nsconced in the newsroom of room 1105, an air of intense focus and pure hustle is pertinent as an untiring group works towards their next deadline. Here, the background of fingers clacking away at laptops and soft voices collaborating provide a harmonious symphony familiar only to the members of the Stampede, Millard North’s award-winning yearbook publication.
This talented ensemble is dedicated to their yearlong assignment, the school yearbook. Editor-in-Chief senior Ishani Karki leads this squad, along with junior Carley Stych, the staff’s design editor and junior Mia Kosel, the photograph editor.
All-nighters and energy drinks are not unfamiliar to Karki, as this time of year brings the time for final edits to be sent to the printer, ready for distribution in mid-May.
“Personally, I dedicate numerous hours to the yearbook. I normally dedicate maybe two hours per day on average, but during deadline week I genuinely spend the majority of my 24 hours working on the yearbook,” Karki said.
The yearbook class is only offered in fifth period, which provides the staff with extra work time if they wish to use it. Most do; during these three periods the crew chats, eats, conferences, and collaborates.
“It’s [the yearbook class, study hall, and lunch working period] a really casual, yet focused environment… Everyone is usually working productively, whether it’s on pages, photo editing, or planning what to do next… [but] we are still very conversational,” junior staff writer Meredith Hedrick said.
Photographers hold a different role in the yearbook staff, solely taking photographs, editing, and deciding where to place them on the pages instead of writing and revising stories like staff writers and most editors.
“I would say I dedicate over 20 hours to yearbook
What jobs do they have behind the scenes?
because I also go to sporting events to take photos. It really all depends on the game or match that I’m at,” senior picture manager junior Addalynn Beatty said.
All of this development is impressive, but could not have been executed without the creation of the overall yearbook theme.
This year’s theme is 10/10, meant to symbolize the school’s quality and success in both academics and athletics. 10/10 also holds a double meaning though, as the school’s address is 1010 S 144th Street, so this rating not only means the school is a 10 out of 10, but it also represents where the school is located in the city of Omaha.
“The yearbook theme is 10/10 because ‘ratings’ are super trendy this year, and obviously we want to give our school the best rating,” Karki said.
Karki credits Stych and Kosel with helping come up with the yearbook’s clever theme. Over the summer, the group worked toget1`her to come up with a theme that achieved each yearbook objective and checked every box a yearbook theme should.
“We [Karki, Stych, and Kosel] knew we wanted slants and a more clean, less organic feel for the book, so Mrs. Crotzer suggested doing something with our address 1010, a unique number,” Karki said. “Then Mia came up with ‘10/10’ because it incorporated our address, was super trendy, used that visual slant with the slash we wanted, and showed off our Mustang pride,”
Altogether, Karki recognizes the entire staff’s equal contributions to the yearbook and feels that the production of a successful publication could not have been done without the input of everyone on staff.
“I am most proud of the theme development award… Theme development is the biggest category for the yearbook and it really represents [us] as a whole. We could not have done it without a productive staff that contributed amazing ideas to developing the story found within the book,” Karki said.
The Stampede’s hard work doesn’t go unnoticed
Aditi Jaras
“I’m a photographer for the yearbook. When we get photos we look through them, edit them, and then figure out what would look best on the pages.”
though; through the Journalism Education Association (JEA), the cumulative yearbook staff gained an honorable mention award for theme development, and that same theme qualified for the 2024 NSAA State Journalism Championships.
“I think we’ve put a lot of work into piecing all of the details together and I think our theme has come a long way,” Stych said. “It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to go to state and represent not only our school but our yearbook staff as a whole, who has put so much effort into making our theme come alive,”
The yearbook staff did in fact represent Millard North successfully as the yearbook theme placed 5th with its 10/10 theme, helping bring home the runner-up trophy for the entire journalism program.
“Placing 5th was surprising for all of us… We saw the themes the other schools had… [and] knew we had some tough competitors,” Karki said. “When we won as a whole school we were all super shocked… For us to be a part of that achievement is really huge. We were all supporting each other… it was really fun to see the whole journalism community come together,”
All in all, Stych, Karki, Beatty, and Hedrick similarly love and cherish all aspects of the yearbook process, through the deadline weeks, peer edits, late nights, early mornings, and lunches shared together.
“It’s also just really cool to be a part of creating and developing something that is meaningful and unique to our school,” Stych said.
