Common Sense Volume 17 Issue 2 October 28, 2016

Common Sense

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

October 28, 2016

Volume 17 Issue 2

Patriots run home with hardware Carina Covington Staff Reporter

Senior Rylie Unzicker hits a homerun at the state tournament to put Millard South on the board. She also broke the Millard South record of most career homeruns with 38 total, 18 of them hit this season. Photo by Yearbook photographer Claire Aken Top photo: The Patriots find time for some pictures with their new trophy after celebrating their State Title. Photo courtesy of Pam Alfieri

Becoming better at the end than they were at the beginning of the season was one of Millard South Softball’s goals, along with winning a state championship. As the team can now claim the program’s 6th state title, five of these being within the last 6 years, it is safe to say they achieved their goal.

“I expected ups and downs from the season, but I wanted us to be better at the end than we were at the beginning.” said Steve Kerkman.

Millard South was ranked number 6 going into state and their first game was against Kearney ranked number 3. However, the Patriots proved rankings didn’t matter, as they won the first game 12-4, run ruling Kearney and sending them to the losers bracket. Centerfielder, Rylie Unzicker, robbed a home run by making the catch while flipping over the centerfield fence to end the game early with a run rule.

Marian was the next team in the way of Millard South’s main goal. The offense jumped on Marian early in the game putting multiple runs on the board. Marian fought back but couldn’t catch up to the Patriots. Another win for Millard South 14-6, advanced the team with 2 wins on to day two of the state tournament and guaranteed them at least one game on championship Friday as the tournament was double elimination.

Millard South would now face Papio.

Papillion La-Vista put two runs up on

the board early in the game but a grand slam by junior right fielder Peyton Glatter towards the middle of the game put 4 runs on the board for Millard South. The rest of the game remained scoreless for both teams giving Millard South the 4-2 win.

The Patriots also earned themselves a spot in the Championship game.

Early in the day Friday, Papio and Millard North battled to see who would play Millard South in the final. Papillion won the game and turned right back around to play the undefeated Millard South team.

The Patriots scored first in the game, but had many defensive errors allowing Papio to jump ahead. Papillion took the win in this game but they had to beat Millard South twice for the state title. The next game would be Papios third game of the day.

“We have been preparing for this moment all year. We are going to need ten runs to win this thing,” Kerkman told his team.

In the second Championship game, Payton Huscroft started the Patriots off with a two run homerun giving the team confidence to keep scoring. Papio also scored and was ahead of Millard South until the following inning when the Patriots scored 6 more runs. Millard South played the full seven innings without any defensive mistakes and had twelve hits and a homerun from Taelar Solano. Taking the final win of the season 11-9, Millard South took their 6th state championship title back to Omaha. The team finished their season with 29 wins and 7 losses, but most importantly, state champions.

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News 10 • 28 • 2016

Teaching is a dream come true for Bagley Parker Geiss Staff Reporter

Major Ryan Bagley has wanted to be a teacher for as long as he has been in the service. Now he is the officer in charge of Millard South’s new AFJROTC program. It is pretty much a dream come true, he says.

Major Bagley has been in the Air Force for 21 years, joining as an enlisted soldier (not an officer) when he first started.

“In high school, I had a deadend job, came from a broken family, so I decided to follow in my brother’s footsteps,” he said.

Starting out as a weapons loader, he used the benefits from being a member of the Air Force to pay for his college education, earning his master’s degree in education. From the minute he went to college, he knew he wanted to be a teacher.

The major mas been pursuing JROTC since 2007, and just recently got his program approved for Millard South last year. Both he and Sergeant Peter Mamula teach a variety of classes including leadership education, aerospace science, and physical training. Over the next years they will have more classes offered to the cadets. In the past year this program has been a large success in his eyes, and he is only just starting.

“When I went and witnessed my first pep rally, the excitement, all the teachers involved… it was phenomenal… I could see the corp doing something in the years to come.”

Bagley and Mamula have big plans for the program in the coming years. They are planning on expanding the room, recruiting at all of the middle schools, and recruiting more and more cadets for the program.

“We already hit 113 cadets, which is far above what we thought we would hit in our first year,” Bagley said, “But with South’s student body, we should be in the 270 range,” he said.

He said he is very happy with teaching at Millard South and loves the atmosphere. Bagley and Mamula have been working with Veterans of Foreign Wars, and with other school clubs to allow AFJROTC to be a real part of this school.

“The school, the district, the teachers, all have been overwhelmingly accepting of AFJROTC… we want to be a part of this family.”

Fast Facts:

Name: Ryan Bagley Education: Touro University and Townson University Subject: Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)

Who’s ready to give it a shot?

Savannah Lacy Staff Reporter

Only needles this year! Using the FluMist nasal spray as a prevention of influenza is no longer an option for the 2016-2017 flu season.

Not having the nasal spray option will affect many people, including 10-year-old Lauren Thome, who doesn’t handle receiving shots very well.

“She had two freak outs about the needle,” para professional Cheryl Thome said.

“And she was so tense the whole time that she made it hurt by being uneasy. But the nurse was really patient. After those two tries we finally got it done,” she said.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages caused by influenza viruses. According to the CDC, the flu kills 3,300 to 49,000 people each year. Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body to provide protection against infection with the viruses in the vac-

had two freak outs about “ She the needle and she was so

tense the whole time that she made it hurt by being uneasy. But the nurse was really patient. After those two tries we finally got it done.

”

–Cheryl Thome Para Professional

cination.

The FluMist nasal spray is ineffective in the current flu season against any virus and will not be a choice for flu prevention. An advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decided the nasal spray was so ineffective that it shouldn’t be used by anyone during this upcoming flu season, but that decision could be subject to change in the future. The FluMist contains weakened, live viruses that were once

thought to be more effective. The nasal spray sparks the body’s immune system to create antibodies to the virus while, the injectable forms of the influenza vaccine contains killed versions of the virus. “I’m not disappointed that the FluMist is not an option, because I feel like it’ll do a better job.” said 7th grade student, Sydney Reif.

The traditional flu vaccine is made to protect against the H1N1 virus, H3N2 virus and the influenza B virus. The viruses in the flu shot are killed, so people cannot catch the flu from an influenza vaccination. It takes about two weeks for people to build up immunity after they receive a flu shot, so some people may catch the flu after their vaccination if they were exposed to the flu. Flu shots have a VE estimate of 49 percent, suggesting that millions were protected last season for the flu. Children younger than 6 months cannot get a flu shot as well as those who have had a severe reaction to the flu shot in the past.

People should set their flu shot appointments in early fall considering the flu activity peaks in January or February. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get their flu shot by the end of October. Not getting the flu shot soon enough could be a problem, because it takes two weeks for the body to build up immunity and flu activity could peak as early as October. Early immunization is the most effective in preventing the flu. If you don’t get the influenza shot in time, then in a few months you could face the consequences.

Fifth grader Will Murcek, son of John and Cindy Murcek, receives his flu shot in the cafeteria Oct. 18. While Will took his shot in stride, other children’s first flu shot rather than FluMist was more drama filled. Photo by Eric Murcek

Price of epi pens shoots up Jessica Malashock Distribution Manager

Kids growing up with a sibling who is deathly allergic to peanuts, tree nuts (pecans, almonds, etc.), beans and peas must always be aware of what they are eating, what foods they bring into the house, and even watch out for their sibling’s surroundings. They also learn at a very young age how important EpiPens are.

EpiPen is an injection containing epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. These effects can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, severe skin itching, hives, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Epinephrine is also used to treat exercise-induced anaphylaxis. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 11 million Americans suffer from food allergies, and 100 to 200 of them, mostly children, die each year from allergic reactions.

The EpiPen was made in 1977, but the auto injector, which precisely measures the epinephrine dosage, was not acquired by Mylan until 2007. EpiPens are made by Mylan N.V., which is an American global generic and specialty pharmaceuticals company registered in the Netherlands, and has principal executive offices in Hatfield and global headquarters Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Mylan, the manufacturer, says it offers free EpiPens to schools. The company said about half of U.S. schools participate in that program.

“We get EpiPens donated and replaced as needed, but they do not come from Mylan.”

Sharon Brisson-Schnitker, school Nurse said.

“Every school is required to carry at least two EpiPens at all times.”

Mylan has raised their prices from $95 nine years ago, to more than $600 and counting this year. Doctors recommend that people with serious allergies carry two EpiPens with them at all times. With this dramatic price increase, some are limited to only one because they can’t afford it.

“I used to always carry two on me at all times,” Jacob Malashock said. “Now that they are so expensive, I find myself only carrying one. “

A petition to Congress protesting the price increase, called “Stop the EpiPen Price Gouging,” has emerged on social media. It has collected more than 48,000 signatures.

“I personally signed a petition to lower the prices, because this price increase is ridiculous,” Malashock said.

EpiPens are a life-saving device, but with the dramatic price increase, lives have been put in danger.

NHS Inducts 27 new members In a ceremony Oct. 23, 27 new members were inducted into the National Honors Society.

Taylor Barham Leah Beran Maya Bielski Andrew Ceballos Vanessa Chavez Nicole Cloyd Rebeca Garcia Tapia Sydney Gerace Hannah Grove Drew Havens Nadia Johns Lauren Kusy Michelle Lavelle Fatwa Luka Delaney Patten Tori Pedersen Emily Philo Lydia Richard Logan Rudolph Charlotte Scholz Johnna Sisneros Taryn Smith Taylor Somers Sadie Stackhouse Kathryn Willenborg Ranee Yetts Ryan Yetts

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News 10 • 28 • 2016

Student Council sponsor Kyrie Nehls surveys the donations in the Patriot Pantry as she assists students who were selecting items on Friday after school.

Photo by Christine Kaldahl

Pantry offers easy access for students in need Maddie Rynes discussing the idea since last year Staff Reporter and they decided it was something

they must do, so they started setting Many of these students only Millard South has opened a pantry it up second semester last year. receive full meals at school, available to all students who need items Student Council has a committee so we hope to help them to support themselves or their families. consisting of 7 members who setup, out a bit by providing these Run by Millard South Student Council, take inventory, and pick up orders. resources for them, the Patriots Care Pantry was officially Committee members include Taryn opened on Oct. 7. Student Council has Smith, Connor Lammel, Kaitlyn been preparing for the opening since Gunter, Bella Snyder, and Andie –Committee Head this summer and are hoping it’s successGutierrez. Committee heads are Rebeca Garcia-Tapia ful in helping students and families who Rebeca Garcia-Tapia and Molly Bull. need support.

