Common Sense Volume 21 Issue 6 April 23, 2021

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

April 23, 2021

Volume 21 Issue 6

Artists earn high honors The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were founded in 1923 and, for nearly a century, have inspired bold ideas in creative teens throughout the country. These students’ artworks were submitted by art teachers Theresa Hoag, Lori Wegener and Meta Felt and selected out of over 2,200 Nebraska Region entries.

Artist: Kaia Becker - 10 “Floral Radiation” - Radial Symmetry Design in charcoal pencil Award: Honorable Mention

Artist: Eathan Thach - 12 Fantasy Elements Portfolio Award: Silver Key

Artist: Shayna Larson- 12 Piece: Time Sits Still - Sculpture Award: Honorable Mention

Artist: Helen Corrigan - 11 Piece: Potato Head - Painting Award: Honorable Mention

Artist: Skylar Palmer - 12 Piece: Ugly Faces -Sculpture Award: Honorable Mention Artist: Nora Baquero-Cruz - 11 Piece: King Tod the Toad on a Toadstool on a Log - Ceramics and Glass Award: Honorable Mention Artist: Nora Baquero-Cruz - 11 Piece: Burnishing is Fun -Ceramics and Glass Award: Honorable Mention

Artist: Jackson Bayless - 11 Piece: “Crypt” - Theme and Variation Drawing in pen Award: Honorable Mention

Artist: Allison Brooks - 10 Title: Ceramics and Glass Award: Honorable Mention

2

Speech team competitor builds forensics endurance Joseph Kaipust Copy Editor

When Taylor Petersen delivers her speech, it may be in the form of ones and zeroes transmitted over the internet, but the weight of emotion and dedication in her voice still carries strong. Petersen, a junior and highly dedicated captain for the forensics speech team, competed in the state forensics tournament March 20.

For Petersen, the road to state was almost as arduous as the tournament itself. Before she could even think about state, Petersen had 24 regular season tournaments to compete at. Unfettered by this intimidating schedule, Petersen was wildly successful all season.

“I had a really, really great general season,” Petersen said. “I placed at every [regular season] tournament without fail.”

“Taylor has been very impressive this season,” coach Rebecca Johnson-Geiss said. “She put in the work, she put in the effort, and it paid off.”

Besides just placing, Petersen also managed to win her event at three tournaments.

“I got two first places in Poetry Interpretation and one first place finish in Dramatic Interpretation,” Petersen said.

Once the regular season was over, Coach JohnsonGeiss and Petersen began rigorous preparation for state.

“We began two weeks of grueling practice,” Petersen said. In the events Petersen does, Dramatic and Poetry Interpretation, practice is particularly strenuous.

“When you go to state forensics in interpretation events,... there is no break,” Petersen said, “It’s just straight up fixing your performance,… performing over and over again.” While other events spend some time doing easy side projects like updating their visual aids and perfecting their stances, practice in Petersen’s events entailed nothing but focused, highly specific perfection of her speech.

“Runners have endurance, athletes have endurance, ... we like to say that Taylor has forensics endurance,” Johnson-Geiss said. Having put in countless

News/Features 4 • 23 • 2021

hours during the regular season, Petersen was well prepared for the long practice sessions leading up to state.

“I put in around 50 hours of practice,” Petersen said. This brutal practice schedule would have scared off many, but this is no match for Petersen’s determination.

“All the hard work is worth it, because [forensics] is the one activity that I truly love,” Petersen said.

With the ever lingering restrictions imposed

by COVID-19, it’s no surprise that this year’s state forensics wasn’t quite the same.

“State was fun… but it was all online,” Petersen said, “There was no Kearney, there was no overnight ... it was actually more just like a regular Saturday tournament,” Petersen said.

Instead of competing in person in Kearney as per usual, the competition was done virtually just like the majority of regular season forensics Preparing for a virtual forensics tournament, junior Taylor Petersen tournaments this year. For Petersen, she said this joins her assigned Zoom where she will perform for her judge. was disappointing, but her and all the forensics Petersen competes in Dramatic and Poetry Interpretation. Photo program still managed to have a great time. courtesy of Taylor Petersen

“There were tons of people in and out all competing at state. day… watching, chilling, playing games, hang While for most forensics competitors the state ing out... it was fun,” Petersen said. Despite being in a classroom at Millard South as opposed to a competition tournament acts as the capstone of their season, Petersen is just getting started. Even though she didn’t stage at Kearney, Petersen and the forensics team were place at state, Petersen’s impressive performance durable to enjoy the state tournament a lot.

