence within schools, the administration is working towards implementing therapy services so students can work through their “There’s definitely a struggles,” Kniefl stigma...Most times students said. won’t want to be recognized as

In partnerthe one who goes to therapy,” ship with Child Millard South social worker, Respite Care Center Mindy Kniefl said.

(CRCC), Millard

When asked about comSouth students bating mental health in high and their families schools, Kniefl described the have been provided challenges students face as access to mental a result of issues brought by health counselor, mental illnesses. Stigma toRasha Ramakrishwards mental health problems nan. Ramakrishnan – MSHS Social Worker Mindy Kneipfel has put illnesses in a negative has a Bachelor’s in light for many. Students may Psychology and a find themselves embarrassed Masters in Commuor ashamed, therefore avoiding seeking help with their nity Counseling and has been working in this field since problems.

2011.

Schools are looking for ways to help students

Ramakrishnan serves as Millard South’s resource for positively navigate trauma and stress in and out of the the Integrated School-Based Student Wellness Service. classroom.

According to the CRCC site, “The [service] was started in

. . . the administration is work“ing towards implementing therapy services so students can work through their struggles.

”

Your New Years resolutions are still achievable in March Lindzey James Staff Secretary

Two months down and ten left to go of 2020. Many goals were set, and about half the goals were lost. Where did the motivation go?

“The motivation is lost when they don’t plan it out enough,” junior Abbey Lovings said. “If you make a goal without a plan then there is nothing there to keep you accountable.”

Even though the motivation was lost by some people, it is believed by students that motivation can always come back after it is lost.

“Getting motivation is all a mental thing and can always be reinstated,” senior Ryan Carey said.

The real question is, can everybody get back on board? Is that possible? Or will everybody lose motivation once again?

“You can always restart a goal if you haven’t reached it, but now you can adjust it

since you know what doesn’t work,” Lovings said.

By keeping a positive mindset about goal setting and committing to your goal, a person can accomplish anything through the right mentality.

A recent poll that was given out on Instagram from @commonsensenp showed that about half of everyone who made a goal has lost the motivation to keep up with their 2020 resolutions. Whether it was eating healthier, studying more, or going to the gym weekly; lots of people are struggling to keep up with it. Here are some helpful tips to keep your 2020 resolution or to get back on track if you fell off!

Find a partner! Everything is more fun with a partner and if you are doing something with somebody then you are more likely to keep it up and you can check in on each other.

Don’t make something unrealistic up! Don’t fake it

and pretend like you can do something crazy ridiculous if you are just starting. For example, if you don’t study at all in a week right now but you want to get better, make a goal for studying 1-2 hours and not a goal for studying 7 hours a week, because more than likely you won’t actually do it.

Spend your own money!

If it’s something that costs money, like going to the gym, then buy your own membership instead of having your parents buy it. You will be more likely to go if you know it’s coming out of your paycheck rather than if it’s from your parents’ money.

With a little extra push, anybody can accomplish their goals no matter what they are. Take the time to plan goals out and then keep with them, and know that if you ever fall off the path you can always get back on it later. As Geoffrey Chaucer said back in 1386, “Better late than never”.

response to discussions with Millard public high school principals and administrators regarding the mental health and social/emotional needs of students and families.”

Although mostly dealing with cases of depression or anxiety, Ramakrishnan also supports cases dealing with problems at home with family members.

“Students have always been available to talk with their counselors about problems dealing with school work or just a stressful day,” Ramakrishnan said. “But we deal with more recurring issues outside of the school.”

Family therapy and individual one-on-one sessions are available through contact with Kniefl. Students can access these services by visiting the counselors office, emailing Kniefl, or by a referral from a counselor or teacher.

Together, Millard Public Schools and CRCC hope to reduce stigma towards mental health challenges and increase the conversation within schools. Services of this kind are readily available to improve the lives of our students and their families. If you or anyone you know is experiencing challenges, speak up about it and seek out support from the community or a trusted adult.

Patriot Pets

Art by Sean Burton

Lily is a 9 month Corgi who loves being outside and belongs to Naila Okai

Teddy is a 2 year old Shih-tzu who loves barking at squirrels and belongs to Kaleb Winchester

by Paige Winchester.

