Common Sense Volume 5 issue 1 September 19, 2004

HMillard South High

Millard South High School

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w905O5t, Omaha

1905 Q St., Omaha, NE, 68137

sss Ǥs Wolume: 5 Issue: 1

September 19, 2004

Abundant Staff parking spots cause. morning chaos, infuriate students ————___.

» BA

Asst. Features Editor

ing but some of the teachers come and go from the different Millard Schools and the cooks and a few other people usually don’t get to school until after 9 a.m. in the morning.

In the future as the freshman class starts to tum 16 and the enrollment grows at

Students came~ to school this year to realize the south parking lot was redone. There was a new black top and what seems like even more teacher parking places.

In the south parking lot there are 96 staff parking places and on any given day there are around 20 to 30 of them empty. | Millard South juniors |and seniors are frustrated|this year with what seems like fewer parking places than there have been in the past years.

S

|

“I parked in a teacher’s

Millard South, there

could possibly be parking problems.

The lines are re-

painted every year to

Th e aasuperfluous teacher parking spots are frustratiin ng Millard South students. :

spot and” ~ ts be ‘Cause there were no student spo

be

‘i

SS

Parking is hectic as students scramble f or spots in the morning. There are nearly 100 more staff spots than actual staff working at Millard South. Photo by Danielle Savig. -

jgot a ticket,” senior Brandon Tubbs

The security guards have only reported ticketing 12 students in the past couple of weeks since school started.

That number isn’t alarming and what most of the students are getting tickets for is having no decals.

“Tt’s not the fact that students are parking in staff spots, the students just

© have not bought decals and they will get tickets for that,” Greg Fearday, the teacher in charge of the parking tickets, said.

According to Assistant Principal John Nattermann, there are only a few more teachers parking spots than there were last year. When the repaving happened last summer in the south lot, the teacher’s spots were spread throughout the parking lot instead of being concentrated in only the

In this issue | Football team wins first

game, p. 11

try to diminish some of the problems.

.

Alsoin the future, the sophomore are for sophomores. "The sophomores ott

1

forced to park there, but anyone can ~. park in that lot. Itis just a longer walk. first few rows.

The main time of the parking “Tt needs to change to what it was before,” senior James around homeroom and Beutler said. “It stinks. You're already half way down before problems are then also during second hour. During you can park.” | hour gets Inall the parking lots there are about 256 staff parking _ first hour and after second back to get to starts parking the over, spaces, but according to Nattermann there are only around and coming seniors the all with normal on working at Millard South.: It

160 staff and administrati

might seem like more spots are open right away in the mom-

going.

School lunch prices fatten. due to world affairs wetdee Emily Schram

BR

Asst. Opinions Editor

This year several students have noticed a price change in the lunch served at Millard South compared to last years.

Principal Jon Lopez said, “when prices at the grocery store go up as well as the oil price, then other things are bound to go up”. It is not so surprising when you take a close look at the economy. The oil prices have gone up dra-

matically since September 11, and that has an impact on

‘Millard Days

everyone. Without oil goods can’t be. Oil is the foundation of society. It adds up when one looks at all of the miles that food has to travel. Meat comes from the"Midwest, grains from Asia, and fruits and vegetables from practically everywhere. So for a simple hamburger with the works, the food can travel hundreds of miles.

“It’s so expensive to eat here now instead of what it ©

carnival attracts Millard

| [South istudents, p. 8

was like last year,” sophomore Chelsea Lopez said.

Tennis team

serves up . action, p.10

In order to understand how Millard South comes up with the prices we need to take a look at the school board.

They come up with all of the prices except for main fare, which is decided by the supplier. Everything else that is “A La Cart” has to be thought of with special care. When it comes to reduced lunch, the federal government decides. A family with one child on reduced lunch can save hundreds Freshman Kim Davidson enjoys ice cream in the of dollars. It may seem like a lot but the school is only reimcafeteria. Photo by Kelsey Thiem bursed so much by the government.

South think about all of the things going on in the economy.

“T can’t believe they can do this. It’s cheaper to go out Heather They don’t just think of the prices right off the top of their to Subway instead of here sometimes,” sophomore ~ heads; there is thought put into that process.

Sullivan said.

Next time a student goes to buy lunch here at Millard

September 19, 2004

New rules and regulations ban pajamas, x

Kelsey Thiem Business Manager

With the commencement of every new school year, there is inevitably a change in rules and regulations. This year, three evident changes have been

made, and students should take notice.

The first rule change this year is the new tardy rule. Students can now

be nine minutes late to class with only

a tardy to their name instead of a truancy. This is three minutes longer than _ last year’s rule.

“The district wanted consistency throughout the high schools’ tardy rules. One school had a 20-minute rule while we had a five-minute one, so we

met halfway,” Principal Jon Lopez said.

Students are greatly relieved by this rule change. “Those few extra minutes help every now and then,” junior Garrick Meyer said.

“Tt takes so

e pressur

ff of get-

ting to class,” sophomore Becky Thomas said.

Another change in school policy is the addition of grade postings on-line.

Parents are now able to access their children’s grades by applying for an account. They are then given an account number and password, which gives them access to their children’s grades and scores on every assignment given.

“We started this on-line program so that parents can see into their children’s school performance. It allows them to check up on their grades often so that they can help, encourage, or reward their children,” Lopez said.

The opinions on this change are split. “With parents watching my grades on-line, I get more stressed out,”

sophomore Katie Elwer said.

“I don’t have anything to worry about. School isn’t that hard,” sophomore Stephanie Vanicek said.

Probably the most widely known rule change has been the banning of pajamas. Students are now prohibited from wearing anything associated with

Numerous new teachers flood Millard South *

Kristi Palik

Staff Reporter

This year Millard South has an ‘impressive number of: 23 new teachers in the building. The following are short biographies on some of the new teachers.

* English teacher Jill Prochaska is in her first year of teaching and considers Millard South an “encouraging envi-

bedtime, from slippers to bathrobes.

ronment.”

tivity. School should be a business-like environment and sleepwear doesn’t fit that,” Lopez said.

“I don’t like the rule at all,” sophomore Marisa Cuvelier said. “It makes

* Social studies teacher and debate

coach Scott Wike is in his first year of teaching, and, as a graduate of Millard South, finds it nice to work with all the teachers he had.

“I don’t even care about the pajama tule,” sophomore Matt Wagner said.

Whatever the opinion, all three rule changes are now in effect. these of

cheerleading sponsor.

“We are trying to increase produc-

no sense.”

> English teacher Tessa Adams taught previously in Pierce and is a freshman

* Spanish teacher Paul Grant previously taught in St. Louis.

- Art teacher Theresa Carroll helps with art club. She was a long-term substitute at Millard South last year. * Business teacher Lynn Hill isa DECA sponsor. * Business teacher Greg Fearday previously taught at Bellevue East and is the Freshman B Boys Basketball Coach.

* Special Education teacher Kate Savas previously taught in Lincoln.

* English teacher Sarah Martin previously student taught at Kiewit Middle School and Millard West High School and looks forward to “getting involv at Millard South.

- New Frontier social studies teacher Michele Stogdill previously taught in LaMonte, Mo.

* Spanish teacher Juan Villaseca previously taught in Madrid and Murcia, Spain.

Online grades enlighten of performance a Jill Strominger Managing Editor

Beginning this year, parents of Millard South students are able to access grade reports through the internet.

The printout includes information such as the grade received on homework and tests and whether or not they were

tumed in on time. Because advances in technology have mage this capability available, the administration felt it was time for Millard South to make use of it.

