Common Sense Volume 17 Issue 3 November 28, 2016

Common Sense

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

Story by Kathryn Willenborg Staff Secretary Photos by McKenna Krueger Photo Chief

Students in Air Force JROTC prepare to cut strips of the American flag. Only the stripes are cut. The blue remains intact to symbolize unity.

Photo by McKenna Krueger

November 28, 2016

Volume 17 Issue 3

Cadets Chaisson Hirth and Brooke Krinklaw place strips of flag into the burn barrel.

Photo by McKenna Krueger

Although burning American flags is controversial, burning a flag is actually one of the most respectable and patriotic ways to retire a flag. When a flag has become worn, faded, ripped and torn over time, a retirement ceremony is held to respectfully dispose of the flag in the most proper way possible. Flags may only be retired if and when they fall under the jurisdiction of flag code, which is typically city, state, and national flags. On Nov. 3, Millard

Stadium, and one American flag came from the home of a cadet’s grandfather. The Nebraska flag came from the school’s east flagpole.

When Sergeant Mamula initially saw the tattered flags around the school, he contacted American Legion to begin the process of purchasing new flags for our school. Shortly thereafter, Mamula was informed that the American Legion generously donated the new flags to our school. The Air Force JROTC students then began studying and flag code, researching proper U.S. flag retirement customs and courtesies, and watching other flag retirement ceremonies performed by other Senior/Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs and Boys Scouts.

“This was the first flag retirement ceremony I’ve had the South’s Air Force JROTC held such a flag retirement cerprivilege to teach. The whole thing was completely run by emony where three American flags and two Nebraska flags the students,” Sergeant Mamula said. “I’ve only done two of were retired; one American flag came from the school’s these before in my life; one in Boys Scouts and one in the west flagpole, another American flag came from Buell military. It was great seeing it from a different perspective this time,” Mamula said.

The ceremony was introduced by Cadet Sarah Rakes, followed by Mayor Jean Stothert welcoming the attendees.

“Our flag deserves the respect of all Americans, at all times. I commend the Air Force JROTC cadets for their leadership on our community and at your school,” said Mayor Jean Stothert in her speech.

“The honored and respected JROTC program is training our next generation of leaders, and it is my hope that you will always appreciate the amazing freedoms our constitution guarantees, and our flag represents,” Stothert said.

After these speeches, the cadets began cutting each flag into 8 pieces --2 stripes at a time--followed by the field of blue. The stripes are separated to represent the men who fight, JROTC students follow flag code in preparation to properly dispose of though the blue should never be separated to an American flag at a ceremony held Nov. 3. Photo by McKenna Krueger represent unity. The pieces were then placed one-

Old Glory

JROTC Cadets Respectfully Retire Tattered Flags

by-one into the burning barrel. While this was occurring, the 75-80 guests were instructed to state the Pledge of Allegiance, and then listen to a poem recited by Cadet Jadyn Heckenlively.

“The retirement ceremony helped me to understand that the flag represents the people who have served and/or are currently serving our country that deserve the utmost respect,” said Second Lieutenant and Public Affairs Officer Olivia Powers.

“I plan on applying the skills I learned during the ceremony by helping to make strides in the community to help improve the future of our country,” Lieutenant Powers said.

Thirty minutes later, the ceremony was concluded by Cadet Major Sarah Sheehy who played “Taps” on her trumpet, and then gave a speech thanking everyone for attending the ceremony.

“I’m really pleased with how the ceremony turned out,” Mamula said. “They were a few minor problems throughout the way but I think it really offered a renewed sense of patriotism and proper respect of the flag,” he said.

The Air Force JROTC program hopes to hold flag retirement ceremonies two times a year going forward; one in the fall around Veteran’s Day and one in the spring around Labor Day. They plan to collect worn flags from the public in need of proper disposal.

“I thought it was really cool to see our JROTC Corps come together to perform the flag ceremony,” Cadet Major Nic Greve said. “I think we all did really great and performed our jobs really well.” “It was also great to see all the people who came out to watch and support the Corps,” Cadet Greve said.

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News 11 • 28 • 2016

Right: Freshman Barrett Hermanson shows off his dramatic screaming ability in the Most Horrifying Scream contest. Photo by McKenna Krueger.

Below: The fun activities eased the participants’ minds and ensured students like freshman Kylie Melenka that they were in for a good time. Photo by McKenna Krueger

u p r Respect e ts from freshman class

Dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, both freshmen participants and upper classmen volunteers had a great time, pushing away any doubts about the day. Photo by McKenna Krueger

Jessica Malashock Distribution Manager

The respect retreat is a day for freshman here at Millard South to experience what school would be like if everyone was respected, and to challenge them to respect themselves and others. This year the retreat was held on Nov. 10 and 11. The respect retreat is put on by Youth Frontiers, whose mission is to partner with schools to build communities where students thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Millard South started partnering with Youth Frontiers for this eye-opening retreat in 2012. While this retreat is primarily for our freshman, upperclassman are able to volunteer and be mentors for the newcomers. They help them learn what respect means, and how to apply it in their everyday lives.

Respect is a feeling of deep admiration

In the Mightiest Burp contest, Jayme Horan shocked the crowd with her skill in burping the entire alphabet. Photo by McKenna Krueger

for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. During the retreat, students went through a series of team building activities to get everyone engaged and working together to accomplish an overall goal. The students participated in small group discussions, dance parties, singing, and a “campfire” to wrap the retreat up.

“We learned about respecting ourselves and standing up for others,” freshman Paige Fleming said.

Freshmen learned about respecting themselves and others, and standing up for not only themselves but those around them.

“It was really fun,” freshman AutumnBrook Tucker said. “For a day there was no judging, and no arguments. We learned about respecting others and how we can change ourselves to be better people and be remembered for positive things,” she said.

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News 11 • 28 • 2016

Students employ social media to protest Dakota Access Pipeline John Reel Lifestyles Editor

Up in North and South Dakota right now, a protest on the Dakota Access pipeline is taking place led by the Standing Rock Sioux, and is being joined by various other Native American tribes and people from all over America are heading to Standing Rock reservation as a unified coalition to protest the pipeline’s construction. The pipeline is planned to run near the Standing Rock Reservation, but the Sioux tribe fears that the pipeline might poison the waters that they live on - and recently the pipeline was halted as per request of president Obama.

The pipeline also spilled near Freeman, S.D., only 334 miles away, with a mass of 16,800 gallons of crude oil according to Time magazine, which has increased panic among the tribe as many fear a similar leak might occur on their land, and contaminate their rivers.

This fear has lead Standing Rock Sioux to protest the pipeline, but not only out of fear for their water, but also because they view their lands are being trespassed by state police officers. Police have brought attack dogs in, military vehicles and riot to suppress the protesters, many of them being injured, or jailed by police action. In fact, according to the New York Times, by Oct. 28, police officers reported having arrested 142 protesters.

But right now, people across the world are joining into the protest online via Facebook, and the largest demographic to protest in this way are teens that lack the ability to go up and protest in person. The reason for this is that police officers are rumored to be using

art by Tori Barkus

Facebook ‘check-ins’ to track who is protesting on the reservation, and by ‘checking-in’ to Standing Rock the act attempts to confuse the police.

“I’m supporting the people that are there at Standing Rock,” says senior Anissa Romero, who recently “checked in” to Standing Rock Reservation. “There’s no guarantee that this pipeline can’t break, and what are we going to do (when it does break?) You can’t decontaminate it right away, it’s going to take years to fix.”

Romero said she views “checking in” to Standing Rock as a method of showing your support to the people there and a tool in making people more aware of the issue. But, she also said she thinks that only showing your support is not as effective as taking action.

“Start talking to your schools,” Romero said.

“Not only having a classroom discussion, but also asking, ‘Why doesn’t my pride time have a thing where we can send donations to the people that are up there?’ Not only that, but writing letters to your governor; to your senator; to your mayor. I think (teens) getting involved with the protests, and writing letters, and talking to their homerooms about setting up fund-raisers is a great way to get involved,” she said.

Romero also attended a peaceful protest on Nov. 12 to promote awareness for the issue.

“I felt so at home going to this protest,” she said. “People shook my hand when I first got there. I didn’t even have a sign at the moment I had gotten there, but a lot of people still invited me. It was really nice, and I felt so comfortable, and it was so peaceful to just walk and let people know what’s going on.”

