Common Sense Volume 17 Issue 8 May 12, 2017

Common Sense

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

May 12, 2017

Volume 17 Issue 8

90 minutes away from totality

A Total Solar Eclipse as the Moon covers the Sun.

Jordyn Kelley Staff Reporter

If you thought that The Path of Totality was just an album by the band named Korn, then think again. In August, something quite dark is going to happen in the sky; it will become nighttime in the afternoon. This literally “astronomical” feat is due to the event taking place known as a “solar eclipse”; the moon is moving between the Sun and the Earth and blocks the sun for a short amount of time. The truth is that solar eclipses happen every year as the moon is always bound to cross paths between the Sun and the Earth, but what is important to note is how exactly they happen. There are four distinguishable types of solar eclipses: partial, hybrid, annular, and total eclipses. A partial eclipse involves the moon blocking the sun in some way, but may not be enough to make too much of a difference; this is the most common type of eclipse. A hybrid eclipse shifts between partially covering the Sun and almost totally covering the Sun. An annular eclipse is very similar to a total eclipse except for the fact is that the moon is not close enough to the Earth to totally cover the Sun’s entire shape in the sky. Last but not least, a total eclipse is the complete coverage of the Sun; this is the least common of all of the eclipses as it is quite a marvel if it happens during the day. For our case, it does occur during the day; On August 21, 2017 at around noon and on, there will be a total solar eclipse spanning across the entire contiguous United States from Washington State all the way down to South Carolina. Here is the best part; anyone in the US is at least a day-span drive away from seeing the sky turn dark during the day. It is estimated that a total solar eclipse occurs every 18 months on average. However, the last total solar eclipse that crossed the entire country was back in 1918; it had crossed from the top of Washington down to Florida. The next one that will occur only crosses Canada and through North Dakota; this next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8th,

2024. For Nebraska’s sake, it is evidently one of the most important focal points along the eclipse’s journey; one of the astronomical epicenters within the path of totality (visibility of the total eclipse) lies in Beatrice. In Beatrice, the eclipse will start its initial partial phase at 11:37 a.m. Then, it will reach totality at 1:02 p.m. and end at 1:05 p.m.; this total solar eclipse lasts only 2 minutes and 35 seconds. Its limited reach barely touches the city limits of Lincoln, and is in clear proximity away from Omaha; this eclipse only takes place within its path of totality, which is conveniently in the small town of Beatrice. As you can see on the map, it does reach Lincoln; however, there will only be a partial eclipse happening there. Allegedly, there is a new device being invented that will allow one to view the solar eclipse without damage to the eyes, as it is dangerous to view the sun for long periods of time, regardless of it being a solar eclipse. They are aptly named the “eclipse glasses”.

This is the highlighted “path of totality” for the state of Nebraska.

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Get called out of school. Please go see this; it is a once in a lifetime event unless you seek it out. -Mike Edmundson

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Astronomy Teacher

These “eclipse glasses” are built to withstand the harmful rays of the sun and allow you to view the eclipse safely.

Inside Common Sense Taryn Smith publishes children’s book Page 3 photo by Vanessa Chavez

March for Science Page 5

Color Run Page 7

Senior Columns Page 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 art by AJ Bierwirth

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News 5 • 12 • 2017

Advanced Placement exams cause alarm Isabel Kimminau Staff Reporter

Finals and standardized testing are already stressful as it is. The fact that a student’s grade hangs in the balance is enough to have them stressing for weeks, studying day and night, in between class periods, etc. AP exams take this stress to another level. Any student who has taken an exam before knows that the competition is tense and the tests are difficult. Not surprisingly, a fire alarm blaring during one of these tests is a anxiety stricken experience. “It definitely made me more anxious,” Kailey Boden, a senior taking the AP Chemistry exam when this happened, says, “I felt like it disrupted my rhythm and made me feel like my test was going to get cancelled. It scared me at first.” “Everyone was really confused,” Boden continues, “I think at first we were all just really scared that our tests would be voided and that we would have to come in a different time and take a different test, because they were really strict about not talking about the questions during the fire evacuation.” Proctors have a policy in place, so that when an issue occurs, students can come back to the testing environment without too much trouble. “Our proctor just paused the timer and stayed with us to make sure we didn’t talk about the questions so that we could just continue where we left off once the whole fire situation was over,” Boden said. Of course the whole situation put students on edge, especially as fire drills are specifically scheduled to not coincide with AP testing. “There was already enough nerves since it was the first AP test of the year, and because it was AP Chemistry, one of the harder AP tests so the fire alarm going off and having to resettle definitely did not help,” Boden confesses. “Also, it was freezing outside that morning, so I had to try to not focus on trying to warm up while going back to taking the test.” All of this being said, with the planning that goes into preparing for these tests, students have little cause for worry. There is no shortage of preparation and work done in terms of Advanced Placement Exams from the staff . Most people don’t know all of the planning that goes into the administration of the exams. “We’ve probably reached the point of saturation in the building, mostly because we offer almost every class available,” says Andrew Pinkall, assistant principal and head of AP administration. “Last year we gave 1,250 tests, roughly. This year we’re looking at giving just shy of that. That compares to six or seven years ago when we were only giving 500 or 600 tests; so we saw a huge explosion. I think we’ve pretty well got it to the point where kids who are interested have information and are taking the classes,” he said.

AP Exam Administration World History U.S. History Statistics Spanish Language Psychology Physics C: Mechanics Physics C: Elec & Mag Physics 2: Alg-based Physics 1: Alg-based Microeconomics Macroeconomics Human Geography Govern & Politics US German Language French Language Environmental Sci Eng. Lit. and Comp. Eng. Lang. and Comp. Computer Science Principles Computer Science A Chemistry Calculus BC Calculus AB Biology 0

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The number of students who took each AP exam this spring. English Language and Compositon and Human Geography come out on top with the most students enrolled for exams. Graphic by Isabel Kimminau.

Millard South offers most of the available class with the exception of just a few, mostly language classes, and Art History, though there has been talk of adding the class as well. “We offer [approximately] 23 classes, and there are a few exams that we let students take in class because they take a closely related class that we don’t offer (such as a Physics C exam that students are sometimes allowed to take depending on the level of math that they have completed).” Some of the largest tests administered are the Human

Geography exam and the English Language and Composition exam, but because of Early College, the school is seeing a rise in other tests, like World History, because at the moment that is the only available way for students in the program to earn credits in these courses. This should leave students assured, test anxiety or not, with all the preparation that goes into exam taking, nothing, not even a fire alarm will stop the AP exams.

MS administrator weaves her way to principal of the year Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporter

done because immediate problems arise that must be handled first.” During Weaver’s time as principal, programs such The morning bell rings and students flood the hallas Early College High School and JROTC as well as more way. Standing among them, Heidi Weaver waves and involvement from College Possible and connections with engages in conversation. Weaver’s dedication to the Metro have begun. Weaver said her goal is to provide school and its students stands out among others. This something for the students that isn’t already there. has led to recognition for her commitment to a better “I hope students can get effective skills as young Millard South and a prestigious award. adults for their lives after high school.That means what Weaver, South’s principal of ever path they choose, they put a It’s a team effort. We have a full effort into that, and that they three years, recently received an award from the National hardworking building, and it can persevere with grit,” Weaver Association of Secondary goes from staff to students to said. School Principals (NASSP). Weaver said she hopes to be parents, Along with this, she was nomia positive role model for the staff nated into the Millard Public and focus on sharing her positiviSchools Hall of Fame. --Heidi Weaver ty throughout the school building. The NASSP nominated NASSP Region II High “She is involved and cares Weaver for the Region II High School/Middle School Princi- a lot about her students and School/ Middle School Principal of the Year making school more enjoyable,” pal of the Year and was one of said sophomore Morgan Geiss, a 20 added to the MPS Hall of member of the Principal’s Student Fame. Advisory Board, which is a group With these awards, Weaver’s goal is to reflect the of students who meet once a month and offer solutions recognition onto the students and staff. and opinions about current and future school issues. “We do what we do and it’s not me,” Weaver said. Weaver strives to be connected and informed on dif“It’s a team effort. We have a hardworking building, ferent issues throughout the school. Her awards recogand it goes from staff to students to parents,” she said. nize her as a strong school leader providing high-quality Weaver has been a part of the Millard South comlearning opportunities. munity for 19 years. She started as a student teacher, The NASSP award can lead to opportunity for a nabecame the special education department head, and tional award. She can continue to apply for the next level later was an assistant principal for 10 years before of award and possibly receive an award in Washington Principal Heidi Weaver was awarded the Region II High School/Midbecoming the current principal. D.C. dle School Principal of the Year Award by the National Association of “Teaching and administration differ in teaching has “When people care about one another and support Secondary School Principals. Photo by McKenna Krueger set boundaries. You know when a period starts and one another they want to do their best every day,” Weaver when a period ends and are in control of that time,” said. Weaver said. “Whereas in administration, tasks don’t get

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News 5 • 12 • 2017

Student inspired by equality phrase writes and illustrates children’s book

Vanessa Chavez News Editor What started as a project for creative writing, has now had used the power of his office to intimidate elderly black turned into Taryn Smith’s first published book. voters. Before Warren could finish her argument, she was “I wanted to write a book that emphasizes how the interrupted and silenced by Mitch McConnell, the Senate persistence of women has made our country and the world Majority Leader, who defended his actions saying,“She was a better place,” Smith said. warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she First time published author persisted.” The words “NevertheSmith said she was motivated to less, she persisted” became the idea I wanted to write a book that write Nevertheless, She Perof a movement comprised of men emphasizes how the persistence sisted because she believes that and women who will not rest until of women has made our country they obtain total equality between when speaking of United States history, often times women are the genders. and the world a better place. excluded to the end of a chapter Since she was included in the which Smith believes trivializes book and the phrase Nevertheless, -Taryn Smith She Persisted was based on her exhow crucial women have been Author perience, Smith sent a book to Sen. to major developments in the country. Warren. She has not heard back yet The 20-page children’s book highlights the accomplish- but she said she is hopeful. ments of some of America’s most persistent women, includ- “The target audience is anyone who believes in the ing, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Coretta Scott King, and power of a hardworking American. I hope that after reading Elizabeth Warren. this book, people have a greater appreciation for the endur The book received its title from an incident at the ance women display every day,” Smith said. Senate hearing to confirm nominated Attorney General Smith began writing the book in mid February and Jeff Sessions. Sen. Elizabeth Warren read a letter written by took about two months to write– a time frame that Smith Coretta Scott King in which King explained how Sessions describes as short but because the topic is one that she is very passionate about. She spent all her free time working on it. Smith explains that the book began as an extensive list of women and the hardest part of that was narrowing it down to 9. She researched each one and wrote a preliminary outline. When the text was finished, she started to work on the collages that accompany each page of text. She made each collage by hand and then printed photocopies that could be scanned at her house. From there she printed off each page of text and laid every page out on her living room floor to make sure everything fit together. “In total, there were probably over fifteen different versions of the book before I thought it was ready for publication,” Smith said, but after an endless amount of formatting and reformatting, the book was ready to be submitted for publication and she received her first At a book signing event held May 9, seventh graders Ellie Martin and Vivian Kaldahl get physical copy in the mail a week their books signed by author Taryn Smith. Photo by Vanessa Chavez later.

