october 2016 scepter by PLHS Scepter

THE

SCEPTER

OCTOBER 2016 A

P U B L I C A T I O N

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 54 O F

P A P I L L I O N

WWW.PLPULSE.COM L A V I S T A

HIGH SCHOOL

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

4 5 67 89 10&11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Cooking the Competition A Helping Paw

When Two Worlds Collide

The Not-So-Outsiders A Love-Hate Relationship

OPINION

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Is Dating Dead? Bottling it Up

ENTERTAINMENT &

Behind the Curtain Four Binge Worthy Shows on Netflix

NEWS

An Artistic Touch

What’s Poppin’?

All Bundled Up

In-Security

Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane

Voice Your Vote Students band together during the Millard North game to sing their famous “Oh When Maroon” theme song. The anthem is traditionally sung at every football game. COVER PHOTO: AIDAN CHO COVER DESIGN: CAMRYN BOWERS & MOLLEE SWIFT

SPORTS

Fresh Talent

Serving Success

Cheering to New Heights Prince Phillip

“Caught Our Eye” Photo Gallery

The Scepter is a school-sponsored publication of Papillion-La Vista High School, 402 E. Centennial Rd. Papillion, NE 68046. The Scepter’s office is located in room 307. The Scepter is printed by aPrintis. The Scepter is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association. The Scepter is a school-sponsored publication and therefore recognizes its responsibility to stay within the boundaries that the school administration sets. The Scepter will therefore inform its readers using a high standard of morals and ethics. The Scepter encourages readers to respond in the form of letters to the editor, which can be sent to room 307. The Scepter’s editorial staff reserves the right to edit the letters for grammatical errors and to remove any profanity. The editors also reserve the right to exclude letters that are false in their statements or accusations. The Scepter will not accept advertisements that promote activities illegal to minors. Advertising rates are available upon request.

2016-17 PLHS JOURNALISM STAFF

COPY

EDITORS

RAINA DODGE

SCEPTER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NICOLE LUDDEN

COVERAGE

PLPULSE.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BRITTANY KELLNER

CJ CURRY

FEATURES CLAIRE NEIL & KAYLEE PENRY

DESIGN

CAMRYN BOWERS PEYTON COSE JULIA HARKER

PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR LEWIS BRENA GROEPER

EMMA HIGBY LAUREN LAFOND EMILY LINGELBACH KAYLEN MALTAIS HANNAH OLSON DELANI WATKINS

NEWS&OPINION HANNAH IM & ELLIOT WOLBACH FAITH WORKMAN

SPORTS

NATE GENDLER & DYLAN NICHOLSON

ENTERTAINMENT KASSIDY BROWN & MEGAN KRABBENHOFT

ALEXA BUSBY ALYSSA FORAL MEGAN FRIEL IZZY HAAVE MOLLEE SWIFT JOANNA WALTON

BRENDON BOATWRIGHT HANNAH CAHILL HUNTER POMBRIO JOSEY RYAN DEVIN VETTER

LAUREN DOMINELLO CHLOE GRIMM TREVOR KALAL KENNEDY SAUTTER CAITLYN THOMAS

EDITORIAL

The leaves don’t always stay green. They adopt a new warm color, shrivel up into themselves, and fall. And as we stomp through the crunchy piles of foliage, we don’t think of the vivid green blossoms. As students came back to school this fall, they were introduced to all kinds of change. New faces, new policies. Even brand new pop machines. Everyone has their own preferences, but regardless, they adjust to the changes set before them. Sometimes, we are so used to morphing, that we don’t even realize we’re changing. In less than a month, one great change will impact all of our lives, and it will be much more than a simple fade of color. A brand new president will take office, and many are dreading the potential outcomes. Undoubtedly, students’ political opinions vary greatly. Some roam the hallways with their heads high, sporting “Hillary for

When the Leaves Start to Fall

President” t-shirts. Others flaunt the same t-shirts, only with “Hillary for Prison” written on them instead. Likewise, some students faces grow red with rage just by hearing the name Trump. Others, however, are more than eager to “make America great again.” A large majority believes America is cheated even before anyone takes office. As perhaps one of the most controversial elections in history, many are anxious to find out the winner of the 2016 presidential race. However, many are less than anxious to have the transfer of power actually happen. As humans, we fear change. What we fail to realize, however, is that it happens all the time around us. Each year brings different challenges, and each challenge morphs us into who we are. The leaves don’t stay green forever. And pretty soon, change will cause a new leader to run our country.

But we shouldn’t, under any circumstances, be afraid. Those who are old enough will participate by casting their vote, while others will babble on about their opinions. Regardless, we accept and deal with the change put in front of us. We have to. As the current of change comes, we can move the flood into the right direction. By managing what we can control and letting go of what we can’t, we will make the most of the change. We can control what kind of t-shirt we wear, or what to say when the election inevitably comes up as a topic of discussion. Perhaps more importantly, we can also control how we treat others, and how we use the power we are granted. Fall is among us, and each day, dead leaves compile on the ground. We can choose to trample through the piles they make, or we can choose to gaze upwards. And upon the now bare tree branches, we may just find hope.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

Cooking The

Competition She looks up from what she is doing, and catches a quick glimpse at the countdown of the ticking timer. 3...2...1. She drops everything in her hands and takes a step back, satisfied with what she has created. Freshman Helen Wilson, a young aspiring chef, was recently a contestant on the Food Network’s “Rachael vs. Guy: Kids CookOff.” Though this skill and passion for cooking did not just happen overnight, it definitely was a work in progress. “When I was young, I used to always watch my mother make dinner,” Helen said. “Eventually I started cooking for myself and then for my family.” Going from cooking in a small family kitchen to cooking

Helen Wilson’s

Helen Wilson, a young aspiring chef, was recently featured on the Food Network’s “Rachael vs. Guy: Kid’s Cook-Off.”

BY EMILY LINGELBACH

PAGE DESIGN BY CLAIRE NEIL

among professional chefs was a huge jump. The confidence needed to take on such a challenge could not have been achieved without one of Helen’s biggest supporters, her sister junior Madi Wilson. “Before she went on the show I tried to help her with her television appearance, personality and her overall self-confidence,” Madi said. With the support of her friends, family and many hours of dedication, the day had finally come when she could show off her skill on national television. “The most memorable thing was walking into the kitchen for the first time,” Helen said. “I felt happiness, joy, and excitement for what was to come.” In the competition there

were two kitchen challenges. The first challenge was done in a short amount of time and once completed the judges came around to see what was made. The other challenge was to prepare a main course meal. Once the time was up, the food was presented and explained in front of the judges. “The pressure of the timer was extremely stressful, not knowing if you were going to make it or not,” Helen said. With all the added pressures, Helen took from the show many new qualities to use as she continues cooking. “Helen has definitely acquired more communication and cooking skills,” Madi said. “Overall she has gained more confidence in herself.”