The committee has been

“We hope it’s successful, and we working extremely hard on this hope to help students in need that may not have other project. They spent countless hours holding meetings with options,” said Kyrie Nehls, one of the Student Council spon- business partners, taking inventory, planning the volunteer sors. schedule, and doing many other tasks that all led up to the

The Patriots Care Pantry is a project that offers free re- opening and maintaining it since then. sources to students and their families who need assistance,

The pantry is stocked with basic necessities such no questions asked. as canned fruits, vegetables, soups and some refrigerat The start of the pantry was influenced by a news report ed meats and fresh baked goods. They also have hygiene on Ralston High School’s food pantry. The council had been items, including tooth paste, toothbrushes, soaps, and hair products. These supplies are all donated by teachers, students, and various businesses in the community. Their payback partners include businesses such as Living Faith United Methodist Church, Super Saver, and Hy-Vee. The pantry has been open for nearly a month, and have already helped ?? families. They hope to improve even more following the first few sessions and to help more families in need.

“We know that some of these students are the ‘parent figure’ for their family or sisters and brothers.

Their family might not also have the resources in order to provide dinner for home,” said Rebeca Garcia-Tapia. “Many of these students only receive full meals at school, so we hope to help them out a bit by

“

”

Language arts teacher Mary Kay Desjardins washes apples on Friday after school in the Patriot Pantry. Fresh produce is available as well as dry and canned goods. Photo by Christine Kaldahl

providing these resources for them.”

The Patriots Care Pantry is always accepting food and money donations. The Patriots Care Pantry is open every Friday and days before breaks in Room 229 from 3:20 until 4 p.m. No questions asked.

Patriots Care Pantry Open Fridays and Days Before Breaks In Room 229 From 3:20 p.m. to 4 p.m.

No Questions Asked

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Opinion 10 • 28 • 2016

Feminism: For women AND men

Staff Editorial

A feminist states her views on why we need feminism

Feminist. Some people may hear too. Living in the twenty-first century in that word and think of a gender equality the United States, men struggle with equal activist. Some people may think of a custody rights. Men aren’t taken as seriously so-called “feminazi.” Although a feminist when domestically violated. is, by definition, a person who believes

Movies like to show it as a sign of in the political, social and economic girl power when she slaps a man when it equality between actually is, simply put, abuse. the sexes, not Men aren’t taken as seriously everyone sees it when sexually assaulted. 1 in in that way.

9 men are sexually assaulted

Ever since at least once within their lifeabout a year ago, time. We teach boys to not I’ve considcry because they’re supposed ered myself a to man up and hide their feminist, but my emotions. perspective of Along with the woman feminism has side of feminism, we live changed drastiin a world where we are cally over time. so blind to the fact that we I’ve seen how are constantly objectifying different kinds women as sexual objects. of feminists porSongs speak about how “slim tray themselves thick” women are the ideal and how they and perfect body type. We’re Ryan Carter speak out their seen as sluts if we’re sexuOpinion Editor beliefs. I’ve seen ally active, but prudes if we the so-called “triggered feminazis” and decide to be abstinent. We feel obligated to the reasonable feminists. give a boy what he wants because we feel

If we as feminists want to stop like we’re some type of toy that can just be being called “feminazis,” we need to start easily thrown away. Our generation likes to focusing on where men aren’t as equal use phrases like “don’t throw like a girl” and

boys like to call girls “their hoes.” Sexual objectification like this leads to minimizing rape and sexual assault with women. 1 in 3 girls will be sexually assaulted within their life. A woman is raped every 6 seconds in the United States, but that’s okay to society because boys will be boys. We “try too hard” if we wear makeup, but we’re seen as a slob if we stay natural. We’re paid 77 cents for every dollar a man makes for equal work. Women in the other countries can be shot if seen outside without their husbands. So please tell me why we don’t need feminism.

Don’t tell me we don’t need feminism when a woman in the US is raped approximately every six seconds. Don’t tell me we don’t need feminism when men aren’t taken as seriously with custody rights. Don’t tell me we don’t need feminism when girls from a young age are taught that they need to be “slim thick.” Don’t tell me we don’t need feminism when boys aren’t taken as seriously with domestic violence. Don’t tell me we don’t need feminism when women in middle eastern countries are shot if seen outside without their husbands. Don’t tell me we don’t need feminism when women are paid 77 cents for every dollar a man makes for equal work. We need feminism not only for women, but men too.

Student Council lends a hand to Millard

South’s student body

Climate change needs to be slowed More mindfulness about recycling and energy use needed

Climate change is defined as the rate. Those statistics may mean nothing to change in global you because you have not or regional been directly affected by cliclimate patterns mate change, but if it hasn’t attributed largely affected you yet, it will, and to the increased much sooner than expected levels of atmoif we don’t do something spheric carbon about it. dioxide produced Right now, the ones being by the use of impacted the most aren’t the fossil fuels. This main contributors, rather ina topic that in nocent animals. The drastic my opinion, is rise in sea level causes turtles not addressed as to lose their nesting beaches. much as it should Mediterranean Monk Seals be. also need beaches to raise Hardly their pups and the shallow anyone seems coastal areas they use anVanessa Chavez to be concerned nually will be gone. Smaller with the growing sea ice season only means News Editor issue of climate change. Some dismiss it less time for polar bears to hunt. As periods by arguing that there are greater things to without food increase, the body condition worry about, or that it’s just the weather of polar bears also decrease. and it constantly changes.

Climate change also affects people.

Even politicians disregard the issue Extreme weather events are becoming by saying that concerning ourselves with more and more common which isn’t a good the issue is a waste of time or that global sign. Some extreme weather events, such warming is simply hoax. as droughts affect the economy because

In the last century, the global sea levthey lead to a decrease in food production, el rose almost seven inches, the Greenland which then may lead to unemployment, and Antarctic ice sheets have decreased which will lead to a falling economy. drastically in mass, and the number of Impacts of climate change on health such record high temperature events in the as increased risk of heat stroke and conUnited States has been increasing at a fast sequences of air pollution are also one of

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

Common Sense is a monthly publication produced in Room 130. Common Sense uses desktop publishing hardware and software: Apple 5G computers, Adobe InDesign 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.

many results of climate change.

More than 300 leaders recently gathered to discuss a 2014 climate survey and concluded that Nebraska must be more proactive in developing an action plan to respond to changes in climate. They all came to the consensus that the state should begin to integrate outreach activities, research and teaching related to climate change across organizations.

We expect so much from this planet.

We want it to supply us with good quality air, water, and food and suddenly when it needs our help, when we have consumed all of its resources, we turn our back to it.

But anyone can help slow climate change or just not fuel climate change. It’s really not a lot of work.

There are small things you can do that can have major impacts. Things as simple as recycling or unplugging your electronics when they aren’t in use are small things that take hardly any effort. You could also drive the least possible and instead walk or bike if it’s not too far. It’s healthier and also helps out the environment by decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide let out into the atmosphere.

Without our climate, environment and planet we are nothing. We are all so absorbed in our daily life that we often forget about caring for it, but we really need to change the way we act towards the Earth before it’s too late.

This year, Millard South started the Patriot Care Pantry in order to help students and families in need. So far, they have helped multiple families by providing them with necessities that they might not get otherwise. We as the Common Sense staff would like to recognize the Student Council and all contributors who have provided assistance to families in need in our community.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Nebraska’s percentage of 5- to 17-year-olds in families living in poverty was below the national average of 20 percent.

However, Millard South does have 30.44% of its student population who is receiving free and reduced lunch.

The Pantry allows students to focus less on their financial need and more on their academic success. They don’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from. A lot of us have become so used to these comforts that we often forget how many people don’t have them.

During its first week, the Patriot Care Pantry helped five families and the week after fall break, that number doubled to 10. The third week, six families were assisted. We hope that the Student Council can continue to benefit our school through their work in the Pantry. Of course this is only possible through donations. They accept numerous types of donations, including both perishable and nonperishable food items, money, personal hygiene necessities, and household items. Donations come from local businesses and organizations as well as teachers, students and families.

The Pantry is open every Friday after school and days before there are breaks. Teachers volunteer their time to work the pantry, and volunteer slots are all filled. Everything is “no questions asked,” making it a little more comfortable for students to accept the help offered.

We would also like to recognize all the work that Student Council has put into organizing the Patriot Care Pantry. Starting during second semester of the 2015-2016 school year, they worked throughout the summer to prepare everything. A committee contacted businesses for donations and partnerships, created advertisements, organized a volunteer schedule, and continues to take inventory and maintain the Pantry.

Consider making a donation to this worthy cause.

Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Soppe

Opinions Editor Ryan Carter

Miriam Cortes Kathryn Willenborg

Photo Chief McKenna Krueger

Lifestyles Editor John Reel

Audio/Visual Editor Ellie Dean

Production Editor Jordyn Kelley

Entertainment Editor RuthAnne Hale

News Editor Vanessa Chavez

Business Manager Sam Sliva

Sports Editor Kailey Boden

Graphic Artist AJ Bierwirth

Features Editor Adrienne Bruner

Cartoonist Tori Barkus Staff Secretaries

Distribution Editor Jessica Malashock Copy Editor Emma Martin Staff Reporters Tori Barkus Hailey Boden Madison Bullard Carina Covington

Conlan Custard Cam Filleman Parker Geiss Rebecca Harvie Kristin Kaipust Savannah Lacy Jessica Lukecart Eric Murcek Maddie Rynes Adviser Christine Kaldahl

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Lifestyles 10 • 28 • 2016

Best spice latte any day Rebecca Harvie Staff Reporter

As the air turns more crisp and the leaves change color, an old fall favorite has been released. Yes, the pumpkin spice latte has officially been released in all coffee houses.

Yet even with this joy, the question remains. Who has the best pumpkin spice latte?

So to answer this question I went out and got a pumpkin spice latte from three different businesses. I then brought them home and asked the opinion of a few coffee drinkers including my sister who is a barista at Scooters. We decided to rate these pumpkin spice lattes based on flavor, beauty, price, and timing.