“Technology has put us in a position where that kind of communica. tion

[instant access to grades] only

makes sense. We're living in an era of instant access to information; information is power,” principal Jon Lopez said.

Already 545 Millard South families have taken advantage of this new power by signing up for accounts. The administration hopes this kind information will help parents intervene when their students are doing poorly causing students to perform better in school and raise academic standards.”

“T take a look at the big picture of how kids are doing, the percentage of the kids passing; I only get to look at grades as a big group. What I’m hoping is that as parents track the progress of the kid they can intervene and help them do better. Right now 95% = kids ~

at Millard South are passin

sir

al

. belong to somebody,” Lopez said.

Allowing parents instant access to grades does raise some concems about a decrease in student’s responsibility.

Relying on parents to help their children achieve adequate grades inevitably increases the role of the parent in their child’s education in a way which does not parallel the workplace, however, this is anational trend present not

only at Millard South.

“I think the responsibility has shifted more towards the parents over

the past 10 years. However, I think

this will help the pendulum swing back the other way if expectations are raised and students are held accountable to their parents,” Lopez said.

Summer rainstorm floods auditorium, dampens drama department dollars

Ke

When Tech Director Ted Weir walked into the auditorium June 26, he found himself looking at 430 gallons of water.

“There was 190 gallons of water pumped out of the backstage scene shop, and 240 gallons in the actual stage area,” Weir said.

was the The cause of the flooding

intense rainstorm that occurred that week. The drain that usually handles the water was covered up by the cafeteria during the last renovation, which

was completed in 2001. The parking lot also sloped downward toward the auditorium, and the drain is too small to control large amounts of water. The water then flooded into the auditorium.

“Tt collected in the microphone

pockets and filled the orchestra pit with four or five feet of water,”

drama

teacher Robyn Baker said.

Although the damage seems bad, it was greatly decreased, thanks to the Ralston Community Theater. Since the Ralston high school auditorium is under renovation, the RCT was using the ~ MSHS theater. The set designer for RCT had placed tarps over the stage area to work on the scenery.

“Tf her tarps hadn’t been there, the water would have flooded off of the

stage, into the seating area,” Weir said.

Also to thank is the new air-conditioning system that had recently been installed. Because it runs year-round, the auditorium stayed cool and the mold didn’t spread as much. However,

it did spread some and it grew all over the curtains. The main act curtain was entirely covered with a toxic mold.

“Due to its size, you can’t just throw it in a washing machine. We had to send it to the only facility in the

_ the curtains to be cleaned at $3,000.

took it down ourselves, the mold caused several people to have allergy problems.

I had this big rash on my arm,” Weir said.

Millard South also sent the valance to the cleaners, in case the main act curtain changes colors while being washed.

“Even if the curtain does change colors, the show must go on,” Weir said.

Weir estimated the total cost for

Also, among the list of destruction, the

United States, in New York. Since we

However, that was just a fraction of the cost to get the auditorium fixed.

All the water had to be pumped out of the stage, blown out of the crawl space, the soundboard needed to be replaced and the piano in the pit was ruined.

pit’s carpet was pulled up and replaced, as was the drywall.

Baker was out of town when the flood happened, but Weir immediately

ae

classes, but those 5 percent that aren’t Dt ae

duction on Aug. 10.

“Having a deadline really put a lot of pressure on us. It wasn’t easy to get it ready in time,” custodial department head Dave England said.

Making the matter even more difficult were two more floods that happened during construction.

“We started over three times and round three was the one that made it,”

Weir said.

While the final cost is yet to be figured; Weir’s guess is $10,000 to

$15,000.

called Principal Jon Lopez and Baker “Tt’s hard, because we're still findafter his discovery. ing problems, and not all of them can “Mr. Weir called me, andlin turn ~ be fixed yet due to time or money,” called the maintenance staff,” Lopez Baker said. said.

“Tt was an unfortunate event, but The auditorium needed to be fin- thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as it could ished in time for the new teacher in- have been,” Weir said.

- September 19, 2004

Devaux represents MS

students i In School Board year. In reality, Devaux had not planned on becoming the representative when she joined student council.

She had first been elected to take charge of Public Relations for the

Ke - Amy Heyer Managing Editor

Sia voice of students will not be silent in the School Board Chambers this'year. The school board representatives from each Millard Public School will participate in the meetings and contribute their ideas.

Every year, a member of the students council is chosen to go to the school board on the students’ behalf.

Elise Devaux took over the position when Stacey Schmid, Student Council President, graduated in May of last

———

Council, and became the representative for the school board as a senior, when

Schmid graduated.

Before each meeting, the three students that represent each school prepare by compiling a report that informs the board of the activities that have taken place at each school since the last meeting. They dress up, then take their places beside the School Board mem-

bers to wait for the meeting to begin.

After the board has taken care of some opening business, the representatives are given the opportunity to give their reports. As the meeting continues, they are also called upon to provide insight into certain issues as students of the District.

The first meeting that the representatives attended took place on Sept.

7. The new representatives from Millard West and North were Chelsea Adams and Sarah Fech, respectively.

It was also Dr. Kim Saum-Mills’ first

falls on Sept. 18

Amanda Tombrink

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Part-time Telemarketing 4:30-8-30 > Monday-Thursday and 9:00-1:00 Saturday No weekend evenings! $7.00/hr

Homecoming is unusually early this year.

Unfortunately we don't get to pick when homeThe Millard School Board doesn’t like us playing against our own district for the homecoming Board “We get some say in it, but game. coming lands. It’s mostly up to the Millard School

“We also don’t want it too late in the year, | 7 3418 C Street

also depends on whom we play for the home- _ because of weather changes, we don’t want it freez-

coming football game. And that depends on what

ing out,” Nehls said. So this why homecoming

:

Deluxe Carpet Cleaning

will fall on Sept. 18.

times are convenient for the other football teams.

School Board rep. Elise Devaux sits among School Board members Brad Burwell and Linda Poole. Photo by Amy Heyer.

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Staff Reporter

not much,” Student Council Kyrie Nehls said. It

meeting in her new position. The meetings are the first and third Monday of every month (unless a holiday pushes them back to a Tuesday, as was the case with Labor Day).

“T think it has more impact to have a student there,” Devaux said after Tuesday’s meeting. “It’s very important [to have representatives at the School Board].”

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Site Design: Tyler Schnaidt

~ Editor-in-Chief: Katie Steiner Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Thom Hale

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September 19, 2004

of excellence Oz goes from ‘playhouse’ to Next level grows dimmer everyday ‘nuthouse’ as psychiatrist walks yellow brick road /

“We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of

Oz...” Well, that’s a lovely song, but I think I'll tweak it a little. How about, we're off to see the psychiatrist! Wait hold on, before you stop reading, give me a chance to redeem myself. See, when I was a mere seventh grader, my reading teacher told us about how some Canadian psychia_trists analyzed Winnie-the-Pooh and friends and figure out what.was wrong with them. Like, Eeyore was severely depressed and needed Prozac and so forth. So,I decided to analyze Dorothy and her gang. With-my extensive psychology background. ..or...till progress reports, I figured not only

wasI qualified, I was the best girl for the job. So, hop on a

~~ yellow brick road and join me in this professional session of quality psychiatric analyzation. dees hese

Wicked Witch

of the West was always my favor-

ite, so I'll start

with her. Most yall of know.. she is the bad guy. She is requested dead by the Wizard because she is just too evil to handle.Anyway, she is quite clearly a troubled soul. Anyone can see that. something went wrong and well, she’s just not right. I bet she was abused as a child, which lead her to a life of hatred

for other people. Also, her green skin most likely provoked

the other children into making fun of her, which made her

feel unloved as a child. If I had green skin, I’m sure yall

would make fun of me, I wouldn’t have any friends and I

probably would never have anyone fall in love with me, so Pd also seclude myself from the world and have flying monkeys attack innocent children. Or not.