CARA MEL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Sift together dry ingredients (2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, & 1/2 tsp salt) in a bowl and leave it on the side. Put melted butter (3/4 cups), brown sugar (1 cup), and white sugar (1/2 cup) in a bowl and mix until no lumps. Beat in egg and add vanilla (1 tbs). Mix in dry ingredients with wooden spoon. Fold in chocolate chips (2 cups) and caramel morsels (2 cups) by hand and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-17 minutes.

FEATURES NEWS

OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

to come into the building, she has to pass a series of tests. Derby has planned out a future for Piper and has her still helping out people in need even after she leaves. “One of the main reasons that I got into [training Piper] is because of my best friend,” Derby said. “She had cancer, and she was in the hospital, and I remember her telling me that the big thing that got her through it was the therapy dogs that came. They just lifted her spirits and helped her through that hard time.” Although Piper is still in Science teacher Mrs. training and hasn’t been brought to Ally Derby is training the campus, some faculty have seen her dog Piper to her out and about. become a therapy “[Piper] has tons of energy,” PHOTO: MRS. ALLY DERBY dog. psychology teacher Mr. Romie Piper poses for the camera at Brown said. “She loves being home on her deck. She just BY EMMA HIGBY around people, she loves doing graduated puppy training school. PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY things, she is just a big happy dog.” When walking through the to assume Sunnie’s role. Piper will not only roam the halls on an average day at school, “[Piper] has passed her halls, she will be interacting among one can find many sights within the canine good citizenship test, so the classrooms. She’ll go from room crowded hallways congested with that is the first step to start taking to room, educating the students kids hustling around. Seeing the her in the therapy setting,” Derby about what exactly her role here is. kids walk through the halls, loud said. “We’ll be taking her different “I used to invite Mrs. and rowdy, to the staff quiet and places around town and once she Molyneaux and Sunnie into my class observant, something seems to be has her therapy dog license, then and she would give a presentation missing. Something that will bring we’ll see about bringing her [to on Sunnie, what her job was and smiles to all students by walking school].” how she trained her,” Brown said. through the halls and visiting Since Piper is still a “Piper or any other dog, if they end classrooms, that walks on four legs puppy, she has many more years up being a part of the building, I’d and is fluffy. In everyday society, of training. However, Derby and like to have them come into my dogs play a major role in helping family remain hopeful that she’ll classroom, so that people understand others and providing happiness. attend school sometime in the why the animals are here.” This past year, the school near future, if approved by the Sunnie has left a lasting had to say goodbye to Mrs. administrators. impact on the halls of PLHS. Piper Molyneaux’s therapy dog Sunnie. “[She can come here] based is not yet at school, but hopefully, She would walk around the halls on certification,” Derby said. “I she will soon be in attendance. and make everyone’s day a little would like to see her around people Now, while kids walk through the better. Since Sunnie left, science and definitely take her around the halls there won’t be something teacher Mrs. Ally Derby has been hospitals before she comes here.” missing; everything will feel whole training her pup Piper, a black lab, In order for Piper to be able again.

A HELPING

PAW

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

WHEN TWO WO

Football coach and art teacher Shawn Blevins compares his unique contributions to PLHS.

BY KAYLEE PENRY

PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE

A typical Friday night for a high school football coach is hectic. They’ve been looking forward to this day all week. The crisp fall air, whistles blowing, fans screaming and players fighting for a victory are all components to a football game. Although winning the game may seem like life depends on it in the moment, everyone moves on. The players, coaches and fans all go on with their lives, win or lose. Stereotypcially, a coach would go back to his daily life of teaching physical education, but for offensive line coach Mr. Shawn Blevins, this is not the case. Blevins is a new art teacher this year, and his daily routine breaks the stereotypical standards of a high school football coach. He teaches art and pottery classes during the day, then goes to the field after school to ignite his other passion: coaching. “Art and sports were the two things that I loved most in high school,” Blevins said. “I was involved in four sports and was talented in art; I would always enjoy that part of the day.” From the outside looking in, art and football seem to be two completely different concepts. When thinking about football, jerseys and athleticism seem to come to mind. The mention of art can bring thoughts of pottery, painting and coloring. The two may seem very different, but from an inside view, things become more apparent. “Football and art are both a process,

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OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

ORLDS COLLIDE

everything has steps and strategies,” Blevins said. “When you plan an art project, you have to go through all of the steps and progressions, same goes for planning a football game for a Friday night.” Coaching and teaching tie into each other quite a bit. In any sport, coaches are there to help their players improve their skills in any way that they can. This is the same with teaching. “Most of the great teachers that I have been around are also coaches, I think that teaching is coaching,” Blevins said. Many people would find it strange or odd that a football coach decided to teach an art class as well. While others, including several football players, think that it is interesting. “I had about five or six football players sign up for my class because they knew that I was teaching an art class,” Blevins said. “I think that they respect that I have different skills that other people may not have.” Football players and art students alike admire Blevins’ character and his contributions to both of the activities. “[Blevins] aims to push the linemen to their maximum potential,” senior Brandon Jasinski said. “He is very supportive and cares about everyone on the team.” Blevins plans to impact more than just the lives of students right now; he wants to help them further their learning by inspiring them to pursue their passions. “Think about something that you want to do every single day when thinking about your career,” Blevins said. “Make sure that it is something you love to do and if it’s not, find out what that is.”