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to their coffee. Some may go with the cheapest, and others may go with the closest, and there is no shortage of coffee shops.

Scooters did a great job. They had great timing and overall the flavor was good.

McDonald’s stood no chance. While they do have the cheapest latte, their flavor was sorely lacking.

Starbucks had great flavor but not the best appeal.

Overall, two of the three did wonderfully, but we still had to pick a winner. So the winner is Starbucks. Even though it was not the most beautiful and it is a little more expensive, the sweetness and their pumpkin whip cream on top won us over.

Starbucks

Flavor

beauty price

McDonalds

Scooters

time

Flavor beauty

$4.67

price $4.66

time

Flavor beauty price $2.62

Where to go for a perfect fall weekend John Reel Lifestyles Editor

With so many options and so little time, it can be hard to fully experience everything there is to do in Fall before it eventually gets too cold to do anything. To help get the most out of fall, here’s a couple places to help with getting that perfect fall vibe.

First, go downtown to grab a pumpkin spice latte at Culprit Cafe at 1603 Farnam St. The cafe, independently owned and locally sourced, offers both in-house brewed coffee, tea and soft drinks in a chic but comfortable atmosphere. They also offer freshly baked pastries and gourmet food options. The warmth of the cafe is sure to start off the day right.

And while downtown, take a stroll through the old market, which is especially picturesque this time of year.

Of course a fall weekend is nothing without some autumn foliage, and the best place to experience the changing of colors and relax is on the Fontenelle Forest trail.

The forest itself is separated into four trail areas, each slightly different from the other. The best time to go is late October.

And, after a bit of a road trip, the Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard, located in Council Bluffs - well, the country outside of Council Bluffs anyway - is the best place to go apple picking.

Sure, apple-picking might not be the first fall-y thing that comes to mind, but after plucking some fresh

fruit off the autumn trees, it is easy to see why the orchard is worth the drive. Right now, they are also offering a pumpkin patch for the fall months.

But for the best selection of pumpkins and a fall atmosphere, head to Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch located at 11001 S 48th St. The ranch offers hayrides, a haunted house, rental bonfire sites, playgrounds for kids, and, of course, pumpkins. So many pumpkins. Sure, it’s not Vala’s, but if that means tickets priced about six dollars less, shorter lines, and access to the same attractions, this ranch might be worth visiting and could keep some money in your pocket.

To cap off the weekend, head to Scary Acres at 17272 Giles Rd for a spooky night at one of the most popular haunted attractions in Omaha. The amusement park has three attractions: The Haunted Woods, House on the Hill, and The Master’s Castle. And, each one of them offers a slightly different atmosphere with frights unique to each attraction. The park also offers an area with large bonfires for those who just finished their tour through one of the attractions.

Killer clowns at Scary Acres. Photo by McKenna Krueger

time

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Features 10 • 28 • 2016

Briza’s Quinceañera

Story and photos

by Miriam Cortes Staff Reporter

One of the most important traditions in the Latino culture is the Quinceañera tradition. Freshman Briza Menjivar recently celebrated her Quinceañera.

The tradition actually goes back to an ancient tradition from Mexico and Central America where the Aztecs viewed 15 as the coming of age were a girl becomes a woman. The modern festivities combine Spanish-Catholic traditions with Aztec and Indigenous traditions.

A Quinceañera is once in a lifetime opportunity and is an event that takes months to plan and organize. Briza attended her aunt’s Quinceañera and since then she has always wanted to keep the tradition and have a Quinceañera.

Briza celebrated her Quinceañera church ceremony at Iglesia De San Jose. In the Mexican Catholic tradition, the Quinceañera celeBriza receieves and presents her very last doll. It is traditionally designed and bought by a selected family memeber to look bration starts in a very similar to the Quinceañera. thanksgiving mass dedicated to the Virgin Mary and with the theme. The reception usually has traditional walz started with a choreographed the Quinceañera’s dedication to God as a an abundance of traditional food, cake, and father-daughter dance. One of the things that woman. Briza was accompanied into the music. Briza chose a winter wonderland made Briza’s Quinceañera different was that church ceremony by a court of damas and theme. Various colors of blue filled the ven- she danced with her mother. Not very many chambelanes, which are Briza’s closest ue and created a very warming and inviting Quinceañeras have a mother-daughter dance. friends and family. The mass consists of environment to her guests.

After the waltz Briza was crowned and became the presentation of many gifts at the mass:

“I love that my family can put aside the princess of the event, along with getting her a blessed rosary, Bible and other religious their problems and come together to sup- very last doll, the shoe ceremony where one of artifacts from selected family members and port me on my special day” Menjivar said. Briza’s family members switches her sneakers to friends.

After all the guests finished the entree, high heels to symbolize the coming of age, and

After the mass, the family and friends Briza was able to make her formal entrance a ring from a family member commemorating of the Quinceañera gather for a reception. with her court. Briza and her family gave a the special event. These are just some of the more Modern festivties, (much like weddings) toast thanking her guests for attending. The traditional rituals that go along with having a are coordinated with accent colors along Quinceañera.

Briza then danced with her court in a choreographed waltz and then a more modern dance. After the dances, her friends and family danced, but before the night was over, Briza and a few of her court members performed another modern suprise dance and ended the night with more dancing and celebrating.

Briza is accompanied by damas and chambelanes, which goes back tothe Ancient Aztec tradition of finding the Quinceanera available suitors. Since then, the court is family and friends that accompany her through the party and cheoreographed dance.

“My Quinceañera was different because we did a mother and daughter dance.

Since my mom planned my Quinceañera, it made it more special,” Briza Menjivar said.

Briza gets crowned by a close family memeber which comes from a more modern tradition of the Quinceañera becoming the princess of the event.

The balie (dance) starts with the waltz where Briza dances with her father in a cheorgraphed ballroom dance.

Briza gets a previously selected family member to switch her sneekers to a high heels to symbolize Briza becoming a woman.

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Features 10 • 28 • 2016

Teachers exercise caution discussing controversial issues Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter ly the district’s decision to make. If the

Have you ever wondered why your district considers it controversial or inteachers can’t tell you who they’re voting appropriate for the classroom it shouldn’t for? Or why your teacher would never tell you if he/she participated in a “Black Lives be talked about in an opinionated way.

Matter” rally? Or maybe why you’ve never Generally, depending on the subject, if it’s considered controversial, the teacher heard your teacher talk about their opinmay openly discuss it, especially if it’s a ion on abortion or same sex marriage? part of the teacher’s lesson. But the teacher

Well, there is a reason for that and cannot share his/her it isn’t because their personal opinion or opinions don’t matteach in favor of one ter. Your teachers arOur job is to provide side of the issue. en’t actually allowed information and let students Regardless of if to discuss what the make up their own minds. you’re curious about district considers your teacher’s opincontroversial. ions, teacher’s don’t

The First –Nick Kintzle seem to have an issue Amendment states with not being able to that citizens (includSocial Studies Teacher share them. ing teachers) have “I think it’s fine,” freedom of speech. social studies teacher This will protect a Nick Kintzle said. “It’s teacher’s speech if how it should be. Our job is to provide inthey’re stating their opinions as a private formation and let students make up their citizen outside of the school. But the own mind,” he said. rules change right when they enter the

But despite teachers not being able to classroom and are now considered to be share their opinions, they still encourage speaking in an official capacity (the duty students to discuss these issues in a school of their job) and the teacher’s speech will appropriate way. no longer be protected.

“I encourage my students to talk

The district states in Board Policy about current events all the time, but just number 6240, that when a controversial the facts,” social studies teacher Michele issue is being discussed in the classroom, Stogdill said. Depending on your teachevery effort is made to present various viewpoints fairly, impartially and discreet- er’s lesson, he or she might not want you discussing politics in their class, though. ly. And that teachers can conduct reason “I think it’s a good thing teachers able study and discussion of controversial can’t share their opinions,” sophomore issues without fear of reprisal.

Marissa Kolar said. “It avoids a lot of po So how is the teacher supposed to know what is considered classroom appro- tential arguments.” priate and what isn’t? Well that is ultimate-

“

”

Jackie Bass returns home to Husker state to teach Maddie Bullard Staff Reporter

Jackie Bass is a new teacher to Millard South High School. She is a language arts teacher which means she teaches English.

“I like showing students they can go beyond what they think they are capable of,” Bass said about teaching English.

Bass, a Nebraska native from Swanton, population 94, has returned to the Husker state from her most recent teaching assignment in Lexington, Missouri.

“I moved to Nebraska to be closer to my family,” Bass said.

Bass’s hobbies are reading, traveling, going to Husker football games, cooking, and being outdoors.

She says she is fitting in to her new assignment at MS. “I love it,” Bass said. “The community is like a family.”

Bass says that Millard South students are special because they have a lot of pride and enthusiasm.

“The thing I enjoy the most is the students who are willing to work hard and still have a sense of humor,” Bass said.

Her students seem to enjoy having her teaching them too.

“Ms. Bass is always happy and makes everyone feel important,” sophomore Grace

Dempsey said.

New ELL teacher guided every day by core principles Alyssa Soppe Editor-in-Chief

“You’ve got kids here from places like Africa, Afghanistan, and Colombia,” ELL teacher Kevin Brown explained. “Some of them are here for safety reasons. They are escaping dangers. Some leave their entire families behind and are in a new country entirely outside of their norms. Their stories are so impactful.”

Brown is a first-year English Language Learner (ELL) teacher at Millard South. He studied Media Communications and Business: Marketing at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, and received his Masters of Arts in Teaching from the College of Saint Mary. He is certified to teach ELL, English, Business, and IT.

Although this is Brown’s first year as a full-fledged teacher, he has experience as an educator in other ways.

Brown completed his student teaching at Ralston Middle School. He was also the School Librarian at Franklin Elementary School in the Council Bluffs School District and did some work in Thailand. However, he discovered his desire to be a teacher while he was teaching science to a group of homeschooled students.

“The moment that I saw these students discovering new things and becoming excited about the things that they were learning was the moment that I knew that this was something I wanted to do long-term,” Brown reminisced.

He found himself teaching at Millard South due to the strongly positive reputation that the his grad school teachers projected about the Millard School District. His teachers constantly talked about how great the programs and students are. So far, Brown’s experiences have lived up to the positive outlook that his educators provided.

