PLHS Scepter February 2016 by PLHS Scepter

FEBRUARY 2016

ISSUE 4 VOLUME 53 WWW.PLPULSE.COM

SCEPTER A PUBLICATION OF PAPILLION-LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

TABLE OF CONTENTS HAPPENINGS

45 6&7 89 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28-31 &

Earning Merit

SPECIAL EDITION

Bend & Snap

Obama Visits Omaha

Cheats: Now & Then

SPOTLIGHT

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

UDA Competition Recap

Over the Years & Through the Dates

Living Up to the Legacy

Color of Hope

Belief

ACTION

Winter Sports Update

The Technicalities of Scouting

Head to Head

Not Like Mike

You Are What You Tweet The Cards Were Dealt Dance Like It’s Halftime

Introducing Mrs. Martin

Ballin’ with the Prez

Once in a Lifetime

A&E Now Playing

Where Does Your Money Go? To Stream or Not to Stream

OPINION

Possibility of a Virtual Future Parental Guidance @ Me Next Time A Bit Annoying

Presidents Obama shines his famous ear-to-ear grin while speaking to thousands at Baxter Arena. COVER PHOTO: LAURA KRAMER COVER DESIGN: CAMRYN BOWERS

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: CJ Curry & David Chavarria

Webmasters: Jake Zink Web Content: Andrew Hampton

Editor: Brena Groeper Photographers: Cameron Houser Marissa Newman

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Welcome

Editor: Trevor Jurjevich & Will Synowiecki Writers: Brendon Boatwright Hayley Piatkowski Dylan Nicholson Hannah Cahill Nathan Gendler Pi Moore

Editor: Emma Dargy Writers: Cal Mathison Faith Workman

Editor: Laura Kramer Designers: Camryn Bowers Christina Fisher Jordan Murphy Melanie Amweg

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Editor: Lindsey Lafond Writers: Jonathan Greenfield Claire Neil Gabby Tingstad Hunter Pombrio Emily Lingelbach Lauren Lafond Kayla Schreck

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

DESIGN

PLPUL

Editors: Angela Bober & Brittany Kellner Writers: Alexander Strehle Elliott Wolbach Hannah Im Raina Dodge Alexa Busby Alina Cook

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

OPINION PHOTO: MURRAY GILBERTSEN

STAFF EDITORIAL

“Go big red.” Every Nebraskan has heard it. Whether “red” refers to the Huskers, the Mavericks, or the Republican Party, “go big red” surrounds each and every one of us. When people aren’t busy wondering if we have heard of the iPhone or what kind of tractor we drive, we are famous for it. We throw the bones at football games and split our electoral votes for a president. So, how did we land a Democratic presidential visit to UNO? Nebraska: Nice. Our state motto says it all. As I’ve traveled to different states and met random strangers on buses, there’s always the same perception of Nebraskans. I’ve heard “I know someone from Nebraska! They’re the nicest person I know!” so many times I wonder if it’s just common courtesy. This

FEBRUARY 2016

is the attitude that earned Nebraska our visit from Obama the morning after his State of the Union speech. His expectations were not let down. The day of his visit, it seemed politics ceased to exist. Our state of overwhelming numbers of people against Obama’s policy choices decided to put that away and simply respect his office. Republicans and democrats alike waited in line for hours to hear the President speak. Whether or not they agreed with what he said, each person in the crowd cheered when appropriate and listened intently to the advice Obama had for 2016’s voters. As Obama slid in some jokes about the Republican presidential candidates and even made mention of how “ugly” the election of 2012

was in regards of Nebraska and Obama, everyone involved acted respectfully. Unlike other states that have had many security issues, each and every Nebraskan treated the President with the respect his position deserves. Obama understands that Nebraska is special. Nebraskans understand that Obama is special. This combination led to Obama feeling welcomed in a state that voted entirely against him in the last election and left with him holding the same opinion we all hold in our hearts. Ending with “I still love Nebraska,” our president reminded us what it means to be a Nebraskan and what it means to be nice.

THE SCEPTER

Earning Merit T

he tests on the desks stare mockingly at the takers. The silence is only broken by the scratching of pencils, the tick of the clock, and the occasional snore from those who have given up. But those who haven’t work harder because they know this test could change their lives. Like most standardized tests, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) requires focus, dedication, and a strategy for guessing when time runs low. However, it is also the official National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), which puts the best of the best juniors in the running for the National Merit Scholarship. To qualify for this scholarship, a junior must score above a certain mark, determined on a state by state basis. Last year, the qualifying score index was [000] out of a possible total score of [000] Several students, who all scored in the 98th or 99th percentile, are at or above this mark, making them possible candidates for the National Merit. One such junior, Hannah Manoj, reached the 99th percentile through dedication and the support of her family. Both her local relatives and those living in India have commended her for her progress. “My parents and my grandparents are all super happy,” Manoj said. Junior Amanda Lewis’s hard work has also carried her far. The determination and knowledge required to take six AP classes

HAPPENINGS

After taking the PSAT, several juniors have a chance to qualify for a unique scholarship.

BY RAINA DODGE

helped her improve her score this year. “[Scoring well] was definitely a shock,” Lewis said. “I went from getting a 64 to a 98.” Noah Hazel, another 98th percentile scorer, carried his effort from the football field to the testing room. This mentality made him “go really hard on test day” and gave him the focus to take it seriously. The next part of the scholarship process is waiting. In September, these students will be notified if they are qualified to continue on as scholarship semifinalists. Some 34,000 students who don’t qualify are instead given official Letters of Commendation, which can qualify them for other scholarships. Students like junior Corinne Fjeldsted have plans that would be benefitted both by the National Merit and by the Letter. Either could help her make it into her dream school. “I’m going to apply to Brigham Young University to get the Heritage Scholarship,” Fjeldsted said. The Heritage Scholarship would cover all of her costs for eight semesters of schooling, as would a BYU-approved National Merit Scholarship. Those who do qualify as semifinalists have to take the SAT, fill out a scholarship application, be recommended by their principal, and maintain their grades through senior year. Hazel looks towards the future with an outlook many juniors share: confidence with just a touch of nervousness. “I feel ready, but I’m

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probably not ready enough,” Hazel said. This scholarship could be a huge advantage for these students. A chance to attend the school of their dreams or the ability to expand their horizons might be theirs next fall. But even if they don’t make the cut, the experience of scoring well on the PSAT will carry them far. “It’s not just about the PSAT,” Fjeldsted said. “It’s about the work we’ve put in over the years.”

Step by Step: A National Merit Timeline October 14, 2015: Students graduating in 2017 take the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. January 6, 2016: Students in the 98th and 99th percentile are given their scores. September 2016: 16000 Semifinalists are chosen; 34000 Letters of Commendation are distributed. February 2017: 15000 Finalists are chosen. March through June 2017: 7400 scholarships and other awards are distributed to qualified Finalists.

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OPINION

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How do you feel about the test?

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It’s nice to know I might get this scholarship... college is expensive.

I went from getting a 64 to a 98.

Noah Hazel

Amanda Lewis

Students like Hannah Manoj, Amanda Lewis, Noah Hazel, and Corinne Fjeldsted earned high scores on the PSAT through their hard work and dedication. Now they have more work to do to prepare for the SAT, maintain their grades in AP classes, and keep up with extracurricular activities. This unique experience has left them all with different thoughts and hopes.

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It’s cool to see that I was the only non-Calculus student to get it.

This seemed like some big thing that was impossible.