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Smith’s creative writing teacher Tessa Adams witnessed the work Smith put into crafting her final product. “She had the story in mind early on in the semester, and she was so careful with how she crafted her book. She fact checked with teachers, edited with teachers, and she put together the illus- Hand made collages by Taryn Smith ready to trations herself. be photocopied and then scanned. She sought advice from published authors and she taught herself how to work “Create Space” on Amazon,” Adams said. Adams says that Taryn has proved that your age does not determine your potential and she hopes this motivates more students put their work out into the world. “Taryn is one of those humans who you know will do great things in this world. Her debut children’s book is a testament to her compassion, drive, and perseverance,” said Adams. The book was published through an Amazon company. As for the future of the book, 6-8 weeks following its original publication, a book distribution company will list Smith’s title so that it is available to booksellers, other retailers and schools and libraries. “Our library has already bought multiple copies,” Smith said. The book is available on Amazon and in a little over a month has already made it to Barnes & Noble online. A week after the book was published, Smith went to Sandoz Elementary School and read to the classes of two former teachers. “Since Sandoz is where I went for elementary school, it was important to me that I should start my “book tour” there. Both the second and fourth grade classes that I read to were very receptive and asked great questions. I hope to visit other elementary schools in the near future,” Smith said. Smith recently held a book signing event, organized by Adams and Sarah Martin, in which she signed several staff members’ books and expressed her gratitude for the Millard South community’s support.

Success starts with you: Senior Patriot accepts Harvard invite Alyssa Soppe Editor-in-Chief

“It was such an honor to read your application; con “I didn’t expect this to happen,” Parmley said. “I gratulations Jasmine, you’ve been admitted to Harvard.” think the surprise really set in when I was googling These are the words that senior Jasmine Parmley had statistics a few hours later and found that only a few the pleasure of hearing on March 10, an entire three weeks thousand students, globally, get accepted into the earlier than the March 30 date when students admitted to school every year,” she said. “It still doesn’t feel real. It Harvard would be officially notified of their status. probably won’t feel real until I step foot on campus.” “My Harvard admisFrom April 22 to sions officer called me April 24, Parmley had I cannot express just how thankful I in the middle of my AP the opportunity to do Spanish class letting me just that. She attended am to have spent the last four years at know that not only did my an event called Visitas Millard South. Thank you, for letting Senior Jasmine Parmely will attend Harvard University as a govapplication stand out, but on Harvard’s campus. ernment major in the fall. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Parmely. me be the most ‘me’ version of myself, they thought that I would Parmley was hosted by a be an especially good fit current Harvard student for the school,” Parmley and was allowed to sleep -Jasmine Parmley and foreign language departments, and so, so, proud to live explained. in one of Harvard’s dorms. Future Harvard student in a state which has supported public education for many Parmley was ecstatic The event included attendyears, and I hope will continue to do so. I cannot express and reports that she cried ing classes, taking tours, just how thankful I am to have spent the last four years at for about an hour after receiving the good news. Harvard and attending events that were hosted by extracurricular Millard South. Thank you, for letting me be the most ‘me’ has been her dream school ever since her days at Hitchcock organizations. After attending Visitas and returning home, version of myself,” Parmley reflected. Elementary School when she was convinced that she would Parmley has made the decision to commit to Harvard for “solve global warming.” Although her sights for herself and her bachelor’s degree, and she is now enrolled in the same her career goals have changed, Harvard has been a constant class as people like Malia Obama. goal for Parmley throughout her life. “I am so, so, lucky to go to a school with strong music

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News 5 • 12 • 2017

‘I pledge allegiance’ Students give opinions on pledge importance Ryne Carter Opinions Editor

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” When you say the pledge of allegiance every morning, what are you thinking about? Are you actually thinking about the pledge and what it means? Maybe you’re thinking about that cute pair of shoes you saw yesterday. Maybe you’re thinking about Kendrick Lamar’s new album. Maybe you’re thinking of how much you’re craving some mozzarella sticks from Sonic. Maybe you really are thinking about the pledge while you look at the flag and you place your hand over your heart. The biggest controversial question over the flag today is whether or not it is disrespectful to stay seated for the pledge. Some people refuse to say it and their reasons are endless. The pledge is something that everyone has been saying since they were in kindergarten. It was just expected of you and if

you didn’t follow the rules, you were seen as unappreciative of your country. It was shameful. After all, there is a state law that requires student to say the pledge. Ever since kids grew old enough to think for themselves, they started forming their own opinions. Why is the flag so important and is it disrespectful to not stand up? In a poll of approximately 60 kids throughout Millard South, two questions were asked. Is it disrespectful to not stand up for the pledge? Yes - 72% No 28% Does saying the pledge art by AJ Bierwirth every day cause it to lose its meaning?

Yes - 32% No - 68% A strong amount of people stood strongly with the idea that the pledge is very important. “It is very disrespectful to not stand up for the pledge. It doesn’t matter if there is racism or segregation. You should always respect your country,” freshman, Kohl Herbolsheimer, said. “I think it’s disrespectful for people not to stand up during the pledge, but I do think it loses its meaning if we say it every day,” Sara Cecetka said. On the other hand, some people had a different outlook. A junior, Jamie Dasenbrock, said “I believe it’s a choice. I understand the view that it’s disrespectful to those who have served, but there are more impactful ways to show respect than standing and repeating something you’ve said so many times that it has become less of a sign of respect as it is just another everyday task. When you do something every day, it becomes repetitive and doesn’t feel special, like brushing your hair or going to the bathroom. Personally, I stand and put my hand over my heart, but I do not say the pledge because its words do not hold much meaning for me. I love and appreciate my country, but I recognize its flaws and its wrongdoings. I am grateful

Pass the salt, white pasta

Source: 60 Millard South students polled

for the right alone to choose. I respect your views if you believe differently. However, my decision to stand, or to not stand, does not correlate to how much I value and respect my country or those who served.”

A well-rounded summer

New Secretary of Agriculture eases restrictions on school cafeterias nationwide Conlan Custard Staff Reporter

Who’s hungry? For the longest time children across the country have begged for better school lunches only to be rejected by the administration. In fact, complaints only grew after First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign to combat against childhood obesity was put into place. Major changes in nation-wide school lunch programs were made including smaller portions, whole wheat and whole grain options, and more fruits and vegetables. Since then, the childhood obesity rate in America has continued to grow, despite the previous administration’s best efforts. Last week, newly appointed Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, announced he would suspend sodium reduction requirements and whole-grain requirements as well as allow 1 percent fat flavored milk back into school cafeterias nationwide for the 2017-2018 school year. Students everywhere rejoiced, but almost as soon as they celebrated, there came a sense of skepticism. Would we simply revert back to the mundane lunches we saw before Obama’s campaign? What exactly is going to change in the coming years? All these are questions raised by many different students concerned with what the future of lunch in school will be like. Millard Public Schools Food Services General Manager, Justin Wiley, has some inside information on the changes we will be seeing.

Source: 60 Millard South students polled Graphics by Jordyn Kelley

“None of the regulatory announcements are a surprise to Food Service and Sodexo. These are not so much ‘changes’ as they offerings of ’ ‘flexibility’ for school districts that are struggling to meet whole grain and sodium requirements,” Wiley said. Another concern some had with this news is how it would influence the school’s scheduled lunch menu as a whole. “The menu going into next year will be impacted more by industry trends and current acceptability than the recent announcement released recently,” Wiley said. However, there is much reason for optimism within schools as just recently, they have been testing out new variations on meals they thought could use some work. Just this past week, Millard South unveiled a plethora of “Daddy’s Pizza” free samples for students to try and give feedback on. “Just recently we hosted the tasting for a potential new pizza, which resulted in about a 90% approval rating. In addition, the pizza that is currently offered and the pizza that was sampled, meet all of the current regulations prior to the flexibility that was released,” Wiley said. “This is an area that we focus on continuously. We will continue to offer new and innovative products to the students of Millard,” he said.

Swim Mahoney- $10 Papio- $5.50 Mockingbird- $3 Zorinsky- $4

Free

Joslyn Art Museum 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. most days Monday Movie NightMidtown Crossing June-July at 5 p.m. Live music at the Pedestrian Bridge: May and June on Fridays

Learn Metro Community College non credit classes for teens Millard Public Schools Summer School Fine Lines Summer Writing Camp

art by Sean Burton

Sarah Braley Staff Reporter

Volunteer Humane Society Red Cross Ronald McDonald House

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News 5 • 12 • 2017

Mental health professionals raise concern over ‘13 Reasons Why’ Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter

The new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” has both teens and adults talking. While many teens have watched all the episodes and are actively referencing it on their social media, adults are worried about the show’s messages. “While ‘13 Reasons Why’ aims to open up dialogue concerning a variety of issues, it does not give viewers viable alternatives to death by suicide,” said Counseling Department Head Dr. Vicky Munoz. “I want students to know that there is always an alternative to suicide and that there are people in our school and community who are available to help at all times. School counselors, the Millard Safe Schools Hotline, and community agencies will provide professional assistance to students in crisis,” she said. “Not only are mental health care professionals worried,

but so are school administrators and local area church leaders and anyone who works closely with teens. Millard Public Schools sent an email to 13 Reasons Why is a fictional story based on a widely known novel and is meant to be a cautionary tale. parents of middle and You may have similar experiences and thoughts as some of the characters in 13RW. People often identify with characters they see on TV or in movies. However, it is important to remember that there are healthy high school parents the ways to cope with the topics covered in 13RW and acting on suicidal thoughts is not one of them. last week of April. If you have watched the show and feel like you need support or someone to talk to reach out. Talk with a “Right away we friend, family member, a counselor, or therapist. There is always someone who will listen. were in discussion with Suicide is not a common response to life’s challenges or adversity. The vast majority of people who Mrs. Weaver about the experience bullying, the death of a friend, or any other adversity described in 13RW do not die by suicide. show and what the next In fact, most reach out, talk to others and seek help or find other productive ways of coping. They go on to actions that needed to lead healthy, normal lives. be taken,” Munoz said. Suicide is never a heroic or romantic act. Hannah's suicide (although fictional) is a cautionary tale, not meant to appear heroic and should be viewed as a tragedy. “So we discussed it right It is important to know that, in spite of the portrayal of a serious treatment failure in 13RW, there are many after it became a popular treatment options for life challenges, distress and mental illness. Treatment works. show, and then she was Suicide affects everyone and everyone can do something to help if they see or hear warning signs that in communication with someone is at risk of suicide. our district and then our Talking openly and honestly about emotional distress and suicide is ok. It will not make someone more district formally issued a suicidal or put the idea of suicide in their mind. If you are concerned about someone, ask them about it. statement right away.” Knowing how to acknowledge and respond to someone who shares their thoughts of emotional distress or suicide with you is important. Don’t judge them or their thoughts. Listen. Be caring and kind. Offer to stay The show, based with them. Offer to go with them to get help or to contact a crisis line. on the book of the same How the guidance counselor in 13RW responds to Hannah's thoughts of suicide is not appropriate and not name by Jay Asher is typical of most counselors. School counselors are professionals and a trustworthy source for help. If your about a girl named Hanexperience with a school counselor is unhelpful, seek other sources of support such as a crisis line. nah Baker who comWhile not everyone will know what to say or have a helpful reaction, there are people who do, so keep mits suicide after being trying to find someone who will help you. If someone tells you they are suicidal, take them seriously and continuously bullied by get help. her classmates. She leaves When you die you do not get to make a movie or talk to people any more. Leaving messages from beyond the grave is a dramatization produced in Hollywood and is not possible in real life. behind a set of audio Memorializing someone who died by suicide is not a recommended practice. Decorating someone’s locker tapes and in each tape who died by suicide and/or taking selfies in front of such a memorial is not appropriate and does not honor she blames a different the life of the person who died by suicide. person for her suicide Hannah's tapes blame others for her suicide. Suicide is never the fault of survivors of suicide loss. There and calls them out for are resources and support groups for suicide loss survivors. what they did to her. The book, published Talking points by: If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide... in 2007, is on the shelves Text "START" to 741741 at all three Millard high Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) school libraries and is listed as on hold at Central Middle. None of www.save.org | www.jedfoundation.org the other middle schools in the district have copies These talking points were included as an attachment to the email sent out by Millard Public in their libraries. The one Schools to parents of middle and high school students. available copy for check out in the district at the sophomore Marissa Kolar said. “It shows how bullying can time of printing is at Horizon High School. affect someone and shows how serious suicide is.” While the book does include rape and sexual assault, the “I noticed a lot of my friends watch it, so it made me descriptions are not nearly as graphic as what you would interested,” sophomore Jacob Gundersen said. “I think if see in the Netflix series. Both the main character and her someone is suicidal they should know that there is help friend Jessica are victims of sexual assault and rape. available and they should not be watching shows that could Netflix has labeled the series as MA for mature audibe triggering,”he said. Other than that, I think it’s a good ences. This means that the parental controls set for “Teens” show for making teens aware that what they say and what would eliminate the show from their choices. The show can they do can be hurtful and destroy someone’s life.” only be seen on a Netflix account with adult settings. “I personally think it is effective in showing how the Despite the concern of adults, students who have slightest thing can ruin someone’s life and how some people watched the show say they see what the filmmakers were might not be able to deal with it in the best way,” sophoaiming for. more Tori Barkus said. “It’s a good show on showing how one little small thing can turn into a life changing event that can be very serious,”

