C ommon Sense Millard South High School • 14905 Q St. • Omaha, Neb., 68137
May 20, 2021
Volume 21 Issue 7
I’m lovin’ it
Junior off campus lunch may become permanent privilege for upcoming years Joni Beauchamp the chaos of the lunchroom. Opinions Editor “That’s not to say that many students leave every day,” Assistant Principal Mi Juniors this year were given a delichaela Wragge said. “I will be honest, a lot cious surprise in August when administra- of juniors will go in and grab their lunch tion offered open campus lunch. Students in the cafeteria and then they go sit in began rushing out their car, so they’re just of the building for out of the cafeteria, but fast food, home, or they’re not necessarily I love being able to just some peace and campus,” she eat what I want when leaving quiet in the safety said. I want where I want. of their vehicles. Many juniors Thankfully for the who have taken advanIt’s a nice treat and sophomores, the Miltage of the freedom break from the usual lard School Board is agree that it’s the most environment. considering making calming part of the day. this privilege perma “I use it every nent. day,” junior Emalee - Junior Gabe Medina Currently the Tarver explained. “On B odds are in their days I go with a friend favor as most administrators are in agree- to get her lunch and on A days I just like ment; opening up this privilege to juniors to sit in my car,” she said. “I can go out has been a success, but students will have and not deal with the stress of the lunch to wait until June for the school board to room,” Tarver said. make a clear decision. While many students enjoyed the While many juniors do, in fact, leave solitude of their cars, many went out to during the day to go out to lunch, many eat frequently with their friends, such just use this time to relax and get out of as juniors Haley Geringer and Jennifer Church. Digging in to his Culver’s, junior Gabriel Castro enjoys his chance to go out to lunch. This “I use my open campus lunch every school year, seniors were not the only ones allowed to leave school for lunch. day with my friends that I have the same “I like having open lunch, because I can enjoy good food from outside of school with my 3rd block as,” Geringer said. “Some of my friends,” he said. Photo by Gabe Medina favorite memories are when we just sit in the drive-thru of fast food places and the Haley during fourth block saying “the Wragge said. “We did not have many istwo people in the front seat are yelling at sues, and I think, whether you’re a junior the people in the back to stop talking and Taco Bell isn’t sitting well..” then I got a snapchat from Haley when I got home of or a senior, it’s figuring out how long it figure out what to eat.” her in her bathroom saying “I just threw takes to get through the line at Taco Bell, It’s clear that this experience has up green and blue.” It was one of the funor how long it takes to grab lunch from a turned out to be a fun experience for niest things that happened during lunch,” grab-and-go place,” she said. many, making new memories and enjoyshe said. It went so well that the administraing time away from school, although Allowing juniors to leave whether for tion is advocating that it be a permanent it can sometimes end in colorful ways, privilege. Church recalled one of those colorful mo- fast food or just to sit in their cars solved the problem of an overcrowded cafeteria “It’s in conversation,” Wragge said. ments. and difficulties with social distancing. “Ultimately the school board will have to “My favorite memory,” Church said, “For the most part, it went really, approve it, but it is definitely in conversa“was when me and my friends went to really well,” Assistant Principal Michaela tion for next year.” Taco Bell for lunch and I got a text from
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Johanna Hon-ored with employee of the month award Joshua Andrews Staff Reporter Sometimes kindness really can pay off. That’s what happened when English teacher Johanna Hon was granted the “employee of the month” award by the Millard district. “They surprised me. They came into my room-- Dr Sutfin and all the principals” she recalled “It was very surprising, but English Teacher Johanna Hon Photo by Bergan Simmonds it was a nice surprise. It definitely
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Sarah Martin earns Teacher of the Year from Millard Foundation. Photo by Bergan Simmonds
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makes you feel appreciated at work, that people recognize your efforts.” The award is given based on staff nominations, showing just how much Hon is appreciated by her colleagues. “I got to read the nominations and everything that people wrote,” Hon said. “It was heartwarming to see what all my coworkers had to say.” Though the nominations were anonymous, the gratitude
Strategic Game Club challenges minds in a fun environment. Photo by Joseph Kaipust
Senior Sense
was clear in every excerpt. “Johanna goes above in our department and our school… every upperclassmen that was in her class says, ‘Mrs Hon is the best’.” “Jo is the first to volunteer for anything that needs to be done, and -- EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. -- she does everything with incredible competency and enthusiasm.” “Her leadership is second to none. She’s amazing and I
Play the Game of Life: Senior Edition Art by Olivia Palmer
cannot thank her enough for all she does for all she does for our school and department.” Hon received the award at a School Board Meeting May 13. No matter what the award itself looks like, it will always represent years of dedication to making Millard South a better place.