Hannah Manoj

Corinne Fjeldsted

PHOTOS: CAMERON HOUSER

FEBRUARY 2016

THE SCEPTER

Bend

he heat of the spotlight, the adrenaline of being on stage, and most importantly, the attention of the audience. This spring, the PLHS Fine Arts Department will present Legally Blonde, the musical. The original movie stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a peppy blonde sorority girl whose Harvard law bound boyfriend dumps her. Elle herself then gets accepted to Harvard law hoping to get her exboyfriend’s attention back. Senior Alaina DeLeo will play Elle Woods in PLHS’s musical rendition. “[Elle] goes through a strong character change and hopefully I can show that,” DeLeo said. While someone may seem benevolent in life, their sinister alter ego will shine through on stage. “It will be fun to portray a character who is unlike me,” senior Lauren Beisheim, who plays Vivian Kenzington, the antagonist of Elle, said. The musical is only one month away, and preparations are under way. “I read my script at least three times a day,” DeLeo said. Character development also becomes a key part in fulfilling a role. “I watched YouTube videos to look at other Paulettes to create my own unique Paulette,” junior Ambi Anuh-Ndumu said.

HAPPENINGS

Although they play different characters, DeLeo and Beisheim have similar challenges when it comes to their roles. “Singing in a higher, belted voice will be a challenge,” Beisheim said. Other aspects come into play while becoming a character. “The hardest part will be the Irish accent and maintaining it,” said Anuh-Ndumu. Looking the role is an important part to becoming the character. “I’m kind of glad we have to dye our hair,” DeLeo said. “If I had a wig I would be worried about it fall-

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ing off.” Like many other great productions, everything comes with a price tag. “[The musical] costs $4000 just for the rights,” Grasso said. “That’s not including backdrops, sets, or costumes.” The high cost will be covered by supporters who come to see the production. “It will be a great show,” Grasso said. Come support the Fine Arts Department between March 16 and 20 by enjoying the Legally Blonde musical.

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OPINION

& SNAP

The leads of PLHS’s spring musical, Legally Blonde, discuss preparations for the production.

BY HANNAH IM

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THE SCEPTER

Cheats: Now and Then With the ever evolving technology of the 21st Century, cheating on homework and test has become easier.

BY ELLIOTT WOLBACH

heating in school has always been a thing, but now the ever-evolving technology of our generation is making it easier. A few years ago, cheating on assignments wasn’t as wide spread as it is today. Mr. Cory Clemenger, a teacher for 10 years, can attest to this. “In my first year of teaching, I caught a few students cheating,” Clemenger said. “They were mostly looking off of other students’ papers and copying answers.” These are pretty standard ways that students have cheated in the past, but others were a little more creative. Mr. Sean McLaughlin has been teaching at the high school for seven years. In his first years of teaching he caught a few students cheating by “writing answers on their hands.” “There also were students who copied answers off of other students’ tests,” McLaughlin said. Before the technology that we take for granted today (like smartphones), cheating was a lot harder. Now there are almost an infinite number of ways that

HAPPENINGS

students can cheat with technology. “Students that want to cheat will always find a way,” McLaughlin said. “I think that [technology] provides students that want to cheat with more options to do so,” Although technology can be used as a tool for learning, some think that it might have the opposite effect as intended. “I think that students now are cheating without realizing it,” Clemenger said. “It is cheating when students send pictures of answers or text what questions are on a quiz or test.” Students are also becoming increasingly dependent on websites or apps in order to complete homework assignments. “I worry about where this is going,” Clemenger said. “I think that students will become [fully] dependent on technology for their homework and then not know the material for the test.” Today computers make it very easy for students to cheat on essays. It only takes a few seconds to look up a paper to copy off of. This is plagiarism and is a form of cheating. In order to combat this and

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to discourage the use of plagiarism, many teachers have their students turn papers in online, where it is scanned for copied material. “If I catch a student cheating, it is an automatic zero in the grade book,” McLaughlin said. The punishment for cheating is entirely up to the student’s teacher. “In my classes, if a student is caught cheating, the punishment varies on the situation,” Clemenger said. “Either I have that student redo the assignment or they get a zero.” With evolving technology making it even easier for students to access answers, cheating is becoming a large problem. “There is definitely more cheating happening now than there was ten years ago.” Clemenger said. Just because cheating makes assignments easier and faster, nothing justifies it. Sometimes it is better to do something the hard way than taking the easy way out.

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OPINION

Evolution of Cheating

Looking off of tests

Using phones to look up anwers

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Notes open on the floor

Taking pictures of assignments

Answers written on hands

Sharing answers

Writing answers off of the inside of a water bottle label

THE SCEPTER

OVER THE YEARS

Couples reveal their tips to a long lasting relationship.

BY LAUREN LAFOND

AND THROUGH THE DATES HAPPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT

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OPINION

Imagine sitting in the North gym watching a volleyball game and excitedly telling your friend about plans to get Ming’s. After the game, a cute boy overhears and tells you about how much he loves Ming’s. Instantly a conversation erupts about a love for Chinese food. Fun conversations lead to second dates, and the next thing you know you’re in a relationship with that special someone. Relationships can flourish over anything, but what makes it last? This is how the story went for sophomores Delaney Stienblock and Austin Zimmerer. They have been dating for a year and four months despite both being actively involved in sports and other school activities. “I think we have lasted so long because we get along so well and we are also best friends,” Stienblock said. “We just love spending time with each other.” There comes a time when friends aren’t texting back and something important happens that needs to be told to someone immediately. When best friends aren’t replying, a boyfriend usually is. “We are really open,” Zimmerer said. “We can tell each other everything that happens each day. You always have someone you know you can go to talk to.”

While some people think high school relationships are “pointless” or “will never last” there are quite a few couples at PLHS that would beg to differ. Seniors Katie Stephens and Quentin Anderson are another couple that have lasted longer than the typical high school relationship, dating for a year and five months. Friendship and “always having someone to support you” is what really matters to Anderson and Stephens. Not every date and hang out has to be special or extravagantly put together for it to be a good time. “We take a lot of naps and watch a lot of movies,” Anderson said. “But we also go out on dinner dates pretty often too.” Dates don’t even have to be real dates sometimes, just spending time together is good for every couple. “We always have a good time together,” Stienblock said. “We can make doing normally boring things fun when we are togther.” As if high school isn’t hard enough, adding a boyfriend or girlfriend to the mix could be challenging to balance. “The hardest part is finding time to hang out, balancing academics, athletics, and time with our families.” Anderson said.

A Separated Love

their locker. “I see my boyfriend around once a week if I am lucky,” While walking through the PDA filled hallways, it is obvious that sophomore Ashley Blakely said. Though being distanced can some couples find it unbearable to go a single period without each other. be rough sometimes, there are definitely benefits to this type of For others, the wait is much longer relationship. than 50 minutes for them to be able “When there are school to see their significant other. Some students find themselves activities we get to go to both of driving 30 to 45 minutes away to visit eachothers,” junior Olivia Struble their boy or girl friend, whom they do said, “And meet new people, like each other›s friends.” not get to meet up with everyday by Of course holiday parties and

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It may not be easy but it doesn’t stop these couples from finding time for each other and enjoying every minute of it. “It’s hard because we are both so busy,” Stienblock said. “Sometimes it’s just hard to find times to hang out but you just have to make time.” Some relationships end because of a fight or disagreement that seems unresolvable but there’s a reason this hasn’t happened to these couples. “We don’t give up when a conflict arises,” Stephens said. “We have mature conversations and can talk about anything together.” Life is all about sacrifices and a relationship is no different. Steinblock says that you have to “do stuff that you may not like but they like.” Not every relationship especially in high school will last a year or longer, it’s a difficult goal to accomplish for some people who hop around to a new person each week. A basic tip Stephens says is to “communicate and just have fun.” Next time you have the opportunity to connect over the love of Chinese food or basketball or that cool new album, more likely than not you should take advantage of it because you never know what it could turn into one day.

school events like homecoming and prom are anticipated the entire year. “We go to one another’s homecoming and prom, and we try to alternate between whose friends we hang out with for the holidays,” Blakey said. For couples like these, they know that the miles between them are only a numbers, and while they may be separated, their love is always together.

