PLHS Scepter October 2015 by PLHS Scepter

OCTOBER 2015

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 53 WWW.PLPULSE.COM

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SCEPTER A PUBLICATION OF PAPILLION-LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

It’s Time to Grind... Testing Day

Another New Year Are You In Good Hands?

Nail it or Fail it? Managing The Mess Huebert’s Hooligans New Field, Same Traditions

Kissing Butt, Taking Names Fresh Faces

The Great Pumpkin

Parallel Lives Papio Schism

Roach 4 Par

A Foreign Experience

Fall Sports Recap

Student Spotlight

A New Old School Tradition

Turf Trouble

The Glory Days; The Days to Come

Lights, Camera, Devon

Sharing The Field: A Senior Story

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Show Me the Money

Entertainment Review

When L.A. Met Papio

Food for Thought

DiscriminAGE

License to Drive

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.

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Editors: Ally Sargus & Sam Laughlin Writers: Emily Lingelbach Megan Krabbenhoft Kassidy Brown Kaylee Penry Trevor Kalal

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Editor: Laura Kramer Designers: Camryn Bowers Christina Fisher Jordan Murphy Melanie Amweg Editor: Emma Dargy & Trevor Jurjevich Writers: Brendon Boatwright Hayley Piatkowski Cal Mathison Dylan Nicholson Hannah Cahill Marissa Newman Nathan Gendler Pi Moore

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DESIGN

Editor: Lindsey Lafond Writers: Jonathan Greenfield Alexa Busby Claire Neil Faith Workman Gabby Tingstad Hunter Pombrio Julia Harker Lauren Lafond

Editor-in-Chief: Christa Rahl Scepter Editors: Kelley Ryan & Nicole Ludden Ad Managers: John Nelson Alina Cook

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Editors: Angela Bober & Brittany Kellner Writers: Alexander Strehle Andrew Hampton Elliott Wolbach Hannah Im Raina Dodge

Editors: CJ Curry & David Chavarria Webmaster: Jake Zink

Kayla Schreck Video: Alina Cook Kassidy Brown

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OPINION

Editor: Brena Groeper Photographers: Cameron Houser PLPulse Writers: Trevor Lewis Hailey McGuire

PLPUL

Editor: Will Synowiecki Writers: Cal Mathison Megan Krabbenhoff Lauren Lafond Nathan Gendler Raina Dodge

The editorial A

t one point in time, our world was full of people telling stories. If a person wasn’t reading one in a novel or the newspaper, they would be telling or listening to one with a friend. It was beautiful. “How are you?” was asked with intention rather than politeness. Somehow this has all changed. In our world of notso-social media we have all fallen guilty of avoiding true human interaction to scroll through a

OCTOBER 2015

newsfeed. In case it wasn’t obvious before, tweets, Snapchat stories, and flawless Instagram pictures do not portray an entire person. These highlight what each person desires to enlighten the world with, but they could never encompass a person’s full story. That’s where we as a Scepter staff come in. We are here to tell your story, the real story. We are here to let your peers better understand who you are and how

you got here. Each and every student at PLHS has had different encounters with different trials and triumphs than anyone else in the world. Those trials you overcome, those ideas you come up with that no one else has ever thought of; those are what make you who you are. Because in the end, the only one that can define you, is you.

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It’s time to grind...

Y A D G N I T S E T

Students at PLHS prepare for the upcoming PSAT testing.

BY ELLIOTT WOLBACH “The PSAT is very good practice for the ACT and the SAT,” Dunbar said. Junior Eli Thompson thinks that taking the PSAT was a good experience. “I took the PSAT last year and I’m taking it again this year,” Thompson said. “I feel like it prepares me for the ACT.” On testing day, students will come to school like a normal day. But instead of going to first hour, they will go to the rooms that they have been assigned to. “Testing will begin at 8:20 and will take up to three hours,” guidance counselor Mrs. Ann Herbener said. After completing the test

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The sound of pencils scratching on paper. The deafening silence fills the air. Looking up at the clock to see how much time is left. It’s testing day. This year, the PSAT is being held at the high school on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The PSAT is a standardized test that can be taken by sophomores and juniors. “The PSAT is a great opportunity for students to practice their test taking skills,” guidance counselor Mrs. Stacey Dunbar said. Juniors that take the PSAT and score in the top percent can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. This scholarship can pay for some of the cost of college.

students will return to their regular class. Class periods five through seven will follow a normal day’s schedule. “Some things that students will have to bring is a #2 pencil and a calculator,” Dunbar said. One thing to note is that phones will be taken at the beginning of the testing period. They will be returned when students are finished with the test. The PSAT will cover three subjects english, math, and reading. These questions will test students’ skills and knowledge from what they have learned in the classroom. With this upcoming test students should know a few tips and

Tips For The Test

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If you run out of time, start guessing and filling out bubbles. It will not hurt you this year.

HAPPENINGS

MRS. STACY DUNBAR

MRS. ANN HERBENER

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

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Go through the practice book to prepare for the upcoming test.

Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before the test. Turn off your phone & go to sleep early.

A&E

ELI THOMPSON

OPINION

tricks on taking it. “One thing students should definitely do is practice before they take the PSAT,” Dunbar said. When signing up for the PSAT, students received a study booklet with practice questions and answers. “I fill out the booklet all the way through to prepare myself for the test,” Thompson said. Another important tip for students is to get a good night sleep before the test. “The night before the test, I make sure I go to bed around 8:30 so that I feel well rested in the morning,” Thompson said. With a good amount of sleep students should also make sure they eat breakfast. Without it, you will not do your best on the test. “Students should be aware of the way the PSAT is scored has been changed,” Herbener said. “The

test used to penalize students for guessing on questions, but after being revised this year, guessing will not hurt your score.” Knowing this, if students run out of time on a section, they can guess and fill in bubbles without penalty. “I think that it is also important to manage your time when you are taking the test,” Thompson said. The three hours of testing starts out slowly for most but goes by quickly once everyone is settled in. “Last year I took the PSAT, when I showed up I was tense, but once I started working through the test, it went by fast.” Thompson said. With the upcoming PSAT testing students should start preparing themselves to do their best.

10% 45% 45% Not Ready

Ready

Not Taking

Out of 30 juniors, 45 percent feel that they are ready for the PSAT. Another 45 percent feel like that they are not ready for the test. 10 percent of the students are not taking the PSAT.

Necessities Two #2 pencils Calculator NO Phones

Students can use the provided study booklet to practice for the PSAT. PHOTO: ELLIOTT WOLBACH

OCTOBER 2015

Eat breakfast

THE SCEPTER

AnotherNEW

Year

Students in Ms. Morgan’s science class work on accurate measuring devices.

The summer months seemed to have flown by, night after night of staying up late, spending all day hanging out with friends without having to worry about homework or upcoming tests and quizzes. But the cold truth of the new school year has come and almost two months have passed. As essays are being written and tests being taken, it can seem as if the school year is crawling by. “I feel like it’s been a slow start to the year,” junior Kayla Harbour said. “Classes are barely trudging by and weeks seem a lot longer.” However, some students feel as if a new school year hasn’t even begun.

HAPPENINGS

“It doesn't feel like a slow start because it feels like summer didn’t happen,” sophomore Chloe Adamson said. Even teachers are feeling the stress of first quarter. “For me first quarter is the busiest,” Spanish teacher, Ms. Rhonda Ballance said. “I do homecoming for Student Council as well.” Every year, more expectations are asked from students, especially those in advanced placement classes. “My AP Language and Composition class definitely has the most homework,” Harbour said. “Which is understandable because it is an AP class.”

SPOTLIGHT

Students share how their year has been so far.

BY HANNAH IM

PHOTOS: TREVOR LEWIS

Both Harbour and Adamson are involved in extracurricular activities, increasing the amount of time spent after school working on homework. “On the nights I have club activities, it can be really stressful,” Harbour said. While the transition from summer to the school year can be difficult, there are a few basic ways to manage the stress. Ballance says to “keep up with your studies” and get plenty of sleep to start off on the right foot. Whether the year has gotten to a slow start or not, the first quarter can be rough. But once everyone gets into the swing of things, it’s sure to be another great year.

