THE
SCEPTER
FEBRUARY 2017 A
P U B L I C A T I O N
ISSUE 4 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
FEATURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4&5 Where Work Happens 6 An Unknown Path 7 Serious Setback 8 9 Think 10 Feels Like Home 11 Living on a Razor's Edge 12&13 An Ideal Situation NEWS 14&15 The First 100 Days 16 Teaching Through Criticism FOCUS: 17 Diving into the Mind 18&19 Chemically Imbalanced 20 Speaking Up 21 Common Misconceptions &
Sophomore Gabe Todd crowd surfs after No. 2 ranked Papio upsets No. 1 ranked Millard West 72-54 on Jan. 13. COVER PHOTO: TREVOR LEWIS COVER DESIGN: CAMRYN BOWERS
OPINION
the Eyes of a 22 Through Professional New Kid
ENTERTAINMENT
23 Underrated 24&25 Middle Child 26 A New Year for Gaming SPORTS 27 Born to be an All-Star 28 Under Pressure 29 Hustle and Heart 30&31 The End Game
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
EDITORS
SCEPTER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NICOLE LUDDEN
PLPULSE.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CJ CURRY
FEATURES CLAIRE NEIL & KAYLEE PENRY
NEWS&OPINION HANNAH IM ELLIOTT WOLBACH & FAITH WORKMAN
SPORTS
NATE GENDLER & DYLAN NICHOLSON
ENTERTAINMENT KASSIDY BROWN & MEGAN KRABBENHOFT
COPY
RAINA DODGE
COVERAGE
BRITTANY KELLNER
DESIGN
CAMRYN BOWERS PEYTON COSE JULIA HARKER
PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR LEWIS BRENA GROEPER
EMMA HIGBY LAUREN LAFOND EMILY LINGELBACH HANNA OLSON DELANI WATKINS ALEXA BUSBY ALYSSA FORAL MEGAN FRIEL IZZY HAAVE MOLLEE SWIFT JOANNA WALTON KAYLEN MALTAIS BRENDON BOATWRIGHT HANNAH CAHILL HUNTER POMBRIO JOSEY RYAN DEVIN VETTER
LAUREN DOMINELLO CHLOE GRIMM TREVOR KALAL KENNEDY SAUTTER CAITLYN THOMAS
EDITORIAL The Invisible Illness What if, one day, we entered these predictable linoleum floors of our high school, and saw things as they are? Students limp by pathetically, unable to balance burdensome backpacks upon the weight of their crutches. The highest-achieving A-students wobble around with gauze repressing their bloody heads. Some even check in their varsity jackets for wheel chairs and IV poles, completely defenseless. And despite the severity of their pain, despite the authenticity of their illness--they all are suffering in silence. Although we cannot directly see all of those who suffer from illness, this does not disregard the fact that many people are suffering. The prevalence of mental illness in youth peaks to threatening heights, even as we enter a new year. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental
Illness, 1 in 5 youth between the ages of 13-18 are suffering from a mental illness right now. This means that by the time you pass from first hour to second, you are more than likely passing by a peer who is suffering from the anguish of his or her own internal struggle. Sometimes, the weight of schoolwork, a social life and extracurricular activities causes each of our individual bulging backpacks to break. Our young, flourishing minds cannot adjust to the weight being unloaded into them. Considering this, the difficulty in helping those with mental illness arises in the fact that one cannot see these invisible afflictions. So what can we do to ensure that those who need help are able to receive the attention they deserve? The most significant way to help others is to know the signs of mental disorders. Just as coughs
and runny noises signify an onset cold, a suddenly withdrawn personality, lack of appetite and increased agitation all signify the common mental disorder of depression. When we are aware of the warnings, we can identify the cause. The peers we interact with everyday do not make it clear that they may need help. They are not limping on crutches, oozing blood or depending on wheel chairs. This does not mean that they do not need our help. By dealing with the outstanding prevalence of mental illness amongst our youth as a priority, others will follow suit. The world will never understand the dire importance of this invisible epidemic until you try to understand it for yourself.
THE SCEPTER FEBRUARY 2017
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Write passes
Make Announcements
Answer the door
Give students items from their parents.
Send Emails Bonnie Reichenbach, Tamy Grate, Brenda Jung, and Nancy Veitch successfully keep the school running smoothly as they manage the front office. BY CLAIRE NEIL PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE
Everyone has that one dream job. A job that is filled with laughter and good people to surround yourself with. A job filled with smiling faces where you can help make everyone’s day better. Not everyone is lucky enough to find this dream job, but luckily for Bonnie Reichenbach, Tamy Grate, Brenda Jung and Nancy Veitch, they
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all found their calling when they became the secretaries at Papillion-La Vista High School. While walking into the high school, it is almost impossible to not smile when looking past the front desk at these four super secretaries. Every day they get to school early and start the day off with jokes and glowing personalities. Veitch has been working at the school for 23 years, Reichenbach for 20, Grate for 11, and Jung for 3. Even though they all work in the same area, their jobs consist of doing different things. Reichenbach’s typical day consists of answering phone calls, helping the principals and staff when
Make phone calls
needed, and answering the school doorbell. “I love my job because I love the staff, principals and students that I work with,” Reichenbach said. “I love coming to work everyday.” Jung’s day consists of managing the phone. Along with Reichenbach, she enjoys her job because of the people she encounters. “I get to school at 7:00 and start taking phone calls at 7:30 and answer them until the afternoon,” Jung said. “These phone calls are usually parents calling in their sick kid or telling me if the student has to leave early.” Grate also works in the front office and takes care of finding subs to cover for teachers who are sick or who
FEATURES NEWS
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
Bonnie Reichenbach, Nancy Veitch, Tamy Grate and Brenda Jung dress up as witches for Halloween and as cowgirls, rock stars, and super secretaries during Homecoming week. Every year they get matching outfits and go all out.
PHOTOS: TAMY GRATE
have had an emergency. “I am very lucky to be able to work with the whole staff here at Monarchs,” Grate said. “It is a special staff and we are very lucky to have the principals we have.” Veitch’s job consists of paying bills and purchasing things for the school’s activities. She also works on tasks for Mr. Kalina and works with the school’s time clock. “One of my favorite parts of the job is that it is always different every day,” Veitch said. Along with having a job they love, and good people surrounding them, the secretaries make their job even better by having a little fun. “After my first year working here
they held a graduation party for me,” Jung said. “They sang the graduation song and gave me a diploma and hat since I had successfully graduated my first year on the job.” Another laugh they had throughout the years was when Reichenbach used the intercom to call a classroom with the intention of asking a certain student to come to the front office. Minutes later, she was very surprised when she looked up to see the whole class of 25 students standing in front of her insisting that she had in fact asked for the whole class to come to the front office. “We work hard when we have to work, but when we don’t, we have a lot of fun,” Reichenbach said.
One of the things the ladies do for fun is dressing up during Homecoming week and on Halloween. They usually go to Walmart or Hobby Lobby together to shop for matching outfits. “Our favorite theme to dress up for was rock-star day,” Grate said. “People thought that my wig was my real hair and that I actually cut and dyed my hair for the day.” Working in the front office is hard work, but when the right people are there, it feels less like work and more like hanging out with friends who laugh and joke with each other. “We all get along in the front office and that is what makes it so enjoyable,” Reichenbach said.