Our next victim will be the Scarecrow. Since he is obviously made of straw, he cannot possibly have a brain. But,

if he has no brain, how can he talk? This leads me to believe another evil witch put him under a horrid spell, after she tortured him. He was clearly traumatized by that, was sui-

cidal, and tried to hang himself on a pole. Also, the poor

scarecrow, if he is lacking in a brain, he would also lack a heart and soul. So, this leads me to wonder how he has a

personality, if he has no soul. Why is he not just a vegetable? This is just another one of life’s little mysteries.

The cowardly lion has severe issues. He is intensely distressed and distraught. Most likely, a professional (like me of course) would diagnose him with pantophobia, a general fear of everything. He is most likely afraid of heights (acrophobia), bugs (insectophobia), tornadoes (lilapsophobia) and witches (wiccaphobia). Pm willing to bet that’s not all ei- _ : ther. Its amazing how he sleeps at night.

The tin mans problems were quite simple, as he is not ashamed and tells you why he is troubled. He lost the love of his life to another man. Which is really easy enough to understand. Imagine, losing the petson you love the most forever. Then imagine accidentally chopping off your limbs. And contrary to popular _ belief, it’s not just a flesh wound. The poor guy is suffering from depression over losing the light of his life and trauma from his several accidents.

This is called post trauma.

And lastly, Dorothy. Consid-

ered the heroine of this timeless story,

is she really the girl she seems to be?

Perhaps Dorothy suffers from multiple personality disorder. Her black and white life in Kansas is too boring for her, so she made up a heroic

friend for herself. A friend that lives in color, with talking lions and scarecrows. A friend, who painted the fantasy scene so real in her mind, that she believed it. Whatever it is, I think there

is more to Dorothy than that dog, those slippers and her pigtails. Deep down, this girl is twisted.

So, this concludes my professional *cough oogh* research on the Wizard of Oz gang. You may say there’s nothing more than a good story there, but look deep. Pry into the hearts and souls of these individuals and see their true selves. Just be careful, these people could be considered dangerous and also, the research might shine a light on your own true self... I figured out that I’m really nyctophobic and afraid of the dark. So, I hope your trip to Oz was as enlightening as mine and until next time. ... follow the yellow brick road.

ool, 14905 Q treet,Stre t g School, Sou High publication ofo: Millard ard South fficial publication Sens isis thi the official Co mmon. Sense

Omaha, Nebraska, 68137. School district guidelines determine the suitability of advertising con-

tent. To place an ad, call 895-8363.

Common Sense is a monthly publication produced in Room 130. Common Sense uses desktop publishing hardware and software: Macintosh computers, Laser Jet 4Q00N Printer, Nikon and Microsoft Umax scanners, Canon Rebel digital cameras, and Adobe PageMaker, Photoshop and Nebraska.

Lincoln, Center, Word software. All printing is done by Nebraska Printing Letters to the editor are encouraged. A\ll letters must be signed with the student's first and last name and grade. Letters may then be submitted to any staff member or dropped off in room 130.

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.

It was absolutely imperative'that

every single teacher read every single

rule to every single student, so this

won’t be difficult to understand: the rules about being tardy have changed.

You will not be counted truant until you are over nine minutes late to class.

Obviously, the administration feels it is important for each student to understand this concept, but why did it feel the need to change thesue in the first place?

It’s a matter of unity, congruency,

and conformity. All the schools in the district must be equal, so the three high school’s administrators came to a compromise: nine minutes. Nine minutes at Millard West, nine minutes at Millard North, where 45-minute class periods

mean that a student could feasibly miss nearly a quarter of class and still not be truant, and nine minutes at Millard South, which turned out to be great

for us, right?

Let’s do the math. In one day, 36 minutes of school time could be spent doing absolutely nothing, but it gets. better. A student can miss nine minutes in eight classes. Multiply that times five opportunities to be late each semester without any consequences, since getting three tardies no longer results

Chief: J Jor oe Edi tor-in-Chief:

Heyer Managing Editors: Amy : :

Jill Strominger Web Site Editor-in-Chief: Katie Steiner Web Site Asst. Editor: Thom Hale News Editor: Jordan Kenik Focus Editor: Whitney Keyes Features Editor: Colleen Strassenburg Sports Editor: Amy Heyer Opinions Editor: Jill Strominger Entertainment Editor: Chris Bazemore Business Manager: Kelsey Thiem

in a detention. Now, account for the fact that there are two semesters in a year, and here is the bottom line. A

student could miss a grand total of 720

minutes, or 12 hours, of school free

of consequences, not including the time one could miss in homeroom.

Pm not sure if anyone else has no-

ticed, but the school district has this whole wonderful new plan to make Millard world class. Considering the posters that hang in every class and the “Reach for a world-class education!” motif of the Millard Public School’s calendar, these people have

put quite a bit of thought into this.

One of the outcomes is to “provide

innovative approaches to reach stu-

dents who are not motivated to learn.”

Maybe allowing students to miss more school is one of these “innovative approaches.” Besides, the prospect of pushing the snooze button is appealing, even if you are motivated to learn.

The goal of the district’s World-Class Education Plan is to change our

schools for the better. However, I fail

to see how exchanging a policy that worked just fine before for one that allows consequence-free delinquent behavior is going to help bring us to the “next level of excellence.”

ae PRS

ae SUspES Dg Sea:

oto Editor: Amy Brammer

CR Ae Fr : ay ae ae oe “s Wale So

Kristi Palik ae lle Savi ee S : vig fe

Adviser: Christine Kaldahl _

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September 19, 2004

Hardcore provides new

music genre for punk lover s Peer acceptance

Pm writing this column with mixed emotions. Things are happening in the music industry that are both exciting and sad, very sad. I’m sad because punk is dying before my very eyes, and yet, : _ hard-core isclearlythe next big thing, which is the exciting part.

Before a bunch of people get in a tizzy and try to tell me punk will never die and that hard-core is worthless,

let me explain my theory. promise.

It’s good, I

When I said that punk is “dying” and that hard-core will soon reign, I did not mean that Nofx all of the sudden is no good and that Zao is the best band ever. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, but that’s beside the point. These days, everyone is trying so hard to be different that they're all the same. I “want to vomit all over myself when I walk past a Claire’s boutique because it has reduced the sacred signs of a punk to 12-year-old girls’ accessories. Punk has been stereotyped ‘to its limit, the soul of punk has been “beat down, broke and bruised,” by the posing media. So really, this is all a good thing. Punk has had its mainstream success and now

it is being forced back into the grungy underground from

where it once came, as hard-core comes to take its place.

Everyone is probably wondering why I think hard-core,

challenges

SOmMme

SHS students

of all genres, is next. Well, its

pretty obvious isn’t it. First of all, metal is everywhere. Its been growing in popularity for the past couple of years, (ie.

Linkin

Park,

Metallica,

Hatebreed), and hardcore is just a purer form of metal.

More and more people are showing up at the Ranch Bowl and other local venues when major hard-core bands are in town. Not to mention the insane increase in the number of hard-core bands, especially on the local scene. Bands that were once garage punk are going hard-core, breakdowns and all (cough-WCM-cough-youguysrock-cough). Plus, the hardcore scene is visually appealing. It’s not dirty, there’s no

flannel, and even the guys wear makeup. It’s modern, and

people like that. Hard-core is, for lack of a better word, fresh. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m pumped.