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OPINION

Are You in Good Hands? BY ALEXANDER STREHLE

A group of elite band and choir students are vying to be the best of the best in the state. They are Fine Arts kids and when they want to be better, they are. Measure by measure, nobody plays better than them. All-State band and choir will hold auditions to bring the top musicians and singers together to create an All-State band and an All-State choir. Auditions have to be in by October 10th. The All-State band is about 100 members or so while the All-State choir ranges over 400 people. All-State is the most prestigious high school band and/or choir in the state. This makes it difficult to get accepted into. Students have to commit to practicing for it. Junior Preston Anderson is one of those students. “I practice a lot, about three times a week,” Anderson said. All of the students have to do scales, which are sets of musical notes ordered by pitch. Music is always different across all instruments or choir voices. 'The music is quite

difficult,” junior Jason Peterson said. “There are a lot of different styles and rhythms.” Students have different parts depending on their instrument. Bass voices, like the trombones or tubas, have simpler parts because they do not have the melody. “The music is easy because it’s scales and some simple tunes,” Anderson said. Students think it is best to go for the audition with an optimistic attitude and confidence. “I think I will get in,” Peterson said. “I practice all the time and people say I have a good voice.” Whether or not a student makes it into the All-State band or choir, it still has benefits. “It is good to try out because it helps people get experience, and colleges look for that if they plan to major in music,” Peterson said. “It also enhances musicianship.” Everyone wants to go places and these students are actively attempting to become greater. They may not make it but they will know that they are becoming better and preparing for their future.

Preston Anderson is a Junior doing All-State. He also is involved in the marching band, jazz bands, and pep band.

PHOTO: PLHS JOURNALISM

OCTOBER 2015

The marching band performs on Foundation Field. Many All-State auditioners do more Fine Arts activities like marching band.

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Nail it or

Fail it ?

Many students of PLHS are preparing for college by taking AP classes.

BY TREVOR KALAL

HAPPENINGS

“I was interested in AP classes because of class ranking, GPA and it looks good when applying for college,”Reyes said. These Advanced Placement classes go so in depth into the subject that this homework load requires a lot of independent work. Some students don’t have a desire to take these high level classes, while others, want to take as many as they can.

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Ever noticed something that was never really a trend and then one day everyone is into it? Well, it seems that’s the way it is with AP classes lately. Advanced Placement classes are college level courses offered in high school. These classes offered in our school, upon completion, can even satisfy college requirements by rewarding credits. AP classes are the highest academic level students can achieve, even higher than the Honors courses many students take. The homework load, however, is an entirely different subject. These classes go so in depth into the course that many students have massive amounts to do after school. “I usually have 3-4 hours of homework a night,” junior Jake Litel-Smith said. The amount of homework someone would have in an AP class isn’t entirely based on any particular teacher, but is more aligned with the subject itself. Other students, such as Gabby Delos Reyes, also take many AP classes. She’s a junior who plays on the school softball team and participates in dance and volunteers with many clubs.

challenge too. “If they can handle the class and they are up for the challenge then take an AP class,” Litel-Smith said. The AP boom can be attributed to many things in our school. For some it’s the college credit, for others it’s sheer interest in the subject, and many want to take it because it is favorable on a college application. No matter what the reason is for taking an AP class, have fun with this new experience because it can be very rewarding as well as academically successful.

I like the challenge and I was interested in learning a lot about different subjects.

JAKE LITEL-SMITH

“I like the challenge and I was interested in learning a lot about different subjects,” said Litel-Smith. Many upperclassmen are taking either one or many of these high level classes this year, and most of them recommend it to others. By accepting the responsibility it takes to succeed in these courses, underclassmen can take on the

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

A&E

OPINION

How Much Homework Do You Get?

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I usually have 3-4 hours of homework after getting home from practice at 8 o’clock because midnight is always a great bedtime.

GABBY DELOS REYES

Usually I have 3-4 hours of homework a night, on top of the extracurriculars I have.

JAKE LITEL-SMITH

PHOTOS: RAINA DODGE

OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

S S E

e h t g agin

Man

Recent budget cuts have caused a serious drop in custodians, and the mess is continuing to grow.

BY NICOLE LUDDEN

Various wrappers scatter the hallways, empty Scooter’s cups and Gatorade bottles bulge out of trash cans, and stomach-wrenching smells linger in the restrooms. High school can be a repugnant place, and it’s up to a select few, armed with yellow mop buckets and push brooms, to handle the chaos. However, this year, students are eating at dirtier lunch tables, and even reaching for empty toilet paper rolls. Due to recent budget cuts, the custodial staff has been severely limited, causing increased clutter and stressed out teachers. There is currently only one day-time custodian to manage the disarray of the school. “The more I have to do,

HAPPENINGS

the less thorough I can be,” custodian Mr. Jim Hooper said. Hooper manages the crazed lunch rush by himself, in addition to responding to any offhand calls during the day. However, he is handling the chaos as best as he can. “You just have to decide what’s more important to do first,” Hooper said. “If something comes up, I might have to skip something like sweeping the hallway.” There is only so much one man can do, and the lack of custodial help can be observed throughout the school. “There are certain aspects in our building where you can notice a difference, in the big restrooms and even staff restrooms,” Mrs. Joey Dyrdal said. “Just the things we used to take for granted.” Although most students are used to teenage messes, teachers are particularly affected by the shortage of cleaning. “It’s noticeable on the weekends, because janitors are just a presence, someone who looks out for the place, and sets

SPOTLIGHT

things up,” Dyrdal said. With these significant changes, the question arises of why the staff cleaning up the mess is becoming a mess in itself. All decisions the district makes are in relation to the budget. In the last few years, expenses have exceeded budgets, and therefore, the janitorial department has experienced budget cuts. Assistant superintendent of business management for the Papillion-La Vista Community Schools, Douglas Lewis, believes the mess is only a hiccup as a result of a need for change. “I don’t see fewer janitors as a potential problem,” Lewis said. “With any change that you make there’s always challenges to adjust to, and I think that’s where we are right now.” As for the future, to add more custodial coverage or not ultimately depends on the ominous budget. Even more problems could arise, however. “I think we’ll notice it more in events outside of the school day, where we have always relied on things to be kept clean,” Dyrdal said. With no glaring issues, janitorial staffing will most likely stay the same.

ACTION

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OPINION

“The next year and moving forward, we will just have to see if we can accomplish certain standards with our current staffing, and make changes accordingly,” Lewis said. The increasing mess weighs down on everyone, but as for now, it is just another spill that may or may not be cleaned up.

Mr. Jim Hooper sweeps the cluttered high school halls, as the sole day-time janitor at PLHS.

PHOTO: HUNTER POMBRIO

OCTOBER 2015

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Huebert’s Hooligans With the new chants and themes the Monarch student section has changed dramatically.

Bodies packed elbow to elbow, feet squished side by side on the hard bleachers, ears ringing to the sound of students screaming at the top of their lungs. It’s Friday night... game day! Every year the student section is different, mostly because of its senior leaders. Nate Frankman and Johnny Zurcher are two of the senior leaders who have already made a difference. “Sam Laughlin and Frankman are both big soccer fans, so we brought those chants to the football field,” Zurcher said. One of the new favorite cheers is “Oh When Maroon Comes Marching In.” “Every time we score we sing this to the tune of ‘When the Saints Come Marching In,’” Frankman said. As the cheer is repeated, it continuously gets faster and louder. This is the same for the other new cheer, “When I Root, I Root for the Monarchs.” Along with the new cheers, the seniors continue to come up with creative themes for the games. “We have a group message where we bounce ideas off each other for themes and chants,”

HAPPENINGS

Frankman said. This year’s new chants and themes have helped bring the attendance up for the sporting events. So far themes have included tie-dye, fraternity wear, a white out and Christmas in September. “This year’s student section is great; it is a lot better than last year,” junior Sam Bolln said. “When everyone is loud it makes you want to play better and it gets us more hyped on the field.”

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BY CLAIRE NEIL

The student section is the best it has ever been.

NATE FRANKMAN

Sometimes the cheering can even effect the outcome of the game. “Last year when we were losing to South we got quiet and stopped cheering; this year we got new life,” Zurcher said. All student sections try to support their teams, but some schools stand out among others.

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

“We are louder than other teams and we have more creative cheers that other schools don’t have,” Frankman said. Having a good student section makes all the difference in attendance, performance and making great memories. “This year the student section is so much more involved and into the game,” sophomore Tessa Hurst said. “The leaders get the crowd going and I love the new cheers they came up with.” Along with the new cheers, Hurst also likes how the senior leaders go to support all Monarch sports. “It is really fun to cheer in front of such an exciting crowd,” junior Cassie Roesler said. “It is not just the seniors cheering anymore, it is now the whole student section.” The crowd is always chanting new cheers or yelling, “Maroon, White,” over and over. All five of these students agreed that their new favorite cheer is, “Oh When Maroon Comes Marching In.” Every time the Monarchs score a touchdown, this chant will forever be sung. Every game the student section grows stronger and louder. On game day, it’s one big family, ready to cheer on the Monarchs.