Want to see your pet here?

Email pwinchester180@millardps.org

10

Sports 3 • 13 • 2020

Junior Conor Knopick wrestles Jakason Burks in the 132 pound weight class for the championship. Burks is a 2-time state champion committed to Oklahoma State. Knopick won in overtime. Coach Nate Olson calls this match “one of the best matches in the last 15 years of the state tournament.” Photo by Josh Ferdico Wrestling by Grace Hansen continued from page 1

The last match of the day was sophomore Tyler Antoniak. Coming off of winning a gold World Championship medal and an undefeated season Antoniak said, “It’s very exciting coming from such a good off season and coming up short of my goal last year as a state champ and then to come back this year as a undefeated state champ. There’s no better feeling.”

The Patriots ended the tournament with 213 team points, 70 points over 2nd placed Lincoln East.

145 pound Antrell Taylor wrestles in the championshp match against Alex Irizarry from Papio South. Taylor won his first state championship. He was runner-up last year.

Sophomore and 138 pound weight class Tyler Antoniak wrestles Tobin Wingender from Omaha Bryan. Antoniak won this match with a pin and went on to win his final match and end his season undefeated.

Freshman 120 pound weight class Joel Adams wrestles Caleb Durr from Lincoln Southeast. Adams finished his first state tournament in 4th place.

Photos by Josh Ferdico

Sports 3 • 13 • 2020

11

NBA suspends season indefinitely Joey Kirkle Sports Editor

After lots of consideration, the NBA has decided to suspend the 2019-2020 season indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. It was a move that shocked many, as the league had never been suspended before. It currently isn’t known how long the suspension will last, but the NBA will likely take their time trying to find the best solution.

It was known that the NBA was planning to discuss what actions to take due to the spreading of the coronavirus, but not many people expected the season to be suspended. Many NBA insiders were under the impression that games would continue without spectators, but that changed on Wednesday night. At

7:40 p.m., the Utah Jazz vs Oklahoma City Thunder game was postponed, after a team doctor rushed to the court and alerted the teams that it wouldn’t be safe to play. Less than an hour later, the news leaked that NBA All Star and two time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert had tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first american professional athlete to contract the virus. The Utah Jazz center was already expected to miss the game as he had been dealing with an illness, but many speculated that he was only dealing with the flu. Immediately after Gobert tested positive, the NBA broke the news that their season would be taking a hiatus.

Players and coaches across the league were left speechless. Many shared their frustrations and concerns

over social media. While some weren’t too happy about the decision, they were able to come to a clear consensus: The league officials made the right choice, and it’s lucky that they made the call when they did. If the league had hesitated, the virus could have spread across the league like wildfire.

The next morning, NBA All Star Donovan Mitchell, a teammate of Gobert’s, also tested positive for coronavirus. It currently appears that the rest of the Jazz organization has been tested and cleared. While we currently only know of two players who have contracted the virus, the NBA is concerned that there may be more. They have suggested that five teams who recently played against the Jazz become self quarantined. The virus traditionally takes a while to notice

the symptoms, and they don’t want to take any chances.

Looking ahead to the future of the NBA, not much is clear. The only thing we know is that the NBA is doing whatever it takes to find a solution in the near future. They are searching for answers, and hope to find them soon. As of now, nobody knows when basketball will resume. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban speculates that we could see NBA basketball being played into August, which is unheard of. While we may be a Woj Bomb away from answers, right now we are left with very little information. All there is to do right now is hope for the safety of the players and coaches, and to keep your fingers crossed for a quick resolution.

Sports fans speechless but will survive without

Joey Kirkle Sports Editor

From the moment I could speak, sports have played a pivotal role in my life. Whether it’s

playing at a young age, watching a game at home, or even calling a Millard South game, sports have been a priority.

One amazing thing about sports is that when one sport ends, another begins. There is a constant cycle, with one or two major sports always going on throughout the year.

That has been the case for my whole life, until now.

After the outbreak of the coronavirus, sports fans like me are in shambles. After the NBA suspended its season, many leagues followed. The NCAA decided to cancel its winter and spring championships, most notably the NCAA Basketball Tournaments and the

College World Series. All major US professional sports have been suspended. The Masters have been postponed as well as the Champions League.