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

THE NOT SO OUTSIDERS

A boy with slick black hair and a roughed up leather jacket comes screeching into the parking lot, wheels burning. He nonchalantly whips off his shades and leans up against his motorcycle, gazing lazily at all the staring faces. As time passes by, two more boys pull up on their glossy black motorcycles, no helmets and a smirk touching their eyes. This is the stereotype motorcyclists have had to deal with since the age of the greasers. Seniors Michael Heaton, Peyton Cose and Larry Fanning have decided to ride to school in style, but in a much different way than the typical TV motorcyclist. “I got interested in motorcycles when I first started watching YouTube videos about them,” Fanning said. “When Peyton got a bike, that’s when I decided I would get one too.” The difference between dreaming of getting a bike and actually getting one is a lot of money and a trustworthy place to get it. “Getting the right bike is the hardest part of learning how to ride, and after you do, it’s smooth sailing from there,” Heaton said. The thrill of getting a

motorcycle only intensifies once the bike is bought, and the difficulty of dealing with the expenses has been dealt with. “When I’m riding, I take everything in and notice a lot more than I would in a car,” Heaton said. “Riding has turned into a kind of therapy for me.” Riding alone has its perks, but the three often ride together to and from school and around town. “We’re always together,” Fanning said. “It makes me less stressed and takes my mind off of other things.” Though riding a motorcycle is a unique and new experience, it has its risks. Getting into a deadly accident is 35 times more likely for a motorcyclist, according to the Department of Transportation. “Getting in an accident is always in the back of your mind when riding,” Heaton said. “I was in a really bad accident this summer and broke my collar bone.” Getting into a deadly accident might be inevitable for some riders, but there are ways to help prevent or reduce injury. “If I didn’t have a helmet on when I got into my accident, I wouldn’t be here right now,” Heaton said.

Three boys take on the risks of being different and decide to ride to school in a more thrilling way.

BY HANNAH CAHILL

PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE

Wearing a helmet and other protective and padded gear can save a life, and so can being prepared and ready to ride in all situations. “If anyone is interested in getting a motorcycle, they should definitely take the motorcycle safety course to get their license,” Heaton said. “As long as you start slow and stay within your limits, anyone can learn to ride a motorcycle,” Fanning said. There is so much more to riding motorcycles than leather jackets and style. It’s a risky choice, and one that these three boys decided to take. Not for the looks or the clothing, but for the sole reason of learning how to ride and doing something they love.

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“

I look up to the motorcyclist Valentino Rossi because of his skill level. He always seems in control even at 140 miles per hour.

“ “

“

Michael Heaton

I look up to Valentino Rossi because he races for Yamaha and is an amazing rider.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

Larry Fannning

LOVE HATE i

A Academy or ROTC students from both Monarch and Titans share classes.

RELATIONSHIP

BY HANNA OLSON

PAGE DESIGN BY NICOLE LUDDEN

What’s worse than your rival? Having a class with your school rival. Certain students from Papillion La Vista and Papillion La Vista South have classes together in different academies or ROTC. It may have been awkward at first, but eventually everyone warmed up to each other and some even became friends. Going into a new academy or school setting with people you don’t know can be hard, so making friends can be helpful in order to enjoy the time spent in academy or ROTC. “Some of my closest friends are from Titans that I met from health academy,” senior Cassie Roesler said. Being an older student in an academy can put one at an advantage, while being a first year academy student has its obstacles. “I talk to some Titans, but just for school related stuff usually because I don’t really know them well enough yet,” junior Delaney Stienblock said. In other cases, some students already know several people are joining an academy or

ROTC. “I pretty much knew everyone that was going into ROTC, so it was a smooth sail for me,” sophomore Josh Alley said. Health academy and ROTC both wear specific uniforms to aid them in the tasks they perform. “We wear scrubs because our classes take place in the hospital. As seniors we wear scrubs because we go up on the hospital floors and take care of patients,” Roesler said. “I like wearing scrubs because they are comfy and I never have to worry about what to wear.” The outfits for ROTC or the academy are to represent the professional environment in which the students work. This makes the students who are either a Monarch or a Titan during normal school hours equal, just like they will be in the future in any professional environment. “I enjoy wearing our uniforms because I think it shows that we have some respect,” Alley said. Monarchs and Titans wear the exact same outfits so that it

creates a level playing field. They also get the same amount of work, but each student can have different opinions on the difficulty of the assignments given. “It’s just trying to remember our chain of commands and our general orders that get difficult,” Alley said. “I’m not saying its an easy class for everyone but if you put effort in, it should be pretty easy.” Just like any class, studying and putting in effort will make it much easier. There still are complications in each class you take. “It’s kind of hard to stay organized and spread your work out because its blocked scheduling and you get a lot of homework but it’s due a few days later which is nice,” Stienblock said. All the homework that the students get isn’t all negative because they chose these classes to help their future careers and expand their knowledge about them. “I enjoy it because we get to meet new people and we get to push ourselves to exceed for our future and to try to be the best leader possible,” Alley said.

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PHOTO: TREVOR LEWIS ROTC student Marcus Paschall evaluates peers. These students drove to Papillion La-Vista South for class.

Every student in academy or ROTC is in it for a reason they are all determined to succeed and have fun with what they do in class. “I enjoy being in academy because it’s a really good experience and I get to meet new people!” Roesler said. As the school year goes on the students in academy and ROTC will become friends with people they didn’t expect to ever talk to. Bringing Monarchs and Titans together in classes like these opens up opportunities that other students would not have the chance to experience.

PHOTO: JULIA HARKER Monarch Eshu Senthil and Titan Katie R practice their skills on a dummy. They practiced these skills at Midlands Hospital.

PHOTO: TREVOR LEWIS ROTC student Jesus Najera works with Adrian Saenz. Students from both schools work together.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

BY MOLLEE SWIFT

‘

A seemingly simple change from Pepsi to Coca-Cola may have more to it than what first hits the taste buds.

What s

POPPIN’?

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

Pulling back the metallic silver tab, a swish of air rushes towards your face and you feel the crisp, refreshing bubbles rising up slowly into your nose. Tapping your fingers against the shining silver surface, you raise the ice cold can up to your mouth. A wave of fizzles pour out and you can taste the happiness of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola at PLHS is a relatively new embellishment, as all the schools in our district have made a recent change over which company is able to sell beverages at vending machines and other places involving drinks. The move consists of bidding out the beverage contract every three to four years. This year it went to Coca-Cola instead of the past winner, Pepsi. As a Coca-Cola fan, sophomore Joey Tyner had two possible answers to why the district changed their beverage vendor. “It was either some manufacturing problems or related to money I think,” Tyner said.