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OPINION

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Last year when we were losing to South we got quiet; this year we got new life.

OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

JOHNNY ZURCHER

New Field

The softball team cheers on senior Sam Dellinger, after hitting a home run. The girls followed the tradition of crowding home plate after a home run.

Softball teams play at a long awaited new field.

BY ANDREW HAMPTON

Papillion-La Vista’s softball team got something new this year that they’ve been needing for a long time: a new softball field. In the past, the girls were forced to hold any practices and home games at Volunteer Field, a home shared with Papio South. This caused many problems because the two schools shared the field, often having practices at the same time, or there were problems with schedules for the schools. “Central Office was involved with the decision because it affected both schools,” activities and athletic

HAPPENINGS

director Mr. Jason Ryan said. “We found out we were getting a new field of sorts, but they didn’t know where,” assistant varsity coach Clint Hoelscher said. Central Office then began to search the two cities to find a suitable park to renovate for the new fields. They spent last winter looking at different softball parks in the cities of Papillion and La Vista. After searching and looking at the fields, they chose one at La Vista City Park on 78th and Josephine St. “They felt it had restrooms,

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

concessions, and really nice fields,” Ryan said. “The layout was nice and the city of La Vista was really willing to work with us.” After deciding to use the La Vista City Park, Central Office officials reached out to local contractors to help them with designing, constructing, and renovating the fields. Construction started earlier this summer. The last of the renovations are planned to end next year in late September, early October. Renovations planned include a new press box, more

A&E

OPINION

Same Tradition

storage, new fences, batting cages and lights. The field is still undergoing construction, such as the press box that has hopes of being finished by the end of September. Lights are also yet to be installed, but are hoped to be done by next year. “The lights are a challenge because we have to start and finish games early,” Ryan said. Lack of lighting during the night can be a problem, but tournaments, championships and practices are still going to be held there.

OCTOBER 2015

The improvements and renovations may not be complete, but that hasn’t stopped the coaches from using it to the best of their abilities. The park contains four softball fields, all of which can be used as needed. “The advantages are the new field, new batting cages and new bullpens,” Hoelscher said. “We can also use the extra fields for practice.” Basic renovations are done to the park, but as the season continues the field will be made into the great field that everyone knows it can be.

(Top Left) junior Rachele Heaton stares down the pitcher. The Monarchs played three games that day in a tournament. (Top Right) The Monarchs warm up in between innings against Millard North. Millard North went on to win the game 5-0. (Bottom Left) junior Gabby Delos Reyes practices her swing before taking the plate. Monarchs beat Omaha Burke 8-0. (Bottom Right) senior Kerri Wacholtz faces Omaha Central early on in the game. Monarchs won 12-0.

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Devon Cleaveland struts down the runway at Omaha Fashion Week on August 20th. PHOTO: GIMAGES

Six Steps To Get You Runway Ready 1. For a fashion show, the designer will contact you with a time and location that you will be getting your hair and make-up done.

HAPPENINGS

2. Then, you go home and change into a creative looking outfit because many important people will be there.

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

3. You can pack a bag to take along, a “Model Bag.” It consists of everything you might need that night: deodorant, cologne, make-up wipes, concealer, powder, underwear and a change of clothes. A&E

OPINION

Lights, Camera,

Devon BY LAUREN LAFOND

Devon Cleaveland shares his experience being a model at age 17 and his dreams to one day make it his full time job. Candice Swanepoel, Cara Delevingne and Fabio Lanzoni. These three models can be seen on billboards and runways all across the world, and when Devon Cleaveland gets his way, he will be too. Two summers ago, senior Devon Cleaveland began his modeling career with Develop Model Management. “I had this thought that modeling would be really fun,” Cleaveland said. “It also encouraged me to lose weight.” You would never expect a kid in your first hour to live an almost double life. He spends his weekends posing for a camera and getting to strut down the runway for hundreds of people. Most people think modeling in high school is uncommon, but Cleaveland would say otherwise. “Modeling at this age isn’t weird at all actually,” Cleaveland said. “Agencies look for younger

models so they can help them become the best they can be.” Being a model is a great hobby to have because it is fun and exciting. However, for Cleaveland, it is much more than that. For him, it changed his everyday life. “I like to model because it helps you build a ton of confidence,” Cleaveland said. “It helps me maintain a healthier lifestyle.” Starting modeling at a young age can really pay off and can get you a head start in the right direction. Cleaveland knows from experience that “everyone has to start somewhere” and anyone can make it big. Not many high school students have stepped foot on a runway and would never even consider it, but for Cleaveland it is exciting. “I really enjoy runway modeling,” Cleaveland said. “You get to meet so many designers and

4. You have a call time for when you must arrive at the location, and once you check in, you wait backstage with the other models.

5. Then you check to see when you will be walking so you know when you should change into the designers outfits they have chosen for you to wear.

OCTOBER 2015

walking down the runway is such a thrilling experience.” Being a full time student while launching a modeling career can be a difficult task, and most people wouldn’t even know where to start. “I just contacted photographers to take pictures of me to build my portfolio,” Cleaveland said. “Just meeting the right people and being friendly paid off.” Having fun is important, but hard work and dedication always has the best results. Cleaveland’s perseverance paid off and “it’s a great feeling seeing pictures and videos of you all over.” With anything in life, you have to start somewhere. You have to dream big and be committed to achieve your goals. “Follow your dreams because you never know how far you will go,” Cleaveland said. “Eventually you will make it big.”

6. Once it is your turn to walk, they line you up and you strut down the runway and pose for the cameras. It is a fun but tiring day!

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A Foreign Experience Foreign exchange students discuss life in America after only receiving a small taste of their new world.

BY HUNTER POMBRIO

Many people in the world are scared to go on vacation, or even go to a camp without their friends or family. Other individuals have chosen to live thousands of miles away to have an experience that will live with them forever. Seniors Kieun Cho, Paolo Dogliani, and Sondre Hoeyen have chosen this path to experience a new culture, family and school. With taking this path, they have had to leave their friends, family and culture from home behind. Being in America has many ups and downs. Some like the culture, and some don’t, some like the food, others don’t. But some find that their favorite thing about America is that it is unique. “The teachers and the people are friendlier than in Italy,” Dogliani said. “The food, however, is my least favorite.”

HAPPENINGS

With America’s large diversity of food, these foreigners have trouble adjusting to the copious amounts of food they are offered. “The strangest experience I have had is eating baked bean flavored potato chip, and rice pudding,” Cho said. “I never had any of those in South Korea.” School can be a new experience for foreign exchange students due to differing educational systems as well as new American traditions. Hoeyen stated that in Norway, when someone becomes a senior, they are known as a ‘Russ’, which means that they are celebrating their last year of secondary school. Leaving the home they grew up in, the friends they spent countless hours with, and

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

abandoning their normal schedules can have its drawbacks. “I get homesick,” Hoeyen said.“I usually just try to talk to people around me in America to get over it.” School around the world is vastly different from what somebody would be used to in America. Norway, Italy, and South Korea all differ from each other as each has different types of days or how long each school day is. Teachers move to every class, instead of students transferring from room to room. Also in South Korea, there is a main teacher in addition to eating dinner at school everyday. People often assume very disrespectful or rude stereotypes about foreigners from other countries around the world, but Dogliani would like to debunk all the stereotypes about Italians being

A&E

OPINION

What surprised you the most about America?

dangerous. Dogliani wants to assure everyone that Italians do not eat pasta or pizza everyday, but more importantly that not everyone from Italy is in the mafia. These individuals are currently experiencing their once in a lifetime opportunity of moving to a foreign country, and living with a host family. Despite the new atmosphere, they are making the most of their time in America.

OCTOBER 2015

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The weird food, like rice pudding.

Kieun Cho

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SONDRE HOEYEN

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I didn’t think Mount Rushmore would be that big, but it was huge.

Everything is bigger in America, and in Italy a lot of towns are more compact.

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PAOLO DOGLIANI

Sharing The Field A Senior Story The football and marching band seniors share their moments on the field.