Later, Romero attended a demonstration in the Old Market where two women covered themselves in chocolate syrup - representing oil - to send the message that “you can’t drink oil.

“As silly as it seemed, with chocolate syrup, it was still a very effective message,” she said.

The new OPD precinct building, located off of 135th and Q Steet is three times the size of the previous precinct building. Photo by Parker Geiss

New OPD precinct opens in Millard Parker Geiss Staff Reporter

Down in and around old Millard, there is a lot of construction that has been going on for a few years now. Apartment buildings, office buildings and a few retail stores are all being built on an old lumber yard.

However, there is one that a lot of people would be interested in, and that is the new OPD building that the city has been building for a year now. It was finished just around the end of October, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the new facility for anyone who showed up that morning.

This new precinct, costing around $7.9 million, is a massive upgrade to the old building located at 98th and Mockingbird. Captain Adam Kyle, the man in charge of this and other police buildings, says that this is a much appreciated improvement over the old building.

The officers that work in the southwest area now operate out of this building, which is 22,000 square feet, over 3 times the size of the old one, which is 6,900. This is the biggest precinct that they have now, with north and south east ones being the next newest and only 12,500 square feet, the standard size for a precinct but still packed. They also have a conference room, a large

shower, a weight room and office space. It is also the first building to have 2 stories.

Since the new building is right off of a busy intersection, people can now be more aware of the police.

The old office was tucked away and relatively difficult to access for both officers and citizens. Now, It is easy to get to, easy to see, and a just in general an upgrade to the older building.

Just like the other precincts, anyone can go inside to file a police report, to report theft or vandalism, or many other reasons. Most of the officers that would operate out of this building are out on patrols though, so if you’re expecting a bustling building full of police and doughnuts, then you’re out of luck.

There may have been some concern as to whether the new building will affect the day to day operations of the police, but that is not the case. With most of the police being out on patrol responding to calls, they hardly ever are at the station, there just long enough to get ready to go out on patrol. Now with the new building, things just go more smoothly with more space.

The new OPD precinct, which is 22,000 square feet, has a conference room.

Photo by Parker Geiss

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News 11 • 28• 2016

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The Lincoln Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status or economic status in its programs, activities and employment.

Notice of Nondiscrimination Westside Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital, parental or pregnancy status, military/veteran status or any other category protected by law in its programs and activities or in admission or access to, or treatment in, hiring and employment.

From the archives 2000 Tomahawk

On March 20, 2000, members of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), lobbied the Millard Public School District to add the language “sexual orientation” to the district’s statement of non-discrimination clause. The school board did not move in this direction. Members of the school board at the time were President Linda Poole, Vice President Sheri Everts Rogers, Secretary Jean Stothert, Treasurer Brad Burwell, Julie Johnson, Mike Pate.

The state of nondiscrimination policies in Nebraska public schools Vanessa Chavez News Editor

When the Omaha Public School Board voted Aug. 15 to include sexual orientation in its statement of nondiscrimination, it joined other Nebraska districts such as Lincoln Public Schools and District 66 (Westside). Millard has not added this language although it was brought before the school board in 2000 by students from Millard North’s Gay Straight Alliance. (see sidebar story from the archives).

Millard’s statement of nondiscrimination reads, “The Millard School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, or age, in admission or access to or access to or treatment of employment, in its programs and activities.”

In a statement released from Rebecca Kleeman, Millard Public Schools Director of Communications, “The policy underwent a review from the Federal Office of Civil Rights in 2010, and was reaffirmed by the Board in 2015 along with a large group of community relations policies to get all of them on the same seven year review cycle.”

The reason sexual orientation is not included, according to Kleeman’s statement is that “it is already covered.”

“The policy is written to be an overarching and broad statement so that all forms of discrimination are included under its wide topic areas. Thus, this and any other form of discrimination are already included.”

In an email response, Amanda McGill, newly elected to the Millard School Board, explains that being brand new to the board, her first priority is learning as much about the district and all of its policies and processes as possible. During that learning period, she said she will determine what her first policy priorities will be.

“If students and their families think changing the non-discrimination policy should be a top priority, I encourage them to reach out to me and let me know. The same is true for any policy issue. I will be an open door and want to hear directly from students about their experiences, good or bad,” McGill wrote.

In an attempt to learn if the current school board has given adding sexual orientation in the non-discrimination policy any consideration since

the GSA petition in 2000 and to learn where this issue stands in the priorities now, current board members Mike Pate and Linda Poole, who were on the school board in 2000, were contacted but have not responded to a request from Common Sense to be interviewed.

The Millard statement follows the requirements of The U.S. Department of Education. The Department of Education notice of non-discrimination requires schools to notify students, parents and others that they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age, and, if applicable.

Cities, too, can make changes to their nondiscrimination ordinances.

Not long ago, in 2012, the Omaha City Council passed an ordinance to expand legal protections to Omaha’s gay and transgender community and since then it remains.

The news, though, right now, is on school districts and their nondiscrimination statements and policies.

“Studies indicate that enumerated anti-bullying policies are more effective in preventing the bullying of LGBT kids in schools than non-enumerated policies,” said Millard South GSA Sponsor Amber Wormington.

Enumeration in the context of anti-bullying policies refers to any specific listing of traits or characteristics of students that could be the basis of bullying. According to The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s printed literature, enumeration is essential to protecting as many students as possible from bullying and harassment. “Students who attend schools with enumerated policies experience significantly lower severities of victimization related to their sexual orientation or gender expression compared to students with a generic or non-enumerated policy.”

GLSEN tracks at both the national level and individual chapter service areas which public schools do not currently have comprehensive and enumerated anti-bullying/harassment policies that include real/perceived “sexual orientation,” “gender identity” and “gender expression,” as these are all a key focus for the organization and chapters.

“GLSEN Omaha has maintained a focus on all 258 Nebraska school districts since 2010, and their anti-bullying policies, as required by the Ne-

States (and Washinton D.C.) with nondiscrimination laws designed to protect students based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

States with nondiscrimination laws designed to protect students based on sexual orientation, but not gender identity.

States that have not passed nondiscrimination laws pertaining to LGBT students.

braska Legislature’s 2008 LB205, which requires that all school districts have an anti-bullying policy in place, effective July 1, 2009,” said JohnCarl Denkovich, MPA,Co-Chairperson/ Director of Policy/Legislative Advocacy, GLSEN Omaha Chapter, GLSEN. The bill did not require the policy be comprehensive or enumerated, only that each district have a policy in place, which according to GLSEN research “is akin to having no policy at all.” (GLSEN National School Climate Survey, 2013).

GLSEN depends on a wide network of relationships that they have built with other nonprofit organizations that see the mutual benefit of supporting marginalized communities through shared programs and services, educational organizations that believe that all students are entitled to an education no matter who they are.

At this time, GLSENS’s intentions are to continue to support their districts within their service area of Douglas and Sarpy County, as requested and needed to ensure that they are safe, healthy and affirming environments for all students.

“GLSEN Omaha firmly believes that a comprehensive and fully enumerated anti-bullying law would aide in this goal, and the Chapter would enthusiastically support efforts to strengthen this language, but do not have the capacity or plans at this time to undertake a statewide campaign of this magnitude,” Denkovich said.

GLSEN Omaha offers support in whatever capacity it is best equipped, or invited, to advocate for change which benefits the best interest of students within a district. Student clubs/ organizations, such as Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), diversity clubs, multi-cultural student unions, teacher’s unions, school boards and others often invite GLSEN Omaha to share their expertise with a school district in order to provide more information about the ways in which inclusive language can be added to anti-discrimination, antibullying/harassment policies.

When student, parent, educator or district bodies want to reexamine language in their anti-discrimination/ anti-bullying/harassment policies, GLSEN Omaha is happy to be apart of that process, and will often provide public testimony, including research.

The graphic above shows the states that have passed nondiscrimination laws with respect to LGBT students.

GLSEN tracks policies across the country.

Graphic by A.J. Bierwirth

Source: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

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Opinion 11 • 28 • 2016

Election outcome difficult for many This race for the presidency was an interesting one to say the least.

As the weeks wound down to election day, candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump continued fighting tooth Hailey Boden and nail for the White House. Whether you consider yourself a Democrat or a Republican, it still seemed hard to pick a side when both of the canidates have so many downfalls. Both Trump and Clinton have made some misleading claims that may have made you question whether or not you want to even vote at all. No one ever knows how presidential elections will turn out until they are over and this election kept all of America on our toes for a very long time.