13 REASONS WHY TALKING POINTS

Omaha joins global march to bring attention to science

Omahans march for science on Earth Day. photo by Savannah Lacy

Savannah Lacy Staff Reporter Thousands marched across the globe to participate in the March for Science on Earth day and a sister march took place right here in Omaha. The march began at Elmwood Park once the Earth day festivities ended and went on to Stinson Park. The Omaha World Herald reported that 1,000 people attended the march, but it is argued that many more people showed. The march was organized by Cori Borgheiinck and she is considering making it an annual event for Omaha. Marchers hope their message will be heard by President Trump and the administration and have an effect on the proposed federal budget cuts that threaten scientific research. Cori Borgheiinck explained that she was inspired to organize the event because she knows how difficult it is to obtain only

a morsel of funding for her research. “I am passionate about science but it takes people from all backgrounds to create an open dialogue to discuss the importance of science, to discuss how it plays an instrumental role in our day to day lives, and how the protection of science is a necessity,” says Borgheiinck. When the march ended at Stinson Park, speakers took the stage to cover topics including climate change, lead poisoning, biodiversity, and the importance of science to the Omaha community. The topic that our community cannot become discouraged to stop fighting in the current climate was a main talking point throughout the speakers. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and hope that these attitudes towards science remain and continue to advocate for science every day of the year not just on Earth day.

News 5 •12 • 2017

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Patriots to continue athletics, activities in college

Kailey Boden Sports Editor

Rajan Ellebb-Wrestling Doug Weidner-Wrestling Branden Mills-Track and Field Emily Fowler-Competitve Cheer

Chelsea Chmura-Soccer Cam Burkard-Football Alli DeVries- Volleyball Leah Beran - Chorus and Band Samantha Franco - Musical Theater

Taelor Solano-Softball

Jonathan Lopez-Soccer Emily Weyant-Soccer Courtney Doeschot-Soccer Zach Charity- Wrestling

Payton Huscroft-Softball Rylie Unzicker-Softball Courtney Worth-Dance Team Amanda Record-Forensics Team

Lauren McElfish-Cheer

Shayla Schelm-Track & Field

Lauren Sanders-Basketball

Noah Rasmussen-Cross Country and Track & Field

Eric Hiatt-Football Jaxon Harre-Basketball

Madi Stearnes-Volleyball Sara Collins-Softball

Keegan Case-Football

Emma Phillipson-Soccer

Taylor SomersCross Country and Track & Field

Miriam Cortes-Theater

Kailey Boden-Basketball Hailey Boden-Basketball

Jena Thompson-Music

Sports 5 • 12 • 2017

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Runners cross the line with flying colors Maddie Rynes Staff Reporter

The sky was filled with bursts of color floating in the air. Everyone was coated with the bright powder and laughter resonated along with booming music. Students, staff, and family members joined together to participate in the first Color Run. “It was a great group of people who just were enjoying the day and that makes the stress level of putting on a first time event much less,” student council sponsor Kyrie Nehls said. “I felt like the people that participated had a great time It was easy enough to carry out that we didn’t feel rushed or anything. I thought it was a great activity.” On April 22, Millard South Student Council hosted the first annual Color Run in hopes to raise funds for the Patriots Care Pantry. The pantry was started in October to aid families who are in need of assistance in supporting their families. It is a no questions asked resource for families in need who cannot afford necessary supplies for their families. “One of the coolest things was the fact that the parents came to participate, simply because they wanted to help the pantry in some way,” Nehls said. “Yes it was a fun event, but it was definitely on people’s minds as to why they were doing what they were doing.” The pantry is stocked with everything from fresh fruit, refriger-

ated meat and nonperishable items, to hygienic items from toothbrushes to soap. It’s managed by student council but teacher volunteers donate and take shifts running it after school. “It takes a lot of personal time to keep the pantry running like taking inventory. We hold meeting with partnerships outside of school hours. It also takes a lot of planning and organizing our teacher volunteers,” pantry committee head Rebeca Garcia-Tapia. “But overall we are willing to work ad hard as we can in order to achieve our goal of growing our school pantry.” “It was awesome,” Chloe Gilbert said. “It was a really good thing to do for a really good cause.” Included in the 170 people of the run, members were from the track team, which was a surprise to many. To participate in this event, the track team was granted a waiver from NSAA to run in the event without losing sport eligibility. Clearly stated in the NSAA rule book under section 3.5/3.1, an athlete participating in a school event may only compete in the events of that sport. “Once the season of a sport begins, a student shall participate in practices and compete only in athletic contests/meets in that sport, which are scheduled by his/ her school. Any other competition

Runners throw color at the end party in Walnut Grove Park.

will render the student ineligible for a portion of, or all of, the season in that sport. The season of a sport begins with the first date of practice as permitted by NSAA rules.” Altogether, the Color Run raised $1,144 to aid the pantry. There were 168 participants, all who didn’t leave without being covered in color and the feeling that they benefitted our community. “Thank you for taking a chance and doing something different and helping to support the pantry,” Nehls said. “We’re excited to do it again next year!”

Student Council members joined together after being inside of the color party. Photo courtesy of Kyrie Nehls

Young talent up to bat to prepare for State tournament Carina Covington Staff Reporter

seniors allowing for underclassmen to start in the field. Juniors David Benjamin, Dylan Guinzy, Dylan Wagner, Drew Gilin, and Kyle Perry have been key players this Young talent is the name of the game for Millard season by consistently having success in the line up. South baseball this year after losing 11 seniors last sea Players Kyle Perry and Drew Gilin both announced son. their commitment to continue their education and base Millard South recently won their district punchball careers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after ing them a ticket to the state tournament. The Patriots high school. Kyle has been dominating on the mound played Omaha Bryan in their first game of the district this season by hitting spots and increasing his speed. tournament. Junior, Garett Svoboda hit a 2-run homerun Drew Gilin is the starting shortstop for the Patriots but to start the Patriots on the board. Joe Folkers also hit a he can also pitch. triple to add more runs to the board. Millard South left “We always try to treat every game and every pracwith a 10-1 victory which put the team into the champitice the same. Our team chemistry has really helped us onship game against stay on track this season,” Papillion La-Vista shortstop Drew Gilin said. South. The Q street battle has been We always try to treat every game and In the champione of Millard South’s bigevery practice the same. Our team onship game, David gest games of the season. Benjamin put the chemistry has really helped us stay on Millard South left with a 6-4 Patriots on the board victory over the Wildcats. track this season, with a 2-run single. Junior, Kyle Perry was on The team displayed the mound for the Patriots solid defense with --Junior Drew Gilin, shortstop with junior David Benjamin Dylan Wagner startbehind the plate. ing on the mound Small ball has been and Kyle Perry coming in during the 4th inning. Sophoone of the greatest improvements of the team this season. more Jake Gish kept the rally going by hitting a triple Getting bunts down in the Millard West game gave the to score one more run. The final score was 3-0 and the Patriots an opportunity to advance runners and put more Patriots are one step closer to achieving their goals. runs across the plate. “We always say we are pulling the rope in the same “Success in games always starts with practice no matter direction,” head varsity baseball coach Greg Geary said. who we are playing that week,” Folkers said about the “The guys really care about each other. We have the same preparation for big games like Millard West. Third basegoals,” he said about the success of this year’s team. man, Joe Folkers, also said that beating Millard West is The Patriot baseball team has exceeded expectations always a highlight in his high school career. with young talent stepping up and dominating on the “We are always pushing for a state title,” Coach field. The team has already achieved 26 wins this season, Geary said. The Patriots are coming to an end for their including winning the Millard West invite and their high school season and will soon advance onto their district tournament. The team hopes to add more wins summer legion league. However, they are all working during the state tournament. towards a state title before the high school season runs “Many JV players are now playing roles at the varsity out. level,” Geary said. This year the team only has three

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Tennis girls serve up team victories Madi Bullard Staff Reporter

This year in tennis there are two new coaches. The first new coach is the junior varsity one Ben Thorn. Thorn teaches science and also coaches basketball. The second new coach is the assistant coach Isabelle Wostoupal. Coach Jason Rodenberger is the returning varsity coach. The seniors this year on varsity are Adele Kanley, Emma Martin, and Michelle Lavelle. Adele Kanley got student athlete of the month for May, and she plays the #1 singles place. The only junior on varsity is Tori Pederson. The sophomores on varsity are Kaitlyn Baker, Lauren Walenz, Courtney Kelly, and Madi Geary. The only freshman on Varsity is Greta Wostoupal. Varsity has won 6 out of 11 of their duels. They placed 15th out of 24 in the Westside invitational. The only Junior on JV Raegan Dubois. The sophomores on JV are Keirstyn Misek, Sam Macintosh, and Madi Bullard. The freshman on JV are Chelsea Molina, Kelly Vo, Maritza Gaytan, Bella Snyder, Brooke Roberts, and Jenna Miller. JV has won 6 out of 11 of their duels. Madi and Sam from JV won the Bellevue East/West invite in the #1 doubles. Madi and Sam also got second place in #1 doubles at the Ralston invite They were playing the hardest JV doubles team from each school. Madi and Sam also got second place at the Papillion-LaVista invite in the #1 doubles. Reserve team sophomores are Sandy Lopez, Rosa, Sonia, and Carla Varela. The freshman on the reserve team Jazzmyn Berscheid, Jazzmyn also plays for JV sometimes. The reserve team is new this year. Coach Thorn mainly handles the reserve team. The JV and varsity tennis girls practice everyday till 5:30 except Fridays they go to 5 p.m. Reserve only practices on Fridays until 5 p.m.

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Features 5• 12 • 2017

Siblings at School: What do student siblings have to say? Featuring Cade and Carina Covington, Kathryn and Emma Willenborg, and Hailey and Kailey Boden Vanessa Chavez News Editor Q:What is it like to have your sibling at school? Cade: It’s kind of fun having my sister in the same school. We can talk about what’s going on, and we’re on the same page when it comes to homework. Carina: My brother and and I are actually really close and I love having him at school with me. He also helps me with my homework since he is a year older so that’s a nice bonus. Cade and I are like best friends and we never fight so having him around is really nice Q:How many classes do you/have you had together? And how does that go? Cade: We have a study hall together and the same math class, just at different times. I’ll admit, study hall can be a challenge when she doesn’t think, but it’s one of my favorite parts of the day. We help each other with math, and I help her with chemistry. As for stories, we were doing math, and she plotted some points way off, so I asked her if she was trying to build a snowman. She told me to shut it. Carina: We have study hall together. We sit next to each other by choice and we usually do our precalc homework together. Q:When else do you see one another? Cade: I see her at lunch both days, but technically I’m not “allowed” to sit at her table. But I do say hello to her friends when she tries to shun me. Carina: I sometimes see my brother at lunch but we don’t sit together. We don’t have the same lunch but our lunch times overlap. But if I see him in the hallway, we always say hi to each other. Q:Do you do any school activities together? Cade: We don’t have any activities together. Honestly, the next time I see her after school is almost 8:30. We both have busy schedules. Carina: The only school activity we see each other at is off season lifting and when we do see each other, we often talk for a little bit. Q:Do your teachers know you guys are siblings?

