Millard North High School
THE HOOFBEAT
“BAD” SITTING
THE HUNGER BLOCK
Can Good Standing stand on its own?
Review of new South American restaurant
Page 7
Page 17
Volume 39 • Issue 5 • March 23, 2020
CORONAVIRUS: CONTAINED OR CRISIS?
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, experts weigh in on how to reduce the risk of exposure and how to move forward.
Photograph by Jeffrey Zimmerly
MNHSONLINE.COM • 3
2 • NEWS • Sept. 16, 2019
STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. WHAT TO EXPECT WITH...
COVID-19: CORONAVIRUS MILLARD MODIFICATIONS To minimize potential COVID-19 exposure, MPS has adopted several additional sanitation procedures.
SELF-SERVE BAR
Offering bars will be temporarily out of service. Fruit must be pre-packaged. All items will be served by staff, and no specialty items will be offered.
DEEP CLEAN Custodial staff deep cleaned all 35 MPS schools the weekend of March 8. There will also be increased daily cleanings for high-touch surfaces.
HEALTH HACKS & HAZARDS How to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 through healthy practices.
DO’S
Source: MPS General Manager of Food Service Justin Wiley Photos by Molly Murch and Sydney Johnson
‘DON’T PANIC’
OMAHA OUTBREAK
you are sick and self-quarantine if you have had contact with an infected individual.
DO disinfect frequently touched objects using a household cleaning spray or disinfectant wipes.
DO follow reputable organizations to stay informed about new measures or developments of treating COVID-19.
DON’TS
MOLLY MURCH MARCH 6 have become infected. FIRST NE CASE OF COVID-19 Co-Editor-in-Chief The patient is a woman in In fact, “now is the time for that message to become mid-30s from Douglas “ on’t panic.” a little more urgent in terms of ‘hey, this is really looking county who returned from Infectious disease experts from The University of as if it is not going to be stopped’,” Lawler said. England at the end of Despite the virus’s predicted widespread range, its February. Before hospitalizaNebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medtion, the patient attended a effects are mostly minimal, and cases of severe Special icine emphasized this message in their Jan. 21 Olympics event at a symptoms are typically found in individuals YMCA in Fremont. press conference regarding COVID-19, otherwise known as the Coronavirus. FOCUS with already-compromised immune systems. MARCH 7 MARCH 7 “It’s important to remember that the maAs of March 9, the Centers for Disease ON THE SCHOOL CLOSURES QUARANTINE Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that FIGURES jority of these cases are actually mild infections; Fremont Public Schools, Voluntary quarantine Midland University, they’re a cold or flu-like illness. Especially in there have been 423 cases in the U.S. between requested of Special Olympics basketball young people, infections appear to be very mild. Archbishop Bergan Catholic 34 states and the District of Columbia that are Schools, and Trinity tournament participants to days The vulnerable populations are the elderly and Lutheran either confirmed positives or suspected to be so, Schools announce prevent potential spread of those with underlying medical conditions,” closures through March 14. 19 of which have resulted in death. Meanwhile, suggested Coronavirus disease. Lawler said. according to the World Health Organization, The first cases of transas of March 9, 104 additional countries from quarantine MARCH 8 every habitable continent have reported at least period after mitted COVID-19 in Ne Our framework is braska were reported in one case of the virus. potential NEW DIAGNOSIS Two additional individuals According to UNMC Newsroom, 13 U.S. COVID-19 early March, as a 36-year- in place. We have mulare diagnosed with old woman who had visited citizens, all formerly aboard the Diamond PrinCOVID-19. Both exposure Great Britain in late Febru- tiple ways to reach out... cess cruise ship, were evacuated to UNMC on individuals are relatives of ary began exhibiting sympMonday, Feb. 17, with an additional two being the first NE patient and are toms on Feb. 24. According Our district has multiple brought by Feb. 26. Of the 15 total patients, 13 self-quarantined. have tested positive, all of which are currently proportion to U.S. News and World re- safety plans in place, port, her father and brother being held in either the National Quarantine MARCH 11 Unit or in the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. of patients have also been diagnosed and pandemic planning positive, raising the Nebras- has always been a part under These individuals are not included in the CDC’s FIFTH CASE OF COVID-19 Individual from Northeast ka virus count to three. report, as it excludes U.S. citizens that have re30-years NE tests positive and is Seeing as how she of that. We make small turned for testing. transferred the to Bioconparticipated in a Feb. 29 The Diamond Princess is expected to dock changes as we go to tainment Unit at Nebraska basketball game at the in Oakland, California on March 16, according Medicine/University of meet each situation, but Fremont YMCA, where a to the New York Times. However, until then it Nebraska Medical Center. number Special Olympics was also the framework is set. remains docked off of Yokohama, Japan, where of counSource: NE hosted, numerous Fremont infectious disease physician for the UNMC tries with Dept. of Health schools and facilities have Biocontainment Unit James Lawler traveled to and Human Services cases of temporarily closed. bring the initial 13 to Omaha. JIM SUTFIN However, as of March “I think it is fair to say it is a pandemic at COVID-19 MPS SUPERINTENDENT 8, MPS superintendent Jim ing infected patients are the ones this point, even though the WHO has not ofSutfin has declared the diswho need to wear masks the most ficially declared it as such,” Lawler said. “In trict to be in the first tier, a green level, mean- to help their sick patients.” terms of what would meet the definition of a As for strengthening the way in which society repandemic by any epidemiologist’s measure, I number of ing school and activity interruptions have yet to sponds to this outbreak, fear and hysteria, which are think we are there.” cured cases occur. However, “if the situation changes, we will sometimes perpetuated by inaccurate sources, must be Furthermore, unlike yearly Influenza occurrences, COVID-19 is an unfamiliar strain globally as move into a second tier. Should it change again, eliminated. “A lot of this fear comes from not looking at reliable of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome of March 9 we will be ready for another tier of response,” Sutfin said. information. There is a lot of speculation out about the (SARS) Coronavirus, making a vaccine in the Even if social distancing measures are im- virus that tends to get mixed up with real information, near future an unlikely possibility. Source: plemented, experts agree that neither mass pan- which can make it confusing,” Rutt said. “When we had the 2009 H1N1 InfluenIn order to effectively manage this epidemic, both za pandemic, we already had all the pieces in World Health ic nor purchasing excessive food or materials is place, and it still took six months,” Lawler said. Organization an appropriate strategy. Hogging supplies can public health measures and personal attitudes must be actually do more harm than good, as it hinders examined. On the off chance that the preparation un“We have to do a lot of that from scratch, so availability for those who need help most. dertaken isn’t utilized, “we can all be happy and pat most experts estimate that it will take us 12-18 “The public does not need to go out and ourselves on the back and say we had good practice for months to get a vaccine into mass production.” By then, the first wave of the epidemic will have buy masks to protect themselves,” Master of Public potentially the next time,” Lawler said. It appears, then, that it is not a matter of if, but a passed, during which Lawler estimates, based on epide- Health student and worker for the Global Center for miology reports, that a third of the world population will Health Security Rachel Rutt said. “Those who are treat- matter of when the next large outbreak will arrive.
D
10.2%
105
DON’T wear a face mask if you are well. Reserve masks for only those who show symptoms of Source: Center for COVID-19 and health workers. Disease Control
DON’T stay in close contact with individuals who are sick. Avoid sharing food and drinks as well.
FOLLOW ALONG
Which sources to follow (and which to avoid) for accurate updates about COVID-19
World Health Organization
eyes, nose, and mouth, especially without washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.
Source: Infectious Disease Physician Dr. James Lawler
UNRELIABLE
RELIABLE
Center for Disease Control
DON’T touch your
Infectious Disease Experts
Since the first Omaha case on March 6, COVID-19 has progressed rapidly in Nebraska.
COVID-19 finds Nebraska, doctors give advice
14
DO stay home when
STUDENT WORKERS Student workers will not be in place at kitchens. To accommodate for reduced staff, lunch menu options will be reduced.
After the initial outbreak in China, COVID-19 has now spread to over 100 countries. Several U.S. states, including Nebraska, have reported cases of COVID-19. Omaha, the location of the nation’s primary biocontainment unit, is no exception to the outbreak. Follow the developments of COVID-19 as of March 9...