Senior Sense
A special section of stories by the Common Sense seniors for the Millard South senior class
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News/Features 5 • 20 • 2021
Foundation awards Mrs. Martin with teacher of the year
Paige Winchester News Editor Getting to know students and making sure students feel welcome in their classroom are two skills that all teachers try to do in their daily instruction, but English teacher Sarah Martin is especially good at it. It is one of the many reasons the Millard Public Schools Foundation chose her as secondary teacher of the year from all the high school teachers in the district. “Instruction has, thankfully, become much more student-centered and inclusive in the last 17 years I have been here,” Martin said. “I would also add that my individual approach to classroom management has shifted in positive ways, as well,” she said. “I rarely find myself in situations in which I must be punitive with students, because the energy I put into getting to know individual students and building relationships with them usually means there are little disruptions to the learning environment that are in need of redirection,” Martin said. One of her students, junior Alex Nole says he loves having Martin as a teacher and loves the way she teaches and makes everyone comfortable in the classroom. “I am really comfortable in there,” Nole said. “I feel like there’s an equal opportunity for everyone. I never feel uncomfortable no matter what situation we’re talking about or Millard Public Schools Foundation Teacher of the Year Sarah Martin teaches junior Brianna Roskilly about passports and immigration. where the conversion goes to, it’s always a The lesson in English 11 was part of a social justice unit. Photo by Bergan Simmonds thought for everyone to go to understand each other,” Nole said. ment for the students. greet me--it was unreal!” Martin said. Nole said Martin makes sure everyone is “She’s probably the most engaged teacher I ever Martin has received gifts such as a fake succulent involved and understands the material no matter how met, ” Sonnenfelt said. ” The students really trust her. ” plant, a ‘congrats’ balloon, and a G.O.A.T. cake. As you can easy or difficult it can be for each student. Martin learned of her award before school April 12. see Martin has affected many students past and present Martin also has a co-teacher, Meredith Sonnenfelt, “Mrs. Cinotto called my classroom and told me for the better. Martin is known as a memorable and carwho instructs alongside Martin in her English 11 classes. I needed to head to the office to pick something up. ing teacher, one you won’t forget. Sonnenfelt said she enjoys and loves working with MarWhen I got there, she escorted me outside to a card-the- “My heart is incredibly full of the numerous students tin every day. Martin and Sonnenfelt are both very good yard from the MPS Foundation, and my entire departpast and present who have gone out of their way to friends inside and outside the classroom, which can help ment and the administration staff were gathered to congratulate me,” Martin said. the class be more positive and a better work environ-
News/Features 5• 20 • 2021
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Strategic Game Club makes its first move
Lauren Rayner Staff Reporter Whether it’s trading and building in the game of Catan or saving the world in the game Pandemic, strategic game club has something to offer. The strategic game club, led by math teachers Brett Keim, Austin Meter, and Jamisen Goodell, is a club where kids can go and play board games of different kinds, such as card-based strategy games like 7 Wonders and Ticket to Ride. The strategy-intensive games presented at the club are not to be confused with role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, but rather games that especially improve decisionmaking skills and information processing. Keim explained that the idea for starting the club arose during a staff development. After the sponsors occasionally played together, they figured that there might be kids interested in joining a club that provided that niche of fun yet challenging board and card games. “Honestly, I think a lot of us would like to get some thinking ahead, and making a plan and some critical thinking and problemsolving skills out of it, but at the same time, it’s just another way to pass along some game strategy that we like to explore,” Keim said. “It
Patriot Pets art by Keely King Odin is a 2 year old border collie/ Siberian husky with heterochromia. Belongs to Jennifer Metz
In his first week attending Strategic Game Club, freshman Alex Gamblin builds a road in the game Settlers of Catan. Freshmen Corbin Thoms and Kleimer Garcia were teaching Gamblin to play since they attended the previous week. Sponsor Jamisen Goodell checks in on the players to answer any questions. Photo by Joseph Kaipust
should just be a fun thing that another group of kids could find some meaning behind that don’t necessarily get in the known activities or the known athletics that are already out there,” he added. Members of the club mentioned that it was a way to keep busy, and that they joined out of boredom and because it sounded interesting. “I was bored and I had just finished with a form of track, so
I might as well do something,” said attendee Corbin Thoms. The club meets after school every Thursday in room 236. When asked if being a part of this club will help students improve in the future, Keim answered, “Yeah, I do, I definitely think that it helps them design a plan, and then slowly, hopefully, they will drop little tiny nuggets where they could use it in other classes.”