Yearbook journalists agree that being part of the yearbook staff is an eye-opening experience that exposes them to group organizations and activities they might not have been aware of.
“Being a part of the staff… you get the opportunity to interview so many different types of students,” Karki said. “You become aware of things other students don’t always see. [You] learn to appreciate the dedication and passion so many different kids feel for their activities.`”
Parker Neville
“For the yearbook, I’m a writer, so I get to write a story for a few pages, and work on infographics to follow.”
Janey Cape
“I am a writer and index manger, so I write stories on pages and go through and make sure every person is also in the index.”
- Brainstorming - the students assigned to the page, including a writer and photographer, brainstorm story ideas and graphic designs, as well as possible photo opportunities.
- Drawing mockups - The team on each page draws a mockup or at least plans out where they’ll place each detail or element of the page.
- Source acquisition - Potential sources or topics are discussed and evaluated by each team, and they decide which ideas, sources, and design elements make the cut.
- The designers start with a blank set of pages, shown above! They use a yearbook-specific pogram ran by Walworth, the company that prints our yearbooks.
- Layout-making - Design editor Carley Stych takes the ideas from the team on each page and creates layouts with boxes and fonts to guide the students as they get started.
- Behind-the-scenes work - The writers and photographers get to work, taking action photographs, writing attention-drawing stories, doing interviews with students and sources, and much more.
- Making it pop - informative graphic designs and interesting elements or captions are added to make the pages stand out and catch the attention of page-turners.
- The design above is an actual in-progress template made by Carley Stych.
This short-and-sweet book included with each yearbook purchase is definitive of the spring sports and events of the school year.
From After-Prom to Baseball, the supplement includes everything that doesn’t make it to the final deadline of the main pages of the yearbook.
How do I use the supplement?
Although you can leaf through this feature of the yearbook on its own, we reccomend utilizing the adhesive backing and implementing this pivotal feature of the yearbook into its rightful seat in the back cover of the yearbook.
- Pull Colors - Stych takes to the pages again, pulling viable colors from photographs and integrating them into the page and the designs, bringing forth continuity that is pleasing to the eye.
- Spell Checks - The heads of the yearbook, including Sarah Crotzer and Ishani Karki, take on the mission that is grammar and spelling checks. They go through and ensure consistency in writing styles, check the team’s grammar and spelling, and do much more work that brings just one set of the hundreds of pages of the yearbook to a finished state.
- The design above is a sneak-peak feature of a page in this year’s yearbook!
The Seven Deadlines:
Throughout the entire year, you may notice your fellows in yearbook stressing over deadline after deadline - but isn’t the yearbook just one production?
Wrong! The yearbook’s production is separated into seven parts. Six of the parts are book-oriented, with a final deadline associated with the supplement. Each deadline puts another piece of the puzzle together for the end result.
Each deadline is separated by section this year with, for example, the second deadline including the academics poriton of the yearbook, the third deadline including fall sports, and so on.
Utilizing Walworth Technology:
When leafing through your yearbook this year, take a moment to recognize the sections that take considerable hands-on work and time.
Most notably, the index. Packed full of student names and page numbers, members of the yearbook utilize the Walworth yearbook program to go page-by-page and weed out any mistakes to fill the index from A to Z.
Just as important is the grammar and spelling checks performed by yearbook members while meeting their deadlines to ensure accuracy and minimize the chances of easyto-spot mistakes being finalized.
SAFFY holds a flag football tournament for students and athletes to participate inSUMANAS REDDY MARAM Staff Writer
ith adrenaline rushing through veins and victory on the line, the field becomes a stage for thrilling showdowns as teams fight for supremacy in sports competitions.
This was no different for students who competed in the MN Sports and Fitness For Youth (SAFFY) flag football tournament hosted on Apr. 23. The players, forming eight teams of six, all competed in a double elimination bracket for the championship title.
Although there was a great desire to win and fierce competition between the teams, the tournament offered an opportunity for participants to play a sport they are passionate about and helped foster the SAFFY’s goal: to promote fitness and spark youth interest in sports.
“We wanted to create an experience for our friends and fellow Mustangs who chose not to commit to a varsity sport. Some parents place emphasis on education over athletics, so we offer the students the opportunity to compete in these sports they are passionate about,” junior co-founder Luke Glasgow said.
