Marian High School Network February Issue

Marian High School

February 2012

7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402-571-2618 Volume 56 - Issue 6

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Sign on the Dotted Line

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New Prom Policy

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the network

The Story of Our Generation Staff Editorial

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Marian’s Biggest Loser

Teachers Strive to Drop the Pounds

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newsflash........................... pp. 2 & 3 opinion............................... pp. 4 & 5 features.............................. pp. 6 & 7 indepth .............................. pp. 8 & 9 features.......................... pp. 10 & 11 active life........................ pp. 12 & 13 entertainment............... pp. 14 & 15 photo essay................................p. 16 printed on 100% recycled paper GO GREEN!

cover and photo by emilyfischer

Pops Concert: A Night of Magic

photos by rosalieplofchan

Jai Ho! As the finale of Pops, the entire ensemble came together for a rendition of ‘Jai Ho!’ from the award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

Sophomore Miranda Reeder smiles as she belts out the chorus.

Pops Princess. Senior Olivia Hershiser sang a solo to “Thats How You Know” from the Disney movie Enchanted.

Hershiser was one of the sixteen choir members to sing either a solo or duet.

Get it, Girl! Sophomore Maggie Witzenberg grooves out to Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move.”

Sassy Singers. Chamber Choir members sophomore Sydney Wolf and juniors Kate Johnson and Lauren Tussey show off their dance moves in their performance of “Shop Around” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

Not Even Breakin’ a Swett. Senior Emily Swett, dressed in her Green Day ensemble, sings with the rest of the SWC to “21 Guns.”

Center Stage:

Pops Concert Showcases Talent on a Different Day faithwilwerding

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here’s no doubt that Marian is home to some of the best voices in the country (evidenced by the choir’s countless awards). So when it was announced that Pops Concert was no longer going to be performed during the school day, there was quite a fuss.

Everyone enjoys the once-a-year break in the day to be serenaded by talented classmates.

Select Women’s Choir, Chamber Choir, Ninth Grade Choir, the 72nd Street Showstoppers, and 16 solo and duet acts performed their concert, titled The Edge of Glory, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12.

As for the change of date, the choir was only allotted 70 minutes to perform during the school day, and the show was around two hours long. Ms. Cathy Pruitte, chair of the Fine Arts Department, said she didn’t want to have to cut solos like last year. In order to avoid doing so, Pruitte decided to cancel the school performance altogether and perform solely on the weekend. “I really wish it was during school because I love to see the performance, and I wasn’t able to make it on the weekend,” senior Allison Keller said.

Pruitte estimates about 350 people came to the show on Saturday

and about 450-500 on Sunday.

Although the choir portion of the concert was moved, the band and orchestra still rocked out during school hours. The instrumental concert, cleverly titled Jump on the Bandwagon, was performed during both lunches on Feb. 1.

“Our goals for the performance are different,” instrumental music teacher Mrs. Rachel Misiolek said of the band’s decision to perform separately from the choir.

For the instrumental music department, the concert is a tool to expose their talent and recruit new members by showcasing the

musicians’ skill. Although the concert was over lunch, Misiolek says she was still pleased with the attendance from the student body.

The schedule change for Pops Concert upset many performers and students alike, but the end product was just as entertaining.

“The best part of the show was the camaraderie; you can get anyone off the street who can sing and dance, but not everyone can get along,” Pruitte said. The talent of Marian shined brightly from center stage at both the instrumental and choral concerts, day and night alike.

Club Briefs French Club

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Pro-Life Club

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Ahhh Oui! Senior Anna Rosenlof takes a bite of Boursin, a garlic herb cheese at the French Club chocolate and cheese tasting.

Pick it up! Sophomores gather round the chocolate and cheese tasting table. This years chocolate selections included a chili chocolate.

photos by michaelamcdonald gabriellamartinez-garro

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n Feb. 8 the French Club held its annual chocolate and cheese tasting.

Soon after, French students gathered in the Quad to sell goodies at their bake sale.

Requirements for French Club include a $3 fee at the beginning of the year and enrollment in a French class.

Senior French club officer Bridget Tuttle, commenting on the club’s Napolean-themed shirts, said, “I definitely think we have the best t-shirts.” In April, for the first time, Marian will send French students to the French Convention at Ralston High School. Here students compete in subjects such as poetry and music.

For more information about French Club, contact Bridget Tuttle or club moderator Mrs. Janet Tuttle.

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bortion is a controversial subject for many people, and Marian’s Pro-Life Club wants to help educate girls on the issues surrounding it today.

So far this year, the club has put up posters bringing the topic of abortion to light. The group focuses on discussing news and current events, promoting pro-life activities, and informing others of pro-life issues. The club meets about one or two Wednesdays a month.

The club has also gotten involved with The 40 Days for Life campaign. Forty Days for Life strives to bring an end to abortion. The campaign started on Feb. 22 and will run until April 1. According to www.40daysforLife.com/Omaha, it involves “40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil, and 40 days of community outreach.”

The biggest part of 40 Days for Life involves praying outside of the Planned Parenthood. The first of these vigils was on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9-10 am.

“We are the ones making the decisions of tomorrow so I think it’s important that we understand the issues in our society. Life is something to celebrate at all stages,” senior Club President Aly Garret said.

For more information on Pro-Life Club, contact Aly Garret or club moderator Mr. David Anderson.

Fair Trade Frenzy

2012 Prom Incorporates Date-Information Form

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he cup of coffee warming your hand may be the product of human oppression. Farmers and craftsmen in third world countries are often exploited for their resources and crops. Some businesses employ thousands in sweatshops, paying less than a living wage. One defense for the abuse and poor pay is that a woman in a sweatshop at least has a job, something that might have otherwise been denied to her in a rural village.

Despite these veiled defenses, the bottom line for corporations is profit.

Bettering the lives of their employees in developing countries is simply not on the agenda.

An alternative to this exploitation is a system of trade that began after World War II. Fair Trade is a movement and a way of trade that emphasizes human dignity and the right to a living wage. Fair Trade not only offers a fair wage, but also seeks to improve the communities it’s involved with. Rather than purchasing a product and leaving, a Fair Trade supplier will invest in the community, be it building a well or by providing educational opportunities.

This is because the Fair Trade Federation closely moderates the goods and conditions in which the workers are engaged. Although prices may be higher than non-Fair Trade products, prices are regulated.

The mission of Fair Trade, although not associated with any religion, compliments Catholic Social Teaching. Fair Trade emphasizes the life and dignity of the human person; the call to family, community, and participation; the option for the poor and vulnerable, the dignity of the worker, solidarity, and the care for God’s creation. Fair Trade also calls all people to take responsibility for their actions and consumerism. The Archdiocese of Omaha has recognized this call and established a Fair Trade ambassador for the Archdiocese. Along with Catholic Relief Services, there is a strong Catholic presence in the Fair Trade realm. There is an abundance of information available online for anyone

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who wishes to become involved in the process, not just the consumer end of Fair Trade.

A concerned individual can join in the Fair Trade movement by finding a village and helping the inhabitants make and sell their craft or produce (most often coffee or chocolate) for a fair wage. Then this individual becomes a distributor, taking the product to Fair Trade conferences where shopkeepers and business owners can purchase items for sale in their own communities. There is a Fair Trade store, Ten Thousand Villages, in Lincoln. Until 2010, Omaha had it’s own Fair Trade store, Blue Summit, which offered a variety of crafts from around the world. Owner Patti Boyle was inspired to open the shop after a visit to Africa. “When I was in Africa, I met people who had nothing, yet had an amazing spirit,” Boyle said. Boyle visited the Ten Thousand Villages store in Lincoln to gain a better understanding of how the Fair Trade process worked. Blue Summit closed in 2010 after the death of Boyle’s husband, Ned. A world traveler with over 40 countries under her belt, Boyle has learned that all poverty is not created equal. “The poor in Africa take great care of what little they have. They have nothing, but are better dressed than most people,” Boyle said. One of her favorite Fair Trade programs is Beads for Life, an organization that provides employment in bead making for tribal Ugandan women. Boyle believes the movement is not more widespread because people do not understand the scope of poverty in the world. “You must be consistently aware, not just buying Fair Trade items for Christmas. There are 364 other days that people need to eat,” Boyle said. “Even if you only change a couple things, you WILL make a difference,” Boyle added.

The difference between wholesale coffee and wholesale Fair Trade coffee is a matter of a few dollars a pound. Fair Trade seeks to respond to this call and create a better world. “You don’t have to be a doctor,” said Boyle. “All I had were arms for hugging.”

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nimocemoh, Christmas Dance, and Prom, oh my! Dances are a large part of the tradition at Marian and are events that girls countdown to and prep hours for. As is tradition, old events occasionally come with new rules.

This year for Prom, there will be a new rule in place where girls will be required to fill out a form with their prospective date’s information (which will have to be written down and approved). This idea has been adopted by many other Omaha schools, public and Catholic, so Marian has decided to give it a try.

“When talking at Deans’ Meetings, schools like Gross, Skutt, and Central started this procedure about two years ago. I had also been getting asked to sign a lot of these forms for girls so, after talking with other administrators, we decided it would be a good idea,” Dean of Discipline Ms. Ronda Motykowski said.

The form will consist of the date’s contact information (name, age, address, phone number), the parent’s contact information, and the name of their school’s principal. The form will have to be signed by the date’s principal if in high school, parent/guardian if in college, and employer if over 21. If anything were to happen regarding the dates, someone would need to be notified and this is a good way of making sure that will be able to happen. “I think it’s a good idea just because if anything serious were to happen the teachers could handle it easily. Especially since other schools have tried it I think it will work out,” junior Morgan Tooley said. Tooley is a member of the 2012 Prom Committee.

“It is really just to make sure our girls are safe and their dates are in good academic or work standing,” Motykowski said. For the sake of convenience, Marian will be willing to fax forms if possible. These forms will be available in the near future and will be due the day before Prom, April 13, by the end of the school day. This is a trial run for Prom 2012 and will be under review to be instituted for other dances in the future.

Grandparent Love Laugh and Love.

Senior Claire Wieger and her grandmother Reita Wieger share a laugh after the Grandparents’ Day Mass celebration on Feb. 3, during Catholic Schools Week. A reception was held following the celebratory mass where many laughs and memories were shared. photo by nicolewojtalewicz

Speeding Through Cyberspace: Reasons Behind Slow Internet Connections colleenfell

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’mon computer, anytime today. I just want to watch the new One Direction video. Does this resemble your experience of using Marian’s internet connection? As more and more students are choosing to bring their laptops to school, many students have been experiencing dramatically slower connections. This issue is due to bandwidth availability.

Simply put, bandwidth is the amount of internet signal allowed at a given time. Marian’s Technical Coordinator Mr. Seth Bryant explained that each internet user takes up a portion of the signal, divided by each user. For example, if our network had two users at a given time, each user would receive half of the signal.

The number of people using the connection will also dictate the speed at which each user will be able to access web pages, photos, videos, etc.

Technical Director Mr. Bruce Esser explained that our internet connection works almost like a grocery store line-multiple people can be waiting and those at the back of the line will wait the longest.

Marian’s main bandwidth eaters today are video-sharing sites such as Netflix, Youtube, and Hulu.

Bryant explained that the bandwidth used for videos is about four times greater than a typical web document. “Our connection reaches full capacity when about 30 to 40 people are streaming video. And in a school of more than 600 people, it generally doesn’t take long to happen,” Bryant said.

Students, ideally, should never experience any delay in watching Marian-network videos such as the M-Beats or have

Spanish Club

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is being able to save your work without having to go to a computer lab or using Google Docs,” Grace said. However, she explained, she sporadically uses her internet connection to use video-sharing services. “One time my friend and I watched a movie during the morning, lunch, and then study hall.

Overall, though, I don’t watch videos very often,” Grace said.

According to the February Network survey, approximately twelve percent of all Marian students use video-sharing websites such as Hulu or Netflix. According to Esser, these users do not really affect bandwidth availability. “Due to the amount of traffic that we are able to track, only about two users are accessing video-sharing websites at a given time, so it doesn’t make a big difference,” Esser said.

With more and more girls supplying their own computers, what is the likelihood of Marian becoming a desktop-free school? Not very, Bryant shared. Although laptop programs are very popular at other schools, many girls at Marian may not be able to afford the perk. In addition, software prices are extremely high. For example, the Adobe Creative Suite, offering services such as InDesign and Photoshop, would run each student around $1,300. However, there may be a possibility to shrink lab sizes in the future.

For the current time, until more bandwidth is purchased, Bryant offers advice to increase connection speeds: “The first step is to turn off the computer and turn it back on.

From there, enlist the help of a TAR (Technical Aid Resource Student).” However, Bryant explained, Marian’s entire space is used every day so some connection speeds are uncontrollable.

Junior Classical League

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photo by annietownley

rom watching “Motorcycle Diaries” in November, to having salsa dancing lessons in January, the Spanish Club has sponsored quite a few events this school year. Other gatherings have included decorating an ofrenda (an altar for honoring the dead) for Día de Los Muertos in October, having an a tamalada for tamale-making in December, going to Museo Latino in September, and hosting a Valentine’s party to decorate the halls in Spanish themes in February.