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LSU
N An
Path Not all seniors know exactly what they would like to do after graduation. BY HANNA OLSON PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE
Students often feel stressed in high school because of the amount of homework they have each night. However, seniors must do their high school homework and prepare for colleges. Once students reach their senior year, they expect it to be the best year of high school. Sometimes, they forget about the responsibility they will need to take on once they graduate. While a lot of seniors know what they’re doing after high school, many do not. Each student has a different idea about what he or she would like to do after graduation: some might go to college, and others might take a break. “I have decided on going to UNL, but I’m undecided on a major,” senior Cameran Raszler said. “I would like to study psychology, but if I had
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a psych major, I would like to have a double major.” Deciding what one wants to do with the rest of his or her life is a big decision, and it may take time to figure out. Most students have an idea about what they plan on doing after graduation, but still would like to keep their options open. “As of right now, I can see myself going to UNO,” senior Jayden Sidwell said. “But I would like to graduate from UNL within the next four to six years.” When looking toward the future, the final year of high school can be exciting and heartbreaking for a senior. “I want to enjoy the time I have left with the people in my grade before it’s too late,” Sidwell said. “At the same time, I want to work further on my future and work on understanding myself.” Trying to make the most of senior year with good memories is something all students strive for. Keeping grades up and attending
activities can end up being very stressful when college applications are due, especially if a student is working toward a scholarship. “I’m involved in many activities both in and out of school,” Raszler said. “So finding a balance between that, school work and a social life has been difficult for me.” Graduating high school is all that some students look forward to throughout high school. While it is the end of one chapter of life, students see graduating high school as an opening to opportunity. “I can not wait to graduate,” Sidwell said. “Once I’m enrolled, I’ll have everything figured out.” As the year goes on and graduation approaches, the seniors start to realize the reality that their high school experience is about to end. “It is a little bit intimidating and scary, but mostly exciting,” Raszler said. “ I cannot wait to see what next year will bring.”
FEATURES NEWS
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
SERIOUS
SETBACK
Walking down the hallway, limping and stumbling. Few people experience this throughout their high school years. A select few, however, stumble around everyday. When someone has a brace or is on crutches, people assume they had an injury. But for one girl, it is because she underwent a surgery to get a tumor removed. Sophomore Callie Koory developed a tumor at a young age, and recently had it removed. Recovering from surgery, she now walks around school in a knee brace. “I had an osteochondroma tumor in my knee,” Koory said. “I have known about it for about a year and a half.” An osteochondroma tumor develops during childhood; it is an abnormal growth that forms on the surface of a bone near the growth plate, which is noncancerous. Undergoing surgery can take a massive toll on a person. This was
Sophomore Callie Koory recently had a tumor removed from her knee. Although it is not cancerous, she still has to wear a knee brace. BY EMMA HIGBY PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER
true for Koory, who will have to go through countless hours of physical therapy, which makes for a very stressful recovery. “My recovery will take 6-8 weeks,” Koory said. “For physical therapy, it’s mostly just strengthening because they did not go into any muscle.” Living and doing everyday tasks have become strenuous for Koory to complete with the added pressure of not moving her knee. “I have to sleep upstairs now, since I cant walk down stairs to go to my room. I had to wash myself with a wash cloth for awhile since I couldn’t get my leg wet,” Koory said. “At school it’s a lot harder to walk around the halls without getting pushed, because if I do get pushed I run the risk of fracturing my femur.” Koory’s tumor not only impacted herself and family, but has made life for some friends different. Instead of Koory carrying her books, her friends
carry them for her. “She cannot really do stuff on her own,” sophomore Madison O’Connor said. “I have to walk a lot slower in the hallways and drive her places.” Koory went through the surgery where they shaved off the end of her femur. Now the rehab process will take about 6-8 more weeks. It takes more effort and stamina than one could think.
Junior Nathan Kohler fractured his femur while wrestling.
Senior Brandon Peszulik tore his ACL while playing basketball. Sophomore Hannah Lane broke her fibula while jumping on a trampoline.
FEBRUARY 2017
PHOTO: CALLIE KOORY Koory props her leg upon the desk during class. She had to do this in every class in order for her leg to feel comfortable
THE SCEPTER
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“I would tell someone looking into a tattoo to make sure in 30 years it will be something you love in a place you have put thought into.” Senior Hannah McCarville
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“I would want to get more tattoos later on because I think they are unique and tell a person’s story.” Sophomore Jace Noble
“My tattoo is of the track logo, which has been an irreplaceable part of my life and is a way of representing cornerstone pieces of my life.” -Senior KJ Cotton
“If I got a tattoo right now, I would get a tiny little candle on one of my fingers so that I could always see it, because it reminds me of this quote from Buddha; ‘Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases from being shared.’” - Junior Lexi Harrison
FEATURES NEWS
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
The tattoos on these students are more than just art. OPINION BY IZZY HAAVE PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE
How much does it take for someone to give up a portion of their skin to ink? For these students, being tattooed means not going under the needle in spontaneous moments of dare, but rather in the moments of most clarity. For some, the tattoo can reflect a past time that made them stronger, possibly in remembrance of someone close and dear to heart, or even to symbolize what they love most. No matter the reason, for these students, their tattoos were well thought out, planned, and will be proudly carried with them throughout the rest of their lives. The tattoos they received will be able to tell a story of their life. The year could be 2017 or 2087, and the tattoos these students decided in a moment of clarity will still be there; they may be faded in ink and have slight wear, but will still continue to show through on both the skin and the lives of these students. That is the thing about tattoos; they do not ever disappear, nor do they ever lose meaning. They are not something that will devalue throughout life either, but instead remain to hold near and dear to the hearts
“The reason I got the tattoo I did is because Saint Michael the archangel pertains a lot to my life. I grew up in a religious household and attended Catholic school. As a kid my mom was always praying to Saint Michael and I was named after him. My dad is an Omaha police officer and wears a Saint Michael medal every night to work. He is the patron saint of soldiers, and I am enlisting in the military after high school.” - Senior Michael Heaton
“My favorite tattoo is my upper back one that says ‘Priest’ because it is a family tradition for all the boys to get it.” - Junior Peyton Priest
of those inked for a lifetime. They resemble the permanent messages that are most important to each individual person, which is what makes them so special. Each tattoo means something different to its owner, and reflects something different as well. Tattoos show memories, the good and the bad; the times when life truly gained meaning. Tattoos can also continue a legacy lasting generations, or develop individuality amongst a person. Developing individuality is something that’s not always the easiest for high schoolers, but with the help of some ink and a needle, students have a sure way to stand out. No matter the tattoo or the person, each student in PLHS with a tattoo have more in common than a little ink or a message; they all share a common chapter within their story. While they explain their tattoos to a random stranger thirty years from now, they all will be able to share their stories with the unintentional intertwining of PLHS and what made them, as high schoolers, want a tattoo. Within each story, PLHS will always be a chapter in all of our lives; all having a unique spin, but no two stories the same.