64,056
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4 • March 23, 2020
NEWS BRIEFS
A TALE OF TRADES
LOCAL NEWS
SIREEN ABAYAZID Staff Writer
New sensors are placed in the Missouri river to predict spring flooding Nebraska lawmakers advance new bill targeting sexual misconduct by teachers
NATIONAL NEWS
President Trump replaces his acting chief of staff with Republican Rep. Mark Meadows Schools in St. Paul, MN are cancelled due to a citywide teacher strike
Skill-based preparation benefits students pursuing vocational careers
According to Georgetown University Professors Harry Holzer and Robert Lerman, “middle-skill” jobs
make up roughly half of America’s employment. MPS has taken special steps to advance education that enables students to pursue these careers, and MN has implemented a number of methods to create interest in skill-based career fields such as SkillsUSA, Avenue Scholars and the annual Skilled Career Expo. “As part of our MPS Strategic Plan, specifically Result 2.3, Millard Public Schools will expand career and technical education and opportunities to students by increasing partnerships with the education, business, and industry community,” principal Brian Begley said. SkillsUSA is a vocational leadership club that prepares kids for the workforce. Its competitive atmosphere encourages handson experience, with events from Commercial Baking to Welding and Carpentry. “[SkillsUSA] gets them ready for what it’s like outside of school,” Industrial Technology teacher Greg Dunn said. In addition to programs meant to introduce career options, the district also works to provide resources for students already
interested in a particular career path. Avenue Scholars, a new program at MN, is a selective program geared toward students seeking a high skill and high demand profession. Students apply to the program in their sophomore year and begin classroom and hands-on training in skill-based professions during their junior and senior years. During their senior year of high school, Avenue Scholars students can apply for the Horatio Alger scholarship, an $8,000 scholarship awarded to any Avenue Scholar who demonstrates proficiency in their field. “Our mission is to ensure careers for committed students through education training and supportive relationships,” Avenue Scholars teacher Allison Goff said. Goff is responsible for the Student Support facet of the Avenue Scholars program. Along with receiving expert training in the field of their choice, students also receive individual support, group programming, and referrals to community resources to help them meet basic life and social/emotional needs for the present and future. “My goal for the students is for them to be happy, successful and have a career that they enjoy,” Goff said. Every year, Millard North holds a Skilled Career Expo to promote local opportunities for students to enter a trade after high school. The Skilled Career Expo gives students a chance to network in a field they are interested in, and can lead to summer internships. “I think there’s a huge need for employees in the trades areas,” counselor Jillian Depue said. “In the past, it’s been looked down on for a kid to not go to a four-year college, but many of these jobs kids do incredibly well with and can become very successful.”
FOCUS ON THE
FIGURES
4%
higher employment rate for trade careers than students right out of high school
$65K average salary of those in skilled trades
<2
years it takes to finish trade school
QUICK QUIZ
WORLD NEWS
Is trade school right for you?
Germany takes refugees in as the Turkey-Greece refugee crisis worsens
1. Do you want to limit your time in post-secondary school?
New research finds that the Amazon rainforest is at the risk of rapid collapse in the next few years
5. Would you like to be in-class for only part of the week rather than everyday?
2. Do you know what career you want to pusue? 3. Do you want to start working as soon as possible? 4. Is general education not a priority for you?
(Far above): Every year, the Marines come to present information and hold a pull-up competitions. Winners receive a t-shirt. (Above): Iowa Western Community College recruits students for their laser systems diploma. Photographs by Kendall Catron
6. Do you enjoy hands-on learning? 7. Are you self-motivated? CHECK YOUR SCORE: (how many times did you answer “yes”) 6-7 Go to trade school now! 3-5 Maybe trade school would be a good fit? 0-2 Another path is probably better for you
Talking Trade at the Skilled Career Expo:
MNHSONLINE.COM • 5
BOND ISSUE BOTTOM LINE
MPS bond issue joins the ballot in May, what to expect for MN DELANO LOCKHART Staff Writer
to completely renovate Central Middle School and Cody Elementary School, update security systems in the other high schools, and enhance energy efficiency throughout ailed heating systems, rusted exterior walls, out- multiple schools, including MN. “A lot of people don’t realize that things like lighting, dated lighting, safety and security issues are all realities roofing, HVAC [heating, venfacing Millard Public Schools as they entilation, air conditiong], and ter the new decade. If we don’t stay other infrastructure needs to A $125 million bond was proposed to be fixed over the years. Our the Board of Education on Feb. 11, 2019 together as one community district tackles these projects and was authorized unanimously on Jan. and work on maintaining in the summer, so many peo20, 2020. The public will vote on this bond ple don’t know that it’s ocissue during the primary election on May and updating our facilities, curring,” Meisgeier said. “It’s 12, 2020, and projects are set to begin in then we won’t have the essential that if anything, the summer of 2021 and last five years. people are informed about “We’ve had a bond issue really about infrastructure to continue what is going on.” every five to seven years throughout the that great education our Although MN recently history of our school. We’re at the end of received a major renovation our last bond issue and so it’s time to go kids get. JIM SUTFIN to the front entrance, which for another one,” MPS Superintendent was a significant portion of Jim Sutfin said. MPS SUPERINTENDENT the last bond issue, the school The average life of an MPS school is 38 years, with some schools exceeding that age. Central will still receive more renovations from that bond issue Middle School, built in 1960, is the oldest school building beginning this summer. “Millard North received a huge portion of the last in the Millard district. bond issue for that remodel, but what a lot of peoLast winter, Central Middle School was ple don’t know is Millard North is getting a ton of impacted by improper heating due to an outit again this summer. There is a parking lot that is of-date heating system. going to be redone and there are a couple of other “Parts of the building are boiling and projects that are going to be done,” Sutfin said. other parts are freezing, because they can’t MN receives funding from each bond issue. distribute heat evenly anymore. So in DecemThe bond These bonds have improved everything from officber, there are parts of the building where they will cost es to the new vestibule and security. Now, the focus are opening windows to let the heat out and one addi- is on energy efficiency, which will save money for the cool air in,” MPS Chief Financial Officer Chad Meisgeier said. “It is just one example tional cent the school in the long run. The school will receive that these parts of our district’s buildings and higher than new light bulbs to save costs on electricity later. The Board of Education is focused on ensurinfrastructure need our attention.” the current ing that all schools get renovations done that are According to the district, these are important projects that need to be done to en- bond levy. most important for them, and that they are done sure that students can focus on their school This means in a timely manner. “We look at things like how important it is to work. However, when the money is unavailthat a tax able, necessities such as heating are not able of approx- fix [something] right now, and we also look at how long it has been on the list because we’ve been to be fixed, jeopardizing the positive learning imately making people wait a long time. At some point, environment. even if it’s not the highest priority, it needs to be Sutfin explained that there are multiple $20 more done,” Meisgeier said. heating and cooling systems in each school will be The Board of Education believes that this and as they age they begin to fail; When these systems need to be replaced, it costs around taxed on a bond issue impacts everyone at every school and $200,000 that it will be a community effort to pass it. Ulti$400,000 for each system. mately, it is up to the public that will vote on the “We will have to take money, and the home. bond issue in May. only place to take it from is programs, be“This is about Millard North and all of the cause when the air conditioner breaks you [need] to fix it... If the air conditioning goes out at Mil- other Millard Public Schools. Millard North is going to lard North you have to do it, and if you don’t have the get significant money in this bond issue too, but it’s about money to do that you have to find it from other places,” the Millard community,” Sutfin said. “If we don’t stay together as one community and work on maintaining and Sutfin said. Most MPS buildings have felt the effects of old sys- updating our facilities, then we won’t have the infrastructems due to improper funding. The bond will be used ture to continue that great education our kids get.”
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BUDGET BREAKDOWN
The MPS board plans to spend a total of $125 million for brick-and-mortar infrastructure for the next 5-7 years. The following information highlights the budget of the bond.
TIMELINE OF THE BUDGET: Feb. 11, 2019: Initial bond presentation to Board May 13, 2019: 2nd bond presentation to Board Summer/Fall 2019: Engineer/architect review Oct. 14, 2019: 3rd bond presentation to Board Winter 2019: Public survey and project review Jan. 13, 2020: 4th bond presentation to Board Jan. 20, 2020: Board authorizes bond election 6-0
Future dates: May. 12, 2020: Date of public vote (election) Summer 2021: If bond passes, projects begin
WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING:
FAST FACTS
MPS SCHOOLS RECEIVING OVER $750K are shown in blue:
6 • March 23, 2020
‘OUTSOURCED’ TO HARVARD
MN student wins Harvard National Forensics Tournament for the first time in team’s history RYLIE MENDEZ Staff Writer
W
hen they announced his name, the sound was deafening. Hundreds of people stood to clap, and seven MN students roared in support as he walked onto the Sander’s Theater stage. Junior Pranay Mathur laughed in disbelief as he received the first place trophy for his performance in Humorous Interpretation (HI).