Some events still yet to occur will involve going to an authentic restaurant in March, along with a proposed South Omaha scavenger hunt in April. “Anyone can join and we know that Spanish Club has been inconsistent and poorly organized in the past, and we are trying to improve it this year and get our participation up,” Spanish teacher and Spanish Club co-moderator Sra. Cassie Craig said. For more details on specific dates and times, watch out for upcoming news in the online bulletin.

a slow connection to Marian email, as these are inside of the Marian network and are not affected by our bandwidth space.

One significant reason for the recent lack of bandwidth is the increasing number of students who are bringing laptops from home to use during the school day. Bryant explained that just before Christmas break, around 450 users signed on to the internet daily.

Now, just a couple of months later, the numbers have increased to more than 600 daily users and the rates are constantly growing. At this time last year, Marian had seven megabits of bandwidth space. Due to an overwhelming number of users, there are now 15 megabits of space, with Marian expecting to purchase 15 megabits more by the end of the school year. The internet connection is tied into Marian phone lines, running about $1,500 a month for the two. Bryant explained that there will probably not be a breaking point in the amount of space that Marian is able to purchase, so appropriate internet accommodations will always be available.

As for video-sharing websites, such as YouTube or Hulu, Bryant said that it is not likely that Marian will have to ban these sites even though they take up a majority of the space.

“There are many legitimate classroom uses for these sites,” Bryant said. Still, Bryant encourages students to bring their own laptops from home since they are a great classroom tool as girls are able to gather and store research information all from one platform.

Sophomore Maddie Grace said that she finds using a laptop during school is very beneficial. “I think that the biggest plus

Veni, Vidi, Vici. Mr. Al Di Mauro has been the head of the Junior Classical League for many years. Mr. Mark Koesters has gradually been assuming more of the duties. Here, Di Mauro and Koesters shake hands, symbolizing the passing of the Latinman torch.

ith two movie nights already under its belt, along with a lunch at Sons of Italy, Latin Club (Junior Classical League or JCL) has been busy this year.

“JCL brings Latin students of all ages together. We eat great food, talk about classic movies, and revel in the joy of Latin,” president of JCL senior Emily Fischer said.

Have you noticed the new Latin sweatshirt and t-shirt design the Latin students have been sporting recently? “The idea for the sweatshirts came from Mr. Di Mauro. In 1996, the JCL had the original Latinman shirts and Mr. Di Mauro had the idea of making a Latinman II shirt to pass on the Latin torch to Mr. Koesters,” Fischer said. The good news is that the overwhelming response to the shirts has sparked a second order. Anyone interested, even if you’re not in JCL, can order a shirt or sweatshirt. To order a Latinman II themed t-shirt or sweatshirt, contact Mr. Koesters in room 210. Upcoming events will include the Bridge Walk (Latin students walk across the Bob Kerrey bridge in togas), dinner at the Greek Isles, and a Field Week pizza party. Pay attention to announcements and the online bulletin for more information.

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Going Screen-Deep:

Molding the Mind

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Discovering the Person Behind the Pro-Pic Zo and Tell

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Pop Culture’s Influence on our Everyday Lives

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like being re-tweeted, and I like when people comment on my photos and tell me how beautiful I am. I like being Liked, and I like when popular boys write on my Wall for my birthday.

And I’m glad that I have such a fabulous sense of humor, because some pictures of me on Facebook are far too disgusting for any mere human to even consider not untagging.

At least it lowers people’s standards. I would hate to be that girl with the deceptively modelesque profile picture, who then sends people fleeing in terror upon Real Life interaction.

I, fortunately, have lowered the bar enough that I probably look like a Greek goddess when I see my Facebook friends in Real Life — it seems that the profile picture in which I have about eight and a half chins is, in fact, good for something.

I like that about myself.

Some people these days are more or less socially stunted by their Facebook activity, (I am speaking, of course, from the vantage point of a Midwestern, middle-class, private school attendee; I doubt that tribal Africa really has much to say about this issue) and that makes me worry about our generation.

I recently overheard a fellow senior talking about her search for a college roommate. She was planning on combing over her Facebook profile in the hopes of deleting any incriminating posts or photos. I hope, for her sake, that she meets this future roommate while dressed up like she is in her weekend photos. I know that if it were me, Future Roomie would run away crying if she were to see me looking as I do today after expecting Weekend Zoe. But really, what would society be like if social media wasn’t around?

Would people just display their attractive photos prominently on the mantelpiece, hoping that houseguests would stop and marvel in the beauty? Or would people learn to judge more by one’s genuine personality and less by cyber-perceptions?

When people talk about “judging a book by its cover,” it’s being discussed in the context of Real Life. But really, I maintain the notion that a person’s Facebook or Twitter (or his or her Myspace and Xanga of days past) is used as nothing more than a tool to judge from afar.

I mean really, I’ve seen girls who I consider downright homely, but hey — flash some cleavage in a profile pic and you’re considered Hot for the rest of eternity. And I personally have met genuinely smart, nice boys, only to discover (to my horror) that they cyber-speak like seventh grade girls using AIM for the first time.

But aside from the obvious desire for attention or the travesty of boy-typing, how reliable is online activity in terms of determining one’s personality?

It disappoints me, really, how fake some people can be online.

(That means you, hipster-wannabes. Stop posting that same Bon Iver song on your wall every other week. It is not good and you do not look cool and alternative.) But it also disappoints me how much of this image is actually used in judging a person.

Just think about it: a life without social networking.

Smiles would be genuine, and taste in music wouldn’t be based off of its coolness factor. Meeting a roommate would be a matter of personality and compatability.

And genuinely smart, nice boys would remain so — widout da social disapprvl tht coms from tlking lik dis.

saw Cady Heron wearing army pants and flip flops, so I bought army pants and flip flops.

While granted I may not know any Cady Herons, I do know that pop culture has a similar effect on the general public. As a culture, we are exceptionally invested in the lives of celebrities and the number one film at the box office. So much of who we are is based off the characters we see in the media.

“Bless you.”

No, God bless you. If there is one thing I have learned from Dane Cook, it’s to say “God bless you” instead of just “Bless you.” Because, as Dane says, “I’m not God, I can’t do that.”

Clearly, pop culture has rubbed off on me. While some people might argue that the subliminal messaging of movies, television, and music may produce unsavory effects, I see nothing wrong with the influence of pop culture in our daily lives.

Entertainment provides an escape for many people. Without pop culture, some of us may feel as though we are trapped in a glass case of emotion.

Media can even prove to be educational. Of course, I don’t actually believe that a tornado can take you to Oz, but the life lessons I have learned about acceptance, friendship, and popularity from The Breakfast Club are irreplaceable.

Animal Easy, Breezy, Testing: Beautiful? hannahtoohey

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on’t get me wrong, I love animals. And trust me, I have seen those Sarah McLachlan commercials plenty of times. But when it gets down to the core of the matter, I do not take issue in animal testing.

Many scientists and labs use animals to test more than just cosmetics. Amazing medicines — including vaccinations against rabies, polio and measles — could not have been created without testing on animals. Even cancer treatments and organ transplants would not be at the level they are currently if it was not for animal testing.

I understand that many consumers have probably used shampoos and make-up that are not essential to their livelihood. At least I am assuming that no one could die without their mascara. But I am going to be dramatically honest here: would you rather a company not test the shampoo on a living creature and later, upon stepping out of the shower, discover that your hair has fallen out of your head?

Or maybe the company decides to test concealer on a skin graft rather than a mouse and you end up with boils all over your face.

No matter how much I love little critters, when given the choice between human comfort and animal comfort, I sway on the human side. Call me ridiculous, but I think that makes the most sense in such a situation.

Animal cruelty is a whole other ball game.

ink lasts forever the network

The Network is a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A, Catholic, North Central Accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of the N.H.S.P.A, N.S.P.A. and the C.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. Opinions expressed on the opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community. Students, faculty, and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. All letters must be typed, signed, and sent to: The Network, Marian High School 7400 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 Or e-mailed to us at: netpaper@omahamarian.org Follow us @MHSBeat An electronic version of this paper can be found at: http://www.omahamarian.org/netpaper

4 opinion

Pop culture has shaped our generation since we were young. I am not about to call it brainwashing, but Disney films and Nickelodeon shows have changed our outlook on life as we have grown older. Mulan taught us that women can be just as tough as men, while CatDog taught us... well, perhaps I’m not exactly sure what that show taught us, but I know that without it we would not be who we are today.

Anyone can discuss entertainment. I’m sure all of us have at least one friend that we bonded with purely over pop culture. Whether it be discovering another has a similar obsession with the cult movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show, or the web series, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog,” discovering that someone enjoys the same love of pop culture can create a friendship to last a lifetime.

I want friends like Lily, Marshall, Barney, Ted, and Robin. I want the brains, though perhaps not the social anxiety, of Sheldon Cooper. I want to have Adele’s heart-wrenching and comely voice. I want you to want me.

However, I don’t condone spending a lifetime with earplugs in and the television screen on.

After all, life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

Treating the animals that are being used for testing in a degrading manner is unacceptable. However, no one can claim that just because cruelty happens sometimes, it happens all the time. There are numerous injustices in the world, but we can only hope that companies treat their test subjects with dignity.

Emotions sometimes rule this argument as well; people cannot imagine their pet Cheezey testing the new “Maybe it’s Maybelline.” But these animals are not extracted from loving family homes and put into stark white laboratories. A majority of the animals are bred for the purpose of testing.

There are clearly alternative options for those opposed to animal testing, signified by the Leaping Bunny logo.

However, a majority of personal care corporations still test on animals. For example, almost all leading shampoo brands test on animals, such as Clairol, Pantene, Sun Silk, Suave, Redken, Herbal Essences, L’Oreal, Neutrogena, and Garnier still use animals for testing.

Maybe it is ignorant of me to assume that if all these companies are still testing on animals, they have a reason for doing it. It is the companies’ responsibility to make sure their test subjects are treated with dignity. It is my job to make sure my hair isn’t greasy.

Managing Editors: meganandreasen & taylorhaag Copy Editors: clancynelson & faithwilwerding Photo Editor: ellemostek Graphics Editor: kalanifortina Online/Convergence Editor: trinitygleason Front Page Editor: emilyfischer Newsflash Editor: michaelamcdonald Opinion Editor: christinarommelfanger Features Editors: catelinhotz & torinietzel InDepth Editors: katykohlmeyer & hannahtoohey Active Editors: nicolewojtalewicz & marylouisewoltemath Entertainment Editors: colleenfell & gabriellamartinez-garro Photo Essay Editor: alexamoore Columnists: hannahgrace & zoeursick Reporters/Photographers: naomijones, cassiephillips, rosalieplofchan & haileywolf Adviser: mrs.marshakalkowski

The Story of Our Generation staffeditorial

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he story of our generation is nothing more than an outline. An outline of who we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to do. Go to school.

Go to college. Find a job. Have a family. Be successful.

That is the first detriment to our society and community. We would rather our generation’s history document who we are rather than the things that we have accomplished. We are not saying we are an egotistical bunch, but rather that our generation does not focus on the pressing needs that face the world today. As Billy Joel said, “We didn’t start the fire,” and truthfully, so far, our generation hasn’t.

We are determined to become the best through constant reminders that we must climb to the top. We have standards we must meet, which can sometimes distract us from doing “great” things. Each generation defines success in a different way, but we feel our generation is still struggling to figure out our definition.

Have we been raised to avoid conflict because it’s convenient? Perhaps, but that’s no way to live.

Are we scared to anger others and worried how our actions today will impact our future? Maybe, but no

monumental successes are achieved by shrinking in fear.

When was the last time you civilly protested against something you didn’t believe in? Don’t feel inadequate; the person beside you most likely hasn’t either.

The people who are often idolized in today’s society do nothing significant for the benefit of humankind. We live in a world that values me, myself, and I, instead of the larger picture. We do not educate ourselves on issues because we have a million things going on. Sometimes, being over-involved in every aspect of our lives can be mistaken for laziness. Instead of doing one job really well, it can appear that many different tasks are being accomplished in a mediocre manner.

Try your best to educate yourself on as many issues that are affecting the world as possible, and then pick a cause and run with your passion. Get informed! Our generation has a wealth of information at our disposal, though sometimes the correct facts can be clouded by not-so-reliable sources.

Find the truth, stop being wishy-washy, take a stand, and run with it. Go out and DO something instead of sub-tweeting your frustrations to the world — that will

not mend the brokenness or knock down the doors. We need to walk the walk, instead of talking the talk. There is ALWAYS a way — find it!

Within the realm of time, there is a past, a present, and future. Within the realm of our lives, there is only now. Now we must change, and now we must live for the betterment of our society. A story is nothing more than a record of a thought, an idea, or an experience. What we do now becomes our story later, and that is inevitable.