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Deck example 1 (type here)

BY GABBY TINGSTAD

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

going into a class one of my siblings has had because I feel like I have to meet or exceed the high standards they have made,” McDonnell said. Not only in the classroom do students have to live up to expectations,

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Going into high school is intimidating enough: you must adjust to a new school, meet new people, and create a name for yourself. But, what if that name and reputation already exists? Those going into high school with older siblings, are many times judged based on how their brother or sister left their name. Senior Chad Lechtenberg is one of four children in his family to go through PLHS. “When I first came to football as a freshman I was known as Nick and Nate’s little brother,” Lechtenberg said. “But soon I got the nickname ‘Little Lechty’ and started making a name for myself.” Many younger siblings would say making a name for themselves was one of the hardest parts. Junior Grace McDonnell felt pressured trying to live up to her older sister and valedictorian Ellie. “Sometimes it’s overwhelming

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I want to leave my own mark...I want to be known as the greatest Lechtenberg.

CHAD LECHTENBERG

but they face same challenge on the court or field as well. “All of my siblings have made an impact in the classroom but also on the field and court,” Lechtenberg said. “It is great to follow in their footsteps and I want to make as much of an

impact as they did.” Some may view the high reputation as intimidating, but both McDonnell and Lechtenberg see it as a challenge. “The high standards that my teachers expect me to meet because of my siblings push me to work harder in my classes,” McDonnell said. As for Lechtenberg, he likes the challenge of living up and exceeding his siblings’ accomplishments. McDonnell and Lechtenberg both strive to be known for their own accomplishments rather than those of their siblings. “I want to leave my own mark,” Lechtenberg said. “I don’t want to be known as Nick and Nate’s brother. I want to be known as the greatest Lechtenberg.” Pushing the barriers of what they are known for may be tough, but both students are creating legacies of their own at PLHS.

THE SCEPTER

Year after year, the Color of Hope game brings together the Monarch community in the search for a cure.

BY CLAIRE NIEL

COLOR

ancer; It’s a fight most people encounter in some shape or form during their lifetime. All of us have that one person we know who has had to face cancer. It is a tough battle that people fight everyday: trying to find a cure, make a difference, and change the world. At Papillion LaVista High School, the battle for a cure was started about eight years ago by Mrs. Mathison, the cheer coach at the time. “I knew I wanted to start something to teach students about cancer awareness, so we decided to have a pink out game,” Mathison said.

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After a few pink games, Mrs. Mathison was sitting in the waiting room for her mother who had colon cancer, when the idea came to mind about having an awareness game for all of the different kinds of cancer. “I wanted to bring all of the colors for cancer into a game to help raise money and spread the word,” Mathison said. The Color of Hope game has always taken place on a night with a basketball game. “It is different than any other game because some of us on the team are affected personally and it shows how our school comes

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together for the fight against cancer,” junior Hannah McCarville said. McCarville plays on the varsity basketball team and was personally affected when her aunt fought breast cancer. Every year, the Color of Hope game changes a little. “We change the design and add something new, like tie-dye to make it special,” Mathison said. One year, the game was against the Titans and they participated along with our school to see who could raise the most money. Last year, the game ended on the night

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OPINION

that the Monarchs basketball team played Millard South and they wanted to help sell shirts to raise money and awareness. This year, the change to the night is adding a wrestling meet. Senior wrestler, Thomas Cahill is excited to have a bigger crowd for the night and to have an intense and united atmosphere. “The Color of Hope game means that someone is trying to help solve cancer; it’s a really good feeling,” Cahill said. Mathison created this one night of the year to help bring hope to families, students, and the community. “One of my goals in life is to leave the world a better place,” Mathison said. “This is one of my ways to do that, to help educate

FEBRUARY 2016

people about cancer.” Mathison’s hope is that maybe one day this will help find a cure for cancer or that it will help people detect it earlier. Over the past 7 years, Papillion La Vista has raised over $50,000 for the cancer awareness society. Besides raising money for the cure, the Color of Hope game gives students and families a chance to talk about their loved ones. “Families feel helpless when it comes to cancer, and buying a shirt gives people the chance to feel like they are doing something,” Mathison said. It isn’t just a school activity anymore, the community has been connected through this one night of the year when everyone has the same goal; to cure cancer.

THE SCEPTER

Muslim student’s face trials of their own, especially in a public school setting.

BY HUNTER POMBRIO

PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN BOWERS

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It is an identity to me. It defines my mortal lifestyle. MaHNoor JAvaid

Politicians hate you. Nobody trusts you. The media says every one of you is a member of ISIS. You are rarely seen as an individual. And you have a clean record. These are just a few of the struggles everyday for members of Islam. Students like junior Halima Mohamed, and seniors Maham and Mahnoor Javaid experience these struggles first hand each and everyday, simply by looking at the news. “I’m not very happy about the media and how people make Muslims all look like terrorists,” Halima Mohamed said. Mohamed who wears a hijab feels strongly about her religion, and faces the prejudices that come with doing so. In contrast, the Javaid sisters do not cover their hair and therefore experience life differently.

FEBRUARY 2016

“We don’t experience any prejudices against us, because we don’t think many people know we are Muslim,” the Maham and Mahnoor Javaid said. “We don’t cover our hair, so that’s probably why.” Mornings are tough for everyone just imagine waking up at 5 a.m. to pray twice before most people’s mornings begin. Mohamed wakes up at 5 a.m. everyday, she precedes to pray at around 6:20 for the Fajr prayer. Shortly after, she prays the Dhuhr prayer but unfortunately can’t pray the remaining prayers due to being at school. Of course, not everyone is the same, an example is Mohamed who has a unique take on how to handle discrimination due to her religion. “I wasn’t raised to fight or accept prejudices; I was raised to

respect everyone no matter what religion or race they are,” Mohamed said. Even though the public media portrays Muslims as the most unaccepting religion. They make sacrifices most wouldn’t without telling anyone. It is not commonly heard of to take early release for religion. “My sister and I take early release to make up for the prayers that we missed while at school,” Maham said. Judging from this, Islam is not such a foreign concept as to what people think, it is just simply a belief. These few individuals are no different from any other, they are not the terrorists as portrayed by the media, they are not radical, they are people, just like everybody else.

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Freshman Tabitha Dendinger backstrokes her way to freedom. PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON

Junior Rhett Dasher takes down a Plattsmouth wrestler at his opening meet. PHOTO: MADYSON MATHISON

Emma Dargy and Hannah Cahill put on their game face in attempt to keep their 10 point lead. PHOTO: LAURA KRAMER

WIN Ed Chang soars on a layup against Bellevue West.

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PHOTO: LAURA KRAMER

OPINION

Brothers Mark and David Cavanaugh cheer on their teammates at the Ram Relays. PHOTO: JORDAN MCCULLOUGH

E T A D P U TS

R O P S R E swimming INT wrestling

INVITES

DUALS

Monarch Hope2nd Midwest Classic- 1st Metros- 3rd Council Bluffs Classic- 5th Sargent Bluff Luton- 1st

Bennington- L Abraham Lincoln- W Fremont-W Ralston-W Bellevue W.-W Lincoln E.- W Riverside- W Thomas Jefferson- W Papillion S.- W Plattsmouth- L

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BOYS

Lincoln SE- W Millard Quad- 1st Creighton Prep- L Lincoln SW-W Burke- W Millard N.- 1st

GIRLS

Lincoln SE- W Millard Quad- 2nd Marian- L Lincoln SW-L Burke- W

basketball

Girls Results: Lincoln Southeast 44 Monarchs 27 Omaha Westside 52 Monarchs 40 Omaha Northwest 45 Monarchs 37 Omaha South 42 Monarchs 46 Omaha Benson 24 Monarchs 29 Lincoln Northeast 47 Monarchs 38 Record: 7-9 Boys Results: Lincoln Southeast 38 Monarchs 56 Omaha Westside 51 Monarchs 66 Omaha Northwest 48 Monarchs 72 Omaha South 76 Monarchs 60 Omaha Benson 49 Monarchs 64 Lincoln Northeast 61 Monarchs 68 Record: 15-2

THE SCEPTER

The Technicalities of Scouting Technology plays a dominant role in the aspects of recruiting.