Have you had teachers that the other sibling had? Do they see the resemblance? Cade: Since I’m older, my sister has had some of the teachers I’ve had. Only a couple of teachers have put two and two together, but that’s because we don’t look a lot alike. Although this year, my sister and I had Mrs. Zadina as a teacher, but for different classes. About 4 months after being in her class, she asked me if I had a sister. I was a little surprised that she asked, but when I told her yes, Mrs. Zadina said we don’t look alike. Carina: I don’t think a lot of teachers know we are siblings unless they are also one of our coaches or they have us both in class at the same time. In middle school, my sixth grade year and his seventh grade year, we had the same math class. I remember that the class was pretty big and we sat at tables but Cade refused to sit at a table and he always wanted to stand at the back counter so that solved the problem of our teacher knowing if she should put us together on the seating chart. They never mix us up but they often call us by our last name or they call us “Cov” Q:Do you have any memorable stories of all the years you have gone to school together? Cade: One tradition that we have done since kindergarten is on the first day of a new school year, we would go outside and take a picture with which grade we were now in with our fingers. Granted, I couldn’t do it this year, but we still took a picture. Carina: I remember playing Cade in a dodgeball tournament in middle school. It was me and my friends against Cade and his friends. It kinda sucked for me because Cade had his team all aim for me first but it was always fun being able to play games with Cade. I have a lot of fun memories of us practicing softball and baseball together as well. Whether it was just him throwing me front toss or hitting me grounders he has always helped me with whatever I need.

Q: How similar are your plans for the future? Hailey: We are going to the same college, Graceland University, and we are majoring/minoring in the same thing and we will both be playing basketball for Graceland. Moving three hours away from home will be a struggle but it’ll be easy knowing I have Kailey. Kailey: I used to think that this [going to the same college] would be a very bad idea and that I would want to go our separate ways for once in our lives, but as this all laid out in front of my eyes and we both got recruited for basketball by the same coaches, I saw all the positives that going to the same college together would bring and how helpful it would be. We get to room together so minimizing the stresses of finding a roommate and having to adapt to a stranger who you have no idea what their habits are and what their like is a huge plus. Another thing that is made easier is since we majoring in the same thing, we can study together and help each other. Q: What is it like to have your sister at school? Hailey: It’s nice to have Kailey. Kailey: It has its disadvantages and advantages. Sometimes I feel like we are always together and it can get annoying but other than that it’s nice because we always have each other and we always have someone to go to so we never have to worry. Q: How many classes do you/have you had together? And how does that go? Hailey: Me and Kailey have 6 classes together and its basically been like that our entire high school career because we are interested in the same things. We talk a lot during these classes and we like to work together on projects in class and on homework we get assigned. Kailey: This year we have 6 out of our 8 classes together, we don’t really have the same grades, though, and we only sometimes work together on things because I get really competitive with her when it comes to my grades and I always want to try to “be the better twin.” Q: When else do you see one another?

Hailey: Since we have a lot of classes together, we have lunch together as well on both A and B days. Kailey: We have both our A day and B day lunches together but most of the time we don’t really even talk to each other at lunch! We either just sit there in silence on A days or on B days when we have lunch with our friend group we just laugh and joke with our friends but never really directly talk to each other. Q: Do you do any school activities together? Hailey: Our freshman and sophomore year we played volleyball, basketball, and track and our junior through senior year we just played basketball. It was really nice to have her because it meant I always had someone to work with me and practice with me. Kailey: Yes, all our life we have done the same sports and activities and I guess that’s because our parents never really put us in different activities or sports when we were younger and we have stuck with those sports all our life. And now we get to do that together, playing basketball for the same college so I am very excited!! Q: Do your teachers know you guys are siblings? Do they see the resemblance? Hailey: Most of our teachers know we are twins because we have most of our classes together and they tend to enjoy having us both because when we are sort of inseparable and our teachers like to make fun of us for it. Kailey: When we were little people would get us mixed up all the time and they would have to remember us by our heights and amount of hair. Hailey has a lot of thick hair so they would always say Hailey, Hair and they would remember me by the fact that I was always taller, and still am. Additional comments: Kailey: It’s nice to not be the same person but still have the awesome twin bonding relationship that we do. We could live without each other and be separated, but we chose not to because we are much better together… DYNAMIC DUO!! :)

Q: What is it like to have your sibling at school? Kathryn: Having my sister, Emma, at school is nice because it offers a sense of security and comfort knowing a member of my family is in the same building as me if I need anything or someone to talk to. Emma: I like going to the same school as Kathryn. It makes me feel more comfortable and safe, especially as a freshman who kinda needs her to guide me through the first year. Q: How many classes do you/have you had

together? When else do you see one another? Kathryn: Although it would be really interesting to see how we react in a classroom environment, we do not have any classes together. Sometimes, I sit with her at lunch and that gives each of us an opportunity to decompress. Emma: We have lunch together on B days. It usually involves us making fun of each other and/ or telling funny stories. We’ll walk to class together sometimes and meet up when we need a backup tampon.

Q: Have you had teachers that the other sibling had? Do they see the resemblance? Kathryn: So far, the only Mrs. Kaldahl. She had me in class for four years, so she is able to easily differentiate the two of us. But she feels as though we both share the same outgoing, bubbly and approachable personalities. Emma: I’ve definitely got a few teachers to like me since day one because of my last name. Kathryn’s a bubbly, opinionated and funny student, so teachers are always excited to have a second

Kathryn in class. I was called Kathryn for the first couple months in Spanish. Q: Do you have any memorable stories of the years you have gone to school together? Emma: High school is the only time I actually remember going to school with Kathryn. Our rides to and from school are the most stressful part of the year. We leave home uncomfortably late and if I’m not in her car at 3:14 she leaves without me or I get yelled at the whole ride home.

Jaymie Argotsinger encourages you to Speak Up Ryan Carter Opinions Editor

The stage is more than a platform for Jaymie Argotsinger - it’s her home. Jaymie, Millard South Alumni, has got her heart on music and her voice to the microphone. People may remember Jaymie from the music department at Millard South in previous years. Jaymie, a 2016 graduate, participated in both show choirs, Voce, Cantori and eventually Singers. She decided to carry on her love for music to college where she is now attending Northwest Missouri State to receive her Vocal Music Education degree. However, this isn’t the only thing Jaymie is focusing on. Unlike many young college students, Jaymie took one step further and wrote her own song called “Inside (speak up)”. The Omaha Performing Arts has recognized her song as well. You can find her song on YouTube. “My song is about how I sometimes feel like I have all of these things I want to say to people but I just can’t get the words out or when I do it never comes out quite how I thought it. This is kind of a common frustration I deal with being a kind of shy and reserved person and one

day it was majorly on my mind so I started to write down a few lines that had been popping up in my head and I went from there,” Argotsinger said. Jaymie was involved in both show choirs at different times throughout high school. She was also, at one point, in the varsity choir. Jaymie also really wants to reach out to other people to encourage them to get involved early. “Join a choir and if you have any interest in music, take contemporary music ensemble! Allow yourself time in the day to write out your thoughts and always keep a notebook by your side. The best advice I can give someone who wants to sing and write music is to believe in themselves as cheesy as that is. You probably won’t be good at the start, but if you trust that you have something to say that needs to be said, you will keep working at your writing and music,” Argotsinger said. Jaymie is looking forward to starting a YouTube channel soon. She would also love to perform duets with people. Her goals seem to be endless, but the music department at Millard South knows she is capable of whatever she puts her heart to. Be on the lookout for Jaymie and her new music. You won’t be disappointed.

Harry Styles' first solo song an iconic success Tori Barkus Staff Reporter

The legend that is Harry Styles has released his first solo song. Ever. And it is an absolute blessing. This blessing occurred April 7, and life just hasn’t been the same since. I will admit, the days leading up to the track release, I wasn’t really excited. But the morning I woke up and heard the song for the first time, I died a little. I had chills. I was on the verge of tears. I was feeling a million emotions at once, and it was great. It’s nice, because it’s been so long since I got to get excited over new music from the king himself, whether that music was from One Direction or not. One Direction who? OT4 who? Harry Styles slays them all. But nevermind 1D, who needs the group back together when you have the iconic Sign of the Times from Harry Styles, solo artist. Not only is it important that he’s finally doing solo work, but it’s just as important that with as lengthy of a track as Sign of the Times is, it shot to number one on the charts in over 61 countries. I’m actually so emotional, I’m so proud. I can’t stress this enough, Harry Styles is a legend, he’s an icon, he’s a king. Scratch that, he’s the king. His music is legendary. It’s iconic. It’s beautiful. Very few people can compete with his talent. The boy is a living, breathing, walking legend. I seriously cannot stress this enough. He can take all my money if he keeps releasing stuff like this song. He can tour and just play Sign of the Times one time and that’s all the tour is, and I’d go. I’d pay. I’d sell whatever I’d have to to get money to see him. I would sell my soul to see this man play this song live in concert. Just this

song. Until May 12th, when his full album drops (buy it on iTunes) and then I’ll need to save any money I can to see him on tour. Watch, he’ll have some sick name for the tour too, something that’s going to fit the Pink Harry Aesthetic. I’m so here for this. By the way, Pink Harry Aesthetic is coming from his new layout on twitter. One more time, I’m going to say this, Harry is legendary, iconic, everything. You look up both legendary and iconic in the dictionary, you get two pictures, him, and the album cover of Sign of the Times. Sign of the Times, the best thing to ever happen to mankind. Since 2011, when I got into liking 1D, I stanned (been a hardcore fan of)Harry the most. You have no idea how much that pays off now. As a fan of the king, I have been blessed, and I think you all should at least listen to the track. Do not dismiss it as one of those songs that’s just from a stupid pop star, because you’ll be missing out so much. The song isn’t as bubblegum pop as 1D’s music used to be. Harry’s actually described his music as similar (but modernized slightly) to ‘70s Brit pop, with inspiration from other icons such as David Bowie and Queen. It’s something that, to me, shows that he’s actually so capable of something bigger than what One Direction was. That music was cheesy, but this, this is the epitome of actual good pop music with a deeper meaning. Harry’s music can be and will be considered classic in about 5 to 10 years. Trust me. Solo Harry has risen, and from the looks of it, he’s here to stay.