To make this first tournament as enjoyable as possible for both the players and fans, the club founders put in extensive effort by implementing personalized touches and additional activities.
“Organizing this all was a very lengthy process, requiring hours upon hours every week, but it was worth it. We took the extra effort to create custom trophies for
The Blickers, the winning team of the tour nament, pose for a celebratory photo, holding the championship trophy up high.“It felt great to win after putting in the work... we knew we were capable of winning the whole thing and it felt rewarding holding up that first place trophy with my guys,” junior Blickers player Sam Likes said. Photograph contributed by Sharish Shapkota
the top three teams, add a large slap-on bracket, and host a perfect bracket challenge,” junior co-founder Sharish Shapkota said.
The players and coaches appreciated the effort that was put in by the leaders, as the competitive, but playful environment provided a unique experience for every one involved.
“[The tournament] was fantastic, although we didn’t do the best, it was still fine as I got to play against and with some real tough football players and competition,” sophomore Gummy Bears team player Anuraag Ganti said.
Yet, no matter the results of the game, these players had a lot of encouragement from all the fans showing up to support and cheer on their teams.
“We ended up having more than just competitors show up to the event to watch, including parents, varsity athletes, and other Millard North students. Everyone was very competitive, friendly with one another, and most importantly had a lot of fun,” Shapkota said.
All the teams thrived in this enviornment, maintaining their competitiveness; the teams put off tough fights, with many coming down to the wire and some even going into overtime.
“It was a great atmosphere; all the different people were extremely hype. Everyone brought the energy as there was a lot on the line; I underestimated the level of intensity that everyone would come out with, ” Ganti said.
But at the end of the day, only one team could emerge victorious: the Blickers. This squad went undefeated the whole tournament, beating Meg Elite in the final by a score of 27-18.
“I was extremely happy with the results. We ended up winning the championship, all thanks to my team, but overall it was extremely great for us and the tournament,” junior player and coach Dracen Godfrey said.
With the conclusion of the tournament, SAFFY embraced the spirit of sportsmanship and unity, undoubtedly running a suc-
Junior player Owen Hickenbottom runs over plays with his teammates, offering a final pep talk before a game. Hickenbottom and the rest of his team came in third in the final placements, proving themselves along the way. Photograph contributed by Sharish Shapkota
“We continue looking forward to where this club can go. We want to create an inclusive environment for everyone, so we are letting the students vote on which sports we should play next. It seems beach volleyball is next,” Shapkota said.
The flag football tournament was only the first step up SAFFY’s staircase. Club organizers agree that it is only the starting point for events that are yet to come.
“This event could allow us to establish the other side of the club, where we can run our future elementary school field day events that can give even more kids the opportunity to play sports,” Glasgow said.
Overall, this tournament proved to be a huge accomplishment for the SAFFY organization and provided a phenomenal experience for MN students and athletes.
Meg Elite player and junior Blake Pechar shares some insight into his game day routines and other aspects of his game.
What position do you play? “QB 1”
What’s your favorite part of playing football? “Showing off for the ladies”
What’s your go-to warm-up song? “‘Loop Hole’ by Tee Grizzley ft. 21 Savage”
What’s an important part of your warm-up routine? “Running through designed plays and audibles while making sure my arm feels good” cessful event.
The band’s highly-anticipated Big Band Dance returns for another year
CALLIE MENKE Sports Editorrumpets blare as drums thud along to a musical beat that sweetly fills the large, echoed space of the Millard North gymnasium. Swarms of people are on the dance floor as everyone swings along to the beat.
The Big Band dance is a long-standing tradition, occurring every spring at Millard North, without fault. This year, the dance is set for May 10, 2024. Current Band director, Mr. Placek who orchestrates the event, said he believed it had been going on for years before he arrived on the scene.
“The Big Band Dance has been going on for as long as I can remember. One of the tunes we play was actually composed for the Big Band Dance. And that was when Mr. Shepherd [a previous band director] was a director here, which would have been like 25 years ago,” Placek said.
In comparison to a traditional band concert, the Big Band Dance allows for an immersive experience where the Jazz Band can showcase their musical talents to their peers and provide a unique, playful genre of music.
“The Big Band Dance is actually a big performance for our jazz program. We have two jazz bands right now and they will both be performing sets, [which are] a small group of tunes. We kind of switch back and forth. So each group gets a break,” Placek said.