“Millard South has great, very nice students. The staff is very helpful, and it’s easy to see that everybody is working hard,” Brown said.

The ELL Program is centered on helping students who come from other parts of the world who speak anywhere from no English to nearly fluent English to better learn and understand the language so that they can be successful during their time in America.

The program utilizes software such as Rosetta Stone.

There are five levels of fluency in the ELL program. Students take a placement test to see where it would be the most beneficial to start educating them. Level One is the very basics of the English language. Students learn phrases like “hello” and “goodbye,” the colors, the alphabet, what nouns are, what adjectives are, etc. As students progress through the levels of fluency, things get more and more complicated. In levels Two and Three, students focus more on applications of the things they have learned. They do lots of reading and begin to answer questions that force them to think. Finally, in Level Five, students are fine-tuning their English capabilities. Throughout this entire process, there is a lot of repetition, grammar, and pronunciation for the students to practice.

Learning English is no easy task, and Brown finds his students and past experiences very inspirational.

He enjoys finding new technology, applications, news, etc. for real-world application. He loves history (calling himself a “history buff ”) and culture, and likes to find ways to incorporate different cultures into his lessons and activities.

Most of Brown’s lessons are very interactive and dynamic. He doesn’t adore the traditional lecture style of teaching. Instead, he likes to make sure that his students are active and involved with the material that they’re learning.

“One of my strengths is that I’m creative. I like making engaging activities that get the students moving and interacting with each other. That’s when I think that learning really happens,” Brown explained. He also feels that he is a very empathetic teacher.

He likes to listen to his students and to help them with their problems.

Brown also assists his students in looking towards the future, helping them to create resumes and other documents that students will eventually need to move forward in life.

“I keep a paper on my wall reminding me of why I teach and what I hope to achieve through my lessons every day,” Brown explained. These five simple goals are: student excitement, student discovery, student application, student success, and making a difference.

Language Arts teacher Jackie Bass.

Fast Facts:

Fast Facts:

Name: Kevin Brown Education: George Fox University Past Experience: First year teacher Subject: English Language Learner (ELL)

Name: Jackie Bass Education: Past Experience: Lexington High School in Missouri Subject: English ELL teacher Kevin Brown.

8

Focus 10 • 28 • 2016

9

Focus 10 • 28 • 2016

Music is our forte!

Senior Emmalee Bielenberg performing with the Millard South Marching Band at their United Way performance. Photo by McKenna Krueger.

Band marches on to Sugar Bowl Alyssa Soppe Editor-in-Chief

despite a few unexpected drawbacks (such as a competitor being disqualified the Millard South losing half of their warm-up time), they took first in both of these competi One hundred forty faces light up in pure ecstasy. 140 tions and received the caption award for best percussion. voices scream out their joy. Floods of tears begin to pour

“It just feels absolutely incredible to be recognized out of the eyes of many. The Millard South Patriots Pride for all of the hard work that we have all have put into this Marching Band had just earned its first 1st place finish ever. activity,” percussionist Michael Coonce explained. “It’s just

The band travelled to Clarinda, Iowa on Oct. 1 to com- heartwarming to know that everyone’s blood, sweat, and pete in the Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree and participated tears paid off at this competition.” in two separate competitions, a parade competition and a

This hasn’t been the only success that the band has field competition. The event spanned the entire day, and seen this season. They also performed very well at competitions such as the Wildcat Classic, Elkhorn, Bellevue East, and NSBA State Marching Contest. All the long hours of work that the band has put in over the summer, before school, and at night are paying off and are helping the band to prepare for their trip to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana this December.

The band takes major trips like this once every four years. However, for many of the students, these opportunities are once in a lifetime.

During their trip, students will have the opportunity to compete to play part of the pre-game performance of the Sugar Bowl, perform at halftime during the Bowl Game, visit a famous World War II museum and the French Quarter, and much, much more.

“I’m very excited for the Sugar Bowl trip. It’s really neat to travel with all our closest friends. We’ve been working every day in order to perform the show to Senior Nathan Andrews conducting the Millard South Marching Band. the best of our ability,” Drum Major Nathan Andrews

said.

As Drum Majors of the band, Andrews, Nicole Cloyd, and Miranda Niemeier are some of the best leaders, marchers, and musicians in the band. They play the critical role of keeping the band together during their performances by standing on podiums and conducting the show. They are also the representatives of the band, performing tasks and duties such as accepting awards, preparing the show, knowing all of the drill and music for the show, and taking care of the band members.

“As drum majors, on the field, we are responsible for the performance of our show. We keep the band together and provide a path to success. Off the field, our biggest responsibility is the wellbeing of all 140 students in the band” Andrews explained.

Marching band, however, isn’t all about the competitions and trips. For many, there are much deeper meanings and lessons that marching band has to offer.

“Marching band has been everything to me. It is a very family group, but it’s so much more than that. It has changed who I am as a person for the better. I pushed myself to make myself stronger not only in my performance, but also in my attitude. I have learned to manage time, what it means to perform, and who I am as a person. You really have to be strong and dedicated to be in this activity. Marching band has been such a good experience for me and I wouldn’t have done high school any differently,” Color Guard Captain Jordyn Motsinger reflected.

Tuba graphic shows the breakdown of the number of members in the Patriots Pride Marching Band.

Pie chart design by Jordyn Kelley. Tuba art by Tori Barkus

Photo by McKenna Krueger

Stevens stumbles across love of music while sleeping in study hall Lindsey Assman Intro to Journalism

Although choir director Jason Stevens’ passion for music is clear to see now, he has not always been this way.

Believe it or not, Stevens once preferred sleeping over singing.

Stevens joined choir for a very legitimate reason… girls. Stevens was tricked into joining choir during his freshman year of high school by his former choir director, Fred Ritter. Ritter woke up all of the sleeping boys in his freshman study hall and told them that they were going to try choir for a week. At the end of the school day, Stevens was ready to march up to Ritter and tell him that he refused.

Little did he know, all of the girls were excited for him to join. As he was walking to Ritter’s office, more and more girls told him about how excited they were to see him in choir. By the time Stevens reached Ritter’s office he was left saying “Yep, see you there.” So Stevens pursued choir for the time being and found that he enjoyed singing very much.

Though, he had never imagined himself to continue on with music after high school.

“I did not see myself as a singer,” Stevens said. “I had no training. Music was fun in high school, but that’s it.”

Stevens attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and planned on earning a degree in business. Although he had thought choir was a thing of his past, he found himself in the men’s choir at UNL.

At first Stevens saw choir as a fun hobby, but he soon realized that it was his passion. He said he found himself excited to wake up in the early hours of the morning to attend choir rehearsals, but not so excited to get up for his business classes.

He decided that he would switch majors and pursue what made him truly happy. Stevens said he knew this switch would not be easy for him. The only training Stevens had was high school choir. The majority of his college peers had taken private voice and instrumental lessons.

Stevens was determined to succeed.“I just loved it. I knew I would need to work my butt off, and I did,” he said.

He kept his word, and he continues to work hard to this day. Stevens has been directing choirs for 18 years now, with 12 of those years have spent at Millard South.

Throughout his career Stevens has directed many choirs, including jazz choirs, show choirs, church choirs, and multiple school choirs.

For Stevens, choir is about much more than reading notes on a piece of sheet music.

“My favorite part of teaching is taking the audience on the same journey my students go on when performing a piece,” he said.

Stevens said he hopes to pass along his passion for music to his students.

“I call myself the dancing bear,” says Stevens with a wide grin.

Stevens is the “dancing bear” with his younger choirs. “If I can get them hooked, I can stop being the dancing bear.”

Stevens often “hooks” his choir into music by entertaining them with jokes and crazy stories. His older choirs don’t need this entertainment though. His varsity choir, called Singers, is his favorite

choir to direct.

“I can really be demanding of them,” Stevens said. “Driving them is like driving a Cadillac,” he said.

Considering his start in music, Stevens’ life has changed enormously since the day he was sleeping in study hall. I am sure he’s lost more sleep since that day due to his love of music. After all, music is a huge aspect of his life now.

“Choral music is not everyone’s jam,” Stevens said. But it definitely seems to be his.

Orchestra off to a rockin’ start Emma Martin Copy Editor

Members in attendance at the annual fall orchestra concert Oct. 20 were in for a bit of a shock. While some were expecting musicians to be in clean, crisp concert black, they were instead greeted with a group of students transformed into rock stars. Dressed in leather and t-shirts stamped with names like Led Zeppelin, ACDC, and the Rolling Stones, the young musicians went all out in their dark makeup and even darker clothing.

Most were dressed in head to toe black— just not the same black most had originally imagined.

The concert this year was one of the biggest ever, with 260 students from both Millard South and feeder middle schools Central and Andersen participating in the concert, playing both individually and

together for a combined piece that served as the finale for the evening. Being in the auditorium that night was like being at a real rock concert. Not only were most of the performers dressed up (as is customary for the fall concert), the overflow of musicians playing on the floor made it look like there was a mosh pit (in true rock concert fashion). Auditorium seats were filled to capacity, and many audience members had to resort to standing at the back and around the perimeter of the vast space. Pieces that were played included a tribute to Michael Jackson, ‘Don’t Stop Believing,’ and ‘Crazy Train,’ with contributions from orchestra students on the drums and electric guitar, as well as solos during ‘Crazy Train’ performed by junior violinists Hannah Grove and Alex Nordberg-Ellis.

Other exciting things are happening for orchestra this year as well. A third section of class has been added, a harp player now attends Millard South, and orchestra

My favorite part of teaching is taking the audience on the same journey my students go on when performing a piece.

– Choir Director Jason Stevens

Harpist Corinne Watters performing her solo in the song Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. Photo by McKenna Krueger

Sophomore Sidney Matthias performs the song Kashmir with the students from Central and Andersen Middle School. Photo by McKenna Krueger.

conductor Brittany Rom is attending school to stay here forever,” she said with a smile. to earn her doctorate degree.

She’s not the only one smiling this year.

With exciting events come big changes. Many students are incapable of preventing For the past several years, orchestra has grins from stretching across their faces with been split into two sections—Philharmonic the newest addition to the orchestra, harp (for freshman) and Symphony (for 10thplayer Corrine Waters. She is in class with 12th graders). But because there are so the Chamber Symphony students, and had many students taking orchestra this year, her very own solo during the fall concert to there was an audition process implementshowcase the unique instrument. Students ed in order to determine class placement. are enamored with the harp—the Millard There are now three different classes—Phil- South orchestra is typically only made up of harmonic for freshman, Symphony, and traditional instruments (violin, viola, cello, Chamber Symphony. and bass).