Now that this nail-biting election is over, Trump supporters are rejoicing in his victory, a victory so under predicted that it was clear to see his own campaigners were a bit shellshocked. Clinton supporters on the other hand have taken to the streets in protests targeting Trump buildings across the United States. Now being a person that is not extremely involved in politics, nor holding my own standpoint in this particular presidential election or even being old enough to vote considering that I am only 17, it is still my belief that no matter what the outcome is, it is our duty as American citizens to respect our new Commander-in-chief whether we share his beliefs or not. However, I can also understand the utter disappointment that many Americans share after hearing the outcome.

Clinton put so much of her energy into this race that even a Trump supporter, no matter how much discrepancy their and Clinton’s viewpoints share, can see.

Clinton’s loss is devastating to the millions of Americans who put their faith in her to “bridge the divide” and change our country for better, but who says she can’t still do this? Who says that she can’t join forces with Presidentelect Trump and accomplish her goal after all, even though it might not be as president herself? So, I believe that instead of protesting, or mourning their devastating loss, supporters of Clinton should be getting out and spreading their word in a more proactive way instead of wasting their energy trying to change something that is unchangeable. I do realize that this is easier said than done and, again being someone who is not very politically involved, I might not understand exactly what Clinton’s support base is going through but I can’t help but to wonder what might happen if both sides joined together.

I think that if we as a united nation can do this that we can in fact make America great once and for all.

Common Sense

Staff Editorial

Common Sense editorial position vote yes 24

no 2

unsure

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District should modify nondiscrimination statement

Recently, the progress within the nation for LGBT rights has come into focus as the professed beliefs of newly elected and potential appointed leadership in our country differ from the previous presidential administration. Now more than ever, we might turn to local and state elected officials to extend protections to the LGBT community.

One such local elected board to do so was the Omaha Public School Board who voted to include sexual orientation in its nondiscrimination policy back in August. They aren’t alone. They joined Lincoln Public Schools and Westside Public Schools whose statements have included such language for quite some time.

Yet Millard Public Schools has not included this language within the district’s protections. This issue has not only been addressed once specifically in the district’s history, but twice within the past two decades. The first was

by Millard North’s Gay Straight Alliance in 2000. The policy was revisited once again in 2015 as part of routine reaffirmation of policies. At both times the school board left the policy as is without adding the words “sexual orientation.”

The board’s reasoning behind this is that they feel the policy currently already covers all students and meets state and federal laws regarding the wording of the statement.

The Common Sense staff feels that rewording the language

would be a welcome addition at this point in time. Our district had the opportunity to be one of the first to pioneer this right/protection for its students and we still have an opportunity to show to others that we can be an innovative and open-minded district that cares for and includes its students by giving them protection and rights that most other schools in the state have not spelled out in this way.

By not including the specific language that students in 2000 lobbied for, they may be doing exactly exactly what the district fears doing, which is putting kids on the outs.

Our district is comprised of many LGBT students who may not always feel safe at school. This may be for other reasons, but adding this protection in classrooms and throughout the school, could do nothing but help.

School, as has been reinforced many times, should be a place where students can feel safe, regardless of many factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, and many other factors including sexual orientation. Even though this issue was visited as recently as 2015, the school board should, for the sake of many of its students, again reconsider the language used within the nondiscrimination policy to directly state that students can not be discriminated against due to sexual orientation.

Special order. . .

More Ratatouille!

Student challenges sensibiility of teens and illegal substance use

Ever since I was a young kid, I have always loved animated productions, from cartoon TV shows to various films. But one movie has remained in my recently watched list, one of my all-time favorites: Ratatouille.

From the soft pastel color schemes to its enchanting orchestral melodies, the 2007 film is a timeless classic. The movie opens to a gloomy, rainy atmosphere of Paris, France, where it is shown how rats can be misunderstood and mistreated by humans. The main character, Remy (Patton Oswalt), is a rat with a passion for food and the culinary arts, but is limited by his species. Remy’s idol, Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett), is a chef and his son Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), who has no culinary talent, befriends Remy, who controls him by pulling his hair under his chef ’s hat. Working in Gusteau’s restaurant, Remy experiments with his cooking skills and lives out his dreams, but is fearful of the outcome when the community discovers who is creating their food. Famous food critic Anton Ego challenges the integrity of their food, so Remy whips up ratatouille, a dish that astonishes the critic.

Ratatouille is an aniMaddie Rynes mated film that entertains, but it does much more than just that. It teaches children to not judge by the way others look, to believe in their seemingly impossible dreams, and to explore ways to express themselves.

In this century, we’ve faced many challenges with acceptance, and this movie shows how if you get to know someone for their talents and ignore minor differences such as origin or species, we’ll be better for it. It also shows adults to believe in their aspirations and that while it may seem like the universe is working against them, they might just need a special ingredient, friendship, and as the movie states, “There is excellence all around you. You need only be aware to stop and savor it.”

In the United States alone, a national study revealed that 70 percent of high school seniors have admitted to alcohol use over the past year, 35 percent have admitted to marijuana use and about 20 percent have admitted to using other prescription and more “hardcore” drugs.

So that means the majority of high school seniors have and or regularly use substances Cam Filleman that are harmful to their brain. That also means over half of the new adults coming into the workforce are going to have a less “functional” if you will, brain. Generally that only goes for abusers of the substances, but for teens it becomes a lot easier to mess your brain up permanently.

So why is the statistic for teenage drug and alcohol use so high? Honestly I have no idea. We have a ton of people literally making their brain function worse because . . . ? Like I’m seriously at a loss as to why doing all this is so popular because the long term effects can be so severe and are almost inevitable, so why would you do that to yourself? I mean I guess I can understand a person enjoying the extremely short-term effects, but the long-term effects are so much greater that it really makes me question their human intelligence.

Teens must know somewhere in that foggy head of theirs that it’s probably not healthy to do that kind of thing so I ask why? Have they already failed so badly at life that they’ve resorted to killing their brains?

Common Sense is the official publication of Millard South High School 14905 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. School district guidelines determine the suitability of advertising content. To place an ad or inquire about rates, call (402)-715-8363.

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Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed with the student’s first and last name, grade, then submitted to Mrs. Kaldahl. Unsigned letters will not be published. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, and clarity. Letters of profane nature or other infractions of school or district policy will not be published.

Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Soppe

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Photo Chief McKenna Krueger

Entertainment Editor RuthAnne Hale

Production Editor Jordyn Kelley News Editor Vanessa Chavez Sports Editor Kailey Boden Features Editor Adrienne Bruner Opinions Editor Ryan Carter

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Features 11 • 28 • 2016

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Handi-capable students aptly navigate school, life

for all, there continue to be instances when students in wheelchairs are not able to participate. According to Altrock, she wishes she could go on more field trips and go camping. This year, Altrock opted out of attending a trip to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch because of the challenges it would entail.

“I’ve been thinking for a couple years, like, if they had a suggestion box I would probably, definitely put something in there saying that you could try making it more… handicap accessible, but I don’t think there is a way to do it,” Altrock said.

Students in wheelchairs at Millard South are allowed to use the elevator and leave class early. This helps to beat the crowded hallways and short passing periods, a problem that plagues nearly all Patriots.

Millard South also provides opportunities to participate with the rest of the student body, especially through athletics.

“We try to make sure all of our activities can be offered to all students. On the athletic side, we do have students that take part in our Unified Bowling program and other outside club teams such as ‘Red Dawgs’ basketball program. We want every student to feel that they can take part and compete in our activities/athletic programs,” activities director Steve Throne said.

According to research done by Altrock for her speech, over 30.6 million Americans Sophomores Grace Altrock and Christian Mikulecky roll through the hallways together. Mikulecky and Altrock play on the same wheelchair over the age of 15 are disabled. This means basketball team, and the two have been friends for at least 10 years. Photo by McKenna Krueger that people living with disabilities are

that people in wheelchairs are not capable of completing among one of the largest minorities. Yet, there is still a lack Adrienne Bruner

the same tasks as other students. In spite of this, they still of understanding of circumstances surrounding students in Features Editor

find ways to participate; Altrock and Mikulecky both play wheelchairs.

