2018 March Scepter

SCEPTER THE

+

Best of Both Worlds PG. 6&7

The Right to Fight PG. 14

A Change in Heights PG. 28

MARCH 2018

WWW.PLPULSE.COM A PUBLICATION OF PAPILLION-LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

ISSUE 5 VOLUME 55

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

4 5 6&7 8&9 10 11 12 13 14 15

News Briefs

Measuring Success Cracking the Code

Best of Both Worlds Sashes and Patches Life with Barriers

NEWS

Enroll in Your Future From Castle to Palace

Corridor 84

PHOTO BY: CASSIE LINGREEN

PHOTO BY: HANNAH IM

Footloose

Ending the R-word

The PLHS drama department will perform “Footloose” from Thursday, Mar. 22 through Sunday Mar. 25.

Tickets are available on showtix4u.com.

Seniors Brooke Dougherty and Hannah Bailey take pledges for the “End the R-Word” campaign.

The Right to Fight Take a Deep Breath

OPINION

16 Summer Pressure 17 The Soundtracks of Our Lives

ENTERTAINMENT 18&19 20&21 22&23 24&25 26

Back to the 50’s

PHOTO BY: YEARBOOK STAFF

PHOTO BY: COURTNEY WALLACE

Caught Our Eye

Yearbook

Varsity Girls Basketball

The last chance to order a yearbook is Wednesday, April 4. $70, cash or check, to room 307 will secure your order.

You can also order online at yearbookforever.com.

The varsity girls basketball team qualified for state this year for the first time since 2011. A season of 18-9 gave them the momentum to win the district tournament. The team fell in the first round of the state tournament.

Uphold the Tradition

Fun and Games April Fools

SPORTS

March Madness 27 28 A Change in Heights 29 4 Fast Facts of Boys Golf 30&31 By the Numbers

02

THE SCEPTER

FEATURED ON COVER: The main cast of the upcoming spring musical, “Footloose,” pose in their costumes. See above news brief for ticket details and performance dates.

COVER PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN COVER DESIGN: ALEXA BUSBY NEWS BRIEFS: HANNAH IM AND DELANI WATKINS

The Scepter is a school-sponsored publication of PapillionLa 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.

EDITORS

STAFF

The Scepter

Hannah Im Editor-in-Chief Alexa Busby & Mollee Swift Design Delani Watkins Copy Megan Friel Coverage Chloé Grimm Entertainment Lauren Dominello Features Alyssa Foral News Faith Workman Opinion Josey Ryan & Devin Vetter Sports Emma Higby Photography Caitlyn Thomas Advertising

PLPulse.com

Editor-in-Chief Asst. Editor-in-Chief Design Convergence Webmaster Media Editor

Kennedy Sautter Kaylen Maltais Julia Harker Trevor Lewis Aidan Cho Izzy Haave

Lissa Lafond

Lily Allpress Sarah Altman

Alex Manning

Emma Betts

Ashley Mason Jill Mathison

Billy Broderick

Lucas Neill

Kaylin Ciatti Megan Davey

David O’Connell

Elizabeth Eidem

Avery Wagoner

Phil Gradoville Tatum Jorgensen

Annie Waldman Joanna Walton Kenzie Ward

Dakota Kelley Cassie Kessler

Jacob Williams

Samantha Simmerman

EDITORIAL: We Are The Change Days after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, protests and walkouts were planned nationally to show support. Grieving students called for reformation, pleading with the state and federal governments to feel the loss that they were and make a change. Social media created a platform to spread information that reached every corner of the country, including Papillion.

On Feb. 21, students were unafraid of the possible consequences as they prepared to walk out of school in support of the movement. Freezing winds and annoyed teachers were the least of our concerns. Moreover, as principal Mr. Jerry Kalina’s voice spread throughout the school, it was expected that students would be reprimanded for the lack of attendance

in their fifth hour classes. Instead, it was a message of unity and hope.

The administration allowed students the chance to protest peacefully as a school. Students and staff stood together in the cold, mourning the lives lost due to gun violence.

We were given the opportunity to be part of the change that we so desperately wished for. As a generation, we see a future that is attainable because of the support of our staff and administration. Without Kalina’s words of affirmation, the walkout would have seen lower attendance and ignorance regarding the meaning of the protests. With the help of the administration, students were organized and informed, as well as prepared for future protests.

Stoneman Douglas will not be forgotten. The depletion of gun violence will remain a top priority until action is taken and students are safe in their schools. It has become an unsettling norm that has lost the impact it had in 1999 at Columbine High School.

A new generation is igniting the urgency behind the movement. We are the change and together we can build a better tomorrow. The opportunity to ensure the stability and safety of our shared future is in our hands and supported by our leaders. Let spring allow us the chance to achieve our goals together as a community. Let the snow melt away the darkness of winter and tragedy, and let warmth and progress take its place to inspire a new generation of leaders.

MARCH 2018

03

Measuring S S E C SUC

BY MEGAN DAVEY PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

Senior Camryn Hirschfeld is passionate about costume design and is making it a priority.

Everyone dreams and envisions a story beyond reality. For most people, this dream is contained in their mind, never to be seen with their eyes open.

Other people decide to take what they see and turn it into something real.

Senior Camryn Hirschfeld is one of the costume designers working in the drama department. Costuming is a long and sometimes difficult process, but to Hirschfeld it is not a side job or activity just to put on a college resume; it is a life-long passion.

Hirschfeld started costuming freshman year when she was a member of run crew and was asked to help in theatre tech. She was led in the direction of costume design and has helped with costuming in every show since.

“I was always interested in costumes as a kid and I would sketch

pictures of costumes I would see,” Hirschfeld said. “Then being asked to help with costumes freshman year just sparked everything; it all kind of grew out of that.”

Hirschfeld works to research a show and its characters, and then find costumes that not only match her vision but match the person in a role.

“I take measurements at the beginning of the process of putting a show together and then pair clothes to people based off their sizes,” Hirschfeld said. “Some [costumes] may be right, some may not, in that case we go back and do it again until we find what works.”