So punk rock is not really going to die, it’s just going home again. This has happened before and it will happen again. Hard-core is amazing’ and I hope that it is willingly embraced, because it’s coming, like it, or not.

Today we spoke of those with less

fortune. Money, talent, intelligence,

beauty, whatever came to mind we weren’t afraid to speak. It’s terrifying

really, what we do to one another. Bit-

ter words are thrown, though weapons play no part. Obscene callings strewn about the halls, seeming to forget what it’s like to feel. Each day we see them, and watch them flail, occasion-

Po

entered the room a rather grave topic seemed up for debate, which, considering it was my homeroom is an incredibly surprising incident. They had been discussing the treatment of our ‘special’ peers, and came across as unimaginably distraught. The girls around me tesponded in disgust in regards to the way they'd seen others come down on those unlike them. Detailing the agony they

must have to endure, repeating how _ students scream names at them from down the hall. Stepping in front of Seeing not the in wheelchairs, so they are unthose us, person before smil move. Instead of to able excite-the but who are those a sheer. I hen there the. share OF AE won't go anywhere near them, being crowd, knowing

tidiculous in their behavior, acting as you belong, that you aren’t the one _ if these students have the plague. Alwho needs to fear. _ though, it must be said that there are some that shed kind words among So we lie there and gaze as though in a them, and help when they can. In fact, trance, as they sit there’s a young lady I see often, in the lunch room quarters enjoying her meal paralyzed awaiting with them, it’s a rather inspiring sight. ‘punishment’ for not I feel the need to express that it being like him, her, isn’t simply about people who are cruel or I. So I'm writing to handicap children that should rethis for them, the ‘imperfect’ angels of think their choices, but also about others who see what’s going on but are gociety, we have forafraid to speak. They stand around, on gotten. The weak letting out a laugh when occasion and naive, or ‘failas ‘retard’, ‘freak’, or such words ures’ as people often Holding their muttered. ‘cripple’ are them. to refer tongue at another's expense. It’s disThough the reason heartening to see the tears they try to for this, I’m quite unhide, and even more of a let down to sure, they possess more courage than I see them smiling, as though they don’t understand, simply a game. In a way, I shall ever know, suppose it is, playing a game with their these eyes we never feelings, emotions, and self -confidence. meet.

The words someone whispers, that Around 9:30 the other morning, | they’re sure are never heard, are. Each one becoming permanently engraved in walked into my their mind, never seen, but felt. It isn’t homeroom, as any other time. But this just those born with physically disabilities either, but rather the boy in class wasn’t simply a time who never knows the right answer, or to lie about, no, not that day. As I the young woman who thought she was in love and so became gravid on the night she chose to share it. Maybe it’s »

-the boy from a foreign land, that no

one will say hi to, or the child behind

the computer screen, the one they call

a ‘geek’. The girl who never wears the right clothes, or knows the right thing to say, deciding instead to hide while others snub her. These are the eyes we fail to meet, they represent parts of our world we were raised to believe improper, less than perfect. So I only ask one question of those who choose to oe ‘read this, why?

September 19, 2004

If I Knew thenwu College preparation

timeline truly *

Amy Brammer

Photo Chief

As the new school year begins many procrastinating seniors are wishing that someone told them that waiting until the last minute to prepare for college was not the brightest choice.

Even those who did not procrastinate are freaking out about some aspect of college decision making or another.

“When should you start looking into colleges and taking the ACT and SAT?” sophomore Katie Elwer said.

So here is some advice for those of you who are look-

ing for some answers to your college questions.

“Take your first test the spring of your junior year and

then plan on taking it at least once mote. Use the first test to see what your strengths are and then work on them for the second time you take the test,” counselor Sheri Harrach said.

“Look into as many colleges as you can and contact them early. Take the PLAN test seriously because it predicts your ACT score, so then you can tell how much work is ahead of you. Talk to your counselor to get help,” junior Drew Horstman said. The first test this year is on Oct. 23 and registration must be in by Sept. 19. ACT registration packets are available in the counseling office. The counseling centers advice is to allow at least two hours to fill the registration out and use a number two pencil.

Failed students rethink view

toward school, classes, grades Colleen Strassenburg Features Editor

Students’ chuckle, as once again the teacher reminds consequences of work not being completed on time.

Millard South students reminisce over

talking. Just don’t talk while the teacher is speaking, and if you get a detention go to it, so you don’t receive an afternoon school,” Canick said.

Some students at MS struggle with course material each year, choosing in-

stead to neglect classroom activities, as

in the case with sophomore Heather Sullivan, we're affected less dramatically.

“If I were to apply myself more

there would be better results, but I

didn’t have that much trouble besides the fact that I had to do my work even-

Canick and Peters demonstrate. The af- tually. Not succeeding in my classes just previous years, when they were less made me feel annoyed,” Sullivan said. termath of this decision proving of poor than what would be deemed prepared Peters, Sullivan, and Canick, alles judgmen t. for the beginning of their high school leave words of wisdom for those enter“My parents had been upset with career. ing the school.

Ie. and it made me feel weird around _ “Yes, I honestly regretted not try>~ ~“Do your homework, I know you my friends,” Canick said. ing as hard in my courses very much. may hate doing homework, I hated it Peters endured a more personal If I would have just done what I too.

Which is why I failed two classes. affect from this mishap. was supposed to then I wouldn’t have Don’t try to be tough by not doing it, ‘Td felt lazy and stupid, everyone had to take all of those classes again,” or failing a class, it sucks,” Peters said. else was doing well or OK, and I was senior Angela Peters said. _ Canick concurs with the other's opindoing incredibly bad. I have had to Other pupils such as sophomore, ions, and contributes his own thoughts work very hard to get to where I’m at Thomas Canick, agree with Peters’ on the matter. now, due to the paths I chose,” Peters statement, lending their own warming.

“If you do what you are supposed “I used to get in trouble for talk- said. to do, you will do well in school,” A couple of students, as evident ing to my friends while the teacher was Canick said.

Morning routine changes over high school years *

Jillian Strominger Asst. Editor in Chief

your clothes.

“I want to look clean and everything, but how] appear at school means very little to me. Not very many people will judge me by what I wear, but the people who do know very little about me so I don’t really care what they think.

People like that aren’t worth dressing cool for,” senior Shari McElroy said.

“I think people my age have grown out of that kind of stuff. If someone’s wearing Hilfiger or dressed punk, I could care less,” Campagna said.

“One day I came to school in pink floral capri pants, a Sturgis shirt, and my socks didn’t match; I think one was pink and one was yellow, but it didn’t scar my life,” senior

Everyone has experienced those painful agonizing moments in front of the bedroom mirror flipping through shirts and combing their hair in 80 different directions. Oftentimes during freshman year students experience the worst of the petrifying fear that accompanies these times. “lalways try and make sure I look grown up. The night before school I figure out what I'm going to wear, like what clothes, shoes and hairstyle,” freshman Nicole Roccaforte said.

“Freshman year is the worst. I changed my outfit like five times. I don’t think there was a day I didn’t match, but over the years it’s gotten better and now I just want to get Erika Nunn said.

“I don’t pay much attention to what people wear. Ifit’s through the day,” senior Jessica Hauger said. funny I'll read it, but that’s about it,” senior Jordan Aschwege “Freshman year I got up earlier and kind of took my said. time picking out clothes, now it’s like I get up, get in the All in all, most people agree that it doesn’t really matshower and put on the first thing I see,” senior Shane ter how you dress, but -who you are. Students need not Campagna said. spend hours critiquing their style, worrying about a bad hair Senior Megan Amundson remembers being worried day here and there, or changing anything to please other about how she looked when she first moved to the Millard South area and began school without knowing anyone be- people.