BY JONATHAN GREENFIELD Foundation Field. The very place Monarch fans call home every home game. Cheering, chanting and celebrating. The nostalgia of standing on the turf hits every senior on the football team and marching band as they prepare to entertain the audience. The marching band and the football team prepare every morning to make football games the best they can be. Through the fall season, seniors are only a short ways away from ending their final moments on Foundation Field as a Monarch. “The feeling before we get on the field for a show is nerveracking,” senior alto saxophonist Ethan Maas said. “You get in front of a bunch of people and you have to play the best you can to entertain the crowd.” Before every game, football players not only prepare physically, but also mentally. “I listen to music and go through what I’m supposed to do on every play and what I need to do to help the team win the game,” senior Jon Soto said. Marching seniors have experienced many moments as underclassmen that they didn’t particularly favor. “Before halftime, I remember my freshman year saying, ‘I’m going

HAPPENINGS

to mess up and everyone is going to hate me,’” senior tuba player Hailey Rosemann said. Football has been a part of senior’s lives for years. “I’ve been playing for 11 years starting with flag football,” Soto said. Despite the many pressures of being on the field, there are many moments that the band seniors will miss as they start to finish the final moments at home football games. “My favorite part about football games is when the student section sings along with our songs like ‘Hey Jude’,” Rosemann said. For as long as the football seniors have played on the field, many have had glory moments which made their team proud. “This year, at practice, I blocked a punt and ran it back for a touchdown,” Soto said. Band members also find pride in the many performances they have had during halftime. “I like to perform because I like being on the field and playing my instrument in front of people,” Maas said. Many seniors from the football team witnessed the on-field experience in almost the same exact way many of the band seniors have. “Playing at home is the

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

greatest feeling in the world,” Soto said. “Playing in front of all your classmates and family is such a cool and good feeling.” Seniors find routine every season and know what to expect when they sign up for this year’s marching show. “[Marching band] is a lot of fun and a lot of work,” Maas said. “The season starts hot and ends really cold. Also, expect farmers tans.” The marching seniors show strong commitment during their years in the band, and some feel that band students are misunderstood. “Band kids are not as nerdy as people think. It depends on who they are,” Rosemann said. “Band kids have to be responsible and more mature.” Maas admits that he and many others “embrace their nerdiness.” Soto explains that the football team is “a family and [we] would do anything for each other.” Seniors have come and gone, leaving their mark on Foundation Field. As the fall season starts to come to a close, seniors will soon come to realize the impact of the memories they’ve made through the years.

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Tips for Underclassmen

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Listen back to the drumline.

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JON SOTO

Guide right at all times and step off with the left foot.

ETHAN MAAS

OCTOBER 2015

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Play hard every down and have as much fun as you can.

THE SCEPTER

HAILEY ROSEMANN

TURF TROUBLE Football players practice and play on the turf all grueling summer and into the chilly fall. Soccer players grind out practices on games from the bitter cold Nebraska springs to the mild early summer. The last thing they are thinking about are the effects of what is in the turf, but should they be? A new study by Environment and Human Health Incorporated says that the ground up tires can cause numerous illnesses such as allergic reactions, skin irritation, and most worrisome, cancer. Although it is a fairly new study that does not have a lot of information or research to back it up, it will certainly cause discussion. “Any time you put some type of surface down for our band to be on and our gym classes to participate on, you want it be safe for everyone involved,” athletic director

• • • • • • •

Mr. Jason Ryan said. No matter how many studies come out showing the harms of the turf or any other harmful things, players are still going to play and put all of their focus into their sport. “It doesn’t bother me because I have practiced on turf most of my life and I don’t really think about the effects of the turf,” junior David Richardson said. “When I’m playing I’m thinking about football and not the ground up tires in the turf.” Although this study is scary and very serious, it is also just one study and this issue needs to be looked at more. “I think there needs to be more studies and longer studies to see what it does, and if it does do anything,” Ryan said. Any time there is a study like this that brings attention to a safety issue, people always are looking for

A recent study shows the potential harms of the ground up tires in the field turf.

BY DYLAN NICHOLSON

ways to make an improvement. “Because of these reports [turf companies] are probably looking for ways to make it safer for everyone,” Ryan said. As big as safety is in American society with all the rules set on sports to limit the injuries that occur, switching the substance in the turf is an option that is being looked at. “If the studies show that the turf now can cause illness, I think they should try something new and see how that plays out,” Richardson said. As more studies come out and more attention is brought to the issue, it will be interesting to see what steps the country and our district take to keep the players and everyone involved safe. “Any time you hear the word cancer,” Ryan said, “you get a little leery and a little bit uneasy.”

Severe irritation of the respiratory system Severe irritation of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes Systemic effects on the liver and kidneys Neurotoxic responses Allergic reactions Cancers Developmental effects

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS FROM: ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH INCORPORATED

HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

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FALL SPORTS

Recap

Sophomore Jake Norris leads the pack at the Titan Invite. PHOTO: ELLIOTT WOLBACH

Senior Katie Stephens goes for a kill at the Bellueve West Invite. PHOTO: LAURA KRAMER Senior Grace Chambers and junior Felicity Taylor lead the pack at the Titan Invite.

Senior Johnny Zurcher serves a point at a home dual against Westside. PHOTO: JULIANNE PLOURDE

Players on the defense swarm for a tackle against the Titans. PHOTO: LAURA KRAMER PHOTO: ELLIOTT WOLBACH

Senior Sam Dellinger swings at the pitch in a game against Millard West. PHOTO: HANNAH CAHILL

OCTOBER 2015

Senior Natalie Wilson takes a shot from the fairway at an Invite at Stone Creek. PHOTO: JAKE ZINK

THE SCEPTER

Parallel Lives Two old programs; Two new coaches.

BY NATE GENDLER

HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

Championships 1970 1971 1994 1995 1997

PLHS State

Championships 1990 1996

UNL National

Runner-Up’s

PLHS State

Runner-Up’s 1987

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1967 1972 1983 1988 1991 1992 1993 2001

Combined Runner-Ups:

UNL National

by knowing and understanding what this means,” Huebert said. “By living it out and by being relentless in teaching it and setting the example.” Along with getting the job done, some changes needed to be made. “The offense has some new wrinkles, but the defense is the same as it has been,” Huebert said. “Coach Schmidt is doing an outstanding job leading that.” Along with all the changes some ask what brought them here and why, because both Riley and Huebert had a great place back home in Corvallis, Ore.

Combined Championships

In January of 2015 the Great Plains blew in two new coaches to two old favorites. Mike Riley and Randy Huebert both took head coaching jobs, Riley is at the University of Nebraska and Huebert is here at Papillion-La Vista High School. Both coaches were hired to win and they have no shortage of winning at their previous programs. At Aurora High School, Huebert went 221-110. On the other hand Riley went 93-80 at Oregon State including a 6-2 post season record. Combined these two have a record of 314-194. That’s pretty impressive. Both coaches have a set mind on what they want to do at their respective programs. It is just a matter of how they will accomplish those goals. “We are in this together to build young men and win championships,” Riley said at his hiring press conference to World Herald reporters. “And they don’t have to be exclusive of one and other.” With this mind set, the Huskers look forward to continue competing under their new leadership. As for Coach Huebert he points out a near exact parallel. “The Papillion-La Vista football program will strive to inspire young men through hard work, discipline, and unity to reach their highest potential,” Huebert said. Huebert plans to execute this statement to perfection. “We attain this knowledge

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PHOTO: LAURA KRAMER, COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, OFFICE OF FOOTBALL ATHLETICS

and Aurora, Neb. “It felt like the right time,” Riley said to World Herald reporters. “This is our last adventure.” Seemingly true, at over sixty years old this very well could

“

The team attitude is great. We are ready to play and win.

JAKE VANNORNAM

be Riley’s last rodeo ride. The exact same could even be true for Huebert. “My wife Joni and I did a lot of praying,” Huebert said. “We saw new opportunity, new challenge,

good timing and the great reputation of Papillion-La Vista. It was a leap of faith.” Riley and Huebert’s situations stand parallel to each other. Riley comes into Lincoln, to a program that is arguably one of the most known brands in college football, with his goal to bring the Big Red back to national stardom, attained in the 90’s. Huebert has been brought to Papillion-La Vista to turn around a well known program in the Nebraska State Activities Association, and bring them back a couple of maroon banners. With both programs on the line it is time for Huebert’s Hooligans and the Boneyard to see history in the making.

221-110High School

record at Aurora

Lived in Aurora, Nebraska:

MIKE RILEY Lived in Corvallis, Oregon:

1,619

117

miles away from his new home

RANDY HUEBERT

miles away from his new home

93-80

record at Oregon State

OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

PAPIO SCHISM Since the split between the two schools, the number of championships in Papillion have decreased.