Entertainment 5• 12 • 2017

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Movie promises a touching story Rebecca Harvie Staff Reporter

The year is 1915 and the largest genocide of the 20th century before the holocaust has just begun and will only end 1.5 million lives later. The Promise, released on April 21, is the story of the Armenian Genocide. This movie will break your heart both with the cruel mass murder and the desperation to survive. It was well made and included some well-known actors among them Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le bon, and Angela Sarafyan. Yet despite the great talent and the amazing story, it is not perfect and a number of people have found fault with the tangled relationships. While I was inclined to agree with them in the beginning, I would beg to differ with them by the end. In the beginning the tangle of relationships did seem to take away from the story and the included sexual scene seemed out of place with the violence and the fear. But by the end, they did use the relationships to make the situation and atrocities real. It seems to me that the real stories did not make much of a difference so they had to create characters for the audience to sympathize with since the real stories were silenced and overall ignored. Yet, that did not stop the critics from bashing on it claiming that their problem with it was the love story. I use the word claiming because we cannot be sure if it was the real reason that they did not like it. Ever since it was first shown at the Toronto International Movie Festival in 2016, The Promise has been getting two kinds of reviews. They either said that it was horrible or wonderful and the issue was brought up that the country of Turkey does not want this movie to do well. In an

interview with CBS News Actor Christian Bale mentioned that this is not the first time that people tried to make this movie and that it was only because the late armenianamerican businessman Kirk Kerkorian invested $100 million dollars that this film was made. One of the main problems being as Bale put it the “enormous strategic value of Turkey”. Pretty much meaning that any studio, producer, or distributor that wants

to do any business with Turkey would stay as far away from this film as possible. As you can probably tell, Turkey, the Ottoman Empire at the beginning, is not like Germany. After World War II Germany was in ruins and the people of Germany had to see the evidence of the holocaust and afterward they chose to never forget. After the holocaust, Germany became better and more cautious but that is not the case for Turkey. The genocide happened at the end of the Ottoman Empire and during the beginning of Turkey it was repeated. Yet despite the outcry they were never completely defeated and the leaders were never convicted. The Armenian Genocide went unanswered and it more than likely inspired the Holocaust. The Armenian Genocide proved that if a sovereign nation commits genocide then other nations would not truly intervene. Now some of the Armenian groups did get help from the French navy, the Russians, and a Greek captain but no nations fully went out of their way to rescue or protect them and the same happened during the holocaust. In 1939 while talking about the invasion of Poland to the commander of the Luftwaffe, Hitler dismissed any concern about the violence by saying “Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” When I went to Armenia and Georgia this last summer my team and I got to hear the story of a man whose father survived the genocide. He told us about how his grandmother was told to get her family and run because the Turks were killing the Armenians. How she ran to her house to find that they have already hung her husband from a tree and to tell her 7 children to hold onto her skirt as they went running into the mountains. He told us about how his father saw their priest tied to a tree and set on fire, calling for help but everyone was just fleeing for their lives. When they finally made it to a dock a Greek captain told them that he can only save people and that they had to leave everything behind. When they finally made it to Greece Stalin said that all the Armenians should go back to Armenia but every family that accepted his offer did not make it to Armenia for they were sent to Siberia. This is only one example of the genocide and The Promise shows another part but there was so much more. From being marched into the desert to being told to convert to Islam or die, 1.5 million people were brutally murdered. The Promise was worth the time and tears. It does include some sexuality, violence, disturbing images, and war atrocities but I would still recommend it because I do not want Hitler to be right and those people deserve to be remembered.

Holladay is the band for the Summer Holiday Rebecca Harvie Staff Reporter

Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to the Bahamas on a cruise. Along with seeing the sunny and bright scenery, I met some really amazing people. Some of them have kept in touch with me, regardless of the distance. One of those people is Zach Tate, who just released his first EP with his band, Holladay. If you’re into alternative, surf rock or indie rock music, Holladay is the upcoming band that will make your summer playlist a hit. Their music mainly is inspired by happy times with their own life experiences along with a little bit of heartbreak. Holladay has their own unique sound and is definitely the kind of music to listen to on a long car ride or just whenever you’re feeling good vibes. They compare themselves to bands such as The Smiths, The Beach Boys and Vampire Weekend.

So far, they’ve produced 10 songs, but only released five - those songs are Steady, Empress Eyes, To Celia, He’s No Match and I Know Better. Out of all five of these songs, Zach’s favorite is ‘He’s No match’, which he personally produced himself. The band formed back in June and have performed live in a few places since then. They have performed at the Savannah Arts Academy for the Sidewalk Arts Festival and also at the Young Life Event. So far they’ve performed in front of a few hundred people at most, but they hope to see those numbers rise soon. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Be original and have your own sound. If people don’t like it, at least you had fun making music,” Zach said.

If you want to keep up with Holladay, check out their social media. Instagram - @holladayband Soundcloud - Holladay Twitter - @holladayband Facebook - Holladay Bandcamp - Holladay

Bill Nye the Netflix Guy The Science Guy’s new show caters to a new generation RuthAnne Hale Entertainment Editor

In nearly every science class in elemantary schools across America, one man is a hero to every video day. His name is Bill Nye the science guy. Bill Nye’s kids show was a wild success, helping kids understand even the most complex ideas. While “Bill Nye Saves the World,” Bill Nye’s new Netflix show is not for kids, its goal is to break down complex and contrevercial issues so they can be understtod by the average person, all from a scientific perspective. “Bill Nye Saves the World” lacks a lot of what made the original show truly great. It lacks the ridiculousness that made it fun, and it definitely lacks youth and energy. The live audience takes away from Bill

Nye’s performance, and seems to distract him. Some of the celebrity guests seem like a cry for popularity. Despite its shortfalls, “Bill Nye Saves the World” is worth watching. While it does contain many opinions for a science show, on the whole it presents good, unbaised information about important subjects. It talks about global warming, overpopulation, pollution, dieting, gender studies, and alternative medicine. The show is set up in a loose formula. It starts with an introduction, usually using an experiment to set up the topic of discussion. Then, a few corresondents show how that topic influences people. There is usually a panel of experents respresenting both sides of an issue, and they peacefully discuss opinions. After that, solutions are proposed, and Bill shows the audience what we can do to help. The show isn’t as fun and lighthearted as the original Bill Nye show, but it is a great way for viewers to learn about important issues in life today, in an interesting and engaging way.

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Seniors 5 • 12 • 2017

Senior Superlatives: SCB unveils winners at banquet photos by Ellie Dean

Proudest Patriot

Olivia Hunt and Wolf Lucas

Most Athletic

Taylor Somers and Joe Folkers

Most Artistically Talented

Ziara York and An Vu

Best BFFs

Most Likely to Brighten Someone’s Day

O.T. Apedjinou and Kate Botkin

Alexis Einspahr and Jena Thompson

Most Respected

Most Likely to be an Internet Star

Adele Kanley and Jack Dempsey

Julia Hakes and Jack Tweedy

Most Likely to Win an Oscar

Samantha Franco and Connor Little

Best Bromance

Logan Smith and Hunter Sunquist

Most Likely to be an SNL Cast Member

Kyle White and Kaylee Henderson

Most Likely to Cure Cancer

Best Laugh

Jasmine Parmley and David Reinhardt

Payton Huscroft and Liam Quedensley

Best Dressed

Ready, set, college

Counseling office hosts first ever signing day Macy Glinsmann Staff Reporter

Going to college takes a lot of prep work, including visiting colleges, applying, waiting, sending transcripts to your chosen college, and finalizing your plans. At the college signing day hosted by the MSHS guidance department, seniors at Millard South had the opportunity to take pictures with a sign printed from their chosen college, submit final transcripts and locations for those transcripts, and have a treat. The signs students held up for the event were preordered, which meant the organizers had to do research on what schools seniors had chosen so there would be one for them at for the event. Of course there was a “write in” sign for colleges that didn’t have a pre-printed sign already. The whole event was paid for with a grant from the Educationquest Foundation.

A total of 184 seniors and 74 staff members attended this event. “It was an opportunity for us to show our senior students support and celebrate their choice in making a commitment to higher education,” guidance counselor and coordinator Emily Townsend said. “We received positive feedback from the students, parents, teachers, and many other educators in the community,” she said. Hardworking counseling staff put the whole event together in just one month, and on the day of the event, anyone who went into the counseling center could see the excitement and positivity. “The process for getting this event done was very difficult,” Townsend said, “but with all the participants and how helpful it was, we plan to make this an annual event for

all seniors.” Set up was difficult at first, with deciding set-up, and it was a long process, but the school community managed to set up nicely for this event. The daunting tasks of setting up a large banner, moving all of the tables to another room, bringing risers from the choir department for the pictures, and finding out how to get all of the student’s transcript requests finalized, were a simple task. It took a total of one month to organize this event, and it was done “quickly and efficiently,” according to Townsend. Students and staff who had their pictures taken were also treated to muffins, cookies and more. “We might be able to have food in the future, but we’re more focused on the event itself rather than the

food,” Townsend said. All in all, this event is here to celebrate seniors in going to college, taking pictures with college-affiliated signs, and having fun. Anyone who attended this event and didn’t submit their final transcripts, could submit them there, or they could go just to enjoy what it had to offer. Pictures of the event were put out on social media, including twitter. College Signing Day honored students and celebrated their acceptance to college with a treat and a picture portraying their chosen colleges name. “College signing day was a great experience to honor every student and all the hard work they did to get to college!” senior Andreye Gutierrez said. “I was really excited to participate in it!”

Johnathan Lopez and Katherine Cruz

Worst Case of Senioritis

Hannah Bloomquist and Dillan Voelker

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Seniors 5 • 12 • 2017

Ellie Dean

I’ve had what I would call a fairly successful run at my high school career. While no two students enter this school alike or have the same experiences, I have some advice to offer for you guys that might ease your way through the next 1 or 2 or 3 years of your high school career. My first advice would be to manage your time. It feels like you have all the time in the world, but sadly you do not. It is very hard to maintain your clubs/sports/work and your homework. Eventually you will need to learn how to maintain all of your responsibilities because news flash; teachers won’t care if you had to work from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. so you didn’t have time to do your homework. Everyone manages their time differently, so you just have to figure out what’s best for you. But just try not to procrastinate as much. We all do it, and that’s ok! Just try to keep a balanced routine. Get involved. I know you all probably hear this from a lot of people “Get involved in high school” “It looks good on your resumes!” But trust me, if you can get involved in any way shape or form..do it. I am in 13+ clubs here at Millard South and I loved every single second of it. It has allowed me to create so many relationships that I will forever cherish. It was challenging to be successful in high school because of all my clubs, work, calculus homework, scholarships, and even more. Just don’t bite off more than you can chew. I repeat DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW. I learned the hard way and let me tell you, it was not a fun time. It was unneeded stress and I got a lot of anxiety from it since I never made time for myself. I would recommend being involved with your school and your community but only if you have the time for it. There are so many clubs offered here at Millard South so at least try one that might interest you. Get out of your comfort zone. Try things you wouldn’t typically try. If you do choose to be involved, it opens a lot of doors for you in your future. In my case being involved has led me to decide that I want to be in Advertising and Graphic Design. It has also made me more close with the teachers/administration at Millard South. Be yourself. Don’t fake a personality because it entertains your classmates. If you have to fake yourself for someone you should reconsider if they are your real friends or not. I am going to be completely honest right here. No one cares, like no one cares what clothes you wear. No one cares if you went to that party at that cute guy’s house two weeks ago. Most people just don’t care about what you are doing and what you have done. I noticed that high schoolers mainly only care about their future, how their friends are being treated, grades, and their success. So if you find yourself worrying about some of these things take a moment to remember that no one cares. Once you realize

Kathryn Willenborg

Future Plans: College: University of Nebraska at Lincoln Major/Minor: Advertising and Graphic Design Career: Graphic Artist this you will find out that you will have so much more energy because worrying about what people think of you is really mentally draining. You will also realize that you will be a happier person once you stop worrying. Moral of the story is be the best version of you. It is what you do best. My last and final advice would be is to take care of yourself and to have fun. You only go through high school once. Make friends and memories that you can tell to your future spouse/kids. Yes, high school can be very challenging and it can be mentally/physically/emotionally draining, so take some time to relax and enjoy life. Do some yoga, listen to a relaxation audio. You may think that sounds weird, but I kid you not, I listen to a relaxation audio once a week and I feel more relaxed and energized after. I don’t care what it is, but find a way to find a way to relax your mind and also find the positive in every situation. So if you are reading this please take into consideration of my advice. These years are considered the best time of your lives. You can only go through high school once, so live it to the fullest and don’t take for granted of your experience. Time really does fly. Soon you will be in my position wondering where time went.