“Don’t worry about how you look because people won’t sides her twin sister Michelle. remember wardrobes at a class reunion,” Aschwege said.

“When I was brand new I was nervous about how I “Don’t change yourself for other people in high school. looked, but it gets better. Some people judged me based on. what I wore and didn’t hang out with me because I had a You are going to change enough anyway on your own. Don't get too caught up in trying to look cool and fitting in bedifferent fashion, but that shows you who your true friends cause in four years it’s not really going to matter if you were are,” Amundson said. the geek who wore no make-up or if you were the high While there will always be a few people who will judge school diva who had the cutest designer clothes,” McElroy you based on how you look, most students at Millard South seem to feel others don’t seem to pass judgement based on

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GPA proves to”

be confusing for students *

Murphy

Staf Reporter .

Entering another new school year, something important that all students must pay attention to, even freshmen, are their grades. A high GPA is beneficial for college.

‘Tm not really worried about my

GPA,” freshman Jeanna Croft said. A

GPA is a grade point average of your classes. Every student has a paper in his or her homeroom folder that lists their current and past courses and the specific grade earned for each course. At the end of each semester, an averagé is found and that is the GPA given for that semester.

On the sheet, a column of num-

bers is found in the upper-tight hand corner. The first number is credits eamed. This is the total number of credits currently achieved. Underneath is

the credits attempted. If a course was failed, these two numbers will be different. The third number is the standard GPA. This is overall grade point average accomplished. Fourth is the weighted GPA, which includes AP classes for those students who have taken AP courses. An AP course is worth 5.00 points instead of the usual 4.00, which equals a 1. If a student in an AP course receives a 2, they still receive 4.00 points, which is equivalent toa 1. The fifth number is the total

class rank points, and is determined by

multiplying the GPA times the total mark points (the total mark points be-

ing 4.00 for a 1, 3.00 for a2, 2.00 for

a3, and 1.00 for a 4). The last number

in the column, class rank, is simply the

total class rank points number put in numerical order with all classmates in the student’s current grade.

To see an updated version of this paper, see your homeroom teacher or. advisor.

f

| September 19, 2004

Seniors forced to face difficult challenge of advanced education over the four previous years differs a great deal. Some believe the classes themselves haven’t changed simply the stu-

Colleen Strassenburg Features Editor

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dents. With time comes wisdom, and students realize this,

Repetition, innocence, help, guidance. Gone. Gradu-

ally over the course of time, students are stripped of their

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security blankets, and find themselves struggling to grasp responsibility as the years slip by.

Seniors Jessica Garcia and Ashley Curtis have been in course material as their learning to cope with advances high school career comes to a close, essentially being thrown into a game with little or no padding.

“In my classes, I can’t just copy and memorize, they (the teachers) make you think bout what’s going on. It’s a higher level of learning,” Garcia said.

Curtis agrees, and adds a little more wistful thought to - the topic at hand.

“I wish they still spoon fed us,” Curtis said.

Others have the tendency to skate by their senior year, finding little difference in the level of difficulty in their : ; classes. notes taken never I'd easier. gotten they've anything, “If in any of my previous years anyway. Although, this year ’m actually doing my work now, and I’m probably more mature than I was my freshman year,” senior Tyler Huff said.

In fact, some, like senior Jack Archer, prefer the more

and willfully admit that the classes may be stressful, but for the best.

“The classes have gotten more challenging, such as math. The class challenges your mind, how much you know, and how much you can do,” senior Christina Sapp said.

Fellow senior, Jeannine Mullins, acknowledges this be-

lief and concurs.

“The activities we do are more complex, the teachers expect you to know more,” Mullins said.

Faculty who have had students in both courses, those

younger and others on the brink of adulthood, aren’t sure what to expect.

“I think it depends on what the teacher demands. The seniors are getting ready for life, so the materials covered are going to be more complex. Many of the seniors have goals, and feel that by piling on work it will provide more opportunities for their future. This is the moment they've been preparing for, the time that they've been gradually moving toward since they were freshmen. Yes, the seniors

have learned many life lessons over the past years, but they have not learned all the discipline needed, and I don’t want them to fall on their face,” AP chemistry teacher, Ron

Kaspar said.

intellectually inspiring courses. ~ Whether students like it or not, classes have evolved, “Yes, they've gotten harder. It’s not copying down notes; and will continue to change and grow. With possibilities of it’s more of a discussion. You have to know what to take college, looming in the future, teachers are assumed respondown. Even though it requires more thought, I like it better sible for preparing their students for college. Teachers exnow, because it’s helping me get ready for college,” Archer pectations will rise, curriculum starts getting tougher and said. the students will need to be able to handle all the changes.

The variety of opinions over the evolution of classes

Fun school activities

impress colleges, offer MS Cafeteria foe: or nd frie friends, good times * Kelsey Thiem

Katie Steiner

Online Editor in Chief

As new freshmen walk the halls of Millard South, many of them are already questioning what they need to do to prepare for college. One of the most important things everyone should do to prepare for college is to participate in extracurricular activities.

Extracurricular activities include sports, clubs, and or-

ganizations. Millard South offers many different opportunities for students to become active: 11 boys sports, 9 girls sports, 3 representative organizations, 4 spirit groups, and over 21 clubs. With so much to choose from, there is

something interesting for everyone.

Most students choose to participate in clubs, because they do not play sports or know how to cheer and dance.

Some of the clubs offered at Millard South include foreign language clubs, computer club, DECA, and literary magazine.

One of the reasons that students participate in activities is to put it on college applications. Many schools look for someone who has been active in the community and school. But it’s important to remember that colleges’ main criteria for selection are academics.

“Activities just add to your application,” counselor Sheri Harrach said. “It shows that you are a well rounded student

: who can handle activities and academics.”

Business Manager Another reason for joining an activity is all the people involved. Extracurriculars are a great way to meet new people The lunchroom has always played who have the same interests and like the same things. Many part in students’ school days. It large a people have met their best friends through clubs and sports. scary for some, and a comfort be can For freshmen, it means having the opportunity to make others. As students go for place friends with upperclassmen, who they wouldn’t have known through the years here at Millard otherwise. And it always helps to have upperclassmen asSouth, their opinions and perceptions friends. of the cafeteria seem to morph and difActivities aren’t always just fun and games. They offer From freshmen to seniors, everyfer. a way to learn important skills such as teamwork, leadership a different opinion on lunchhas one qualities, and communication skills. It also shows that praclife. room tice makes perfect, and how to learn from mistakes.

“T was nervous about not finding “T Activities] teach you life skills like how to make deto sit with,” freshman friends cisions on your feet,” principal Jon Lopez said. “It’s like a Skiles said.

Cassandra dress rehearsal for life.” not alone. Many students is She School spirit is also a result of activities. Through parwho they were going wondered have ticipation, a sense of school pride is developed. Everyone first day of school. the to sit with on wants his or her school to do well in everything. And school “Having someone to talk to adds it can also be for drama, band, spirit is not limited to sports;

forensics, debate, and anything else Millard South competes in.

“We are going to have a great season in everything,”

Lopez said. “I don’t anticipate being second in anything.”

With so many opportunities and great reasons for joining, there is no reason not to join an activity. So stop reading this article, get up, and get involved!

comfort in. anew place,” freshman Erik Molin said.