Assistant Superintendent Mr. Doug Lewis has worked in the district for a total of 27 years and covers anything related to the budget and finances, which means he knew exactly what the district wanted. “The vending company sets the percentage returned [back to our district] or the product cost and that determines how much the district receives on a single sale,” Lewis said. This switch includes more than what is available at the vending machines and brings more money in for the school buildings to improve. The district is also no longer able to use Pepsi advertising; which means changes to the jugs at athletic events, concession stand options, and other drinks under the company names. “Powerade is a CocaCola product and Gatorade is a Pepsi product, which is why the change [Gatorade to Powerade],” Lewis said. Pepsi includes other items too such as Mountain

Dew, Aquafina, Naked Juice and Pure Leaf Tea. These items are still found in one place at PLHS though; the cafeteria. “It should be noted that our food service department bids its beverages every year and Pepsi won the food service bid for this year, so we still have Pepsi products sold during lunch,” Lewis said. Pepsi lovers still have the cafeteria on their side; but in the end, students and staff such as Tyner, who have sided with Coca-Cola, are pleased with the change. “I think the Coca-Cola change is for the better and the school took a good opportunity when they had it,” Tyner said. As a final note, Lewis believes that both Pepsi and Coca-Cola have been great supporters of our district and he anticipates they will continue to be in the future. The change to Coca-Cola has financially benefited the school district and other switches could do the same in three to four years.

NEWS FEATURES

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IN SECURITY

Security changes at school have left students in a tight spot.

BY RAINA DODGE

Lunch is a chaotic place: the sheer volume of people makes getting anywhere a challenge, people are crammed into a few select spaces, and there is noise all around. Recent changes to lunchroom security have left students with few places to go, and all of these changes can be traced back to last spring, when the school was part of a security audit. According to principal Mr. Jeff Govier, who was heavily involved in the process, the audit was “a multi-categorical exam by a safety team.” First, the school graded itself on its handling of all sorts of issues and emergency situations, from tornadoes to sexual harassment. Then, state officials came to examine the school, watching procedures schoolwide, interviewing staff, and reporting results to school officials. Many of the changes that occurred over the

summer are related to this: closing down one of the pits mitigates several security risks. As crowded as the pits may be, keeping students close has a purpose. “Allowing kids to go hang out in the library is good so they can’t wander the halls or get into trouble,” freshman Colton Proplesch said. The pit changes are meant to make lunch a more controllable situation, but every change has its flaws. Some students might find the lack of space an uncomfortable situation. “I don’t like how everyone is in one area,” sophomore Abby Acosta said. “Kids with social anxiety could have panic attacks really easily.” Others see this closeness as a benefit: more people means more witnesses when something happens; it might all be one big attempt to stop problems. “I think it was to

eliminate skipping and fighting,” senior Mya Posley said. “I know there were a lot of fights at lunch last year.” Whatever the true benefits of the pit change might be, on a staff level, it’s a minor change. Bigger changes like fire drills, staff training and so on have already been taken care of, and the audit score reflected this. “They honestly thought we did extremely well,” Govier said. “We have things in place from Central Office down to the school level. All of the events and variables are things we do well. It’s more about how we react and operate under certain situations.” The new security changes might take some getting used to, but they all serve a purpose, even if they might leave people crammed shoulder to shoulder in the pits.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

A TRIP

D O W N

MEMORY LANE

PHOTOS: BRENA GROEPER Junior Joey Silknitter unhooks a sixth grader from the zip line. The zip line was a favorite among the students.

PLHS students get the chance to relive experiences from their childhood as they volunteer for Outdoor Education.

BY MEGAN FRIEL PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER & CAMRYN BOWERS

for list

Che

d r E

oo utd

t ligh h s Fla ns ay Jea spr g Bu s ama j a h P rus

Brena Groeper, a PLHS student, walks across the high wire. The wire tested the mental and physical strengths of students.

thb

Too

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A bus filled with students all eager to learn is rare to come across. Most yellow buses transport students to monotonous classrooms with the same overzealous posters covering the bland painted brick walls. However, for two days sixth graders attending PLC schools have the chance to enjoy learning hands on. Joining them are former students who went less than six years prior, only this time to volunteer as counselors. Every autumn, there is a need for high school students to accompany the sixth graders for two days at the 4-H Camp near Schramm Park. Going back to the camp grounds is a nostalgic experience for the student counselors. “I was excited to go back, especially as a counselor for little kids,” senior Preston Anderson said. The curriculum during the trip has not changed much in the past decade, with a clear emphasis on building connections with peers and learning about nature. A fan favorite is evident among students from all ages. “I had a great time at the trust course,” junior Joey Silknitter said. The trust course is a series

of challenges, supervised by a trained adult. High wire obstacles, zip lining, and team tests focused on both mental and physical strengths are all part of the course. “My favorite part going back was definitely the zip line,” Anderson said. Other activities included lessons on the four major environments. Throughout the two days. students took nature walks in the forest, tested water at the ponds, took pictures accompanied by notes using iPads, and studied the richness of soil. While walking the trails, many insects of all varieties were encountered. “There were a lot of spiders,” Anderson said. After dinner, when the sun began to set, students learned about birds with raptor recovery. Stargazing ends the evening, and the various groups retreated back to their cabins for bed. Cold showers and sharing bunk beds with classmates means the designated bed time is not easily met. “We didn’t go to bed until midnight,” junior Alex Anderson said. Being with the sixth graders provides the high school students an opportunity to reflect on the

past, and grow as a person. “It was amazing to go back with other high school counselors, the majority of which I went to Outdoor Ed with in sixth grade,” Silknitter said. Most student counselors go back to Outdoor Ed with the elementary school they went to as children. They have the chance to connect with their previous teachers, and relive their childhood. “It was a lot more fun this time,” Preston said. The teenagers are able to bond with their peers, as well as the sixth graders they spend the two days with. “I was very energetic, optimistic and encouraging when hanging out with the sixth graders,” Silknitter said. For most high school students, elementary school is something to laugh about. Recesses, coloring pages and basic math seems like an eternity ago. For others, the opportunity to go back to one of the most exciting parts of their sixth grade year is a chance they jump at. Outdoor Ed is a trip down memory lane for students, and a break from their own monotonous academic life.

The Outdoor Ed. Experience

Students took the bus to the 4-H Park.

Took a hike to the prairie.

Hiked out to the pond.

Raptor recovery came to educate students.

Completed the trust course challenges.

Students told stories around the campfire.

Students gazed at the stars.

Students hiked through the

forest.

Students went to cabins for bed.