What is not inevitable is the content we create. Each day, we choose. Each day, we live. As of now, we have been living to please, but soon we must live to change.

Scared? Us, too.

But just think, when we retire, and each of us are looking back on our lives, what do you want to see?

Old print-outs of your angst-filled blog that had a total accumulation of 12 followers? Or news pages of positive change, and a past that is currently our future, of accomplishments that will better the entire world eternally?

Scared? Try not to be.

We are all in this together.

cartoon by kalanifortina

Letter to the Editor: Dear Editor,

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or the past couple weeks, my religion class has been learning about sexuality and how sex changes relationships. During these discussions, I’ve come to realize that over half of my classmates believe that sex between couples is perfectly acceptable if they are in a “long-term relationship.” This disappointed me. Even if you put aside the teachings of the Catholic Church on the matter, I see plenty of issues. For one thing, how would you define a “long-term relationship?” How long is long-term? How do you know you’re in love? Sure, on paper this is a fine choice. Maybe even an intelligent choice. But in trying to apply it to real life, where nothing (least of all relationships) can be defined by such simple terms, people get lost. You may think you love each other when it’s really one-sided. “Longterm” can mean anything from one month to five years.

High school is a time to figure out where you stand on important topics.

Sex in a relationship is one of them. By simply saying you’ll have sex once the relationship becomes long-term or once you’re in love, you aren’t being fair to yourself. You aren’t setting rules: you’re setting vague guidelines. As a stong, independent person, you owe it to yourself to remember how serious sex is and how serious the rules you apply to it must therefore be. Waiting until marriage isn’t something you do because it’s required. It’s agreeing to put the physical aspect of relationship aside until the deeper, emotional parts can be properly built around the two of you. And for this reaon, I hope that those of my classmates who are on the fence about the issue will wait.

Sincerely, Lori Nevole ’14

The Network received letters from sophomores in Mrs. Lori Spanbauer’s Church classes discussing their opinions on sex and relationships.

Share your views... Send us your opinions at netpaper@omahamarian.org

Quitting the Mantra

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Some things are worth plodding s a competitive college prep school, through. I wouldn’t advise quitting school, we need to define quitting. for example. Instead, I would suggest For our sanity. finding a new attitude. I love learning and We have all been there. Quitting piano want a college education! Ergo, quitting lessons, middle school soccer, dreams of high school doesn’t show up on my radar becoming an astronaut — it happens. as a valuable option.

America has such a competitive culture But if you can’t change your attitude, that quitting is not an option. Quitting then try to fix the problem. Go to the bears the stigma of failure and laziness. source.

In other words: never quit.

Complaining is That sounds a waste of breath unhealthy, just unless it’s directed like many other toward someone who familiar aspects of can fix it. Even then American society it should be phrased (looking at you, as a suggestion with fast food). supporting reason.

But do we If all else fails: have a point? Is quit. quitting really Just stop, and jumping ship? walk away.

Say you’re If you were playing the flute truly unhappy in but your lessons hannahgrace the situation, then the regret are interfering with your won’t last long. Remember that math grades, and your flute opportunity cost? Think of what teacher is unpleasant. Heck, new people and activities could fill that maybe you don’t even like the flute as much time and space in your life. as you once thought. In fact, as you slowly Sunk cost will always increase, realize, life is miserable. but opportunity cost only decreases.

Hold on a second, what about the money Therefore, which one is more valuable? paid to learn the flute and all of the time Sometimes people quit for the wrong spent practicing? A Freakonomics podcast reasons — fear, laziness, spite — and it throws out the term “sunk cost” to define shows. These actions create negative exactly that. The sunk cost deals with the emotions and true regret. past — all the energy and commitment American society treats all quitters given to a task up to the present moment. (except for quitters of smoking) as failed Sunk costs snag reluctant people into screw-ups. Never mind the knowledge keeping to the status quo. We do not one can collect from the failed hobby or believe in wasting anything, especially time relationship, if it didn’t work then it was and money. obviously a waste of time. Society gives Coincidentally, Freakonomics also perfectly reasonable quitters a sense of mentions another type of cost: opportunity false shame, when really, it takes courage cost. “It means that for every hour or dollar to internally read yourself and decide what you spend on one thing, you’re giving up is best. the opportunity to spend that hour or dollar When a ship is sinking, it’s best to on something else – something that might jump. Unless you’re the captain, then make your life better.” maybe not.

Grace Notes

opinion 5

Sophomore Celebrates Leap Year Birthday

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er chances: one in 1,500. off by about twenty-four days. birthday. “I get a few messages on because her birthday was “skipped.” like they had forgotten about my However, sophomore Andrea Having such a tricky birthday, both Feb. 28 and March 1,” Dai said.

“When I turned 8, my dad convinced birthday since it didn’t happen, but Dai seems to take being a Dai sometimes has trouble deciding Birthday coupons, unfortunately, do me that I actually was only 2. So, they had a surprise party for me leap year baby pretty lightly. While instead!” Dai said. when to celebrate her big day. not work the same way. that whole year if a family member she can bask in the glory of having “I usually prefer to celebrate “I only get them when it’s actually or anyone asked me how old I was, This leap year, Dai has a the rarest birth date in the world, she March 1, but sometimes my family my birthday. So hey, every four years I would literally just say 2... I finally milestone right ahead of her: her is forced to settle on the truth: it only just celebrates both days,” Dai said.

I get an ice cream cone from Runza got the hang of it when I was about sweet 16. She says that she plans to comes once every four years.

However, sometimes the rest of the or something,” Dai said.

9,” Dai said. have a birthday party.

A leap year occurs when there While Dai appreciates her rare However, this confusion “I’m not doing anything special, world does not receive the memo. are 366 days in a year, as opposed As Dai’s birthday technically does birthday today, she did not always sometimes worked out in her favor. probably just having a bunch of to the normal 365. According to not exist during non-Leap Years, feel this way. She admits being “One year when I was little it wasn’t people come over and have a party TimeandDate.com, leap years were a leap year. My family pretended at my house. My mom will probably Facebook does not announce her confused when she was younger introduced to make a cake society more than that says ‘4 2,000 years ago Years Old

by Julius Caesar.

Finally!’ or Leap years are something necessary in cheesy like order to keep the that,” Dai earth’s revolutions said. around the sun Dai is in order. In order particularly to travel around excited to get the sun once, the her driver’s earth must travel license. “When for 365.242 days.

I walk into the However, our DMV and they current calendar ask how old I only consists of am, I am going 365 days. If we to say 4,” Dai did not add Feb. said.

29 to the calendar

every four years, it would be off by The “four”-year-old. Dai officially turned 4 Have Your Cake and Eat It Too. Dai celBirthday Girl. Dai celebrates her fourth birthabout six hours. ebrates her first one-fourth birthday with her day with her family. Although she was celebratyears old on Feb. 29, 2012.

After around one ing her fourth birthday, she was technically only photo by catelinhotz hundred years, our own cake. She celebrates her birthday with her calendar would be whole family each year. reaching her first birthday. previous photos courtesy of Andrea Dai

Health Myths:

Myth #3: Eggs Make Your Hair Shine

Facts or Common

Misconceptions? katykohlmeyer

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Myth #1: Eating Carrots Improves Eyesight

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A connection between improved eyesight and eating carrots has been found. According to ophthalmologist Jill Koury, MD of Duke University, there is nothing magical about carrots alone; it is the Vitamin A in carrots that helps to maintain good vision.

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness and other eye problems.

However, if your diet already contains a sufficient amount of Vitamin A, eating an excessive amount of carrots will most likely not improve your vision.

Myth #2: Chocolate Causes Acne

Myth #4: It Takes Seven Years to Digest Gum

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It does not take seven years for your body to digest a piece of swallowed chewing gum. According to a gastroenterologist at the Duke University School of Medicine, “...nothing would reside that long, unless it was so large it couldn’t get out of the stomach or it was trapped in the intestine.” If you happen to swallow a piece of gum, there is no need to fret.

While scientists say that chewing gum is almost immune to the digestive functions, it will eventually get out of your system and you will live!

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st ed

No food on its own has been proven to cause acne. Many blame the fact that this sugary treat is laden with fat, causing oily skin.

However, many other foods also fit this description. In general, a diet full of sugar can cause an increase in blood sugar, triggering acne. A person’s diet is more likely the cause of acne breakouts rather than one individual food.

6 features

People have an average 120,000 to 150,000 strands of hair on their head. Most of your hair is composed of protein, so while it is important that you are eating right for your body, it will also benefit your hair. One large egg contains six grams of protein. Eating eggs helps sustain the healthiness of your hair and is proven to add some shine to it.

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While it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day, many say that it is not essential to gulp down eight glasses of water. This notion is said to have started when the Food and Nutrition board of the National Research Council recommended that a person drink one milliliter of water per calorie of food.

Many did not take into account that a lot of fluids are consumed throughout the day and are sufficient in hydrating the body. However, it is not harmful to drink eight glasses of water a day.

Myth #5: It is Necessary to Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day

graphic by rosalieplofchan & catelinhotz

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Famous Family Ties:

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Marian Girls Share Their Famous Family Histories

Simone Duryea

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ne phrase. “Git-R-Done!” Many easily know who started this phrase.

Some call him Dan Whitney, but most know him as “Larry the Cable Guy.” As a successful comedian, actor, musician, and radio personality, Whitney has come a long way since leaving his hometown of Pawnee City. Sophomore Simone Duryea recalls how she met her second cousin for the first time.

“I’ve met him one time at a Nebraska football game. He was sitting in the sky box, and I went up with my dad to visit him. I was only in sixth grade, so I was pretty shy,” Duryea said. Duryea learned she was related to Whitney when she was in fifth grade. “It was when the movie Cars came out.” For

both Disney films, Cars and Cars 2, Whitney got the role to be the voice of Mater, the tow truck.

Even though he is famous now, Duryea says it wasn’t always that way. “Since my dad and Larry are cousins, Larry used to come up and spend the summers on the farm with my dad and his brothers. They thought he was a weird kid, and would always pull pranks and ditch him,” Duryea said.

Once Whitney’s talents started getting noticed, Duryea said she remembers her father being fully supportive. “When he started doing his stand up acts at the Funny Bone, my dad was always in the audience watching.”

Since Whitney is busy with a career and a family of his own, Duryea says that they barely see him. “He doesn’t come to family get togethers, and we don’t keep in contact with him regularly. The last time my dad saw him was after a performance he gave in Omaha. After that performance my dad, uncle, and Larry all went out together, but that was seven years ago,” Duryea said.

Many benefits come from being related to a well known person, even though Duryea says she doesn’t get any special treatment.“The best part of being related to him is the fact that it’s a great conversation starter. Everyone loves him and thinks he’s really funny,” Duryea said.

Kenzie Buchanan

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reshman Kenzie Buchanan also has famous relations in her family. Her father, Mr. Shawn Buchanan played for the Chicago White Sox baseball team. He started playing in Little League, and since then, his future was destined to be bright.

Growing up, Buchanan did not know of her father’s reputation. “I learned about it when I was in second grade. At first I didn’t understand because I didn’t think that anyone from my family could be famous,” Buchanan said.

Mr. Shawn Buchanan played baseball for the University of Nebraska at Lincoln all four years. He was team captain for two years, he played the position of right field, and still has the record for the most triples in a season at the University. He was then drafted to play for the White Sox. Since he wanted to finish college, he took the offer to play for the team after graduation. Buchanan says her dad tells her stories all the time about his former teammates.

“My dad still has relationships with the other players. Sometimes we even go on

family vacations with them. He tells me that some of the guys are like his brothers; they are best friends.”

With her dad being on a well known team, Kenzie says they only received free tickets to a White Sox game one time.

“It’s not a regular thing.

We don’t get Strike a Pose. Kenzie’s dad, Shawn Buchanan, free tickets all of the models for his baseball time. We do card as an outfielder for get free gear the Chicago White Sox. and letters

Kathleen Bever

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echnology in the medical world is always changing. There are many significant instruments that have been discovered to treat patients and save lives.

Freshman Kathleen Bever’s family has had a major impact on the world of medicine today. Her great aunt’s brother, Paul Lauterbur, invented the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.

Lauterbur shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2003 for developing the way the MRI looks inside living organisms.

The MRI, according to medicinenet. com, is used to produce detailed images of body structures to determine abnormalities. It gives a clear look inside the human body without having to perform surgery and being cut open. It also avoids radiation of X-rays, which can be dangerous.

“I have never met him. I actually just found out about three years ago that I was related to him, so I never got the chance to meet him,” Bever said. Bever said she remembers the time when she first learned of him.

“I was in Illinois with my parents, and they mentioned him because there is an

engineering building named after him on the University of Illinois campus.” Lauterbur died in March 2007 of kidney disease. His contributions have enhanced the medical world, helping patients all over the world.

With an accomplishment like the invention of the MRI in her family history, Bever says that no one treats her differently.

“No one treats me differently because when I tell people about it, they don’t have any idea who he is, or they don’t believe me.