Both Mikulecky and Altrock related instances

Every Patriot knows that there is barely standing room wheelchair basketball. Altrock is also on Student Council, where people offended them, whether on accident or, at in the hallways of Millard South. Despite the lack of room, Patriot Pals and the Forensics team. She performs a humortimes, intentional.

Both say they hate it when people call most students step aside as sophomore Grace Altrock ous interpretation of what it’s like to be in a wheelchair, them special education.

Altrock said that calling someone pushes her way to her next class. Her arms don’t get tired She uses humor as a tool to educate people, since many are “cripple, ” is not okay, and “handi-capable” or “differentlyanymore and her hands are calloused. Sophomore Christian uncomfortable asking her about her condition. abled” is preferred.

Mikulecky experiences MS the same way as Altrock; look “I just think that a lot of people think that we can’t do “A lot of people think that even if we say [cripple] that ing up at people and taking the long way. things everyone else can [and] the things that people say are it’s still not okay, but if we’re talking about ourselves it’s

“It’s unfortunate, but you [have] to be strong and live,” funny to us,” Altrock said. okay, but if they’re talking about us, then it’s not,” Altrock Mikulecky says.

Although many handi-capable students have found said.

Millard South has reached max capacity and the whole ways around their disabilities, there are still challenges. The

In the end, students in wheelchairs are still students. school, especially the hallways, have been more crowded things that many students would not think twice about afThey go to school, they play sports and hang out with their than ever. Many people don’t realize what this will mean for fect the everyday lives of students in wheelchairs. Counters friends just like everyone else. The only difference is how handi-capable students like Altrock and Mikulecky. Still, can be hard to reach, desks and other objects are often in they do these things, whether it’s getting from the 200s to both students find ways to participate, be independent, and the way, many doors don’t have handicap buttons and the the 400s or getting the rebound. Handi-capable students are stay positive. elevators are slow. According to Mikulecky, an easier way to capable of accomplishing the same things as everyone else.

“I feel like everybody should be equal because you get downstairs during a fire drill would be beneficial.

“I think of myself as someone who is capable to do don’t want to leave just one person out, or even two, be “A lot of places are not wheelchair accessible. It’s bad anything, ” Mikulecky said. cause I’ve had that happen to me and it’s not fun,” Altrock because people watch you struggle and there are places that said.

According to both students, many people tend to think

we need to get in that aren't accessible,” Altrock said.

Even in a world that is striving to make things equal

MSHS sophomore defies vegan stereotype RuthAnne Hale Entertainment Editor

When you hear the word “vegan” many telling her that it wasn’t healthy, but after things may come to mind. Maybe you see talking with a dietician about how to stay someone who lives off healthy while being vegan, celery and granola bars. she decided to start.

Perhaps you see someone The food that she eats on who spends all their time a daily basis may not be doing yoga and meditatdifferent from your own ing. You may possibly food choices. think of someone who “A lot of people think that wants to force their beliefs all vegans eat are fruits, on you. But vegan and veggies and tofu, and that’s sophomore Abby Mcjust not true,” McFarland Farland is none of these commented. “Anything things. that you eat in your everyMcFarland first went day life can be vegan; pizza, vegan at the beginning of mac and cheese, ice cream, the school year, but has yogurt, chocolate chip wanted to be vegan since cookies- the list is endless.” sophomore Abby McFarland the start of 2016.

McFarland had planned

“It was actually one a vegan “friendsgiving” of my New Year’s Resolutions,” she said. A so she could share the foods she eats with family member talked McFarland out of it, her friends, but instead decided to host a

Christmas gathersary to be happy in ing. their own skin and I feel that people should do

“I’m going to in their own life,” what makes them happy. If make all the food,” McFarland said. she said. “I’m going McFarland is that is eating what they want, to make a lot of living proof that a when they want, then so be it. desserts, but also stereotype will never –Abby McFarland mashed potatoes, be able to define sophomore green bean casseany group, and role, rolls, stuffing, she works to show veggies, a salad, and people who she is a ‘veggie roast’, with a steak as another opnot only as a vegan, but as Abby. tion for those who prefer that.”

“When you think of vegans you think

While McFarland wants people to of people who shame non-vegans. I am understand why she’s vegan, the last thing not here to push my beliefs on you nor am she wants is to try to push her ideas onto I here to judge you for not being vegan,” anyone. she said. “I feel that people should do what

“I feel that what other people eat is 100 makes them happy, and if that is eating percent up to them. If they want to eat meat what they want, when they want then so be and animal byproducts, and if that makes it. Who am I to judge?” them happy, then good; all I will ever ask of anyone is that they are doing what is neces-

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Features 11 • 28 • 2016

Harpist finds her niche at Millard South Carina Covington Staff Reporter

Junior Corinne Watters transferred to Millard South this year from Des Moines Public Schools and joined the Patriot Orchestra, but not as your typical violinist. Unlike many of other kids who choose to play the violin or the cello for maybe a year, Corinne chose to play the harp and plans to stick with it for as long as possible.

“I chose to play the harp because I was very influenced by a friend when I was younger

playing the harp when she was 12 years old. She started off with a lever harp; a harp typically used for beginners with levers to change the key of the notes. Currently, she plays a more advanced harp called a pedal harp. A pedal harp makes it so you can change the key of the notes with your foot while still having both hands free to pluck the strings.

Before she moved, Corinne practiced at her old high school when she lived in Des Moines. Now that I plan on playing the harp as she is in Omaha, long as I can, because it is a she owns her own passion of mine. Playing the harp that stays harp is just so unique and it at her house. makes it fun, Orchestra direc–Corinne Waters tor Brittany Rom Harpist worked very hard to get Corinne a harp that could and she was a harp player, ” strictly stay at Millard South.

Watters said.

Watters said she thought

Watters battled cancer that the harp is just like any when she was younger and her other instrument when talkmother played her a CD while ing about difficulty, as all she was in the hospital. When instruments take practice and she got a signed copy of the perseverance. Corinne also said CD, the person who signed the she tries to get in at least one CD was a harp player. hour of practice a day and takes

Corinne Watters started private lessons with Omaha

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Symphony principal harpist Mary Bircher.

Corinne is off to a good start as a Patriot, as she was selected as an All-state harp player within the last month and will represent Millard South while learning from many amazing directors.

“It’s quite an honor to be selected for All-state and I’m very excited to be a part of it,” said Watters.

Corinne will also be taking part in the Pit orchestra for the production of The Pirate Queen being put on by the Millard South Drama department. While she admits it is a very time consuming activity, she says she cannot wait to see the end result and everyone’s reaction makes it all worth it.

Watters has no plans of stopping anytime soon. If possible, she would like to continue to play the harp through college getting her major or minor in harp performance.

“I plan on playing the harp as long as I can, because it is a passion of mine,” Watters said. “Playing the harp is just so unique and it makes it fun,”

Harpist Corinne Watters moving her 80-pound harp into the orchestra pit. Watters moved her Harp 24 time in the course of musical rehersal for “The Pirate Queen”. Photo by McKenna Kreuger

Active Minds strives to achieve increased mental health awareness Alyssa Soppe Editor-in-Chief

One in five children aged 13-18 have or videos, and participate in activities that center will have a serious mental illness. 50% of these on things like stress relief and writing nice notes students will drop out of high school, and any of to friends. In the near future, the club plans to them who commit suicide contribute to the fact host guest speakers. The club hopes to continue that suicide is the third leading cause of death in to grow with each meeting, and emphasizes that youth ages 10-24. they are open to everyone, not just students who

With statistics such as these, it’s very easy to have mental illnesses. Nichols, Co-Presidents stigmatize the people who suffer from it. StereoJamie Schaaf and Delaney Patten, and secretary/ types of all kinds arise because of these stigmas, publicity member Mallory Burton are responand hearing phrases such as “just snap out of it” sible for organizing these meetings, keeping up cause the affected people to feel more secluded a google classroom website, and spread the word and “different” than before. about upcoming events and meetings.