Sport fans across the world are speechless, as the events that bring them joy have been stripped away. With all of these sports being shut down, only two American sports remain: UFC and Nascar.

After all of the major US sports were either postponed or cancelled, the combat sports followed. Two boxing matches were immediately cancelled, and more are expected. After the cancellations were announced, many expected the UFC to do the same. However,

UFC President Dana White announced that fights would continue as scheduled with no fans in attendance. He claims that he spoke with President Trump about UFC’s future and was given the green light to continue. The UFC is keeping a close eye on the situation and is willing to shut down temporarily if needed, but they believe that their fighters have no reason to worry. So UFC is still up and running for the time being.

The other US sport still remaining is NASCAR. They decided that their next two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway will proceed, but with no spectators. After those races, they

hope to continue their season with fans, but it isn’t guaranteed.

As a whole, the sports world has taken a hit. People are unable to watch the sports that they admire. While it’s a tough time, luckily we still have a few sports to watch. And hopefully, we see many returning sooner than we imagined. It could be a while before we see the major US sports back, but it’s for good reason. For now, all we can do is try to enjoy the few sports we have left and hope we’ll start to see the others return shortly.

I feel you sports fans. It’ll be tough, but we can get through this.

12

Sports 3• 13 •2020

Hockey family bonded by more than blood Sydney Mejia on her Junior Lancers hockey team. With Staff Reporter 17 goals this season, she recently became

the new total points leader with 23 points.

Strength, agility, and passion are all MaKenna’s mom is also a big fan of things freshman MaKenna Filleman has in hockey especially with her family. order to be the best hockey player she can “I just love the fan base around hockbe. She has always been in love with the ey,” Tonya Filleman said. “We have so much sport ever since she joined 10 years ago. fun when we go to any hockey game, and

“My favorite I personally love part of being into watch how volved with hockey they all skate is the community too,” she said. and how if you need Her older anything, their arms brother Cam, are always open a 2017 MSHS and they will make graduate, also time for you,” Filleloves connecting man said. over hockey.

She began her “If there’s anyhockey career as a thing other than figure skater. After my sib– Freshman MaKenna Filleman blood a year, she decided lings are bonded that she wanted to by, it’s hockey,” play with a team instead, and switched to Cam said. “It’s universal between us all,” he playing hockey with her older brothers. said.

She started playing on a boys team and

Playing a sport also comes with havlater moved on to play with a girls team. ing that competitive fire you often see in There are several big goals for her ahead an athlete. and she does not plan on quitting.

“I do get really competitive with

“I will continue playing through high hockey,” MaKenna said. “My entire family school and college and hopefully go to is also very competitive so there is always the Olympics,” Filleman said. some sort of competition between us,”

In the meantime, she enjoys playing she said.

“My entire family is also very competitive, so there is always some sort of competition between us.

”

Freshman MaKenna Filleman plays on the Omaha Junior Lancers hockey team. She is the team’s total points leader with 23. Photo courtesy of Tonya Filleman

Everyone can see MaKenna’s fire when it comes to playing hockey.

“She’s probably the most aggressive person on her team,” Cam Filleman said.

While competition is a big part of playing hockey, they are still always supportive of each other.

“We all have a passion for hockey and a passion for our family, so it’s really not hard for us to be supportive,” Tonya said.

MaKenna may be a tough athlete but she sayd family will still always be the most important to her.

“I do enjoy having hockey be something my family can enjoy because all the time we spend at the rink together really brings us closer,” MaKenna said.

Spring Pep Rally

Sophomore Anna Pinkall performs with the dance team.

Photo by Josh Ferdico Freshman Dakota Menkel performs with the dance team. Photo by Josh Ferdico.

Senior Cole Snook cheers with his class at the pep rally. Photo by Andrew Smith

Senior varsity soccer players Adam Ellis and Chris Zan laugh at coach Cooney’s joke about baseball while being recognized at the spring pep rally.

Photo by Josh Ferdico Senior Kylee Heinrich performs with South on Stage for their final performance of part of their show, Hide and Seek.

Photo by Josh Ferdico Junior Hale Kilcoin competes with his class in the table surfing game.

Photo by Andrew Smith