“My tattoo is special to me because it helps me to remember that I am better and stronger than I used to be.” - Junior Skye Reed
“On a scale of 1-10, getting a tattoo only hurt about a 7, but I think it really just depends on the area but it was not that bad. Getting your eyebrows threaded definitely hurts worse.” - Sophomore Rachel Leidy
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Papillion is home to nearly 20,000 residents, though many have started out elsewhere.
Feel Like s
Hom
BY DELANI WATKINS PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS
Home is a word with several meanings, though its common definition is a place where one belongs. It is a word that is used for sayings galore: “home sweet home,” “there’s no place like home,” and “home is where the heart is.” For students like sophomores Claire Guzman, Savannah Hamm and junior Leticia Cray, Papillion is home, at least for now. Military relocations have landed them here, and it is not the first time their home has been changed. Guzman and Hamm both have fathers who are active duty, and Cray’s father has retired. They have all served for over 20 years. For Hamm, a mere six months in Papillion is all that she has experienced. Having previously lived in Florida, Maryland, both North and South Carolina and Oklahoma, Nebraska was quite a change for Hamm. “I thought it was cool that everything is within 5 to 10 minutes, and everything is so green here,” Hamm said. A big change of a military relocation is switching schools.
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Schools can vary in style depending on their locations, and students of military families experience this firsthand. “I have lived in Italy and Hawaii, and the schools are very different there,” Cray said. “They are very open without many doors or windows.” Adapting to a new place can be problematic. Moving comes with a new house, a new school, new neighbors and new people. Integrating into an established place can be challenging. Hamm and her family rely on each other when they are beginning in an unknown community. “It makes us closer than some families are because we keep each other company when we are new to a place and don’t know anyone,” Hamm said. Being a military family can be considerably different from a non-military family. Many military families live on a military base, and some live separate from their members for long periods of time. “My dad works at the Pentagon, so he doesn’t live with us,” Guzman said. “He comes and visits us on the
weekends.” Relocating also affects students in a social way, as they must leave friends behind and endeavor to make new ones. Keeping in touch with old friends is the easy part. “I stay in touch with old friends through social media, and I also visit them,” Guzman said. Making new friends in an unfamiliar area can be a daunting task. “Being in a military family has made me more social because I’ve had to reach out to new people,” Cray said. Relocations are not all bad. A change in scenery and people can be a good thing. “No two places are the same,” Hamm said. Guzman, Hamm and Cray said that having an open mind and getting involved is the best way to adjust to a different environment. Home has a different meaning to everyone, and home may be here, far from here, or not a physical place at all. For Guzman, Hamm and Cray, home is wherever they might land, as long as they are with their families.
LEFT PHOTO: SAVANNAH HAMM Savannah Hamm and her father enjoy a holiday with each other. Hamm’s father joined the Air Force in 1995, and some of those holidays have not been with his family.
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RIGHT PHOTO: CLAIRE GUZMAN The Guzman family enjoys a promotion dinner inside the Pentagon building in Virginia. Claire Guzman’s father joined the Army in1994 after graduating from West Point Military Academy.
FEATURES NEWS
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
Junior Bob Baker learns a new way of getting around town while having fun. BY HUNTER POMBRIO PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER
Living on a razor‘S edge PHOTOS: HUNTER POMBRIO TOP PHOTO: Baker picks up speed in order to perform a trick. Most scooter techniques require ample practice and skill. BOTTOM PHOTO: Baker attempts to grind on a metal bar. He often goes to Seymour Smith Park to practice tricks after school.
Getting to first hour on time can be quite the process. For most students driving to school is the norm, while some still manage to be tardy and receive consequences. To combat this, junior Bob Baker does not use a car to get to school; instead, he uses his scooter as a means of transportation. Baker has a unique story about how he decided to pick up a scooter and become better than the average Joe. “About four years ago, I saw a girl doing tricks on a scooter and thought to myself, ‘why can’t I do that?” Baker said. “I got a scooter as soon as I could.” In today’s world, there are many transportation types, the most common being a car, bicycle or skateboard. One would never think of using a scooter. “I wanted to do different tricks with a scooter, such as when you need to go backwards,” Baker said. Baker is usually found at the local skate parks, seizing the day by practicing a brand new trick. “I go to Seymour or Roberts Skate Park to try tricks until I get them perfect, no matter how long,” Baker said. There are certain risks to doing tricks on scooters that most people do not know. “It’s quite dangerous because you can get hurt easily since it’s an action sport,” Baker said. Although it can be dangerous, Baker continues to pursue his sport of choice. Baker is paving the way to show that there are more ways than just driving a car for transportation.
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an IDEAL
situation
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BY NICOLE LUDDEN
mid-November. “My mom got sick, so I had to take on the adult role at home,” Villegas said. “My mom has always been my number one support, so when she wasn’t capable of doing that anymore, it all fell on me.”
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During her sophomore year, Nallely Villegas woke up at 5:30 every morning to prepare for her job at the local coffee shop. From 6-8 a.m., she slaved away, preparing caramel macchiatos and French vanilla lattes before the sun had yet to rise. She arrived late to first hour almost every day, and attended her regular high school routine, only to return back to the coffee shop for another six-hour shift afterwards. As her routine continued junior year, her grades began to plunge as the burden of providing for her mother and two younger siblings grew heavier with time. With the weight of an adult’s life continuously pressing down on a 17-year-old girl, Villegas found relief in the form of a program her senior year. Ideal is an alternative school within PLCS that offers a different educational track for students who struggle in the normal chaos of a high school setting. Instead of attending the traditional seven-hour school day, students are able to earn credits at their own pace. After years of struggling through balancing home and school life, Villegas’ life hit a turning point in
The district’s alternative school grants students individulaiized pathways to education.
[Attending Ideal] was one of the best decisons I’ve ever made.
NAELLY VILLEGAS
With the sudden task of taking her younger siblings to and from school, all while attending high school herself, Villegas decided to finish her senior year at Ideal. “You still have to take care of things even though you’re still dealing with other things emotionally,” Villegas said. Unlike the stigma that haunts
FEATURES NEWS
OPINION
most alternative schools, the program at Ideal is not a penitentiary for troubled youth. Rather, the program is an individualized support system for students with mental, medical or at-home issues. “Ideal is like no other alternative program in the metro area,” school social worker Molly Schnabel said. “No student is sent there. Parents, students, and staff come together to choose what path is best for them.” Ideal offers students credit hours at the pace they are able to finish them. “It was all independent and selfpaced work,” Villegas said. With an overwhelming schedule outside of school alone, Villegas felt the benefits of attending Ideal firsthand. “Ideal was so supportive and flexible; they definitely work with you,” Villegas said. As many may be, Villegas was hesitant at first to attend Ideal. However, she quickly witnessed the positive impact that it had on not only her, but also on the lives of her peers. “Ideal is not a jail; it’s for people who really need to get their education done because they have no control over what’s happening to them,” Villegas said. “The kids have
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
PHOTO: AIDAN CHO
Naelly Villegas belts her Monarchs on Stage performance as a tribute to her mother. Upon attending Ideal in Nov., Villegas still fufilled her dream of performing at the PLHS talent show.
incredible stories, and just because they go to a secondary school doesn’t mean they don’t have as much potential as someone who goes to PLHS.” Schnabel also believes that Ideal elevates its students. While most alternative schools are behaviorally focused, the Ideal program focuses on the needs of each student. “We are one of the few secondary schools that focuses on kids who just need a smaller setting to work in,” Schnabel said. According to Schnabel, those with anxiety disorders or athome issues often benefit from the “individualized curriculum and the ability to work at one’s own pace.”