Upon entering high school, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew that the way it had been portrayed on Disney Channel wasn’t realistic, and that the chances of singing through the hallways and attending school with a secret popstar were highly unlikely. Beyond that, though, I didn’t have any clear expectations. Some obstacles that I had confronted were endured naturally such as cramming for a plethora of finals in 6 hours, receiving 3 hours of sleep and being expected to obtain full academic performance abilities, and trying to fake sick well enough to fool the school nurse into believing I’m truly ill, when in reality I actually received word we were having a pop quiz in math. Come on, we’ve all been College: University of Nebraska at there. On the other hand, I’ve also been challenged by the “high Omaha school gods” in instances I had Major/Minor: Education been completely blinded-sided Career: Teacher by. Forgetting my calculator for the ACT, attending prom with a recent ex-boyfriend, and arriving all of you “Henry’s” out there, I wish to school 3 minutes late and turnI could tell you it gets better, but it reing the car around because I couldn’t ally doesn’t. It just becomes easier and find a parking spot, just to name a more bearable, but totally worth it. few. Needless to say, high school has Find something that interests you and definitely offered its fair share of ups coincides with your learning habits and downs. It has been rough, but and roll with it. Don’t overthink the here I am. I made it out alive with no trivialities, because at the end of the broken bones (shout out to milk.) day, failing that test will not ruin your As previously mentioned, life. I pinky promise. Go to sleep. high school has been by no means a High school is an exhausting, walk in the park. I wouldn’t even say endless cycle of the same repetitive it was a light jog. It was more like a system for four years, but it truly has sprint in the park, through fire and opened so many doors for me. I know lava. And pythons. But all in good fun. I really can’t complain too much. being social and getting involved isn’t necessarily for everyone, but for me I literally slept through the majorit was what allowed me to prosper. ity of my classes, did my homework It’s provided me with opportunities every morning in homeroom, and to travel across the country and meet went on cool trips. How dare I even people from all over the world, helped have the audacity to gripe about the me find my passion for serving the intermittent slumps I barely even community, introduced me to many confronted? new friendships, and uncovered my Seriously, though. I wish I could hop on the bandwagon of every interest in writing. I’m walking out of Millard other miserable teenager in my class itching to graduate and move on with South with a completely different group of friends than I entered with, their lives, but it truly is bittersweet and that’s okay. It’s okay to experito be leaving the building that has ment, to find yourself, to live in the taught me so much about myself, fostered so many unbelievable friend- moment, to take that mental health day and discover what truly makes ships, and exposed me to unforgetyou happy. Because let’s be honest, table opportunities. it’s only downhill from here. My little brother, Henry, recently decided that it would be in his best interest to drop out of school. He eagerly proposed the idea to my parents, who instantaneously and simultaneously shot him down. Mind you, he’s in the seventh grade and already at a point to throw in the towel. I’m not gonna lie; I’m plenty familiar with defeat in every sense of the word and senioritis has never been so prevalent in my life. I have taken the phrase “I just rolled out of bed” to a completely different level. So to

Future Plans:

Future Plans: College: Luther College Major/Minor: Nordic Studies and Art Career: Artist

Art by AJ Bierwirth

AJ Bierwirth

Senior Columns 5 • 12 • 2017

12

McKenna Krueger

Future Plans: College: University of Nebraska at Lincoln Major/Minor: Architecture/German Career: Commercial Architect

I’m not really used to writing, so give me some slack for my sarcastic syntax. Let’s just say I’m used to taking the pictures, not being in them. Freshman year I would have never imagined that I would be the Photo Chief for the school newspaper. Sure I couldn’t be the team captain of the football team, but for the low cost of a three-day camp I could be head honcho of the newspaper’s photos. I truly did enjoy invading people’s personal lives. Maybe I should switch my major to surveillance. In all honestly though, this year has been a pretty great experience. Being a photographer got me out of my shell and allowed me to meet some pretty neato people.

As of April 27, 2017, I have been alive for 18 years. Each year there have been lessons, laughs, and a whole lot of love. As I get ready to graduate, I have found myself looking back and reflecting upon five values very important to me: toughness, honesty, adventure, joy, hope, and the anecdotes that taught me about each of them. Age 5: Toughness Kindergarteners, rain, and playgrounds do not mix well. Kids under the age of seven don’t seem to understand that rain makes playgrounds slick, and when playgrounds get slick it’s easier to fall. I am no exception to this. One drizzly day in my first year of elementary school, I was being chased on the playground when I slipped (surprise, surprise), fell on my knees, and then slid smack dab into a metal pole. I had to walk around with a ginormous goose egg of a bruise right in the center of my forehead for an entire week before I looked like a human again. My tiny self never would have recognized it, but the scrapes and cuts we get when we are young give us the toughness we need to deal with problems and conflicts when we are older. Age 6: Honesty When I was in the first grade, I told my teacher that I owned a dog. (I did not, in fact, own a dog. But in my overactive imagination, I had a droopy-faced basset hound that would lay under my bed and greet me when I got home from school.) For some reason, I thought it would be okay to inform my teacher that this fake dog had died. A few days later, she ran into my

mother, who promptly informed her that there was no dead dog, there was no dog period. Needless to say, there were no more fibs about nonexistent furry friends (or any other aspects of my life, for that matter). Age 7: Adventure At the far edge of my backyard there is a row of five or six huge pine trees. Behind those trees is about four feet of space, a fence separating my neighbor’s and my yards, and an entire secret world brimming with possibility. Years ago I would spend hours back there with friends or my sisters, building structures out of bricks and traveling to faraway lands. There was never a shortage of places to go or people to be. I would slink along the length of the trees, emerging victorious from my mission with pine needles falling from my hair. Now I go backpacking, ziplining, and whitewater rafting, but it is the time spent investigating in my backyard that inspired my desire to explore the world. Age 12: Joy One of my happiest memories is from the winter of my second year of middle school. It had snowed several inches, so school was cancelled. I decided to take my black lab Ruby (who was real, I assure you) to a nearby park to enjoy the winter scenery and watch her prance around in the snow. You know how sometimes you envision a perfect scene, but reality always seems to fall short? Well, this was not one of those instances. It was like something out of a Christmas card: my adorable dog racing towards me, all silky black against the icy

Future Plans: College: University of North Carolina-Wilmington Major/Minor: Communications/ Journalism Career: The next Diane Sawyer

Emma Martin white background, muzzle covered with snow, and making me laugh as she burrowed her head in a snow drift. It was not only love I felt for my dog that day (although that was a large part of it). It was the joy of remembering what it is like as a child, to worry about nothing but how you will get the snow out of your pants and experiencing simple, goofy joy. We had to put Ruby to sleep on January 12, 2017, but the memory of that day spent in a winter wonderland will live on for a very long time.

Age 18: Hope Everyone always says ‘high school is the greatest four years of your life,’ ‘college will be the best,’ ‘just wait until you’re out in the workforce, that’s when life really gets good’... but why do we say that? Why are we always waiting for the best years, when the best years could be right now? Why don’t we start making today the best, right now the greatest? Why don’t we stop waiting for a tomorrow that may never come, and live our best lives today? And so, my last lesson isn’t a lesson at all. Instead, it is a hope I have. I hope that you remember you have the power to make each day whatever you want it to be; you have the choice to make it the best or the worst. And above all else, I hope that you choose to strive to be happy today, grateful today, and satisfied today.

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Senior Columns 5 • 12 • 2017

Cam Filleman

Freshman year, 2013, my pals and I were walking around the old abandoned Millard Lumberyard before it started its transition into the new police station and like and those apartments or whatever. At that point, all that was there was like a couple of tin sheds and old, rotting wooden storage houses. We were just walking around when one of my friends decided to flip over a large piece of plywood that was lying on the ground under an awning of one of the tin sheds. At first no one noticed what was underneath because none of us were really paying attention. We were just young kids hanging around, having a good time. But I happened to notice what was unearthed and was sealed away from the world for so long. Underneath that piece of plywood was our lord and savior Sparky, the naturally mummified raccoon. At the time, we were all too spooked to even touch him. But I, an intellectual, saw an opportunity. Things that are naturally mummified are an extreme

rarity because the conditions that are required to keep the carcass in such pristine condition are absurdly specific: you need absence of moisture, extremely limited air flow, and lack of decomposing bacteria. And since the outside world is full of literally all of College: Nowhere at Nothose things, natural mummification wheresville has a crazy low chance of happening. So I saw an investment in taking Major/Minor: Help me Sparky. I thought I’d be able to sell him, Career: I’m falling apart and honestly If I tried hard enough, I could probably find a buyer. But Sparky started to become powerful, a that’s not just senioritis talking. symbol of my friend group’s camaraderie. I have absolutely no idea what I So I ended up not selling him, and now want to do with my life. So instead we’re coming up on Sparky’s 4th anniversary of us liberating him from the confines of going to college right away, I’m going to move to Georgia with my of the Lumberyard. Sparky currently sits in a glass display case in my room– always four best friends. We’re going to rent a house because rent spread there and always watching. out between five people is incredibly af So anyways, high school kind of fordable. One of my pals is going to start a sucked. School’s just not really my thing. T-shirt printing business down there. I’m I have no motivation to do anything, and

Future Plans:

I remember one day when I was in Kindergarten, some kids sitting at the same lunch table as me were arguing over whether or not twelfth grade was college. At that time, I thought twelfth grade was for twelve-year olds, so I thought it was a stupid argument. However, as a twelfth grader, this conversation between two random five-year olds feels a lot deeper. Now that senior year is winding down, I’m looking back on it, and there’s not really much I can say about it. It wasn’t bad. I’ve done well in classes, had my friends, and stayed involved, but none of it really sticks out to me. After thinking about it, I realize this is because I’ve let college take over my last year of high school. All the applications, scholarships, and campus visits have had me constantly thinking ahead and living out of the present. Things feel like they come at you a hundred miles an hour, and keeping up with all of it feels impossible, so actually managing all of it is out of the question. I’ve spent this whole year with one foot out the door, so in a way, twelfth grade College: University of Tulsa was college. Major/Minor: Physics The strange Career: Undecided thing is, I’m not really upset

Future Plans:

Trent Brakel

Eric Murcek

about this. There’s not much about high school that I’m going to miss. I’ve always just thought of it as the time where I found out who I am and what I want. Now that I’ve done that, I’m ready to move on from it. However, there are a lot of people who are getting really sentimental because they’ll never see their friends again or they’ll have to live somewhere completely different. Endings like this are always a little sad, because they mean that things are changing. Resisting the change just makes things harder, and it blurs the lines between where things end and begin. Now that all of my college plans are made, my goal for the rest of the school year and the summer is to just stay in the moment and enjoy life here while I still have it. I don’t want to look back on my senior year and have it be cloudy because I spent the entire time thinking about college. If you’re going to move on to something, there has to be something you’re moving on from. The last thing I want to do is get to my dorm in August and find it underwhelming because I’ve already mentally been there for three months. One thing I’ve learned in high school is that things always seem to sort themselves out. There’s no point in stressing over things in the future that probably won’t

over the course of high school. I can remember at least three separate times When I was first asked to write a senior that I changed column, I simply said no because I didn’t what I wanted to think I had anything useful to say or that do with my life. I didn’t have an interesting perspective. I went However, after some consideration, I’ve into high school decided to share my high school perspecplanning to be tive and experience in the hopes that what a graphic artist I’ve learned will be useful to others.. and picked out I spent the entirety of high school all of my classes hanging out with the same friends I’ve had appropriately. since middle school. It was only the four Give or take a of us, and by the time we entered high year and I find school, it seemed a bit late to make that I’d rather new friends. I was sorely mistaken, be drawing by and it was easily my biggest regret hand, creatin high school. If I have to give any ing so-so art. advice in this column, it’s that you College: Miskatonic University Once again, should talk to people. The best way is I shifted the Major/Minor: Tarot Reading to join a club and meet people with focus of the Career: Author similar interests. The result will shock classes I took. you, and you’ll usually make at least But suddenly, one or two new friends. I began to find I don’t regret my high school experience, that writing was interesting and I really enjoyed however. I had lots of fun with my friends and doing it. I shifted my classes for the last time formed a bond with them that should hopeand took a variety of writing and English classes fully stand the test of time. I’ve had lots of and even a spot on the newspaper near the end. interesting experiences and I feel that I’ve really As of this writing, I am currently halfway discovered myself in high school. I discovered through writing my first book and have even I had a passion for writing, a love to create, and started work on my own tabletop game. I hope a wish to share my work with others. The only to write books people enjoy, because writing is regret was that I discovered these so late in my my passion. Of course, this is coming from the high school life. I wish I’d experimented more person who changed their view several times, and really given more things a chance. Being so who knows what the future will have in open to change is important too because you’ll store? I just try my hardest at what I believe I do find that your interests change very suddenly best, which is telling a story.