OPINION BY CAL MATHISON

HAPPENINGS

The schism happened in 2003. During the five-year period before the split we won 16 state championships. Yes, 16. Papillion-La Vista was averaging a bit more than three state championships a year; that is almost unheard of. The five years after the split are a very different story. A volleyball championship in 2007 and three softball championships are all that is accounted for. And South didn’t win any! “Less girls would have the opportunity to play,” senior Katie Stephens said. “But we would have an extremely good JV and varsity

“

hy is Millard North so good at football every year? Why is Creighton Prep virtually in every state tournament? It’s a simple number game. Those schools have more athletes to pick from! Millard North has 2,534 students, which guarantees at least 20 decent football players. Creighton Prep has 1,564 students that are all the same gender. How can Prep ever be bad at basketball? They cannot find five good basketball players out of 1,564? Looking at these numbers it is truly amazing how well our school competes in athletics. With just over 1,700 students, we are the smallest co-ed school in the metro. So what would it be like if our school, with the tradition of excellence that we have, had that many athletes to choose from? Would we ever lose? How good would we actually be if our school and Papillion South never split up? Of course this is theoretical. The halls cannot foster any more kids walking through them as it is. However, history shows that we would be ridiculously good.

Sam Dellinger tags out a Papillion South base runner at 2nd. The Monarchs won 6-0. PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON

We would be a state contender every year, no doubt.

SPOTLIGHT

[volleyball] team and most likely win state.” The rival schools cannot agree on a lot of things, but they can agree on one. “We would be a state contender every year, no doubt” Papillion South senior Raegan LeGrand said. However, LeGrand thinks the split is a good thing. “Each school has its own legacy, and our rivalry is something that I feel we all really enjoy.” Whether you like the rivalry or you would rather be dominant, we can all agree on one thing. Papillion-La Vista succeeds beyond expectations. No matter our size.

RAEGAN LEGRAND

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The Monarch defense against the Papillion South Offense. The overall rivalry record is 8-5 in favor of the Monarchs. PHOTO: HAYLEY PIATKOWSKI

Year

State Titles by Year (All Sports)

Championships won the five years before and after the split.

Number of Titles OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

$ THE MONEY HOW ME

“H

is palms are sweaty, knees weak, his arms are heavy. There’s vomit on his sweater already.” The whole bus breaks out into a chorus, “MOM’S SPAGHETTI.” A student cannot truly understand nor appreciate the ride home on the bus with the team after a victory unless he or she has been a part of one. Being a part of a high school sport is something unlike any other experience. The memories made and hard work put in are something kids will always remember and treasure. However, while in high school, it is easy to forget about all of the money that gets tossed around behind the scenes to make it all possible. These misconceptions about how money is distributed to each sport can lead some to take it all for granted. “Things are not as black and white as you would think that they would be in distributing money,” said Mr. Jason Ryan, an assistant principal and the activities and athletics director. A lot of people believe that certain sports receive more money than other sports. “I think football gets more attention and money because there is more people that come to the games and more money spent at those games,” senior Chad Lechtenberg

HAPPENINGS

The administration reveals what goes on behind the scenes of high school athletics. said. What a lot of people fail to realize, however, is that money earned from one sport does not directly channel into that same sport. “Football helps pay for all of our activities,” Ryan said. “We get about $35,000 dollars from the district each year, and we are expected to come up with the rest.” Ryan estimates that the school spends about $200,000 each year on athletics. That means that the other $165,000 needs to be made through activity tickets, concessions, advertising, sponsors and fundraising. In order to figure out how much money the school needs to raise, Ryan has to get an idea of how much each sport will be spending. “I ask each coach at the beginning of the year what their needs are,” Ryan said. “I take that and see what I can do.” One thing to remember when looking at how much money is spent on each sport is how many students are involved. Football obviously has more athletes than volleyball, so they receive more money as a whole. “Football has a lot more equipment,” Ryan said. “Each helmet costs about $350 and those need to be replaced about every

SPOTLIGHT

BY TREVOR JURJEVICH & EMMA DARGY three or four years.” What’s most important is that each sport has the equipment that they need to be able to compete at the highest level possible. Looking at each sport here and its success, it can be easily said that has been accomplished. “We try and distribute new uniforms to each team about every two to four years,” Ryan said. “We try and cycle through each sport.” Some might be wondering how the lower levels get new uniforms and equipment. How is that distributed? Ryan mentioned how each sport’s head coach is in charge of their budget. Most new uniforms will go to the varsity team and the varsity’s old jerseys are sent down to the lower levels. “What we hope for is that the money trickles down to the lower levels,” Ryan said. Recycling old varsity jerseys and equipment means that the quality of uniforms and equipment should be improving every couple of years. The higher levels are where most of the money is spent. “I believe that varsity sports

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should get more money because they are the teams that bring in more money for the whole department,” Lechtenberg said. Even though it may seem unfair to the lower teams, the better uniforms and equipment can be a motivator to the underclassman who wish to participate in varsity sports.

When it comes to participating in athletic events throughout your high school experience, one thing not to forget about is the all of the money that goes into making it all possible. The work of our athletic director, principals, district, and proud supporters should not go

unnoticed. So the next time you take that bus ride with your teammates, make sure you truly appreciate all of the money and hard work that has gone into that one game, that one jersey that fits just right, and that one song that every single teammate can’t seem to forget the words to.

PHOTO CREDITS (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): MADYSON MATHISON, MADYSON MATHISON, BRENA GROEPER, BRENDON BOATWRIGHT, RAINA DODGE, JAKE ZINK, KASSIDY BROWN

OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

The Glory Days; Fall athletics are looking ahead to a promising season as their athletes are looking forward to college.

BY HANNAH CAHILL & BRENDON BOATWRIGHT

Caleb Feekin- Varsity Boys Tennis College: Undecided Years in sport: Since 7th grade Introduction to sport: Joined because sister played Best team bonding experience: Driving back from Lincoln after a tournament Favorite match: Beating Papillion-La Vista South Looking forward: Looking forward to state

Steph Gaston- Varsity Volleyball College: Verbally committed to Creighton University Years in sport: Playing club since 8th grade but started church league in 3rd grade Introduction to sport: Joined through church, a friend helped introduce to club volleyball Best team bonding experience: Dancing with the team before going onto the court Favorite game: Beating Papillion-La Vista South at home after a deficit Looking forward: Focusing on getting better for team and future

Michael Cargill- Varsity Football College: Undecided Years in sport: Been playing since walking age Introduction to sport: Joined his brothers who played outside Best team bonding experience: Team dinners and hanging out with teammates Favorite game: Last years win against Lincoln Southwest Looking forward: Finishing senior year with long time teammates

HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOS: BRENDON BOATWRIGHT, RAINA DODGE & LAURA KRAMER

ACTION

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The Days to Come PHOTOS: HANNAH CAHILL & BRENA GROEPER Abby Lingelbach- Varsity Girls Cross Country College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Years in sport: Running since 6th grade Introduction to sport: Joined the sport because a friend did it Best team bonding experience: Threw large bonding party for boys and girls of cross-country Favorite meet: Districts in Lincoln at Pioneers Park Looking forward: Hopefully going to state

Max Lyons- Varsity Boys Cross Country College: Hillsdale College, American University or UNO Years in sport: 6 years Introduction to sport: Only fall sport that sounded fun Best team bonding experience: Going to Colorado with previous team from Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, Missouri Favorite meet: Qualifying for state at Sectionals last year Looking forward: Training with an amazingly talented group of individuals and qualifying for state

Hannah McCarville- Varsity Softball College: Missouri State Years in sport: 10 years Introduction to sport: Father pushed to play sport, first one that came to mind Best team bonding experience: Initiation Favorite game: Marian invite Looking forward: Getting better as a team

OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

student

SPOTLIGHT

Cal Mathison and the Monarch football team’s drive to win is definitely something to talk about this season.

BY MARISSA NEWMAN

Below: Mathison rounds up the offense and talks about what they can do better and what to keep doing. PHOTO: HAYLEY PIATKOWSKI

HAPPENINGS

“If you look up the word leader, the first thing that would come up is the name Cal Mathison,” Johnny Rosenbalm tweeted to show his gratitude to have him on the football team. “I just make sure everyone’s working hard at all times and that practices go as the coaches plan, we don’t waste any time,” Mathison said. As of September 25th, he holds a record of being third in Nebraska Class A schools for receiving yards, and sixth in all of Nebraska with 420 yards this season. “My favorite thing about football is winning,” Mathison said. He’s had five touchdowns this season, one during the hard loss against Papillion South. “We had a great two weeks of practice and were well prepared,” Mathison said. Huebert’s Hooligans saw the hard fight and know that the team will bounce back and continue to be motivated by the guy that says his biggest motivation is being told “you can’t.”