As the orchestra strives to grow and There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this become better, so does the conductor,

year is a big one for Millard South’s Brittany Rom. She returned to school in the orchestra. Despite the fact that there will be summer of 2013 and is working towards no trip to Colorado or Chicago this year, a PhD in educational psychology. Rom there is enough going on to keep everyone says that she has wanted to work on music busy. Everyone involved is excited, and can’t performance research her entire life, and it wait to see what the rest of the year brings. is one of the main reasons she is pursuing her degree. The other factors that have pushed her to continue her education include that she enjoys taking classes and meeting the people in them who share the same interests as her.

After announcing to students that she was pregnant in August 2014, Rom gave birth the following March to a baby girl. When asked about the difficulties of juggling a young child, work, school, and other responsibilities, Rom laughed and said “it’s not as easy as you think it would be.” Things will become even more complicated when she has to request a year sabbatical from Millard in order to do a residency on campus as one of the last steps towards her diploma. She will teach college classes while conducting research for her dissertation, all while still taking classes of her own. Rom says she predicts it will take about three more years to finish her schooling.

Even with the distinguished degree, there are no plans to leave Millard South anytime in the near future. When Junior Alex Nordberg soloing during the song questioned as to whether she would want Crazy Train. Photo by McKenna Krueger. to teach college or pursue another career, Rom swiftly shut down the idea. “I want

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Sports 10 • 28 • 2016

softball by Carina Covington continued from page 1

total home runs, 18 of them were hit this season. Rylie Unzicker will be joining her sister as a Husker after she graduates this year, along with another Patriot senior and first baseman. Payton Huscroft. Junior Peyton Glatter will be joining both of them when she graduates in 2018.

The Road to State

The team started off the 2016 championship season with a 5 game winning streak and didn’t let up despite a few rough games. The Patriots won an Omaha Westside invite, 4-0, by shutting out Marian, the 2015 state championship team. Millard South also had big wins over Millard North 10-7, and Millard West 4-0.

“The team gets along really well and they are all focused on the goal,” head varsity coach Steve Kerkman said.

Kerkman just concluded his 15th season coaching for Millard South. Kerkman says that staying focused and hitting well are some of this team’s biggest strengths.

Swing for the Cure

As the season started to come to an end, Millard South hosted a Swing for the Cure tournament to honor those who are battling, who have battled, and those who have lost the battle to cancer. Each of the teams involved, Millard South, Omaha Central, Lincoln Southwest, and Westside, each take part in an emotional opening ceremony. Each player walked with a family/friend to honor them.

“The ceremony was actually very emotional for me, which was not what I was expecting because it was a very personal ceremony. It was just amazing to see everyone from the four teams come together to honor those who have been affected by cancer,” catcher, Corinne Watters said. For the ceremony, she celebrat-

Districts The Patriots had a quick turnaround by hosting their own district and battling to guarantee a spot at the State tournament . In the first game, Millard South played Omaha North, winning 20-0. The next day, the team faced Norfolk.

Millard South jumped on Norfolk early putting up a total of 22 runs and only allowing 2 runs from the opposing team. This win put the Patriots in the Championship game against Grand Island. A 14-0 win put the team at 56 runs, 53 hits, and 7 homeruns within the 3 district games. Senior left fielder, Taelar Solano, hit two grand slams during the district tournament. Senior Payton Huscroft stepped in as the Junior Hailee Fliam pitches a 10-7 win on Senior Night against Millard North. Photo by yearcatcher for the Patriots. The Patiot book photographer Natalie Rigatuso softball team got ready to complete the season at the State tournament. ed being a survivor of Ewings Sarcoma Senior Rylie Unzicker tied her sister

“I think the best part of the season and the passing of her adopted brother Madison Unzicker, a current softball is how much better we kept getting. We who lost his life to same type of cancer. player at the University of Nebraska at all pushed eachother and motivated

Despite the emotions, Millard South Lincoln for highest number of career eachother to be better.” said Junior third plowed through the tournament going home runs. Rylie Unzicker went on baseman, Emma Hofmaier. undefeated to win another tournament later in the season to break this record championship. During this tournament, finishing her high school career with 38

Family sports legacies live on through siblings, kids Kailey Boden Sports Editor

Millard South’s ever growing all state athlete display in the main hallway showcases the “then and now’s” of the student body, and more specifically, the athletic student body, over the school’s years of existence. Students and visitors to the school get a glimpse into this history through the current student relations to those of past athletes in the all state picture showcase. The alumni athletes have their past here at Millard South shining through with their relatives as current students. Madi Geary, April Thramer, and Taylor Woitzel are just three prime examples of many.

Sophomore Madi Geary’s connection to this history is Greg Geary: Two-time All-State outthrough her fielder for the Millard South baseball dad, Greg Geary. team in the 1991-92’ and 1992-93’ Geary was a seasons. two-time All-State outfielder for the baseball team in the 1991-92’ and 1992-93’ seasons. Geary is currently a PE teacher at Millard South and coaches the varsity baseball team. Madi recounts on a story that her dad likes to tell her about starting two games on the mound at the state tournament in these seasons which was held at the Rosenblatt stadium at the time. Madi aspires to Sophomore Madi Geary

follow in her parents’ footsteps.

“Both my mom and my dad were members of state championship teams at Millard South,” says Madi, “I hope I will get to say the same for my role in softball and basketball at Millard South as well.”

Madi most recently accomplished the former, as she was a part of the state champion softball team of Jami Thramer: All-State softball 2016. player for Millard South in the

Junior April 2007 season.

Thramer gets a glimpse into the more recent history of Millard South’s athletics with her sister, Jami Thramer, being an All-state softball player in the 2007 season.

“My sister played basketball in college instead of softball,” says Jami’s younger sister April, “but as a hobby today she uses her past in softball and coaches a middle school team in Junior April Thramer Fremont.”

April followed her sister’s college athletics other than all-state past in softball, because she has played basketball her freshman and sophomore year at Millard South but has never played for the softball team. Opposed to Madi, April’s sister having an all-state reputation “doesn’t really influence her at all.”

Sophomore Taylor Woitzel has quite a reputation in the Woitzel name. Her older sisters, Macy and Morgan made a huge impact on our track and field reputation as record holders and All-State champions in multiple events throughout their 4 years at Millard South. Mor-

gan Woitzel was a 2010 and 2012 800-meter state champion and holds the records at Millard South for the 400m dash (55.76 seconds) and was also a part of the relay team that holds the record for the 4x100m relay (48.27 seconds) and 4x400m relay (3 minutes 58.84 seconds). All three of these records were set in the Sophomore Taylor Woitzel 2009 season. Last but not least, both Morgan and Macy were a part of the 2012 relay team in the 4x400 that beat the previous record set in 2009 (in which Morgan was a part of) with a time of 3 minutes and 52.92 seconds. Both Morgan and Macy were a part of the 3 year consecutive AllState 4x400 m relay team champions in the 2010-2012 seasons. Taylor continues in this running legacy as a member of the cross country and track and field teams.

“My sisters’ reputations defiMorgan and Macy Woitzel: AllState Track athletes and multiple nitely set a high record holders for Millard South in expectation for me the 2009-2012 seasons. and it can be a lot of pressure since I’m the youngest,” says Taylor, “but I’m confident that I’m going to continue to make our last name known as a track history here at Millard South.”

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Sports 10 • 28 • 2016

Taylor Somers upholds cross country crown Eric Murcek Staff Reporter

Taylor Somers maintains her lead as she approaches the end of the course. Somers would could continue her two-year winning streak against other Nebraska runners. Photo by Callum Photography

than many people anticipated.

Somers edged Anna Jennings, a freshman from Papio South, by just eight seconds to win the state title. Somers finished with a time of 18:54, which is over 30 seconds off her best time, though.

Despite the close finish, she was never worried about losing the race. “When I started to feel heavy and lock-up I got worried about the all class gold, and I eventually realized that it just wasn’t my day for that.” Somers said.

Aside from Somers’ title, the rest of the girls’ team found success as well. Freshmen Lorelei Hayden, Maddie Krull, and Hannah Denson were all competing in their first state championship, and all placed in the top 40, with Hayden finishing twelfth.

On the boys side, the competition was fierce. The defending champion, Seth Hirsch of Millard West, is one of the top cross-country runners in the nation, and all the other runners have been raising their level to try to compete with him. The result was an extremely deep boys field.

Noah Rasmussen has been the top runner from the boys’ team all season, and continued that trend at the state meet. He ran his fastest time ever, 16:17, to

Millard South has been known for its cross country program. The boys team was the state champion in 2013 and the runner-up in 2012. Put together, the boys’ and the girls’ teams had five top-ten finishers in 2014.

And in 2015, Taylor Somers was the individual girls state champion.

This year both the boys and the girls teams qualified for state.

The last time both teams qualified was in 2013.

The state teams consisted of Taylor Somers, Lorelei Hayden, Maddie Krull, Hannah Denson, Kate Botkin, Jess Schufeldt, and Natalie Hernandez on the girls’ side, and Noah Rasmussen, Gunner Matson, Jake Scott, Dylan Lessig, Ben Smith, Daveon Wise, and Nolan Hanrahan.

All eyes were on Taylor Somers going into the girls’ race, as she was the defending state champion. While she has not shown as strong of form this year as she did last year, she was still the heavy favorite.

She had not been beaten by any Nebraska runners since the state meet two years ago.

However, this year’s championship race was much closer

place twelfth overall.

“I feel like I ran well,” Rasmussen said “This was the first time I felt like I ran to my full ability at state. It feels nice to finish high school cross country strongly.”

The rest of the boys’ team also ran well, with personal bests from Dylan Lessig and Nolan Hanrahan. Jake Scott and Ben Smith also ran within five seconds of their personal bests, with Scott finishing 42nd.

With the boys and girls’ teams finishing tenth and fifth overall, respectively, both teams have a lot to take away from this year’s state championship.

Although both teams are losing their top runners, they also have the majority of their runners returning.