While the context of state may have been different, ing the regular season has qualified her for both of the forensics national tournaments, the National Individual the competitive edge was as sharp as ever.

Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC), and the

“We did three rounds [of competition],” Petersen National Speech and Debate Association nationals said. After a long day and several months of hard work, (NSDA). the results were slightly disappointing to Petersen.

“I’m excited because this will be my first time hav“I didn’t break into top six,” she said. Even though she ing a student qualify for NIETOC and NSDA,” Johnsondidn’t make it into the finals round, Petersen said she Geiss said. After a small break following state, Petersen was still proud of her performance. is ready to get back to work on her speech. “Once we

“Making state is almost as good as placing at state,” Petersen said. “At the end of the day state is really get back from spring break we’re going to start practicing for NIETOC,” Petersen said. With NIETOC in May and just another tournament … especially this year.” Even NSDA in June, Petersen’s season is just beginning. though she didn’t place in the top six, Petersen managed to both perform well and enjoy the experience of

Entertainment 4 • 23 • 2021

3

Godzilla vs Kong

Big monsters, little substance

Lauren Rayner

Staff Reporter

Legendary Entertainment made an anticipated return with its 4th installment in the Monsterverse film series: Godzilla vs. Kong, featuring the two colossal Titans you know and love. The film follows King Kong’s sentimental journey to find his real home in the world, until Kong and his companion Jia face the wrath of Godzilla, who causes mass demolition across the globe. The plot of the movie is about as simple as the title, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the condensed plot works for the purpose the movie is trying to serve.

After watching Godzilla: King of The Monsters in 2019, and feeling a bit underwhelmed, I was worried when putting on Godzilla vs.

Kong I would experience the same boredout-of-my-mind sensation sitting through the excessive human plots of characters the audience had little care about, but thankfully, it wasn’t as bad this time around. The human characters are functional enough and weren’t too overpowering.

The trio Millie Bobby Brown, Brain Tyree Henry, and Julian Dennison made the film all the more enjoyable, providing some comedic relief and a sense of excitement compared to the other melodramatic plots of the film. Their journey navigating the inner turmoils of Godzilla and King Kong was really fun to watch. Their chemistry was fresh and probably one of the best aspects of the film. The character Jia and her bond with King Kong was surprisingly endearing and gave the story more heart than I was anticipating. That small addition allowed the audience to sympathize with an otherwise vicious monster and helped the movie feel more realistic.

It feels trite to complain about some of the lackluster dialogue and simplistic story Godzilla vs. Kong has to offer because frankly, the film knows what it is, that it is an amusing movie that offers simple entertainment value made for the big

screen. Nobody is seeing Godzilla vs.

Kong for the characters or side plots, they are there to see a well-produced brawl between a giant gorilla and a merciless sea monster.

As I mentioned, this film is begging you to see it in theaters.

If you’re tuning into any kind of monster movie like this, chances are you are watching it for the stunning visuals, luscious soundscape, and vicious dog-fight between your favorite beasts. If you don’t mind the outlandish plot, the colorful cinematography makes the movie worth watching, especially the fight scene in the bright neon-light-filled city.

Although I do think Godzilla vs.

Kong is better than its predecessor, there were without a doubt parts of the film that had me checking to see how much time was left. It certainly took a little while to pick up, and in between brawls I found myself waiting for the next action-soaked dispute, even though I didn’t mind some of the human characters. Lines often felt a tad corny, and the story itself is ridiculous, but you can’t help but love that about it. This time around, it felt so much more selfaware and fun for its fans.

Godzilla vs. Kong is obviously not high-art cinema. It is goofy, lively, and full of action. In all its ridiculousness, it is a film that knows what it is aiming for, even if it isn’t necessarily my thing, and it is hard for me to knock it for that. Even though I found myself disinterested at times, with some great action sequences and beautifully shot scenes, the movie isn’t half bad. At the end of the day, if you are a fan of either of the two monsters and need to turn off your mind for 113 minutes, it will do the trick.