By the time students have become

sophomores or juniors, they seem to

become very comfortable with the social aspect of the cafeteria.

“It’s our place to eat and talk with

friends,” sophomore Veronica Johnson

said.

“Te’s just a place to eat,” junior said, “Nothing more and.

Bollinger Erin nothing less.”

“The cafeteria is a very open and welcoming place,” sophomore Lauren Hospodka said. “I'm very comfortable there.”

The seniors have the cafeteria

down to a science, but can still see the

inherent problems in the lunchroom.

“Tt shouldn’t matter where people

sit, but for some reason it does. It’s gotten better, but it still needs work,”

senior Ashley Miller said.

“Mix it up everyday and get to _ know new people,” senior Amy Butler said. “Having self-confidence helps a lot.”

From nervousness in the freshmen to supreme comfort in the upperclassmen, the cafeteria is an experience

widely known. It is all of these views that give our lunchroom its own unique variety that everyone, sooner or later, comes to know.

~

September 19, 2004

UNO to pay the fee

for AP stats exam Aimee Freeman

Staff Reporter

“About 18 percent of the kids in AP classes last year took the exams which is quite low because we offer dual enrollment, which 38 percent of the

Millard South is doing anew pilot study program with its AP classes to see the results when they give students free AP exams and see how they do on them. The class for our school is Cami Wameke’s AP statistics class.

“They pick one AP class in each high school and each kid in that class has to take the éxam for credit and it’s paid for. [The administration] is trying to decide what will happen with the

Carnival games await students’ Photo by Tyler Schnaidt

students chose to do,” Warneke said.

Trying to get more students to take the AP exams also means we are trying to get more students to enroll in these classes to ensure the new world class education.

“We're trying to prepare every kid and provide the

This year’s Millard Days offers mud-fr ee excitement Parades, carnivals, fun, and mud.

These are just a few of the things people think of when they think of Millard Days. Millard Days took place Aug. 25-29.

The main attraction of Millard Days is the carnival. This year, everyone’s favorite rides returned including the Zipper, Octopus, Sizzler, and Sky Master.

“The Octopus scared me sideways and silly,” senior Jordan Shanks said.

Unlike other years, the baseball field where the carnival is held was

_| not very muddy and was mostly clear

everywhere. But people had other problems to face including overpriced tickets and many crowds.

“T thought it was overcrowded,” junior Hannah Witt said. “J didn’t ride any rides because the lines were too long.”

Kids had the chance to play games and try to win prizes. They also could eat the regular carnival foods including com dogs, nachos, and funnel cakes. But it’s important not to eat too much, or ride too many rides.

The combination of the two could equal a very queasy stomach.

The Millard Days Parade was held on Saturday, Aug 28. Families

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from all over town crowded the sidewalks of Millard Ave. to support their favorite Millard school.

All

Evie

‘Seniors Angela Bosak, Jessica Braun and Kelly Beernink are AP Spanish students in Juventina Sloter’s class.

The Patriot

Photo by Amy Brammer

cheerleaders led the way for

They were followed by the

ing AP classes, they just aren’t taking the AP exams. This could be because

marching band,

est” and the school song. After them came

the dance team.

theAP- classes especiallyif they

can’t get dual enrollment or they don’t do well.on the AP exams.

“Tt depends on how wel [ote

ing the year, but I am and have to take my AP Stat exam because the school is paying for it,” Morris said.

As of right now, there are no other classes offering free exams until the pilot study is done and decisions are

chance to do dual enrollment,” senior

jds ‘shoot’ for fun while at Millard Days, finding entertainment in activities.

Photo by Tyler Schnaidt

for the judges, being an enjoyable experience for and did leaps down the street. everyone who attended. It is one “The crowd was really good,” sophomore dance team member Beth _ of the only ways to unite the community of Millard. Some people Brungardt said. “They always cheered are already excited for it to come for us when we did our techniques.” next year. back In the end, Millard Days ended up

Megan Amundson said.

The other reason is that dual enrollment and the AP exams cost money to take and many kids that take AP classes

made on what to do about them, which for now, means most students will have

to keep on paying for them.

- are in more than one of them.

Salil

Harrach has big plans to overhaul guidance office +k

With the harder curriculum, this

which if a student in an AP class qualifies, he can pay and get credit for that class from Peru State Gollege or the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“I'm planning on taking the AP “exams for my classes unless I get the

America’s Fin-

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may be what is keeping students from

Millard South>offers dual enroliment” wtaking

who performed to “Salute

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tell that the AP classes have a lot more reading you have to do,” junior Pat Morris said.

exams,” Warneke said.

Many kids in the school are tak-

Millard South.

1

though just getting students to take more AP classes may not ensure them paying to take AP exams, they will be getting prepared for college by the material they cover.

three Millard

high schools participated in the parade.

They performed part of theirrou-

rigorous

classes they can take to make sure they receive a college level education,” Principal Jon Lopez said.

Eagle ilaazs] [Uh REBATE

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Editor in Chief

Counselor Sheri Harrach has been named the new guidance center department chair, and she has big plans to rework counseling at Millard South.

“We're trying to remarket the counseling center,” Harrach said. “We want to let people become aware of what we have to offer.”

One major modification instituted at the beginning of this year was the schedule change process. Instead of simply making the switch as in past

semesters, students must now fill out a

form in homeroom and have their advisor sign it. The forms are sent to the guidance office, and the counselors send for the students when they are ready to process the request.

“We wanted to keep advisors in the loop as to what is going on [with their students],” Harrach said. “So far the feedback has been pretty positive.”

“The schedule change process was

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Harrach has taken on several new responsibilities as department head including but not limited to building all the new student schedules, attending department head meetings, and planning department meetings. Harrach applied and interviewed with Principal Jon Lopez for the position left empty after former department chair Gary Neuhaus retired. The 2004-2005 school year marks her seventh year as ”

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September 19, 2004

‘Grease is the word’ for Patriot Players *

s(n This is : the fi rst i

in eight

Mar sden. sai a

Photo Editor

Millard South drama kicks off another great season with the ever popu‘Jar “Grease,” which will be put on by the Patriot Players on Oct. 8,9, and 10. This show is expected to be a big SUCCESS.

I

eo

Amy Brammer

Patriot players are working very hard On this show. Dance rehearsals began over the summer and many soloists came into work with Marsden well throughout the summer to prepare U heir voices.

Rehearsals are practically every- _

“My expectations on every show

y

are really high, but 1 know that this is day after school from 3:15 to 6 p.m. or a show that Millard South kids willlove _ later. During a show like this I prob-

just as much as we love putting it on,” ably spend about 15 to 20 hours a week Millard South drama director, Robyn — at school just for drama,” junior Ben

Years that

_ Baker said.

The show follows the lives of a

drama

group of high school kids in the 1950’s._

Klingemann said.

The Patriot Players have been do-

ing a lot with this show. On Aug. 25

The show stars Kendra Way as good _ they performed “We Go Together,” at girl Sandy and Robby Gordy asbad boy _the new Wal-Mart in Millard and are to performing at the first pep rally of the Danny. Danny has his groupies, Sonny, g a erform __ Doody, Roger and Kenicki played by school year eight in rally pep first the is “This Ben Dinning, Ryan Frolio, David I P years that drama has gotten-to perform Klingemann and John Moesner. Sandy m. has her group of friends, “the pink la- in,” Baker said.

“Oh my gosh, it is really, really, dies,” played by Bailey Carlson, Jess Drama has otten

Director

Thacker, Florence Choi, and Jess

I can’t wait! Thisissuch really exciting!