Awards and Achievements:
(Top) Mathur performs his HI on the famous Harvard Sanders Theatre stage. (Left) Junior Pranay Mathur and assistant coach Jackson Gzehoviak pose for a picture with Mathur’s first place Harvard tournament award in HI. Photographs contributed by Pranay Mathur
This past President’s Day weekend, over 1000 forensics students from around the country traveled to Cambridge, MA for the prestigious Harvard National Forensics Tournament. Forensics coach Sabrina Denney Bull and assistant coach Jackson Gzehoviak chose eight students to travel and represent MN at the competition. “Pranay really cares about the event. [He] can put up an HI and be wildly successful right away because he has a clear knack for [it], though we didn’t quite understand how successful he would be at Harvard,” Gzehoviak said. Like many other students, Mathur was entered in multiple categories at Harvard. He performed in HI, Duo Interpretation (Duo), and Program of Oral Interpretation (POI). He octo-finaled in POI and Duo, but did the best with his HI, beating over 200 competitors to become the champion. Mathur’s HI, titled “Outsourced”, follows an American man whose business gets outsourced to India. His main character must adjust to his new environment and learn to appreciate the culture of the workers around him. “The fun thing about this HI is how challenging it is. I get to play so many different characters, and each character has to have distinct postures, voices, and personalities. Watching
people do HI is incredible, and performing it fills me with an even bigger thrill,” Mathur said. Normally, a competition has three rounds before their finals, but the Harvard tournament was more rigorous, putting the best students through six elimination rounds before they could make it to semi-finals. “I think the nerve-wracking thing is you don’t want to embarrass yourself if you forget something. I don’t think I was really scared until I got on stage, but after I was done I felt like I did a good job, and wherever I placed I’d be happy with it,” Mathur said. After being in HI for a few years, Mathur chose his own ways to incorporate characterization and blocking this year. He didn’t know if his work would earn him a place in the top three, but his teammates never doubted him. “After he went we were all really confident in his performance. I didn’t know if he’d win, but I knew he’d place high,” junior teammate Sree Koli said. The forensics team has three more competitions before their season ends, and the best will get to compete in nationals in Texas. Pranay is predicted to place in HI at the national competition. “I think the cool thing about speech is you get to share a story that you’re passionate about and there are people that come up to you after you’re done and compliment you. That’s something you take with a lot of happiness—to inspire someone like that is amazing,” Mathur said.
UNO’S SIGNAT URE OPEN HOUSE E V EN T
JUNIOR BE A MAV DAY APRIL
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OPINIONS • 7
DRESSED TO THE NINES, TARDIES UNDER TEN Misunderstanding of Good Standing policy increases student stress HOOFBEAT STAFF EDITORIAL
W
ith dresses on display in stores and invitations already sent out, prom is approaching. On April 4, juniors and seniors will be done up and dancing at Baxter Arena. But with the new Good Standing policy this year, some upperclassmen won’t be attending. The policy was created during the summer of 2019 in a meeting with principals from the metro area. After hearing of the idea from another school district, MN administration decided to adopt a new policy. “MPS [and] MNHS needed an incentive to get more students to attend school more regularly and arrive on time to class more consistently,” head principal Brian Begley said. Though the awareness of this new policy has been widespread throughout the building, the implementation and understanding of it has been confusing for students. The requirements seem simple but can be hard to fulfill. To be in good standing, students must be passing four classes, absent less than 10% of the school days, and have fewer than 10 tardies. Passing four classes is fair, as it’s already the requirement to play any sport or participate in other extracurriculars at MN. As these and Prom are privileges, the at-
tendance policy is understandable. Keeping a low tardy count can be hard to achieve though, due to the size of the school and other matters that are simply beyond a student’s control. The third limitation, the class attendance requirement, is actually much simpler than how it’s presented. The only two types of absences that count against a student are truant and unexcused absences. “An unexcused absence is an absence that a parent calls in but that doesn’t meet one of the requirements for an excused absence as defined by district policy,” assistant principal Aaron Bearinger said. With school activities not counted against them, teams like cheer and dance, who missed school for state and nationals, can still attend prom, as long as they meet the other requirements. Without the knowledge of the specific guidelines, stress runs rampant in those who have missed lots of school or can’t get to class on time. While having a policy is fair, some of the specific requirements are not. Being tardy ten times may seem excessive to administration, but it is easier to reach than one would think. Just because a student is running late doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be able to go to a school dance. There might be valid reasons to be tardy, but the reason behind it doesn’t matter to the policy.
STUDENT SPEAK
Heavy traffic can delay a student’s arrival to first hour, and busy MN halls create a struggle to get to class on time, especially if a student is walking from one side of the building to the other. This doesn’t mean they aren’t keeping up with their school work and being responsible in their studies. “As a girl, I don’t have enough time to use the bathroom and make it across the school in the short passing periods,” sophomore Rachel Herman said. Along with the vague implementation, students don’t know of their standing until they go to buy a ticket. “At the time of Prom ticket sales, I run a report and determine who is on the list. When a student goes to buy a prom ticket, they will not be allowed to pay for a ticket if their name is on the list. A student can appeal to the grade-level administrator if they think something is not right,” Bearinger said. Even though absences and tardies reset during semester break, the limitations on attendance can hurt a student’s ability to participate in school dances. Administration is on track with their attendance incentive, but there are still some issues for students with the implementation and requirements. With a new year around the corner, hopefully the remaining issues can be resolved and students can finally feel at ease with this new approach.
EDITORIAL CARTOON
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE REQUIREMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW GOOD STANDING POLICY?
NATALIE SIAHPUSH GRADE 11
ASHLEY FISHER GRADE 12
Sometimes, people miss school due to circumstances out of their control. These shouldn’t be the reason you miss an event that only happens a few times. I think it’s unfair to take away something that everyone should experience. Also, there’s been a lack of information, so many students don’t even know this policy is in place.
TOMMY HOOK GRADE 11
MELVIN MARTINEZ-FUENTES GRADE 12
I don’t think it’s fair for kids, but it’s fifty-fifty because you have to try in school. Still, there are cases when someone is trying hard and can’t meet the requirements. Certain requirements like passing four classes and being there ten percent of the time are alright, but the ten tardies isn’t if you’re only two to five minutes late.
By: Audra Trifillis
8 • March 23, 2020
WHAT THE DREAM MEANS TO ME
How the American Dream has evolved from my grandfather’s generation to mine
F
ISA’S INSIGHT
rom a young age, whether it be in school or through the words of our parents, the idea of the American dream becomes embedded in our perception of our country. For me, I was raised with the stories of my Cuban laboring ISA LUZARRAGA grandfather on his Havana sugar Lifestyle Editor cane farm, enriched with the Spanish culture of his parents. When my dad told me my grandfather escaped Cuba to avoid being controlled by its communist government, I always imagined fantastical images of him racing past the cigar factories and colorful automobiles, jumping on a sailboat to Florida, and just narrowly missing Fidel Castro’s soldiers in pursuit. It is only now, eight years later after I heard his story and three years after my grandfather’s death, that I feel I can truly recognize his sacrifice, bravery, and passion to immigrate to this country in search of his American dream. Unfortunately, I can never be certain if he truly found a home—a place of refuge in America. Many immigrants are still struggling to prosper in our country today, and my grandfather’s journey has shaped how I view the present existence of the dream in our country. According to the Pew Research Center, the for-
Loving Your Lineage: Left: After Castro overthrew the Batista-led Cuban government, Nora Luzarraga (right) found refuge in the U.S. Ramon Luzarraga (left), Nora’s husband, remained in Cuba to run sugar mills, reuniting with his wife after being forced from the country for owning private property. Right: Maria Arrieta and her family immigrated from Colombia two years ago. Arrieta believes the American Dream to be the education and future, the U.S. can provide her children. Photographs contributed by Isa Luzarraga and Maria Arrieta
“
eign-born population residing in the U.S. has increased country, I find the hope and faith they have truly amazing. Admittedly, I sometimes find by over 34 million individuals in the myself ashamed of America’s past 50 years. As more immigrants [The American actions. I get angry at the miscalare entering America, it is crucial to culations, the unpunished crimes, create and maintain spaces of equal- Dream] is different for the inherent biases. ity and open-mindedness throughout everyone. When I was in But I want to see my country our country, so our hate does not preColombia, and I would through my grandfather’s eyes: a vent others from prospering. place of opportunity and hope. Two years ago, sophomore Ma- imagine America, I would Despite the seven long years it ria Arrieta immigrated from Colombia with her family for a better life in think of movies. Colombia took him to become a citizen and all of the setbacks that came with is my place, but I want the U.S. it, he was still proud and honored “Many people there [in Colom- to have a nice future and to be an American. bia] wanted to go here. If you asked While my grandfather is them right now, they would move raise my kids here. gone, I know there are millions here. In Colombia, when I was there, others like him, searching for there was a problem with peace and MARIA ARRIETA ofa place to belong. I only hope that war. You could be sitting on a bus, SOPHOMORE my generation can be the ones and groups of people come on and to begin the cleansing of our nastart fighting. It was pretty good that tion’s current aberrations. Because when we begin healwe moved here,” Arrieta said. Arrieta’s experience in America has shaped her per- ing, that’s when we can finally resume dreaming. So maybe that’s the real American dream: hope for sonal dreams for the future. “[The American Dream] is different for everyone. the future. When I was in Colombia, and I would imagine myself in America, I would think of movies,” Arrieta said. “I don’t want to leave. There’s such a good education here, so I feel like it’s better here. Colombia is my place, but I want to have a nice future and raise my kids here,” Arrieta said. Seeing as how Maria, my grandfather, and many other Hispanic immigrants have fought through social obstacles and policy to be finally established here in this
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IN-DEPTH • 9
RUTH SOKOLOF THEATER RUTH SOKOLOF THEATER FILM STREAMS
Oliver Sacks: His Own Life Never Rarely Sometimes Always
HOTSHOPS
LOCATING LOCAL ART D U N D E E
March 26 SPIDERMAN
THEATER FILM STREAMS
Theaters and galleries offer local artists’ creations
OMAHA MARKET PASSAGEWAY
March 28 PUSHOUT
TRINI’S
THE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
DUNDEE THEATER
10 • March 23, 2020
Can’t decide which fresh film is the perfect fit for your Friday night? Let this interactive quiz pick for you.