It’s just cool to know that I am somewhat related to the person who created the MRI.”

from the coach though,” Buchanan said.

Even though he retired in 1996 from the Chicago White Sox, Mr. Buchanan coaches baseball teams non-stop.

“He coaches for the Pacesetters and for USA baseball. He coached U15 and U16,” Buchanan said. Having a professional baseball player as a father, Buchanan received some special attention.

“He quit early because I was born, and because he got a great job offer as President of Nebraska Beef,” Buchanan said.

“People have treated me different before. I remember in seventh grade someone brought

in a baseball and wanted my dad to sign it.

I also brought in pictures to show everyone.”

Buchanan explains that having an athlete as a parent is the best part of it all. “My dad really knows how to give me great advice on anything.”

Mr. Buchanan has been involved in three main sports throughout his life. He played baseball, football, and basketball. “It came time for my dad to choose between football and baseball. Even though his favorite sport is football, baseball was a better suit for him.

He would get to play the sport longer, and he wouldn’t get hurt as easily.”

To this day, baseball is still a major part of the Buchanan family. “We attend the UNL Banquet and go to all of the CWS games,” Buchanan said. Kenzie even started to follow in her father’s footsteps when she started playing softball. “I used to play for the YMCA, and my dad was the coach. I liked it, but I eventually moved on to soccer. It’s just funny because whenever I come home and my dad is home before me, baseball is always playing on the TV,” Buchanan said.

photos by cassiephillips

Flashing Back to Marian’s Valentine’s Day War of the ellemostek

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ittle does the current student population know, 15 years ago, Valentine’s Day used to be an extra special day at Marian. The halls would be filled with squeals of delight from those lucky girls who received bouquets of flowers from their dear loved ones. These days, however, Marian is fairly quiet on the day of love.

English teacher, Ms. Connie Cavel, explained the holiday. “It started with a few boyfriends from various schools who sent flowers to their girlfriends here. Well, at first we started putting these bouquets in the office. It started small and then as more girlfriends said ‘Oh, well, so-and-so, my friend, got flowers from her boyfriend. What were YOU doing?’ The next year it grew, and the next year it grew until finally it got so big that we had to use an entire classroom.” That room is now the Marian Room, and according to Cavel, at the bouquet pandemonium’s peak, the room would be filled with 200-250 bouquets of flowers, many of which were roses. “You can imagine what it looked and smelled like. It was amazing,” Cavel adds with a chuckle.

In the beginning, the staff didn’t anticipate the madness. “When they first started arriving, the very first

year, students were your parents called to the office not to send to pick them up flowers here.’ whatever time of Still, a few day they arrived. showed up.

So, they carried Gradually, we them around all saw nothing,” day. Well, that got a Cavel said. little annoying. So, In past [the school] said, years, candy ‘Okay, we’re going grams have to hand them out at been sold the end of the day.’ and delivered There was a mad by the Latin rush after school Club, even if you got flowers. making They had to post a deliveries to list with the names boys at Prep. of the girls who Sadly, candy had gotten flowers grams were because it was so not sold this big,” Cavel said. year because The flowers the event was So Red. Roses like these once filled the Marian Room, bringing delight didn’t just come not organized. from girls’ endearing to some and bitterness to others. Deliveries are no longer accepted at Although boyfriends, though. Marian on Valentine’s Day. photo courtesy of Jane Fischer Marian’s “It grew from Valentine’s thing, but, ‘Oh, my parents didn’t boyfriends to parents who wanted to send me anything.’ ” Rumor has it Day tradition has since faded, a show their daughters ‘we love you,’ ” that girls even started buying flowers few Marian girls keep traditions of Cavel said. their own. “We have a lot of family for themselves for fear of being left There was love in the air, indeed, Valentine’s Day traditions! In the out. The event also had to be put to but some missed out on it. Cavel morning, my mom puts red food an end because the Marian Room explained, “We realized that there coloring in the milk of our cereal to became too small. were some girls whose feelings were “It sort of tapered off. We warned make it pink. Then at night we all do hurt, not necessarily the boyfriend fondue and open up a little present everybody, ‘Tell your boyfriends, tell

Roses

and get some flowers from my grammy,” junior Maggie Heim said.

Heim said that she did have a Valentine this year, but this admirer isn’t her first. “I can remember getting my first actual Valentine from a boy in fifth grade. He got me chocolate in the shape of a heart... looking back on it, I think it is hilarious!” Heim said.

Freshman Amber Bridgeford spent last year’s holiday a little differently than most. “Last year, none of my friends had Valentines, so they all came over to my house.

We had cheese roll-ups, ‘ChocoLatte Tea’ (chocolate milk), and red Kool-Aid in wine glasses. We turned on the radio to the classical channel and rocked out.”

Bridgeford’s Valentine’s Day was different this year, though; she had a Valentine. “We hung out in his basement with his little brother and sister, and he tried to teach me how to play Black Ops... but I’m REALLY bad at it. Then he walked me home,” Bridgeford says.

As for rekindling the Valentine tradition at Marian? “I think it would make the day so much more exciting. I can understand why they don’t do it anymore, but I think it would be adorable to start doing it again,” Heim said.

features 7

Minorities

Living in the Shad

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iving in the melting pot that is the United States of America, one encounters many different minorities throughout his or her day. Besides the usual religious and racial minorities, there are many others.

Age, social class, and gender qualify as minorities, even in the confines of Marian High School. You could be a part of a minority you didn’t even know existed!

Obviously, we have a male minority at Marian, but have you ever thought about how they feel about being that minority?

What about outside of Marian?

Many girls can be considered a part of a minority in their workplace. Whether it be age or gender, both present their own difficulties. Being the only youngest, oldest, or female in a work environment can be a difficult yet sometimes rewarding challenge.

Many girls are a minority in their own neighborhoods.

Living in a neighborhood that is mostly home to people of a certain age or race can be an experience for anyone who doesn’t belong to cartoon by marylouisewoltemath the same group.

Religion plays a big role at Marian, it’s like to suddenly and temporarily be thrown but have you ever put yourself in the shoes of into a situation where you find that you’re a someone who believed something different from lesser part of the whole. Take college for example. the majority of the other students? Religion is a When we go off on our college adventures, we very important trait that creates minorities and might be part of a minority of girls who went to majorities of which many different people in the school without any boys.

United States can identify with.

Being part of a minority can give you a chance Even if you can’t qualify yourself as a part of to step back and look at the bigger picture. Even any of these minorities, you probably know what if you are only thrown into it for a short time,

Fifteen

Students Expe gabriellamartinez-garro

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igh school. A time for fr homework, and new exp most teens, one of these includes venturing out into the w the first time.

Many high school students ch youth-friendly establishments su and restaurants. Others, however themselves in unique situations w much older than themselves.

Junior Ellen Juracek, a lifegua the employee minority at Montcl Center. “There is one other junio two or three seniors, but the maj college,” Juracek said. “The few y tend to stick together, and the co together.”

Senior Mikayla Brohman also as a minority at her job. Unlike Ju Brohman has no other co-worke “I work at Methodist Physicia

Diversity

Freshman Feel trinitygleason

it could help you to be a stronger and more confident person. So be yourself and be unique because in the end you’re going to be glad you didn’t go with the flow of everyone else.

We could all probably classify ourselves as part of a minority in school, our jobs, or even our families, but one thing is for sure: we all fit together perfectly in this big, colorful world!

Crossing Religious Lines hannahgrace

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8 indepth

Protestant Seniors Experience Mass Among Catholics

lthough Marian is a Catholic school, it does not require students to be Catholic, Christian or to have a religion at all.

According to this month’s Network survey, 19 percent of the 180 students who responded to the survey said they practiced a religion other than Catholicism. The Marian community accepts all backgrounds, including religious, in such a way that no one estranges anyone else for differences in belief.

In this environment, everyone is religiously tolerant of each other. Problems relating to religion just don’t arise.

Anyone can be a religious minority and no one would notice in ordinary circumstances.

Senior Christina Reyelts is a Lutheran.

Specifically, she is a member of the LCMS, otherwise known as Conservative Lutheranism.

Reyelts says that most of the Catholic traditions initially surprised her, but at this point she is unfazed.

“At my church, we don’t make the Sign of the Cross, so the first Mass I went to at Marian, everyone did the Sign of the Cross. It kind of freaked me out at first, but I’m used to it now,” Reyelts said.

Another senior, Katie Schaenzer, is Presbyterian. She also found herself a religious minority when she transferred to Marian. “I have always been confused when the priest says, ‘A reading from …’ and then everyone proceeds to say ‘glory be to the father’ while rubbing their chins and foreheads. To this day, I really don’t know what that means or depicts,” Schaenzer said.

Attending a Catholic school as a non-Catholic, Reyelts, Schaenzer, and other girls fully realize their minority status at all-school Masses.

“Brownell-Talbot is a religious school, but it is not associated with any one specific religion.

We did have ‘church services’ every Tuesday morning, but it was not anything too religious so I participated each Tuesday. It feels quite different

because before Marian, I had never been to an official Mass before. I was super uncomfortable at the first Mass because I did not know what was going on. I just watched everyone,” Schaenzer said.

“I used to feel excluded at Mass because if you’re not Catholic, you don’t go up for Communion, so I’d be one of the few people who would still be sitting in the bleachers while everyone else went to Communion. It used to be really awkward, but I got used to it so it doesn’t bother me anymore,” Reyelts said.

Though most of these experiences are unavoidable in a religious institution, Marian celebrates diversity through its IDEAS club, in other club activities and in the classroom.

Many can find themselves a religious minority in one place or another; regardless of whether they’re in a large group of fellow believers or surrounded by people with unique practices.

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nyone who has lived in th greater Omaha area know that Omaha is a diverse city. More than 500,000 people liv in this city. The U.S. Census show that there are five specific races: Caucasian, African-American, Asian, American Indian, Native Hawaiian; totaling 472,000 people Another 44,000 people in Omaha consider themselves to be of two more races.

With the racial variety Omaha seems to have achieved, one woul believe that no one person feels li a minority. Think again.

Freshman Jordan Leeds know that things are not always as they seem. Leeds may be one of 60,000 Hispanics in Omaha, but when she comes home to her Deer Ridg neighborhood, she is one of four Hispanics, all of whom are in her family.

In the comfort of her home, sh has gone from being a prominent part of society to feeling secluded Beyond her dad, two brothers, an herself, the rest of her neighbors a white.

“It’s very weird but I guess I ha been used to it,” Leeds said. “I’ve lived in Deer Ridge since I was 1.”

Compared to her family, Leed said she finds her white neighbor to be “more organized and neat.”

Even though her neighbors ar organized and neat, Leeds said she believes that her neighbors ar slightly prejudiced against her an her family. “They call the cops on us for no reason at all, [especially

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was anything else I could do. I definitely feel like I don’t do my fair share, but my co-workers are pretty nice about it.”

Especially when it comes to technology, hiring youth does have its advantages. “Because of the older age [of my co-workers], they are not as tech-savvy. They ask questions like how to attach a file to an email and other things with the computer,” Brohman said.

As for Juracek, she finds that the greatest advantage in working alongside older associates is found in life lessons. “I enjoy working where I work. It’s kind of awkward; I’m not in that stage of life like they are, but if I have a question about life, they know it, especially when it comes to college,” Juracek said.

With time, the age gap between these girls and their fellow employees will close. They will eventually join the majority of America’s workforce, but their unique perspective of life as an age-related minority will set them apart.

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90th and Dodge. I work in the office, where I handle faxing and scanning into computers. The average age of my co-workers is probably 30 or older,” Brohman said. “It gets kind of awkward and there’s nothing to talk about. We just scan in silence and we always listen to “oldies.” It’s so cute. Everyone talks about their kids and their grandchildren and I’m like yeah, so, my cousins...”

Brohman said.

Being part of a minority can, at times, have its disadvantages. When it comes to the workplace, younger employees often cannot perform the same tasks.

“I am not allowed to put in sodium bicarb, a chemical we use for the pool, because I am not old enough. There’s also a pump room where you control the chlorine zone but you have to be 18 to use it. At the front desk, I cannot fill out the renter form to rent out the pool or gym because you have to be 18 as well,” Juracek said. “This summer, I’d be standing awkwardly asking if there

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around holidays,” Leeds said. have specifically talked about her Such an incident happened to and her family behind their backs.

Leeds and her family on the last “I personally haven’t heard them Fourth of July. “My neighbors called talk about us, but my parents have,” the cops on us for lighting off fireworks because I was 14, but my other neighbors had 6 or 7-year-olds lighting fireworks off.

Yet they were taking pictures of me and reported us,” Leeds said.

Even her parents’ kindness gets thrown back in their faces.

It was the winter of 2010 and snow was plentiful.

“My parents hired a snow contractor to plow our streets and our neighbors sued us for ‘piling snow into everyone’s driveways.’

The cops came to our house to serve my parents but let the charges go because they thought it was stupid to sue,” Leeds said.