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

Cal Mathison

Above: Cal sprints down the field, his speed is a key element on the team. PHOTO: HAYLEY PIATKOWSKI

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ROACH 4 PAR Spencer Roach uses determination and hard work to achieve her goals as a Papillion-La Vista golfer.

BY PI MOORE

S P E NC E R O A C H ln ar ,

d: cor Re (81 y al 88 e n r on 2, o rs , 8 t Kea s a c a Pe , 89 st a rs ea 7 r 1 5

tournaments that I’m used to the pressure,” Roach said. “Tennis tournaments also help me keep my nerves under control.” There are nine regular season tournaments, districts, and then state if she qualifies. Spencer is using her hardworking ability and talent to get the outcome that she is hoping for. “I want to reach my full potential this year,” Roach said.

75, 76, hool : ) n h sc so hig dge in Li Ri ss

OCTOBER 2015

to help improve my skills,” Roach said. “I’ve met some of my good friends through it and will be able to play for the rest of my life.” So far, Roach has placed 1st twice, along with 2nd , 6th, and 8th throughout the season, and the team has placed 2nd in every one of their tournaments. “I try to focus on one hole at a time and not worry about the rest of the round,” Roach said. “I also don’t like to count up my score until I’m done with the round. It gets in my head.” With golf being a quiet and personal sport, the pressure tends to be higher, which can affect the outcome of the score. “I’ve played in enough

Sho o In h ting rec er J uni ord ( Fav or s 2 01 orite cour eason 5 se se: Wild of h a er er ne

fter suffering two runnerup titles in tennis and golf, for the first time, Spencer Roach and the Monarch tennis team clinched the state championship of 2015. She spent most of her summer, however, not on the tennis court, but on the golf course hoping to carry the momentum into this year’s fall season. Roach started this season by winning the first invitational at Miracle Hills, with a new personal record of 76. She then went on to place second at the next invite at the Elkhorn South Invitational at Pacific Springs, again, getting a new personal record of 75. “I hope to place top five individually at state,” Roach said. “And I think as a team we have a shot at winning. It will be tough though.” With a fourth place finish at state freshman year, and runnerup at state sophomore year, she has a great chance to win it all this year. Roach has been pursuing her golf career competitively for five years now. “My parents also golf so they put me in golf lessons and clinics

75 avg.) High In vite m petitive player

THE SCEPTER

KISSING BUTT, BY ALEXA BUSBY

lenty of students worry if their teachers like them. They wonder if their teachers will be more easy going on grading. Will they be nicer about late work and missed school days? How do you get on your teacher’s good side? Psychology teacher Mr. Romie Brown said that a student can get on his good side by “coming in and being an active participant.” Senior Kristen Seidl agrees with Brown, saying that students should participate and pay attention in class. “Teachers may not show it, but they appreciate it a lot when a student gets their work done on time and actively participates in class as opposed to the students that don’t turn their work in and sleep through the whole period,” Seidl said. Doing what teachers ask of you and being nice are good principles to have in any situation, and will make your high school experience better. “I don’t like it when my students are not nice to each

TAKING NAMES

“

Students and teachers discuss how to start the year on the right foot.

Don’t act like you don’t know what the expectations are.

MR. ROMIE BROWN

other,” Spanish teacher, Mrs. Amy Himes said. Teachers don’t appreciate when students are rude and disruptive in class, and they also dislike excuses. “Don’t act like you don’t know what expectations are,” Brown said. “ Don’t come into class and say you didn’t know there was a quiz today. Own up to your responsibilities.”

Getting on your teacher’s good side can have many upsides in the future, especially come senior year. “I think a lot of students don’t realize that sometime along the road you are going to need letters of recommendation,” Brown said. “So let your teachers get to know you, and have a personality.” Some teachers also struggle with getting their students to like them. “I sing songs and I try to show them we all make mistakes, and that I do too,” Himes said. Almost every student has trouble getting on their teacher’s good sides, whether that is through joking with them, getting good grades, or going above and beyond in their class.

In Spanish III Classroom 127, Ms. Phillips answers her students questions.

PHOTOS: TREVOR LEWIS

HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

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Ms. Phillips and Mrs. Wittrig work hard to teach their students.

PHOTOS: TREVOR LEWIS

OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

“

WISE WORDS FROM THE NEWBIES

The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. -Vince Lombardi

“

By: Megan Krabbenhoft and Kaylee Penry

FRESH FACES

Get to know 11 of the new teachers at Papillion-La Vista High School.

MR. JOSH SISKE

Winning is not a sometime thing, it’s an all time thing. You don’t do things right once in a while...you do them right all the time.-Vince Lombardi MR. MATT OVERMILLER

FAST FACTS

Take a second to learn surprising facts about our new faculty members

MRS. KYLEE JOHNSTON

“

HAPPENINGS

MR. RANDY HUEBERT

SPOTLIGHT

halftime speech

ACTION

“

The weirdest thing that has happened has to be that the guys do not stay after practice to shower, they just go home. That’s not the way they did it at the other school I coached at.

Civilizations English HIS LEGACY: HER LEGACY: The creator of Student Council the student President section

MR. CHAS ZURCHER

MR. DAN JOHNSTON TEACHES: Economics, Business Management, Leadership and Digital Media HIS LEGACY: 3 sport athlete (tennis, basketball, & baseball). MR. BRAUMAN Also titled “Most Photogenic” in MR. RANDY HUEBERT 2007 CREIGHTON TEACHES: Strength Training, TEACHES: Beginning TEACHES: TEACHES: Weightlifting, and is the Head Government Weights, Cardio Strength Special Football Coach and World Education and and Intermediate Weights I’m super excited for this season! The kids really want to wrestle, I don’t have to sell it like I had to before with other students.

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MR. BRAUMAN CREIGHTON

OPINION

MIX N’ MATCH Match 4 of our new teachers to the classes they teach.

PIANO PLAYER AND HELPS CHOIR DIRECTORS

HUBERT

CO-TEACHES U.S. HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT

HOMAN SHERLOCK

AP STATISTICS AND HONORS GEOMERTY WORLD CIVILIZATIONS AND AP WORLD HISTORY

PETTIFORD

Answer Key (Left side: top to bottom) : Pettiford, Sherlock, Homan, Hubert

Let’s not forget about our veteran teachers as they enlighten us on their favorite movies.

MOVIE INSPIRATION

MS. BRE WILTON

FAVORITE QUOTE: When a cop asks Harry, “Pullover” “No, it’s a cardigan but thanks for noticing.” -Harry from Dumb and Dumber WHY? It is light-hearted and everyone understands it and thinks it’s cute. HOW DOES THIS REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY? It shows that I am a lighthearted and humorous person.

MR. MIKE POKORSKI FAVORITE QUOTE: “Do or do not, there is no try.” -Jedi Master Yoda from Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back WHY? ”Dude, it’s Star Wars, my favorite movie of all time.” HOW DOES THIS REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY? “It tells you everything you need to know. Either you did or you didn’t.”

MR. VICTOR ICENOGLE

MS. CARLY SIRE

FAVORITE QUOTE: “No FAVORITE QUOTE: “Maybe you matter what fire six shots or only five, but anyone tells to tell you the truth in all this you, words excitement I kind of lost track and ideas can myself...You have to ask yourself change the 'Am I feeling lucky?' Well do you world.” -Robin Williams from Dead Poets’ Society punk?” -Clint Eastwood from WHY? ”It is a message about the impact of people and Dirty Harry their words.” WHY? ”It is under math context.” HOW DOES THIS REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY? “I HOW DOES THIS REFLECT YOUR believe words are power, given those tools people can do PERSONALITY? “It is humorous anything.” and math related.”

OCTOBER 2015

THE SCEPTER

BY EMILY LINGELBACH The tradition of booing the freshmen has come to a sudden end this year. Every year at pep rallies and games, booing the freshmen has always been incorporated into one of the chants. However this year has been different. Throughout the school, there are many mixed emotions since the tradition has abruptly ended. “I think we should boo the freshmen,” senior Tyler Sidwell said. “It’s tradition and it doesn’t hurt anyone.” It is a tradition and it has been one for a long time, but some students do not believe it is necessary. “It will be very different not booing the freshmen,” junior Stephanie Gaston said. “But it’s good to keep the team spirit instead of being against ourselves.” Every freshman class, besides this year’s, have been booed by the rest of the grades and it neither seemed to hurt nor affect them. “Getting booed last year was tradition,” sophomore Hanna

HAPPENINGS

Olson said. “And it wasn’t a big deal.” Freshmen this year have never had to experience being booed in front of the crowd, though they probably would have taken it like any other year. “I wouldn’t really have cared to have been booed this year,” freshman Elizabeth Eidem said. “Freshmen would just accept it, cause we will get to boo the new freshmen the following year.” As a result of this change, sophomores of this year will never have the chance to boo freshmen “I am extremely mad about that,” Olson said. “I don’t want our class being the last class to get booed.” Though this change is sudden for the students, it seems like it may have gradually came to an end. “My freshman year we got booed very loudly,” Gaston said. “Last year it was way less, and this year they stopped altogether.”