What started out as a hobby quickly turned into something more serious: a career. Next year, Hirschfeld will attend the University of South Dakota on a Theatre Tech scholarship

PHOTOS: MEGAN DAVEY Left: Hirschfeld looks through racks of clothing to find pieces for an upcoming production.

Right: Hirschfeld checks measurements as she assigns costumes to different cast members.

04

THE SCEPTER

for costume design.

“What I want to do for a career is design costumes, and then after I graduate [college], I can get on a show tour,” Hirschfeld said. “I could end up designing costumes on Broadway or at a community theatre.”

Hirschfeld is involved in acting as well as design, but she doesn’t have to be on stage to feel the spotlight.

“It’s such an amazing thing to costume a show and then watch the audience react to a costume with the feeling of ‘I did that,’” Hirschfeld said. “You don’t always have to be on stage to get the recognition.”

Costume design is a form of expression, a way to let imagination come to life. It is a behind the scenes role of every show, but for Hirschfeld, it has taken center stage.

1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011 1001111 1000100 1000101 1000011 1010010 1000001 1000011 1001011 1001001 1001110 1000111 1010100 1001000 1000101 1000011

FEATURES

Cracking the

Code

PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

BY SAM SIMMERMAN

Chris Whitfield is a freelance website designer for local businesses.

How many people really know and understand how the technology we use every day works? Is it magic? Do those FBI agents looking through our phone and computer cameras control everything?

Obviously, that’s not how it actually works. Most people rarely stop to think how the technology we use all the time operates so effortlessly. Senior Chris Whitfield has been interested in learning how all of this functions so easily from a young age.

“We all just use these hardware and software devices expecting it to work seamlessly and without effort,”

Whitfield said, “I wanted to be a part of that, creating easy, seamless experiences for other to see, enjoy and use.”

Whitfield is a freelance web designer for various local businesses.

Before moving into the community, he started out by taking over the PLHS broadcasting site.

“I learned all the basics and eventually rented my own server to experiment with and figure out the ins and outs of website management,” Whitfield said.

Whitfield offers a variety of services to his clients including design, organization, site/database hosting, management and security protection.

“All sites go through update and upgrade checks daily. If there is a security related update it’s done immediately; all other updates are put

on hold until after hours when the site is least visited,” Whitfield said.

Depending on their complexity, some websites require more maintenance than others, however, they all begin the same way.

“Web design starts with choosing a content management system,” Whitfield said, “After you choose themes and plug-ins, you just build on top of it. Making a site look better than the average site requires custom code. You can start small and do more complex things easily.”

Whitfield enjoys the troubleshooting and constant problem solving that is needed in web design, but is not sure how to work it into a real career. For now, he will continue to embrace technology and create websites for others to look at and enjoy.

MARCH 2018

05

Best of BOTH WORLDS 06

THE SCEPTER

BY CASSIE KESSLER PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Students push themselves to the limit by participating in multiple activities.

PLHS has always had a large amount of students participate in extracurricular activities or elective courses. Students who choose to participate in these activities or programs dedicate their time and effort to something extra they love doing, all while spending time on their school work.

Many students are either faced with the responsibilities of being involved in a fine arts program, such as show choir or band, or being involved in a sport, such as football or track. However, certain students involved in sports and fine arts have to find a way to balance being involved in both activities along with classes and homework.

Senior Michelle Zeng is involved

h a n n Ha ith Sm PHOTO BY: ANNIE WALDMAN

show choir concert choir volleyball track & field

FEATURES

in track and field, cross country and show choir. Zeng has found that being dedicated to multiple activities leaves her little time to do much else.

“I usually don’t even leave the school on Tuesdays and Thursdays until around nine at night,” Zeng said.

“When I have both practices, I would probably leave for dinner for half an hour and then come back.”

Time management is a musthave skill for students who want to be involved in multiple activities.

Sophomore Nate Brown, who is involved in swim, track and field and drama, knows that being involved in both means being able to spend enough time participating in each program.

“With the musical, I almost was

kicked out because I started missing rehearsals for swim,” Brown said.

Trying to balance two programs at once is not all these students have to do. They also have to try and get their homework done on time and keep good grades.

“I usually try to do most of my school work in school,” Zeng said.

Doing all these activities and maintaining school work takes a physical and mental toll on a student. Junior Hannah Smith, who is involved in show choir, concert choir, volleyball, and track, believes it’s just as important to maintain yourself.

“I just try to make as much time as I can for myself, so I try to plan ahead and work with my schedule to make sure I have time to get

e l l e h Micg Zen PHOTO BY: CASSIE LINGREEN

show choir track & field cross country

everything done,” Smith said.

Taking on extracurriculars while dealing with school may seem hectic, but for these students, it’s the challenge that interests them.

“I loved doing both, and I like the challenge of having to do both things at the same time, so I just didn’t want to drop either one of them,” Smith said.

Getting involved with more activities may seem like extra work, but for some students this is the time to try everything they want.

“After high school is over, I’m not going to be able to do some of the things I want to do, so I might as well do them all and have fun while I do it,” Brown said.

e t a N wn Bro PHOTO BY: MADYSON MATHISON

swim drama track & field

MARCH 2018

07

Sashes & and I wanted to try it out; I really liked the outdoors,” Sumter said.

BY CAITLYN THOMAS Both boy scouts and girl scouts PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER help shape these students into model While many students join citizens, teaching their members scouts as a child, some about survival techniques follow through with the and leadership, as well organization in high school. as respect for others.

Salty delicious popcorn and “We did sweet delectable cookies is what most an event called people picture when they think of boy ‘Thinking Day’ scouts and girl scouts, but there is where all the much more to these two organizations. different girl Many students joined either boy scout groups scouts or girl scouts in their youth, came and but often times they don’t stick with presented on it through high school. However, for a country that those that do, the rewards are plentiful. they learned “It looks good on a resume,” about,” Pham junior Rachel Pham said. “There’s said. “There volunteer hours, and you also get to is also a yearly give back to the community.” campout, and since Pham has been a girl scout for my group is older, we four years, saying it all started when get to help lead it.” a friend asked her to join, and her Sumter has earned parents agreed that she should become the title Eagle Scout, which is more involved. a position that takes years to work Sophomore Owen Sumter, towards. He explained how “you must however, joined boy scouts five years show leadership” and that “it makes ago, and cub scouts nine years ago. you an example, so you have to live up “My dad was really into camping to the expectations.”