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Junior Jessica Merrifield also chose to attend Ideal, and has benefitted from the opportunities the program offers. “One thing I really like is that everyone here is so understanding, and they really get to know you as an individual, since there isn’t a lot of people that go to Ideal,” Merrifield said. The aid Merrifield has received at Ideal has put her on track to graduate this May. “Ideal really helps push you to graduating sooner and faster,” Merrifield said. “Also, it helps you to transition into the next phase in life.” Villegas graduated from Ideal in December, and will walk at graduation
with all of her high school friends in May. She will be attending UNO in the fall, and plans on pursuing a career in social work to help others in situations similar to her own. “I want to impact other people’s lives; I want to make a change,” Villegas said. During her sophomore year, Nallely Villegas bravely took on the life of both an adult and high school student. She now continues her life as an accomplished adult with a full time job, an exceptional expertise in the art of coffee, and some experiences that will impact the rest of her life.
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In a colorful and overly cheerful room, chairs barely tall enough to pass your knees scratch across the tile floor. Children from every nook and cranny come scrambling out, giggling with shared secrets between friends. The teacher tries to stop their loud mouths from continuously babbling, but that will never happen. The young and restless hands pull out paperclips and pennies, balloons and bottle caps, marbles and markers. 100 of each for the first 100 days of elementary school. In high school the 100th day of school passes by like a whisper. Students often lose sight of what they have accomplished earlier in the year. Swamped by long nights of homework and yearning for the school year to be over, they live more in the present and future than looking back at the past. The point is that we have a 100th day of school as well. It does
not pop out with any sparkle or flare compared to normal uneventful school days, but it is there. As high school students, too much time is spent longing for the year to be over, and we lose sight of exactly what we have accomplished in the past. The 100th day passed on January 30, 2017, which gave the opportunity to reminisce on our eventful year. The first day of school propelled each student straight into making memories and breaking records. Modifications in the library and new cafeteria seats pushed a new atmosphere into the building. As the first quarter rolled on, fall athletes commenced their dominating seasons. Clubs worked to make a difference in our school, such as GSA’s Ally Week and the Green Team’s work to make the Monarch Butterfly Garden even better. “[The garden] has gotten
people to think about the environment and helping nature thrive,” junior Caitlyn Seidl said. In the blink of an eye, the girls golf team clutched the state championship title and other girls teams fought hard in their state tournaments. Homecoming passed, along with great performances by the concert choir in the auditorium and the marching band at Friday night football games. Surviving the semester finals, winter break came and passed quickly, but the basketball and swimming teams kept practicing with commitment, and we successfully had our first winter formal. It is February 2017. We may be counting down each day until school is over, believing that is the most imperative thing, but what is just as important is all that Papio has accomplished in the first 100 days.
The first Days
100
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The 100th day of school is valued as more than just a number. It is used to look back on all of the successful days we have had. BY MOLLEE SWIFT
NEWS
FEATURES
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
Aug. 1: “Suicide Squad” is released, influencing many Halloween costume choices. All fall sports start. 16-17: The first day of school. 18: Freshman Survival starts, continuing every Tuesday and Thursday for the first quarter. 20: Fishing club starts. 27: The PLHS Marching Band participates in the Marchathon, walking almost all day through multiple neighborhoods and around the school.
Nov. Winter sports start up their seasons. 10: Monarchs on Stage has a successful night with many varying performances. 18-20: DECA competes at the Central Region Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. 21: National Honor Society inducts its new fall members. 22: DECA Volleyball Tournament.
Sept. 8: First Monarch Nation News Show for the new school year premieres. 10-15: The softball team wins the Metro tournament, beating Millard North in the finals. 22: Circle of Friends plays games at Halleck Park. 26-30: GSA Ally Week starts out strong with ribbons passed out during lunch. 28: DECA Dodgeball Tournament. 30: Football gains a win against Omaha Benson to start off Homecoming weekend on a high note.
Dec. Clubs at PLHS participated in the Adopt a Family program. 1-2: The Monarch and Titan Play Pro join together to put on Peter and the Starcatcher for both schools. 5-9: DECA sells candy grams for students to buy for their friends to receive on finals. 16: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is released. 21: First day of winter break.
Oct. 1: Homecoming dance. 10-11: Girls golf wins the 2016 Class A Girls Golf State Championship. 14: The girls softball team finishes runner-up in the state tournament after a 29-3 season. 14-15: The fall play: To Kill A Mockingbird runs two 7 p.m. showings. 21: Freshman Renee Thompson and junior Jake Norris finish out their cross country seasons at state. 27: The third annual Papio Haunted House, “A Trip Down Scary Movie Lane,” commences the days of Halloween.
Jan. 4: First day back after winter break. 7: The first ever Monarch winter formal. 13: PLHS, the number two team in boys basketball, takes on the number one team at home. Papio becomes number one. 14: Show choir performs at PLSHS for their first January competition. 21: Show choir competes at Millard West. 24: Circle of Friends enjoyed “Summer in January” with a potluck in the cafeteria. 28: Show choir competes at Lincoln East.
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TEACHING
Teachers deal with challenges daily, such as backlash from students.
BY JOANNA WALTON PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY
t h r o u g h
CRITICISM
It has been prickling at your ears all day. You heard them talk about you, but you carry on with your job. Why would someone say something so rude? Don’t they understand that you can get hurt as much as other people, even if you are the teacher? Hurtful comments on social media or in conversations can tear a person apart, replaying in his or her mind all day. As students, our words about teachers go unchecked and leave more damage than we realize. Teachers hear so much disrespect, it has become part of the job. But at what point do students go too far? “I read a comment once online about me that was a little overboard,” said Ms. Katie Wittrig, who has taught at PLHS for 14 years. Wittrig and most other teachers have dealt with backlash in one way or another. Some have even had students lash out on assignments for class. Ms. Michaela Jensen said that at the end of the year, she gives out an evaluation sheet to her students in order to improve her classroom and “they use that as an outlet; they know you’re gonna read about it.” Evaluation sheets are not the only way students vent in unhelpful ways to a teacher. Flat-out telling one’s grievances to any other student who would care has become commonplace in every student body. However, many would consider gossip and rude conversations about teachers as part of the job description, and there is no reason to feel hurt by criticism. In fact, teachers learn how to deal with such situations. So when do students actually go overboard with their criticism? According to senior Larissa Hibbeler, students cross the line in their conversations “when they go against the teacher’s personality rather than their teaching.” One way students abuse this boundary is through social media. “The thing I worry about is something someone
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posts that I said gets put online out of context,” Wittrig said. “I got burned once so I don’t check Twitter anymore to see if people are talking about me.” As Jensen said, teachers try to “grow a thicker callus” each time this happens, but it can still affect a person greatly. “It’s not respectful. You may not see me as a person to respect, but I am your teacher, an authority in the classroom,” Jensen said. Anyone’s day can crumble because of careless actions or words, making it difficult to do their job. Teachers are no exception.