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

Our school is so accustomed to booing our freshmen and does not think anything of it, but most schools find it strange that we boo part of our own team. “It may seem strange to our opposing team that we boo our freshmen,” Sidwell said. “But it’s something that has carried on and it’s fun for every grade when it’s their turn.” Although we will not be booing freshmen this year, once the seniors leave, it is up to the class of 2017 to decide what we will do in the next school year. “I don’t think they will bring back booing next year,” Gaston said. “I think once it stops, it’s done.” Some people may not like this new tradition now and may never like it, but it is staying around for at least this year. “Even though it is tradition, it is nice to not get booed and to be one team, together.” Eidem said.

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OCTOBER 2015

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HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

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THE GREAT BY KASSIDY BROWN

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch once again raised the admission prices for customers. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is the Halloween spot for families all over Nebraska. Vala’s is a big tradition in most families. If they go once or five times a year, no matter what, everyone goes. “I go to Vala’s every fall season at least five times,” junior Tara Froehlich said. This tradition only has one big downside. The prices have increased by $5-$7 making it $16.75 plus tax on the weekends and $10.99 on weekdays. Many people would think that it’s a bad thing because they have to pay more. However, the increase in prices helps the Vala family in many ways. “I’m not surprised they would raise prices because they make all their money for the year in one month so it makes sense,” senior and member of the Vala family, Gabby Vala, said. For many students, the

OCTOBER 2015

admission prices don’t affect them as much because they have season passes. The price to buy a season pass has gone up as well to $34.99. “Prices don’t really affect me or my friends because I work at Vala’s so I get six season passes,” Froehlich said. Papio has been hoping, that since the prices went up and they are getting more money, that maybe Vala’s will grace us with a new attraction of some kind. “Hopefully they do get something new. That’d be fun,” Vala said. For the Vala family, higher prices equals more money to live off of. For customers however, they end up spending more money than they want. “For the customers, the prices add up from the food and the merchandise, and it can be expensive to go,” Froehlich said. Vala’s has and always will be a tradition no matter what the cost.

However, students at PLHS are still hoping that in time, prices will either decrease or stay the same. “Hopefully they’ll either go down or stay the same because it’s a little expensive, but there’s also coupons you can get,” Vala said. Along with the coupons, many stores sell tickets for a cheaper price, such as Family Fare and Bakers. Even though Vala’s has increased their prices yet again, they still get an overabundance of customers, without any crazy gimmicks. “People come every year and it becomes a tradition for many and people come back on their own, because they love it,” Froehlich said. Vala’s has never had a shortage of customers, no matter how high they increase their prices. People will continue to go to Vala’s for many years to come. Everyone is hoping that the prices won’t be too big of a problem.

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ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW

From previews to reviews, here’s everything Papio needs to know in today’s entertainment. VIDEO GAME REVIEW BY TREVOR LEWIS

he developers of Treyarch and Beenox are putting out the third generation of the “Black Ops” franchise. This will be released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360, and PC. The fans of this franchise will be very excited to put down their books and pick up a controller and start leveling up into the world of “Black Ops” for the third time. The game will be released on Nov. 6, 2015. To the dismay of hard core Call of Duty players, the “exo suits” are still in the game as with “Advanced Warfare.” The game also brings in a new mechanic of specialists; they are a certain character that has two different special abilities to unlock. These range from a bow and arrow, to armor that transports your character back to a previous position. The first person shooter will keep the players in the action with its 1080 pixels and 60 frames per second capabilities. With a third game of an

HAPPENINGS

already great duo of Star Wars themed games, Star Wars “Battlefront 3” is sizing up to be a fantastic game. The newest version of the game is being released on Nov. 20, 2015. The developers at Electronic Arts and their subsection of Dice have been working relentlessly to make this game the best “Battlefront” ever. Fans of this franchise have had to wait since 2005 to get the third version of the game. This game will be released on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The game will contain many elements of the original games, with team death match, conquest, and a new game type called drop zone. The game will also bring back options for either first or third person point of view. Many of the classic mechanics will also be brought back, such as the heroes that will be able to be brought into the battle. Some of the heroes that have been announced are Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. The final game that will be

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

released the latest out of these three, “Just Cause” 3 is the least known game on this list. This is an open world shooter, following the life of Rico “Scorpion” Rodriguez. This new edition of the popular game will be released Dec. 1, 2015, for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The developers at Avalanche Studios have said that this map will be set in the Mediterranean area. They have released that their new map will be 400 square km, which is about 258 miles. This will be an amazing show of their technical advances from “Just Cause 2.” As far as the story goes, the game will be relatively similar; Rico will be tasked with the job of trying to topple the government of the island that he is on. This game will be a great upgrade to the world of free choice in video games.

A&E

OPINION

lightly hidden away from plain sight, a small restaurant sits within the Brentwood Square Plaza looking to appease a small city filled with voracious civilians. Its generously sized portions and intoxicating aromas make Thai Orchids the perfect place to sit down, or order out to enjoy some delicious Asian cuisine. The establishment may appear miniscule and dainty compared to the other stores around but inside, the dining area seems as if it opens up. The size of the restaurant makes it look like a little brother to some other Asian food establishments; however, one must never judge a book by its cover. The aromas of the sweet, spicy, and fresh ingredients are a flavorful breeze; stimulating one’s senses, making one salivate uncontrollably. One of the first

RESTAURANT REVIEW BY BRENDON BOATWRIGHT things I noticed entering the restaurant was soft foreign music playing in the background. I was seated right away in a tall booth, which seemed to encompass me in the feeling of tightness with my group. Right away we were handed menus with choices ranging anywhere from noodles to curry, (even to a list of different house specialties). Along with the menus, our server brought us a pitcher of water with politeness and readiness to serve customers. To begin, I ordered some appetizers, which consisted of Vegetable Balls and Thai Spring Rolls. Both were a heavenly mixture of good and bad, deep-fried food and vegetables. The spring rolls had a crackling crunchy shell wrapped in the shape of a tube around a variety of different veggies. Along the same

lines of the spring roll the vegetable balls were crunchy with vegetables, best described as a veggie-doughnut type of cuisine. For my main course, I decided to try: the Pad Thai (chicken), the Broccoli Noodles and the Thai Style Yellow Curry. All three had different choices of meats including chicken, beef or even seafood. The exotic tastes brought by each dish were appetizing and very filling. In the end I thought that the food I got was great even though it came from a small venue. I will go back again to enjoy more of this delicious food. It is definitely a fourstar cuisine choice in my book.

ALBUM REVIEW BY KASSIDY BROWN

all her albums sound the same, Lana ana Del Ray has done it again. She has blessed her many fans fans disagree. Many around Papio say with releasing a brand new album.that the sound is so much different Fans were ecstatic to find out about than the first three albums. “I don’t really see any the release of “Honeymoon.” As always, the album has that smooth similarities, but the songs on this and transcendent sound. album are the happy, love song type,” The song that has gotten junior Cole Heidenreich said. the most positive feedback is “Honeymoon” has already been downloaded countless times on “Honeymoon.” People love its haunting sound and mesmerizing iTunes beating her previous albums. lyrics. She does not disappoint with It received 5 out of 5 stars since its release on Sept. 18, 2015. these amazing songs. The fans are raging with tons “Salvatore” and “24” are definitely hits. They have that sound of great reviews on iTunes as well. She that makes you fall in love with it. recently took to BBC Radio 1 to talk Even though some people would say about the recent debut. She played a

OCTOBER 2015

few tracks live on the air and listeners went buzzing with excitement for her next tour. She will be touring in early 2016 and will be performing “Honeymoon” as well as “Ultraviolence,” “Paradise” and “Born to Die.“ “I would recommend this album to a friend, mom, dad, cousin, teacher, politician, baby, basically anyone breathing,” Heidenreich said. Lana Del Ray’s new album is nothing short of excellent. The sound is great, the lyrics are phenomenal and her fans seem to adore it. Her Papio fans can’t wait to see what else she has up her sleeve.

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When

LA Met PAPIO

The cast of ‘Election’ stands together for a picture at the end of filming. Each cast member signed the picture, and it is currently displayed in the drama awards case.