The ill treatment by her neighbors makes Leeds feel uncomfortable in graphic by trinitygleason a place where she should be the most Leeds said. “My parents tell me to accepted. While most neighbors be careful outside. They don’t want gossip every now and then, Leeds neighbors to see me go into their said she believes that her neighbors yards or driveways if I’m playing.”

The treatment Leeds receives by her neighbors has affected her greatly.

“I’m nervous of how people will treat me because of how my neighbors have treated me,” Leeds said. “I don’t know if they’ll judge me on what I do.”

Leeds sometimes wishes that her family wasn’t the only Hispanic family in her neighborhood. She realizes that things would be much easier to deal with if she lived in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood rather than in a white neighborhood. Her parents have even considered moving.

“I like where I live because it’s a better part of town, but if South Omaha was a better place, we probably would move down there,” Leeds said.

“They bring up my race if they can’t think of something to make fun of me. I feel like that’s something they can always hold against me. A lot of construction workers are Mexican, so people will tell me to go build stuff. I feel that people don’t get that not all Hispanic people are illegal or even from Mexico. They just think we are all the same,” Leeds said.

Some people are still living in the past with old prejudices despite Omaha’s efforts to become a modern city. No matter where one lives, some group may be a minority. The goal is to never have that group be treated as such.

This is a Woman’s World Bauer Plays Role in Marian’s Female-Dominated Community clancynelson

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he concept of being part of a minority group can be looked at in ways less obvious than the usual race or religious minorities. At Marian, male faculty and staff members are significantly outnumbered by the females in the building, thus making men the minority group. Spanish teacher Mr. Andrew Bauer can attest to being a part of the greatly outnumbered male minority, and how it can be slightly shocking at first.

“I was nervous that I’d walk into a room of slightly ditzy, texting girls, saying ‘oh my god,’ ” Bauer said. “Needless to say, Marian girls have proved that stereotype to be very, very far from the truth.”

After the initial introduction to the teenage girl world, Bauer felt comfortable being part of the Marian community. “Was it a slight adjustment? Sure, but it’s really not that bad; you just adjust,” Bauer said.

And now, he is thankful for his job at an all-girls high school. “I think that I really appreciate my job more and more. Marian students are more mature than their male peers- a testament both to biology and their character. This has made me grateful for teaching here. I’ve also lost that nervous first-year teacher/first year at an all-girls school feeling I had before I started,” Bauer said.

As anyone in the Marian community, male or female, can say, Marian is a very welcoming place. Minority groups of any kind are not labeled as outsiders. “It’s a shame, because the general population doesn’t see what I get to see on a daily basis...a school full of intelligent young women,” Bauer said.

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Senior’s Wise Decision Leads to

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he’s a rebel. You may recognize her by her bright orange hair, though naturally blonde, in the hallways. Maybe you hear her giving her opinionated views in class. Perhaps you’ve seen her on the weekends and wondered, “Who’s that girl wearing lace pants?”

Her flamboyant personality and defying spirit have gotten senior Lizzie* into some trouble in past years. However, she won’t be labeled a trouble maker upon graduating. She’s trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

“I’m working on being happy all the time. I want to make myself happy. I don’t need a substance to do it for me,” Lizzie said.

She wants people to learn from her example and know, “You don’t have to be super high or wasted (under the influence) to have fun...I don’t.”

At first, her decision was difficult to maintain. Temptation made its appearances when she was among her friends, who were still living her old lifestyle.

“I still hang out with my old friends, but it was hard at first because they haven’t changed like I have,” Lizzie said.

The desire to stick with her decision strengthened when she witnessed the effects of poor choices. “People should know that they look really dumb when they make bad decisions. I don’t ever again want to look like that,” Lizzie said.

At senior retreat, Lizzie branched out and connected with people she wishes she would’ve gotten to know sooner. On the weekends, she doesn’t go out all the time.

She goes to parties and hangs out with friends, but, she also bakes and attends house shows. House shows are like small scale concerts in peoples’ houses where a small band entertains. She likes hanging out with her parents sometimes, too.

So much has changed in Lizzie, but her brightest characteristics have remained.

Her strong personality that got her into trouble is shining through in perseverance as she takes a new view at her life.

Lizzie’s good choices and catching personality will get her far. “I am outgoing, enthusiastic, a light amid the darkness. Oh, and put down I’m funny too...and pretty!”

In a way, she’s still a rebel. She’s overcoming her past, rebelling against her previous life. You’ll probably hear her talking a little too loud in the library, or see her sprint down a hallway for no reason in particular. But know that she is truly happy. *Lizzie’s last name is being omitted.

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Young, Wild and Free

Growing Trend of Drug and Alcohol Use Among Teens Addressed by New Club Charter trinitygleason & torinietzel

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ociety seems to be of two extremes acknowledging that teens are continuousl y inebriated, or keeping their blinders on and denying the fact that teens even know the words “drugs” or “alcohol.”

The fact is, teenagers are completely aware of the drugs and alcohol that surround them.

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug among American youth, and the American Academy of Pediatrics found that more than 4 million teens drink alcohol in any given month.

In a Network survey of 179 students, 79 percent believe that the statistic of “64 percent of all high school seniors say that they have been drunk at least once,” is true. Another 78 percent agree that “26 percent of all 12th graders reported using an illicit drug in the past month.”

Ms. Katey Hancock, Director of Public Relations at Marian, has decided to start a Marian Above the Influence chapter, originally created by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

“The goal of the club is to educate teens about the dangers of underage drinking, while providing support for teens coping with alcoholic family members or their own alcohol or drug related issues,” Hancock said. “Starting an Above the Influence club chapter at Marian is a proactive way to educate students on the importance of making healthy life choices early on,” Hancock added.

“Teenagers want to do [drugs and alcohol] because other people are doing it, and they want to feel included,” senior Liz Meister said.

Artist Wiz Khalifa and his song “Young, Wild, and Free” has joined the ranks of music icons such as Snoop Dogg and Afroman, idolizing the act of getting high and drunk.

“Teenagers are getting high and drunk to feel rebellious, I think,” senior Kaitlin Bacon said. “It’s probably more of an adrenaline rush as a teenager than as an adult because it’s illegal for teens,” Bacon added.

The drug and alcohol use among teens can be avoided; however, is it better to ignore the problem or address it?

“Addressing the issue head-on acknowledges that the problem exists in high schools today, and Marian wants to provide support and prevention education for its students. The goal of the club is to educate teens about the dangers of underage drinking, while providing support for teens coping with drug and alcohol-related issues,” Hancock

Similar and more extreme to bath salts is said. Any interested student may join the club, Krokodil, a popular injection designer drug in no matter her background or experience with Europe. People who use Krokodil on a regular drugs and alcohol. basis won’t survive past three years. Reason for “The more aware you are of the influences death: rotting. around you, the better prepared you will be to The drug has similar effects to that of heroin; face them, including the pressure to use drugs, however, it is cheaper and easier to make. pills, and alcohol,” Hancock added.

The drug is a mix of gasoline, paint thinner, Never has there been a better time to hydrochloric acid, iodine and red phosphorous, prepare oneself against the extreme lengths which users scrape from the striking pads people are going through to get their next high on matchboxes. At the injection site, the skin or buzz. becomes greenish and scaly, like a crocodile’s, as Even though soaking tampons and gummy blood vessels burst and the surrounding tissue bears in vodka has been around for awhile, dies or rots away. they are steadily gaining popularity.

“The risks clearly outweigh the high you “The fact that someone would go to such would get,” Bacon said. an extreme measure to consume alcohol is While its popularity is mainly in eastern appalling. I think it’s ridiculous that people Europe, it is expected to our age try so hard to move westward. get drunk,” freshman The ways to get high Susie Baca said. and drunk become more “I think it’s a inventive as the drugs and sneaky way to have alcohol evolve. Staying drugs and alcohol in educated on drugs and your system, but also alcohol is the catalyst for a very dangerous way. the actions of the Above the I would never think to Influence chapter. use any of those items “The more aware to get alcohol into my [students] are of the system. I was really influences around them, shocked and kind the better prepared they of disgusted,” junior will be to stand up to them, Madi Marasco said. including the pressure to “I’ve heard of use drugs and alcohol,” tampons and gummy bears soaked in vodka abovetheinfluence.com Hancock said.

Along with educating before, but I would students on drugs and alcohol, the club never do it. It sounds gross and dangerous,” also wants to promote healthy lifestyles and sophomore Amalia Hansen added. substance-free events for the student body, Drugs are just as common as alcohol in such as dances. Be sure to keep listening to the teenage world. One drug that is climbing announcements and reading the daily bulletin the ladder? Bath salts. Though they come in a to find out when these events and meetings will crystal form like that of traditional bath salts, be held. they differ in one crucial way: they are used as The world is full of influences, both positive recreational drugs and are snorted, injected, or and negative. The more educated you are as a smoked. They are a chemically designed drug person, the better prepared you will be for the that cause agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, real world. and chest pains. People under the influence of “Our goal is to help teens stand up to negative bath salts become a suicide risk, and suicides pressures and influences. We want teens to live are very common among bath salt users.

Above the Influence. The more aware they are of These products have been reported to trigger the influences around them, the better prepared addictions similar to those experienced by they will be to stand up to them, including the methamphetamine users. pressure to use drugs and alcohol. It’s not about “I’m surprised about the bath salts. I telling teens how to live their lives, but rather thought they were just things to make your providing them with the latest facts so they can bath fizzy,” Hansen said. make smart decisions,” Hancock said.

“Above the Influence.

It’s a state of mind.

It’s about being yourself and not letting negative influence get to you. Pressure to drink, do drugs or do anything that goes against who you are in order to fit in - that’s negative influence.”

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Get to Know:

Above the Influence Club Open to: Any student who is interested in learning about and resisting the “pressures of negative influences” History: Began nationally in 1995 by the Office of National Drug Control Policy Moderator: Ms. Katey Hancock, Director of Public Relations For More Information: abovetheinfluence.com

More Opportunites Alter Popularity of Sisterhood

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ptions. Looking into our futures as young women 1996, said. Many young adults of this generation find careers at Marian, we have lots of options. Doctor, lawyer, to focus on for a few years and then move on to the next big meteorologist, police officer, athlete, psychologist, real thing in their life. Devoting the entirety of one’s life to a certain estate agent, accountant, architect, mechanic, engineer, reporter, vocation is a difficult step for many to take. judge, firefighter, pharmacist, veterinarian; the list goes on and Another aspect that has evolved is the peer support. It on. Back in the 1960’s, there were approximately five options for would be difficult for a young woman today to find many, or a young woman: teacher, nurse, secretary, mother, or religious any, companions contemplating religious life. Any insecurities life. would be difficult to deal with alone, making the choice even In today’s world of constant change and evolution, it is harder for girls today. difficult for young men and women “A lot of people think it’s to make lifelong commitments. weird giving your whole life Options for Women After High Lifelong commitments span to God, but I think that would School Graduation beyond just marriage and into be so great,” Sally ’14 said. religious institutions. Catholic *Editorial Note: Sally is not engineer News Service reported, “According her real name, but she agreed er y to official church statistics, from to speak to the Network if her w y r la doctor 1978 to 2005. . .the sharpest drop name could be changed. Sally’s ta business e r o w n c e r was in the number of women discomfort or fear of peer nun se CEO r religious, which went from 985,000 reaction points to the problem nurs ie cer e to 783,000.” The number of young that many young people face d i women making the decision to join with making or verbalizing a teacher sol off st e i religious orders is dwindling. This desire to consider this vocation. l c mom li na o has also been true for the Servants Sally has been contemplating r p u of Mary. religious life for a few years. jo There are 84 Servants of Mary “There are times when I am in the United States at this time. sure, but then later I think Though there are not any young ‘No, I can’t.’” Sally first began graphic by rosalieplofchan women in the process of becoming considering joining a Nebraska a vowed member of the Servants of Mary, many people do not community of Sisters a few years ago, but looked at the idea realize the significance of association in the community. An more seriously after she spent last summer at the Steubenville associate can be married or unmarried, male or female, who youth conference. resonates with the charism of compassion. The Servite Associate Sally spent time with many Sisters on her way to the Catholic Membership pamphlet defines this vocation: “An associate has a Youth Conference. “They are so happy. Some work in medicine desire to connect with the community, to deepen his or her own or are nurses, and I think I could actually definitely do that,” expression of compassionate presence and invests in personal Sally said. However, the idea of getting married is still lingering. and spiritual growth.” There are 70 active associates at this time, “Being married would be nice,” Sally said. almost as many associates as there are Sisters.

The Servants of Mary contemplate what the future of the Association still requires a year of orientation but provides order looks like. “The bottom line is, maybe we aren’t going a means for lay people to become more deeply connected in to continue growing,” Sr. Joan said. “Religious life has evolved their faith without the lifelong commitment. The options and like any living thing. Maybe we need to explore other ways of opportunities for lay people have grown dramatically since membership in the Servite order.”