Students took the bus ride home.

Observed nature in silence.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

In less than a month, new voters will be able to have a voice in the country’s next leader.

BY ALYSSA FORAL, HANNAH IM, JOANNA WALTON

VOICE YOUR

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

Advertisements attacking candidates come on every time the television is turned on; social media blows up on debate nights. Difficult decisions are made as the presidential election of 2016 approaches. Whatever age the voter may be, everyone voting in the November 8th election needs to understand why their vote matters. “This election could impact money for college, and lots of different areas of their lives,” AP U.S. Government teacher Mr. Joe Pilakowski said. For students considering voting, senior Colton Armstrong wants his peers to know that “voting is important.” However, most young

people do not realize just how vital their votes are. “If 18-20 year olds showed up to vote on a consistent basis, their age group could control the outcome of elections,” Pilakowski said. Senior Panashe Muendesi agrees: “It’s important to have a say in your own country, that’s what we get when we are able to vote.” According to an online nonprofit research organization called childtrends.org, youth voting rates have decreased, even though students around the country are going to be impacted by the new presidential administration’s views on education. “It’s hard to know right

now how each candidate will try to change education in the U.S.,” Pilakowski said. “It will be interesting to see how the Clinton or Trump administration will change education.” Many students are merely years away from being able to vote, but why should youth voters even consider participating? “They all need to pay attention, whether they like it or not,” Pilakowski said. “The election of a president affects the lives of everyone.” For the upcoming election, or any other future elections, keep in mind, every vote counts and that a vote can make a difference in our country.

HILLARY CLINTON Policies on Education

-Supports Common Core.

-Would expand preschool to every 4-year-old over a 10 year period. -Backs a plan that eventually would allow students to attend in-state, four-year public colleges and universities tuition-free in 2021.

Information from: edweek.org

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OTE

Path to Presidency 1.

Eligibility guidelines:

• Must be 35 years old • Have been a resident of the US for 14 years • Must be a naturalborn citizen

Party Primaries, Caucuses, and Delegates:

Declare Candidacy:

• Candidates fundraise and campaign • Pre-elections in the form of caucuses and primaries • Pre-elections allow more power to citizens when nominating candidates

• Candidates register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to receive donations for their campaign

Party Conventions and Nomination:

• Candidate wins primary process • Nominated at their separate party conventions • Three final debates before election day on Tuesday, November 8.

Information from:2012election.procon.org

DONALD TRUMP -Wants to end Common Core.

Policies on Education

-Child care costs could be deductible from taxes up to certain income levels, as well as for stay-at-home parents. -Wants student loans to originate with banks, not the federal government.

Information from: edweek.org

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

Is Dating

Dating used to be a fun, flourishing endeavor that gave us butterflies, but now it has dwindled down to cold apps and faceless flirting.

OPINION BY KAYLEN MALTAIS PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

most recently used emojis. Somehow our generation has taken the date out of dating. No one meets face to face anymore or passes love notes to each other in the hallways. It’s not like we have to start reciting sonnets to the ones we fancy, but we definitely need to start connecting as people, not profiles.

relationships endure our hectic teenage lives. “You couldn’t have a relationship unless you talked or hung out with them,” Hubert said. We humans are social creatures that crave connection. Why deny ourselves that basic need to upkeep a snap streak? Instead of dog-filtering away your heart’s desires, take your lucky lady out on a date. Next time you pick up your You guys will have no phone to Facetime, ask your beau intimate spilling of the heart on a date for some real face time. “It doesn’t have to be like our generation had. expensive. It should be about each other,” sophomore Alexis Hamilton said. In the end, we’re still kids Mrs. Gretta Hubert stumbling around trying to find our “I think that you guys way, but in matters of the heart we should write love notes,” Mrs. should take notes from the smooth Gretta Hubert, a two-year social talkers and heart throbs before us. studies teacher and PLHS alumna We should rewind back to date said. “You guys will have no nights, flowers, courting, and the intimate spilling of the heart like whole shabang. our generation had.” Technology is great for The whole point of dating speed, but dating isn’t the “Fast is to get to know someone, and and the Furious;” it’s slow and what better way to do that than takes effort. They say everyone is a in person when all reactions and responses are candid and authentic? fool in love, and while that may be true, let’s not let that stop us from It may be scary when we first proving them wrong. think about it, but that’s how

“

Adam and Eve, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet: all lovers made for the history books, but what was their secret? How have they remained the envies of the romantic world for so long? For centuries, humans have taken part in the forever old act of dating. Whether it was in the hearts of the earliest caves and tribes, atop the glossy tile floors of 1950s diners, or even the very halls we spend our adolescent lives in, the idea of dating and romance has been ever present in our lives and in our world. With the help of technology, we have been able to evolve our romantic agendas to a series of texts, tweets and snaps. Although it is now fast and efficient, I’m starting to think the cavemen had it right from the beginning. We, as a whole, have resorted to our cellular devices and emoticons to share our feelings with others. While many are comfortable with their electronic affairs, others long for the days when we searched for a rising blush on someone’s face, not in our

DEAD?

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SPORTS

Many teens are bottling up their emotions and thinking it helps, when it is actually harmful.

OPINION BY FAITH WORKMAN

PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER & CAMRYN BOWERS

Coming home from school used to be the best part of the day. We couldn’t wait to tell our parents about the things we learned at school and when asked about our day, it was almost impossible to stop talking. We wanted our parents to know everything we accomplished and everything we created. Even when we had bad days it was easy to tell our parents about those small, yet significant, dilemmas at school. We lived vicariously through our emotions and weren’t afraid to let them spill out. Growing up was harder. It seemed like we talked less and deliberately ignored our natural instinct to let those emotional volcanoes explode. Perhaps we stressed our parents out with all the talking, or were taught by society that being emotional was not tolerable. Whatever the case may be, emotions have seemed to lose their balance as we grew older.

Stepping Stones to Success

I have found that, even in my own life, not talking and simply locking the doors to emotions is easier than crying or slamming doors. Social status has especially enabled this unnatural storage of emotions in teenagers by teaching us not to be too “attention seeking” or emotional. Face it, most of us hate when other people see us cry. Whether we hide in the bathroom or lock our bedroom doors, we all have our own ways of hiding feelings, but why do we feel the need? The main thing to recognize in such an emotionally deprived society is that emotions are the only thing that makes us individually exceptional. Being too sensitive is a lot better than being cold and heartless. Those feelings help us comfort our friends and tell the difference between right and wrong. Without them we just simply would not be human.