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MENTAL FOCUS V DIVING INTO THE TH MIND THE SCEPTER
FEBRUARY 2017
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C
HEMICALLY
Right now, in this very moment, your brain is working frantically, whizzing and buzzing around, trying to pull the taut strings that work your body relentlessly day and night. Our brain, the biological puppeteer, is literally the mastermind behind our every blink, our every breath, and our every heartbeat. However, even the most imperative organs have their faults, and those faults can be detrimental not only to themselves, but the entire body. The human brain has many daily responsibilities: it must coordinate many functions of the body that people do not think twice about, such as motor functions. It has the ability to interpret information sent by the ears, eyes and sensory organs, and helps us perform vital
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operations like maintaining blood pressure, releasing hormones and breathing. However, when our brain fails to function normally, every part of the body can be affected. “The added pressure of social life online, in- and out-of-school relationships, and stress from classes has a major effect on the teenage mind that’s still developing,” psychology teacher Mr. Romie Brown said. According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, one in five people with a mental illness get the condition between age 14 and 24. Many who suffer from depression, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder generally show signs before age 24, even though there is really no age bias
suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens and young adults
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for mental illnesses. “Causes of mental illnesses vary from person to person,” AP Psychology and Law Academy teacher Mr. Dave Herbener said. “Most have biological components that lead to chemical imbalances, which cause irrational thinking and behavioral changes.” The most common mental illnesses among teens are depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic disorders, and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Other disorders include schizophrenia, mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), OCD and types of impulse addictions. As much as genetics play a role in developing mental illnesses, social factors also have a significant effect.
FAMILY
genetics have a large impact on mental health
mental illness presents itself during adolescence ranging from ages 14-24
SIGNS
AVG .
24 years old is the average age for the beginning signs of schizophrenia
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%
25-33% of teens with mental illnesses forgo the care they need
*national institute of mental health, national alliance of mental health
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Every day, 1 in 5 teens suffers from mental illness, making our awareness and guidance even more important.
IM BALANCED
BY CHLOE GRIMM PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS
“Social media can influence teenagers to negatively deal with their problems,” Brown said. “For instance, there are websites encouraging anorexia or other bad habits that can harm the body.” Social media is also prone to increasing the amount of selfdiagnoses, especially among teens, thus causing them to believe they have something that they don’t. However, what could simply be normal teenage hormones can easily be something worse. Studies from the National Center of Children in Poverty show that 25-33% of teens forgo needed care, and many untreated illnesses end negatively. “People want to give a name to what they’re feeling and their
T R E A T M E N T S
symptoms, but they end up being misinformed and diagnosed,” Herbener said. Being professionally treated is anyone’s best bet since there is no actual cure for mental illness; the symptoms can only be subdued significantly with treatment. “The most popular forms of treatment in this day and age would definitely be medication and counseling,” Herbener said. Seeking help is important, but it isn’t easy. There are noticeable symptoms that can be detected by anyone; but even in situations that seem small, it’s better to be overly cautious than not care enough. “We’re a lot better at diagnosing mental illnesses since we know exactly what to look for [when it
On PLPulse.com, one writer shares her personal experience with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
NEOLITHIC ERA
Lobotomies to release spirits
comes to symptoms],” Brown said. If you’re worried about someone you know or someone close to you, it’s better to play it safe and tell an adult or school counselor, even if this angers them. As goes for your own mental health, if you showcase certain symptoms that concern you and family members, for the best outcome, it’s highly recommended to find professional help and be properly diagnosed. The brain is the most vital organ in the human body, and not everyone’s works just the same. When it comes to mental health everyone should take precautions, because even the puppeteer needs a break once in awhile.
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Medication, surgeries for persistent illnesses
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18TH CENTURY
“Humane care” hospitalization discipline and isolation
1940-60
Hydrotherapy, Lithium, Electroshock therapy
*www.pbs.org
FEBRUARY 2017
Wider variety of medication NOW Medication & Dialectical behavior therapy
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UP
SPEAKING With a growing stigma around mental illness, it is becoming more and more essential to start the conversation about this prevalent topic.
BY ALYSSA FORAL PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS
Emily Roberts grew up feeling isolated because she could not see that anyone else was like her. She was an anxious little kid, and that made change hard for her, but she was not alone like she thought. Mental illness and mental disorders impact 450 million people, making mental illness one of the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Mental illness is taboo in our society, and the lack of attention for it causes people suffering to feel isolated and alone. Now, students are speaking up to educate their peers and teachers about their struggle with mental illness. Certain aspects of life in and out of school can cause these students to feel even more anxious, and make their day-to-day lives more of a struggle. “I’ve never eaten in the cafeteria because there is too much of a crowd and a lot of noise,” junior Emily Roberts said. But every person suffering with mental illness reacts to everything differently. “Since my anxiety got worse after my dad died, jokes about illness and cancer can bring on anxiety attacks,” sophomore Reagan Dean said.
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However, mental illness not only impacts the social aspects of life, but the educational aspect too. “I’m on a 504 plan that helps me since I miss so much school, but the fact that I need a legal document to give me the help in school I need is ridiculous,” Roberts said. “I overthink everything and try to be a good student. But it definitely changes how I work.” And it is not just the amount of school they miss and the heavy work load they face. “It’s so difficult to focus in class and get the motivation I need,” Dean said. “But excuses aren’t just excuses, they’re my reality.” Mental illnesses are not seen, but that does not mean they are not there. This makes treating it much different from a physical illness. “It takes a long time, and you can’t just give up,” Roberts said. “I’ve been in therapy for five years, and it took me three years to figure out the right combination of meds.” Even after years of treatment, it can still be hard to remember that there will be good days and there will be bad days. “Sometimes it feels like you haven’t made a lot of progress, but when you look back you really have,”
Roberts said. One of the most common misconceptions about mental illness is that it can be used for attention, but that is a dangerous assumption to make. “My mental illness is not a choice or a cry for attention,” Dean said. These students keep pushing through their daily lives despite their struggles. “You have to put your mental and emotional health before school,” Roberts said. “You have limits and you have to realize that.” Even through the painful generalizations made about mental illness, the people suffering stay strong no matter how hard it may be. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. The fact people think it is a part of the problem,” Roberts said. Mental illness is not a choice and it is not a cry for attention. It is very real, especially for the people who suffer with it everyday. We can ignore what we do not see, but they do not have a choice to ignore it. It is time to end the taboo around mental illnesses and disorders and talk about them instead. Staying quiet on the subject is isolating and hurts everyone around us who deal with it every day.