Vatican II; now one does not need to be a priest, nun, or sister to Though the future is unclear, Sr. Joan is not afraid of the teach or work at a Catholic school or parish, as it once was. charism losing steam. She witnesses daily teachers and students “Permanent commitments aren’t as popular nowadays,” at Marian continuing to live out the core values that the Sisters Sister Joan Houtekier, OSM, Vocation Director from 1990 to hold dear.

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Don’t Fear the Fuzz

Daughters of Officers Share Views on Criticizing Police gabriellamartinez-garro

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eenagers bear the unfortunate burden of angst. For some, most children of officers, Frodyma says that her upbringing has the only way to remove the angst from their system been unique. is to rebel; rebel against parents, against society, and “You can definitely walk into a store and if you see a cop above all, against the law. Unfortunately for the Omaha Police you can just wave and they recognize you because of who your Department, and departments elsewhere, the depiction of “The parents are. There’s another officer that recognizes me at dances, Man” has been visualized in that of a police officer. and if I need to call my dad to pick me up and I don’t have my Though it is easy to place blame upon authority, it’s hard phone, I can just ask the police officer. It’s almost like a huge to disregard some of the stories we have heard about officers family because all of the cops know you,” Frodyma said. treating others unfairly or abusing their power. Although Junior Kayla Celello can empathize with Frodyma. “My dad freshman Kayla Young has a positive view of law enforcement, has been a detective in Anaheim, California for 14 years and she said that she has heard some outlandish stories. my step-mom has been an officer in Glendora, California for 12 “Apparently there was a police officer who coached his son years,” Celello said. on a little league baseball team. There was a really close play at When it comes to negative comments about police officers, first base involving the officer’s son, and the people must remember that these men umpire called his son out. Then, the umpire and women are fathers, mothers, sisters, or It just infuriates and the police officer started arguing about brothers. Though they do possess the power it and the police officer was kicked out of the me because the and responsibility to uphold the law, most of game. He was so mad that he went home, put people [who say these officers are simply trying to protect us. on his uniform and badge, drove back to the “In my Spanish class some girls said park, and gave the umpire a ticket when he negative things that cops don’t even follow their own laws. was heading home from the game,” Young about officers] don’t They just eat doughnuts and speed. It’s just said. stereotype and it bothers me. Some people As easy as it is for the negative stories to know the reality of athink that they don’t even do anything, that stick out in people’s minds, the number of affirmative reports cannot be overlooked. having a parent or they just sit in a cruiser at night, but from 10 p.m. to about 3 a.m. there are always fights Sophomore Anastasia Zuerlein retells one of parents as cops,” and murders. It just infuriates me because these reports. the people [who say negative things about “I was in sixth grade and it was about 3 in -sophomore officers] don’t know the reality of having a the morning. This guy was speeding around Morgan Frodyma parent or parents as cops,” Frodyma said. the corner and I guess he lost control and Cellelo has a similar view on negative went into our yard. He hit right next to my thoughts about her parents’ profession. parent’s bedroom, so it was really loud. When “When I hear girls talk negatively about my dad heard this, he got up and ran outside to see if the guy officers I usually just ignore it because obviously they don’t was alright. know how officers are at home. They are simply doing their job,” The car had hit this huge pole from our Halloween Cellelo said. decorations so he couldn’t turn the wheels or drive backwards.

“These cops have families, obviously they are just doing their So he got out of the car, he was a big, tall, African-American job and they are just trying to get home at the end of the night. guy, and my dad ran back inside because he didn’t know if they Cops risk their lives every day to keep tons of people safe and guy had a gun or would hurt him. Then the guy ran down the even though they do this, people still talk bad about them. They sidewalk, and he was gone. We later found out the car was his are trying to save people from gangs, to save them from car girlfriend’s and it was totaled. The cops were really nice [took accidents, to save them from drugs,” Frodyma said. care of the situation] and calmed us down,” Zuerlein recalls.

Sophomore Morgan Frodyma also has a positive view on Though officers may never be able to shake the stereotype police officers. However, her view on officers is different than and negative connotation that often comes with authority, it is most. “My dad, Chad Frodyma, works in North Omaha as a always positive to acknowledge the hard work and danger the street cop. He’s been a cop for 10 years now,” Frodyma said. Like police department goes through to uphold order in our city.

Available at a Computer Near You: Sophomore’s Fan-Fiction Goes Viral

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ver dream of becoming an author?

Ever wonder what it would be like to have 14,000 people read and respond Sophomore Lizzie Erftmier to your own stories?

Sophomore Lizzie Erftmier lives this dream. Erftmier has created a fan fiction story that has created a riot in the tumblr world - A World Of Differences. “It was Oct. 28 when I started the book; I just came up with the idea and started writing the first two chapters. I’m a big fan of One Direction; my friend introduced me to them back in the summer,” Erftmier said. The plot line centers around a girl from Omaha who meets the band, One Direction, on her plane ride to London. “I can’t say much else without giving it away! People should just read it,” Erftmier said.

You can read this fan fiction beauty on tumblr, fanfiction. net, or onedirectiononline.com/fanfiction. However, the Network staff would like to display some of Erftmier’s talent: here is part of the first chapter right at your fingertips. . . maha, Nebraska might just win the award for “world’s most boring place.” The town of five-hundred thousand is said to be “the heart of America”, but to me the town is a dead beat. I don’t actually hate my hometown. It’s been good to me for the last eighteen years, but when my parents said they would pay for me to study abroad over in the UK; I quickly jumped on their offer. My name is Charlotte McDermott and I am escaping America.

It was early Tuesday morning when my alarm woke me from my slumber. Yawning, I slapped the off button and headed for the bathroom. After straightening my dirty blonde hair, I slipped into my closet and pulled on my favorite pair of jean shorts. I slid a silver belt through the loops on my shorts. Tossing on a silver camisole, I topped it with a white crop top that had a giant black heart on it.

I slipped on my favorite pair of flip flops, and after putting on my natural looking make up, I zipped my suitcase, grabbed my purse and carry-on and headed downstairs.

It was seven o’clock in the morning, yet the kitchen of my parents’ house was buzzing with excitement. My two little sisters were chasing my little brother in circles around the table. On the sofa sat my two absolute best friends Meghan and Sophia who got up to give me a hug when I walked into the room. After a wonderful waffle breakfast, my family headed to the airport in their car while Megan and I rode down with Sophia in her car.

Standing in Epply airport in front of the security check, I faced my fate. I gave my siblings hugs and kisses and told them to be good for my parents. My mom gave me a giant hug and kiss. After a twenty minute lecture on staying safe and making good choices my dad pulled me aside and told me to have fun but not too much fun. But have fun. Then they backed away so I could say goodbye to my friends.

Tearing up, I realized how hard moving to London would be. I would have to completely start over.

Only a few weeks prior had I broken up with my boyfriends of a year and a half. Now I was losing, well not really but it felt like it, my two best friends.

“Have a great time! Call me every day!” Megan gave me a tight hug. “Hey, maybe you’ll get lucky and sit next to a hot Brit on the plane ride there.”

I laughed, “Meg, when has luck ever been in my favor?”

She chuckled as well. “You are living your dream girl. Luck is on your side from the moment your parents said they’d let you go to London.”

I smiled thankfully for her optimism.

Sophia pulled me into a hug next, “Have a fabulous time, and bring me back a hot British guy.

That’s what I want for Christmas!”

Embracing her hug, I laughed into her shoulder trying to ease the pain of leaving. “I won’t tell Jake you said that.”

She winked at me. Both she and I knew that her boyfriend would do nothing but roll his eyes at Sophia’s obsession with accents.

I waved goodbye one last time, and before I knew it they were out of sight.

photo by taylorhaag

Broadening the Spectrum

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Tryout Troubles?

. . . It’s Worth a Shot

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he participated in soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, swimming, and tennis.

Does this girl remind you of anyone? If you are the average Marian girl, she should.

She may remind you of your former self, back in grade school, when you could play any sport by signing up at the YMCA or your school.

When eighth graders retire and take the leap into high school, few continue their multisport careers. This could have to do with lack of interest and time, but some students drop sports altogether, for another reason.

At Marian, a reportedly very competitive, athletic school, there is a stigma that it’s nearly impossible to make a sports team. However, it really isn;t as hard as it seems!

When trying out for a sport, the main thing to remember is that you don’t have to be the best at everything or make the best team. Girls can have just as much fun and competition playing on the freshman, reserve, or JV teams as on Varsity.

“Freshman year I was really nervous and didn’t think I was going to make volleyball because Marian’s pretty competitive,” senior Emma Huerter said. “I made reserve freshman and sophomore year and played basketball until junior year.”

Freshman Amy Hasenjager had similar feelings about her basketball try-out. “I was really nervous because I’m a freshman and it’s a lot different from trying out in grade school, where you automatically make a team.

But I ended up making the freshman team!”

Hasenjager said.

When deciding whether or not to try out, remember that there are many opportunities at Marian. If one sport doesn’t work out, try another. Senior Cassie Thompson can attest to this. “I tried out for volleyball freshman year and didn’t make it. I was crushed. But I decided to keep trying and I made the freshman basketball team. I eventually decided to pursue music, but it was a great experience,” Thompson said.

Other options at Marian include cross country and track, sports that don’t involve a try-out. Junior Nyoke Dumba has had a great experience running on the track team.

“The track team actually has a really big sense of family, even though you wouldn’t think it because it’s so divided. Mr. Golka and Mr. Wright do a great job keeping us united,” Dumba said.

Another misconception about these sports is that members can join and quit like a revolving door. “Even though there are no specific try-outs or cuts, there comes a time when the team is set and we hope that members are committed. There is the individual component to cross country and track, but we strive for and highlight the team aspect,” cross country and track coach Mr. Greg Golka said.

So when deciding whether or not to try out for a sport, you might as well. Staying active will help you stay in shape, nurture your competitive spirit, and help you gain leadership and teamwork skills. When you try out there is a big chance you will make it, and if you don’t, there are always other, just as fun, alternatives.

Kick it Up a Notch. Senior Sarah Singer teaches the Creighton Prep senior boys the proper technique for a kick line as they learn their routine to be performed along with the Marian High School Dance Team seniors for the annual tradition “Couple’s Dance” at Creighton Prep.

Couple’s Dance

Swing Your Partner ’Round.

Senior Katie Scheer holds tightly to her partner, senior Sam Carlisle, as they perform one of the routine’s tricks.

Carlisle said they “worked great together” and “had great chemistry.”

Throw Your Hands Up in the Air. The Couple’s Dance Team, led by Marian Dance Team coach Mrs. Michelle Delisi, goes in for a final huddle before their performance on Feb. 10 during half time at a Creighton Prep basketball game. After several months of practicing, the team had a successful performance.

Spectators said the team appeared to be consistent and well-prepared. photos by nicolewojtalewicz

graphics by nicolewojtalewicz

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ive up a cookie for 70 calories. Give up a yummy breadstick for 90 calories. Split a pool of your colleagues’ money by losing the most weight and spending the most time on the treadmill...sounds like a win-win deal!

This year, Marian staff members are kissing bad habits goodbye in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles. The most intriguing activities so far are Marian’s very own “The Biggest Loser” competition, to promote healthy weight loss, and a Healthy Hearts competition, to promote exercise.

Teams are composed of teachers who have taken vows, until that extra pound do they part, to lose the most weight and earn some cash.

With both health awareness programs in action, Marian’s staff is shooting for success. In the Healthy Hearts competition, The Thighsman Trophy Winners are in the lead with 145 hours and 35 minutes of exercise. The team consists of Mr. Tom Baker, Mrs. Mary Baker, Mrs. Kacie Lindeman, and Mrs. Sharon Genoways.

“Lindeman was our weakest link for a week, then she kicked it up a notch finally,” Genoways said. The team Skinny Little Liars, of Healthy Hearts, is in third place with 121 hours and 51 minutes of exercise. The team consists of Mrs. Karen Brown, Mrs. Donna Broekemeier, Ms. Maria Hahn, and Mrs. Kim Remmick. They may be the answer to the mysterious treats winding up in competition’s rooms.

The leading team for “The Biggest Loser” is Charlie Sheen’s Weight Loss Program, with Spanish teacher Mr. Andrew Bauer as captain. The team is made up of Mr. Jeffrey ‘chocolate cake is my enemy’ Hacker, Mr. Luke ‘the force is with you’ Ostrander, Mr. Jim Miller, and Bauer himself.

12 active life

“Motivation for our team is all about the wholesome lifestyles we want to lead. Ha! To be honest, it’s a mix of money, pride, and competition,” Bauer said.

The business office’s Mrs. Shari Reynolds has been the leader spreading the word and organizing the staff ’s health meetings. It all started with a wellness program in connection with the Marian faculty’s insurance providers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Stemming from there, the staff wellness programs at Marian were created.

“The Biggest Loser is promoting weight loss and Healthy Hearts is for more exercise,” Reynolds said. Mrs. Susan Juza and Mr. Shawn Gray are running both programs with almost every member of the staff participating.

“The Biggest Loser” and Healthy Hearts are making an impact physically and emotionally as the staff bonds amid the healthy competition.