Thor is a 3 year-old golden doodle who really likes bed. Belongs to Dustin Elliot
By Paige Winchester. Want to see your pet here? Email pwinchester180@millardps.org
Focus 5 • 20 • 2021
4 Millard South activities and clubs such as DECA, marching band, and track did not get to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Freshmen were not allowed to participate in their eighth grade Washington, D.C. trip.
graphic by Sam Tews
Focus 5 • 20• 2021
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Opinion 5 • 20 • 2021
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Staff Editorial:
Upsides to the downside of school during a pandemic more helpful information. This ended up benefiting all students, whether they were remote or in-person. Having teachers simply post what to do and when to do it helped many students feel organized and have a better grip on their grades or missing work. Students who weren’t able to come to school in person were able to zoom in, which was also helpful. One of the worst aspects of missing school is the dread of having to catch up on work and notes, but being able to join your class online eliminated that dread. Students should always have an easily accessible place to check which assignments they have to do. On the subject of classroom maintenance, having our desks cleaned at least semi-regularly would be a nice touch moving forward. Having cleaner classrooms is never going to be a bad thing, and solid cleaning precautions should be taken to continue to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. All in all, a lot of the new ideas that were implemented this year make perfect sense to keep for future classes. A school that prioritizes cleanliness and organization ultimately makes for a better learning experience, and leaving some well-received modifications for next year and onward is most definitely worthwhile.
Covid vaccine shouldn't be controversial; rewards clearly outweigh potential risks Since early April of this year, the Cothe risks don’t truly outweigh the progvid-19 vaccine has been made available ress that could be made. It is somewhat to teenagers 16 years and older in a select nerve racking that we’re not completely few states. Currently the Pfizer-BioNTech certain of long term effects yet, but if we is the only Covid-19 vaccine available for look at the past, the chances of long term teenagers, but it’s expected that by next effects such as infertility or other undesiryear it should be available to just about able body alterations are extremely slim. everyone in the United States. I’ve had a few family members al Already, since this announcent this ready vaccinated, but of course many are spring, approxistill weary, which I undermately 45.8 percent stand with all of the chaos of Nebraskans have that’s been bubbling up been fully vaccinated since early last year. Everyaccording to the thing has been confusing CDC, and although and many rumours have this statistic includes been spread throughout mostly adults, a the internet or in our real significant portion of lives, but I feel that being teenagers have been vaccinated shouldn’t be getting vaccinated as controversial as it has in the past month or been. It wasn’t debated two as well. in the same way when we While this statistic finally were able to vacciJoni Beauchamp keeps rising, there is nate against other viruses, Staff Reporter still quite a bit of conso why is it now? Political troversy surrounding beliefs and lies have gotten the vaccine which is in the way of human courunfortunately keeping many Nebraskans tesy unlike ever before. Of course there're and United States citizens from getting millions of Americans that would rather vaccinated. not vaccinate, and I understand the fear, Although many of these fears and but hopefully we eventually can find a conspiracies have been debunked, unway to trust one another again and beat fortunately recent developments, such as Covid-19. Once more people begin to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine being put vaccinated we can start on the track of on hold due to rare cases of blood clots, returning to some odd form of normalcy, have scared even more away from getbut at the moment we still are living in ting vaccinated. Although the rare chance the middle of a global pandemic that I of blood clots has completely turned off shouldn’t need to emphasize; is not over many to the vaccine, justifiably, I feel that yet.