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COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS Living with a mental illness is not like having a cold. You do not take a pill and eat healthier, there is no “getting over it,” and most importantly, no “going out in nature” and being spontaneously healed by the colors of the wind. This isn’t Pocahontas. This is a disease, a serious illness that affects your brain. It is not the same as having a bad day, or an excuse to get out of doing schoolwork. It is not a cry for attention and a reason for people to feel sorry for you. It is not sadness, but hopelessness. Not a “little stressed,” but grasping for air. Mental illness isn’t a mood. It is a plague. Lately it seems harder to realize the truths about mental illness and its effects on our generation. Kids are choosing to leave the world, families cold and destroyed trying to figure out how they could have been there for them more. Students have anxiety levels that go past the point of drinking some tea and getting the healthy eight hours of sleep. There are teens skipping lunch because of depression, throwing themselves into extracurricular activities to escape harsh realities their minds throw at them, and displaying anger towards teachers for not knowing how to help. I do not think that the problem is the lack of understanding, but the lack of interacting. Admit it, it is hard to comfort someone who is crying, or
someone who is sitting alone at lunch. We do not know how to react and often the biggest fear is rejection. They may isolate or block themselves off and it makes us overwhelmingly uncomfortable to give emotional support to someone we barely know. But the harsh reality is the “what if...” of the situation. What if I sat next to that girl at lunch or sent a message to that boy on Facebook who was saying that nobody cared? Even your best friend at times, who cried when no one was watching, not even you, but when you caught her... she wiped the tear away and whispered “I’m fine.” The fact of the matter is not that you are obligated to devote your entire emotional self to the safety and well being of others, but realizing that the little things matter. In fact, they make a world of difference. Bringing awareness to the common misconceptions and assumptions of mental illnesses is the first step to addressing and helping those who suffer through them. By educating yourself and finding ways to be there for your friends, we can lower the suicide rates and the amount of self-harm that sadly plague our People are quick to judge generation.
when it comes to mental health in our generation.
OPINION BY FAITH WORKMAN PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS
THE SCEPTER FEBRUARY 2017
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THROUGH THE OF A PROFESSIONAL
EYES
NEW KID Every step I take, my heart skips a beat, and if I don’t find some way to calm my shot nerves my heart will stutter step itself right into cardiac arrest. My hands are no better with their quivering and embarrassing clamminess. My brain is whizzing around, trying to calm down the rest of my body. If I run now, maybe they won’t notice. Is it hot in here? Why am I sweating? I’m sure they are nice people. Just give them a chance... the door is exactly 20 paces from this chair. I could make it if I tried. Suddenly, everything raging within comes to a screeching halt as I hear the words I have heard so many times before, “Welcome to our school, Kaylen. I hope you have a great first day,” and just like that, all plans of escape are abandoned and the day begins. Over the course of my academic career I have experienced a handful of first days and new schools; even though there is an element of routine within these experiences, such as the uncomfortable student-led tours, the ever so awkward class introductions, and getting lost more often than I should, there is also a delightful aspect of uniqueness that each school possesses. For instance, before now, I had
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never attended a school with more than a few hundred students. You can imagine my surprise when I opened the front doors for the first time and was greeted with an overwhelming ocean of teenagers. However, this surprise soon faded into acceptance and normalcy when I learned that I was not the only one shocked by the number count. Sophomore Alexander Haynes, a new student this year, also shared the same reaction. “My last school had 500 students and I came to this school with 1,000plus students. It was confusing at first,” Haynes said. “But then I got used to it.” Before my days here at PLHS, I also had never been to a school that embraced the fine arts on such a large scale, let alone had a show choir. In my previous schools, the fine arts departments were active, but the students participating in them did not have quite the same experience as students here. I remember doing a “grand” production at one of my old schools, the biggest show of the year; looking back now, we were just dancing around the cafeteria floor with standing garage lights aimed at us. Although my first impressions
Many students attending PLHS have been in the school district all of their lives and often forget how our school can seem to outsiders. OPINION BY KAYLEN MALTAIS PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS
of PLHS mostly resemble shock and apprehension, I have come to really love this school and appreciate all of the opportunities and resources it provides for its students. However, if I could bring one characteristic from my old schools to PLHS, it would be not taking things for granted. Until I came to this school, my academic journey was less than stellar because quite frankly, my previous schools just did not have the same resources; because of that, my former classmates and I learned to appreciate what we did have. With such a large and bountiful school, sometimes I think students forget that in the academic world, we scored the Holy Grail. I often hear students compare our school to others negatively; they should not because we could easily have it worse than we do. We need to start cherishing our school and milking the opportunities it graciously gifts us because we are only here for a short amount of time. When I look back at my adolescence I want to think of this place not as some building I wasted four years in, but as a home away from home, a bridge to success.
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I love it because of the drama, adventure and the innovative nature.
BY CAITLYN THOMAS PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER
Based off of the quirky thirteen-book series by Lemony Snicket, this is the story of three kids sent to live with the ever-eccentric Count Olaf. With subtle humor mixed with suspense and a talented cast, viewers will be laughing, crying, and looking forward to what is coming up ahead. This show breaks the traditional routine with its repetitive breaks of the fourth wall, where the characters directly talk to the audience. It is a frenzy of hilarious commentary and the right amount of mystery tied together with little music numbers here and there. Easily found on Netflix, this show is worth watching for those that like the randomness and hilarious nature of shows that create a mysterious atmosphere.
KARISSA SEGAN
A rich comedy featuring a man with a seemingly photographic memory who pretends to be psychic to aid the local police station, after having been suspected in a crime that he helped solve. Along with a best friend/sidekick whose personality contrasts his own, it is a funny and relatable experience for all. Loaded with comedy and suspense, this show is worth watching and will have viewers laughing, working to piece together the clues in the show themselves, and trying to beat the clock alongside the characters. On the network USA, this show is meant for those who love cop shows mixed with humor and suspense.
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Some underrated shows deserve more credit than they initially get.
They leave a lot of cliffhangers so it is interesting to see how everything comes out.
PEYTON JURACEK
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I like it because it is really light-hearted and fun to watch.
COLEY O’HOLLERAN
Another show based off of a book series, Shadowhunters, is an adaptation of The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. This show revolves around a world where all the legends are true, dealing with mythical creatures and the people who protect them. The main characters are depicted with intricate back stories and plots with smatterings of drama and relationships. With a seemingly civil war breaking out among the people in their world, sides are chosen and alliances are broken, keeping viewers on the edge of their seat and counting down the days until the next episode. Found on the channel Freeform, this show is perfect for those looking for comedy or adventure.
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The PLHS all-female show choir share their experiences as the middle of the three choirs. BY LAUREN DOMINELLO PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY
Child
Middle
PHOTO: KYLIE SQUIERS Madison Saggau performs at Heart and Soul’s second competition, at Millard West. The group placed second.
The girls release their last note and take deep breaths through wide grins. The band lowers their instruments. The director breathes a sigh of relief and begins to clap, a smile plastered on her face. The audience rises to their feet, students jumping up and down, parents whistling, judges scratching their final comments onto the scoring guide. The show choir exits the stage. The backstage crew hurries to gather sequined dresses and glittery tank tops, and the band gathers up their stands and clears the abyss of cords and sheet music from
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PHOTO: KYLIE SQUIERS Heart and Soul performs their ballad at a competition. Their ballad this year is a mashup of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.”
behind the risers. This, all in the span of a minute, is a typical afterperformance experience for a singer at a competition. At PLHS, there are three show choirs, one being an all-women group. They attended their first competition of the season on January 14 and since then have attended four more competitions, one of them an overnight trip in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This choir, Heart and Soul, is comprised of sophomores, juniors and seniors who get very close throughout the season. “I love that everyone in Heart
and Soul is so determined to succeed and prove how good our group can be, and we try so hard to get along and be a family,” junior Katelyn Norman said. These girls spend a lot of time together between practices, previews and day-long competitions. “This year we have had to be strong for each other just a bit more because of some tragic events some of the girls are going through,” junior Paige Wolfe said. “I feel like I know my girls better this year because I have taken the time to get to know them.” This show choir is filled with
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PHOTO: KYLIE SQUIERS Heart and Soul performs at a competition at Millard West. They are wearing the last of their three costumes as they do the finale of their show.