Marketing Old Market Art:
START How are looking to feel after watching this film? FIERCELY INSPIRED
ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT
Do you want to look into the past or the future?
MNHSONLINE.COM • 11
A FITTING FILM GRABBING FOR A BOX OF TISSUES
Who do you want to see on the screen?
Are you interested in a true story?
GIVE ME FUTURISTIC TECH
GIVE ME VINTAGE
STRONG FEMALE FIGURES FACT
To Live and Die in L.A.
Oliver Sacks:
Spiderman:
The Roads Not Taken
March 27 at Dundee Theater; NR
March 24 at Ruth Sokolof Theater; NR
March 26 at Dundee Theater; PG
Starts March 27 at both theaters; R
His Own Life
Into the Spider-verse
ENTHRALLING ACTION CHARACTERS
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Pushout: The
April 3-16 at both theaters; PG-13
March 28 at Dundee Theater; NR
Left: The Old Market Gallery features locally-made art centered around Nebraska. Bottom: The Old Market Passageway includes local art shops and restaruants lined with flora and fairy lights. Photographs by Shruti Chada
Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools
FICTION
PHENOMENAL FILM
Omaha’s independent film scene embraces the unique aspects films have to offer parts of the world. Moreover, we’re living in Omaha, not ANJALI PULLABHOTLA a large metropolitan area like NYC or LA where there’s a Opinions Editor half a dozen or so of these venues. It’s important to take xplosions, car chases, and James Cameron’s blue advantage of this opportunity,” Robinson said. aliens (or aliens, in general). These elements, perfected The organization has attempted to make its two venwith special effects, are the basic recipe for every typi- ues, the Ruth Sokolof Theater and the Dundee Theater, cal blockbuster hit, from Avengers: Endgame to Avatar. accessible through extensive community development. However, some, believe that these Offering year-round educational films are not all that the industry has opportunities to adults and students, to offer. along with a repository selection that I’m so proud of Film Streams, the only non-profit celebrates the history and cultural arthouse theater in Omaha, aims to the organization that I spectrum of film as art, the organizaenhance the local cultural environ- work for, the community tion strives to target the entire Omament through the promotion, presenha community. tation and discussion of film as an art building we strive for, “I’m so proud of the organizaform. tion that I work for, the community and the really magical “Most films shown at multiplex- and powerful experienc- building we strive for, and the reales have to appeal to a more general ly magical and powerful experiencpopulation. They may not like mov- es around film that hapes around film that happen all the ies that are more refined or for more pen all the time. time,” Film Streams Community Ensentimental value,” Film Streams volgagement Manager Angie Balsarani unteer Jay Robinson said. said. Showing New American indeHowever, the organization seeks ANGIE BALSARANI to not pendents, documentaries, and interonly influence the popular COMMUNITY MANAGER view of film, but also act as a catanational films making their theatrical premieres in the Omaha area and lyst for important conversation sursurrounding regions, the organization hopes to provide rounding those films, collaborating with non-profits to experiences and opportunities that no one else can. screen documentaries. “The movies shown at Film Streams are often for“There are a lot of things I don’t know much about. eign and subtitled, so you see how people live in different And I love documentaries, so it’s really good for me to
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get a different perspective. I don’t want to go out and that Nebraska is full of creative people who are not cohave my bias confirmed all over the place. Even if I don’t ordinating with each other and are not organized about agree with what other people are saying, I want more promoting each other’s works. I, along with Ben Matukeinformation to inform my decisions and beliefs,” Rob- wicz, thought it’d be worthwhile to create a company inson said. that would help provide [branding] opportunities for the Theaters like Film Streams have further provid- creative people in Nebraska,” Knoblauch said. ed an outlet for local artists. With a ‘Student Spotlight’ Aksarben Creative has worked on a variety of projfor talented local student artists and the annual Local ects, organizing venues and marketing for local creators Filmmakers Showcase for more seasoned artists, Film involved in film, as well as the podcast, culinary, and muStreams has a variety of promotional sic industries. For Knoblauch, opportunities. grassroots companies are at the heart Last year, the theaters held nine of the community, at the heart of colopening weekend screenings complelaboration. mented by introductions from local “It’s hard to get started in the local In 2019, Film Streams activists and experts, ten screenings showed 21 films with help arts scene because everybody seems inwith the filmmakers and special guest sular and cliquey. I think the main goal from 60 partners over artists in attendance, and 21 screen[of Aksarben Creative] is to humanize ings with either panel discussions or issues such as gender and and encourage an understanding of special introductions. each other,” Knoblauch said. religion, women in film“Whenever I sit in our theaters Despite the quaint nature of the making, displaced culto watch a film and our Film Streams Dundee Theater or the Aksarben Cretures, and science. bumper comes on, I get really emoative headquarters, support from an tional because I get to be a part of audience, of peers during free student this amazing team,” Balsarani said. night and other creators, is vital. Still, it can be difficult for local artists to express their “I enjoy working on live events and film festivals becreativity in the public eye without the tools to develop cause it’s a hub of creative people all stuck in the same it, leading to the creation of businesses such as Aksarben room together. They don’t have to mingle, but they can Creative, headed by Film Director and English teacher at least see that nobody there is a scary monster,” KnoTom Knoblauch. blauch said. “Usually they’re just shy. So, if anybody “I’d found, after making my first couple of movies, reading this is interested in making art, go for it.”