In addition, the event is open for all students, allowing individuals from different schools an excellent opportunity to socialize, dance, and partake in other activities the dance offers.
“From what students have said, it’s one of the most fun dances of the year just because it’s so different from everything else,” Placek said. “We have a silent auction and we have treats and refreshments. It’s just a lot of fun, very laid back, and casual,”
Junior Calista Nelson fully agrees. She expressed how the dance is one of her favorite events because it creates an environment where attendees can meet new people and also spoke about how the event ben-
Students sway to the groove of the band at the 2018 Big Band Dance. Over the years, multiple students report dancing as their favorite part of the soirée. Photograph contributed by the Millard North High School Facebook page
efits the upcoming eighth graders who perform in the dance.
“I love being able to hear the jazz bands perform, both from our school and from the middle schools,” Nelson said. “Being able to see everybody interact with each other [is great] because the transition between eighth grade and high school is hard. Being able to connect with people before actually moving up is really fun to watch,”
If people don’t know the dances, that’s not a problem. Before the event, a free lesson is offered where everyone is able to learn some dance moves.
“We have swing dance lessons before the dance actually starts with the Omaha Jitterbugs. They come in and teach dance lessons,” Placek said.
Besides dancing, socializing, and listening to the jazz band, there are other things you can do at the Dance, such as enjoying the complimentary dessert table and refreshments or participating in the silent auction.
“We get businesses to donate items. A lot of times there’s Husker football tickets [available for auction]. We’ve had artists donate their artwork, we’ve gotten Coach bags, we typically auction off some of our props from the fall show,” Placek said.
Senior Justin Thengvall is one of the musicians in the Jazz band. He plays the drums and is a featured soloist this year.
“It’s just super fun and it’s good because we don’t have a lot of opportunities to perform with the jazz band, so this is kind of our main performance,” Thengvall said. “It’s fun and it’s a different style of music that people can enjoy and get to dance to,”
Thengvall isn’t the only soloist that will be performing this year. Other musicians will display their talents during a select piece of music.
“For this year [the featured soloists are], Caleb McIvor, Justin Thengvall, Marin O’Malley and Emma VanBuskirk. We try to mix things up and just create a great atmosphere for everyone,” Placek said.
Unlike your average dance, there is no select dress code that traditional dances tend to follow. The dance still follows Millard North guidelines, but there’s no need to buy a new dress or suit.
“We have people dress up in prom attire, we have people dress up in old time, 40’s swing dancing attire and we have people that come in shorts and a T shirt. So you know, it’s very casual.” Placek said.
The greatest part of the Big Band Dance is that the event is forever growing, and becoming bigger and better. New changes are constantly being made to improve the iconic event’s enjoyment and practicality.
“Before, the dance would just set up a little stage area in the corner of the auxiliary gym. We would close off the big gym, but over the past several years we’ve expanded to the entire gym.” Placek said. “We have tables and chairs on one side and on the other side is the dancing portion where people can actually sit in the bleachers and just sit and watch,”
All in all, the Big Band Dance has developed to be the perfect way for students to relieve stress on a spring Friday night when finals and other deadlines are looming. Make sure to check it out on May 10th; see you there!
Disastrous tornado strikes Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa (Apr. 26) Omaha City Council approves funding for PACE youth sports for this summer (May 1)
Police arrest rioting protesters at Columbia University (Apr. 30)
Four officers killed in North Carolina shooting (Apr. 30)
Expressway collapses in southern China, killing 24 people (May 1)
Thousands are evacuated as Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupts (Apr. 30)
lends of layered colors, blurred effects, and uncertain perspectives dance before your eyes. This is what one sees when taking in “Integration”, an art piece by Senior Gabby Zambuto.
“The piece invites viewers to contemplate the urgency of the issue and the need for collective action to limit waste and protect our planet,” Zambuto said.
Recently, Scholastic Art and Writing hosted their annual national competition. It is the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Zambuto and Junior Addy Nickolite entered multiple art pieces for this competition and were significantly recognized for them.
“It [the Scholastic Art and Writing competition] is the highest-profile art show in the state of Nebraska. Students can submit any work of art they have created in the last year,” art teacher Jon Austin said.