art by Keely King
As difficult and perplexing as the 2020-2021 school year was, it came with some unexpected pros due to Covid-19 measures that have made a significant impact on the lives of students. Some pros are now hard to imagine our school functioning without when looking at the future of Millard South. Juniors being given an open campus lunch was well-received and much appreciated. It is something that without a doubt should be the norm moving forward since it has been proven to successfully work for students. For excited upcoming juniors, not receiving the same open-campus lunch will surely be a letdown. Besides the open campus lunch, many students also took a liking to going outside for lunch, which is something that should always be offered when the weather is nice after being cramped inside all day. Although they may appear a bit ugly, the lunch tables scattered throughout the halls ended up being useful. It was much easier to hear your friends and feel safe eating socially distanced rather than being in the previously crowded and noisy lunchroom. In general, it is safe to say that the changes made for lunch this year were beneficial and welcomed. Because of remote students, teachers were forced to update their Google Classrooms more frequently with lesson plans, digital copies of assignments, and
You're better at your job than a machine As vaccinations spread and the that people can reach higher aspiracountry fully reopens, many people tions more easily? No, because the left jobless are eager to find work amount of prestigious jobs is finite. again, and those essential workers This is already happening: how many who spent every day masked up asof you know somebody who spent half sisting people at the risk of their own a decade toiling away to earn a college health are knowing they’re no longer degree only to end up working at a at risk of contamination. That drive to grocery store or restaurant, putting in work is more important now than ever, overtime and weekends to even put a because as soon as you stop working dent in their immense pile of student that job, it could debt? It’s not that they disappear forever. don’t want a better It’s no secret career or that they’re that computers and lazy, they just can’t get machinery have the opportunity. And taken factory and what are they supposed clerk jobs in the to do when even their past, but the more low-level job, the one capable the AI keeping the rent paid, becomes, the more vanishes overnight? jobs it can fulfill. That could put at the And the more jobs very least tens of thouit can fulfill, the sands of people on the less companies will streets. want to hire actual Can anything be Joshua Andrews people. A restaudone to stop this trend? Staff Reporter rant in Florida Well it’s not as if anyone recently started in a position of power testing out robot wants to slow this waiters. Think about what happens to down-- after all, those are their donors all those service jobs if that technology doing all this. Maybe that can change hits the market. What about rideshares 10, 20 years down the line, but that’s like Uber and Lyft? Aren’t those boomnot time we can waste. This piece ing opportunities to make money? isn’t encouraging anyone to quit their Well even if it was and we put aside low-level job, far from it in fact. For the all the horror stories put forward by time being, put everything you have numerous drivers, self-driving cars are into your job, prove your worth, and on the horizon, and they’ll run those prove that there are some things fancy jobs over. technology can’t replace. But isn’t it good that all the lowskill jobs are being automated away so
C ommon Sense Common Sense is the official publication of Millard South High School 14905 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. School district guidelines determine the suitability of advertising content. To place an ad or inquire about rates, call (402)-715-8363. Common Sense is a monthly publication produced in Room 130. Common Sense uses desktop publishing hardware and software: Apple computers, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Google word processing software. Printing by White Wolf Web in Sheldon, Iowa. Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed with the student’s first and last name, grade, then submitted to Mrs. Kaldahl. Unsigned letters will not be published. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, and clarity. Letters of profane nature or other infractions of school or district policy will not be published.