Chemtrails soars to new heights Lana Del Rey’s 7th album achieves critical acclaim Joni Beauchamp

Opinions Editor

Leaked on the social media platform, Twitter, in early March of this year, Lana Del Rey’s seventh studio album, ‘Chemtrails Over the Country Club’ immerses fans into the charming and polished imagery of the life of 20th century women.

Painting lyrical portraits of love and sorrow in the traditional and melancholy way that Lana knows best, ‘Chemtrails Over the Country Club’ doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. The raw emotion and raw talent put into this work of art may leave you asking the same question many fans have been asking for years: where is this woman’s Grammy? The unfortunate answer is that she has, in fact, been nominated six times before, but unlike many of the women that have inspired this album, has not yet been awarded with the gilded gramophone.

Using sounds relevant to artists from previous decades, such as Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks, she takes inspiration from some of the most musically proficient female artists of the last sixty years and turns it into nothing less than a time traveling rush of elegant vocals and scenery.

A uniquely personal introduction, ‘White Dress’ opens the floodgates into one of the most stunning and well put together projects Lana Del Rey has released to date. Drawing back the curtains and introducing the audience to her newest project with a punch to the gut, Lana’s wispy vocals sweep away the audience with a tale of a nineteen year old Elizabeth Grant before Lana Del Rey was even a concept, and the young girls shattering experience of summertime sadness. Reminiscing over the past and what could have been is a specialty of Del Rey, but it isn’t often that she gives glimpses of her real life without a black and white filter.

Following ‘White Dress’, the majority of the album is extremely similar to the motif used in some of her past work. The life of a woman in the mid to the late 20th century can easily bring

to mind iconic images and very iconic women, which she does beautifully in her past work and this project as well, but whether that life belongs to a housewife in suburban America or a Rockstar traveling around the world, Lana doesn’t discriminate. Women such as Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell don’t blend together on the surface, but Lana manages to tie them together like a beautiful bow.

Towards the end of the project the sounds of Joni Mitchell and other folk artists become more noticeable and influence the majority of the instrumentals and themes that she explores. Such themes are included in the song ‘not all those who wander are lost’ in which Lana recalls hazy Lincoln, Nebraska, and the love that she left there, as well as the love she longs for. Love tends to be a larger theme of Lana’s work overall, but the love she sings of on this record seems much more mature than her past work.

Unlike many of Lana’s other projects, ‘Chemtrails Over the Country Club’ takes direct inspiration from female artists of the past century.

Covering Joni Mitchell songs, dancing with Joan Baez, and calling Stevie Nicks on the telephone are only a couple of the ways Lana connects with artists from decades before. The last song on the project is a softly sung cover of ‘For Free’, a song originally written and performed by Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. Joining Lana on this track, Zella Day and Weyes Blood give life to an already interesting story of a man who was “playing real good for free”.

All in all, ‘Chemtrails Over the Country Club’, tells a mesmerizing story of love and longing like no other and does a spectacular job at telling little stories that are meant to be viewed through a black and white filter. An album that is the equivalent of watching an old movie, ‘Chemtrails Over the Country Club’ is a sweet glimpse into the past. One of the best projects Lana Del Rey has released thus far, it’s definitely worth a listen.

Slow but steady

Falcon and the Winter Soldier chugs along but entertains overall Sydney Mejia Staff Reporter

Marvel is back at it again with the premier of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” just a week after the finale of the hit show, “WandaVision.” I walked into this with high expectations after how much I enjoyed WandaVision. This honestly led to disappointment when the show was in its beginning stages, but I still had to give it a chance.

The show opens up shortly after the events of “Avengers: Engame,” and for those who have seen the movie (which you need to if you haven’t already) know that there was a whole lot that went on. Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, more formally known as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, are teaming up to face their new lives and new adventures.

I can definitely see Marvel’s intentions with their newest show. It’s a six-episode miniseries, but I would say it was more like your typical Marvel movie split into different parts. This comes with both good and

bad in my opinion. The plot started off really slow in the first couple of episodes and honestly, it was really

hard for me to get into it. The good thing is, they were still able to incorporate what Marvel is best known for, all of the action. One of the opening scenes that we see is full of action, and that is exactly what I would expect from a show like this one. Sam and Bucky are not my favorite characters in the MCU but I really enjoyed getting to dive deeper into the lives of each of these characters which I haven’t really seen clearly before.