However, Millard

“It is a very openly South has a mission to run club where members can I want to leave a great impact change this. As one of provide input and suggest not only on the students here more than 370 chapters activities for us to do. I love at Millard South, but across North America, how this club is run because it Active Minds Club, a is all of us working together to throughout the Omaha-Metro new, nationally recogexperiment and innovate, not community. nized organization spon–Mallory Burton one person specifically dictatsored by Mrs. Latimer Active Minds Club Member ing our schedule,” Burton and Mrs. Bennett-Light, explained. has set out to raise aware The club also plans to ness for mental health, to change the conversaspread awareness through several weeks durtion about mental health, and to raise mental ing which the nation recognizes specific mental health awareness and advocacy. Although the health conditions. Active Minds Club feels that club is typically college-based, President and Mil- the best way to help youth overcome their challard South senior Alexa Nichols wanted to bring lenges is to educate. the club to Millard South after attending a meet “My personal goal for this club is to see it ing at Elkhorn South High School, the only other flourish this year. I want to help leave a great Nebraska high school that has a similar club. impact not only on the students here at Millard

“The conversation that I would hope to creSouth, but throughout the Omaha-Metro comate with this club is to raise awareness that menmunity. I believe that the youth here at Millard tal health is not frowned upon and to educate South can make a positive difference in the lives students and staff about mental health, the effects of others, specifically through being an active of mental health, advocate for students struggling member in this club. I want this to turn into with mental illness, and for everyone to support a safe haven for those who are seeking refuge, each other,” Nichols said. knowing that we will provide the support and

The club’s approximately 20 members meet help that they need,” Burton explained. once every month to have discussions, watch

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Zookeeper shares passions in new career as teacher Madi Bullard Staff Reporter

Michael Deutsch was a zookeeper for the Henry Doorly Zoo for 8 years. He was in charge of cleaning up after the animals the kingdom of the nights, the desert dome, and the cat complex/bear canyon. Now Mr. Deutsch teaches at Millard South High School as a biology and zoology teacher.

Deutsch was fascinated in animals at a young age. Because he was so fascinated with animals he decided to become a zookeeper.

“I had an interest in animals and loved caring for them,” Deutsch said.” “They were cool and caught my attention.”

Deutsch said he really enjoyed working as a zookeeper.

“Each animal had a personality and it was fun figuring them out before I could properly take care of them,” he said.

“Animals are like humans in a lot of ways,” Deutsch said.

“When they are well taken care of they still have “moods”.

I worked with aardvarks that Michael Deutsch pouted when it was time to get up in the morning,” he said.

Deutsch mostly picked up after the animals like the feces. Captive environments don’t always work the same as nature. You always control for things like decomposers such as bugs and other pests because they can also spread disease. So because of this, things like leftover or scrap food and animal feces must be cleaned up daily or multiple times a day.

He worked with a lot of high schoolers at his job so he decided to teach.Throughout his career he was frequently responsible for working with teens involved in job shadows, zoo schools, and Jr. Zookeeper programs.

“I chose teaching because I enjoy sharing my passion with students,” Deutsch said.

Working as a zookeeper was a lot of work for Deutsch so he had to quit.

“I stopped being a zookeeper because it’s a lot of physical activity and I couldn’t imagine doing it until my retirement,” Deutsch said. On a daily basis, zookeepers are constantly moving, bending, jumping, carrying. He had to work outdoors no matter the weather.

“I would rather be a teacher than a zookeeper,” Deutsch said. “I can see myself being a teacher day to day.”

Features 11 • 28 • 2016

8

Union Pacific interns trained to be on the right track for future careers they don’t know what they’re doing. One time this guy was explaining his problem, and then just randomly started talking

When people think of an intern, they about his divorce. I had to dodge my way typically think of someone college-age, or around it,” Kanley said. even older. However, a few students at Mil Other times, calls may come in from lard South are jumping ahead of the norm. people you wouldn’t expect.

One of those students is senior Adele

“One time when I was on the phone Kanley. She has been an intern at Union with a guy, he was with the police. They Pacific since the beginning of August. were doing a murder investigation, so it

Kanley works in the Online Systems was cool to be on Services department, the phone with them OSS for short, at There’s a lot of opportunity during that,” Andrews Union Pacific. Most of said. at Union Pacific, so this could the work the interns

Even though the lead to me getting in contact do is done over the internship pays ten with more important people, phone, where they –Adele Kanley dollars an hour, that help employees with Union Pacific Intern isn’t the reason the their mobile devices, three of them decided answer their questions to work there. about e-mail systems,

“There’s a lot of opportunity at UP, so reset passwords or help them manage Excel this could lead to me getting in contact with or Word documents. more important people,” Kanley said. She

“I take calls from people all over the is thinking of studying Internet Security company to solve their problems. We also in college, or studying something with a do projects sometimes. Our most recent combination of technology and chemistry. project was building a Wikipedia page for

“The internship would be good expothe OSS branch,” Kanley explained. sure to the information technology field,

Seniors Nathan Andrews and Matt and it would be good to start early,” Kanley Anderson have also been interns at the OSS said. branch of Union Pacific since August.

All the interns at Union Pacific are lim Though answering people’s questions ited to working a maximum of 16 hours a over the phone may seem monotonous, it is week, however they aren’t required to work not as simple as it sounds. that much.

“There are a lot of possible issues that

“Of the three of us, I’m the only one could happen, so it’s just hard to remember who works all sixteen hours a week, so I get the solutions. It’s also hard to interpret what a little more project work than Matt and the people are saying, because a lot of times Eric Murcek Staff Reporter

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Senior Adele Kanley takes calls and answers questions from fellow Union Pacific employees as part of her internship with the company. She uses three computer screens to ensure she always has the right application open. Photo courtesy of Adele Kanley

Adele,” Andrews said.

The high school internship program used to be exclusive to students from Gretna, but has expanded to accept students from Millard schools as well.

“There were only students from Gretna and Millard this year, but they are planning on expanding it even more later on, so it’s probably going to be a lot more competitive in the future,” Anderson said.

The process for getting the internship was no different than applying for a normal job at Union Pacific.

“We had to apply online, then they would call us and set up an interview for the internship,” Anderson said.

“After my interview I bawled my eyes out because I was so nervous,” Kanley said.

The interns are expected to do their jobs just as well as a regular employee.

“We don’t get to work on the trains like the actual employees do, just because they’re more educated about them. Other than that, though, we’re treated the same as everyone else,” Anderson said.

Yearbook’s new adviser is New debate coach is quite Mertl-icious this year thrilled as debate thrives Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporter

Millard South’s Debate season is off to a great start this year with two competitions down. Squash Festival was the first competition held on Saturday Oct.29 at Millard South, and according to new head coach, James Constantino, it was quite successful.

It was a novice tournament and all South kids who participated won at least one round. It’s even more impressive because only four of the eleven students on the team have experience in debate.

“It’s a ‘getting your feet wet’ year. We are focused on the experience and building up the program this year,” Coach Constantino said.

The second competition to take place happened Friday Nov.11. Chett Silver won 2-1, as well as Antonia Kainu and Jacob Friesz.

Constantino is starting his sixth year at Millard South and his fourteenth year teaching. However, it’s the first year he’s coached the team.

“I’m excited about being able to have connections with students that are more long term,” he said.

Constantino said he is happy to be able to have students for more than a class and wants the club to be a place where kids can find their place.

Constantino spent two years on the debate team at Burke High School but quit debate in college. He said he regretted quitting and that one reason he is excited to teach debate now is so he can help students not make mistakes that he did.

In the past, Constantino had taught English 9 as well as 9 Lit Enrich. Now however, he teaches mostly Debate and English 11 in the Entrepreneurship Academy.

Constantino said teaching debate is different than coaching it. He said the class

just barely touches the surface of the sport.

The debate season spans from November to March, so the team is just getting started.

“I feel like our season will go great this year, we have some really strong debaters on our team,” said sophomore Jayden John.

With lots of new members, the team’s goal is to keep growing and enjoy their season.

“We have a competition coming up and we are very excited, hopefully we win,” John said.

Debate coach Mr. Constantino

Fast Facts:

Education: BA and MA in English from UNL. MS in secondary education from UNO Past Experience: 8 years adjunct college English professor.

Years at MS: 6

Rebecca Harvie Staff Reporter

This year marks a change in our yearbook that promises to impress us all. As of the end of last year, Joanne Miller chose to step down as yearbook adviser after seven years of service for our school. But with Miller stepping down, we needed another teacher to step up and take on the mantel of yearbook adviser. That teacher was Carol Mertl, a part time teacher at Millard South, who loves yearbook.

“I advised the yearbook for seven years and absolutely love the process of creating such an important book for our students,” Mertl said. “The fact that it’s created for students by students, makes it even more exciting and special,” she said.