FROM BEHIND THE RISERS:
Alex Anderson, a trumpet in all three show choirs at PLHS, shares his perspective on being in the Heart and Soul show band.
choreography-wise,” Norman said. “That’s not to take away from the difficulties of being in other groups-they’re just different struggles.” This year the choir is doing a show with a theme on travel and has been successful, getting second out of women’s groups at competitions at Millard West and Lincoln East. “This year I am enjoying the show instead of just doing the moves to the songs,” Wolfe said. Many of the girls are very ardent about their show this year. “I love being in show choir and I’m so proud of Heart and Soul,” Norman said. The members of Heart and Soul stand with pride and sing with a strong and fervent passion, despite the itchy purple tops they are forced to wear and the copious amounts of hair spray covering their curls. There is nothing that can replace the feeling of pride that shines behind those long dark eyelashes after a performance where the team gave it their all.
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They’re great people and singers. I feel appreciated as a member.
THE SCEPTER FEBRUARY 2017
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many passionate girls, even though people in and out of the choir might try to bring down morale. “One of my biggest pet peeves is all the drama that goes around with who ‘deserves’ to be in certain groups or not,” Wolfe said. “Everyone deserves a chance to shine, and if everyone who had talent was in the same group it would be unfair to the other groups.” Often times the members of Heart and Soul feel underappreciated because they are not the boys and girls varsity choir or the newbie freshmen that everyone loves to listen to and talk about their potential. “Just because we are a women’s group doesn’t mean that we are to be counted out,” Wolfe said. There are challenges to being in an all-girl show choir. The girls’ choirs have to perform one more song than co-ed groups. “It’s a lot harder to show depth within the choir both vocally and
ALEX ANDERSON
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A New Year for
Gaming
“Halo Wars 2”, “Star Trek: Bridge Crew” and “Mass Effect: Andromeda” are a few upcoming video game releases. BY BRITTANY KELLNER PAGE DESIGN BY PEYTON COSE
The Halo series has been renowned for its first-person shooter gameplay, but that does not mean it is limited to that. “Halo Wars 2” will be released Feb. 21, eight years after the original. Unlike most Halo games, it is a RTS or real-time strategy game, which is completely different than a first person shooter. Reflexes will be replaced by careful planning. A first person view will be changed to an overhead perspective, allowing players to have a view of their troops and of the area. “Halo Wars 2” will probably help draw attention to the RTS genre as well.
In the gaming industry, Star Wars has had various games. Now, Star Trek fans will have an up-to-date game of their own. “Star Trek: Bridge Crew” is aiding in paving the way for virtual reality games. Planned for release on March 14, this game allows players to work together in order to achieve goals and missions. The missions are focused on controlling the bridge of a Federation ship and filling necessary roles. The game requires teamwork in order to succeed, making cooperation critical to the game play. Hopefully, this game is a good addition to a developing and new genre, while being an enjoyable experience.
There are few games that have created engaging characters, universes and stories. Few also manage to cause such outcry from their endings that people still talk about it. “Mass Effect: Andromeda” will be reviving the series after five years, coming out March 21. According to the developers, there are a lot of new features in the game, new species and characters being only part of it. It is important to keep in mind that this game will be rated M (for Mature), so proceed with caution. However, it is hard not to look forward to the release of this game, due to the general attitude towards the others.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-wars-2 https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/game/star-trek-bridge-crew/ https://www.masseffect.com/
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Born to be an Senior Michael Ripa got the chance to showcase his skills at the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl game.
All-star
BY DYLAN NICHOLSON PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY
In this day and age, it seems that everyone gets an award or that the only thing you need to be selected into an “all-star game” is a popular name or funny social media account. So when someone who actually deserves to be selected goes to an all-star game, it is refreshing to see. Senior linebacker Michael Ripa was selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl that took place at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla., the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ripa was one of the three high school players from Nebraska to get selected to play in the bowl game after a grueling selection process. “First I went to a regional combine in St. Joseph, Mo.,” Ripa said. “Then I got selected to the super regional combine in Canton, Ohio.” The All-American bowl game rewarded Ripa and all of his hard work throughout his career. They gave him a chance to end his playing days on as high of a note as possible. “I had five tackles, one tackle for loss in about 30 plays between about ten different linebackers,” Ripa said. Ripa has shown his athletic ability and leadership during his four years at PLHS, which made him the perfect choice for the game. “He was a leader on the team; when he made big plays, the team made big plays,” senior David
Richardson said. “He’s a frogman and never gives up.” Ripa did not need a funny social media or 20,000 votes to get selected for the All-American game, he just needed hard work and dedication to achieve his goals.
PHOTOS: MICHAEL RIPA BELOW: Senior Michael Ripa stands with his brothers after the game. He rotated his playing time with 10 different linebackers, and still came away with five tackles.
ABOVE: Ripa stands on the sidelines during the Blue-Grey All-American game. Ripa was part of the blue team that came away victorious.
THE SCEPTER FEBRUARY 2017
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BJ Deng
their full potential.” For Deng, only a few things differ between this year and last year, one being that he is a senior. “This year is really special to me because it’s the ending of my basketball career and I’m playing with all my best friends,” Deng said. Another difference for Deng is that he has a bigger role on the team. “It’s different because now I’m a starter and playing a lot more minutes and the underclassmen look up to me,” Deng said. With all the work put in and the seniors leading their team, BJ Deng and the Monarch basketball team hope to be a part of the 112 players at the state tournament.
The boys NSAA State Basketball Tournament is where eight teams qualify, along with 112 players and eight coaches. Senior BJ Deng has earned his spot and has been one of those 112 players. He has been lucky enough to play at state and may have the chance to do it again. The boys basketball team is positioning themselves for the state tournament to play for the chance to earn the second-ever basketball state championship for the school. “During the off-season as a team we prepared by conditioning every day,” Deng said, “In addition, we’ve prepared for state by going hard in practice and pushing one another to
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Monarch athletes and coaches reflect on their seasons and look towards the future of the state tournament.
PHOTOS: HANNAH CAHILL
TOP: Senior BJ Deng catches the ball and goes up for a layup at the Ralston Arena. BOTTOM RIGHT: Coach Moore calls BY JOSEY RYAN a time out to talk to the team. The PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER Monarchs went on to beat Xavier 64-49.