Unfortunately, I was left on a little cliffhanger, but I am still very pleased with the most recent episode.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is full of story and great character development. If you are into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you are sure to enjoy this show. It brings together all of the action and heart from your typical Marvel movie, it just might take a little bit of patience before it really starts to pick up. I have to say, it was a little difficult to get through the show, but overall, I am impressed with what was put on the table for viewers.

Throw Characters: Who scared you?

Poll and data collection

by Carah Jones

Common Sense polled 56 students to see which characters from television and movies scared them the most. Larger picture indicates an increasing number of repeated responses on the poll. How many of these can you name? Answers underneath.

13.

12.

2.

3.

11.

sp Na tas wh af io

5.

4.

10.

An

6.

7.

8.

9.

Answers: 1. Coraline, 2. Jimmy Neutron, 3. Teletubbies, 4. Monster House, 5. A Christmas Carol, 6. Caillou, 7. Elmo, 8. Hopper from A Bug’s Life, 9. Cat in the Hat, 10. Lightning McQueen from Cars, 11. Sid the Science Kid, 12. Polar Express 13. Courage the Cowardly Dog

1.

This was favorite. shared h are one Love th not r en

F ti er Se li

Back

Favorite snacks: Common Sense staffers taste tested ninechildhood favorites to see if they are as good a they rembered.

Are they as great as we remember?

Trix Yoghurt

Gripz

We were unfortunately unable to find the original Trix yoghurt with the Trix Rabbit on it so we had to settle with a Trolls themed product instead, but they were pretty much the same.

The overall agreement was that Trix yoghurt earned a hard meh.

Most of us had experienced Gripz through ports as children. Senior atalie Fedde explained, “It stes like I’m an 8 year old ho’s really sweaty and tired fter a soccer game.” Opinons were mixed, and the overall conclusion was that Gripz were not that great.

Frosted nimal Crackers

Reporting by Alex Tippets Photo by Olivia Palmer Graphic Design by Natalie Fedde

Scooby Doo Fruit Snacks

s probably the staff’s Junior Sydney Mejia Overall they were similar to how “these honestly how we remembered. Junior Joni of the best snacks. hem 10/10.” Could Beauchamp pointed out though recommend how “they’re a lot chewier than I nough. remember,” and how “they changed the coloring.”

“This tastes like a dog treat,” she said. In general, the staff decided that Scooby Snacks were pretty good.

Dip and Go Cheese Cracker There were a lot of strong feelings about this one. Junior Joey Kaipust expressed how “It was very disgusting. It’s very bad cheese.” Jones also shared, “I think the cheese is very obviously manufactured.” She also shared, “I hate the breadstick. It’s so bland.” Everyone who tried it pretty much disliked the Dip and Go right away.

Scooby Snacks Graham Crackers Most had positive things to say about this dog treat inspired creation.

Junior Paige Winchester said, “ I like graham crackers in general, so I thought they were pretty good.” Jones had a more interesting take on them. “This is how I imagined actual Scooby Snacks to taste like. This tastes like a dog treat.” In general, the staff decided that Scooby Snacks were pretty good.

Gushers

Danimals

Gushers received generally positive ratings all around.

However, they certainly weren’t as amazing as we remembered them to be as children. Senior KJ Ellison shared, “They’re very messy.

They taste like a Fruit Rollup but with stuff inside.” While definitely far from the best snack, we wouldn’t mind having the occasional package.

Kool Aid Bottles

For some this was their first ime experiencing this bevrage. One such person was enior Carah Jones. “It tastes ike Jello, I like it though.” The general consensus in the class was that, while not amazing, they’re pretty good.

Danimals had a similar reaction to the Trix yoghurt.

Most thought that the taste was definitely off and that the consistency was somehow thick and thin at the same time. It wasn’t awful, but it definitely made us uncomfortable to digest.

Music through the ages

Spotify lists created by Olivia Palmer

‘70s Get groovy and boggie down!

Get your 70s good vibes in your crib and dig it. Peace, love, and granola.