“I feel very confident going forward,” Head Coach Simon Falcon said. “We have five of seven coming back from the boys’ team, and four of seven coming back from the girls’ team, all of which are freshmen. I think that if we can get the mileage in for the season next year, things will be peaches and cream.”

Although neither team finished exceptionally high, they both did prove one thing: Millard South cross-country is not to be underestimated.

Players tackle tough schedule Kathryn Willenborg Staff Reporter

For some athletes, playing a sport is just another hobby. For others, it’s a way to stay in shape. But for the class of 2017 football players, football was a passion, an undeniable love for the sport. Four years of blood, sweat, and tears. Four years of relentless dedication for this season. This was the year to showcase all of the hard work they had put in, to finally play under the big lights, to hear the student section rooting them on. Though the season did not necessarily end ideally winning only one game against Bellevue East, the players and coaches alike can walk away knowing they tried their best but were simply no match for their experienced opponents.

“I am proud of the team,” head football coach Andy Means said. “They played hard all season, and that’s all we can ask them to do.”

Though unfortunately for many seniors, the coaches saw more potential in some of the younger players, thus opted to play them, which aggravated many seniors who feel as though because they are the oldest and have been involved with the team the longest, they have earned their spot on the field, but the coaches disagree.

“The goal of the game is to win,” Means said. “We want the seniors to be the best because they do have the most experience, but at the end of the day the best players we have are the players we have on the field. This is no different than any other sport,” “We play our best players against other schools’ best players,” Means said.

Some seniors have justified their lack of playing time due to this season being a “rebuilding year” but Means quickly dismisses that assumption.

“Perception is not reality,” Means said. “The people saying that this season was a ‘rebuilding year’ only know parts of the story,” he said. “The players in practice are being evaluated during practice, during every drill as well,” he said.

“That is when we determine who has earned playing time.” “We practiced every week as hard as we could. The competition within the teams shows who can execute the plays on a consistent

basis,” Means said.

The Omaha World Herald rated Millard South’s Football schedule the hardest schedule in terms of competition. Coach Means said he wishes the team could have played less challenging teams to boost their confidence, though is glad they now have acquired that extra experience.

“The players gave a great effort. Unfortunately, the teams we played had so much more experience than us which allows teams to anticipate more,” Means said. “Eight of the nine teams we played will likely advance to the playoffs,” he said.

“This season was disappointing,” senior Austin Harrach said. “I really thought we had more potential, but everyone gave a good effort,” he said.

Despite this minor setback, the boys were still able to create unforgettable memories with a group of people they will forever cherish. Many players feel as though they acquired many new skills this season, gained a lot of experience, and experienced a lot of personal growth; physically and emotionally.

“This season was filled with fun, dedication, and a lot of ‘L’s,” senior Jack Tweedy said. “I feel like I gained a lot of experience in kicking, and learned the intricacies of punting,” Tweedy said.

After 5 weeks, Tweedy was able to be the official starting punter, in addition to the 16 of the 21 other seniors who started at some point in the season as well. Others played on special teams or as back-up.

“At many instances throughout the season, the team looked good; we just couldn’t sustain it,” Means said.

“It was a great learning experience for the kids and the coaches, because it taught us how to fight through adversity and made us band together as brothers,” senior Billy Purcell said. “I’m proud of the team and our accomplishments, and no matter what, they will always be a second family to me.”

Rasmussen receives her 4th place medal. Photo by Callum Photography

Rasmussen battles her way to top 5 state golf finish Hailey Boden Staff Reporter As the 2017 girls golf season came to a close, athletes prepared for the last tournament, the state tournament. Placing second at Districts, seventh at Metros and being the only golfer from Millard South competing in the state tournament, senior Grace Rasmussen was more than ready for this competition.

“I think that I’ll do well at state, because I am confident and I’ve been practicing basically nonstop. Also I’ve already seen a lot of my hard work pay off,” she said.

The state tournament is composed of the best of the best, so it it normal to experience nerves when competing, but Rasmussen says, “I think I am better under pressure than a lot of girls in the state and I am excited

because it has been my goal to do well at it all year.”

After competing in the state tournament and placing 4th, it is safe to say that Rasmussen did accomplish her goal.

This positive end to a very accomplished season is bittersweet. Even though Rasmussen was excited to see all of her hard work pay off she said, “I’m also really sad though because it’ll be my last tournament ever.”

The state tournement is a one of a kind experience that not every golfer gets the opportunity to take part in. “It was different to playwhen things are at stake with high tension between everyone,” said Rasmussen “the girls I played with were super intense and competitve which made my last high school tournament fun.”

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Halloween 10 • 28 • 2016

The Blair Witch Project effectively lives up to its predecessor Kathryn Willenborg Secretary

So I’m not typically one to enjoy horror films, nonetheless willingly pay to go see one in theater. But every year once October rolls around, I feel like as a normal teenager I’m obligated to get in the Halloween spirit and voluntarily participate in events that lead to week of sleep deprivation and 24/7 paranoia. Yay Halloween. So anyway, I decided to get festive one night and paid a ridiculous amount a money for a movie ticket to basically be tortured for two hours. Awesome! So before the movie even began, I was begging and pleading with my boyfriend to leave, but he happens to actually find pleasure in these sort of things, so “we” agreed to stay.

The movie in which I fell victim to watching is called Blair Witch by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez. To my luck, the movie started off pretty cheerful. Typical. A guy named James, a friend of his named Lisa, and two of their mutual friends named Ashley and Peter are preparing to venture off to Black Hills Forest in Maryland. The reason for this is because not only does Lisa need to film a movie for a class, but 17 years prior to this, James’ sister, Heather, disappeared in these same woods (there is a movie about this, also.)

One of the main reasons the group feels so hopeful in finding Heather is because a pair of locals released footage they found in the Black Hills of a girl in a house, who James is confident is his sister, despite local officials failing to locate the house where the footage takes place. James is determined to find this house in hopes that Heather is still there.

Before the group officially sets off into the woods, they stop at the house of the locals who released the footage in attempt to get more information, though to their disappointment, the duo insists they tag along if James and his friends want any help. Talia and Lane entice them that they are all too familiar with the woods and would be an asset to the group, who is hesitant at first but then realize they don’t have much of an option so the six of them set off.

The first night begins off to a rocky start when a series of peculiar events occur, leading the initial group of four to lose trust in their new friends and forcefully makes them disengage with the group the next day. Before Talia and Lane parted ways, James speculates on directions out of the forest and Lane and Talia confess their confusion and lack of knowledge on the forest. On top of this, the group’s technology begins to malfunction making it nearly impossible to find the way out.

James and his friends feel relieved with Talia and Lane’s absence and are convinced the rest of trip will be far less stressful. LOL. That night, Peter disappears into the woods after trying to collect wood for the fire and Ashley falls ill due to a mysterious wound on her foot. Ashley is separated from Lisa and James and forced to fend for herself.

After aimlessly wandering the woods for hours (or days) James and Lisa stumble upon the house James believes Heather is in. Lisa pleads with James not to enter the house in fear of what could happen…does she succeed?? Hmmmmmmm…

Okay so basically this movie was scary. I was scared before it even started and I was probably 30 seconds away from tears of relief when the credits starting rolling. BUT, my boyfriend is a horror movie fanatic and claims it was pretty mediocre. Based off of other horror films I have dreadfully endured, there really wasn’t an element to this movie that made it unique, per say. It contained all of those “scary movie components” like jumpscares, creepy monster-looking-things, surprise endings, etc.

Hush brings new life to a cliche genre Eric Murcek Staff Reporter

If you’re looking to watch a scary movie for Halloween, but don’t want to go out, most people turn to Netflix as their next option. However, as anyone who has tried to look for a scary movie on Netflix would know, the movies on Netflix are almost all terrible, making it difficult to find something worth watching.

As someone who loves scary movies, I am very skeptical of movies involving a secluded house in the woods with a psychopath trying to break in, but I did find a movie of that description that exceeded my expectations.

The movie Hush was released in April of this year.

Hush was directed by Mike Flanagan, the director of Oculus. The main character of this movie is a woman named Maddie Young, played

by Kate Siegel. Maddie is a novelist who became deaf and mute after she contracted meningitis as a teenager.

She has moved away from civilization in order to focus on her writing, and the only person within miles of her is her neighbor, Sarah.

One night, Sarah is chased to Maddie’s front door by a crossbow-wielding psychopath, played by John Gallagher Jr. Sarah bangs on the door, but Maddie can’t hear her. The killer stabs Sarah to death on Maddie’s doorstep, and soon realizes that Maddie is deaf.

Maddie then finds out that someone has broken into her house, and is pushed to her limits in her fight to survive.

Hush may sound like the typical slasher horror movie, but it goes deeper than most movies of its genre. Hush develops its characters beautifully and gives you insight into what the characters are really thinking. The way Maddie’s character evolves as she realizes that she will have to face her fears if she wants to live made me side with her even more and want her to make it out.

The plot behind this movie also deepens as you analyze the symbolism behind it. Maddie isolated herself to hide from her inability to communicate with people. Towards the end of the movie, Maddie comes to terms with her situation and realizes that she can’t hide, she can’t wait, and she can’t run, leaving fighting the killer as her only option. This relates back to her being mute and deaf, as she has been running away from her condition her whole life.

As the night progresses, the audience gets a peek inside Maddie’s head. We get to hear her assessment of the situation as it happens. In the beginning of the movie, Maddie tells Sarah that the voice inside her head is her mother’s voice, so it is almost like her mother is guiding her through the whole experience. While we may never hear her physically speak, and for most of the movie we don’t even know what she is thinking, for a short part of the movie, the viewers are allowed into Maddie’s head.

As a whole, Hush feels like a very well put together movie. The intensity of watching Maddie try to escape from someone who she can’t hear keeps you at the edge of your seat, and you also get to watch her character develop as the movie goes on.

The Gallows puts a chilling twist on a familiar setting Ellie Dean Audio/Video Editor

The “real life footage” of a student being hanged during a stage production is a scene in the movie The Gallows that I will never unsee.

Filmmaker Chris Lofing, a Nebraska native, heard about this story when he was younger and he just knew that this would be a perfect horror film. The opening scene is based on a “true story” of a student named Charlie Grimille who was acting as an understudy in the school play called The Gallows. During the performance, Charlie was killed due to the bottom of a hanging stand breaking and Charlie actually getting hung.