Editors-in-Chief Halle Benson Natalie Fedde News Editor Paige Winchester Features Editor Sydney Mejia Sports Editor Ally Seevers Opinions Editor Joni Beauchamp
Entertainment Editor Carah Jones
Chief Headline Writer Alex Tippets
InDepth Editor KJ Ellison
Staff Cartoonists Keely King KJ Ellison
Online Editor Lane Howard Business Manager Olivia Palmer
Staff Reporters Lauren Rayner Sam Tews Josh Andrews
Copy Editor Joseph Kaipust
Adviser Christine Kaldahl
Entertainment 5 • 20• 2021
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The Mitchells vs. The Machines is Surprisingly Sweet Lauren Rayner Staff Reporter
Just when everyone had their qualms and doubts with the inconsistent filmography of Sony Pictures Animation, one of their most surprisingly touching and exciting films was released on Netflix, titled The Mitchells vs. The Machines. With the release of the ill-conceived Emoji Movie, and then monumental follow-up Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, I didn’t know what to expect next, but with their latest release, I am more than excited to see their voice in animation be heard and taken seriously. The Mitchells vs. The Machines follows a flawed but loving family’s road trip before their daughter Katie is set to start her first year at film school. In a turn of events, their universe’s electronics, specifically robots, end up taking over. The Mitchells are the last survivors of the technology apocalypse and are
therefore forced to save the planet from complete chaos. Although the plot may seem overdone or tiresome, The Mitchells vs. The Machines takes that apocalypse idea frequently found in animated films and turns it into a heartwarming story about the difficulties of a dysfunctional family and the strained relationship between a father and daughter. Without a doubt, one of the best things about the film is the radiant animation style. There was never a dull moment on the screen. The movie is sharp, full of color, and is in your face jittery--in the best way possible. It is explosive in its imagery and its humor. I laughed out loud multiple times, specifically at the two helpful robots to the Mitchells, played by Beck Bennett and Fred Armisen. They might have been my absolute favorite part of the movie. Thematically, I was worried the film would enforce the plaguy “technology bad” argument, but luckily, it didn’t
feel too preachy. Even if it did, the rest of the film's quirks made up for it. In general, I think it left the viewer with a question to ask of their own lives, whether or not technology is an addiction or source of help for them. Besides the overarching theme of technological advancements taking over, the message of the importance of family and embracing your peculiarity was what I took away from the movie most, and what I thought was the stronger message for kids. Ultimately, The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a movie worth watching, whether you want a genuine laugh or to have your heartstrings tugged for 114 minutes. It feels unique, expressive, and just made me feel really happy. The movie feels made with lots of love and has tons of talent involved. It is impressive how far Sony Pictures Animation has come, and this release makes me excited for the future of animation once more.
Dodie Clark builds an album
Joni Beauchamp Opinions Editor Released on May 7, British indie pop artist Dodie Clark creates a charming atmosphere for her debut album ‘Build a Problem,’ a melodic daydream that feels like therapy. The usual lyrical content of feeling unwanted and other melodramatic strands of thought mix together well with the joyful backup vocals that bring out the best of Dodie. Propelled to number 12 on the iTunes charts, ‘Build a Problem’ is her highest charting project to date. Although it is similar in composition to her past work, the joyous melodies combined with heart wrenching and overall relatable lyrics give a stinging slap to the face, bruising deep and leaving an impression you won’t soon forget. This transition from YouTuber to professional artist did not come easy, but breaking out of her online persona, she’s finally been able to branch out from her little corner on the internet to the mainstream through her several EPs before this project, and finally through ‘Build a Problem’ itself. Working on and maturing her voice in the time
between her last EP and ‘Build a Problem’, her isolated vocals and wispy tunes sound clean and professional. While she’s certainly trained her voice, this album doesn’t tend to stray from Dodie’s comfort zone, or what many fans have come to expect from the singer-songwriter. Continuing her career as a talented singer-sogwriter, Dodie amazes her audience with her therapeutic aura that many fans of her YouTube channel ‘Doddleoddle’ have become familiar with. She soars high while finding the lowest depths of her emotions, exploring her humanity and in turn gives a piece of herself to her audience that they haven’t been able to truly feel or see in her past work or what she’s shared of her life on her YouTube channel. This debut is extremely long awaited, and perfectly assembled for fans of the artists that certainly have celebrated this new collection of songs, taking to applications such as Twitter to congratulate her with genuine thanks for
their new favorite album, sure to change with her next wonderful release.
Selena sings her way through season 2 Actors finally 'get together' Sydney Mejia Features Editor
Last December, Netflix released the first part to the true story of a young Tejano singer who many loved dearly. On May 4, part two of Selena: The Series was released which was highly anticipated for fans of her music. This show follows the popular story of Selena Quintanilla’s rise to fame with her band ‘Selena y los dinos’. It takes place right where they left off in part one and Selena decides to elope with her boyfriend, and band member, Chris Perez. We see her ups and downs as she is trying to juggle her shows, boutique, and family drama. Along the way, we are able to see how many of her most popular songs came to be and how each of them led to her success. There were an endless number of things that I enjoyed throughout this show. From the cast to the script and costumes, I simply couldn’t get over how well it was all done. I loved getting to see some of the biggest parts of her career such as her Grammy award and opening of the boutique she’d dreamed of for years. I have never known
how many of her songs came to be so popular, but this show delivers those stories. (And of course, I was definitely singing along with them the whole time.) We also see the lives of her family members more in depth such as her sister Suzette’s wedding and how her brother, AB, is struggling to manage his life at home and doing shows on the road. One of the biggest things I enjoyed was that there was a whole episode dedicated to her performance at the Houston Astrodome. It was the last televised concert Selena would perform, and I was hoping they would incorporate it since it was such a significant part to her story. If you happen to be a fan of Selena, or if you know her story, you know that the ending is unfortunately tragic. While the finale of the show was inevitable, I thought it couldn’t have been done better. We see her fans and family grieve over the loss of the popular Tejano star, but we see them celebrate her life as well. The series was what many critics considered to be a flop. However, I strongly disagree. I would rewatch this show many times, just like I did the movie about her life years ago. Selena was a big part of my life growing up along with many other people, and I am glad that she was able to be recognized again for all of the amazing things she did.