‘80s Grab the boombox and spaz out!

Feel totally tubular with these 80s bops.

‘90s Get jiggy with it or whatever!

Listen to some 90s jams and take a chill pill.

Opinion 4 • 23 • 2021

6

Staff Editorial:

Saving the voices of student journalism Why LB88 is important for journalists all over Nebraska

Student journalists have had their voices stifled for far too long, and with the failure of LB88 to advance through its 2nd round of debate, they will have to wait even longer. The First Amendment is arguably the most sacred foundation for the United States of America, but these freedoms have terms and conditions. Citizens are deceived into believing universal rights such as free speech and freedom of the press are universal, but the fine print says otherwise. It is time student journalists get the freedom to report as they see fit without administrative censorship.

LB88 was a Nebraskan bill intro-

duced by Senator Morfeld to “protect free speech rights of student journalists and student media advisers.” Bills similar to this have been proposed in Nebraska for years, but they rarely even make it to the floor to be voted on. This year, the bill made it all the way to the second round of debate, where it received lengthy debate both for and against.

Student journalism rights are just as important as the rights of any other publication group or news outlet.

The purpose of school is to prepare students for careers. If journalism students are constantly having their voices censored, their experience in

art by K.J Ellison

writing thoughtful, powerful stories will be severely lacking by the time they enter a professional paper.

A common rebuttal for LB88 is that students can not be trusted to cover controversial topics. This could not be more untrue. For one, student journalists do not take their work lightly. They take pride in their papers and want to report accurately. Students know that their names will appear in the byline of their stories and that they will have to face criticisms as a result. If a student is writing about a controversial topic, they will do their best to back themselves up with facts and quotes and to treat the issue with the respect it deserves.

On the off chance that a student is careless with a sensitive topic and writes irresponsibly, adult staff advisers are there to work with them. By assuming student journalists will publish offensive or careless work, senators assume teachers are incapable of doing their jobs. Journalism teachers work every day to prepare students to work on professional papers, news stations, and media sites. By not allowing students to write about sensitive topics, students will nev-

er be able to learn how to write about these topics responsibly, limiting their abilities as professional journalists.

One of the main reasons, as evidenced by examples cited in floor debate, is that administrators censor students to maintain the school’s image or brand. School boards do not want students to write articles about policies that the board may receive backlash for. While school board meetings are public, not everybody has the time to listen to these lengthy conversations. Student journalists are great delegators, transferring important school board decisions into easily digestible public knowledge. This can be extremely beneficial for schools because they can gain support from students and parents on popular decisions, but the opposite effect can also occur.

This should not be a reason for censorship. By censoring objectively reported articles relating to school policy, administrators blind parents and students to what is going on around them. By censoring opinion articles disagreeing with school policy, the school board is rejecting criticism from the very people they are meant to serve.

It is incredibly important for students to be able to voice their opinions and to seek knowledge. By censoring student journalists, administrators discourage curiosity and critical thinking, two of the most important skills students should learn in schools. Hopefully in the next session, the Nebraska Legislature will pass a student freedom of expression bill similar to the 14 other states that have one, to encourage a growth mindset in students and allow students the same freedoms guaranteed to adults.

Milking the most out of life

A distressful journey through the world of lactose intolerance

The blue bunny and I have a complicated relationship. Dairy has been a struggle in my life for a very long time and I never fully understood that I had a problem. A stand-out moment from early

Olivia Palmer Business Manager

on in my life was at Red Robin. We went out for my dad’s birthday dinner and they of course brought out the complimentary ice cream that they’re probably assuming you lied your way to get. I obviously had to steal some from him and I proceeded to eat a creamy portion of his birthday treat. That car ride home became quite a messy experience and my mom’s Jeep Chereokee never felt the same.

Despite knowing that dairy didn't sit very smoothly with me, I continued to partake in it because I thought it was normal to sit in the bathroom for an hour after a trip to Dairy Queen. Later on, when I was about 13, I discovered the words that changed my life forever: lactose intolerance. I felt seen and like I finally met my people. The people that were also frenemies with the bovine.

Even though I discovered I was lactose intolerant, I wasn't ready to leave my rocky road. What if all the not-so-creamy substitutes weren’t enough to suppress my love of all things cheese?