PHOTO: CAITLYN THOMAS

08

THE SCEPTER

FEATURES

Patches In order to earn the title Eagle Scout, you have to complete a project that helps the community in some way.

“I collected toothpaste and toothbrushes for the Open-Door Mission, then did a drive by my house for the people that needed them,” Sumter said.

Girl scouts, though, have a series of awards that you earn over time.

Starting with the bronze award, a girl scout can work their way to a gold award, which is the highest award one can achieve.

“I have the silver award,” Pham said. “To get the gold award you have to do a big volunteer project.”

It’s not all just work, though.

There are always fun activities for them to look forward to.

“My favorite part is all the different experiences; you get to go camping and go to different places such as Philmont, New Mexico,” Sumter said.

When most people think of boy scouts or girl scouts, they might assume that it is just for little kids, or not a lot of fun.

“One [misconception] is that people think boy scouts don’t do much,” Sumter said. “They don’t think it’s cool or that we don’t go outside. A lot of it is going outside and camping.”

For girl scouts, people have just as many false images as to what they are.

“A misconception might be that we are all young and cheerful, shoving girl scout cookies in people’s faces,” Pham said. “We are just normal people.”

There is so much more that goes into both boy scouts and girl scouts than the cookies and popcorn. The people involved learn skills and traits that are imperative to everyday life, and they have fun doing it.

PHOTO: CAITLYN THOMAS

MARCH 2018

09

La Vida con Barreras

Life with Barriers

BY ELIZABETH EIDEM

Cuộc sống với những rào cản

PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER

Two students tell their stories as they go through student life in more than one language.

“Hola” “Xin Chào” and “Hello” are just three of the ways students can greet their family or friends. Juniors Ha Le and Saray Bedoya live their lives swapping between two different languages, but these barriers do not stop them from excelling both in and out of the classroom.

Bedoya was born in the United States, but she spoke Spanish until she entered school in kindergarten.

She entered into ELL classes until she mastered English in fifth grade.

Learning the language did not come easily, however.

“I struggled a lot in first and second grades,” Bedoya said. “I always had this assistant next to me helping me out.”

Le learned English at a young age after her family moved to the United States from Vietnam. Le

has been immersed in the English language since 2001 and seems to only struggle with specific English grammar rules.

Taking notes and focusing in class is difficult enough when your native language is the one that is being utilized, but Le and Bedoya must work especially hard to grasp concepts that are taught under more difficult terms.

“Sometimes I do not understand what a word or phrase means,” Bedoya said. “I want to ask questions about what it means, but sometimes I am afraid that it is a dumb question.”

Outside of school, this language barrier is not looked upon as a burden

by Le, but she finds herself having to continually be a translator between her friends and family.

Being bilingual is seen as a benefit to both girls. It opens up job

and cultural opportunities that they are grateful for.

“Knowing more than one language helps me connect with more people,” Le said.

Both Bedoya and Le are enrolled in French classes and place an emphasis on learning languages.

Coming from Asia, Le believes schools should be placing more emphasis on a wider variety of world languages.

Despite having to overcome many life-long challenges, students who are fluent in more than one language look beyond high school to view this as an advantage. These students, like Le and Bedoya, work hard to understand the English language better every day, while still staying true to their respective cultures.

How much of Monarch Nation speaks another language at home?

English Another Language Poll information taken from 91 votes on Twitter.

10

THE SCEPTER

96% 4%

NEWS

Enr

oll

BY EMMA HIGBY Students are given the opportunity to dual enroll for college credit while still taking high school classes.

in y our Fut ure PHOTOS: EMMA HIGBY

Students (left to right) Jade Delarosa, Taylor Rumsey, and Robyn Smith study in various rooms throughout the school.

They work hard to maintain their grades and continue doing what they love.

Getting college credit while not even leaving the classroom: what is better than that, right?

Certain opportunities are offered for students enrolled in AP classes. One opportunity is dual enrollment.

In dual enrollment, students pay $250 and, depending on their grade in the class, get college credit for it. This is only offered through AP classes by some teachers. Not all students dual enroll, but some juniors have.

“I dual enrolled in AP US Government and AP Comparative Government,” junior Abigail Meyer said. “I dual enrolled because I wanted to have the college class experience to prepare myself. When I get to college I won’t have to take those classes again.”

A variety of AP classes offer the option to dual enroll, and those who do love it and will continue to do it again.

“I will dual enroll again because

I won’t have to take those hard AP tests at the end of the year,” Meyer said. “But, I will only dual enroll for the classes that I am interested in for my college major or minor.”

Dual enrollment offers a cheaper way for students to receive college credit. Paying for the actual class in college could be hundreds or thousands of dollars more.

“I dual enrolled in AP US Government and AP Chemistry,” junior Nicole Stilmock said. “It’s a cheaper option than actually paying for the course in college. I will dual enroll again because I won’t have to take the class in college.”

To offer dual enrollment to students, one must achieve a master’s degree in the specific field they wish to pursue.

“I offer dual enrollment for AP World History and AP US Government,” social studies teacher Mr. Joe Pilakowski said. “I think the

numbers [for dual enrollment] are growing year to year. I think about 50% of students dual enroll.”

Dual enrollment is a great opportunity for students planning to stay in-state or attend college out of state.

“As long as the credit transfers to their institution of choice, I think it is a phenomenal way to get college credit,” Pilakowski said. “You’re going to do that work whether you dual enroll or not, so you might as well get college credit with it.”

If someone ever decides to take an AP class at PLHS, dual enrollment is a great choice. The numbers are about half and half, but they are growing. This special opportunity is only available for the first few weeks of the course, whether that be first or second semester, so make sure to decide early on.

MARCH 2018

11

BY DELANI WATKINS PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

A look into the evolution of the PLHS building in the past reveals a hidden history.

Every day, 1,719 students walk through the doors. Every day, they walk these same halls. They pass the same classrooms, lockers and familiar faces. What they don’t realize is everything they know and have grown to love didn’t always exist.