FAST FACTS
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A CATH-ART-IC EXPERIENCE
Decades-old passageway still provides special art experience
showcase local artists, stores, and restaurants. The passageway has a rich history that began with it starting as an alley three decades ago and now being the home of an alking into the passageway is like looking into an aes- Omaha entertainment hotspot. It is composed of three thetic pinterest board. The twinkling fairy lights, plants different levels: the basement level, floor level, and eledraped all along the railings, and skylight all contribute vated level. to the image. Art galleries and small local restaurants are “The Passageway is an important part of Omaha prevalent in the Old Market Passageway, and the music that provides a place for the arts and local shops to thrive. from street musicians outside Plus, it’s all clustered together which makes for a fun makes it a perfect example night out without having to move around a lot. There’s of the beauty that Omaha a small adventure in it for me with the entrances leading offers. to a place that looks like a snippet out of history, and it “I really enjoy [the Old makes me feel like I’m in a fantasy novel,” Old Market Market Passageway] be- Gallery employee Nina Patterson said. cause it’s a great place to go Going down there is an experience in itself with the to people watch and look at underground and aboveground areas acting in tandem to artwork. I actually have an create a place that is connected to several different shops. interest in jewelry myself so Inside are shops that showcase different cultures. One the selection of homemade example is Monksha, which offers Asian style clothing. jewelry is fun to look at. The “Personally, the different shops like Monksha and the food there is great and there’s bookstore down there stand out the most. I enjoy browsalways something new to dis- ing through the selections of books because you never cover. Taking pictures there is know what you’ll find. It’s like a little magical library,” always fun too,” sophomore sophomore Audrey Cherek said. Kristine Roberts said. The art galleries in the Passageway provide an imThe Old Market Pas- portant place for artists to sell their craft too. Next to sageway is home to several many of the displays at the Passageway Gallery are busidifferent art galleries that ness cards that allow artists to be commissioned. This provides an important resource for those artists hoping to get recog‘DEBUT’ ARTIST nized. ‘The “I shot it on a Debut’ “Working at the Old Market Canon 5D in Gallery has made me realize the imblack and white portance of the art galleries down and put several filhere. It’s great to be a part of that ters of film grain process and watch people be awed over the images to about the different pieces of art that make it look like are displayed here,” Patterson said. beat up 16mm The restaurants that have found By Tom film. While I a home there are also full of culture. Knoblauch Vini’s, V. Mertz, and Omaha Prime was there [at the Lincoln Short Film Steakhouse all offer unique cuisine and an amazing view of dangling Festival], multiple plants mixed with slightly archaic people asked me architecture. They include a great if I shot it on film. variety of food that spans several difThe fact that the ferent countries, like steak, authentic digital effects tacos, and a spread of French food. Premiered at and filming Lincoln Short Omaha is full of diversity, and this style tricked anyFilm Festival group of restaurants displays that. body into thinking Together with the different art it wasn’t shot on galleries and shops, the Old Market Passageway is a hotspot for people a consumer camin search of a relaxation-filled night. era felt like a big Omaha is known primarily for its victory. Maybe I zoo, but certain spots like the Old should’ve let them 12 Market Passageway show a new side believe it.” Minutes of Omaha filled with local beauty.
SHRUTI CHADA Staff Writer
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12 • March 23, 2020
HANDMADE MASTERPIECES The Hot Shops Art Center offers classes in a variety of art media, all taught by Hot Shops artists themselves. Check out the following to discover a new favorite hobby.
GLASS BLOWING
Explore the art of glassblowing and learn to shape creations through inflating molten glass
DRAWING FROM LIFE
RELENTLESS
The Hot Shops Art Center is currently displaying artwork from residents of Quality Life Inc., a nationally-recognized organization that works to empower, provide rehabilitation for, and maintain the dignity of individuals who have suffered brain or spinal cord injuries. The individuals’ creations reveal their perspective and illustrate their strength from living with disabilities through a variety of art media. See RELENTLESS: The art of QLI in The Nicholas Street Gallery through March 28.
BRUSHING ON STRENGTH
The Power of a Loaded Brush
When one cannot walk, one can run with a loaded brush. When one can only whisper, one can shout with a loaded brush. When one is confused, one can make sense with a loaded brush. When one cannot see, one’s vision becomes clearer with a loaded brush. When one can barely bend, one can dance with a loaded brush. When one is silenced, one can sing with a loaded brush. When one is angry, one can scream with a loaded brush. When one cannot write, one can dictate with a loaded brush. When one cannot cry, one can weep with a loaded brush. When one is happy, one can laugh with a loaded brush. When one is trapped, one can be freed with a loaded brush. “May I load that brush for you?” *From the RELENTLESS gallery -dar-
E H T
Practice your drawing skills in a studio with live models that rotate between two, ten, 25, and 40 minute poses
O PS H S T HO
OPINIONS • 13
ORGANIZED ANARCHY
THE HOOFBEAT
Far-left organization Antifa is antithesis of peaceful protesting
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ExZACHsperations
magine walking through the streets of any major city and seeing a crowd of people blocking the road, shouting, and assaulting others. The protestors are wearing black from head to toe with bandannas and sunglasses—all ZACH CUTLER while wielding a plethora of weapStaff Writer ons, from baseball bats to metal clubs. This is Antifa. Antifa is a far-left, anti-fascist, anti-racist, anti-hate group that protests against fascism and individuals they believe are “Neo Nazis”. Antifa’s original cause of opposing fascism was respectable, especially in Germany when the Nazi regime was gaining power, but they have since become a hateful group who pushes their political agenda by using violence and scare tactics. It is time to label them for what they are: a domestic terrorist group. Antifa checks all the boxes for being defined as a terrorist organization. In fact, the FBI defines domestic terrorism as “Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature.” Antifa first gained ground and attention early in August 2017 in the Charlottesville protests over the removal of the Gen. Robert E. Lee statue, in which members of Antifa condemned far-right-wing protesters while verbally and physically assaulting them and police. However, since then, the primarily liberal media has failed to cover their rallies and criminal activity exten-
ASKING ABOUT ANTIFA Originally, the group rose in response to the fascist Nazi Germany. Antifa members have been spotted at various high-profile, right-wing events, including Trump’s inaugauration. Antifa has caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Source: BBC, CNN, and NPR
sively, leading to misconceptions and misunderstanding among citizens that the group is positive and peaceful in its actions. In reality, Antifa is nothing more than a hateful group that “protests” by vandalizing property, harassing, and physically assaulting anyone who doesn’t agree with their political ideology. For example, last summer, conservative journalist Andy Ngo was brutally attacked by Antifa members for merely covering an Antifa protest in Portland, Oregon. Protesters threw milkshakes on him as he was repeatedly punched in the head. Videos of the attack quickly flooded twitter. “I hope Andy Ngo is okay. Journalists should be safe to report on a protest without being targeted,” former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang tweeted. Last July, Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Bill Cassidy introduced a resolution to label Antifa as a domestic terror organization. “Antifa is a group of hateful, intolerant radicals who pursue their unhinged agenda through aggressive violence. The hate and violence they spread must be stopped, and I am proud to introduce this resolution with Sen. Cassidy to properly identify what Antifa are: domestic terrorists,” Cruz said in a press release. Cassidy claims Antifa has turned into the very thing they hate. “Antifa are terrorists, violent masked bullies who ‘fight fascism’ with actual fascism, protected by Liberal privilege. Elected officials must have courage, not cowardice, to prevent terror,” Cassidy said. Considering there have been talks of classifying farright white groups, like the Proud Boys, to be domestic terrorists, it is time to do the same with the far left. Regardless of where individuals lie on the political spectrum, it’s time to call it like it is and consider Antifa a domestic terrorist organization. No one is above the law in our country, and Antifa is no exception.
Unmasking Antifa: Left: Antifa members often wear black hoods and masks in order to protect their identity. Groups seek to dismantle forces of authority., including police. Photograph by Dakin Andone
The Hoofbeat staff will publish eight issues of the paper at Millard North High School (1010 South 144th Street, Omaha, NE). Type is set with the use of Macintosh and HP computers. Printing is done by White Wolf Printing, Sheldon IA. The Hoofbeat is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association and JEA. The Hoofbeat exists for the express purpose of student information and learning. Advertising: Advertising will be sold at $7 per column inch or by special quarter, half, or full page rates. Information can be obtained by calling 402-715-1404. Responding to the Hoofbeat: Letters to the editor for the April 20 issue will be accepted no later than April 1 and may be submitted to Room 1105 or sent to sacrotzer@mpsomaha.org. Names will be published. Letters must not contain attacks against an individual and may be edited for clarity.