After putting it off for so long, I went to Scooter’s, as I do on a regular basis,

and got my iced caramelicious, but with almond milk. My life was then completely changed. Almond milk was not just a delicious substitute for whole milk, but even better.

Almond milk isn’t the only great new non-dairy find. I was completely surprised by the amount of quality options that were available. Everyone’s favorite organic grocery store, Trader Joe’s, has so many options that I love and that are also fresh and organic. Soy Creamy quickly became my new favorite ice cream. The soy based ice cream substitute is suspiciously creamy and makes me think I accidently got some Haagen-Dazs. Trader Joe’s original almond milk is also a great milk substitute that I fall back on almost every grocery trip. The frozen penne arrabiata is a great dairy free meal option if you're looking for new meal suggestions.

Even though I try my hardest to be dairy free, I do slip up. Sometimes you just really need a Dairy Queen blizzard after a bad day. However, I then realize a couple hours later, especially if I forget to take a dairy pill, how thankful I am that I

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mshscommonsense and check out our website at wearemillardsouth.com

art by Keely King

switched to dairy free. Making the switch changed my stomach health for the better and I don't regret a thing.

Opinion 4 • 23• 2021

7

No prom invitation for remote learners

After cancellation last year due to the pandemic, Millard South is going to get a prom this year. This comes with some restrictions, of course. There will be no dancing, no juniors, and no outside students. But, most irritatingly, there will be no remote learners.

I have been a remote learner for the entire school year. I have immunocompromised family members, and I couldn’t take it on my conscience if I got them sick. Online classes worked for me last spring, so when the option to continue remote learning for the ‘20-’21 school year was offered, I took it. The district, however, seems to have never been happy with my decision.

Right from the start, the option to do remote learning was framed as unnecessary, and it felt like the district was only reluctantly giving me the choice.

They’ve employed a number of tactics to try to get me and other remote students to come back. My family has received several emails over the course of the year that encouraged my return to school and seemingly threatened that the remote learning program would be ending, though it is continuing through the rest of this school year.

The district has also resorted to what can only be explained as punishing remote students for their choice. Originally, remote students were not allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities even if their club sponsor was willing to host them via Zoom, not unlike the way they were teaching classes all day long with concurrent instruction. The district only reversed this policy after outrage from remote students and club sponsors district wide. If students and staff hadn’t spoken out against the policy, remote learners

would have continued to miss out on clubs and activities.

The district maintained that remote students were not allowed to go to any in-person events. We are not allowed to go to in-person club meetings or sporting events. This still didn’t make much sense, but I accepted it. I wouldn’t go to a football game during COVID anyway.

The latest punishment has been taking away my opportunity to go to prom. There was no prom last year, my junior year, and now I will not be allowed to go to my prom this year because of my remote learning decision. I will never get to have this iconic high school experience that almost all adults still tell stories about.

The only justification for remote learners not being allowed at prom is that it would be a potential safety hazard. If I cared so much about the pandemic to not go to school in person, why would I want to take the risk to go to prom? But what this argument doesn’t account for is the difference between going to one event and going to school five days a week for a whole year. If I were allowed to go to prom, I could easily quarantine myself before and after. I could also easily be mindful of my mask wearing and social distancing during the three-hour event. This is completely different from being trapped in hallways and classrooms for seven hours a day with desks that are often within six feet of each other. The district obviously understands the difference since they will allow remote students to attend ACT test prep sessions, the ACT exam, AP Exams and graduation. They see that

sometimes it is okay for remote learners to be in a group of other students, and they made the conscious decision to not allow us at prom in particular.

And while Millard isn’t the only district Lane Howard in the Metro to not Online Editor allow remote learners to attend prom, it is worth noting that both Papillion LaVista and Westside districts are allowing their remote students to attend.

I was looking forward to prom, but I guess it will just be one more thing I didn’t get to do during the pandemic. This one hurts especially, because, unlike everything else I’ve missed out on, prom wasn’t cancelled. Missing out isn’t a shared experience with all of my classmates. This time, only a small group of us will be left out, so it feels much more personal.

I stand by my decision to be a remote learner.