“I have been scolded more than once for not having enough exercise minutes. I have also seen quite a bit of ‘sabotage’ going on.... desserts being sent to various rooms,” Genoways said. Watching out for lemon bars and brownies, the teams make sure they meet their goals for weekly weigh-ins.

Weekly weigh-ins consist of each team getting on the scale together to see their weekly progress.

The team who has lost the most weight overall becomes the leading team. Each team has their own strategies for making sure the scale doesn’t distort their team’s results. “I try to weigh-in early in the morning so my stomach is empty,” Ostrander said.

With close knit teams of four and five, it’s not hard to find motivation. “It’s easier to be motivated when you think of how your team is depending on you to do your part,” Mrs. Beth Shanahan said.

Each staff member gave Shanahan, “The Banker,” $10 to create the jackpot for the winning team.

“Money is on the line and we’re getting vicious,” Ms. Megan Piernicky said. Piernicky’s team for “The Biggest Loser” is called MARSS, pronounced like the planet with an extra “s”. The team’s motto is “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Now, there are some staff members who have lost weight and have been tempted by Mr. Tom Baker’s attempts of sabotage.

“Hacker is still losing weight, despite the frequent lapses and giving into Baker’s frequent dispatches of chocolate cake and puppy chow,” Bauer said. Some teachers have been dramatically losing weight as well as making complete physical, mental, and emotional transformations.

One of the most dominant self-motivated staff members is Genoways. “I have been going to Weight Watchers for about a year and a half and have lost quite a bit but I need to lose 30 more. Since I was basically doing the program anyway, having a monetary bonus was a great incentive,” Genoways said. Genoways is a part of both Healthy Hearts and “The Biggest Loser” competitions.

“I definitely see change in Mrs. Genoways, she’s been losing a lot of weight,” junior Taylor Saucier said.

It’s a domino effect of knocking out the negative and stacking up the positive. A healthy lifestyle is a step in the right direction. As the competitions keep heating up, Head of School Mrs. Susan Toohey is offering a prize for individual participants who lose the most weight and rack up the most time exercising before April.

Keep dropping those pounds and knocking out those calories, Marian staff!

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Class Five: Tired of having no one

. . . From the Journal of Network Staff Member emilyfischer

ince joining the YMCA last November, I had envied the women jumping and dancing to the fast-paced music in the gym. “What are those women doing?” I would think to myself. As a true Marian girl would, I wondered, “Is this an organized dance party?”

Imagine my surprise (for lack of a better word) when on Surprise Day, I saw my classmates imitating the dance moves of the women in the gym. It turns out, those fast-paced moves were part of an exercise craze sweeping the nation: zumba. I was intrigued. A quick Google search yielded the result that Zumba is, “an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.” Now, who wouldn’t want to try that?

Get the Moves!

Classes Two and Three: I show up a little later than I did last time. I’m not

the first one in the gym. This time, I know the drill. I put my water bottle on the floor in the back and nonchalantly lean against the wall.

Michelle is late. Where is she? I timed my arrival perfectly. I got here five minutes before class started but the instructor still wasn’t here. I didn’t realize how much I was looking forward to class until there was a chance it might not happen. People in the gym are exchanging worried looks as the clock keeps ticking. Finally, we spot Michelle running in the door. She’s here!

I stand in the back of the gym in what is slowly becoming my usual spot. Michelle had the newbies raise their hands (not me this time!) and the music begins pumping through the speakers. To my surprise, it’s the same song as last class. And the next one is the same, too! Turns out, we repeat the whole routine.

Oh no! I’m next to Esmerelda from last week. She’s still beautiful. And so good at Zumba. Wait...she just missed a step! And she’s clapping her hands? No one else is clapping.

She’s making half of this up! But still having fun. Huh. That seems like the secret of Zumba.

Act like you know what you’re doing until you actually know.

We ended with the song “Pretty Girl Rock.” Michelle was singing with passion while kicking and twisting, but when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was feeling anything but pretty. My hair was a frizzy mess and my face was red, but I was having fun.

The second and third classes are a better workout than the first. I easily master the steps and find myself having more fun. I’ve loosened up a bit and concentrate less on stepping with the correct foot and more about dancing to the beat.

The class ends the same way as the first, “Peace, love and...Zumba!”

Class Four: I arrived at the YMCA about five minutes before class started.

I stood in my usual spot and stretched.

Hmm...there are fewer people here than before...and it’s quieter? Michelle explained that the speakers had been blown out, so we’d be using hers instead.

We opened with the same song as the first three classes. I knew the routine!

I hardly had to watch Michelle. I was feeling it.

There were a lot more Top 40 songs this time. “Sexy and I Know It” was my favorite. During a particularly intense part of the song, we ran in place and swung our arms around. It was so much fun!

Wait. I know this song! “Hotel Room Service?” This was my “guilty pleasure” during the summer of 2010. Yesssss.

I found it easier to get excited about dancing to a song when I knew the words and the beat.

During a particularly hard routine, Michelle encouraged us. “You can’t do anything wrong! Just have fun. Dance like this is your favorite song.”

I left the class satisfied with my workout and couldn’t wait to tell my friends about the fun I had at Zumba.

Zumba Grapevine:

Class One: I nervously walked into the Armbrust branch of the YMCA, and the girl at the front desk scanned my membership card. I glanced toward the gym but couldn’t see any movement inside. It’s Tuesday, right? I checked the schedule, didn’t I? Oh. I was 20 minutes early. I was so excited for my Zumba class that I left the house half an hour before I planned.

I walked into the gym, set down my water bottle and began to size up my classmates. At first, there were only three of us in the gym, exchanging timid smiles and attempting to impress each other with our knowledge of proper stretching techniques. There were women of all ages. Definitely some regulars. Women were running up to each other and engaging in hurried and rushed conversations. I stood by myself against the wall, asking why I didn’t bring a friend.

The woman next to me has bracelets with bells on them. Should I have bracelets with bells on them? She looks like Esmerelda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. If I go to Zumba long enough, will I start to look like her, too? Hmm.... Ahh! No time to think.

Michelle (the instructor) has picked up a microphone and starts to give a quick introduction. She asks if this is anyone’s first Zumba class. Uh oh.

My secret is out. I raise my hand, willingly identifying myself as someone inexperienced and extremely clumsy.

After everyone is settled into their usual spots, Michelle starts the music.

Aaaaand we’re off. Tap, kick, touch, spin... Or was it kick, spin, touch, tap?

Help! The woman next to me must sense that I’m failing because she steps to the side to give me some more room. My arms are up in the air as I try not to fall to the floor. Suddenly, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

I immediately burst into laughter.

Attempting to sway my hips back and forth makes me look like a broken dashboard hula dancer.

After a few Top 40 songs, the music changed to something a little smoother.

We danced something resembling the salsa and swayed our hips some more. I started to sweat and realized this Zumba thing was not a joke.

After one hour, my experience was finally over. We ended our session by putting our hands together in the middle of the gym yelling, “Share it, spread it, live it. Peace, love and Zumba!”

1

Start with your feet together. On the first beat, step to the right with your right foot, making your feet shoulder-width apart.

Zumba was created in the mid-90’s

by Alberto “Beto” Perez during an aerobics class. Perez forgot the typical music played during the class and decided to improvise with tapes that he had with him. The music happened to be salsa and merengue and instead of counting repetitions against the music, his class let the music move them and Zumba was created. The classes are described as Latin-inspired, calorie-burning, fitness parties.

2

On the second beat, step your left foot behind your right foot.

3

to share my jokes with at class, I decided to invite a friend to join me at Zumba.

This Network staffer was just as excited about Zumba as I was, and I couldn’t wait to share my experience with her.

We walked into the YMCA and into the gym. I led the way to my usual spot and we started to stretch. It was so different to have someone to talk to before class started! I was no longer the lone wolf standing against the wall.

Fifteen minutes after class was supposed to start, a woman ran into the gym wearing black pants that said ‘Zumba’ in hot pink script down the side. Wait a second, I thought to myself.

This isn’t Michelle! It wasn’t. It was Dawn. Dawn was loud, crazy and started off class by telling us all, “If you’re moving, you’re doing it right.” Huh? I could get used to that.

Dawn warned us that she sometimes liked to make up steps and if we couldn’t follow her exactly, not to worry about it.

She said that Zumba was a time to dance around and go crazy, not to focus on always stepping with the correct foot.

We started out with a popular Top 40 song. The entire class was stomping, clapping and moving our hips. Suddenly, Dawn started stepping forward and clawing towards the mirror. She encouraged us to growl and be sassy with our movements. I wasn’t so sure how to react, but it was entertaining to watch the people around me. Esmerelda was sure getting into it. She swayed her hips back and forth and I could hear the faint jingle of her bell bracelets.

We took a few water breaks and Dawn taught us how to do some of the more difficult moves. During “Low” by Flo Rida, we had to step with our right foot, then our left, jump out almost like a jumping jack, and jump again to cross our feet and turn around. “Shorty had them apple bottom jeans and the boots with the fur...” Jump, jump, jump, cross, turn... I started to get a little dizzy but I was having a fantastic time.

Our last song was by Mika called “Big Girl, You Are Beautiful.” It was fun to dance to a song that I knew the words to, and my fellow Network staffer and I were having a ball. Unfortunately, all too soon our hour was up. Class was over.

The entire class shared high fives and met in the middle. Dawn praised us for sticking with her and her crazy routines and we ended the class with a resounding, “Uno, dos, tres, Zumba!”

Conclusion: Zumba is a fabulous

way to get out of the house and have fun.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a change of pace a good workout.

Peace, love and...Zumba!

Step your right foot back to meet your left foot on the third beat.

4

Clap on the fourth beat.

graphic by clancynelson

Hard Work on the Field Leads to a Successful Future taylorhaag

O College Bound. From left to right: seniors Emily Nulty, Jackie Tondl, Ava Ambrose, and Erin Stewart. photo courtesy of Sarah Singer

n Feb. 1, 2012, Marian witnessed four seniors make a decision that will affect their lives for the next four years. Ava Ambrose, Erin Stewart, Jackie Tondl, and Emily Nulty have decided to continue their athletic aspirations at the next level, deciding to play college soccer.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing a sport at the college level,” Tondl, a future Texas A&M player, said. For these four girls, the idea of playing at the college level has always been on their minds, but it became a reality on this signing day.

Stewart has signed with Missouri State University, Nulty has signed with Northern Illinois University, and Ambrose is headed to the sunshine state of Florida to the University of Miami.

“I visited a lot of different schools to make sure I had

good comparisons on what I was looking for. And it turned out the last place I visited was the right college for me. I love everything about it -- the team, the coaches and of course the weather isn’t half bad. I am very excited to be given the chance to play at the next level,” Ambrose said about her college decision.

The girls have one more high school season ahead of them, often a bittersweet thought for the seniors. “I’m going to miss our team sleepovers and getting to know the underclassmen. I’ll also miss Ed [Coach Dudley] a lot.

He’s been such a great coach and mentor to us,” Nulty said.

“Yeah, I’m really sad it is our last season; four years just wasn’t enough time, but I will never forget the memories we’ve had here,” added Stewart.

active life 13

Redefining Broadway: Junior Takes on Controversia Role with Confidence faithwilwerding

M

usicals aren’t just jazz hands and predictable chord progressions anymore. The classic musicals you know and love are being upstaged by a new genre of upbeat rock ‘n’ roll tunes and controversial plots.

Junior Kate Johnson is getting a firsthand look at this new kind of musical. Johnson recently landed the lead female role in the regional premiere of the landmark musical Spring Awakening.

“The music is phenomenal.

I am inspired by the message of hope, and the power of education,” Johnson said.

Spring Awakening, based on a play written in 1891 by Frank Wedekind, is a thrilling mixture of morality, sexuality, and unconventional rock melodies. The

musical follows a group of teenagers through their journey of selfdiscovery and teen angst in late 19th Century Germany. Although the current script is completely separate from the original, there are many recurring themes. The production has been a topic of controversy for many of the same reasons as the original, but that didn’t stop Johnson from seeking a role.

After an initial audition, Johnson was called back twice. The auditions consisted of reading monologues, singing and dancing.

“I think everyone is a little nervous at auditions, but I tried to channel my nervousness into positive, excited energy. It worked!”

Johnson said.

Johnson will play the lead female role of Wendla Bergmann in a production of Spring Awakening

‘It’s Our School, Too!’ Omaha Teens Send Good Message

at the Blue Barn Theatre, a professional theater in the Old Market. Wendla’s character portrays a naive, questioning teen who has lived a very sheltered life due to her overprotective mother who has denied her an education about sex.

“Wendla yearns to feel, to understand and experience life. I think Wendla feels a bit alone and lost in the world. She is searching for explanations and meaning. I think that this is something we can all relate to,” Johnson said.