“
demonstrates exceptional ability. Gold Keys are automatically considered for national recognition and are in the top 10% of the region.
“Gold Key winners have a chance to win a national art award and have their artwork displayed in Washington D.C.,” Austin said.
Zambuto’s pieces competed in the Ceramics & Glass, Sculpture, Painting, Drawing & Illustration, and Mixed Media categories.
One of the art pieces I entered was “Diseased”. It is about my anxiety and how I cope with that or how I feel like I’m perceived or how I perceive myself,
”
You can enter pieces in several categories and compete for three awards: Honorable Mention, Silver Key, and Gold Key.
Honorable Mentions are noteworthy achievements that demonstrate a student’s creativity and skill in design, showing they are in the top 20% of the region. Silver Keys indicate the artist is in the top 15% of the region, standing out to local programs that the receiving artist
“One of the pieces that stuck out to me was Shoo Human!/Fruit Fly City… The piece depicts a person opening a fridge, and there is a fruit fly city inside with many different flies doing different activities, including buzzing around, eating rotting food, and playing poker. I used watercolor paint and a ballpoint pen to make this piece,” Zambuto said. Zambuto won several awards, including Honorable Mentions, Silver Keys, and Gold Keys. Both of Nickolite’s pieces were in the Drawing & Illustration category and they won Gold and Silver Keys.
“One of the art pieces I entered was “Diseased”. It is about my anxiety and how I cope with that or how I feel like I’m perceived or how I perceive myself,” Nickolite said.
As an artist, Nickolite feels that art can be a good emotional outlet and can help people express themselves.
“[Getting recognized] felt really cool. Personally, I
don’t always feel great about my art and I get insecure about it. This is something I created from my mind and it’s very special to me,” Nickolite said.
Zambuto is pleased but feels even more shocked about her achievements than Nickolite.
“I was surprised [about the awards]. I filled out the application at 2 a.m. on a random night and once I was finished I went to bed. I didn’t really think about it again. I also wasn’t expecting to win as many awards as I did. It felt surreal,” Zambuto said.
Besides taking art classes at school and individual talent, much of their success in this competition can be attributed to attending Kent Bellows, a mostly student-driven art studio near downtown Omaha. The program is divided into semesters, and people are divided into different groups each semester, focusing on creating art with a specific medium.
Although students tend to work independently, there is a mentor assigned to each group, who can answer questions and provide assistance. Austin is a mentor there.
“Getting to work with students from around the metro area is a lot of fun. It’s also great seeing kids from different school districts connect, and art is what brings them together,” Austin said.
Both students plan to continue their art journeys in the future.
“I would love to pursue art in the future. My dream job would be a character designer for games or shows,” Nickolite said.
Nickolite is set on the Kansas City Art Institute and its programs, and Zambuto plans to major in industrial product design in college. The world of creativity is waiting for these new artists.
he lunch bell finally rings as you race to the already-packed cafeteria, eager to quell your rumbling stomach. Loading up on your favorite items, you make your way to your lunch table. As you are about to take your first bite, dissatisfied remarks arise, jolting you out of your seat. Unhappy voices mar your lunch experience, and you now pick unenthusiastically at your previously anticipated meal.
As a student myself, I can attest that scenes like this are common in the lunchroom; many students critique cafeteria options.
According to the Washington Post, a survey conducted in Fairfax County schools showed 77% of students were unhappy with school food choices.
However, most students are unaware of the regulations that must be adhered to in order to provide adequate, inclusive food for all students.
“If we can get to the point where we’re providing gourmet meals every day that would be great, but there’s a lot of parameters we have to work through,” general manager of MPS food services Justin Wiley said.
As general manager, Wiley is responsible for ensuring meals provided in MPS schools are compatible with USDA regulations.
USDA requires all schools to provide the basic components of My Plate, a graphic designed to help ad-
olescents, like myself, reach all the major food groups in their diet.
Although these standards help me to understand the importance of a well-balanced diet, their regulations cause flavor and appeal to be sacrificed.
But guidelines are necessary for food services to account for students with dietary restrictions--a relevant factor within the district.
As over 99 nationalities are accounted for in MPS school districts, it is imperative that standards are implemented in order to fit every dietary need.
Friends of mine who are vegetarian can opt for a meat alternative as their protein source. Students who have medical conditions, such as Celiac disease, are able to work with a registered dietitian to come up with an appropriate meal plan.