Future Plans:

probably just going to be working at WalMart, and if I’m lucky, maybe I won’t be a COMPLETE failure and by Sparky’s grace, I’ll find some direction in life. Papa Bless.

even happen. Nobody wants to waste their entire life worrying about what might happen next. For all the seniors who are approaching graduation in just a couple weeks, be excited! Don’t worry about what college will be like. You made it, and that’s all that matters right now. And for all the underclassmen, make sure you take your ACT and submit all your applications, but don’t let it get to you. Make taking care of and enjoying high school your priority. It probably won’t be the best four years of your life, but it is four years of your life. Make it worth it.

Sam Sliva Future Plans: College: University of Nebraska at Omaha Major/Minor: Undecided Career: Teacher Bernies Pizza has always been a big part of my life, I’d eat there a lot of times in my childhood while visiting family in Millard. It was my first actual job. It was also very prominent in my Journalism career. Sophomore year I did a feature on Bernie himself and his restaurant. Sadly, not too long after this, the original Bernie’s was closed and bought out by what I thought were very incompetent owners. So junior year I wrote a scathing review on the new Bernies. Then tragedy struck again. Bernies was under new ownership… again. At this point it was actually kind of sad, watching this place that had such a presence in my childhood go down the crapper. But what was really odd is that I don’t think that this third Bernie’s was ever actually open. I never saw anyone there, and never saw any lights on or anything. The most recent and hopefully final version of Bernie’s is now… Ya Halla. A middle eastern themed restaurant that has big things planned for the old restaurant. Personally, as someone who has had Bernies in their whole life, I’m totally ok with this, and I’m really glad that it’s doing something new to this area and not just dragging the sad hollow husk of what Bernie’s Pizza was around. Though I am quite sad to see Bernie’s go, it’s almost fitting for it to change into something new for my senior year, as I grew, matured and changed so did Bernie’s and now it’s looking at a whole new part of its life as am I. Through all of the Who knows, maybe some sophomore will carry on the tradition and write a review on Ya Halla.

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Senior Columns 5 • 12 • 2017

Jessica Malashock

It’s the start of something new. As we begin to embark on this new and nerve-wracking adventure of our lives, we reminisce the days when we were actually excited to read. When we got to run around with our friends during recess. When we could be anything we wanted to be. “Do you remember in kindergarten how you’d meet a kid and know nothing about them, then 10 seconds later you’re playing like you’re best friends, because you didn’t have to be anything but yourself?” This classic quote from High School Musical often plays through my head. Much like Gabriella Montez, I had to start fresh and make all new friends. I attempted to not mess with the flow and stick to the status quo. I went to elementary school and middle school in OPS then for high school I optioned into Millard. Growing up in OPS, I knew everyone and was surrounded by friends. At the end of eighth grade, at Buffett, I decided I wanted to attend Millard South because that is where my older brother decided to go. I liked the idea of going to a completely different school and getting to meet new people. I was extremely nervous at first. I slowly eased my way into friend groups, and eventually the people and the environment of this school grew on me. Let’s jump back to freshman year shall we. Being a little 5’3 piece of freshmeat, I was terrified I would get swallowed up by the upperclassmen. I vividly recall my first real day of

Being a senior that is graduating very soon, I get asked a lot of things about my future and my past. What was your favorite part of high school? What college are you going to? What’s your major? What are your plans for the future? I get to plan for how I’m going to pay for it, plan for graduation, and plan to say goodbye to many of the friends that I have made over the years. It’s both exciting and terrifying all at the same time. I believe that the past is less important that focusing on the present or the future. After all, you can’t change what’s already been done, so what’s the point in lamenting over what could have been? So I try to avoid doing that, but sometimes you have to. I get asked about it a lot by underclassmen wondering about how my years compared to theirs, and any tips on how they should spend their high school years. I may not be the best person to ask about how to spend high school, since I’ve had bad senioritis since my junior year. I can, however, tell you youngins advice about high school and how to get through it. First off, you’re going to dislike it more and more as you get older. I think most seniors will agree with. I think that it has to do with the fact that you’re starting to grow up, and high school just starts to seem like another obstacle in the way of you getting on with your life, whether it be college or a job or moving out. Like I

school. I walked in with my older brother and twin sister. Everything was fine until one of my brother’s friends asked me, when I was old enough, if I would attend Millard South. The look on his face when I College: University of Nebraska at said I was a freshman was priceless to me at the time. Well, back to present day, I am Lincoln still 5’3. Still somewhat terrified that the Major/Minor: Elementary Education upperclassmen will swallow me up, and with Special Education still getting asked what grade I am truly in. Career: Elementary school teacher Leading up to senior year, I never understood what the previous seniors meant when they said, “Enjoy senior year while it lasts. It goes by extremely fast.” I always imagined this year going by like any other year. Going to school every weekday, swimming after school, hanging with friends on the weekends. I never thought it would come and go as fast as it did. It seems like just yesterday, I was walking into Millard South on the first day of senior year. Now, it is May of 2017, and I am gearing up to graduate and leave high school forever. When I made the decision to leave my school district and all of my friends, I never knew how big of an impact it would have on my life. I never knew I would meet some of my best friends, while staying close to my grade school friends. I never knew how much I would love Millard South. I often wonder what my life would’ve been like if I decided to stay in OPS. Would I have stayed so close to my friends? Would I have decided on a different major or a different college? The world may never know, but if I had the chance to go back to eighth grade year when we chose our high schools, I wouldn’t change my decision.

Future Plans:

Parker Geiss

said before, senioritis kills anyone’s motivation to keep giving their all in school. BUT, that doesn’t mean that you should rush through high school. Try to get involved, either with school or the people that are here with you. Growing up is difficult. Money makes the world go round, and that’s gonna be the one thing on your mind right off the bat. Whether you’re going to college and worrying about debt, or just trying to find a job to pay bills for rent and gas, you gotta learn to become independent. So why rush College: University of Nebrask at through high school? Omaha Enjoy it while it lasts and try to make it as Major/Minor: Undecided epic and memorable Career: Undecided as possible.

Future Plans:

Future Plans: DTS (Discipleship Training School) with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in England. Career: Undecided but what I will mostly see is the lessons that I learned and just how much I have changed from that unsuspecting 8th grader. High school is a struggle. It often wears you down to a cynical, sarcastic, and exhausted teenager who just wants to go back home. It is not easy and it is not just schooling. While going through high school you will probably go through more than you ever thought possible. There is depression, anxiety, constant exhaustion, family problems, loss of childhood, loss of loved ones, loss of friendships, emotional betrayals, misunderstandings, loss of a relationship, breakups, danger, accidents, suicidal thoughts (yours or a loved one’s), physical problems, mental problems, hospitalizations, surgeries, loneliness, abandonment, and much more that can and probably will touch your life, quite possibly for the first time, in high school. So what I have learned is that when these waves come, since they never come one at a time, you need to have something or someone to cling

Rebecca Harvie As this school year comes to a close, most people will look back on this year in fondness and remark on how short it was. There will be tears from most of the seniors and excitement from the unsuspecting 8th graders who can’t wait to be freshmen. But that is not my story and I know that it is not true for all of you. When I look back I will see the struggles and the anxiety

to. This storm is too big for one person to weather alone. I found hope in my God. Jesus gave me the strength to go on even through the darkest of paths. When I felt alone in this high school or in my family or even among my friends, He was there with me through it all. So I decided to use my senior column to encourage those who are going through those dark times. These are some of the quotes, songs, and verses that helped me to cling to the truth while in the storms.

the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. “Faith in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.” -C.S. Lewis “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” -C.S. Lewis

“Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy WORTH HAVING.” “The words I would say” by Sidewalk Prophets -C.S. Lewis “More than you think I am” by Danny Gokey Psalms 30:5 - For his anger is but for a mo“How sweet the sound” by Citizen Way ment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weep“The proof of your love” by King & Country ing may tarry for the night, but joy comes “You will never run” by Rend Collection with the morning. “Build your kingdom here” by Rend Collection Ephesians 6:10-12 - Finally, be strong in “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on “To live is Christ” by Sidewalk Prophets the full armor of God, so that you can take “Fix my eyes” by King & Country your stand against the devil’s schemes. For “My lighthouse” by Rend Collection our struggle is not against flesh and blood, “Your love is a song” by Switchfoot but against the rulers, against the authori“Beautiful Beautiful” by Francesca Battistelli ties, against the powers of this dark world “You love me anyway” by Sidewalk Prophand against the spiritual forces of evil in the ets heavenly realms. “More beautiful you” by Jonny Diaz “Hills and valleys” by Tauren Wells James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that

Senior Columns 5 • 12 • 2017

15

Hailey and Kailey Boden Twin sisters Hailey and Kailey Boden were seperated and asked questions about each other. Their answers and reactions to each other’s answers are below.

Q: What is your sister’s sense of style? Kailey’s answer. I’m the better dresser because I like to dress up but Hailey never tries unless she has to.

Hailey’s answer: Whatever she takes from my closet

Here’s what Hailey has to say about that. She’s exactly right. I moslty wear athletic clothes and only dress up when I’m forced to.

Future Plans: College: Graceland University Major/Minor: Biology/Physchology Career: Physical Therapist Kailey’s answer: Keep the room clean and don’t touch my stuff :) Hailey’s response: I’m not suprised that we answered this the same way because we talk/ argue about this ALL the time.

Here’s what Kailey has to say about that. This is not true!! We argue about this all the time.

Q: What is the number one ground rule your sister has to abide by when rooming with each other next year?

Kailey’s answer: She looks like a tan goddess while I’m casper the ghost. Hailey’s response: It’s funny how differently we took this question but its true I tan super easily and stay that way where she turns into a lobster in the sun. Kailey’s answer: her ability to get on my nerves :)

Kailey’s response: We’re basically in agreement about this. That’s surprising. It probably won’t end up happening though.

Q: Describe your sister.

Hailey’s answer: She’s nice most of the time but she can be sassy with me but whenever we fight we are always laughing at a joke together two minutes later. Kailey’s response: This is very true. We could get into the worst fight ever and then minutes later it will be like nothing happened.

Q: A talent your twin doesn’t appreciate their ability to do.

Hailey’s answer: Her ability to do AP Calculus Kailey’s response: This is not true. She knows AP Calculus is my worst enemy. She probably hears me crying over the homework every night.

Q: Describe your sister’s taste in music.

Hailey’s response: Same I would much rather play a pick-up game with him than eat dinner.