Spring Awakening addresses many mature themes and has been named one of the most controversial musicals of the 20th Century. However, Johnson isn’t uncomfortable with the themes of the musical and has seriously thought about her values as a performer.

photo by alliebraun

Sunday

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Pop Punk the Vote @ Sokol Underground

christinarommelfanger disabilities and the challenges they face. We wanted the play to come to Marian to start off the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign in March,” Warneke said.

Luann Rabe, mother of actor Marshal Rabe said, “It’s been really good for the kids to work on their speaking. Also, having the kids work together really blurs the lines, and the kids don’t treat those with disabilities any differently. They take out the disability and just see Marshal as Marshal.”

The actors and actresses, who attend schools ranging from Burke to Mercy, bring all of their talents to the stage, acting out different scenarios from everyday high school experiences. The play touches on equality in the classroom and on the basketball court, and the importance of eliminating the “R-word.”

11 Eisley @ The Waiting Room

illustration by kalanifortina

14 entertainment

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Satchel Grande @ The Slowdown

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David Wax Museum @ Scott Recital Hall

Nada Surf w/An Horse @ The Waiting Room

“I didn’t personally see The Artist, but I really want to after seeing all of the awards it won!”

- Moira Delaney ’12

Actor In A Leading Role

“It really is pretty neat that he’s the first French actor to win this award.” - Alexandra Ramirez ’15

Actress In A Leading Role

“I thought it was cool that Meryl won because even

Actor In A Supporting Role

“I’m glad that he won. He played Captain Von

Jean Dujardin The Artist

F

The Photo Atlas @ The Waiting Room

And The Oscar Goes To...

The Artist

rom its small beginnings at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood, to the grand celebration it is today, the Academy Awards Ceremony is a night for everyone in the movie-making industry to celebrate a year of success. The Academy Awards, also referred to as the Oscars, is held annually at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and televised to over 100 countries. This year’s ceremony was held last Sunday, awarding many Oscars to films such as Hugo and The Artist.

Jim Gaffigan @ Orpheum Theater

9

graphic by clancynelson

Best Picture

clancynelson

March, and is very excited to work with everyone in the production.

“I trust the directors and my fellow actors. No one will be performing anything they are uncomfortable with,” Johnson said.

Johnson believes in the core messages of the show and can relate, as a teen, to many of the character’s emotions and struggles.

“The show honestly portrays what it is like to be a teenager going through puberty and discovering sexuality. Therefore, there is some strong language and mature scenes in the show,” Johnson said. “There is a message of the necessity of education, that we should not be ashamed of sex, and of hope in times of despair.”

Johnson can be seen in Spring Awakening at the Blue Barn Theatre from May 11 through June 17.

Omaha Entertainment Scene

4 efore school on Wednesday, Feb. 22, Marian girls gathered in the West Gym to watch local Omaha high school students perform “It’s Our School, Too!” The p lay, commissioned by the National Special Olympics, was picked up by the Ollie Webb center last summer.

Since then the group has been performing for schools to promote equality among students with and without disabilities. The performers are made up of all abilities, reinforcing the message that there should be no line between the two.

Marian’s TLC Club put on the event. Junior Katie Warneke, president of the club, got the group to come. “I think the play ‘It’s Our School, Too!’ is very important for the Marian community to see because it helps to raise awareness about kids with developmental

“We discussed this role at length as a family, with the director and with Kate’s voice teacher who has seen the Broadway production. We also read the libretto and concluded that this is an important piece of art that will be performed tastefully here in Omaha,” Kate’s mother Mrs. Mary Johnson, said.

“Awhile back, I wrote a Professional Integrity code for myself. I stated that I will only perform something with mature or racy themes if it does not exploit or deny dignity to myself or my fellow actors, and if its purpose is to inspire and/or educate people. The minute it becomes about exploitation, I will walk away. This show follows my personal ‘code’ seamlessly,” Johnson said.

Johnson will begin rehearsals for the musical in the beginning of

Meryl Streep The Iron Lady

Christopher Plummer Beginners

though she’d been nominated 17 times, she hadn’t won since 1983.” - Tori Stuckey ’14 Trapp and he’s been in the business for so long; - Hanna Fuxa ’14 he deserved it.”

Actress In A Supporting Role “She’s fantastic. Her speech was so good, Octavia Spencer sincere, and genuine. I love it when people The Help don’t expect to win.” - Taylor Wyatt ’12

Yoü and I:

Lady Gaga Brings Nebraskan to Grammys

T U O K A E SPWho’s the most famous

torinietzel

person you’ve ever met?

faithwilwerding

W

e all know about Lady After Ware sound-mixed the track title. In addition to her Album of Gaga’s ‘cool Nebraska for two hours, he sent it to producer the Year nomination, Gaga was guy,’ but little did you Robert John Lange in Switzerland. also nominated for Best Pop Solo know Lady Gaga has more than one Lange, who had been a producer for Performance and Best Pop Vocal ‘cool Nebraska guy.’ Mr. Tom Ware, huge acts such as Led Zeppelin, AC/ Album, however, she did not collect father of DC, and Queen, any Grammys at the awards show on Rachel Ware then called Ware Feb. 12. ’09, was one House studios, The Wares had the privilege of of the sound saying that he attending the Grammys and walking engineers for thought it was the red carpet, which Terri described Lady Gaga’s an amazing as very exciting.

Grammytrack that Unfortunately for Ware and Gaga, nominated deserved to be the Album of the Year title was swept album Born on the album. up by Adele with her chart-topping This Way. “Yoü and I” 21.

Ware became an However, according to Terri, House instant hit on the experience was very rewarding Productions, the album Born and resulted in well-deserved owned and This Way. Since acknowledgment to Tom for his hard run by Ware, the album had work and talent. houses one been nominated “Even though Adele won, we won of the most for the Album before we even got there,” Terri said. acoustically of the Year sound Grammy studios in award, Ware the world, was nominated undoubtedly as one of the attracting engineers/ Mother mixers for the Monster. album.

Red Carpet Ready. Tom and Terri Ware Last After the March, Gaga pose on the Red Carpet at the Grammys on nomination, the was in town Feb. 12. Tom was nominated for a Grammy Ware House, as a sound engineer on Lady Gaga’s album for her St. and the Wares, Patrick’s Day Born This Way. Photo courtesy of the Ware noticed a rise family show at the in publicity.

Century Link Berklee College Center. The night after her concert, of Music claimed Tom as a graduate Gaga invaded Ware House studios to of the Class of 1991, which he is not. record her chart-topping song “Yoü Old albums that Tom performed 1. The Ware House consists of two recording studios and one mixing suite. and I.” on began selling rapidly on “She was wonderful. All her E-bay. Multiple newspapers, radio 2. The Wares have worked with other celebrities such as Snoop Dawg and people were wonderful,” Terri Ware, shows, and TV stations contacted Larry the Cable Guy. one of the owners of the studio the studio. There were even rumors 3.

The Ware House has a total staff of 5. and wife of Tom, said. “She was started that Tom was Lady Gaga’s 4.

Including the track recorded at the Ware appreciative of Tom’s input while one and only ‘cool Nebraska guy,’ House, Lady Gaga has been nominated for she was performing.” Terri added which is also false; the song is 14 Grammys. that many performers look to the allegedly about rumoured, 5.The Ware House is located at 206 engineers to make their songs good, Nebraska born ex-boyfriend South 44th Street, Omaha, NE 68131. but Gaga gave a great performance Luc Carl. for Tom to capture; her voice never Born This Way has sold more quits and she plays piano well. Terri than 8 million copies worldwide. described Gaga as an adorable girl Although Gaga has already captured who is not uppity or pompous at all. five Grammys in her career, this Originally, the song was meant to would have been her first time be a demo song for her producers. taking the Album of the Year

“I met Demi Lovato in the summer of 2009 at the Verizon Wireless on 76th and Dodge.

We waited in line for two hours in at least 85 degree heat, and got to get her autograph and see her for about 30 seconds.”

Sadie Ahsen ’15 “I met Steve Carell while I was trick-or-treating in Hollywood in sixth grade. I walked up to his house and his daughter was passing out candy and he came out to check on her. He said “hi” to me and I couldn’t speak at first. But I managed to say “hi” back, then he went inside.”

Sydney Wolf ’14

Ware House Fast Facts

“I met Michelle Obama when her jet had to refuel at Offutt Air Force Base. My family and neighbors got to meet her, talk to her, and get pictures with her. It was really cool. She’s surprisingly tall in person. She was really nice and cracked jokes with my mom and grandma about President Obama.”

graphic by colleenfell & faithwilwerding

Erin McQuillan ’13 “I had floor tickets to a Taylor Swift concert and she walked down to the floor. While she was down there she gave people hugs and I got to hug her!”

Shelby Johnson ’12

Man of Mystery: Lewis Carroll

Uncovering the Identity of the Beloved Children’s Novelist

kalanifortina

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hink you know the meanings behind your beloved childhood stories? Think again. Two hundred years ago, it was not expected for radical or unconventional ideals to be expressed in literature, and many authors did a good job of concealing it.

Charles Dodgson, more commonly known as Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, wrote the “Alice” adventures for a young girl by the name of Alice Liddell.

Not to mention the many drug references he supposedly made in his writings, it is rumored that he had an unconventional love affair with Alice. He is said to have told her a story that she loved so much, he wrote it down and it was turned into what readers now know as Alice in Wonderland.

In many poems and phrases written by the 18-century author, he uses the adjective ‘little’ many times. Many, many times. In one instance, he used the word three times in a

six line poem. Many scholars believe he was privately referring to Alice “Liddell” and her sisters in these poems.

It is also rumored that Dodgson asked Alice to marry him when she was 11 years old, being 30 years old himself. Rumor or not, for whatever reason, the Liddell family cut off Dodgson’s contact with Alice that same year.

He wrote many entries about this in his diary.

“I think having a relationship with someone who is more than 15 or 20 years older than you is a little weird,” senior Laura Kramer said.

“It’s a whole generation gap. They’re two totally different people, raised in two totally different times.”

After the falling out with the Liddell family, there is a 10 year section of Dodgson’s diary that has been removed. When the entries resumed, he was a changed man and talked on numerous occasions of his feelings of ‘guilt.’

Scholars believe his family removed pages of

his diary after his death. We may never know why these things happened, but scholars will continue to look for clues in his literary works.

Dodgson was also a photographer and was most widely known for his pictures of young, nude girls. We cannot know in our times if those pictures were simply an accepted art form or a strange hobby. He also took many pictures of Alice and her sisters that can still be seen today simply by looking up Charles’ photography archives.

A society known as the Lewis Carroll Society of North America focuses on not only increasing the popularity of his works, but also fighting against the notion that Dodgson was a pedophile. They refer to this belief as the “Carroll Myth.” They claim that Dodgson was never in love with Alice Liddell, only very fond of her.

They also claim that his nude pictures of young girls were an expression of a child’s

innocence and not of the sexual notions of our time.

Due to the fact that he lived in the late 1800s, the missing parts of his diary, the absence of documentation of his life, and the hidden images contained in his work, many people continue to be fascinated with this mysterious man.

“I don’t think knowing that he was very fond of Alice, even though she was very young, would have had much impact on me while reading Alice In Wonderland; but it definitely would have been in the back of my mind the whole time,” Kramer said.

Despite who he really was, millions of generations can continue to read his fairy tales to their children before bed, hopefully remembering the imagination of Wonderland more than the myths that surround it.

entertainment 15

state swimming and diving Left: Diving Diva. Senior Elyse Brouilllette competes in the state diving competition on Thursday, Feb. 23. Brouillette placed third in Girls’ 1m Springboard.

“It was bittersweet. I loved being at state and seeing all of my hard work pay off. I will miss it next year,” Brouillette said.

Top: Just Keep Swimming! Freshman Summer Baldwin competes in the 100-meter backstroke competition. Baldwin finished second in the consolation finals. The state swimming competition took place at the Devaney Center in Lincoln, NE. Bottom: H2O Goddess.

Senior Anna Rosenlof competes in the 100-meter breastroke.

Rosenlof finished first in the consolation finals.

The Crusaders finished with 114 points and a fifth place title in the state competition. “I think overall we did really well at the state meet. We have a younger team and we gained a lot of experience which will be helpful for the next couple of years,” Swimming Coach Mr. David Anderson said.

state cheerleading

Hugs of Joy. Senior Jenn Gillespie and sophomore Amanda Wolf share a hug before their last performance this cheer season. “We were gushing with the excitement of being moments away from our final state competition routine,” Gillespie said. The Crusaders finished fourth in the cheer sideline section and twelfth in the non-tumbling cheer and dance division.

They’ve Got Spirit! The team gathers before performing their last performance of the season. The team put in extensive hours of practice to prepare for state.

The sqaud practiced three times a week from 6-7:15 a.m., and half of the girls attended a tumbling class.

“Our squad is very happy with how we did at this year’s Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Competition. I am so proud of the girls on the team for not giving up when we lost our coach mid-season.

They just worked even harder and I think that effort really paid off,” senior Co-Captain Katie Hoffman said.

photos by faithwilwerding & haileywolf photo courtesy of elysebrouillette

16 photo essay

photo essay by alexamoore