Wiley also utilizes engagement managers to communicate with the student body on their preferences, which is a crucial component of the meal planning process.
“Their role is to really reach out to the students and understand what’s important to you guys and your generation, and how we incorporate the two things,” Wiley said.
Elementary, middle, and high school menus throughout the district have different lunch options in order to satisfy the palettes of respective age groups. This element creates additional time and preparation for food services.
In general, school menu planning takes place three to six months before the new school year. MPS serves
WHAT IS ONE CHANGE YOU WOULD MAKE TO THE CAFETERIA?
“One thing I would like to see changed in the cafeteria is maybe separate lines for people using cash or check when they’re checking out. When they are using that it causes the line to be unreasonably long.”
“I would want to see more fruits and vegetables incorporated in actual meals instead of as just sides.”
“People try to put in their codes, sometimes they mess up and take way too long. I think people should go IDs. and strictly IDs.”
“Once you enter the cafeteria I would like bigger, longer tables so that all your friends can sit together and you won’t be like squished while eating.”
around 18,000 meals a day and spends up to 200,000 dollars in groceries a week.
Many students do not factor in the amount of planning, money, and time that is spent in crafting a school meal, a fact that could give some a new view on the influential role food services have on the student population.
“When we do get student complaints, I always try to find out what they’re basing the complaint off of,” Wiley said.
By using student surveys, production numbers, and social media, food services are able to gauge from the community what is popular in order to adjust menu plans for the future.
Many students, including myself, do not realize the significance we have on what is offered in school. Student satisfaction is a huge part of the planning process of school menus, and could potentially make or break a menu item.
Providing feedback plays an important role in the standard of school lunches but it has to be constructive. We should be taking into account the variety of factors that dictate a school lunch. Only then would we be able to make sustainable decisions in terms of school lunches.
The food service industry has undertaken an impressive feat, seen every day in the meals you eat at school. So the next time you sit down in the cafeteria, remind yourself of the intricacies taken to create a carefully crafted meal just for you.
By Brady Bredenkamp
Society is spending more money than they are earning, leading to debt rates increasing
TEJA SRIDER Staff Writer
y quick trips to the mall usually in volve the intention of buying one thing and then leaving right after. However, when my eye spots a 25% deal on the new shoes I’ve been wanting, my initial intention is imme diately crushed, leaving me with a mountain of items, and 200 less dollars in my pocket.
Impulsive spending is a common occurrence in our day-to-day lives, leading us down the loophole of purchasing something we may not truly even need.
The rise in impulse buying over time has been leading to more severe issues such as spending more money than what you are earning in the first place.
have responded that their hold debt is higher or rough ly the same, compared to a year ago.
Around 5 in 10 say they current ly have credit card debt, 4 in 10 have auto loans, and 1 in 4 have medical debt.
increase in debt rates over time is not solely due to impul sive spend ing, as other factors such as in come rate could poten tially affect it.
mixed with consistent spending has been a key player when it comes to this issue.
But how can you blame us? When sales and new deals pop up, most of us think we are saving money, but it turns out that it actually doesn’t mean this.
Medium states that, “...Sales can actually save
sions that are produced in the manufacturing process of items, our wastage coincides with the detri mental environmental effects.
Every day, millions of items are thrown away or just disregarded once they become out of style. Emerging trends can also be a factor as to why individuals are spending so much as well.
This leads to the debate about fast fashion and how these clothes usually have minimal use before they are discarded.
According to Porch Group Media, there is a key social group that is making these types of purchases.
About half of Gen Z and millennials make purchases on social media platforms compared to 38% of adults. TikTok is a common platform where Gen Z shopping tends to be the most popular. Women also tend to be at the forefront when it comes to shopping statistics.
According to Capital One Shopping, “Globally, women spend an amount
As seniors prepare to move on to the next chapter in their lives, they spend time making memories and celebrating their time in high school.
As we near the end of the year, graduation invites flow into your mailbox. Seniors have applied to their dream schools and have received their acceptance letters back. Whether it is your local university in or out of state, there are a select eight universities that stand out from the crowd.
These eight schools are called Ivy Leagues and are known for their academic excellence and highly competitive admissions process. Attending one of these schools is a huge accomplishment. The eight Ivies are Harvard, Brown, UPenn, Colombia, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, and Cornell.