In August of 1971, the current PLHS building opened its doors to students. Since then, many changes have shaped it into the one that the community and students are familiar with.

“Since I’ve been here, there have been two major builds,” science teacher Mr. David Hubert said.

“We got the new gym, new woods classrooms, and then we got the whole back strip of classrooms on the outside and the new back parking.”

These pieces of the building are places where memories are made and lessons are learned. Students who came before currently enrolled students did not enjoy the luxury of having all their classes under the same roof.

“We used to have ‘The Annex,’” current substitute and former teacher Mr. Tom Boyd said. “It was a metal building out in what is now the back parking that we used as an auto shop, a weight room and it had batting cages.”

“The Annex” was a popular hangout for boys, much like what is seen in the movie “Grease.” A popular scene from a movie was typical in the place that the community now knows as a parking lot.

“Having the new weight room was a big change,” math teacher Mrs. Michelle Mathison said. “The kids all

12

THE SCEPTER

used to have to go out to a trailer.”

Aside from physical changes, the building also has changed along with the times.

“Mrs. Wilton’s room now used to be the smoking lounge for students in the ‘70s,” Mathison said.

Mathison has a personal connection to the building that has survived so many alterations.

“I used to have a bunch of murals all over the walls, but they’re gone now,” Mathison said.

Through many transformations, traditions have been kept as well as lost.

“The football field was called ‘snake pit’ and it was located behind Papillion Junior High,” Mathison said.

“We used to park on the grass, and it had a very hometown feel.”

Now, the whole Papillion La Vista district enjoys the abundance of parking, bleachers and scoreboard that define Foundation Field. Though it has a different location and different name, Foundation Field still houses the community on Friday nights and brings people together.

Through it all, the tradition of royalty has never ceased.

“When the North Gym was being built, the kids used to say that the workers were building them a castle,” Mathison said. “Now, everyone calls it the palace.”

The four walls that are the North Gym contain the stories of athletes from the last three decades, and the Papillion and La Vista communities are always ready to pack the palace.

From

Castle to Palace

Aerial Timeline

1983

1986

1991

1996

NEWS

Corridor 84

BY DAVID O’CONNELL PAGE DESIGN BY AVERY WAGONER

Students in the La Vista Mayor’s Youth Council bring insight on how the new City Centre will look.

The “old Walmart” or the “old Summer Kitchen” has become a catchphrase of reference for La Vista and Papillion citizens alike.

Store after store, businesses closed or moved to a more economically suitable location. The strip mall on 84th and Giles became an eyesore to so many. However, where there once was ugliness will soon be dazzling enjoyment.

PLHS students in the La Vista Mayor’s Youth Council are participating in creating the look of the new 84th street corridor filled with restaurants, retailers and apartments that would bring a new heart to the city of La Vista.

The La Vista Youth Council recently spoke at a public meeting held on Jan. 17 to inform citizens what their ideas are in making the development look appealing.

“We bring our ideas and opinions on what we think will be good for the future because we are the future,” sophomore Billy Imig said.

The Youth Council is currently looking at different designs for the streetscape of 84th street as they are trying to decide between types of landscapes, trees, and what visual

themes the new remodeled street might have.

“We want it to look like Aksarben, more modern and updated,” junior Alexis Delos Reyes said.

La Vista voters approved a half cent sales tax increase to help fund the limited project, making the Youth Council work with budget exercises.

“You have to ask yourself what do the citizens of La Vista value,” Delos Reyes said. “Whether it’s security or comfortability.”

The designs are tentative and are only ideas to work toward as they are only in phase 2 of the design phase.

The next public meeting will be held on March 21.

“It will be interesting to see how much our input will be in the final project,” junior AJ Dumont said.

The entire project is set to be completed by summer of 2020. There are multiple phases to the project with some set to be completed this fall.

However long it may take, a decrepit strip mall set to become a sensational shopping center and recreational park is something Papillion and La Vista citizens should all get excited for.

Design renderings show the new City Centre merged with the new Civic Center park where the old golf course used to be. Possibilities of an outdoor amphitheater have been considered.

City Ventures, an Omaha based real-estate company, has purchased the Brentwood Crossing land with private retailers, restaurants, offices and apartments called for.

RENDERINGS FROM: corridor84.com

MARCH 2018

13

the right to fight.

BY MEGAN FRIEL Walkouts and protests are being planned across the country, including Omaha.

PHOTOS: LAUREL GLYNN

Classmates gather during the Feb. walkout. Broadcasting interviewed multiple students while others reflected on the Stoneman Douglas shooting.

On Valentine’s Day 2018, a lone shooter shot and killed 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FLA. Students were outraged at the ease of which the perpetrator committed the crime, blaming the NRA and lax gun legislation. Survivors have been the leaders of the current discussion, speaking to President Donald Trump, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson.

Student Council members have been included in the planning process of an event that involves schools across the Omaha area to support the movement. On 15 April 2018, community leaders and supporters will come together outside of their individual schools. More information will be announced as the event date approaches.

14

THE SCEPTER

“

[We] will be following the details laid out in the press and looking for some guidance from our Central Office.

”

MR. KALINA

The March For Our Lives is taking place outside of school grounds at both the Omaha Riverwalk and the Nebraska Capital building in Lincoln on Mar. 24 2018. The event is taking place worldwide in more than 493 places, including Washington D.C., as protestors call for the United States government to address the issue of gun violence.

NEWS/OPINION

TAKE A

deep breath OPINION BY ALYSSA FORAL PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY

Prom night is approaching, and with it comes the anxiety of the breathalyzer.

The night of dazzling dresses, stunning suits, colossal corsages, and the party everyone remembers for years. It’s Prom night, the night that has weeks of planning and anticipation, but there’s one test you must pass to get in: the breathalyzer test.

Before each school dance our administrators stand like well-intended bouncers at the door, each with a bulky yellow and black breathalyzer in hand. One by one students approach, blow, and wait for a green light to

wave them in, and no matter if a student has been drinking or not, each one of us has the fear that the red light will go off instead.

The anxiety of the breathalyzer is a widespread phenomenon. A student who has never had a drink, except for their communion wine at church, will panic that when their turn comes they will suddenly blow a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than 0.0.