Write down reasons it as worth getting out of bed today

Make time for things that give you joy

Disconnect! Spending all night on Instagram with no sleep? No wonder you’re blue!

Exercise! Doing some sort of physical activity can really let loose those dangerous toxins that make you feel down

Don’t wallow in your tears. Cry for a little bit and then turn on your favorite Netflix series!

THE SCEPTER

OCTOBER 2016

Behind The Curtain Students participating in the annual fall play share what it is like performing a well known work of art. BY: LAUREN DOMINELLO

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON Seniors Kylie Squiers, Jackie Frazier and Dawson Beles practice every day after school in the auditorium.

PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON Sophomores Julia Campbell, Mikayla Galgerud and Alexa Leuckhardt pose during practice that began in early september.

PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON Senior Nick Molina and sophomores Wyatt Terrebone and Paris Gardner prepare for their upcoming roles.

PHOTO: DELANI WATKINS The leads of the show, (left to right) junior Nathan Schildhauer, senior Elliot Dritt, senior Ambi Anuh-Ndumu, junior Alyssa Foral, senior Nick Molina, and junior Xavier Nelson, pose outside the Monarch auditorium.

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Nothing can compare to the feelings of pure joy and relief when the last line of a show is spoken, and the curtain begins to close. The crowd rises from their seats, and applause fills the auditorium; everyone backstage is hit with the sweet sounds of cheers and whistles coming from behind that big red curtain. Actors go to change out of costume, run crew clears the stage of any sets, and the lights and sound crew in the booth put up the house lights and begin collecting cords and headsets. These are just a few minutes of what goes on behind the scenes of a PLHS show. There are even more hours upon hours of work that go into making a performance the best it can be. Tonight and tomorrow, the PLHS drama department will be putting on “To Kill a Mockingbird” for their annual fall play. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is different from most plays this school has put on. “It’s a lot more controversial and has a deeper meaning,” senior Jackie Frazier said. Frazier will be playing Stephanie Crawford, the town gossip. She is the costume crew chief, and also helps with hair and makeup. “I’m excited for this show, we have a really good cast

and everyone is treating the words and language we have to use with respect and maturity,” Frazier said. Some people are concerned with the level of maturity required from these high school students to act according to script but still respect the roles and lines they’ve been given, since some students are playing characters with extreme, racist

views. “It’s a very serious topic that’s still a problem today,” senior Ambi Anuh-Ndumu said. Anuh-Ndumu will be playing Calpurnia, the African American cook and housekeeper of the Finch family. She is the publicity crew chief, and also helps out with lights and sound. This is the first year she

has been able to play an African American character. “I think it’s interesting that I’m an African American female playing another African American female in a different time because it opens up what could have happened to me if I hadn’t been born when I was,” Anuh-Ndumu said. “It shows how much things have changed and how far we’ve come in history.” This play, one of director Mrs. Molly Grasso’s favorites, was chosen this year due to the fact that our school now displays enough diversity for its African American roles. It was also a good choice because most students in the school have read “To Kill a Mockingbird” in an English class and understand the seriousness of the topic of racism that the book discusses. “I’m excited because so many people know this story from reading it,” Anuh-Ndumu said. “It’ll be really fun to act out something we’ve all read and know.” The cast and crew are working hard for the opening of this show tonight. It will be tonight and tomorrow in the auditorium at 7pm. Child tickets are $4, adult tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. “It’ll be a great show and everyone should come see it,” Frazier said.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

4 BINGE-WORTHY SHOWS ON

Old and new shows on Netflix that are worth the time.

BY TREVOR KALAL

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

Normal comedic TV shows often have laugh tracks, but not this one. This is more of a dry humor show, where the jokes are not made so obvious. In Scranton, Pa., there is not a lot there to talk about except paper. Here the Scranton Branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company and its employees work your average nine to five jobs, answering phones, doing paper work and going on sales calls. This ragtag group of employees also have to deal with other issues like romance, gossip and the weird antics of their manager. This sci-fi thriller has certainly shaken up quite an audience lately. Since this show premiered on Netflix in July, people could not stop talking about it. This show follows the story of a tight-knit community in Hawkins, Indiana. Everything is calm, then a child disappears and that community starts to fall apart. Their quest is to rescue Will Byers. His mother, his friends and the police chief must go against government agencies and forces of a supernatural nature to get him back. Friends. We all have them; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the people we know from school or other activities. A group can become so close they become a significant part of each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. This show follows a tight-knit group of six friends living in Manhattan, as they navigate life, romance, friendship and everything in between. I need a new show to watch, stat! Well, if there is a need for some good old-fashioned medical drama, then this is what to watch. The show takes place in one of the premier hospitals in Seattle, Wash. This show explores the personal and professional lives of the surgical interns and their superiors as they face medical challenges, as well as love, in the workplace.

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An Artistic Touch

BY CAITLYN THOMAS

Art classes bring out the best in the students, and the school.

The cramp in your hand after drawing, the constant stain of paints and markers on your skin and the splatter of clay on your clothes; the art teachers see this everyday. They see the gleam in student’s eyes when they get inspired, and the frustration of when they can not think of what to do next. Art teachers see all these things, and many more, it is their job to teach the students how to channel their thoughts, feelings and ideas into something that students can be proud of. “Art is essentially someone’s feelings poured out onto a paper; you say how you feel without words,” sophomore Aniena Farley said. Unlike some subjects at PLHS, art helps students relieve some of the stress caused throughout the day. “It serves as a stress reliever,” Farley said. “I’m sure it does the same for many others. It also challenges students to consider things on a deeper level.” For the art teachers at this school, the main thing they want to teach the students is how to express themselves and have fun doing it. “To me, art is a way to get with kids, and you are teaching them about the work and about life,” art teacher Mrs. Valerie Mouttet said. Before the students can put

the pen on the paper and start, they have to know the basics of what they are trying to make. “There are really four essential skills kids need to know; if you don’t learn the techniques, you can’t know the emotions,” Mouttet said. High school is the time for students to branch out and try new things, and art classes are perfect for that, even if you don’t think you are that good. “I think high school kids are excited to do new things, and have their peers see their work,” Mouttet said. In art, students get to express themselves and be creative in ways they can’t in other subjects. “Art class to me is another way to expand my education with what I love most; art,” Farley said. Art has always had an impact on the students at the school

and in the world in general. It is one of the most complex subjects, while also being the most simple. “Even though I do the same projects, kids always find something new to do, and it gives me more ideas about my own work,” Mouttet said. What the teachers are trying to do is inspire their students, and make them see the good in themselves and the art that they make. They are also teaching them to see others art in the same light. “I want the kids to walk away with an appreciation for how hard it is,” Mouttet said.