BY BRENDON BOATWRIGHT

Blood, sweat and tears. This is the combination that athletes use in order to improve so they can impress the college of their dreams. It can be an extensive, challenging, and daunting task that can make high school life much more difficult and stressful. However, for athletes, this can be an even harder task because of recruiting. Getting in touch with college coaches is one of the most, if not the most important aspects of recruiting. Putting a profile out on the line or making oneself known is a very difficult task. Luckily, completing this hard task has gotten simpler through the technological advances of our time. “The use of technology has really revolutionized the way recruiting works,” senior varsity boys soccer player Michael Bosiljevac said. “Athletes can now get exposure to coaches via video on HUDL, email and even phone calls or texts.” This is an especially important part in recruiting. Getting coaches to see video and allowing them to get to know the athletes is how they can decide whether or not they want them to play on their team. “I think that if you are looking to play a sport after high school then

HAPPENINGS

I would say to start the recruiting process before your junior year,” senior varsity soccer player Michael Getrost said. “Make sure you have time to upload and make highlights of yourself.” Using just highlight videos is not the only way to get coaches to notice an athlete. It is important to make sure that they contact the schools they want to attend as well. “It is important to send coaches highlight videos; but, it is almost more important to get college coaches game film though,” Activities and Athletic Director Mr. Jason Ryan said. “These coaches want to see how you play in games and not just highlight films so they can get a better understanding of the way you play.” On the other hand, technology today also has negative effects on scouting. Social media can ruin the chances of many stellar athletes who cannot control what they post. “Stay smart and safe on social media,” varsity boys soccer coach Mr. Andre Watts said. “I try to stress all the time that you represent your family, your school, and yourself on social media so you have to be careful what you post because it is a very risky game.”

SPOTLIGHT

The positives tend to outweigh the negatives done by social media, though. Texting, calling, and even emailing are plenty more beneficial than those negative effects done by social media. Using email is a great way to get in contact with college coaches. Bosiljevac uses his email in order to contact college coaches so they will know when and where to go watch him play. Other than getting coaches to come watch an athlete play, email can also be used to be in close contact with coaches so they can get to know them. “Showing coaches who you are and selling yourself to them over an email will greatly increase your chances of getting noticed,” Ryan said. With all of the advancements in technology, it is interesting to think about what the future of technology holds and how it will effect recruiting. “I see technology playing an even bigger role in the future,” Getrost said. “The way coaches watch film and see you play will definitely have a bigger impact than it does today.” HUDL, being one of the most common recruiting sites, is expected

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to change with the times as well. “I imagine that over time sites like HUDL will have a live feature where coaches can tune in and watch as film is being uploaded,” Watts said. “I also think that some of the recruiting restrictions will be changed as time goes on.” With the new and developing web getting in touch with coaches will only be easier. It is an important part of the recruiting process. If you are looking to play college sports start your search as soon as possible and remember to be yourself and show who you really are.

PHOTO: BRENDON BOATWRIGHT Senior varsity boys soccer player Michael Bosilejvac takes a break afer a couple hours of conditioning.

Senior varsity boys soccer player Michael Getrost uses his phone to check on his recruitng accounts. PHOTO: BRENDON BOATWRIGHT

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Head To Head Deck example 2 (type here)

BY HANNAH CAHILL

6,200. This is the amount of High School student athletes that were affected by one or more concussions in the span of a year. In 2015 there was a recorded 11 deaths from concussions from football alone. Concussions are a very serious problem that can end a young, carefree life in an instant. Concussions are caused when a sudden accelerating force hits an athlete on the head. This causes the brain to slide violently back and forth against the skull, resulting in affected brain function and injury. “When I got my concussion, I wasn’t aware of what was going on

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at all,” senior Drake Childress said. “I kept repeating the same question wondering why I couldn’t go back in the game.” Concussions can be extremely serious, and in some cases fatal. “When my blood pressure went to 212/172 I thought I was going to die; everything was happening so fast and I couldn’t breath,” Childress said. In recent years our school has taken multiple precautions and increased awareness of concussions to prevent any students from becoming another number. “I treat concussions very seriously,” athletic trainer Marcus said. “Technology has really helped with concussions and sets a baseline for all athletes.” Technology has helped not only detect a multitude of concussions, but save many young

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lives. “A lot of tests and scans are done to detect any brain bleeds and neurocognitive testing finds any deficits in the brain,” Marcus said. Though technology has prevented many deaths and have helped keep many high school athletes safe, the physical and mental toll on an athlete can be very severe. “Most mild concussions can hinder memory issue,” Marcus said. “Difficulty with concentration, loss of short and long term memory, and permanent damage to the brain are all effects of a concussion.” Not being able to play the sport you love and live for can also mentally wreck an athlete. “When I got my concussion I wanted to participate,” senior Thomas Cahill said. “I felt physically capable and it made me extremely frustrated not being able to wrestle.” Not only can athletes who

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have been concussed not play or participate in their sport, but they can’t do almost anything that involves thinking, “The brain needs time to rest, so the patient needs to be in a quiet environment,” Marcus said. “No loud noises, bright lighted areas, no TV or video games, no reading and no homework.” Concussions can be extremely frustrating and deadly, and need to be taken very seriously. Technology and people who care for you are the best possible medicine to power through a concussion and get back on the field.

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ver the years, teens from around the country have competed in sporting events. Some for school spirit and some for pride amongst friends and enemies. But those who battle for the bragging rights in the hallways, are the intramural athletes. Many Monarchs have begun competing in the spring’s most notorious intramural sport, basketball. The teams range in size, grade, age, student and teacher, and most teams have a team name that encompasses the heart and soul of their fearless captains. Every Tuesday and Thursday starting February 2nd, teens have competed to advance from the regular season to win the all elusive intramural title. “We don’t practice very much,” senior Jack Noble said. “That is because we are already pro’s.” Noble plays for Cookies and Kareem, a team captained by Sam Woodruff. “Plus, we are a full team of

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athletes” Noble said, “We don’t have any weaknesses.” As bold as that statement sounds, intramural sports are built upon swagger and fun. Teams from every grade play to leave it all on the court, and have a great day with their friends at the same time. That is what intramural is about, the fun of just playing to play. “I play and captain the B team,” junior Jackson Roesler said. “I see my team winning the championship and nothing less.” The B team seems ready to take on every intramural team in PLHS, captained by Roesler. “We are big but also very conditioned because of the number of soccer players on the team,” Roesler said. “The team gets its name from the fact that we have all been on the lower basketball teams through high school and junior high.” In addition to teams that play for fun and meaning, some teams combine

grade levels, and friend groups to make the ultimate hooping machine. “Our team is The Flint Tropic’s, and I am the captain,” sophomore Billy Broderick said. “We have no strengths and weaknesses, we just have strengths. The strongest position we have is our bench. The bench is as strong as Mayweather’s right hooks.” “We aspire to be like the Flint Tropic’s that Will Ferrell led to success,” sophomore Nolan Anderson, member of the Tropic’s said. “We will win at all costs for the team and the boys.” With teams like this, with this much fire and will to win, it should be another great intramural season. These Monarchs are going to push the intramural envelope this year, and make it one to remember. So with all of that said, who will win?

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YOU ARE WHAT YOU TWEET Athletes face the importance of clean social media.

BY PI MOORE

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senior baseball commit Colin Chick said. Those players that wish to play in college face scrutiny and possible revocation of scholarships if certain colleges see inappropriate posts on social media. “You have to be really smart because even younger kids follow you and look up to you, so the things you say or do will be influenced by them as well,” sophomore sotfball commit Courtney Wallace said. One bad tweet or post could be the difference between receiving a scholarship offer or none at all. “If my players have any aspirations of playing collegiate sports, they need to know that college coaches are always monitoring twitter,” basketball coach Mitch Albers said. “If I feel something is inappropriate, I reach to

that particular player as soon as I can, preferably face to face.” In addition to college coaches monitoring social media, employers in the business world are doing the same. It’s extremely important in this day and age for players to keep their social media clean. “It allows me to keep in touch with my potential college coaches and to see what my other competition is around the country,” junior KJ Cotton said. “I’m content with how I have censored my account.” Social media is a way for coaches to keep an eye on their recruits to figure out who they are and what kind of people they are becoming. “I take time to check up on each of my players because I care about their futures,” Albers said.