Our school began breathalyzing seven years ago to prevent students from drinking. While the breathalyzer may not eliminate all alcohol consumption that happens on Prom night, it certainly delays it and lessens the risk of students drinking and driving.

Students everywhere are subjected to a sobriety test, and some are less willing than others. Dance goers see it as a violation of their 4th Amendment right, and if these students refuse to see the added safety the breathalyzer can provide, then my guess is these are the students who want to drink before Prom.

The breathalyzer isn’t there as a punishment, and it isn’t there to scare us, it is there as an incentive to stay safe. Administration prioritizes our well-being, and if they can deter students from drinking, they will. The choice is each individual person’s to make, but hopefully with added obstacles, students will avoid drinking for the evening, especially if they will be driving.

Breathalyzer tests and mock crashes are all things that are meant to show the harsh realities of drinking and driving. The goal is to motivate students to stay away from the danger that drinking and driving can cause for themselves, their peers, and anyone on the roads.

Administrators cannot be an omnipotent presence on Prom night to watch after each individual student, but the addition of sobriety tests to the evening may just keep one more student safe from the consequences of drinking.

MARCH 2018

15

Summer Pressure As winter comes to an end and spring creeps up, we dream of summer. Lounging by the pool, the sun beating down and filling your body with warmth as the cool breeze blows through your hair. In your cute new bathing suit, surrounded by your friends, eating ice cream.

Scratch that, you can’t have ice cream because it’s against your “summer body” diet. Oh, and you won’t be at the pool because you’re too busy working out at the gym.

Instead of enjoying time with your friends, you scroll through Instagram comparing yourself to that model, wondering, why can’t I look like that?

Trying to gain a summer body is popular among teens and consists of dieting and working out in attempts to get skinnier or “fit” to match the image of an attractive body. These unrealistic standards are unnecessary and should be ignored by people, and teens especially.

The idea of a summer body is everywhere: in magazines, songs, social media, and the halls of our own school. Why does our society consist of making us question the way we look and telling us we need to change?

I believe the source of the negativity lies within ourselves. We are unhappy in the way we look and judge each other, spreading the belief

16

THE SCEPTER

OPINION BY LISSA LAFOND PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY

Is summer becoming a chore as society puts pressure on people to look a certain way?

that we need to be altered to look a certain way. However, we have the ability to accept our differences and unique qualities.

According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, 90% of 15-17 year old girls want to change at least one aspect of their physical appearance, and according to DoSomething.org, 44% of girls and 15% of guys are attempting to lose weight.

With the idea of needing to lose weight in teens’ heads already and the weight loss industry making $55.4 billion a year, it isn’t surprising that the thought of being seen in a bathing suit makes teens believe they need to change how they look.

What’s the cost? This way of thinking is keeping the adolescents of our nation from having selfconfidence and being happy. Worrying about looks is distracting from the things that are important in life; it

all seems so superficial and useless.

The pressure to gain a summer body takes attention away from doing well in school and piles up more to worry about besides finals. It is okay to want to better yourself, but what keeps it from going too far?

Worrying about the way you look takes the fun away from summer and doesn’t allow you to enjoy the freedom and weather. Instead of being busy trying to change the way you are, why not enjoy the people you are around? Your friends and family should love you for who you are.

People come in all different shapes and sizes. We need to learn to accept that in ourselves and others. No matter what we look like, we should all be loved by ourselves and society.

After all, what is the point in bringing yourself and others down?

ENTERTAINMENT

BY CHLOÉ GRIMM PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

Iconic movie soundtracks that made their mark in entertainment history.

THE

soundtracks OF OUR LIVES

PURPLE RAIN: 1984 Thirty-four years ago, Prince starred in his first motion picture with a soundtrack that would also become a massive seller and would double as his utterly brilliant sixth album “Purple Rain.” The album produced five hit singles that topped the Billboard Hot 100, including “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and the song itself “Purple Rain.” With the album’s mix of dance pop, funk, soul, and allAmerican rock ‘n’ roll, “Purple Rain” became a monumental ‘84 album that masked the movie perfectly. They give off an edgy vibe, unparalleled to anything of its time. The songs do justice in sweeping you off your feet, and forcing you to go on Prince’s emotional roller coaster of the lows of heartbreak and highs of euphoria.

DIRTY DANCING: 1987

In 1987, every girl dreamed to be in Patrick Swayze’s arms and spun around to the rhythm of real music - the music that made the movie “Dirty Dancing” memorable. The soundtrack includes various artists that were able to glorify the age of the late ‘80s, like Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, who spawned an enduring hit, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and Eric Carmen who delivered the notable to many “Hungry Eyes.” The set of songs compiled together for this film are truly what made it a masterpiece. They’re the type of songs that make the audience possess the urge to get up dance even if they’re bad at it. No one could hate this movie; they could only envy the dance skills of the cast and wish they embodied the talent to perform to these songs.

THE BODYGUARD: 1992

By now, everyone knows that Whitney Houston is extraordinarily indescribable. Furthermore, when she starred in her most memorable movie, “The Bodyguard,” no one expected anything less than sublime, and that’s exactly what she gave us. She also delivered a soundtrack that no one would forget. From her multi-million selling remake of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” to her famous single “I Have Nothing,” the album remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, which also features famous artists like Kenny G and Joe Cocker. The album brings to life the love, frustration, and conflict that Whitney encounters. These songs really enhance the desire that people have for this kind of “forbidden love” to work out. Without the soundtrack, the audience would be deprived of the full effect of the agonizing, yet beautiful ending.

MARCH 2018

17

BY EMMA BETTS PAGE DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

B A C K

The ‘50s decade is different from all the others because of its music, its entertainment and its distinctive fashion trends.

s 0 ‘5

TO THE The romanticized image of the‘50s is one straight out of the movies. It was a time when some of the greatest medical advancements, inventions, entertainers, music and landmarks were introduced.

Sophomore Jackie Negrete is one of many who hopes that some of the highlights of the ‘50s return to the 21st century.

“I think living in the ‘50s would be fun because things were a lot simpler and people had to interact

18

THE SCEPTER

face-to-face,” Negrete said.