THE STAFF Co-Editors-in-Chief Molly Murch Lucy Tu Front Editor Lucy Tu News Editor Lahari Ramini Opinions Editor Anjali Pullabhotla In-Depth Editor Molly Murch Lifestyle Editor Isa Luzarraga Sports Editor Lily Taylor Online Editor Sireen Abayazid Social Media Editor Gracie Schweers Adviser Sarah Crotzer Principal Brian Begley
Cartoonist Audra Trifillis Photographer Kendall Catron Staff Writers Sireen Abayazid Shruti Chada Zach Cutler Nate Hollenbeck Samuel Hoops Delano Lockhart Isa Luzarraga Morgan McCormack Rylie Mendez Molly Murch Bridget Neville Anna Pipinos Anjali Pullabhotla Lahari Ramini Gracie Schweers Lily Taylor Lucy Tu Felicia Xiong
Submit story tips to @mnhshoofbeat or mnhsonline.com
14 • March 23, 2020
#METOO: THE FORGOTTEN VICTIMS Women assaulting men, it’s more common than you think
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Morgan’s Memories
hen one thinks of sexual abuse, the typical image that comes to mind is a man overpowering a woman, but in reality, women are the perpetrators of these assaults more often than one thinks. Federal agency data from 2017 show MORGAN MCCORMACK that 2.2% of all sexual assault cases inStaff Writer volve female perpetrators, and 79.2% of male victims report that a woman was their assaulter. While that may be true of reported sex crimes, according to a 2016 study of violent crimes by the national Bureau Justice Department, nearly 80% of all sex crimes go unreported. With this underreporting of sexual abuse in mind, the number of female perpetrators of sexual assault is unknown but is thought to be quite a bit higher than official statistics make it out to be. Additionally, the Center for Disease Control released statistics in 2011 saying that men are almost equally as likely to experience sexual violence as women. Just because the idea of male victims being overlooked is being brought to light, it does not mean that there isn’t any. It doesn’t mean that women’s sexual assault cases are unimportant or that they should be made unimportant. It means that all sexual assault cases are important— men and women’s. The struggles of men and women are “a lot closer than any of us would expect,” Director of the University
of California, Los Angeles’ Health and Human Rights Law Project Lara Stemple published in her 2017 article ‘Sexual Victimization perpetrated by women: Federal data reveal surprising prevalence.” The struggles are so close, but most people do not view them with the same severity. Both the struggles of men and women are equally important and should be viewed that way. There are many reasons that these crimes go unreported, but for men specifically, the rates of unreported sexual assault are higher than that of women. According to a University study, possible reasons for this includes the social constructions of masculinity which could cause men to not speak up specifically when the perpetrators are female. These biases based on the gender of both the perpetrator and the victim are most prevalent when examining cases of teachers assaulting students. When comparing the headlines of articles reporting on the sexual assault of a male student by a female teacher and of articles reporting on the assault of a female student by a male teacher, there are glaring differences in how the cases are presented. Take these real headlines that involve a female perpetrator: “Darlington County teacher charged with having sex with a student” from Jan. 13 from the Hartsville Messenger. Another headline is: “Former North Iowa teacher gets probation for sex with a student,” from Jan. 14 from KMIT3 News. The phrasing in the statement “for sex” rather than for sexual assault or rape is not uncommon with female perpetrators. Another headline from ABC6 on Nov. 13, 2019 states “Former Delaware County teacher indicted for having sex with 13-year-old student.” Again, the offender in this situation is a woman. These headlines all exemplify a casual downplaying
of sexual assault when it is at the hands of a female perpetrator. News headlines are not the only evidence of the bias toward female sexual assault perpetrators. The common image of sexual assault being a man assaulting a woman is evidence that the thought of a female assaulter is rarely discussed. “Contemporary depictions of sexual victimization reinforce the stereotypical sexual victimization paradigm, compromising male perpetrators and female victims. As we demonstrate, the reality concerning sexual victimization and gender is more complex,” an article by the American Journal of Public Health stated. Stereotypes about women “include the notion that women are nurturing, submissive helpmates to men,” authors of the ‘Sexual Victimization Perpetrated by Women: Federal Data Reveal Surprising Prevalence’ published. There is also a bias seen for the victims. When a man gets assaulted by a woman, the reactions are often recognition of the trauma being imposed by sexual assault than when a woman is assaulted. The legal definition of rape was “the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will” until 2013, when it was changed to include both genders. The fact that men were written to be included in the definition shows that male victims are often an afterthought in the conversation about sexual assault. Fortunately, this issue has been gaining more attention due to various news sources and researchers. Authors of the ‘Sexual Victimization Perpetrated by Women: Federal Data Reveal Surprising Prevalence’ claim that in a perfect world, or at least in a better one, reactions to sexual victimization would be equal for “all victims and perpetrators, regardless of sex.” And I wholeheartedly agree.
STRIKING STATISTICS
BREAKING DOWN THE STATISTICS RELATED TO SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE UNITED STATES
63% EVERY 73 SECONDS, AN AMERICAN IS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
AT LEAST 1 IN 6 MEN HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED OR ABUSED
Source: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
APPROXIMATELY 63% OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS GO UNREPORTED; RAPE IS THE MOST UNDERREPORTED CRIME
RESOURCES: NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) SUPPORT FOR MALE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE: MALESURVIVOR.ORG NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LINE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
LIFESTYLE • 15
LOVE LETTERS TO ILLUMINATION All-female show choir group ends season undefeated LAHARI RAMINI News Editor
has been incredible, whether we were performing at 8:00 in the morning or 8:00 at night. Because of the dedication to oice warm-ups? Check. Starexcellence from evbucks medicine ball tea? Douery single member, ble-check. Perfect hair and makewe’ve been able to up? Triple-check. accomplish this.” Prior to any show choir Fritton attriperformance, sophomore Jorbutes this success dan Jelkin kneels backstage and this season to several links hands with her fellow perfactors, particularly formers for a quick prayer after their current theme: her mental triple-check. A few “Dear Juliet”. In minutes later, she joins the rest the past, the songs of MN’s all-female show choir have all connected group, Illumination, for anothto a broad theme. er show-stopping performance. However, “Dear Illumination has had an Juliet” has more to undefeated show choir season. Love, Juliet: offer. The program They’ve placed first in the wom- Sophomore lead, Jordan Jelkin, and the other features the love en’s division at the past six comstory of Romeo petitions they have participated in. Illumination girls perform their show represent- and Juliet through The last time Illumination has had ing Juliet’s side in the classic Romeo and Juliet. the songs “Cuckoo a similar reigning record was in Illumination ended their season undefeated with Song”, “Crazy in 2017 when they won every com- their last competition win on Mar. 7th. Love”, “Lovefool”, petition in the women’s division, Photographs contributed by Ava Rhode “Somewhere Only except for one second place. We Know”, and “I’m very proud of Illuminalastly, “In the Name tion’s consistency in performances this season,” Illumina- of Love”. The other leaders of the group agree. tion director Elizabeth Fritton said. “Every performance “Out of the themes of the last four years, I think
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this year’s theme has been the best. I feel like each song has an emotion that connects, but it’s still all part of one show. It’s more emotional and deep-seated,” senior and Illumination team captain Kinsey McCord said. Jelkin plays the lead as Juliet. The role is demanding, requiring extra practices and solos. “At first, I definitely thought it was stressful. I was scared people were going to be like ‘oh she’s probably cocky since she’s the lead’, but this hasn’t been the case. Illumination has been so supportive,” Jelkin said. “I love being the lead. It’s not as stressful as it first looked. I hope to become a bigger leader in the future.” The leaders of the group were sad yet thrilled to see their undefeated seasons come to an end, as they’ve put countless hours perfecting choreography, harmonizing cohesively, and truly connecting with the music. “We’ve had great leaders this year. Jordan has done an amazing job this year as Juliet. She has taken feedback from many different judges and keeps growing as a performer,” Fritton said. “Our dance captains really worked to get the choreography down early on and our team captains do a very good job showing support.” Through their countless practices, medicine ball teas, and bonding sessions, Illumination has seen great success this year, and they hope to continue that for years to come. “This group has really great chemistry, and that attributes to our success as a group,” Fritton said. “I can only hope to have a group as amazing as this for years to come.”
PREPPED FOR PERFORMANCE
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Getting ready for competitions with the show choir girls from Illumination
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We wake up, usually early in the morning, and we either do part of our hair or makeup at home depending on what time we perform during the day.
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We then drive to school and get on the bus to go to the compeition, and we just chat with friends until we get to the school.
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When we arrive to the competition, we go to our home rooms, which is where we put our stuff for the day and get ready.
We get ready in the homeroom, finish hair and make up, put on our costumes, and then go warm-up before our perforPhotos and quotes contributed by Ava Rhode
16 • Sept. 16, 2019
‘SORROW BEFORE JOY’
Student with Tourette Syndrome becomes national ambassador and visits D.C.
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Burd’s personal journey inspired her to inform others. In the fall of 2019, Burd applied for the Youth Ambassador program of the Tourette Association of America, an initiative that trains teens to advocate for TS and promote tolerance within their communities. “It’s a bunch of people getting together to complete one mission: to tell others about Tourette Syndrome, to let them know what it is,” Burd said. For National Advocacy Day on March 4, Burd and her mother traveled to D.C. to speak with state representatives about legislation for TS research and medical care, including a bill that would allocate $2 million in funding for TS within the Center for Disease Control. Yet, the pair maintain that their mission ultimately resides in connecting directly with other families. Burd has a pen pal, an 11-year-old girl in Toronto recently diagnosed with TS, and Smith regularly speaks with the girl’s mother—all four finding support in their shared experiences. “You have to have sorrow before you see joy, and I truly believe that our mission now is to help other families realize they’re not alone,” Smith said. While Burd continues to navigate through her TS, she uses her experiences to share a message with others. For those who are curious: don’t point fingers. Don’t whisper. Calmly ask. For those with TS who haven’t found their community: remember it will get better. Remember there will be true friends who accept you. Remember her family has an open door policy and ‘you can stop by her house anytime’, she adds while laughing. “It’s part of who I am. It’s part of my family,” Burd said. “Going through all that, I want others to know that you will find people who accept you—I did.”