Tweets Work ethic, respect, and maturity are three things coaches look for in a player. Those things need to be shown not only on the playing field but also on the web. Social media allows not only students, but coaches from all over the world have access to player’s accounts. “It’s important that each player represents our school in a positive manner,” football coach Sean McLaughlin said. The guidelines for social media vary among the different coaches. It is the coach’s job to ensure the studentathlete is a positive role model for everyone in our building and future student-athletes. “I think it is good having coaches follow you because it really makes you think twice before posting things that could potentially ruin your career,”

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The Cards We’re Dealt Students express mixed opinions about the schools activity tickets

BY DYLAN NICHOLSON

One card can get any student into any game for every sport over the course of the year. Students can purchase activity cards for $50 and then gain access to any home sporting event. The price of the activity card has risen in past few years from going from $35 a few years ago, $40 the past two years ago and up to $50 this year, but that price will remain for the next few years. “We did some research with other schools around our area and thought $50 is a good price,” athletic director Mr. Jason Ryan. Although $50 is relatively a lot of money, one should consider it because it can be the better deal for the sports fan in the long run. “It is expensive but if you go to enough games it is worth it and you can end up saving money,” junior Brandon Arkfeld said. An activity card is also necessary to get a blue card, which allows athletes to try out for a sport. “We feel it is an expectation for athletes help out,” Ryan said. “We want our sports team to have the nicest uniforms and equipment

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and we feel this is just a small part that athletes can help contribute.” Although some athletes may not be able to get their use out of their cards, but most students do end up getting their money’s worth. “I don’t need to buy a ticket to football or basketball games so it ends up saving money,” sophomore

Hayden Pudenz said. The activity card lets you go to as many games as you want to and you don’t have to pay, so get out and support the players and teams and make your high school experience the best it can be.

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NEED TO ATTEND 13 $50 FOR ADMISSION TO HOME GAMES TO MAKE MONEY BACK EVERY HOME GAME NEED TO ATTEND ANY 13 OF THE FOLLOWING COMBINATIONS OF GAMES FOOTBALL - 5 HOME GAMES SOFTBALL - 8 HOME GAMES VOLLEYBALL - 7 HOME GAMES BOYS BASKETBALL - 9 HOME GAMES GIRLS BASKETBALL - 9 HOME GAMES WRESTLING - 5 HOME MATCHES BASEBALL - 14 HOME GAMES

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Co-captain Makenzi Zikas gaves her last performance at Minnesota everything she had. PHOTO: TREVOR LEWIS

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Dance LIKE IT’S HALF TIME

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On point, on fleek, and never miss a beat. The Papillion-La Vista high schools dance team is a wondrous sight to behold when the 16 talented dancers take the pine during halftime. While the student section can only watch in awe at the pops and locks performed, there is still a lot more amounts of hard work and dedication that goes into thinking of more fresh dances to perform. “We divide up each game in to groups, the groups choreograph the dance and the entire teams starts to learn it on the Wednesday before the game,” senior and co-captain Kathryn Gay said. The dancers are always “kept on their toes” so to speak and always trying to get work done. “It is really hard to get them to listen and on task when everyone is rowdy,” Gay said. Many of the dancers look to the seniors for guidance and comfort. “I feel like an older sister to them and I always try to make sure that we are on the same page,” senior

and co-captain Makenzi Zikas said. With guidance from the seniors, the dancers are able to bond and enjoy their time on the team. “It is a lot of fun to watch the girls grow as dancers while being their ‘mom’ and a role model to them,” Gay said. With role models, the dancers look to each other for help and comfort. “We are a family, and get along with each other, and we kick

booty in competitions,” sophomore Brianna Mather said. But it is not always sunshine and happiness, the dancers have to go through tough mental issues while performing. “I learned to face my fears while performing, and it also helped me socialize,” Mather said. Some of the dancers look at the opportunity of being in front of people to continue to But with dozens of cheering Monarch Nation members in the student section, the pressure can sometimes get to some members of the squad. “I learned to face my fears of being in front of people, and the student section,” Mather said. What the section does not see, however, is what the dancers do off of the court.

Dancing helps the girls gain confidence both on the court, and off the court. PHOTO: JULIANNE PLOURDE

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Left- The girls help cheer at games along with dancing at half time. PHOTO: MAKENZI ZIKAS

Right- Pulling off different flips and tricks is just a normal day in the life of a dance team member. PHOTO: ALLISON WHITEHILL

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the gym. “I also dance outside of dance team so I improve a lot, and get practice being a leader,” Reiser said. As winter fades into spring and spring to summer, the dancers are already starting to prepare for the next year of jazz and hip hop. No matter what, the dance team year never truly stops. “We do auditions in April the year prior to when the girls will actually be on the team. Then a couple weeks after we start practicing, dance starts in April and goes until February,” Zikas said. As more people start to

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“I love going to other competitions, especially Minnesota because we do a lot of team bonding and get to know each other better,” junior Vanessa Reiser. Some of the most popular routines amongst the dancers are the hip hop dance from the Minnesota competition, the hip hop dance to lose control. However, the jazz routine to the song “I Lived” by One Republic, a song which tells a story of how the dancers have lived through obstacles in life, and each dancer holds a certain memory in their heads while they dance to portray the story. During every competition, each dancer leaves it all on the floor, and walks off breathless feeling like they gave it their all. But no one sees the struggle leading up to each of the competitions. “Practices are really hard right before the competitions,” freshman Maddie Stock said. And dance team in school requires extra work and more obstacles to juggle while outside of school. “I have to balance it usually with homework,” Stock said. But dance during school, means better performance outside of

I feel like an older sister to them and I always make sure that we are on the same page.

think about trying out for dance team, they have to remember what they are getting themselves into. “We have practice Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30, and Wednesday mornings at 6:30.” Zikas said, “Morning practices are super hard because we have to wake up at at least 5:30, and if we are late we have to run lines.” The current members are always advising blooming dancers to try to stick through the tryout week, no matter how tough it can be. Listen to the current dancers, they will do their best to help the younger dancers. Have fun, know the routines, and get to know your performance, worry about that and your facials. The dance team members are always trying to help out budding performers with camps, and one-onone practice. But as far as what the girls yell during the huddle… That is a closely guarded secret.

MAKENZI ZIKAS

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UDA COMPETITION Recap

The team after getting ready for their jazz performance in Minnesota.

Seniors Kathryn Gay and Makenzi Zikas enjoy their last year at the Universal Dance Association competition.

Kathryn Gay helps to lead the dance team in the hip hop routine.

The team celebrated their competition from Minnesota.

The dancers use their voices as well as their bodies in their dances

Jessica Halski performs in the hip hop routine in Minnesota.

Amanda Lewis finishes her second year on the dance team.

It is Hannah Molinellis third year on the dance team.

It is Maddie Stocks first year on the dance team.

PHOTO: TREVOR LEWIS

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OBAMA VISITS OMAHA special edition

INSIDE LOOK English teacher Lisa Martin welcomes the President into her home The Showell family discusses their meeting with the POTUS Students share their once in a lifetime experience at UNOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Baxter Arena

Obama Visits Omaha

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introducing

mrs. martin

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Obama visits Omaha

Mrs. Lisa Martin was awarded the once in a lifetime experience of not only introducing the president, but meeting him in her home.