One thing that made the ‘50s unique was the beginning of rock-androll. Elvis Presley hit the stage and changed the music scene.

“The music was great to get you pumped up for something because it was so upbeat,” sophomore Jena Cruse said.

Back in the day, kids didn’t need cell-phones to have a good time, just a few friends and a sweet ride.

“I have seen pictures and models

of ‘50s cars,” Cruse said. “I think they look cool and are a lot fancier than cars today.”

In the ‘50s there were many ways to stay entertained without spending a fortune.

“I think lots of people would go to diners if they came back because there are not many fun places to go

ENTERTAINMENT

these days,” Negrete said.

The greatest thing about diners is the delicious food and good ole’ diner dancing.

“I love the lights, all of the signs and the originality of each diner,” Cruse said. “It would be a cool place to go and dance.”

Drive-in movies were a big hit during that decade because they provided teens with a fun spot to meet up with friends after school or a big game.

“I think having more drive-in movies would be super cool because they seem really fun and more entertaining than just sitting in a theater,” Negrete said.

Popular Songs from the ‘50s

There were many fashion statements that set the ‘50s style apart from the rest. The men went for the well-known and laid back “greaser” look while the women went all out.

“They wore big skirts and dresses that were a bit over the top and not my thing,” Negrete said.

“They also put a lot of time and effort into hair and makeup, which I would not have time for.”

From the music, to entertainment and fashion, it is undeniable that the ‘50s gave life to present day cultural icons. This is the pop culture that affects society and the things we love today.

Jezebel

Frankie Laine (1951)

Love Me Tender

Elvis Presley (1956)

Blue Suede Shoes

Elvis Presley (1956)

Jailhouse Rock

Elvis Presley (1957)

I Walk the Line

Johnny Cash (1957)

Johnny B. Goode

Chuck Berry (1958)

I Love You, Porgy

Nina Simone (1958)

Source: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/ CelticTiger/100-best-singles-of-the-50s-1/2/

MARCH 2018

19

Caught Our Eye

1

2

20

THE SCEPTER

3

SPORTS

5

4

6 1) PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN Junior Creighton Baughman, sophomore Cody Niemiec and freshman Jordan Bobier perform a cheer trick during the winter pep rally.

2) PHOTO: PLHS JOURNALISM Junior Ian Sparks performs during a choir concert.

3) PHOTO: CHRISTINA DELGADO Senior Matilde Pinto and junior Claudette Sanchez take a break to pose for a picture during a Spanish Club meeting.

4) PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON Junior Robert Kahlandt concentrates while building in woods class.

5) PHOTO: DAVID O’CONNELL Sophomore Nick Barnett looks to catch a pass in a JV basketball game.

6) PHOTO: PLHS JOURNALISM Junior Jack Cosgrove and sophomore Owen Sumter laugh at a joke during a quiz bowl practice.

7) PHOTO: ASHLEY MASON

7

Sophomore Olivia Boudreau shoots the final shot in the first round of the state tournament against Lincoln East.

MARCH 2018

21

Uphold the Tradition

BY JILL MATHISON PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

Throughout the years, PLHS has started traditions and passed them down through generations.

PHOTO: PLHS YEARBOOK Monarch gymnastics saw its end in 2002.

The girls’ team ended their reign on top when they won their first-ever state title that same year.

22

THE SCEPTER

From sports, to mascots, and school fight songs, many things have changed over the years, but which ones have not?

School traditions are the customs, rituals, stories and ways of thinking that those in earlier generations hand down to us. They help us understand where we fit into the community of our school and are a fun way to compare students throughout the years.

PE teacher Mr. Tim Koca has been in the school district for 34 years and has been teaching at PLHS for 11.

He went to high school at PLHS and has now returned to where he started.

“One thing I have noticed [about changing school traditions] is the band uniforms,” Koca said. “We used to wear heavy wool hats and uniforms that were hot and sweaty, but we took pride in that tradition, and I did not think that [tradition] would break.”

Within the athletic department there are many traditions. Softball is known for being rich in rituals along with the other sports at PLHS. Even the fan base has traditions that have been passed down through student sections, including the striped overalls, painting up for the Monarch vs. Titan football game, and the yearly My Color of Hope basketball game.

“One [tradition] that I think will stay is the Monarch 10 award that Mr. Chuck Johnston started, along with other things in athletics,” said Athletic Director Mr. Jason Ryan. “And singing the ‘On Papillion’ at the start of games and ‘Oh When Maroon’ at

the end.”

Having traditions in sports gives athletes more activities to look forward to than just the games, and provides a bonding experience for the teams. Traditions like the softball players TP’ing their coaches houses, the sophomore football players getting their hair cut, and the cheer and dance teams painting cars at car parties, have always had a part in the success through the athletic program.

“Things like painting up is awesome to me; I love the school spirit,” Koca said.

Although some traditions seem as if they will never end, some already have. The blow up Monarch man popped years ago and was never purchased again, the sport of soccer was not always at PLHS, gymnastics has been erased, and the trend of class rings and letterman jackets seem as if it was never as popular as we thought.

“Letterman jackets have been on the rise lately, but I think that there was a decline at one point because everyone used to have one,” Ryan said. “With class rings, I see more state championship rings than the typical class ring, and I feel like the jackets are a little bit more popular.”

Traditions are not only in athletics and clubs, but throughout the school. Will things like letterman jackets die down? Have they already?

Or like the school song, one of our most sacred traditions that has been passed down since the school opened in 1971, will they continue on?

ENTERTAINMENT

Then:

Now:

(2017-2018)

1994

Football Haircuts The upperclassmen of the football team cut the sophomore players’ hair each year as preparation for the rivalry game and a way of bonding.

2008

1985

Sophomore Camden Baldwin gets his hair cut at team dinner the day before the rivalry game.

PHOTO: EMMA BETTS

DECA Dodgeball DECA puts on a dodgeball tournament each year as a fundraiser to send the club to competitions at regional and national levels.

Senior boys paint their torsos in maroon, gold and white, while the girls wear maroon paint and camo pants like the rival game tradition that has been passed down for years.