While this does not sound like groundbreaking news, it marks a change to the yearbook that we have never seen before. When Miller was advising yearbook, she was also teaching English classes, and when it came down to time, she had to divide it between all of her classes and students, but that is no longer the case. This year Mertl is teaching yearbook exclusively. This will allow her to focus on the yearbook more than any other teacher has been able to and she says she is ready. She is prepared with large goals and an exciting vision.

“Our main goals this year are to get great images for the yearbook,” she said.

“We’ve also planned a couple of innovative add ons that we hope everyone will love.”

Yet there is a flip side. Since she only teaches yearbook, she will only be at school on A days and would not be available on the B days. This will limit the time in which students can meet with her. On B days Mertl says she is not idle. While she is not present at Millard South, she is volunteering at her son’s school and she is taking care of her fam-

ily.

Although Mertl came in with seven years of advising experience, the start was still tedious. But the yearbook team has been able to push through the rough start and are now in full swing. So we can all have faith that this year’s yearbook will be amazing and that we won’t be getting any hints until we see it this spring.

“We’re keeping our surprises under lock and key this year,” Mertl said.

yearbook adviser Carol Mertl

Fast Facts:

Education: BS in Journalism MS in Secondary Education with an emphasis in writing instruction Past Experience: 12 years teaching in other districts 2 years subbing in Millard Years at MS: 2

Features 11 • 28 • 2016

9

2011 Millard South alum moves across the world to teach English in Benin Emma Martin ply if they are living away from their family to attend school. In this case, Copy Editor the child has most likely failed the

required test needed to pass in order

Benin is a country located in West Africa, and resides to graduate from primary school to next to countries Togo and Nigeria. It has a population of first cycle. The ones who are not able 10.88 million, an unusually dry climate, and most importo move on can retake grades, but they tantly, is currently home to Millard South alum Hannah only get so many chances before the Martin. Martin is working as an English teacher at a local school will eventually kick them out. school during her two-year commitment to the Peace If they want to continue their educaCorps.

The school system in Benin is much like that of France, tion, they have to search for a different school, often in another town, and since it was colonized by the French. Children start out in live away from their families. Because primary school (akin to a U.S. elementary) which they atmost families don’t have lots of money tend for six years, just like here in America. After that, they to begin with, things get even tighter, head off to first and second cycle (the equivalent of middle and some of these students might have and high school), but they take place in the same building trouble feeding themselves during the and are not split up like they are in America. week.

That is where the similarities end. Benin does not

Students aren’t the only ones with have many of the luxuries that other kids attending school money troubles, however. Because the around the world get to experience. The school Martin government doesn’t have very much works at doesn’t have electricity or running water, and money to allocate to teachers, most classrooms consist of cement floors, sheet metal roofs, and work on hourly wages. holes where the windows and It is very difficult to door would be. Because they I’m very proud of my school, become a salaried teacher for the governcannot afford to buy textbooks even though there are a lot of ment; at Martin’s school there is currently for every student, many are issues. only one salaried teacher. Those who get paid forced to copy everything they –Hannah Martin hourly often have to work at multiple schools are taught into a notebook and use that as their only study Peace Corps Volunteer so they can have the equivalent of a full time job—they are restricted to only working a tool. There is little paper, no certain number of hours at each school. Just handouts or computers… it’s all like in the U.S., teachers don’t get paid for chalk, the chalkboard, and what vacation time, but their checks are not spread out over the kids write in their notebooks. In addition, the minimum calendar year, resulting in large gaps between receiving class size requirement is 40 students, with some classes paychecks, making it a struggle to make ends meet. holding many more than that (one of Martin’s classes has

Besides the money issues that many face, there are also 54). The number of students often makes it difficult to give issues concerning gender. There is less respect for female anyone one-on-one attention, and those with learning teachers, because culturally there is less respect for women. disabilities don’t have any resources to make the learning When classes are on break, male teachers will send one of environment more accommodating. Many students that their female students to go get them food. Only girls sweep have trouble in school will “abandon” and seek out profesthe classrooms free of animal droppings in the mornings sions such as hair dressing or welding. when each student (girls and boys) completes a chore.

Classroom conditions aren’t the only obstacle present

But perhaps the biggest problem of all? Studentin the Benin school system; students face many other chalteacher relationships. Some teachers interested in young lenges as well. It’s no surprise that many struggle with various costs; in order to attend school each student must pay a female students will threaten to lower a girl’s grade if they don’t enter into a relationship with them. Other girls hope fee because many residents of Benin do not pay taxes. They to have a professor boyfriend because they typically receive also have to purchase a school uniform, as well as all the gifts (like cell phones) from the older men. regular school supplies that you would expect: notebooks,

After witnessing the system firsthand, Martin says pens, pencils… it can end up being quite a hefty price tag.

“I’m very proud of my school, even though there are lots of

Some students also find a drain on their money sup-

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issues.” Benin’s residents are aware of the various problems, and they are trying to improve things. And even with all of its drawbacks, there are still positive things happening. For one, the government allows girls to attend school without paying the required fee until second cycle because so many families were only sending their sons to school. Also, the school system acts like a parent for many of the children that don’t have good home lives or are living alone in the village.

Here in the U.S. it is hard to fathom living and going to school under these conditions. Most can’t relate to one of Martin’s students who would be considered legally blind here in America, who can’t afford to pay for glasses, and who can’t see even if she sits in the front row of the classroom. Martin, who has now experienced schooling on both sides of the world, wants to send a message to students who are lucky enough to attend American schools.

“There are a lot of students here who would give anything to have the opportunities you do; I can’t even imagine how much better the kids would do. Imagine your life in the Benin school system. The kids who don’t end up going to school… there’s a lot of poverty here. They do not have the things that we have in the states.”

Former math teacher clicks in new role as tech facilitator Conlan Custard Staff Reporter

With hundreds of computers, printers, smart boards, and another 2000 on the way with the 1:1 beginning in January, technology facilitator Jay Hutfles certainly has his hands full.

“Technology facilitator” essentially encompasses “everything tech related you could think of in the building,” said Hutfles.

A broad spectrum to say the least. On any given day you could find him fixing any issues that arise throughout the day regarding technology in and out of the classroom, and planning for any upcoming changes in software that the school will be using.

Having known someone in the

Technology facilitator Jay Hutfles replaces a broken access point in Room 129. Photo by McKenna Krueger

tech department here at Millard South played to his advantage when he was sent an email about the open position he is in now. Prior to being a facilitator, he studied to become a teacher along with gaining computer experience at the same time, and was once an Algebra teacher at Millard North. While he was teaching, his prowess of computers never left him, as it kept showing up every now and again.

“I’ve always sort of picked up on it very easily,” he says.

However, he wasn’t always fully invested in tech support and had to start small with just what was asked of him.

“I just helped out at the building level at Millard North and dealt with little problems and things like that,” Hutfels said.

He uses his teaching experience to excel at what he does now in the classroom, with past experiences

helping him along the way.

“Working with computers takes a lot of patience, and I think that really helps,” said Hutfles.

The 1:1 this coming January proposes an intriguing twist to school as we know it. The goal is for the entire building to be in an interconnected web and for classes and extracurriculars to run as easily and efficiently as ever. Hutfles said he expects the transition to the 1:1 to go smoothly, with multiple facilitators on the job and a stable insurance plan in place.

“We’ve had a lot of experience with multiple pilot programs, and we’ve seen a lot of smaller, but still successful deployments,” he said.

Hutfles said he likes the idea of more technology in classrooms and believes there are many valid uses that would improve our education later down the line.

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Entertainment 11 • 28 • 2016

Green Beans you’ll actually like!

New local coffee shop catches student’s eye

Trapshooting aims to please a range of people really know what skeet or trap shooting is, it’s when you use a shotgun (It has to be twelve gauge, 20 gauge or .410 bore. And you need to bring your own shotgun) and you say pull on the range and a target will fly in a direction (Referred to as a clay pigeon or clay rabbit) and you’ve got to shoot it.

One of my favorite things about trap shooting is that it’s easy to learn but impossible to master.

The facility itself is very nice, with racks to hold your shotguns and hunting trophies creating a very clean but rustic environHarry A. Koch Trap & Skeet Range located in Seymour Smith Park in Ralston. Photo by Sam Sliva ment that is great to sit back and relax in after a few rounds of shooting.