BY NICOLE LUDDEN

PAGE DESIGN BY LAURA KRAMER

ar too many times we find ourselves tossing and turning restlessly in bed, helpless for answers we may never receive. Many evils pester our late night thoughts, depriving us of sleep, telling us that there is nothing we can do about the troubles we face and the uncertainty of the future. However, sometimes all it takes is a spontaneous 4 a.m. email to truly make a difference. Mrs. Lisa Martin not only had the honor of introducing President Obama at his speech in early January at the Baxter Arena, but also received a presidential visit to her own home. While on maternity leave last year, Martin was up with her 6-month-old baby, skimming through newspaper articles. One in particular caught her attention. “I found a positive article about Alaska and President Obama’s conservation efforts up there, and I felt hopeful,” Martin said. “Then I was thinking, ‘What about everything else?’” After pondering the world’s issues, and worrying about the future world her infant son would grow up in, Martin took matters into her own hands. “I decided to write the President an email just voicing my concerns,” Martin said. “It wasn’t

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bashing him or asking for anything, I was just voicing my concerns about Cooper’s future.” Martin did not expect a response, so she was taken aback when she received an email from the White House outlining the President’s policies. But perhaps the biggest surprise was the phone call Martin received not shortly after, that would change her life forever. “The call was unknown, so I don’t know why I answered it, but when I did, I found out it was the White House,” Martin said. The White House inquired that Martin meet with Obama in her own home. Secret Service men scoured her residence, and met all of Martin’s family. Of course, one of the biggest precautions Martin had to take was keeping the president’s visit a secret. She could only tell a select few of the life changing experience to come. “When she told me the white house had reached out to her, I didn’t believe her,” Mrs. Breanne Wilton said. “I had to keep quiet until he landed, which was really hard for me.” When the big moment came to fruition, Martin was just as excited as her friends and family were shocked. “It was an out of body experience,” Martin said. Although the President did touch briefly on the politics that first concerned Martin, the date was truly as casual as catching up with an old friend. Secret Service men swarmed around, and armored cars blocked off Martin’s neighborhood, while

Martin, accompanied by family and friends, casually hung out with the president before his speech. “My son sat on the president, and President Obama picked him up and was throwing him in the air,” Martin said. Not only did Martin meet the president in her home, she also was given the crucial task of introducing the president before his speech. “I teach my kids everyday about speaking, and if I didn’t take this opportunity I’d never forgive myself,” Martin said. “I can’t stand up in front of my students and tell them to not be afraid if I’m afraid.” Martin took the exclusive experience with gratitude, and will always remember the email that landed her a presidential visit. “Her experience was once in a lifetime,” Wilton said. “Anyone can go see the President speak, but to have them in your living room is truly incredible.” Martin continues to encourage her students, and lives a life actively engaging in the changes she wants to see in the world. Although her natural worries as a mother will never pass, she knows “steps are being made to make a difference.” Whether those steps are of the President’s into her own home, or the finger strokes of a late night email, Martin has hope for the future. “I definitely think my outlook has changed,” Martin said. “If I can get the attention of the white house, than anyone can.”

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Obama visits Omaha

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n ilto W wd e ro to Br c sly nt. rs. he u e M n t xio sid er d i an Pre ch an ed e ea sb ait th R st u w e E ie r h e uc M ud he Sh od A St th ns. intr KR A al i ci s w ha rtin R So se ma a AU po f O h M : L o tc TO wa HO P

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The Showell family recounts on their experience meeting President Obama. PAGE DESIGN BY LAURA KRAMER

BY ALEXA BUSBY

The Showell family pauses for a picture during their arrivial to the Baxter Arena. Just prior, they had met with the President at Mrs. Lisa Martin’s home. PHOTO: LAURA KRAMER

magine meeting someone very important. Someone who when you just say their last name everyone knows who you are talking about. On Jan. 13, the Showell family got to meet President Barack Obama. The Showells were planning to hear President Obama speak at Baxter Arena. They went out to lunch, and while they were there, Ms. Vern Davis’ phone went off. It was a call from Ms. Lisa Martin. “[Ms. Davis] gasps and she sits up then gets on the phone,” sophomore Davis Showell said. “She comes back to the table and is tearing up, so my dad and I were

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like, ‘mom what’s wrong?’” Martin had called Davis asking for them to come over to meet the President. “I was very excited,” Mr. Doug Showell said. “In 2008 when he was here, I got to take Davis to see him, so this was cool.” Before they met the President they had to go through security. Security can be intimidating and the President’s security was no exception. Mr. Showell said that they walked dogs through the house and they had to go through metal detectors. Talking to the president sounds like a frightening task; it can

be a little nerve-racking. “At first I was pretty nervous, but once we started talking he was like a normal guy,” Davis Showell said. Davis Showell said the President challenged him to a basketball game, one on one. A secret service member told him that he had played Obama and once he [Obama] got the ball, it was over. Most Americans never get the chance to meet someone this important. Some very humbled people from PLHS had this once in a lifetime chance. Davis Showell said the president told him, “You know, I still have some game.”

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The people of Omaha welcome The President of the United States, Barack Obama, to their city.

BY ALLY SARGUS

PAGE DESIGN BY LAURA KRAMER

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Obama visits Omaha

Wednesday, January 13th was just like any other day in the city of Omaha. Parents dropped their kids off at school then started the commute to their daily jobs, restaurants prepared for another day’s work of serving to others needs, and traffic was a nightmare due to the President of the United States motorcade. You know, just a typical day. Barack Obama made his first appearance at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Baxter Arena on Wednesday afternoon after his State of the Union Speech the night before. This new venue served as an ideal location for such an honorable event. “Engagement is key in our University’s mission,” Erin Owen, Executive Director at the Office of University Communications, said. “I think that is what really stood out to the White House.” In order to make this a successful event, the assistance needed went beyond just the university. A tremendous amount of work and cooperation from others went into the preparation for his speech. “We recruited more than 150 volunteers to assist the White House with everything from media check-in to seating,” Owen said. One of the White House’s major concerns was the significant amount of security required to protect the president from any harm

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that could spur. The University’s Public Safety Office collaborated with local law enforcements to make this visit secure and free of any issues. “We worked with the Omaha Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that security was maintained from the time the president landed at Offutt Air Force Base until the time he left that evening,” Senior Vice Chancellor, BJ Reed said. The community involvement with this event truly reflected how Omaha is as a whole. Volunteers from all over, including UNO’s staff, worked together to make this process go as smoothly as possible. “They worked across the boundaries and across departments in a way that was truly exceptional,” Reed said. “It was a success because of the team and their efforts.” Tickets became available to the public the Sunday before the event and were completely distributed by Monday afternoon. Fortunately, some PLHS students were able to attend this event as well. “Since it is his last term, I knew it was my last chance to hear him,” junior Chelsea MelendezSanchez said. In high school, politics are not always the first thing on students’ minds. Many either do not have enough knowledge about them, are influenced by their parent’s opinions, or simply do not care at all.

Obama’s speech intrigued people of all ages and opened their minds to the future of this country. “It really stood out to me when he referred back to when he first got elected.” Melendez said. “He didn’t say ‘I could do it,’ he said ‘we could do it.’” The audience became uproarious when he addressed the campaigning that is currently happening. He clearly stated the problems of the political elections this year, with each candidate solely belittling each other rather than focusing on the true concern at hand; this country’s future. “America’s at its best when we see each other as one people,” Obama said. “Not Democrat first, not Republican first but Americans first. That’s our priority.” The impact this occurence made not only on the University of Nebraska at Omaha, but the city itself, will live on through the community forever. Many will never have an opportunity like this again, especially in the heart of their hometown. This experience went beyond the campaigning process and affected everyone involved, no matter their preferred party. “Any day that you have the President of the United States on your campus, saying ‘Go Mavericks!’ to a cheering crowd is a success in my book,” Owen said.

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People who read and watch movies share their opinions on recent movies and how they compare with the books.