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I’m inspired by my suroundings, my emotions and how I’m feeling. THE SCEPTER

OCTOBER 2016

“

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

ANIENA FARLEY

All Bundled Up Late season football games can become almost unbearable for students, so here is a complete guide on how to survive those types of games.

Freezing air pierces students' faces, snowflakes flutter to the ground, the temperature falls below 32 degrees. How is a student supposed to prepare for a situation like this while still remaining a Hooligan? Surviving a freezing football game is not a tough thing to do, if well prepared. Having the right equipment in hand will allow for a pleasant and warming experience. “The key is to bring thick sweatpants and a thick sweatshirt,” junior Davis Showell said. “That way you can still represent Papio

while staying warm.” There are also necessities for the cheerleaders to stay warm and energetic. “We have to bring our warmups, sweatshirt, scarf, and mittens because our uniforms don’t cover much,” junior Olivia Horner said. Other things just don’t belong as much at a football game in dwindling temperatures. “Never wear shorts,” Showell said. “Nobody thinks you’re tough and cool because your legs are exposed in freezing weather."

6 Things to Bring to a Freezing Game PHOTO BY BRENA GROEPER

BY DEVIN VETTER To stay warm in the stands, a good start would be to bring handwarmers and a nice coat. If you’re extremely cold, a cup of hot cocoa will warm you up from the inside out. Staying warm is a key aspect of late season football games; everyone involved will be able to truly show school spirit when warm. “Cold weather games are more bonding for the student section,” Showell said. “Only the true Hooligans come out.”

Warm Hat

Scarf

Mug with a warm drink

Gloves

Heavy Coat

Pants?

Junior Billy Broderick demonstrates proper attire for a cold football game.

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Fresh

With fall sports in full effect, freshmen get their chance to prove themselves at a higher level of competition.

BY HUNTER POMBRIO

Chloe Paschal prepares to return a serve during the Allison Weston Tournament. The team went on to win this tournament, defeating Millard West in the finals.

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

Samuel Cahill runs a mid-September meet with other Omaha Metro Cross Country athletes. Cahill has become a fine addition to Monarch Cross Country as a freshman.

Nick Ripa swings at a tennis ball during an early season match. As a freshman, Ripa looks to become an integral part of the tennis team for seasons to come.

Being a freshman can be quite frightening at times; the first week makes some cry. High school brings all sorts of people together. In some cases, it will bring freshmen and seniors into the same clubs, classes or sports team. High expectations and bright futures are set for any freshman on varsity; this is no exception for freshmen Samuel Cahill, Chloe Paschal and Nick Ripa. “I expect to work as hard as I can and perform to the best of my ability while continuing to improve,” Cahill, a member of the cross-country team, said. PLHS bases its foundation on its tradition and the school has many customs ranging far and wide. This is especially true for a

Talent

freshman learning the traditions, which can be quite difficult at first. “The traditions are fun, but in tennis there’s only two seniors, and I hate getting last pick on everything,” Ripa, a member of the #1 doubles, said. In a foreign environment such as high school, one can look to athletics to find long lasting relationships. “My teammates treat me like family, and to me, they are,” Cahill said. “They’re my best group of friends, and I’d do anything for them.” Of course, just making varsity doesn’t entitle one to automatically start and be a star player. “My goal is to earn my place on the [volleyball] team and

on the court,” Paschal, an outside hitter, said. Life on varsity as a freshman takes hard work, dedication, and determination. There has to be a drive for one to attain such a great achievement. “What pushes me to run cross country is the drive to be the best possible and simply for the love of the sport,” Cahill said. Varsity is no easy task: it takes long hours, questions an athlete’s will, and determines a team to work for a common goal. Being the youngest age in school takes much more than people realize. Freshmen have to compete against stronger, smarter and more experienced players while still coming out on top.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

Serving

Success

The Monarch Volleyball team looks to capture the gold at the state tournament.

BY JOSEY RYAN

PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

PHOTO: HEATHER SLUGA Coach Lebeda-Svehla gives her advice during a time out. The Monarchs beat Millard South in three sets.

Pulling your knee-pads up, tying your shoes and putting your hair up. Three tasks that seem very simple, but while doing this, anxiety and anticipation build up giving any athlete pre-game butterflies. For the Monarch volleyball team, this may or may not be the case. After qualifying for the state tournament almost every year since 1990, this anxiety has not affected the team’s records. In 2009, coach Kristin Lebeda-Svehla took over as the head coach of the Monarch volleyball program. Since she has been coaching, they have qualified

for the state tournament every year except for 2011. Since then, they have continued their streak of state tournament appearances and have been a standout “need to beat” kind of team. With all of these accomplishments, the volleyball team has earned their spot at the top of the NSAA record board with the most state tournament appearances at 30, tied with Marian and Columbus-Scotus. This success comes from great coaching, great players and the dreaded practices that come with every sport season. “At practice Coach Lebeda-

Svehla makes drills crazy hard, so when we get to a game, we know how to fail and how to fix the mistakes,” senior Steph Gaston said. Gaston has played on the varsity team as a right side hitter every year since her sophomore year. State tournaments are not new to her, but as a senior, she takes on a role of being a leader to her teammates. “Being a senior involves many roles including keeping up the same traditions, pre game routines, and leading team bonding to keep the team close,” Gaston said.

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STATE STATS 2009 Quarterfinalist 2010 Quarterfinalist 2011 Did Not Qualify 2012 Quarterfinalist 2013 3rd Place 2014 2nd Place 2015 Semifinalist As for others just joining this team, holding up the Monarch tradition can be a daunting task. For freshman Chloe Paschal, this might be the case. “With all the success, there is a lot to hold up to and being with players like [Gaston] who have been through it all, to follow in their footsteps and to have as much success as them, is my main goal,” Paschal said. For Coach Lebeda-Svehla, success has not been handed to her. The tradition of Monarch volleyball and the players she has coached have contributed to making this success possible.