PLHS teachers reminisce about the 1998 movie ‘Election’ and how it affected them.

BY JULIA HARKER

Imagine yourself as a sophomore in 1998 at Papillion-La Vista High School. You are walking down the crowded halls and you turn the corner. You crash into another student and drop all your books. The student bends down to help you pick up what you dropped. Looking up you see that the student is Reese Witherspoon 17 years ago, ‘Election’ was filmed at PLHS. Reese Witherspoon, Matthew Broderick and Chris Klein (although he wasn’t famous at that point) spent about a semester walking these halls and filming the movie. Before filming began, director Alexander Payne searched for the perfect high school to film his movie in. Burke, Millard South and Papillion La-Vista were his top choices. “He was walking around the halls one day and I asked him if he needed something,” Mrs. Michelle

HAPPENINGS

Mathison said. “He told me who he was and about the movie. I invited him to our pep rally the next day and he came. After the pep rally he decided that our school was exactly what he was looking for.” When the school announced what was going to take place, many people were incredibly excited for the filming to start. “It was really exciting that this was going to happen,” Mr. Romie Brown said. “I remember thinking ‘man this is going to be so cool.’” For Mathison, the excitement never went away. “I was in a few scenes,” Mathison said. “I was standing with the principals as the results of the election were being announced. I also made posters for the movie because Payne wanted them to look authentic. I was thrilled and excited for the opportunity and I never became bored.” Much of the filming took place during the school day, so most of the sounds from other classes are authentic. Many of the hallway scenes were also with real students. The pep rally was also filmed with

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

the whole school as the student body. “They brought us in to the gym and we all had to sit like it was a pep rally,” Brown said. “It took a long time to get us situated though, because like me, there were people that were wearing shirts with copyright on them. We all got George Washington Carver shirts to wear to cover the symbols.” ‘Election’ is rated R and has a lot of adult content in it. Because of this, there are conflicting opinions on if the movie would be allowed today. “I think the movie would be able to be filmed here today because the things that were considered inappropriate then are more commonly accepted in today’s society, and wouldn’t be as big of a deal as it was then,” Brown said. Although the crew packed up, Witherspoon and Broderick left for home, and the trailers in the parking lot disappeared, the memories never went away. “Sometimes when I walk down the halls, I am reminded of ‘Election,’” Mathison said. “I loved everything about it and will never forget the experience.”

A&E

OPINION

foodfor thought

It is no secret that most students spend the whole morning looking forward to lunch. Some might be waiting to see friends, and others just need a break from school, but there never seems to be anyone looking forward to eating the school’s food. In fact, the general consensus is a complaint: either the food is horrible, or it was better before they changed something. We might have lost our bagels and our coffee a few years ago, and some of the meals leave something to be desired, but the food here really is not that awful. In fact, it’s stellar in comparison to school lunches elsewhere. Many people pin the blame for the food here on laws that govern the nutrition of our food. These laws are sincere in their intent to reduce childhood obesity, but students often find that they have also resulted in a decrease in lunch size and quality.

Monarch school lunch is not nearly as scary as it seems.

OPINION BY RAINA DODGE

Our school has taken these changes in stride. Lunches here are still varied and plentiful, even if the bagged milk and fish tacos seem a bit sketchy. There is usually enough to eat with plenty of options, from pizza and nachos to the pasta bar. Other schools are not so lucky. The website dosomething.org collected pictures of school lunches across the country in late 2013, and the results were far from pretty. Wilted lettuce, unidentifiable sauces, suspicious meats and outright inedible-looking concoctions grace trays nationwide, and students here have the nerve to complain about Godfather’s Pizza. The food here is nothing to scoff at, even if it has its flaws. We might have to stomach all the strange forms of chicken that come out of the kitchen, but at least the pasta bar makes up for it. PLHS’s food tends to be nutritious and filling, and sometimes even tastes delicious.

So before anyone goes and complains about the breakfast bar, remember that it could be worse. At least there are no guesses about what we are supposed to be eating.

& the results

are in...

53 students were asked how they would rate the school’s lunch on a scale of 1-5

5/5

3/5 4/5

0/5 1/5 2/5

9% 15%

22%

47%

Sophomore Shawn Palmer enjoys potato wedges at lunch. As well as normal meal choices, students can buy extras such as ice cream and soda.

PHOTO: RAINA DODGE

Above: A southwestern style wrap served in the cafeteria. PLHS students have received a wide variety of lunch options for years.

OCTOBER 2015

PHOTO: RAINA DODGE

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DISCRIMINAGE A look into the real world of teenagers and job opportunity.

OPINION BY FAITH WORKMAN

Young teens shouldn’t need jobs because they have their school work to focus on and it’s too much stress for them.

Alexa Hardnett

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“

capable of being in the workplace. I say ignite the fires that burn in the teenager. Let them learn work ethic and understanding of what their parents do for them. Let them see how life will have to be for them when they move on to the next chapter of their adulthood. Teach them that not everything in life can be given to you. Soon, they will see that working hard for something they want is so much better than having it thrown your way without effort. Teenagers who work are going to have a lot more experience and be prepared for what life is going to throw their way so stop turning them down because of a number and take a deeper look into what they have to offer.

“

I think teenagers should have jobs so we learn work ethic.

“

and in some cases the 15-year-old can have better work ethic. Now, of course, I’m not saying that older people don’t know how to work hard, but if there is an act that says discrimination of age is wrong, then it should apply to younger adults too. Being treated poorly because of your age is just as wrong as being treated poorly because of the color of your skin or your sexual orientation. Why have an act that only applies to the older generation when any other type of discrimination is applied to everyone? There are so many smart teenagers living among us and they should have the same opportunities as anyone else. It is important for teenagers to prove that they are

“

Turned down in a job interview, looked down on by older generations, maybe even blamed for something because of your age. These are all things that teens may have to face today. After passing the Age Discrimination Act in 1975 it was decided that people 40 years of age and up should not be turned away for a job because of their age, but my question is, what about the teens? Nowadays it seems a lot harder to get a job being a 15-yearold than a 16 or 17-year-old even if the younger person seems more fit for the job. Maybe it’s the “immature teenager” state of mind or just the fact that employers don’t realize how hard working most teenagers actually are. You can have a 25-year-old against a 15-year-old,

14 and younger shouldn’t have jobs, but around 15 should be able to work because that’s when we start to become independent and want money. Breanne Monasmith

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Dayven Warren

The Last Word...

License to Drive

Should teenagers retain the right to earn their driver’s license at such a young age?

OPINION BY WILL SYNOWIECKI

It has always been an important milestone in almost every young adult life, the day they are finally able to legally turn a key in an ignition and drive. In nearly every state in the U.S., the legal driving age is 16, with a few exceptions such as Montana being 15 and South Dakota being 14 and six months. I believe that this is a perfect age to be given the privilege of driving and should not be changed. There are many people who disagree and think that the minimum age should be raised because teen drivers don’t yet have the mental capacity to be safe drivers and are a danger to society. Personally, I have been legally driving solo for almost a year now and let me tell you: the freedom you start to feel when you realize you can practically go anywhere you want at anytime is unparalleled in its awesomeness, and I would fight tooth and nail to keep it. Now of course I cannot

OCTOBER 2015

deny the facts. Teen drivers get into an immense amount of car accidents (many being fatal) compared to all other age groups. According to Edgar Snyder and Associates Law Firm, there were 2,524 motor vehicle related deaths among teenagers in 2013. That’s about eight kids a day. I can’t speak for anyone else but personally that is terrifying. What makes it worse is that only 55% of high school students reported that they always wear a seat belt. Barely half. Think about how many of those kids could still be alive at this moment if they had taken just two seconds to strap on their seat belt. I can clearly see the reasoning some people have to raise the minimum age, the facts are all there. However there are also so many cautious, patient, all-around good teen drivers out there. And they deserve to retain the freedom they hold. So I’m willing to offer a compromise that I feel would please both parties, while at the

same time making the roads a safer place for all: the minimum legal driving age will remain to be 16. Yet all who wish to exercise this right that are under the age of 21 must complete a rigorous driver’s education course in which their skills and habits are closely examined and graded to make certain that they are able to handle the responsibility of controlling a motor vehicle. In addition to this there would be regular “checkups” by the driving instructor to make sure the driver has maintained the skills he or she had learned, and had not acquired any bad habits. These could be every six months or once a year until the drivers 21st birthday. There is no denying the exhilarating, amazing feeling one gets when first starting to drive on their own. Yet there is also no denying the plentiful risks that accompany that privilege. But with proper precautions and training, driving can be what it was always meant to be: freedom.

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