BY JULIA HARKER Wizards, dragons, aliens, astronauts, high schoolers, dogs, cats, lions, doctors, detectives are all examples of things a story can be about. In the magical worlds of books and movies, anything is possible. In the last 10 years, many popular books have been made into movies. Many people who have read and watched the movies have found that there are a few common ideas that make a movie strong or weak. “A movie can be good or bad based off the storyline and the actors who play the characters,” senior Keelia Trively said. “If the storyline is stagnant or dull the movie can be boring to watch and the actors have to actually get into their characters.” Some readers would desire that the movie be exactly like the book, rather than an adaptation. “I would rather watch a 5 hour movie just like the book, than watch a 2 hour movie that has pieces missing from the book,” sophomore Katelyn Norman said. “Honestly, they should just use the book as a script.” In contrast to many opinions, some of the movies that have been made that are considered superior adaptations of the books. “The Harry Potter movies were really good compared to the books,” Trively said. “Yes, they had to leave

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things out, but the stuff they took out was small enough that the audience still got the whole story.” Bad movies will always coexist with good movies, but sometimes the movie is so unsatisfactory that it can’t be ignored. “The movie ‘Series of Unfortunate Events’ was terrible,” Norman said. “They tried to cram 3 books into 1 movie and didn’t even stick with the same storyline. It’s like they just took the characters and placed them into a different story.” If a person hasn’t read the book the movie was adapted from, they might not notice the differences that an avid reader would notice. “If you haven’t read the books, then the movies could be good because you wouldn’t know what you were missing,” Trively said. “You wouldn’t have already thought about the world and the characters in your head before seeing the movie, so you are not expecting a perfect replica.” Although most people think about just movies being adaptations of books, there are also many TV series that come from books as well. “I think it can be difficult, but can be done,” Trively said. “Sherlock Holmes, for example is a great series of books and there have been many takes on the show. Some have been good

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and others have been bad. Overall, it is neat because some producers are able to bring a Victorian book into modern time.” As a society, people do not read as much as they used to. Some people blame the invention of TV and movies, but others have different ideas. “Society has become lazy,” Trively said. “They don’t want to imagine a whole world on their own, so they watch it through someone else’s eyes. A lot of people claim to not have enough time to read, but that is not true. If you have time to sit through a two hour movie, then you have time to read.”

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#BingeWatching BY KASSIDY BROWN

The ‘Percy Jackson’ movie was terrible because it didn’t even stick to the storyline from the book.

I didn’t like the movie ‘The Hunger Games’ because when I read it, I really connected with the storyline, but the movie was not able to portray that.

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ESHU SENTIL

RYAN KENDALL

My favorite movie adaptaion was ‘Gone Girl’ because the movie portrays almost exactly as I had imagined in my mind.

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SHELBY BONNEMIER

The ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie was actually pretty good, because compared to the book, there was only a forgiveable amount taken out.

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Watching a TV series in a few months is exhausting. Watching that entire series in under a month is where it reaches new heights. Netflix is home to tons of amazing television series that we can’t help but binge watch. When people start such a series, they get hooked and have to get caught up. At the top of that list is Grey’s Anatomy. It seems almost every student has either started and hasn’t finished the medical drama or binge watched it for eight days straight. “I finished Grey’s in about three months,” junior Cassie Roesler said. It may not have been the fastest someone has completed the show, but for 10 seasons and 218 episodes total, it’s definitely impressive. 90210 is another binge watched series on Netflix. Mainly it’s a soap opera for teens. “After I finished One Tree Hill, I watched 90210 in about two weeks,” junior Julianne Plourde said. Two weeks is pretty fast for five seasons and 114 episodes of a show about teens living it up in California. A great comedy that has graced our Netflix screens, is The Office. It is nine seasons of great comedy. “It took me a week and a half to finish The Office,” junior Makenzie Cartwiright said. Nine seasons in a week and half is the fastest one for a series so far, with 201 episodes in total. Winding down to the fastest series completion is for Teen Wolf, with three seasons to complete online. “I watched all three seasons Teen Wolf in four days,” sophomore Hanna Olson said. The record-breaking time for three seasons is four days. However, with its star studded cast and gripping plot, it’s no wonder why. Netflix is the place to go for binge watching. Finishing a TV series in a number of days is a huge task for teens at PLHS. Whether it’s a medical drama or a teen soap opera, Netflix has the shows that are definitely binge worthy.

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Where does your money go? Students manage their money in different ways to pay for their expenses.

BY KAYLEE PENRY

High school students have a lot to deal manage. School, work, and social issues are stressful enough, but many teenagers also have to worry about finances and how they will pay for things they want. Students that have to pay for their belongings have to keep up with managing their money and how they spend it. “I work at Dairy Queen and I usually put away at least fifty dollars every time I get paid to manage my money,” junior Tyler Tomanek said. Making money is a common task teens undergo in their daily lives, but few know what to do with it. Saving money is a smart choice and seems like it would be easy, but it can be difficult to keep teens from spending all of their money.

“I only spend money when I need to,” senior Paige Heger said. “I have access to my bank account to see how much money I have and I usually spend a certain amount of money per week,” senior Paige Heger said. Working to make income themselves and spending it for their own things can make students value everything a little bit more. They know how hard it was to get the many wants and needs they have, so that shines through in the things they use their money on. “It makes me appreciate everything I have more because I’m the one who earned it,” Heger said. Spending habits are very different among teenagers. Some know how to save up but others think that because they have money

they need to spend it right away. With wise habits come even better rewards, but sticking to putting away money instead of spending it can be a harsh task for teenagers that constantly want new things. “I’m a lot cheaper than most people.” Tomanek said. “I’m that guy at the store that will buy the cheap stuff just to save a couple pennies.” When kids don’t get things handed to them, it can be strenuous to manage how money is spent and how they will pay for everything they need or want. With budgeting and smart spending habits, students can find a way to be smart with money.

What do the students at PLHS spend most of their money on? Twitter poll results:

64% Food 15% Clothes/Shoes 13% Gas/Car insurance 8% Other Activities HAPPENINGS

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To Stream or not to Stream Exploring the diffrences between streaming services.

BY TREVOR KALAL

It is Friday night, and after a long day at school or a job it is time to relax. Nowadays most would pop some popcorn, go to their favorite spot on the couch, and see if there is something on Netflix. Or was it Hulu? Wait, maybe it was Amazon Prime. With all of these streaming services it becomes difficult to tell the difference between them. However, each of them have their own advantages and weaknesses. Netflix seems to be the most popular choice among these services, having 75 million subscribers according to expandedramblings. com. Due to its recent popularity spike it has sparked one of the most cliché phrases since “studying”. It offers a wide variety of entertainment options, from the most popular movies to the most obscure tv shows. Though Netflix is userfriendly there are some aspects of

the service that hold it back from living up to its potential. It has its problems, just as anything would. “ You have to wait for the most recent season of a tv show for such a long time, and buffering,”Junior Hannah Erickson said.“Just buffering.” Often times when a bingewatcher gets to the end of the most recent season of a tv show, they are left with a hollow emptiness inside, urgently waiting for the next season of a show. It hurts, it really does. Netflix makes finding something to watch not very difficult, within a few moments you can be watching an all time favorite or something new. This one company is not the one to rule them all in this market. There is something to be said about both Hulu and Amazon Prime. Hulu is an entirely different animal when it comes to streaming. Except it really is not. It bears a striking resemblance to both Netflix and Amazon Prime, it offers

the same type content, a variety of movies and tv shows ready to stream. Like the other two, Hulu has its own share of problems. “Their selection of movies is limited, and it buffers every now and again.” Junior Preston Anderson said. This company is not as popular as Netflix but it has a formidable 51.6 million users according to statista.com Amazon Prime, a relatively new service and an almost carbon copy of the aforementioned services except it has some unique perks. Users can stream music while using their membership and they can get free two day shipping on products purchased from Amazon. com. These perks all come at a cost of ninety-nine dollars per year. This is different compared to the others because it is based on a yearly subscription rather than on a monthly basis.

How many subcribers does each service have? Netflix 75 Million

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Hulu 51.6 Million

Amazon Prime 10 Million

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Possibility of a Virtual Future As time progresses E-books are slowly growing in popularity.