to perform '50s Sock Hop Cabaret
Senior Kinser Lundt, freshman Avari Geppert and sophomore Josiah Frisbie perform "Can't Help Falling in Love" in the drama department's first live production in more than a year. "The Twilight Zone," staged in January 2020 was the last live show. "Cinderalla" was ready to go when school closed in March 2020. Photos by Christine Kaldahl Senior Erin Weidenhamer plays the mechanic in the drama production "Sock Hop Cabaret." Director Robyn Baker selected songs from the '50s and the actors created their own characters and wrote lines to create a story line to tie the show together.
Sports 5• 20 •2021
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Soccer siblings Girls varsity soccer team fields 3 sets of sisters
this spring, this season is certainly going to be something they all remember. “Since we’ve played with each other, we’ve made so many great memories that have brought us together,” Dru Henry said. Playing together has helped bring all these sisters closer together and strengthen their trust for each other. “We have been playing together on this team since my freshman year and I feel like we have bonded more and more each year,” Emma Westbrook said. “[This season] allowed us to spend everyday together which definitely made our relationship stronger and allowed us to have so much fun together,” Grace Henry said. For these players, being on the same team as their sister was not only unforgettable but also an experience that has worked to seriously strengthen their relationship. “Emma and I have always been close but once we started playing club and high school together it definitely brought us closer,” Delsie Westbrook said, “Watching her succeed and grow as an athlete brought me so much happiness.”
Joseph Kaipust Staff Reporter
For girls soccer, this season proved to be a family affair. “Our varsity team this spring played with 3 different sets of sisters,” head coach Shon Mosser said. As the varsity girls soccer team this year achieved a high level of success, winning senior night 8-0 against Omaha North, an important part of their team was formed by sisters Grace and Dru Henry, Mya and Sophie Keetle, and Delsie and Emma Westbrook. One common thing each sister agreed on was how they felt about playing on the same team as their sister. “It’s amazing, Dru is my best friend, and getting to play the sport I love so much with her makes the game that much more special,” Grace Henry said. For these soccer players, the experience of playing on the same team as their sister was something that they cherished a lot. “Getting to play with my sister is one thing I’ll never forget,” Delsie Westbrook said, “She’s hands down my biggest supporter and being able to have her on the field with me makes it so much better.” Beyond just enjoying playing with their sister, many of these soccer players think it has made them a better athlete as well. “Having her on the team is one of the best things because she constantly pushes me to become a better player keeps me going through it all,” Emma Westbrook said. For these players, their sister more than anyone encourages them to play at a high level. “She’s constantly there to push me and cheer me on during my success,” Delsie Westbrook said. While this is the last seaSenior Grace Henry passes the ball to her younger sister, son these sisters will get to play sophomore Dru Henry, in the game against Elkhorn. They together at Millard South, with won 2-1 with assists from Grace and Sohpie. Photo by Ally Grace, Mya, and Delsie graduating Seevers
Dance team nationals MSDT makes finals for the first time in history first, but certainly not last, appearance in finals. “We have gone to nationals every year since the year before my freshman year,” senior This past month, the Millard South Dance Georgia Osborn said. “Last year, we did really team traveled to Orlando, FL to compete in the well, but we didn’t make it to finals. This year, national high school dance competition. we made it to finals for the first time in Millard “We did really good,” sophomore Sam South Dance Team history.” Padilla said. “We got 7th for pom and 6th for “I think my favorite part was the day that hip-hop out of the nation. It felt really good we competed at semis. We performed pom because there were a first and then a couple of hours later lot of good teams that we performed hip-hop,” Kader said. we competing and “After we came off from hip-hop, our We made it to we beat a lot of those coach, she pulled us to the side and finals for the first told us our results from pom. Not only teams, like I felt like we accomplished so much did we get in the top half, but at semis, time in MSDT throughout the year, we found out