“This is one of the most exciting,

opportunity to audition for a chance

: jove: sophomores John ae : ee

<

,. Klingemann eee

Stopak. Altogether, there are about 28 _ a fun show,” senior Kendra Way said. ines for upcoming Patriot Players will also have the _ performances in early people in the cast and crew of “Grease.”

RK obyn

well-rounded casts we have ever had _ to take the musical to both state Drama in a musical, and there is an energy to Convention in January and possibly this cast that I have not seen since I International Drama Convention in

Baker

have been here,” Choir director Tim

June.

October. They boys play

members , of the

‘Greasers’ gang.

Right: Megan Fangmeyer finds time to sing with

Kendra Way. Way plays the classic good-girl,

Sandy.

Photos by Amy Brammer

_‘Mickey’s’ crew dances into South

- using mousy demeanor to cha

Parading in pink, Millard South i Mediators:

Schoeszler, and Dallas Archer are all ears.

Photo by Colleen Morrissey Valerie Saff R Nicholson.

pens

Florence Choi,

Robby Gordy, Samantha. Zickefoose, Eric Sorens, Jan

Kelli Crump, another sponsor for _ grade. They then filled out an applica-

_ Peer Mediation, says the kids are “en-

tion and essay. Once they passed the

thusiastic” during their monthly meet- _ application and essay process, they went through an interview. When they ings. Crump says that she and Harrach ears, and a sense of understanding, the Peer Mediators are ready for their jobs. “provide a support system for the stu- passed the interview, the voting pro- . cess began. There were three votes that The Peer Mediators started the dents” and discuss any issues the kids took place. The teachers voted, next year off with a song. Their debut at the may have. students voted, and finally the 2003 the The Peer Mediators themselves handbook assembly included singing Peers voted. After that long process, have great things to say about peer meand dancing to their theme “The Magiif they survived, they were elected to diation. cal World of Peers” wearing their pink “It’s like a carousel of fun with be Peer Mediators. The Peer Mediators t-shirts and Mickey Mouse ears. went to a two-day camp and practiced endless quarters,” said C. J. Greco, deThere are 12 new Peer Mediators: scribing how much fun he is having in mock mediations. They also created Jan Schoeszler, Jordan Aschwege, Robtheir theme “The Magical World of ert Gordy, Dallas Archer, Samantha. Peer Mediation. = Peers”.

Kendra Way said, “I love it.”

Zickefoose, Eric Sorens, Florence Choi, If anyone is in need of Peer MeWill Pflug said they “get to wear Will Pflug, Amanda Burkhart, pink,” talking about their new shirts diation, just stop by the counseling ofAmanda Meyer, Kendra Way, and C. fice and talk to Crump or Harrach to that go along with the theme.

J. Greco.

To be a Peer Mediator the stu- set up a meeting.

“They're a good group of kids,” _.. dents had.to be going into the twelfth Armed with pink shirts, Mickey

September 19, 2004

New sports coaches hit Millard South:

Football, Volleyball teams find new leadership Chris Bazemore

Staff Reporter

The Millard South Athletic department has added five new coaches to the staff this year hoping to make the Patriot teams even better than previous years.

On the football field, Andy Means has moved up to the head coaching position after serving as the assistant under Marty Going for 17 years. The former Nebraska football player was the secondary coach on varsity and also the head coach on Junior Varsity in past years. Last year Means coached the Junior Varsity team to an undefeated season, and is hoping to do the same with this year’s varsity team.

“We're looking forward to a good season this year. We have excellent senior leadership and also some talented juniors and sophomores ready to step up,” Means said.

Coach Tim Bond after retiring from Bryan this summer, became a Patriot coach after Means asked him to join the staff and coach secondary. Bond coached at Omaha Bryan for 20 years and also coached at Omaha Tech for

nine years.

The volleyball team at South has some new faces as well. Taking over as the new head coach for the varsity volleyball team is Jessica Jeseritz. Jeseritz is in her ninth year of coaching volleyball; before she coached for Premier Volleyball and also played at the College of St. Mary and is in her second year at Millard South. Taking over Jeseritz old spot as the Junior Varsity coach is Nikki Poloncic, who also coached for Premier and played at the College of St. Mary.

Svec was the coach at class C-1 Loganview High Poloncic is a student teacher outside of Millard right now School, where she led them to the state runner up. Craig but still manages to help coach the team. The two other _ works at St. Stevens and joins Svec after school. With all new volleyball coaches are Angie Svec and Jane Craig, who _ the new coaches that have joined the Patriot staff this year, coach the freshman team. the fall teams should look forward to an excellent season.

Hard work marks Start of ‘O4 Cross-

Country season Thom Hale Staff Reporter

Although cross-country is not the most celebrated of activities at Millard South, it is becoming a popular option for athletes. The races in this sport range from 2.5 miles to 3.1 miles long, and cover several types of terrain, such as golf courses and parks. It requires a lot of stamina and commitment, but it is a rewarding sport.

The cross-country team has a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

“Tt’s a smaller group, so it’s very

friendly,” senior Scott Marshall said.

“There's a strong sense of camarade-

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currently running for the boy’s cross country team, but other grade levels have strong runners involved as well.

Currently, the top two runners, Todd

Gulizia and Ellina Pisetsky, are both

: eee 328 SSUES ETL Ee : ing rapidly.

“We're getting bigger and bigger,” Coach Scot Rainbolt said. “It’s a very social sport.” Everyone who enjoys running long distances is invited to join.

“Tencourage others to run,” senior

Brandon Essler says.

The practices consist of a two-mile

Sophomore Chad Beal runs through Walnut Grove Park where the team

Gaon practices. photo by Thom Hale

time-trial, and then a workout based

ee

“Everything in a practice is individualized,” Rainbolt said.

- Lots of running is key in preparation for competition. The team worked hard to lower their times for the first meet on Sept. 4th, which was sponsored

by Burke High. Support at future events is welcome and attending is a good opportunity to see what the Patriots cah doin a competition.’ ”

:

September 19, 2004

Patriot Varsity Football kicks off season: Bittersweet win marked

by turnovers Kasey Matthews Staff Reporter

The Millard South Patriots won their opening game against the Lincoln North Star Navigators by a score of 22 to 12 on Sept. 2. The game was held

at the Patriot’s home Buell Stadium.

The first touchdown of the

:

We Se ected to win.

We knew

WE WETE the better team.

Senior ‘Troy

contributed to the Millard South win.

Photo by Colleen Morrissey.

Austin blocks a Lincoln Northstar player for him This is one of the many plays that

ti

Volleyball girls contend changes

leaque rule Aimee Freeman

Staff Reporter

workteam isees This year’s volleyball Sees

last year’s 11-20

record and come out with a win-

When

: ning ae

YOu

first hear about

:

a

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lot of

ee =

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and the net serve is better because it will be harder to return the ball and Ss .” sophomore soph chall more challenging,” makes es itit: more Dani Jenkins said.

To help the girls get used to the new rules, the new coaches have some techniques to help the girls on their formation and accuracy. The techniques

that they used have come form former

coaches and the Husker coaching clinic that their coach, Jessica Jeseritz, at-

“S“When you first hear about [the igen : :

Renew

but they do

ae = a oe o «il ae = We ‘ EOE Amanda ee €T© are two major a changes S

new techniques] you think they’re crazy, but they do actually help you learn,” junior Jenna Duensing said.

One of these new techniques involve hitting while a broom is in front of you on the other side of the net trying to simulate blockers trying to block your hit. They have also practiced hitting with an elastic band about one foot

actually

‘x atthe et

itting the ball over the blockers hands

help you

© The first one _ is helping the team is having an extra

techniques] think tm you they re crazy,

the game this Roe

leam.