1990

The varsity volleyball team competes in the DECA dodgeball tournament.

PHOTO: ALYSSA FLOTT

Painting up for games/overalls Seniors paint their bodies to show school spirit at the Monarchs vs. Titan football game.

PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN

Dances: Capes and Crowns While the image of Monarch royalty with capes and scepters has faded some, Prom Kings and Queens still wear fancy crowns after coronation.

PHOTOS: PLHS YEARBOOKS

Seniors Megan Helmberger, Tyler Koory, Joey Silknitter, and Lauren Lafond pose after winning Homecoming royalty.

PHOTO: DAWN HELMBERGER

MARCH 2018

23

Crossword

2

BY TATUM JORGENSEN & JILL MATHISON PAGE DESIGN BY KAYLIN CIATTI

1 5

6 3

Across 3. 6’5” guard for boys varsity basketball 4. Head varsity baseball coach 5. First two words to the school song 6. Name of the retired school therapy dog

7

7. Head girls varsity basketball coach 8. School mascot

4

9. School Resource officer 10. 2018 Spring musical

8

Down 1. School Librarian 9

2. Starting quarterback for varsity football 3. School online newspaper 4. All-male choir

10

24

THE SCEPTER

MARCH 2018

25

Answers: 1. Senior Jake Sykora’s shirt ribbon 2. Senior Tyler Koory’s shirt color 3. Senior Nolan Anderson’s hat 4. Paint on trash can 5. Senior Lindsey Erickson’s shirt ribbon 6. Lines on wall (top left) 7. Senior Noah Sadiq’s USA sweatshirt 8. Freshman Brady Dumont’s shirt ribbon 9. Senior Jake Sykora’s sweatpants logo 10. Freshman Joey Detlefson is duplicated from right corner to left 11. Junior Hannah Lane’s lanyard

Two of the same photo? Look again! There are 10 differences between the top original photo and the bottom changed photo. See if you can spot the differences between the two photos from the student section at the Color of Hope basketball game!

Look Again

ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL FOOLS It is that time of the year again when teenagers save their best pranks for one day. No one is safe. This day is known as April Fools’.

On April 1, students come up with the best pranks to fool all their peers. Senior Alec Ward and junior Sophie House are just some of the many students who pull the best of pranks.

“I don’t really prank people that often,” Ward said. “Every once and a while I trick people, but my best pranks come on April Fools’ day.”

Ward and House only enjoy pulling off big pranks. House had not started pranking until she came to high school.

“I have always liked surprising people and making them laugh,” House said. “I love seeing their reactions when you prank them.”

BY KENZIE WARD PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Students share the best April Fools’ pranks that they have done.

House is a member of Play Pro and a student director for “Footloose” the musical. While in rehearsal, House pulled a prank of her own on the other members.

“I dressed up a dummy as me during a rehearsal for ‘Hairspray’”, House said. “I pretended to fall off the catwalk to my death.”

Ward and House both came up with their pranks. Last April Fools’, Ward played a prank on his coworkers.

“A few of my friends and I put sticky notes and saran wrapped the whole car with three rolls,” Ward said.

“I was told it took an hour to take all of it off his car.”

For those who trick others, the joy comes from the prank being done and the reaction. Whether the reaction is bad or good, Ward appreciates the

PHOTO LEFT: ALEC WARD As an April Fools’ prank, Alec Ward covers his co-worker’s car with saran wrap and sticky notes.

PHOTO RIGHT: SOPHIE HOUSE Sophie House lies next to the dummy, which was dressed up as her for an April Fools’ prank.

26

THE SCEPTER

enjoyment from it.

“It’s funny to see how people react,” Ward said. “Some will get irritated while others get the same joy out of it as I do.”

Principal Mr. Jerry Kalina has experienced multiple pranks done by students. After many years of being at PLHS, Kalina has been through some of the best pranks.

“One of the biggest pranks was when a student put plastic in the pits and filled it with water and put fish in it,” Kalina said. “Some students also covered the back hallway lockers with yellow sticky notes top to bottom.”

As April first comes upon us, watch out for saran wrap on cars, fish in the pits, and sticky notes covering every locker.

SPORTS

What is your favorite part of

March

Madness

March Madness?

BY BILLY BRODERICK PAGE DESIGN BY JULIA HARKER

Students discuss one of the most captivating sporting events in the U.S. Time and time again, people around the world find themselves being brought together by the unifying nature of sports. People love sports because of the excitement and drama that comes with them, and if there’s one sport that possibly brings the most to the table, it’s basketball. College basketball in March, to be more concise.

For basketball fanatics, March Madness is the time to fill out brackets in attempt to make them perfect. If the bracket is perfect, the fan could win millions of dollars.

The various bracket challenges add that much more of excitement to the tournament.

“It gives you teams to root for when you don’t necessarily follow them,” senior Davis Showell said.

According to ESPN.com, in March of 2017, more than 5.5 million players participated in ESPN’s “Tournament Challenge,” filling out over 13 million brackets. Even with so many brackets filled out, there were zero perfect brackets.

Although becoming an instant millionaire is a dream of every viewer, March Madness is about more than the money.

“I watch March Madness because it’s the best part of the year,”

senior Ryan Davenport said. “Seeing the best of the best go at it all for one trophy is pretty cool to see.”

The tournament is infamous for close games and game winners fueled by the passion of the players and determination to continue their season for one more game.

It doesn’t take an NBA scout or sports analyst to see the raw emotion the players have when on the court in each game.

“Every player plays their heart out,” Davenport said. “A loss sends them home. They play that much harder to win and move on.”

The tournament is one of a kind.

No other sport has a 68-team playoff making the NCAA tournament hard to compare to any event.

“I don’t think you can really compare the vibes surrounding March Madness to anything else,” Showell said. “It’s such a unique energy within each game, that’s what makes the tournament so special.”

Basketball in March has a special place in sports fans’ hearts. The emotion, drama and suspense make the event that more intriguing. These feelings never fail to unite sports enthuisiasts every year during March Madness.

“Lots of great, exciting basketball games where you have no idea who is going to win.” -Senior Davis Showell

“All of the upsets that happen, but most of all, seeing Duke win.”