Whether you want to practice for hunt- in Seymour Smith Park, the Harry A. Koch The staff is also very nice and helpful. They ing fowl or you’re just looking for a good Trap & Skeet Range is a great place to start have an area to buy refreshments and food, time, trap shooting may be for you. Located trap or skeet shooting. For those who don’t

were perfectly balanced, unlike the hazelnut caramel latte.

My third cup of joe was a Chai Latte ($3.05 for 12 oz). If you’re more of a tea person, this is definitely the cup of joe in your hands. I don’t typically like chai, but Green Beans Coffee took a win once again. The right amount of spice was essential and they didn’t fail me at all. It’s a perfect flavor for the beginning of Winter.

Of all three, the White Chocolate Mocha was the best.

In the documentary Before the Flood, actor and UN Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio calls attention to one of the most crucial issues of our time: climate change.

Directed by Fisher Stevens, Before the Flood documents DiCaprio’s three-year journey around the world to talk with scientists and world leaders and discovers how the disastrous events to come can be stopped and solved. The film includes shots of melting ice in Greenland and forests being cleared for palm oil plantations. The message of the film seems to focus on what is at stake for future generations and the future of our planet.

The film begins by mentioning Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, a painting which encompasses the deadly effects of climate change on the earth as portrayed by DiCaprio. The painting was created based on religious beliefs but, in the movie it is also used to depict the detrimental effects of climate change. The name of the documentary comes from what DiCaprio calls the time in which we are liv-

ing, shown in the art piece as the era before destruction and chaos.

Before the Flood portrays the importance and necessity of giving focus and attention to the issue of climate change instead of pushing it under the rug. The evidence of climate change shown in this movie may convince some whom don’t believe in global warming that changes in our environment are real and important. With a celebrity that has political ties as the center of the film more awareness is brought to the message.

The film was an amazing production that thoroughly guided the audience through a learning experience about climate change. Leonardo DiCaprio brought the viewers to places we couldn’t go ourselves and, people they would never have the chance to meet. I believe this film will be a reminder of the issues constantly in the back of our minds, and it has brought new attention to the issue with DiCaprio at its focus.

After watching this documentary, I haven’t shaken the very real phenomena occurring in the environment from my mind.

Following that is the Chai Latte. In last place is the Hazelnut Caramel Latte. None of them failed me, but the White Chocolate Mocha was more than just satisfactory.

With a warm cozy atmosphere, friendly service and endless choices for food and coffee, Green Beans Coffee can easily knock Starbucks out of it’s high position. So go ahead.

Treat yourself today and walk into Green Beans Coffee.

Two Door Cinema Club opens new doors with album release Tori Barkus Staff Reporter

Two Door Cinema Club, an indie pop/rock band from Bangor, Northern Ireland, has released a new album.

TDCC is made up of three members, Alex Trimble, Sam Halliday, and Kevin Baird. The three of them met in school, where they formed their first band called Life Without Rory. They performed together, at the ages of 16, at ATL Rock School, but unfortunately, came in last place. Before breaking upas Life Without Rory- they recorded three demos, which can still be found on MySpace.

In 2007, Two Door Cinema Club was formed. They got the inspiration behind their name when Sam mispronounced the name of the local cinema, Tudor Cinema. By 2008, they started releasing EPs and albums, from Four Words to Stand On(2008) to Gameshow(2016).

Gameshow was their most recent album released October 14. Previous to the album, singles had been released.

Starting with Are We Ready? (Wreck), a single released on June 14, played

on BBC Radio in the UK for the first time that day. This single was inspired

by Prince and David Bowie, critiquing materialistic ways of society today.

Alex Trimble spoke about writing the song during an interview, saying ,”It was okay to be comfortable doing your own thing. ‘Are We Ready? (Wreck)’ was me… not attacking the world around me but outlining why I don’t really get it and why I don’t fit in with it.”

Bad Decisions was the next single released, on July 29, the same day they dropped the music video. The first line of the song reads “Save me/ I’ve been drinking wine/ And I just made a big mistake/ Happens all the time” implying that he drinks far too much, far too often, and results in mistakes he makes and later regrets.

Gameshow, the third and final single released on Sept. 30.

Altogether, this album is very wellwritten and well composed. The tracks fit together and each song flows well into the next. Overall, this album is amazing and deserves a top spot on any chart.

but they also have a place to buy shotgun shells and stuff like ear protection and eye protection (which is required to shoot on the range) for pretty good prices. The safety regulations are very good and very common sense: don’t load your shotgun until you’re ready to shoot, keep your shotgun pointed in a safe direction at all times, load one shell at a time etc etc. In general the range is very professional and welcoming to new people.

One round of trap shooting will cost $6 maximum and you get 27 shots per round, ideally it only takes 25 for a round to be done but the two extra are just for if the machine or your gun malfunctions. If you show your student ID you will get a reduced rate.

All in all, I love coming to this range to practice trap shooting, the people there are super nice and will get you started in the best way possible. If you or a family member owns a shotgun and you’re looking to have a good time I definitely recommend checking Harry A. Koch Trap & Skeet Range.

‘The Accountant’ calculates for an abundance of extreme violence

Green Beans Coffee is located at 6831 S 167th St. (402) 891-6143. Photos by Ryan Carter.

Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter

Starring award winning actors/ actresses Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick and Jon Bernthal, the movie “The Accountant” is definitely surprising and full of plot twists but at the same time the movie drags on in a way that sometimes makes it boring.

The movie is about a man with autism who appears to be a typical working middle aged man but secretly works as a freelance accountant for dangerous criminal organizations. The movie starts out with Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) as a child who is clearly different from the other children around him because of the way he is putting a puzzle together in a freakishly fast way. In order for his son not to get

‘Before the Flood’ changes climate of the movie industry Savannah Lacy Staff Reporter

11

Sam Sliva Business Manager

Ryan Carter Opinions Editor

Coffee is a lot of people’s go-to. It’s a necessity and sometimes the typical McDonald’s Caramel Latte gets boring. If you’re looking for a new and improved coffee place, Green Beans Coffee might just be the place for you.

When drinking coffee, the atmosphere is key.

When walking into Green Beans Coffee, I automatically felt at home. The entrance brings you to a small cozy room with fireplaces, magazines and couches.

The walls are filled with picture frames and art. I wanted to snuggle up and extend my stay.

Their friendly service pulled me in as well. They even went the extra mile to ask me afterwards if my coffee tasted all right. It felt as if they had really wanted to be there, which I believe says a lot about someone as an employee. Without even asking me to, they nearly convinced me to buy some of their other goods like the assorted muffins, brownies, cinnamon rolls and croissants just by the way they presented themselves. I was pleased with the amount of options they had to give. It seemed endless not only with coffee, but with food as well.

I decided to compare three different drinks. My first drink was a hazelnut caramel latte ($3.45 for 12 oz). At first, I couldn’t tell much of a difference between the taste of a typical Starbucks drink and the Green Beans Coffee latte. It was simple. After a while, I noticed that what made it different was that it wasn’t overbearingly sweet.

Although the first drink was good, the White Chocolate Mocha ($3.75 for 12 oz) definitely put the hazelnut caramel latte to shame. Not too bitter, not too sweet. The flavors

Entertainment 11 • 28 • 2016

bullied at school because of his autism, his father teaches his son to fight, which leads to the adult Christian later being able to work for these organizations involving dangerous people. Christian also works part time as an accountant to cover up his actual job.

The FBI in this movie are trying to hunt Christian down, which involves conflict regarding him trying not to be caught throughout the entire film. The movie also has a lot of fighting scenes and violence.

If you’re not into action scenes, I would suggest you sit this one out.

Overall, I liked the movie. It was unique compared to most movies out in theatres currently.

The only issue I had with it was that

it seemed to drag out in parts that didn’t need to be as long as they were. I also think that the way the movie portrayed autism isn’t exactly the way that it actually is in most cases. In this movie they make autism almost seem like a superpower and it doesn’t show how hard autism can be which could potentially be offensive to certain people.

The movie received a three out of five stars from “Common Sense Media” and a fifty-one percent from “Rotten Tomatoes”. Overall, I think the movie was pretty good if you’re into action movies. If you’re more into less violent movies and don’t care for fighting, I’d sit this one out though.

New take on storytelling with Batman: The TellTale series Cam Filleman Staff Reporter

Batman: The Telltale Series is an episodic point-andclick graphic adventure video game developed and published by Telltale Games and distributed by Warner Bros.