Neither myself nor anyone in my family has caught COVID, even when there have been multiple cases per week at the school. I have done well in my classes and attended school via Zoom every period I was expected to. I just wish the district would respect the thoughtful choice I made instead of punishing me for ensuring my safety.

Get cranked: The top 5 and bottom 5

movies

Carah Jones Entertainment Editor

1. Black Panther (2018) 96% I’ve never seen a more well done movie in the MCU. This movie has been insanely impactful and inspiring for a lot of people, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how Chadwick Boseman brought so much life to the film.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) 90%

James Buchanan Barnes.

19. Captain America: Civil War (2016) 90%

This movie is why I hate Captain America. This movie is why I hate Captain America. This movie is why I hate Captain America. This movie is why I hate Captain America.

That being said, Bucky has never done a single thing wrong in his entire life.

20. Iron Man 2 (2010) 72%

I love this movie not only for the Pepper content, but also for how it brings up and discusses the behaviors of someone who is dying (Tony) that doesn’t want others (Pepper, Rhodey, etc.) to know they’re dying. However, the movie isn’t that well done, so… It is what it is.

HONORARY 3RD: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

This movie isn't in the MCU, but it's beyond exceptional for too many reasons, e.g. the Leap of Faith scene. Tell me why I cried when King Pin realised he'd never get his wife back.

3. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) 93%

Having Thor be the narrator of this movie is the best storytelling technique that MCU has employed since the beginning of creation.

All the subtle and unsubtle jokes, Taika Waititi not only as the director but also our favorite rock sidekick Korg, and Bruce being a scared sweetheart in space really make this movie what it is.

21. Thor (2011) 77%

Um… Chris Hemsworth’s rubber armor and nonexistent eyebrows really make watching this movie uncomfortably difficult.

22. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) 85%

Ehhhhh. I just wanted more character development from Rocket. This movie is just a recreation of the infamous Avatar: The Last Airbender scene with Sokka and Zuko, except it played out a little bit like, Star Lord: “My dad turned into a planet.” Everyone else: “That’s rough, buddy.”

4. Iron Man (2008) 94%

The film that made the franchise what it is, and started RDJ down the path of turning into Tony Stark permanently.

5. Avengers: Endgame (2019) 94%

I really don’t want to talk about it

23. Thor: The Dark World (2013) 66%

Does anyone actually like this movie? I’m genuinely wondering. Thor wasn’t an interesting character until Ragnarok, and this movie really exists just to prove my point.

*percentages listed in the ranking are Rotten Tomato's ratings on each individual movie

C ommon 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.

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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.

Editors-in-Chief Halle Benson Natalie Fedde News Editor Paige Winchester Features Editor Sydney Mejia Sports Editor Ally Seevers Opinions Editor Joni Beauchamp

Entertainment Editor Carah Jones

Chief Headline Writer Alex Tippets

InDepth Editor KJ Ellison

Staff Cartoonists Keely King KJ Ellison

Online Editor Lane Howard Business Manager Olivia Palmer

Staff Reporters Lauren Rayner Sam Tews Josh Andrews

Copy Editor Joseph Kaipust

Adviser Christine Kaldahl

Sports 4• 23 •2021

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Unified athletes compete in first season

Ally Seevers Sports Editor

In the spring of 2020, the Millard South unified track team, “made up of athletes (ID) and Partners (General Education students),” was set to make their debut, ready to showcase their talent to all, but then the season was cancelled due to COVID-19, causing the team to have to postpone their first season.

“We only got in two practices, so everyone was pretty bummed,” head coach David Stalling said, “but it was probably the best decision the way the virus was spreading.”

“I was sad [when the season got cancelled] because we had been working really hard to get ready, but I wasn’t really surprised,” senior and partner Sarah Gregory said.

But just like last year, the athletes and partners are training extra hard to give a show stopping debut to kick off the season.

“I feel great going into this season,” Stalling said. ”The athletes are working hard and are very excited to show what they have been working on.”

With their first meet on March 24, the team was very excited going into the

The Patriots Unified athletes Esai Ortiz and Jerome Woolridge sprint down the straight of the track in the 100 meter dash. These athletes competed against other athletes with intellectual disabilities from Millard West, Westside, Bellevue West, Papillion LaVista South, Papillion LaVista, Fremont, and Burke. Photo by Ally Seevers

meet.