-Senior Ryan Davenport.

“Not knowing who’ll win each game and the fact that so many favorites and powerhouse schools go out early to a complete underdog.” - Sophomore Markus Cardenas.

MARCH 2018

27

A Change in

HEIGHTS

BY JOSEY RYAN PAGE DESIGN BY MOLLEE SWIFT

Pole vaulters look for success under the new leadership of coach Andrew Walsh.

A coach, defined by merriamwebster.com, is a person who teaches and trains an athlete or performer. This is a person the athletes trust with their growth in the sport and usually has lengthy experience as a coach.

Coach Andrew Walsh has more than enough experience to be qualified for a coaching position at PapillionLa Vista. He has coached high school football, baseball and coached at Baylor University for four years. In 2016, Walsh and his wife moved from Texas to Nebraska due to his wife getting a teaching job at Peru State College.

“I was looking at schools in the area, and I met coach [Randy] Huebert and we hit it off. I like him, and it’s great to work under him,” Walsh said.

His first year here he coached the defensive backs for the football team and sprinters in track. The next year, he got asked to take on something new.

“Coach [Dana] Janssen and

PHOTO: CASSIE LINGREEN

coach [Joe] Pilakowski asked me if I wanted to do pole vault with coach [Chris] Curry taking over as the head wrestling coach,” Walsh said.

Walsh did not pole vault in high school, and had never coached it before, but he decided to take on the challenge.

“Walsh was a sprint coach last year, and a huge part of pole vault is building up speed in your approach,” junior Mitch Klassen said. “I think

Walsh passes the football during warmups in a varsity football game against Fremont High School.

28

THE SCEPTER

he’ll really be able to help with the team’s sprint mechanics and get us running faster.”

Klassen started pole vaulting his freshman year and plans to continue to improve throughout high school. As a sophomore, he qualified for the state tournament and hopes to build off of that success under the leadership of coach Walsh.

“I would like to see a few of them at the state tournament, and I hope to see all of them PR,” Walsh said.

Both the athletes and coach look forward to the track season to improve their skills, build relationships and have fun.

“Pole vaulters are a really tight knit group of people because we’re all a little crazy,” Klassen said. “But I think Walsh is going to fit right in, do a great job and we’ll all have a lot of fun this season.”

4

Fast Facts of Boys Golf

SPORTS

BY SARAH ALTMAN PAGE DESIGN BY DAKOTA KELLEY

Tee it high and let it fly with the PLHS boys golf team.

Superintendents Cup

For the past two years, the Monarch boys golf team has faced off against and defeated the Titans at the Superintendents (soup) Cup, and they have every intention of repeating the domination this year. The cup consists of twelve rounds of man-on-man match play, with the winner of each match being awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most points is declared the winner, and both teams sit down for a joint meal with their families, coaches, and superintendents Dr. Rikli, Dr. Black and Dr. Metschke.

Offseason Grind During the offseason, members of the varsity team attended summer tournaments to hone their skill.

Continuing this trend, they have been taking hitting lessons, as well as practicing at an indoor facility four times a week. Coach Joe Pudenz hopes to receive a return on this investment of hard-work, and “will look to improve on last season’s finish as [the team] missed the state meet for the first time in four years.”

Previous Success

Last season, the Monarchs experienced success right off the bat with an impressive victory at the Columbus invite, defeating the best teams in the state of Nebraska and taking first place. However, in a disappointing turn of events, the team finished fourth at districts, falling one spot shy of qualifying for the state meet.

Players to watch Monarch Senior Hayden Pudenz competed individually last year in the state tournament along with team mate Alex Zillig, who took home 5th.

Favorite Quote

“Hard-work beats

talent when talent fails to work hard.”

Monarch Junior Nolan Vondra is a returning member looking to bring experience to the relatively young team.

Favorite Quote

PHOTO: IVAN HURST Monarch Senior Hayden Pudenz swings on the green at last year’s Champions Run tournament.

“We are a goofy team, [but] when it comes to playing, we are successful and serious.”

MARCH 2018

29

WINTER

SPORTS:

BOYS BASKETBALL

WRESTLING

total points

1,424

2PT. FG.

CREIGHTON BAUGHMAN

most takedowns with 94 319 total team points most pins with 21

made

ft. blocks

89

total

rebounds

642

total

steals

125

total

assists

total

games

total

267

289

made

made

Additionally

24

76%

3pt. fg.

177

most reversals with 44 10 wins by major decision

FT.

36%

2pt. fg.

302

AJ SALINAS

3PT. FG.

48%

BY

NATHAN KOHLER

most escapes with

44

Statistical Leaders 75

77

2-point fg.

3-point fg.

PEYTON PRIEST

04

THE SCEPTER

CALEB FEEKIN

NOLAN NIEMIEC

achieved 100 wins 112 combined near fall points most wins with 42

THE

NUMBERS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SWIMMING

total points

1,441

SPORTS

2PT. FG.

3PT. FG.

52%

36%

State Relay Results

made

blocks

LINDSEY INGWERSON

total

2-point fg.

Boys 400 Free Relay: 5th place

72

1:34.77 3:15.82

MARK CAVANAUGH, LUKE BARR, GRAYSON STANTON, JAVIER QUINONES

Boys 200 Free Relay: 16th place

1:32.64

SEAN MCELMEEL, PATRICK WALDRON, JOE CIRIACO, AJ DUMONT

Statistical Leaders 115

Boys 200 Medley Relay: 2nd place

ft.

rebounds

636

total

steals

253

total

assists

total

games

total

352

232

made

made

Additionally

25

64%

3pt. fg.

147

2pt. fg.

384

FT.

55

3-point fg.

OLIVIA BOUDREAU

Girls 200 Free Relay: 10th place

1:41.74

LILY CUNNINGHAM, SYDNEY TAAKE ABBY CARDOZA, HOLLY OLSON

PHOTOS: ASHLEY MASON, CASSIE LINGREEN, MEGAN DAVEY, JILL MATHISON

MARCH 2018

05

Looking for a way to attract new customers?

Advertise with us at The Scepter!

Email plhsjournalism@paplv.org for more information