The movie takes place in a high school drama room/theater 20 years after

Charlie’s death. I find the stage and backstage areas to be creepy enough already.

Seeing these locations captured with low lit, dingy lightning only emphasizes their almost inherent eeriness. So just the setting of it already makes it scary.

The acting is decent, I will give that to them. All of the actors played a character with their real first name, which is weird to me. Reese Mishler played Reese Houser, Pfeifer Brown played Pfeifer Ross, Ryan Shoos played Ryan Shoos, Cassidy Gifford played Cassidy Spilker, Price T. Morgan Price. I really haven’t seen any of these actors until this movie.

The camera work was questionable.

It is as if someone is filming with a video camera, so it was hard to see what was going on because the camera is super shaky

or not focused. The storyline is just hard to follow because so much is going on at once and it’s hard to catch the hints unless you are like my mom and can seriously catch every single thing in a movie.

But at the end, it will all make sense if you were really paying attention. In this movie they are redoing the play called The Gallows because it is the 20th anniversary of the first performance. My big question is why is this school redoing this play again? Like why would you even WANT to? So what if it’s the anniversary of Charlie’s death? If I were the principal, I wouldn’t even have mentioned the name The Gallows.

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Halloween 10 • 28 • 2016

Horrorscopes Capricorn (22 December- 20 January): Open up - it’s time to get rid of those skeletons in your closet.

Aquarius (21 January- 19 February): You’ve been focusing on others a lot, go ahead and carve out some time for yourself this month.

Sagittarius (23 November- 21 December): It’s all fun and games right now, but jokes may be the death of you.

Isabel Kimminau Staff Reporter

Pisces (20 February- 20 March): Try something new, you may find an interest that you can really sink your Aries (21 teeth into.

March- 20 April): Romance takes a turn this month, your relationship may suddenly go cold.

Taurus (21 April- 21 May): The full moon is a great time to focus, let your passion run wild.

Gemini (22 May- 21 June): Love will finally cast a spell on you if you’re willing to take a risk.

Scorpio (24 October- 22 November): Don’t go about your days like a zombie, take care and make sure to get some sleep.

Libra (24 September- 23 October): October is a great month for you, go ahead and take a bite Virgo (24 August- 23 Septemout of life. ber): Job prospects are on the horizon as long as you dig the graveyard shift.

Cancer (22 June22 July): Think of others this month; donate some of your time, or your blood, to others.

Leo (23 July- 23 August): Friendship may fall prey to deception, don’t get caught in the web.

rkus Art by Tori Ba

16%

Maddie Rynes Staff Reporter

15% 10% 9% 7%

Art by Tori Barkus

This survey was taken of 100 people on their favorite candies to get on Halloween. These are the top five choices and the rest of the 43% include candies such as Twizzlers, Sour Patch Kids, Hershey’s, and others.

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Entertainment 10 • 28 • 2016

Bioshock Remastered Sam Sliva Business Manager

Seven years after Irrational Games original release, players return to Rapture in this remastered version of the game Bioshock. I was a huge fan of the first two games (the third one not so much, but that’s a different story for different issue)

Bioshock Remastered is largely similar to the original release of the game except with some beefed up textures, resolution and frame rate. The game is still the creepy science fiction game we all fell in love with back in 2007.

Playing the game took me back, and it felt like I was going through the underwater city of Rapture for the first time again, which is breathtaking at first. It’s breath taking until the façade starts to melt away and you begin to notice the darker side of Rapture. Genetic manipulation, child experiments, smuggling and many darker secrets await you in the submerged halls of rapture. The setting is in a league of its own, once you start a level you’re free to explore the level and complete objectives at your own leisure. Throughout the game you’ll find new weapons and upgrades for these weapons, which is pretty standard where Bio shock really starts to be unique is with its plasmid system.

Plasmids give you powers like being able to temporally control enemies or shoot lightning out of your hands. The plasmids add a layer to gameplay whether it be in the environmental puzzles or in the combat. I really only have two issues with the system. A few of the plasmids feel very niche or situational and you’ll be finding yourself using the same plasmids over and over again since there’s no reasons to use some of them. The other issue is the system is sort of clunky when you have to switch from weapons to plasmids. Other games in the series remedy this by letting you use both of them together. Both of these issues don’t really tarnish the game in any serious way.

Bioshock still manages to be a deep and vivid experience all of these years later. If you’ve already played the first game in the series I don’t think you need to buy the remastered version of it, but if you haven’t played it yet this is a great place to start.

My Chemical Romance Comes Out with a New Album, Bringing Back Tracks from The Black Parade Along With 10 Demos Tori Barkus Staff Reporter

My Chemical Romance has released a “new” album. For those of you who don’t know who My Chemical Romance is, here’s a quick little background.

MCR is made up of five guys, four main ones- Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Ray Toro, and Frank Iero- and one guy, who’s been replaced over and over. The band got together in September 2001 and broke up March 22, 2013.

They’ve released lots of albums and EP’s, The Black Parade being their most successful album, released on October 23rd, 2006.

The band’s label (along with the band) decided to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of this album by reissuing it as The Black Parade/Living With Ghosts.

They announced the reissue by posting a video on their twitter page, causing an uproar of *repressed* emo teens and young adults, including myself.

The reissued album has 25 tracks, 11 of them being previously unreleased demos. The other 14 tracks were taken from the original Black Parade album. The tracks on this album are meant to tell a story of The Patient, dying and seeing many people’s death and what Hell would look like for them and himself. Welcome to the Black Parade tells us about The Patient, who was dying. He remem-

bers a vivid memory of going to a parade with his father as he’s dying.

The track Mama is about war. Mama represents Mother War, and the character the song is about is a soldier. He writes letters to his mother while he’s away at war, both having feelings of shame. Gerard hints at the fact that the soldier feels ashamed because if he should be killed at war, he’ll go to Hell instead of Heaven.

All of their demo tracks are incredible. They’re clearly un-

finished, but so raw. It is a little annoying because it is difficult to hear Gerard’s vocals over the music.

I definitely think this album is a must have if you’re a die hard fan of My Chem, as it’s a collector’s item. If you don’t want to spend the money on the CD or record, there is always streaming, but like I said, I definitely recommend picking up a copy of this album as soon as possible. *Disclaimer- this album is labeled with an explicit content warning

Track List: The Black Parade1 The End. 2 Dead!

3 This Is How I Disappear 4 The Sharpest Lives 5 Welcome to the Black Parade 6 I Don’t Love You 7 House of Wolves 8 Cancer 9 Mama 10 Sleep 11 Teenagers 12 Disenchanted 13 Famous Last Words 14 Blood - Hidden Track Living With Ghosts15 The Five of Us Are Dying – Rough Mix 16 Kill All Your Friends – Live Demo 17 Party at the End of the World – Live Demo 18 Mama – Live Demo 19 My Way Home is Through You – Live Demo 20 Not That Kind of Girl – Live Demo 21 House of Wolves - Version 1 Live Demo 22 House of Wolves - Version 2 Live Demo 23 Emily - Rough Mix 24 Disenchanted - Live Demo 25 All the Angels - Live Demo

Nothing peculiar about this typical Tim Burton movie Isabel Kimminau Staff Reporter

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a new Tim Burton film based off the popular young adult novel

by Randoms Riggs. Having read, and enjoyed the book, I feel the need to preface that some of my opinions may be a bit biased, but that’s to be expected. Overall the movie itself was a decent movie, but if you enjoyed the book, I don’t think that you’ll necessarily be pleased by the rendition that is portrayed. The plot follows pretty close to the book, but it just doesn’t live up to expectations, based upon the book, trailers, or otherwise.

Though, the concept of the movie was refreshing as Hollywood seems to only be coming out with copycat movies or remakes of ‘80s hits and this is a nice deviation from norm.

The young protagonist of the movie, Jake, is sent by his grandfather on a journey to Wales, where he finds his grandfather’s old boarding home; Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Mystery shrouds the home, and danger lurks in the small town of Wales the longer our hero resides there. He comes to learn of the Home’s secrets and discovers some of his own, including the terrifying enemies that threaten them all.

It’s a pretty typical Tim Burton film, with dark themes and adequate dialogue. That being said, the Tim Burton “athestitic” has started to wear off. Seeing the same repetitive cast is boring.

I feel that if he varied his choices for cast, the film may greatly improve. He also seems to try and make movies very symbolic and it’s just stopped working; because he continually uses the same technique. The character’s life is void of color showing the lack anything interesting occurring in the character’s life. Then suddenly the filter

is replaced with bright, vibrant colors representing the excitement that has been introduced. The move is lazy, especially when the director has pulled this move many times prior. Take a look at his rendition of Alice in Wonderland. It uses the exact same technique. Besides it being a typical move, it does set the mood for the darker themes effectively portrayed in both the book and movie, and the imagination used to create things such as the hologhasts is stunning.

The plot progresses at a decent pace Still, I felt that they really lacked in this department. They introduce characters and expect you to just like/ dislike them right off the bat, and the characters basically meet each other and then we are expected to believe that they are instantly either romantic interests or the best of friends even when there is absolutely no chemistry between characters up until that point in the movie.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the musical score for the movie was highly fitting and very good. The composer, Michael Higham, did a wonderful job setting the stage for both the characters and the mood. Music is a huge part of any good movie, and they obviously took this under consideration when creating the score, and it shows. I appreciate this attention to detail and I feel that this adds to movie quite well.

In the end I feel that the movie was disappointing, but it was worth the expensive movie theater prices.

15

Entertainment 10 • 28 • 2016

Vietnaplease!

New family restaurant serves up pho and noodles

Sarah Bradley Staff Reporter

This five star, family owned and family friendly place was all the reviews held it up to be.

Vietnamese Cuisine was a great place. There were not many people working there, but that’s because it’s just a husband and a wife with their toddler kids. Even though there weren’t many people working, they were still very efficient and courteous to everyone there.

When we first walked in the waitress was very quick to seat us and take our orders for the drinks.

She then was very fast to go and get the drinks come back and take our full order. One person in my party had been there before and the waitress remembered her and her order because she ordered the same thing. The chef made his way around to all the tables to ask how it was.