Hailey’s response: This makes my answer seem extermely vauge and terrible but wow I never knew she could be this nice ;)

Miriam Cortes

Hailey’s answer: She likes Drake and basically any type of Rap/R&B music.

Q: Who would your sister like to eat dinner with?

Kailey’s answer: Lebron

Kailey’s answer: To fulfill all her dreams and goals in life and become the woman not only that she wants to be but that I know she can be.

Q: A wish I have for my sister.

Hailey’s answer: Lebron Kailey’s response: True. I am obsessed with Lebron James. I would probably, no most definitely, cry if I ever met him. I would much rather hoop with him than eat dinner, though. Hailey’s answer: Anything ;) This shows you that I am the much nicer twin! Hailey answered “anything” because I was trying to get her to hurry up with these responses and she was on this last question and I told her to “just put anything” so this is what she said.

The other day during newspaper class, I called my insurance company to obtain proof of insurance, because it wasn’t in my car when an officer stopped me for speeding. (I got a warning). While on hold with my insurance company, several of my classmates were amazed at how easily I could call businesses and do tasks that traditionally are done by a parent. The crazy thing is that I’ve always done these “adult tasks.” My parents immigrated from Mexico and spoke no English when I was born, and I didn’t speak English until I was in ELL at the age of 6. At a young age, I embraced the job as an interpreter and translated letters, called on my parent’s behalf and even filled out my elementary school’s registration packet. I even once talked to an administrator about moving up to the honors math in the 7th grade. I have always been very independent and very comfortable talking to adults, College: University of Evansville which has been beneficial in my Inidian college search. Major/Minor: BFA Theatre Design I felt awkward and Technology with a emphasis in about labels and Costume Technology I never knew where my place Career: Warbrode Manager for the was in sociBBC Channel ety due to my

Future Plans:

College: Graceland University Major/Minor: Biology/Physchology Career: Pediatric Oncologist

Hailey’s answer: She can’t touch my stuff.

Hailey’s response: I try

Kailey’s answer: Her taste in music is very different than mine. We both like a wide range but she likes country and makes fun of the amount of rap I listen to like Drake and Chance.

Future Plans:

ethnicity, and it just built a lot of confusion, because I always felt I had to label or pick a race and ethnicity. The biggest struggle was that I lived in Millard but most of my cousins and family friends lived in South Omaha where Hispanic heritage is more prominent, and family gatherings would be awkward because I’d be dressed differently and my Spanish slowly depleted and my family noticed. Even when I went to school, it was like home and school were two different worlds that I had to adjust to every day. I soon found theatre, and it forever changed my life. I was finally able to express my ideas and creativity that I was unable to write or draw. I am lucky to have an amazing drama teacher like Robyn Baker. I’ve had the pleasure of working at the Omaha Community Playhouse and The Rose Children’s Theatre. I fell in love with costuming, fashion history, and collaborating with professionals. I have always loved fashion but creating the past and building costumes from scratch has filled my crave for the theatre arts. Despite the obstacles I had to face with my identity and English, I have always pushed myself to be more than just an ethnicity and statistic. It’s crazy looking back how much my independence and my drive has shaped me today. I can now say that I’ve been accepted to a top 10 theatre school in the nation and hope to someday work in film wardrobe management and technology. Even through all the obstacles I had to face and overcome, it was all worth it to who I am today.

Senior Columns 5 • 12 • 2017

16

John Reel John Reel Senior Colum

From kindergarten to eighth grade I played tackle football, from third grade till sixth I played competitive basketball, throughout the rest of my pre-high school life I would additionally participate in different sports, such as soccer, tennis, wrestling, track, etc. Also during my childhood, I attended theatre camp, I frequented art museums, I painted in my free time and geeked out to shows like Glee, The Real Housewives of New York, and movies like Devil Wears Prada, and Sex and the City 2. My childhood, like many others, was spent completely unaware of how I belonged to society. For example, I didn’t know I was gay yet, and that didn’t present a problem. I didn’t find anything out of place with playing football one day, and painting an hour after. At a time, we were all content with acting on our impulsive wants, existing free of judgement. Then puberty happened, and my juvenile freedom became clouded. When I was 13 I was living in Los Angeles, and attending middle school at AE Wright in liberal Calabasas. I had realized that I was different long before I was even in middle school, but I was finally coming to terms with my uniqueness, and that I might even of a different sexuality than my peers. I was just beginning to peek out, to toy around with the idea of being gay, when I got the news we were moving to Omaha - right in the middle of seventh grade. The unstable housing market of Los Angeles colliding with low employment gave way to an earthquake that shook my sense of security and tossed me across the great American desert, and landed me in a core red state. The first couple of days in my new school were spent scoping out the people and groups, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t thrilled with my new classmates at Andersen middle school. In Los Angeles I was a unique piece in a rainbow colored mosaic of diversity, in Omaha I was a single gray thread of synthetic fiber that made up a pair of hideous basketball shorts that every guy in my new surrounding lazily slid into every morning. I was used to children from Iran, France, South Korea, Zimbabwe and some far-off Pacific isle in the same friend group; In Oma-

Alyssa Soppe

A lot of the time, these senior column things are supposed to be reflective, follow a theme, provide advice, or talk about defining experiences from the high school years. But, I want to use my space to thank the people and organizations that impacted me in some significant way over the

ha I became used to having a groups composed largely of white people with identical mindsets that were results of identical backgrounds and only slightly different heritage. The remaining year and a half of middle school was a war of insecurity. Everyone was finding out about themselves then, and about each other. When we didn’t like what we discovered inside ourselves, we turned the aim at anyone else. Needless to say, as a closeted homosexual, I was a big target, and unfortunately I did my fair share of making those who were just trying to get by feel out of place, really we all were, but some more than others. The summer following eighth grade, however, was possibly the first time since my distant childhood when I felt the slight return of that cherished liberation from judgement. I could be who I was. That summer I went to Japan, Colorado, I finally came out of the closet during this time, too; I was truly coming into my own during that summer. It was a rebirth for me, and in rebirth the old self must die to begin anew. When high school came, I cut off every link to the past I had. I became very loud with my fashion choices, I quit all sports, I started listening to new music, and submerged myself within activities like theatre and art classes. I felt liberated, but my new way of living was discreetly dogmatic, restricting me again. From the beginning of freshman year through Junior year, I did my best to be the gay stereotype that offered me false freedom, to find some sense of belonging. Now instead of practice, I was going to rehearsal, instead of Scheels, I was shopping at H&M. While I was happy every now and then, I largely didn’t develop as a person for those two years, and I’ve only recently come to understand that what makes me happy is what originally made me happy in childhood. A balance. I judged music like rap and hip hop, and activities like sports and working out as things I used to “straighten” myself, but the truth is I love working out and competitive physical activity. I will rave to artists like OT Genasis, Lil Uzi and Migos. Every two days I work out, and I go all out in Lifetime Fitness games that hold no real importance. I’m having fun now. I won’t say that me being gay is unimportant, or that it doesn’t define who I am as a person, because it does. I am looked at differently, people I don’t know assume a variety of generalizations about me because of who I’m attracted to, and it does me no good to try to rid myself of labels - to pretend homophobia

past four years. Without these people and groups I wouldn’t have become the person I am today. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to… … my mother, who endlessly inspires me to work hard, be responsible, and to find the positives in every situation. Without you, I definitely wouldn’t have made it this far in my life or have been able to achieve as much as I have. You are my rock. … all of my teachers, mentors, directors, and other adults who have helped shape me and have helped me grow over the years. Your supportive and caring attitudes are so appreciated. Without the guidance of the positive role models in my life, I wouldn’t have such a bright future, so many aspirations and dreams, or the motivation to do well for myself. … the Patriots Pride Marching Band, but more specifically the Millard South Percussion Studio. You all welcomed me in during my freshman year even though I had no knowledge about anything related to percussion. You quickly became not only my best friends, but also my family and home away from home. I could not be more grateful for the love, kindness, and support that you have shown me over the past four years. I sincerely believe you all will be the part of high school that I will both miss the most and cherish the most deeply. … College Possible and Madison Davis for assisting me through the process of getting to college. I’m not sure how anybody who didn’t have a support system like

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)-7158363. Common Sense is a monthly publication produced in Room 130. Common Sense uses desktop publishing hardware and software: Apple 5G computers, Adobe InDesign CS6 Adobe Photoshop CS6, and Microsoft Word software. Printing by White Wolf Web in Sheldon, Iowa. Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed with the student’s first and last name, grade, then submitted to Mrs. Kaldahl. Unsigned letters will not be published. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, and clarity. Letters of profane nature or other infractions of school or district policy will not be published.

Future Plans: College: University of Nebraska at Lincoln Major/Minor: Communications Career: Journalist doesn’t exist. People will put those on me regardless, but it’s true. I am gay, and I can never change this. However, I’m not angry, for no lesson that I’ve learned in high school compares to that of which I’ve learned about myself. I’m actually happy with who I am. I voice my opinions openly, I’m no longer afraid of my identity, and that has become my true freedom. I leave Millard South like I left Andersen four years ago, a new person, and I thank everyone who has helped me along the way.

College Possible figured out everything, because there is so much that goes into getting to college. Nevertheless, you, and your organization, made the process as easy as it could have been, were constantly positive and supportive, and helped me find the means necessary to make college a realistic option for my future. … all of the other clubs and activities (journalism, National Honor Society, etc.) that have allowed me to become a part of their communities. You’ve allowed me to express myself, discover my passions, and have fun in the process. The enjoyment that I found and the memories that I formed with these activities were some of the best times of my high school career, and I won’t forget them any time soon. More than this, you’ve shaped my future. I was able to make decisions about my future based on the lessons I learned from my extracurriculars, and for this I am very grateful. … the cafeteria staff for assisting me through the last year of my high school career. I found out about my special dietary needs the summer before this year, and you all dove in headfirst right beside me. Thank you for your help and understanding. I’ve never felt more healthy! … Millard Public Schools for providing me with an education and academic opportunities and challenges that will stay with me for many years to come and will be useful to me all the way through. You have helped me become substantially prepared for my future, and because of you I feel

Future Plans: College: University of Nebraska at Lincoln Major/Minor: Music Education Career: Music Educator

comfortable and confident moving forwards to college. And finally… … any other person or group that I haven’t specifically named throughout the course of this column. There is only so much I can say in 650 words, but believe me when I say that you have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I am eternally grateful to everyone and everything that has helped me make it this far. Without all of you, I would not be the young woman I am today and I wouldn’t be on the path that I am on without you influence. Again, thank you all so very much. Your impact on my life has been indescribable. I can’t wait to see where everything you’ve given me will take me.

-Editor-in-ChiefAlyssa Soppe

-Lifestyles EditorJohn Reel

-CartoonistTori Barkus

-Photo ChiefMcKenna Krueger

-Entertainment EditorRuthAnne Hale

-Production EditorJordyn Kelley

-Business ManagerSam Sliva

-Staff SecretariesMiriam Cortes Kathryn Willenborg

-News EditorVanessa Chavez

-Social Media ManagerSarah Braley

-Sports EditorKailey Boden

-Graphic ArtistAJ Bierwirth

-Features EditorAdrienne Bruner -Opinions EditorRyan Carter

-Audio/Visual EditorEllie Dean -Distribution EditorJessica Malashock -Copy EditorEmma Martin

-Staff ReportersTori Barkus Hailey Boden Trent Brakel Madi Bullard Carina Covington Conlan Custard Cam Filleman Parker Geiss Macy Glinsmann Rebecca Harvie Kristin Kaipust Savannah Lacy Jessica Lukecart Sarah Braley Isabel Kimminau Eric Murcek Maddie Rynes -AdviserChristine Kaldahl