Several students here at MN have worked hard to receive their acceptance letters to several of these prestigious schools. Two of these students are Seniors Reema Guda and Jerry Sun, who each applied to several Ivy League schools. Guda was accepted into Harvard and UPenn and is officially committed to Harvard. Sun was accepted and is committed to Brown.
“I feel really lucky to have been accepted into the schools I applied to, especially considering how competitive the whole college application process has gotten,” Guda said.
Ivy leagues often have several programs that are offered which draw many people to apply.
“I think every school in the Ivy League offers really great resources. [For] Brown in particular, I’m interested in applied math, the programs that they offer in terms of research, and the different professors that work there,” Sun said.
Another important factor in deciding where to ap-
Since Ivy Leagues have very low acceptance rates, the application process is quite competitive, stressful, and time consuming.
“It was definitely stressful. I tried to start on my CommonApp essay and activities during the summer, but it was hard because I was really busy. I spent basically all of first semester and winter break writing essays for all of my schools, which was a lot to handle on top of school, but I know every senior was going through the same process,” Guda said.
During these tough months, it is important to have a supportive group of people around you. Whoever it may be, being in an encouraging environment is essential.
“I’m super grateful to my parents and brother for supporting me throughout high school and the application process. I definitely would not have been
neys,” IBDP Coordinator Rhonda Betzold said. Being accepted into an Ivy League is a huge accomplishment and is important to acknowledge your success.
ply is the atmosphere of the college.
“I applied to a lot of smaller-sized schools because I like the smaller class sizes and how intimate the student body feels. I also took a lot of college tours and fell in love with the east coast and California campuses and could really imagine myself going to school there,” Guda said.
able to do it without them. I also appreciate my friends so much for always keeping positive and being supportive outlets throughout high school as we navigated the whole college process together,” Guda said.
Along with family and friends, the teachers and staff are rooting for students every step of the way and have had a big impact on students’ success.
“I work with such talented young people at this school, and it’s a privilege to help them begin the next phase of their academic jour-
“I feel very happy about it. It’s a very satisfying thrilling experience because the schools in the Ivy League are very selective so when you get in it is very exciting,” Sun said. Attending college across the coun -
try may be a little scary, but it is also very exciting.
“I really love Boston and am familiar with the city already, so I can’t wait to explore it more. I also think the campus is really beautiful and I know some people there already, so I’m excited to meet up with them and meet new people as well. Harvard is also an amazing place to be for premed students, so I’m excited for the opportunity to take various biology and global health classes, as well as explore new subjects like women and gender studies,” Guda said. With Ivy Leagues having so much to offer, there are many students who are interested in applying.
“I think just do things that you really like and not necessarily do things like joining clubs or certain activities because you think they’ll get you into an ivy league but rather just do what you enjoy in high school. Make some nice friends and be a part of the community, and follow your passions in high school, and I think that it will lead you whether or not you end up in an Ivy League, that’ll lead you to a good spot,” Sun said.
With the school year coming to an end, it’s a great time to celebrate you and your friends’ accomplishments throughout your high school years and look forward to this next journey ahead.
As seniors prepare to take the next step toward their careers, it’s exciting to see them transform from innocent freshmen to confident individuals who are ready to take on the world.
While academic performance remains a priority, it’s refreshing to know that our seniors are also focused on experiencing life to the fullest by embracing the thrills and joys that await them outside the classroom.
One such activity that is a perfect mixture of fun and excitement is called senior assassin. The thrill of the game is that each participant is both the hunter and the prey simultaneously. The goal of the game is to eliminate other players by targeting them with a water gun while also avoiding being targeted yourself.
Senior Taya Thoms stepped up to take the responsibility of running this game to unite seniors and provide them with a fun activity to enjoy together before the year ended.
“I thought if not me then I didn’t know who was going to do it. I also have pride in myself for being a leader and I was very determined and knew I was going to do whatever I could to make the game work while people [are] still having fun,” Thoms said.
The top three players will be the winners of this game. As of May 3rd, four competitive players are left: Callie Menke, Ella Glaser, Jack Goodwin, and Paige Salcedo.
Senior Ella Glaser believes that playing this
game is an enjoyable experience as it provides an opportunity to reconnect with old and new friends, making it a positive and fun experience overall.