Wior

coach, Phyllis Schroeder, around due to not having a reserve team this year.

“The numbers didn’t allow us to

ae

C ae to shuffle people around,”

:

’

CaS The

other rule is the

See

scoring, players get a point every time the ball hits the ground whether they have the serve OF not.

I think the rules are better be-

cause it yall snake the eames go,fast ORE

tonot get blocked. Another thing that

is the new ae which See soe oe i a

= aoe

above the net to work on reaching and

have a reserve team, but it will be nice leseritz sai

With not having to shuffle people

around, the team has time to get used

to playing and communicating with one another so they can achieve what with the they want to do this season remaining 19 girls. After all, the most common thing you hear on the court from coach Jeseritz is “talk, talk, talk!”

time.

“We had some breakdowns

and turnovers in the first half, but we came back after half time, we can rise above our mistakes,” Patriot Coach,

Andy Means said. The patriots gave up six turnovers throughout the game.

The second half of the game saw two touchdowns by the Patriots which lead to their win.

“We expected to win,” senior fullback Troy Matthews said. “We knew we were the better Matthews

Senior Jake Reissener runs the ball as seni ior Derek

game was during first quarter. Jake Reissener made the touchdown with a two-point conversion by Jon Tumer.

Right after the Patriot’s touchdown, the ‘Gators made their own 50-yard touchdown.

In the second quarter a ‘Gator offensive-tackle was injured, but it didn't pull North Star down. The ‘Gators were leading 8 to 12 by half

»”

q

September 19, 2004

Summer Sequels

Equal Good Time A.

FR

Thom Hale

Conrad Vernon, manages the near

Asst. Web Se:

This summer was dominated by films that broke a cardinal moviegoer

tule; “Never see a sequel in the the-

ater.” Few people waited for the local video store to pick up these hits.

From “Spiderman 2” to “The Bourne Supremacy,” excitement was in abundance in theaters nationwide.

Fans of Quentin Tarantino

rushed the box office to see “Kill Bill, Volume 2,” and weren't disappointed.

In this follow-up to “Kill Bill, Volume 1,” Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman)

continues her action-packed hunt for Bill (David Carradine), the man who shot her at her wedding.

Paul Greengrass’ “The Bourne Supremacy” followed “The Bourne Identity” with even more action, largely due to a strong performance

by Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, an ex-secret agent fighting to free himself of the government’s hold on his life.

“Spiderman 2,” directed by Sam ‘Raimi, lived up to its hype with ease.

Peter Parker (Toby Maquire) continues to struggle with his identity, and his gifts. While he is torn between keeping his identity secret and sharing with those he cares most about, he is forced to battle a new villain, Dr. Otto Octavious (Alfred Molina).

“Shrek 2,” co-directed by Andrew. Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and

Sheels, the biggest sporting Boods store in Omaha, features a Ferris Wheel. Photo by Emily Schram.

Village Point Mall Offers New Experience < = “Emily Schram

PA

Staff Reporter

For a place to spend a Saturday afternoon out in the sun, many people look to Village Pointe Mall, which is conveniently located on 168th and West Dodge Road and already has 45 shops populating the 78 acres.

~ The outdoor shopping ranges from Chico's, a specialty-

clothing store for women, to Finish Line the athletic shoe

retailer. For that extra something to spice up the home or

office, Jeanne Marie sells everything from European-style fumishings to accessory accents. For those of you who might need to pick up some flowers on the way to surprise your special someone, then head to B’s Blooms & Boutique.

They sell exotic flowers like the Peace Rose or the humble Gardenia. ‘{ liked it a lot,” sophomore Lindsey Hausman said.

“My favorite store was DSW, a designer shoe store. It was cheap and affordable for me.”

Tessa Adams, English and speech teacher, was very impressed with Scheels, the biggest store in the Village Pointe area. Inside this sporting goods store, they have everything from tennis rackets, to paintball guns that are hard to find anywhere else. If by some chance boredom strikes then try the Ferris wheel in the center of the store.

If that doesn’t get you going then you could always try the Village Pointe Cinema. It has the latest movies and is owned by Douglas Theater so it’s possible to get extra

$4.44 +Tax Revorien

points on a Douglas movie card. It has over 20 screens so there is always a great movie showing.

“T like Village Pointe because it’s cool and my friend,

Andrew Gosh from Millard North, works there,” senior

Michael Epperson said. “Everyone should go there because it’s the best.”

To finish off the day, Village Pointe a a variety of restaurants for one to choose from. There is Mongolian food at the Flat Top Grill, where there is plenty to choose from for what goes into a stir-fry. Unlike the other Mongolian grills, this one has aname written on a paddle, which is put into the bowl and is sent off to be grilled. They don’t allow people to watch but when it’s done your food is brought out to the table hot and ready to eat. Not only do they just serve Mongolian food but they also serve dessert.

There is the peanut butter pie and the chocolate storm.

Both are not suggested if a diet is involved.

The 650,000-square-foot mall has several entrances

for people to get to the parking lots. The main entrance, on

168th and Burke Street, is usually crowded so, there is also

the entrance on the south side of 180th on Dodge. Take 180th to Burke Street, which then extends all the way to the east entrance of the mall. On weekends it is to use the alternative entrance to avoid congestion and sitting in the car for prolonged period of time.

impossible. It is just as, if not funnier than the first one. In the movie, Prin-

cess Fiona, (Cameron Diaz) receives an

invitation from her parents who dis-

cover her marriage to Shrek (Mike Myers) for a dinner party. When two ogres greet them, rather than the Prince Charming they were expecting, they plot to break up the union with the help of Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas).

“The Chronicles of Riddick” directed by David Twohy, proved that the quality of sequels was not a fluke.

It was met with horrible reviews and rock-bottom ratings. Following “Pitch

Black,” in this movie, Riddick (Vin

Diesel), an escaped convict, finds himself in a power-struggle between Lord Marshal (Colm Feore) and Aereon (Judi Dench). Poor action scenes and an. esoteric plot line made this movie difficult to follow, and left many fans shouting for their money back.

After a summer of mostly wellmade sequels, some people wonder if directors will attempt the holy grail of movie making: a trilogy that works.

After seeing what happened to the Matrix and Alien in the second and third movies, many should be ques-

tioning their ability to make it happen. We can only hope that the moyies coming out in the near future will live up to the standards set by the sequels of the summer.

Missinance Rocks at MS ~ \ A

Wands Tombank— Staff Reporter

Today’s range of teen rock bands has become a big part of society within the past decade. Garage bands are popping up everywhere, from high school to MTV. Missinance, a new band composed of students from Millard South,

hopes to make it as the next big thing.

“I don’t know why people are so into punkrock bands today, I guess it’s the cool thing to do, I’ve grown up listening to music my whole life and singing since I can remember. It just gives me the motivation to entertain people,”

sophomore and lead vocalist Austin Peck said.

“We started playing cogether about a year ago, but never let anyone listen to us until about three months

ago,” sophomore and electric guitarist Mark Corum said.

“Our practices are usually on Saturdays for about four hours long. We never get anything done, because most of our band members grab their skate-

boards, go outside and mess around.

That’s how we get most of our idea’s for songs, by skateboarding,” sophomore and bass player Thomas Canick said. “But we have some more practicing to do before we get any good gigs.

Our goal is to makeit to the Conan O’ Brian Show,” Peck said.

Missinance may be “The Next Big Thing.” For more information on Minnisance,visit their Wwww.missinance.com.

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