BY MEGAN KRABBENHOFT Studying, something all high school students dread. However it might become a little easier, and bit more enjoyable for students. With advances in technology, there is no surprise that it is slowly being integrated into the classrooms here at PLHS. There is still no telling if the district will head down the virtual pathway or stick to the program with typical textbooks. So where do students and staff land when it comes to the heated debate of e-books vs. textbooks? Teachers Mr. Doug Showell and Mr. Clint Hoelscher have the ability to grant their Honors Chemistry classes and Leadership Academy with iPads through the school’s pilot program. “Tablets with access to online books and resources have their advantages and disadvantages,” Showell said. With pros like fewer books to carry and access at any part of the

day, it is hard to find a downside. Other than the fact that Wi-Fi is not always available, these new devices may become more of a distraction than an advantage for students. “New technology could be a great benefit. Especially for classes that are full of research and presentations like Leadership Academy,” Hoelscher said. Students in that leadership academy agree. “In class, the book is easier to stay on task but I enjoy not having to take a heavy book home every night,” junior Brandon Arkfeld said. In the end, it all depends on the student and their learning style whether they prefer online programs or real books. In ten years, high school could possibly be an entirely different place. Does all of the change begin with one simple action of filling the classrooms with technology?

Students in Leadership Academy read books online. E-books are being used in classrooms now more than ever.

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SPOTLIGHT

PLHS students voted on Twitter on their preference

20%

E-books

Books

80%

Whether it’s with books or with iPads hard work is getting done by all students.

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A&E

OPINION

Parental Guidance Adolescence is one of the greatest things in life. It keeps us young and clueless while also allowing us to have a childhood full of fun and imagination. Our brains are still learning how to do all those hard things like responsibility and making choices. We are able to examine the ways of the world, grow into adults, and learn how to make a living. Adolescence is also something that I feel teenagers these days are forgetting the definition of, so I thought I’d crack open the dictionary to spark my memory. Parents are another story. They’re the ones who call the shots and supposedly know everything about the world. They also have their own ways of raising us adolescent teens and knowing what is best for our well-being. Although parents are our role models and the people who make sure we grow up knowing the difference between right and wrong, I often question what the best parenting tactic for an adolescent teenager is. Maybe some of us go out every weekend and our parents have no problem with that. Maybe others spend the weekends doing chores and homework. Perhaps some even have the best of both worlds. Whichever it may be, most of our parents have their reasons for doing what they do even if we may not see it. Some say that strict parents makes sneaky teenagers while others say that being too lenient

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calls for careless teenagers. In all actuality who is to say what parenting is supposed to consist of ? Parenting is ultimately something I don’t think anyone just suddenly knows how to do perfectly. Some do it too young, some didn’t have the right examples, and some are just trying to make sure we are safe, whether that makes them the worst parents for keeping us away from possible danger or letting us learn from our mistakes. Parents may be too harsh at times or not care enough it seems, but as teenagers, parents often know more about life than we do. No matter how many times we scream at them that they don’t understand, someday we might grow up realizing their good intentions when it’s too late. As partially developed, adolescent teenagers, it’s hard to remember the fact that our parents won’t be there forever, but it’s better to learn that now than later. They are trying just as hard to make it through life as we are and having the responsibility of another human being is stressful. Whether your parents may seem too strict or too lenient they are still humans, and humans mess up. So next time you think your parents are trying to ruin your life, remember that they are most likely trying to protect you from things they have picked up from their teenage years.

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Strict parents teach you how to act.

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CHEYENNE MOORE

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BY FAITH WORKMAN

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Do strict parents really make sneaky teens?

Lenient parents help me make my own choices and deal with my own consequences

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MICHAEL DUFFY

@ me

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Putting your feelings on Twitter does not help in solving any problems.

OPINION BY CAL MATHISON

ocial media is obviously the best way to solve a conflict. I can’t think of a more productive way to come to better terms with friends than to tweet about them. Just kidding. Subtweeting might be more annoying than the “retweet in three seconds for good luck with a picture of a pencil” tweets. Social media should not be used for negative, or mean things. I get the whole “freedom of speech” thing but honestly, it just causes drama. Sub-tweeters obviously didn’t listen to their elementary school counselors on how to deal with tension. In their defense not one of us did listen, but I can’t imagine that they were saying that hiding behind a keyboard is the way to go. The most common subtweet I see is the girl expressing herself about a fight with their “ex-friend.” First I’d like to say you are not

HAPPENINGS

“savage” whatsoever. You are actually sitting behind a computer. Next, becoming “BFF’s” again will now take a whole week instead of two days. If you are not making an awful attempt to solve a conflict, you might be making fun of someone. If this is the case, I don’t like you and you don’t deserve to be on social media. If you find yourself subtweeting (please don’t) and still neither of those reasons is true, the only other reason for a subtweet I can think of is trying to get the attention of “oomf” of the opposite sex. C’mon bro, you’re better than that. Don’t embarrass yourself. If she didn’t text you back she doesn’t want to talk to you. It’s going to be okay. And ladies, what would your dad say? Don’t be drooling over a guy on Twitter. Unless you’re Meek Mill or

SPOTLIGHT

ACTION

Drake, none of your followers care. I may be wrong, but I can’t imagine anyone would go on to Twitter with intent to see posts that make their day more negative than before. Also, for the record, Meek Mill started the Twitter beef with Drake and you saw what happened. #BackToBack There is only one way to correctly subtweet. If someone who is smarter than most of us and never made a Twitter, it is ok to tweet about them on some occasions such as a happy birthday. Or if you took a “super cute” picture with them and have them in the caption. Don’t subtweet. If you absolutely do not have the confidence to confront someone and have to solve things on Twitter, please tag them. At least then all of us can grab some popcorn.

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OPINION

a BIT annoying A

merica: the land of oversized proportions, the Big Mac, and now hover boards. Some foreigners (well, let’s face it, other jealous countries) might say we are the epitome of laziness. I, on the other hand, like to think a little more positively while on the subject. I believe that we, as Americans, have made it a habit of taking things to their extremes. When we do something, we do it big. Because why do anything if you’re not going to go all the way, right? Yes, that theory is great in concept: freedom, capitalism, NASA, and the industry of baseball; all great things that wouldn’t be here today without the extreme pursuit that went into each one of those ideas. However, looking at some Americans’ other obsessions, it seems to be a bit unhealthy (and not in the way you might think). For years now, the media has been covering America and her diseased relationship with obesity.

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After all, 16% of all high school students across the country are considered obese. Americans’ obsession with food and their indifference for working-out created a Michelin Man epidemic. But wait! Have no fear. For soon after the obesity outbreak, America created a new obsession to help balance the scale. The first lady immediately took action in schools across the nation, making lunches healthier (and disgusting). Crazy weight loss programs and gadgets like Weight Watchers, The Biggest Loser, Sketcher Shape-ups, and yes, the Fit Bit suddenly preoccupied the nation. Today, the most recent addiction, the Fit Bit, is on the rise, and with it, my blood pressure. Countless students wander the halls wearing those slim bands of pestering plastic proudly. They arrogantly shout the amount of steps they’ve taken during the day. They boast of the knowledge they acquired of how much sleep they got the night before, conveniently

As the Fit Bit increases in popularity across the nation, one can see yet another xample of discrimination against overweight and underprivleged students.

OPINION BY EMMA DARGY PAGE DESIGN BY LAURA KRAMER

accounted for by the itty bitty computer on their wrist. “LOOK HOW HEALTHY I AM” their eyes seem to say as they shove their arms in your face. We get it. You can walk a lot. If anything, the only result from these Fit Bits I can see is yet another way to separate the wealthy from the poor, the fit from the overweight. The only people I see wearing the bands are, in fact, people that are already healthy, and yes, also wearing all Nike. The confidence of teenagers walking the halls in both middle and high school is already on shaky ground. Appearance is, unfortunately, everything. I cannot discredit the idea of the Fit Bit. I don’t discredit the fact that many do utilize the device to help them stay in shape. However, I do not support the discrimination it helps create. In a nation that often discriminates against both the overweight and the poor, I can’t help but to find the Fit Bit a bit annoying.

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