“Just being able to see how they do and how the athletes will react, that’s what I’m most excited about,” partner and sophomore Will Cameron said. “Really just seeing them happy.”

Following the meet, sophomore and athlete Esai Ortiz said his favorite part was the 4x100 meter relay because his team won.

“It was really exciting,” Ortiz said, “I am proud of my teammates.”

But the best thing about unified track isn’t the winning, while that is fun, but the chance to hang out with friends.

“My favorite thing [about track] is being with my friends,” sophomore and athlete Rylee Schroeder said. “It’s really

fun and the team is pretty awesome.”

Coach Stalling said his favorite thing would be “watching our athletes and partners work together and seeing our athletes become part of a team.”

The next unified track meet is on May 1 at Buell Stadium, where you can see both the athletes and the partners PR in long jump, win in the 100 meter dash, and have a blast in the 4x100 meter relay.

“If you can spectate, come see what it’s about because we can use all the support we can get,” Cameron said. “The athletes would love to show you what Sophomore Rylee Schroeder jumps in the Unithey’ve got.”

fied Long Jump. Long Jump is one of 3 events the athletes and partners compete in. Photo by Ally Seevers

The Last Dance

Jim Cooney to retire after 31 years of coaching soccer huge part of Cooney’s life.

“You know, my wife always calls herself the football widow and the soccer widow because

The start of the 2021 spring I’m not around the house so soccer season marks the end of much,” Cooney said. “But coachan era. This will be head coach ing’s a blast. There’s nothing like winning some games you shouldn’t and it’s just a fun thing.”

And the reason why Cooney is always on the job: the athletes.

“His jokes are the best. He always just makes you laugh and smile,” junior Mac Weaver said. “Cooney, I love ya. You’re the best.”

Having such an impact on the kids and seeing them grow is the reason why Cooney says he loves doing what he Coach Cooney cheers on his team after a goal does. from junior Ryan Lee. Photo by Ally Seevers

“At Millard South, you don’t James Cooney’s final season always get club kids, so watching coaching the Patriots. you take a talented, raw athlete

Coaching for over 30 years, and turning him into a decent Cooney has grown to call Millard player, that’s always a rewarding South home. thing to see,” Cooney said. “So

“I love it here,” Cooney said. what I enjoy the most is watch“I find it hard to leave, even now, ing their soccer IQ go up. We do but I need to make room for the complex things that train their younger generation,” he said.” brains to move better, do things “Plus, I don’t want to do somethat they wouldn’t normally have thing embarrassing that old done, so watching them put all people sometimes do.” that stuff together that you’ve

Being the coach for so long, been working on is rewarding.” coaching has certainly become a Ally Seevers Sports Editor

“He’s definitely a supportive will certainly be leaving a legacy I’ve had a blast, from the worst coach,” junior Ryan Lee said. “He to remember, winning over 200 to the best,” Cooney said. “If we wants us to could have written down in play our best the last 31 years all the things so he goes I’ve heard and seen, that would hard on make a heck of a comedy. Millard His jokes are the best. He alus, no easy South has been a great place. days, and The administration is really ways just makes you laugh that’s what supportive and I’ve always been and smile. Cooney, I love ya.

I love about pleased about that. It’s always him.” been a great place to work. I’m You’re the best.

Going very thankful to the Athletic Diinto his rector [Steve Throne] and coach final season [Andy] Means for giving me the - junior Mac Weaver at Millard opportunity to coach with them South, for so long. And I just want to Cooney said he is excited to have games and counting during his thank the parents and kids who a team that is just as committed time coaching the Patriots. have treated me well all these as he is.

“I want them [the Millard years. If you look around, it’s just

“I’ve got some good, young South community] to know that awesome. I’ve been very blessed.” talent and I want to see by the end of the year how they turn out to be,” he said.

“It’s mixed with a couple older guys that are decent too, but these young guys are going to be something special.

You know, I’m not leaving the cupboard bare.

They’re going to be something special.

There’s not doubt about it.” Head coach James Cooney gives his boys a pre-game pep talk in the game against Bellevue West. Cooney and the team won this game, 2-1, bringing his overall record to 236 wins. Photo Cooney

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by Ally Seevers