PHOTO: AIDAN CHO Mckenzie Michalek serves the ball to her opponent. The Monarchs swept the bulldogs in three sets.

“It’s easy once you’ve got the hang of it,” Lebeda-Svehla said. “Tradition passes down and the girls’ goals are what inspire me to be better.” Not only do the goals inspire Lebeda to be better, but they help her plan practices and other team bonding activities to help them accomplish these goals. “Their goals are my goals and once they set these goals, I use them to plan practices,” LebedaSvehla said. This year, the volleyball team has made it a goal to win state. Coach Lebeda-Svehla believes it can happen, and so does

her team. “We have most of our team back, and we are confident we can win state with hard work and dedication,” Gaston said. As of Sept. 30, the Monarchs are sitting at No. 2 in the state with a 19-2 record. The bar is set high for this season’s team, but the past leadership of the Monarch players and coaches could help bring home the gold and lead the team to climb to heights they have not yet achieved.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

Cheering to New

HEIGHTS

Cheerleaders stunt now that the ban in Nebraska has been lifted.

BY BRENDON BOATWRIGHT Friday nights are more than just the football games, tailgates and grill-outs. Every Friday night cheerleaders are out supporting their teams, giving encouragement and firing up the stands. Up to this point cheerleaders were grounded and only allowed to preform their cheers while they were on the ground, or floor level. For years, in the state of Nebraska, a ban was placed in order to prevent cheerleaders from stunting. Recently that ban was lifted, allowing the cheerleaders to perform stunts that have not been used in years. “Stunting in cheerleading is defined as building performances using ‘flyers’ and ‘bases,’” assistant coach Mrs. Stacia Kapalka said. “I was shocked [when the ban was lifted] because we couldn’t stunt in high school.” There are some stipulations to the stunts that can be performed

by the cheerleaders, however. “Right now we are only allowed to let the girls go to shoulder height or below,” Kapalka said. “All shoulder level stunts must have an additional spotter and have to remain on two feet when in the air.” Each person has a specific job that she needs to do when she is performing stunts; the person being lifted into the air is called a flyer and the person holding her up is called a base. Being lifted into the air is a terrifying thought for some people, but for sophomore Karsyn Brown, a varsity flyer, it is just a mundane task. Brown has little fear of falling because she “trusts her bases not to drop her and to always catch her.” Katie Pohl is a senior base this year and she makes sure that none of the flyers fall. She is in the back of the three bases so she is used more for support and to catch

the flyer if she falls. Occasionally Pohl is worried that the flyer might fall if she is not up properly, but Pohl “will catch them even if they do fall.” Stunts take a lot of practice so as to ensure the safety of all of the cheerleaders. “We have practices and go over our stunts and cheers several times until they are great,” Brown said. Right now the cheerleaders are limited on what kind of stunts that they can perform. With time perhaps the types of stunts that they can do will change and hopefully allow for more complex and showstopping moves. Only time can tell what will become of the renouncement of this ban, and for the years to come it could be exciting to see what new and complex stunts that they can do in high school cheerleading.

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PHOTO: AIDAN CHO

TOP PHOTO: Cheerleaders show off their new moves in the first football game against Lincoln Southwest. They practiced their stunts often to look great during the games.

PHOTO: AIDAN CHO BOTTOM PHOTO: Sophomore Karsyn Brown soars in the air as she encourages the crowd to cheer for the football team. She is a varsity flyer and performs these stunts often.

THE SCEPTER OCTOBER 2016

Prince Philipp They always say you do not want to have any regrets from high school, and Segla is doing his best to follow that advice. In his senior year, he decided to go out for football, and three games in he already cracked the starting line-up. “I just wanted to experience the game of football, since I have never played it, and I love it,” Segla said. Although it is his first season, he already feels the family connection that seems to always form through sports. “You have the whole football team on your side; they are like a third family to me,” Segla said. “You have the whole team right beside you to help pick you up no matter what.” He also has affected the team with his positive attitude and infectious work ethic. Philipp Segla “He is a great teammate who pushes others just get better by his effort,” senior Jake Dinges said. Someday, Segla may be king. As of now he is making plays in the trenches on Friday nights, and roaming the halls of PLHS as just another friendly senior. “If you see me in the halls just say hi, and try to get to know me,” Segla said, “I just want to be friends with everybody.”

Senior Philipp Segla experiences life in Papillion from a different point of view.

BY DYLAN NICHOLSON PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE

Everyone has seen him in school at one point or another. Whether it is in the halls walking to class, in the weight room powering through a workout, or out on the football field terrorizing quarterbacks, people recognize him; but there are not too many people who know the true Philipp Segla. Segla is a senior here at PLHS, and starts at nose guard for the varsity football team on Friday nights; but there is much more to his story than what first comes across. Segla moved to Nebraska with his mother and his aunt. In the meantime, his step-sisters and father are royalty back in Togo, Africa, while his father is ruling as king over the village they live in. While Selga has a throne waiting for him back in Togo, a west African nation, he plans on staying here in America and adding to his life experiences for the next decade or so years. “I would like to go into the military and then further my education in college after that,” Segla said.

“

My favorite part of football is tackling and hitting people.

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Caught Our Eye PAGE DESIGN BY IZZY HAAVE AND DELANI WATKINS

Photo Credit: Ivan Hurst

Senior softball players Mallory Sotak and Mady Anglim cut the ribbon dedicating their field. A press box has been added, and lights will be added within the next year.

Credit: Delani Watkins 2 Photo The Monarch student section throws up powder in preparation for the kickoff against Millard North.

3 Photo Credit: Heather Sluga Football player Michael Ripa tackles Titan player Michael McClanahan in the annual rivalry game.

Credit: Schyler Cruse 4 Photo Junior David Kawula races towards the

6 7

7 OCTOBER 2016

finish line during time trials. This race allows for coaches to choose the varsity team.

Photo Credit: Aidan Cho

Junior cheerleaders Lauren Lafond, Hanna Olson, Mary Monaghan, Delaney Stienblock and Kennedy Kilgore pose for the luau game.

Photo Credit: Delani Watkins Monarch dancers Jill Mathison, Alexis Monteleone and Maddie Stock pose for the camera at the Hawaiian-themed football game.

Photo Credit: Heather Sluga

Sophomore football player Cameron Wren plays the trumpet with the PLHS marching band.

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