The menu is somewhat

limited, but if you’ve never had Vietnamese food before, the chef/ owner or waitress will gladly explain things to you. The chef gladly explained to us that pho, which is a soup, is made with broth and you can anything to it. Some people like their pho spicy or just regular, but we didn’t know that until he explained it to us.

The food was amazing, It was a little pricey considering entrees are $10 a meal, but you get so much on your plate with it, and the tax was included with the price of everything.

For starters, we ordered an appetizer of crab rangoon, and it was very delicious. I ordered the chicken fried rice. Two other people in my party ordered Mi Xao Don, which are crispy egg noodles with bamboo shoots, broccoli, carrots, and cabbage, with your choice of chicken, pork, beef or tofu. One

more person in my party ordered shrimp fried rice. We all enjoyed our meals very much. All of us took a portion of our meal home to enjoy later.

The address is 6909 S 157th St Omaha NE 68136, and the phone number is (402)-894-1733.

Photos by Vivian Kaldahl

Customers Slide on in ‘The Pirate Queen’ tells tale of history, a message for today for signature dish at Blackstone Meatball RuthAnne Hale Entertainment Editor

Conlan Custard Staff Reporter

The Blackstone Meatball opened was distinctively soft, flavorful, and its doors late last spring in mid-town was every bit as good as any other in and gained a reputation for qualithe metro. For the calorie conscious, ty Italian cuisine in an area where there is a meatball salad option with restaurant competition is fierce. multiple choices for dressing. In all, Coming in with high expectations, it every meatball was exquisitely juicy surely rose to the occasion with great and tender, as they should be for the atmosphere, service, and their sigBlackstone’s main staple. nature dish of meatball sliders with The options for drinks are few and several in an order and a choice of far between, but very satisfying to any meatball and say the least. sauce you would Unsurprisinglike. ly, the house

There weren’t lemonade is a million appetizfrequently orers to choose from dered, and for but the few that good reason. were there seemed With a crisp, to do the restauand sweet flarant justice. The vor, you can do garlic bread was no wrong with skillfully cooked this beverage. and was entirely The enticing with meltdining atmoed mozzarella and sphere at The marinara along Blackstone Meatball Slider side it.

Meatball was

The dinner cozy yet also menu featured a “build your own” very aesthetically pleasing with a portion where you can select your high-top bar counter area facing two choice of one of five different kinds large windows overlooking Farnam of meatballs and sauces compliment- Street. There were dim globe shaped ed by soft pasta, a fresh baguette for lights and candlelight on every table, a submarine sandwich, or a sample with decorative wall paper and of every meatball and sauce availtasteful black and white photographs able. Other choices were essentially on every wall. All this was complesome assembled versions of the mented by ‘70s and ‘80s classics such “build your own” menu featuring a as David Bowie and T-Rex playing delicious meatball sub dubbed “the throughout the whole place. Dining classic,” which was perfectly craftthere felt more like I was at a poor ed with rich and tangy pomodoro man’s fancy Italian restaurant, rather sauce and melted provolone cheese, than the upscale dive bar that it is. and served with crispy waffle fries.

When in search of a quality eatAnother popular entree is the pasta ery, The Blackstone Meatball surely bowl with any meatball and sauce will not disappoint. of your choice along with special add-ons like a fried egg. The pasta

Set in 16th century Ireland under the growing oppression of England, “The Pirate Queen” tells the true story of the life of female Irish chieftain and pirate Grace O’Malley. As a woman, she overcomes prejudice and chooses her own destiny. “The Pirate Queen” debuted in 2006, and has played on Broadway as well as in Europe. Millard South is the first Nebraska school given permission to put on this show as a result of the MSHS’s drama department’s national reputation.

Theater teacher Robyn Baker directs the show, along with Sophomores Jacey Ladage and Mia Dibble learn an Irish dance choir teacher Amy Wesely diroutine for the musical Pirate Queen. Photo by McKenna Krueger recting vocal music, and Brittany Sexism, a hot-button issue today (especially with Rom directing the pit orchestra. the election approaching), is a central theme in

“This musical is not your typical fluff en“The Pirate Queen.” Baker describes the plot as tertainment or usual high school show,” Baker a “wild journey of the first female pirate in hissaid. “It is a historical account of Grace O’Malley tory. There were many courageous women that and other real personalities in history,” she said. followed her (Grace O’Malley), but she was the

Just because it’s history doesn’t mean it’s first.” irrelevant, however.

Sophomore Mia Dibble plays Queen Eliz “The struggles of Grace O’Malley-love, fam- abeth I, a 19-year old who has just been made a ily, leadership, and justice are not so far off from ruler. the issues we struggle with today,” Baker said.

“She’s sassy, and bossy, you know. She’s got

to be loud an angry to get what she wants.,” Dibble said.

Dibble got involved in MSHS drama in 8th grade, when drama students talked to her class, and has loved it ever since.

“I’m doing something I love with the people I love,” Dibble said.

The music in “The Pirate Queen” is written by the same composers that wrote “Les Miserables,” and the dance resembles “Riverdance,” which has made performers work a little harder this year. Numbers in “The Wedding,” “The Christening,” and “Boys Will Be Boys” are choreographed by an Irish Dancing Champion.

“The Irish dance style is different than anything we’ve done before, and it challenges the whole cast in a positive way,” featured dancer and sophomore Jacey Ladage said.

“The Pirate Queen” performances are Nov. 11th at 7 p.m., Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are selling now at www.showtix4u. com or at the box office.

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Entertainment 10 • 28 • 2016

WHISK+MEASURE whips up masterpieces Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporter

Entering the Whisk who would joke around and and Measure Bakery is tell her she should open almost as sweet as taking a a bakery. Brown said that bite of one of Beth Brown’s after a while she decided chocolate cupcakes with she either needed to stop chocolate buttercream. The talking about it or try it out. décor made me want to Starting out her career come again the moment I path as an actuary, the first entered. Brown has put her thing Brown says started personal touch on every her bakery was “a little bit aspect of her bakery. Every of insanity.” She also enjoys object and treat has its own the bakery because she can story and luckily, Brown’s make tangible items, unlike friendly attitude makes it in her job before. impossible for you not to “It is like a 30 hour a day hear all the tales. job. I need a good 12 more

Brown’s personality hours in a day,” Brown said. flows into the goals for the Brown’s bakery is filled with bakery as well. Her goal is inspiration and amazing for it to be a space for the treats. The taste of her carcommunity. rot cake cookies was pure “I want this to be they place joy and her snickerdoodle where people meet up with blondie was the best snicktheir friends or if they want A few of Whisk + Measures daily treats ready to be taken home. Inside her shop, Beth Brown sells cupcakes, cookies, erdoodle I had ever tasted. to go for something special, and bars as well as slices of whatever cakes she has on display that day. “People are always afraid to ask for the first The bakery takes specialty this is the place they go, or slice,” Brown said. Photo by RuthAnne Hale cake orders for events such you come here and you see as weddings. She also stocks is the best way to achieve that because it reminds people your neighbor and say hi,” Brown said. her display cases with treats to be taken home immeof experiences. She hopes every dessert gives a story to As well as normal sweets, Brown fills her bakery with diately.

Here she has everything from chocolate chip tell. specialized treats to make snacks available in vegan, cookies to bratwurst gouda scones.

Seeing people enjoying themselves is what inspires dairy free, or gluten free. Her thinking, every friend can Brown’s desserts are not only delicious but also innovaBrown. Her first project in baking was her sister’s wedget a dessert. tive. They are also sort of addicting. ding cake.

Brown said she loves when people come back in.

The birth of her bakery was from people like her sister Brown also loves making people happy and thinks food

Hours Monday: Closed Tuesday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Whisk + Measure owner Beth Brown.

Photo by RuthAnne Hale

2505 S. 133rd Plaza Omaha, NE 68144 (402) 502-0004

The welcoming interior of Whisk + Measure. Photo by RuthAnne Hale

Ouija prequel scarier than original Eric Murcek Staff Reporter

In the last few years, the horror film industry has made many attempts to ride the coattails of successful movies by creating prequels for them. Insidious 3 and Annabelle are a couple examples of this. However, this has proven counterproductive, as these movies have flopped and come close to ruining the successful movies that came before them. So when I heard there would be a prequel to the movie Ouija coming out, I was both excited and skeptical.

When I saw the original movie Ouija, I wasn’t really impressed. It relied on pop-ups for most of its scares, and the plot seemed a little messy. 2It was fun watching it, but after it was over, it didn’t have me scared to go to sleep or freaking out over a creak in the floor. This is why I was all the more impressed by the prequel for it that came out on Oct. 21, Ouija: Origin of Evil.

Ouija: Origin of Evil takes place in a suburban home during the 1980’s. Alice Zander lives with her daughters, Lina and Doris. Alice works as a fortune-teller out of her house. Fairly early on in the movie, we learn that Alice’s husband is dead, and

that she is struggling to support her two kids. Out of desperation, Alice buys a ouija board to “liven-up” her act as a fortune teller. However, this turns out to be a terrible mistake, as her younger daughter Doris, turns out to be a vessel for dead spirits.

Alice uses Doris in her fortune-telling act, and also uses her to talk to her husband. For a moment, it seems like nothing could go wrong with using a board game to communicate with anonymous spirits.

That is when things begin to take a turn for the worse.

As the movie progresses, it grows more and more unsettling, in a way that modern horror films usually don’t. It does continue the theme of cheap jump-scares from the first movie,which is a shame, because it doesn’t need them. Ouija: Origin of Evil also lacks a visible “bad-guy” (the guy red guy from Insidious, for example).

The worst part, however, might have been how frustrating it was to watch the characters in the movie manage to break every rule that came with the ouija board. These flaws aside, Ouija: Origin of Evil is one

of the scariest movies I’ve ever seen, ranking up with Sinister and The Babadook.

This movie makes the viewers ask a very spine-chilling question: “Am I really alone?” Not only does the movie make the viewers ask this question, it makes them wonder if they really want to know the answer.

In my opinion, Ouija: Origin of Evil succeeds in all the places where Ouija failed. When I was watching it, it got into my head and made me feel uneasy for the rest of the night. This movie also delves into how desperation, loneliness, and curiosity can make us do very scary (and stupid) things. This movie did teach me a very important lesson though, and that lesson is that if I ever go over to a girl’s house and her creepy little sister wants to show me something in the

basement, I definitely should not go with her.