that we had done so history. and to finish in the top much better than we anticipated and 10, it’s pretty amazing.” we were all freaking out. We were all - senior Georgia Osborn The girls had such really excited and that was the best an incredible finish to feeling.” their season, a season that almost didn’t even This group of girls has worked so hard and happen. earned their Top 10 finish. “There were a few months where we Gordon said her favorite thing about this were unsure if they would hold a live event in group of girls is “how ‘all in’ they are.” She said, Orlando,” coach Rachel Gordon said, “but we “They are just as committed to their team knew as a team from the start of the season when things are hard and challenging and that if there was going to be a live championstressful as they are when things are fun and ship held in Florida, that we would be there no easy. They are ambitious in their goals and matter the obstacles.” they hold themselves to high standards in “At the beginning of the year, we weren’t their dancing.” really sure how our season was going to go,” “I’m just super proud of the fact that we junior Lindsey Kader said. “Everything was very got Top 10 as a team,” Padilla said. “I feel like we unknown, so the fact that we were not only worked really hard this year and it paid off. I’m able to have a season, but to then do very well, just proud of the team and everything we’ve it meant a lot.” accomplished.” And they did do very well, making their Ally Seevers Sports Editor
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The Millard South varsity baseball team earns another district win, punching their ticket to state for the 12th consecutive year. Photo by Ally Seevers
Patriots come back to win district title Ally Seevers Sports Editor
said. “Districts wasn’t the end goal, we still have to win state. But it’ll be fun, especially with the team that we have this year.” This year’s team has prevailed through the ups and downs, going 30-4 this season heading into the state tournament. “I love how everyone generally cares for each other, everyone wants to be around each other, and even outside of the game, people want to
On May 8, the Patriots Baseball team won districts, marking their 12th straight state appearance since 2009, excluding last year’s canceled season. “It feels great,” sophomore Cam Kozeal said. “I knew going into the tournament that we should be able to win, we just needed to play the baseball that we know how to play, play as a team, hit the ball hard, make plays on defense, and we ended up doing what we needed to do to win.” After a rough start, allowing for 6 runs in the first 3 innings while only putting up one of our own, senior Caden Blair walked onto the pitcher’s mound and shut Elkhorn South out for the rest of the game. And with a combined 7 runs in the 4th and 6th innings, the Patriots came back to win. “It felt great to win Senior Caden Blair pitches in the district final districts, especially in come- against Elkhorn South. In this game, Blair pitched back fashion,” head coach 4 innings, let no one walk and allowed only 1 hit. Greg Geary said. “They never Photo by Ally Seevers give up. They go hard until the last out, the last inning.” hang around each other and have “It’s kind of been our thing the fun,” Kozeal said. “We’ve really just whole season,” junior Brayden Smith bonded as a group. Even the kids that said. “We’re never really out until the don’t play as much, we call them the last out of the seventh inning.” bench mob. They’re always going After losing their season last year crazy in the dugout. I love them all. due to COVID-19 and falling in the They’re some of my best friends and championship game the year before, probably will be for the rest of my the Patriots look to redeem themlife.” selves and bring home the title. To win the tournament, senior Senior Christain Hobbs said, “It Matthew Guthmiller says, “we just feels good to be going to state and as have to stay together no matter what, the #1 seed in my senior year cause through all the ups and downs. Never last year, we felt that we had a good turn on each other, just stick togethchance to win it all, so it was sad that er,” he said. “We’ve been waiting for it got canceled.” this all year, now let’s just get it done.” “We have a job to finish,” Smith
Boys soccer makes state appearance Sophomore Zach McClanathan runs down with the ball in the state soccer tournament. Creighton Prep defeated the Patriots in a shoot-out, losing 2-2 with goals from juniors Ryan Lee and Jovany Herrero. This was the Patriots’ first state appearance since 2008, taking coach Jim Cooney to state in his last year coaching at Millard South. Photo by Ally Seevers