Coach Moore
Coaching a basketball team is one thing, but being able to sit on the sidelines and watch your players lead themselves is another. Dan Moore has coached for four years at PLHS and every year has been similar, but this year, he has two division 1 recruits. “We have the best point guard in the state [Akinwole] that knows what we are trying to do,” Moore said. With Akinwole leading the team
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Nolan Niemic
Wrestling at 106 lbs as a freshman and qualifying for state then wrestling at 113 lbs as a sophomore and qualifying for state is a difficult task, but sophomore Nolan Niemic is on his way to accomplishing that feat. While on his way to state, Niemic has set a goal of getting 100 wins this season. He is currently well on his way of achieving this goal. With his 100 wins, he hopes to do big things. “I hope to place top three at state,” Niemic said. Niemic has put in a lot of work in the off-season and hopes to have it pay off. “I’ve prepared by wresting for the whole year, even in the off-season, I placed at national tournaments in the offseason and at the same time I beat some nationally ranked kids,” Niemic said. Last year at state Niemic had fun, but it would have been better for him if he placed. He hopes to do that this year and has some confidence about it. “I feel good people know I’m a good wrestler and know that I’m a threat and that I will do good this year at state,” Niemic said. Practice makes perfect, but in wrestling confidence is key.
to wins, the Monarchs have pushed themselves in practice to be the best they can to continue their winning season. “We try to make practice intense and fast-paced to make our guys have to make decisions on a daily, so in a game they are prepared to do it,” Moore said. These practices have paid off and the Monarchs have set themselves up to accomplish the ultimate goal of winning a state championship.
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Hustle
Senior guard Isaac Hiebert has found an unlikely job on the basketball team by hustling for every loose ball and rebound. BY DEVIN VETTER
PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER
& PHOTO: MEGGAN BOTTASS
Most basketball players enter a game wanting to score as many points as they can. They love the stat lines that flaunt their stardom every game. This is not the mind set of one scrappy senior on the varsity basketball team at PLHS. Senior Isaac Hiebert's basketball game is anything but flashy. Instead of only trying to score, the 5-foot-11 senior does his job of attempting to get rebounds and diving on the floor for loose balls. His style of play is not necessarily common, but it is Isaac poses for his 8th grade basketball photo in St. Louis Missouri.
PHOTO: ISAAC HIEBERT
appreciated by his coaches. "It's not like he is a big huge guy," varsity basketball coach Dan Moore said. "He hustles, he scraps, he gets rebounds you don’t think he can get, and he does all the little things that you might not notice." Hiebert may receive lots of praise from his coaches, but he also receives an equal or greater amount
FEBRUARY 2017
of appreciation from the teammates he shares the court with on a game to game basis. "I know he always has my back," senior guard Ayo Akinwole said. "I love that guy. He hustles and does all the things our team needs." Even with all the praise and respect for his hustle, Hiebert also receives respect for his talent on the court. "Isaac is a true hooper; I hope he decides to play college ball somewhere," Akinwole said. Hiebert can be seen as a magician on the court with all of the seemingly impossible rebounds and loose balls he comes up with while diving on the hardwood; however, coach Moore knows Hiebert doesn’t leave anything up to chance. "He is doing all he can for our group," Moore said. "I don’t have to hope for anything for Isaac; he is an unselfish teammate doing what he can for everybody and he is not concerned about himself." While Hiebert is still playing high school basketball, Moore wants him to have a chance to play at the next level. "He is going to be successful; I know that for a fact," Moore said. "Whatever he chooses to do, he is going to be awesome at." With his coach’s confidence in him, Hiebert knows what he is capable
HEART of on the court. "I'm not the go-to scorer," Hiebert said. "But I defend hard, get rebounds, and get some buckets now and then." Knowing his place on the team as a player, Hiebert wants to go beyond that as a person. "I want to be someone who leads his team,” Hiebert said. “I want these traits to help me become a better man and a future father.” With his senior season coming close to an end, Hiebert's teammates are hoping for the best out of their toughest player. "I hope he goes out as a high school basketball champion," Akinwole said. Hiebert may not be the flashiest player on the court in any basketball game he plays in, but he is sure to be the toughest and scrappiest player in any gym he may walk into, including "The Palace" at PLHS. Hiebert feels at home whenever he enters the gym knowing his important place in Papio. "I love the people of Papio," Hiebert said. "It's like one big family." Hiebert leaps for a layup during the MonarchTitan Color of Hope Game.
PHOTO: SCHYLER CRUSE
THE SCEPTER
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THE
END GAME
Endings are always tough, and for three senior athletes, the last year of participating in their relative sports is bittersweet.
BY HANNAH CAHILL PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY
4
30
The last is always the hardest. The last bite of a gooey brownie, the last day of summer, the last moments of your favorite movie. The pleasure and joy comes to a peak and ends and another end takes its place. For three senior athletes, participating in their relative sports for possibly the last time can be very bittersweet. “Realizing that I won’t be able to swim again and that everything I do is my last time is the hardest part of being a senior,” senior swimmer Maddie Higby said. Along with the combination of grueling workouts and the sweet satisfaction of winning a meet, match or game, many friendships and good times are born from sports and will surely be missed. “I am going to miss the bus rides and team dinners that we had for basketball,” senior basketball player
Ben Fulton said. “But I am going to miss my teammates most of all.” Although senior year is full of endings, it is also full of possibilities and it is amazing while it lasts. “Being a senior means there are a lot of good opportunities to show leadership and help young athletes who have a lot of talent,” Fulton said. Leadership is good to have, and showing young athletes a thing or two before leaving can help a team tremendously. “I aim to teach the underclassmen to be disciplined and to focus on what they want to achieve,” senior wrestler Ben Hallett said. “I always work hard with my wrestling partner so we both become the best we can be.” Getting to know other teammates is just as important for team chemistry as being a leader and a good example is.
SPORTS FEATURES
NEWS
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
IN THE LOCKER ROOM 1
2
“My hair turns green from the chlorine, so I have to use special shampoo.”
3
“Team bonding adds more of a team sense to an individual sport,” Hallett said. “It makes everyone a lot less distant.” Not only does team bonding help teammates stick together, it can also have a positive impact on a team’s performance. “At the beginning we weren’t a team, and it wasn’t as special for everyone,” Higby said. “When we do team bonding it makes us all a lot closer, which in turn helps us do better.” After four years of fun, games, meets and matches, the ending seems to be approaching too soon for some. “It’s exciting but sad being a senior because I’m not swimming in college, so it’s very bittersweet,” Higby said. Though leaving is always hard, the memorable experiences obtained from all different kinds of sports and
MADDIE HIGBY
other related activities will never fade. “My teammates always made meets a lot more fun,” Higby said.
1. Fulton supports and includes all his teammates in a huddle during a time out. The boys team played a tight game against lower ranked Benson winning 54-52. 2. Hallett grins and poses for a picture. Hallett goofs around at the Bellevue West dual before preparing for his match. 3. Higby intensely waits to begin her race. The senior night meet was Higby’s last time swimming at Papio. (From left to right) Fulton, Higby and Hallett all participate in their last winter season sport at Papio.
PHOTOS 1, 3 & 4: HANNAH CAHILL PHOTOS 2 & TOP MIDDLE: CASSIE LINGREEN
BEN FULTON “‘Skateboard P’ is the first song we listen to in the locker room before every game, because it’s bad luck if we don’t.”
BEN HALLETT
“You definitely have to take good care of your ears, because you don’t want to end up with ears like mine.” THE SCEPTER
FEBRUARY 2017
31
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