Interactive Entertainment. The game is based on Bob Kane and Bill Finger’s Batman comic book series, though not tied to any previous adaptation of the work in film or other media, which means that this game isn’t canon, and instead it follows its own storyline.

There are five separate Episodes, three of which have already been released, the last two have yet to have an announced release date.

The setting takes place in Gotham City before the Joker, Penguin, or any other iconic villains have shown up.

At this point in time, the Mobs rule the street and Batman is a Vigilante who’s not necessarily liked by Gotham, so this game takes place fairly early in Batman’s career, however you don’t really get to see how he gets started, which I actually really like because It allows you to get right into the action without spending too much time dabbling in the back story.

The game’s format is point-and-click, so basically you play through the story while choosing from several dialogue and action options, and those choices you make affect the rest of the game, so it really makes each choice you

make matter, which in turn makes you really think about each outcome possible from the dialogue or action choices you’re presented. I personally really like this because when I’ve played this, I played with a couple of my friends so we vote on which thing to do generally, and since you’re only given a short amount of time to answer, it makes the game surprisingly much more intense for it just being dialogue.

Visually, the game uses a comic book art style, so lines are very bold and characters have really memorable builds, so just by looking at them you know who they are. Some background and elderly characters, however, look really odd, and although they don’t really matter to the game, it kind of takes away from the whole experience. Overall the game looks fairly decent, but I understand you can only go so far with a comic book art style.

So all in all, I find the game very enjoyable. The story

is really well written, gameplay is well done and the art style really fits the story. I would definitely recommend this game if you’re planning on hanging out with your friends at home.

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Sports 11 • 28 • 2016

Bowling is right up our alley First ever school sanctioned team rolls into competition

Ellie Dean Audio/Visual Editor

Athlete Dakoda Lorimer walked up to Three out of the four teams the foul line in the middle of the 4th game. are Mahinda Melton, Alyssa He started to warm up by doing his pracBeeson, Carly Renken, and tice arm swings with one of his partners Courtney Kelly. The last team Taryn Smith. This time these arm swings is Ashleigh Bobo, Molly Bull, were not for practice it was the real deal.

Dylan Kohler.

So Dakoda threw the bowling ball and all

The Millard South bowlyou could hear was the clang of the pins on ing team had its first game each other. Then Dakoda threw his hands of the season against Millard up with the rockstar hands and walked off West and Millard North. The because he just get a strike. team finished in 3rd place

For the first time ever, NSAA is now with the score of 1,681. The offering a sport for special education highest score the team had students at the high came from school level. That sport Taryn Smith I hope that this prois bowling. To particiwho bowled gram will continue to pate in this sport each a 150 and the grow and succeed well athlete needs at least second highest throughout the years.

2 student helpers. The score came rules of the sport are from Dakoda –Alyssa Beeson the same as bowling, Lorimer who Student Helper with just a little bit of bowled a 130. tweaks. The athletes The highest Millard South Unified Bowling Team. Front Row: Ellie Dean, Alyssa Beeson, Molly Bull, Mason Freel, Taryn are going to bowl in frame one, four, seven, scoring team was Taryn and ten. The student helpers would then Smith, Dakoda Lorimer, Ellie Smith, Bella Snyder, Dakoda Lorimer Second Row: Anna Stratman, Mahinda Melton, Dylan Kohler, Carly Renken, Courtney Kelly, Gabby Hogan, Mandy Record. (Not pictured: Ashleigh Bobo, Coach Jane Elam, Coach bowl in frames two, three, five, six, eight, Dean, and Gabby Hogan who David Stalling). Photo by Jane Elam and nine. When the game is completely bowled a 450 in 6 games. over you send in your top 4 scores even if

The second game of have games, and if a team finishes all of team. They have been intrinsically rewardyou had 8 teams, you would just pick the the season was against Elkhorn, Elkhorn their games early, they could practice until ed with their success in the activity. highest scores. But that rule doesn’t really South, Millard West, and Millard North. everyone is finished.

“I love this program and I love to help out the Millard South unified bowling The team finished in 4th place with the

“The biggest goal of the year is buildsee the special education kids getting team because there are only four teams, so score of 1,073. The third game of the seaing the program,” coach David Stalling involved and how they are emerging with all scores are being sent in. One of the four son was against Millard West and Millard said. “We are trying to get the word out the general education kids,” senior Alyssa teams are Mason Freel, Mandy Record, North. The team finished in 3rd place with about the sport and getting more students Beeson said. “I hope that this program will Anna Stratman, and Bella Snyder. Two of a score of 1,337. involved,” he said. continue to grow and succeed really well,” the four teams are Dakoda Lorimer, Ellie

The team practices every Tuesday

Many of the students say they love the she said.

Dean, Gabby Hogan, and Taryn Smith. from 4 to 5:30. Thursdays is when they

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Winning record paves the way for future success Kailey Boden Sports Editor

In the 2014-2015 Patriot volleyball season, Millard South made it all the way to a big win in the district finals, ensuring their appearance in the state tournament for the first time since 2007.

Unfortunately, the Patriots lost in the first round to Papillion-La Vista High School. Since the state tournament, with new head coach Jaisa Poppleton, they continue to push towards developing the team into the well-oiled machine that will earn them a state title.

Patriots volleyball entered the 2016 season districts with a 19-18 match record, playing Burke High School. They ended up beating Burke, (with a 14-17 record), advancing to the second round of districts, furthering their goal in the road to state. In the second round they went head to head with the number one team in the state, Marian, at their home court.

“I really believe that we can win,” says sophomore setter Jaisee Stinson, “As The Patriots huddle up together before a match, listening intently to head coach Jaisa Poppleton’s long as we attack their setter and take game plan. away their blocks, with our best effort Photo by Yearbook photographer Claire Aken defensively, I know we can come close and pull away with a win.”

“My absolute favorite part of being a part about the hard things that you may be going

In volleyball, the setter dump is an through in life and it gives you a support attack in which the setter becomes an offen- of the team is that I get to work towards my future for my goal of playing college system because you always know that you sive threat to score points and cause a disvolleyball and while I do it, I get to be with have a group of girls behind you, pushing traction to the opponent’s block and floor some of my best friends everyday, doing the you to be the best player you can be. Voldefenders. It is often used as an emergency thing we love,” said leyball has helped me tactic for tight passes. The setter dump is Stinson. meet some of my best an attack in which the setter becomes an You practice and play

Senior right side friends.” offensive threat to score points and cause together, eat meals together, hitter and blocker

Price describes a distraction to the opponent’s block and and you travel together’ likely the team as a family.

Maddie Price has floor defenders. more than you do any of this the same outlook on “I know it

Unfortunately, the Patriots came up Patriot Volleyball. sounds cliché, but it’s with your own family. short in round two, but with nothing short

“The thing I love true,” says Price, “You than their best effort and love for the game most about volleyball have the leaders who in their hearts. A huge part of sports, esis the rush that it are like the parents, pecially here at Millard South, is the bonds –Jaisa Poppleton gives you, ” says Price, telling everyone what that are made and the individual, as well as Head volleyball coach “It makes you forget they need in order to the team as a whole, progress that is made.

“

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complete the game plan, with their best interest in mind. Occasionally you have the bickering teammates that resemble siblings, but they’re always able to come together in the end to be successful.”

Head coach Jaisa Poppleton agrees with this analogy.

“If you really think about it Maddie is right,” says Poppleton “anyone who plays a high school sport knows how much time is put in, and eventually you end up spending more of it with your teammates than your own family.”

Price explains, “Last but not least, you have the one crazy family member that’s always able to pump the team up and get everyone in the right mindset.

Everyone on our team has a strong role.”

“This ‘family’ environment is what helps us play as a unit,” says Poppleton “You practice and play together, eat meals together, and you travel together, likely more than you do any of this with your own family.”

The Patriots may not have made it all the way to the State tournament but that doesn’t mean that goals weren’t

met.

“Overall our expectations of a winning record were met for the 2016 season,” says Poppleton, “since we ended up going 20-19.”

It was close, but the expectations were still met, and the team will continue to improve every year in the upcoming seasons, with a state title always in the back of their mind.

“As for the future seasons, in order to keep progressing, we need to continue to put in time during the off season,” says Poppleton, “and a lot of this time will be put towards ball handling.”