QUICK QUIZ
HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT TOURETTE’S? 1. Is Tourette Syndrome catgorized as? A) a mental illness B) a psychiatric disorder C) a movement disorder 2. What is a co-occurring condition sometimes associated with Tourette’s? A) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder B) Body Dysmorphic Disorder C) Borderline Personality Disorder 3. Why can’t individuals with Tourette’s control their movements and sounds? A) They can control them if they really want to. B) Tics are a result of altered brain structure and are involuntary. C) A person’s tics are most times defined as behavioral issues.
Answers: 1. C 2. A 3. C
say when others ask, “What’s wrong with your sister?”, Mara immediately replies, “She can’t help it.” Mara remembers spending many nights at family friends’ homes while Burd was in the hospital with her parents. orty-eight hours before hospitalization, freshman She also vividly recalls never being afraid, knowing that Natalie Burd was watching a softball game, casually stretching her legs out in the stands after competing just her sister’s doctors would “take good care of her”. Despite her supportive family, Burd notes that a minutes before. lack of knowledge about TS and The afternoon was punctuatits symptoms have shaped her ed with clear blue skies, the rare and many others’ experiences. kind of perfect April weather in In particular, Burd recalls an Nebraska. While Burd watched instance in which her sniffing tic the players on the softball diaresulted in her being approached mond, she felt a sensation in her by a mall security guard and told body, comparable to a vaguely to leave a store because he aspainful sneeze. The subsequent sumed she was on drugs. In addiuncontrolled jerk of her head tion to tackling the difficulties of caught her mother’s attention, her diagnosis, Burd faced other as did the continued head shakes obstacles in her community. that followed. In the morning, the “In eighth grade, there was head shakes seemed to fade. Yet Speaking out, Standing up: a group of people who would tell days later, Burd was hospitalized me: ‘Stop doing that. It’s not a and later diagnosed with Tourette Natalie stands with her fellow ambassadors at the conference in Washington real thing,’” Burd said. “People Syndrome. D.C. The teal in the individuals’ appar- don’t know ‘hey, that’s Tourette Tourette Syndrome (TS) a Syndrome.’ They won’t know to neurodevelopmental disorder char- rel represents the National Tourette’s feel empathy. They’ll say that you Association official color. Photographs acterized by ‘tics’—involuntary, have bad behavior or it’s just bad repetitive movements or sounds. contributed by Natalie Burd parenting.” Approximately 1 in 160 children According to the Tourette ages 5 to 17 have some form of Association of America, 63% of families with children TS. However, more than 50% of individuals are never with TS feel they have been discriminated against in diagnosed. school. This discrimination due to perceived behaviorThis discrepancy between the rate of incidence al issues—coupled with TS’ impact on the ability to and diagnosis is largely due to TS’ wide spectrum of maintain concentration—can heavily affect a learning symptoms that present uniquely in each individual. environment. To combat this, Burd’s family works with Burd’s symptoms began when she was in eighth grade MN teachers and counselors to formulate an individualin the form of an involuntary arm movement that ized plan. Burd also finds comfort in her school actividoctors originally mistook for a softball injury. After ties, like marching band. experiencing increasingly severe symptoms, Burd was “Did she tell you she doesn’t tic when she plays?” hospitalized. Smith says, beaming. As a self-proclaimed “band “It spiraled out of control from there. I looked like an acrobat doing it. My feet would touch my head, and mom”, Smith remarks that her White Ford Explorer has transported a number of MN band students and that I’d get stuck for an hour or two,” Burd said. “Then, she loves watching Burd interact with her bandmates. I’d look like I was having a seizure. My eyes would roll The baritone, trombone, and bass guitar cases propped back; my head would shake, but it was just one of my up next to Burd’s living room couch are evidence of tics.” her love of music. They also represent a key aspect of Burd’s mother, Alesha Smith, details the days after Burd’s condition. her daughter’s sudden diagnosis, when her involuntary There is no standard treatment for TS, and specific movements developed into vocal tics, beginning with medications are only effective for certain individuals nonsense words like “bumblebee” and “polyester”, besome of the time. These challenges have led some to fore evolving into swear words—a symptom known as seek music as a means of therapy. For Burd, her involvecoprolalia that only 10% of those with TS experience. ment in music was also a path that led her to a new, Burd, who was studying World War II in history class at the time, also frequently repeated suggestive phrases, welcoming community. “I was scared to come to high school. Then I found like “Hitler is dead” and “Hitler is in a gang”. A year after the diagnosis, Smith encourages others this group I just clicked with in band, and it meant a lot. to understand TS, starting within her own family. When The people here, they didn’t question it. They told me, ‘you’re one of us,’” Burd said. Smith asks her six-year-old daughter, Mara, what to
LUCY TU Co-Editor In Chief
Source: Tourette’s Association of America
MNHSONLINE.COM • 17
HUNGERING FOR THE BLOCK
MENU SNAPSHOT Highlighting the plates and dishes that reign supreme
Restaurant has new spin on Latin American cuisine ANNA PIPINOS Staff Writer
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aking a bite out of a warm, crispy french fry, I marvelled at the taste, and with the perfect, cold sip of a vanilla milkshake to wash it down, goosebumps made their way up and down my body. The Hunger Block, an authentic South American bistro located in Rockbrook Village, serves various traditional dishes, primarily from Venezuela. Approaching the restaurant, I observed an outdoor patio where people can be seated throughout the warmer seasons. Walking into the restaurant, I heard South American music.Between the notes, I made out a light strumming of a guitar, the rhythmic drums, and the shaking of maracas. From the ceiling hung flags from various South American countries and fairy lights. Although it was quite busy for a Sunday evening, I was seated quickly and was brought a plate of complimentary chips and salsa. This was a fantastic way to begin my meal since the home-made chips were delicious, but not overly filling. After placing my order, I was able to enjoy the cozy and friendly atmosphere of the place. Lining the walls were long benches where couples, children, and parents were allowed to talk with each other while they waited for their food to be served. Before I knew it, the waiter came out with my meal of the day: Pastelitos de Carne y Papa. Coming with a side sauce, these two delicious Cuban turnovers were filled with a savory filling of potatoes and meat. Although they were quite tiny and not as filling as I expected, they were packed with all sorts of flavors that worked wonders
THE ANATOMY OF A LOADED MILKSHAKE Vanilla Ice Cream Sprinkle Ice Cream Sandwich Rainbow Sprinkles
Regular Vanilla Milkshake
together. Soon after taking a bite of my second pastelito, the waiter brought out my second order: Parrilla Mixta. With an exquisite presentation came the magnificent smell of french fries, fried plantains, and three different kinds of meats: chicken, beef, and pork. The fried plantains came with a white, bland yogurt sauce and were unfortunately not my favorite part of the dish; even though they were well-cooked, they were too flavorless for my taste. Continuing with the meat that came with a vinaigrette sauce, I savored the sausage and the steak, which were both incredibly juicy. The chicken was tender and had an unexpected but nice sweetness to it. As I began eating the salty french fries, the Hunger Block renowned milkshake was brought out to my table. The vanilla milkshake was any sweet tooths dream dessert as it was topped with an ice cream sandwich and a strawberry donut. The Hunger Block is famously known for these gigantic milkshakes. There are two different flavors as of right now: chocolate and vanilla. The shakes are normally adorned with a donut or a slice of a cake along with an ice cream sandwich or a ball of ice cream of choice. The looks of the shake do not fail to impress; this Venezuelan joint goes to great length to make sure that the presentation of the shakes are superb. Although the food was outstanding, I was incredibly happy with the cultural aspect of the restaurant. In West Omaha and throughout the states, it is quite the task to find culturally authentic restaurants like The Hunger Block, and when it comes to the perfect blend of Americana and authentic Latin cuisine, the Hunger Block should be a restaurant on the top of everyone’s list.
Photographs contributed by Anna Pippinos
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18 • SPORTS • March 23, 2020
ROUNDING THE BASES
Three seniors round out their final season of high school baseball together The three only played JV for one season, because in they have a lot of opportunities to lead the sophomores SAM HOOPS 2018 all three earned spots on varsity. Once again, they and juniors. Staff Writer “They’ve been were the three youngest on the eing thrown into an unexpected situation around for three varsity team. and being forced to thrive can be difficult, but years, so they kind “That freshman it can also pay off greatly in the end. This was of know our system. year, we stuck together the case for seniors Ryan Mendez, Mark Geiger, They know how it because we were the and Tommy Roland who made the JV baseball works, and they’re only freshmen on the team as freshmen. All three started together on able to show the team, and throughJV and have leveled up together, all three finish- Combined out the course of the younger guys. They stats 18-19 next three years we’ve ing their career on varsity. know how we do stuff “I had fun playing with Ryan and Geiger, in the weight room definitely had a closer season: but it was kind of weird playing with older dudes and how to practice, bond, and it definitely coming right into high school. It was a good exand how to lead by exhelps that we’ve played Batting perience though; I liked it,” Roland said. ample,” Coach Dave together all four years Each has been playing baseball since they Cork said. so far,” Mendez said. Average were young, with Mendez starting at age three They have plans The three players 0.288 and Geiger and Roland starting at age four. to play through colare looking forward to Even with all this experience, they still lege as well, with having the opportunity Hitting didn’t know what to expect going into high Mendez and Roland to pass on what they school baseball. signing on to the Uniknow to the sophoAverage “The JV team is usually made up of quite versity of Nebraska at mores and the juniors 17.33 The Three Muskateamers: a few sophomores, a couple of juniors, and usuOmaha and Southon the team. ally only a couple freshman,” Geiger said. “It east Community Col“I’m looking for- Seniors Ryan Mendez, Mark Geiger, and Tommy Average was a big deal when three freshmen made it in lege, respectively. Geiward to it a lot. Just try- Roland pose for a photo before practice. Mustang one season.” ger is also planning ing to give them what baseball takes on Lincoln North Star for their first Runs As a minority class on the team, being on playing in college I can, just in terms of home game Mar. 21. Photograph by Jeffery Zimmerly 14.66 placed on the next rung up the ladder can be but is currently undehow to play and how a challenging opportunity for the start of one’s to lead, and really help them in the next stage cided. high school baseball career. Mendez, Geiger, and Roland are going in with high of their career. I’m excited to do that,” Mendez “It just made me a better player since I was hopes for a great season to close out their high school said. playing up a level. You can’t make mistakes, otherwise, This year especially, the ability to be leaders is prev- careers, and are excited to pass the reins down to the they’re going to come back and get you,” Roland said. alent. Having been on the team for as long as they have, next class of players.
B
FAST STATS
BABY RUTH: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BASEBALL MEMORY?
TOMMY ROLAND “Going to the field every day and playing baseball with my friends. ”
RYAN MENDEZ “My dad being my coach because it was a good way for my dad and I to bond.”
MARK GEIGER “Winning state in eighth grade. It was the only time I’ve won [a state title] so far. ”
MNHSONLINE.COM • 19
OUT OF THE BLOCK AND INTO THE BOOKS Junior, Hannah Hailu leads MN girls swim team NATHAN HOLLENBECK Staff Writer erseverance, strength, speed, precision. Junior Hannah Hailu has been honing these skills since she first took a swim lesson at two years old. Hailu dove into the pool and never looked back. Hailu has had a long record of success since medaling in multiple events at the Metro championships as a freshman in 2017. Hailu comes from a swimming family and attributes the beginning of her high school athletic career to her family. “I got into swimming because my older sisters did, and I just followed them, then I discovered I really liked it,” Hailu said. Although she may have been born a swimmer, Hailu has done her fair share of work to get to the level she’s at now. “On any given day I have two practices, mornings in the pool for two hours, and then in the afternoon we run and do core workouts,” Hailu said. However, she doesn’t stop there. “After that on most days, I go to another place to lift with my club team,” Hailu said. All of that totals to 21 hours of practice a week. To compete with this much success, that level of work is nec-
P
essary. Last November, Hailu accomplished something that many swimmers strive for but never achieve. She broke the time barrier with 2:00.08 to qualify herself to com-
Taking Titles:
Junior Hannah Hailu flys through the water at a state swim meet. She captured three state medals. Photograph by Callam Sports Photography
pete with the best of the best in the 200 backstroke at a hyper-selective junior national meet. “I got the cut on my birthday which was really nice...I was with my club team and everyone was so happy for me,” Hailu said. Hailu’s achievements extend far beyond the pool; this year she was the girls team captain. Her sophomore teammate Maddie McLeay agrees that she is just as effective as a leader as she is a swimmer.
“Hannah has made a huge impact on the team as a captain, many of the younger girls look up to her as their role model. She is such a great leader,” McLeay said. At the Feb. 28 and 29 state swim meet Hailu took home another series of accolades. Hailu took home three medals at this years’ meet with third in both the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke, and second in the 200 medley relay. Her school record holding 400 free relay took home 4th place as well, consisting of Hailu, sophomores Stephanie Branson, Maddie McLeay, and junior Mary Ulrich. As to what led Hailu to this success, head swimming coach Andrew Cunnigham says it comes down to two things. “Her attitude has always been stellar and her self-discipline is very rare … every time she leaves the wall she does so with the specific intent of getting better,” Cunningham said. Even though swimming is often considered to be an individual sport, it is more than that to Hailu. “It’s awesome to have a swimmer of that caliber on the team, She enjoys her individual success but she enjoys the team’s success even more,” Cunningham said. Hailu began swimming to be like her older sisters; now she is the big sister for many of MN’s younger swimmers, and after 11 years of swimming achievements, that one stands out.
20 • March 23, 2020
SCHOOL SPIRIT SLUMP
Limited support for female athletes draws away from school spirit
J am-packed
Lil-terally
into the stands and dressed head to toe in this week’s theme stands MN’s student section. As they proudly look on from the wooden bleachers of the Stable, the boys basketball team fiercely the court, getLilianne Taylor takes ting ready for another big game. Sports Editor While the student section is now filled with deafening cheers and jumping students, just a few minutes before, our defending state girls basketball team finished an equally intense game with barely any students to cheer them on. Although crowds and their high expectations can be seen as causing an immense amount of stress, this pressure can lead to motivation. This motivation then drives
teams to play harder, leading to improvement in the success of their performance, commonly known as the “home court advantage.” The limited support for our Lady Mustangs is disheartening as they put in just as much time, effort, and practice as the boys team, in hopes of bringing home our second state title in girls basketball history. With little crowd support behind them, some athletes have become frustrated. “It would be nice if the girls team would get a student section that doesn’t just sit at our game so they have a spot for the boys game! It helps when we have our school cheering for us too. We’re defending champs and still get little to no support,” senior forward Asia Bryant tweeted on Feb. 24. Keeping school tradition alive is important, but students shouldn’t rely solely on this year’s Hard Hat to lead chants and come to games. We all have to take responsibility and support all of our varsity teams equally. Suggestions have been made to implement a female Hard Hat in order to drum up support for our girls teams, but some athletes are concerned this could cause problems between students as the school tradition changes.
With highly dominant girls sports programs capturing recent State titles in soccer, volleyball, and basketball, as well as three National titles in dance, change might be necessary. We should take baby steps first, working to improve our school spirit. While getting more people to attend games might be difficult initially, starting with getting athletes to support other athletes would be an excellent first step. Overcoming the overlook on girls sports would increase our school spirit dramatically, as a larger percentage of the school population would feel supported. If we continue down the path of our more recent attendance trends, growing support for all our athletes will become increasingly more difficult. As a collective student body, if we decide to equally support every team, we will not only help our athletes succeed, but also continue to keep that “home court advantage” everywhere we go. With a bright future behind all our programs, deafening cheers and packed stands our bound to be behind them. Breaking trends now would change history later and increase our school spirit drastically, even if its only by one step at a time.
INCOME INEQUALITY
See the profit disperity between boys and girls basketball district games based on the tickets sold to parents and students.
Lincoln Southwest vs Millard North Boys Basketball
$4,289
110.966% Difference
Marian vs Millard North Girls Basketball
$1,228
JOCK TALK Who is your all time sports hero and why? Mary Faulk JUNIOR Tennis
Simona Halep [tennis]. She’s really resilient even though she’s had a lot of [ups and] downs.
Avery White SENIOR Golf
Tiger Woods [golf], because he’s an inspiration. He gives to charity and perservers through hardship to maintain success.
Anne Shubert JUNIOR Track and Field
I really like Misty May Traynor or April Ross [volleyball] because they [talk about] the hard work [they put in], [and] the struggles they face in high level competition.