“I think it’s really fun because I’m playing with people or talking to people I haven’t talked to since middle school or meeting new seniors that I didn’t even know were seniors. I think it’s really good together on an activity that we all enjoy and want to participate in. I feel like that’s pretty fun for us,” Glaser said.
The level of excitement and passion that seniors have shown towards this particular game is incredible. After the first round, it was clear that many of them were not ready to call it a day yet. They were eager to continue playing and were willing to buy back into the real game - a thrilling three-round competition of 85 seniors all competing to be in the top 3.
Senior Taylen McCartney experiences a rush of emotions and a surge of intensity while being chased in the game, triggering a sense of competitiveness within, compelling her to strive harder and not lose.
“It’s like ‘you’re not getting me’ type of thing. I get competitive. I’m like ‘No, not today’. Generally, I like to call [the person who has me] and be like ‘Get away from me’. I get excited when I get a person but it’s different when you’re being chased. I feel like it’s more adrenaline in that aspect,” McCartney said.
At first, senior Elijah Nunamaker was a bit nervous while chasing someone. However, the thrill of the competition excited him, and
he was able to concentrate solely on his target.
“It is exciting. I was shaking a little bit the first couple of times, but then I was like, I just gotta get this person. I’d say [it is exciting] just the fact that you have no idea who’s after you, it can be anyone unless they’ve already tried to get you once,” Nunamaker said.
All the students participating in the senior assassin game are making sure to follow the rules to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Some rules include keeping your location on all the time and recording video evidence of the elimination. It is not allowed to eliminate someone inside school, during extracurriculars, or at work. Wearing goggles does save you except on randomly announced purge days. After sending the video of elimination, a new target is assigned.
As all of the participants are part of a large group chat, ensuring everyone follows the rules is taken care of by being vocal. In case there’s any doubt about someone following the rules, everyone votes and a collective decision is made. All these rules help in making the game a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
While money certainly adds to the thrill of the game, it is not the only factor that contributes to its excitement. The joy of creating happy memories and spending quality time also plays a significant role in increasing the game’s excitement to another level. The senior assassin game has offered the graduating class a final burst of excitement and connection before they venture into the next chapter of their lives.
t’s nearing 9 AM on a chilly March morning, and students sit in their second-hour classes, only half-listening to the announcements that ring out over the intercom. However, the class of 2024’s attention is caught when they hear an announcement inviting them to “The Grannies: A Senior Event”.
The event, scheduled to run from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on May 10th in the auditorium, is in its second year of production and is eagerly anticipated as one of the final senior bonding events of the school year.
Planning such an event is no small feat, and the Senior Class Board, sponsored by Meredith Williams and Douglas Drummond, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to put each detail together.
Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of The Grannies is the announcement of the senior superlative winners. A plethora of seniors who are involved in a wide range of activities and sports have been nominated across 36 categories.
“We really did try to reach into the dif ferent areas within Millard North, like drama, music, tech, et cetera. [This year’s] class was really good about spreading [the nominations] out and choosing kids from a variety of different areas,” Williams said.
Although many seniors have their sights set on superlatives, there are a few other forms of en tertainment to be expected at The Grannies.
to make the event a reality is senior Lily Erb, who has taken on a production role, dealing with both the script and the slideshow that will be used throughout the event.
“We took the script that they had from the senior soirée last year, and we reworked it to match the theme for this year,” Erb said. “We also had to make the slides presentation and make sure all the names were spelled right.”
For Erb, a student highly involved in opportunities offered at MN, including the International Baccalaureate program, time is not abundant. Setting aside time to devote strictly to the Grannies has been an important part of her planning process.
“I’ve tried to dabble in both Senior Class Board and all the IB stuff I’ve had to deal with, especially with exams coming up, so multitasking has been one of my biggest challenges,” Erb said.
“We’ll get right into giving the awards, and we hope to intersperse some entertainment acts, as well as showing the senior video,” Williams said. “Then, at the end of the night, we’ll do the senior sunset photo, and we’ll have cookies and beverages as well.”
For seniors who are concerned about the conflict between the Grannies and the Big Band Dance, Williams has clarified that there is no need for alarm.
“We’ll be in the auditorium and the Big Band Dance is in the gym, so we figure kids will probably come over from the Big Band Dance as they like,” Williams said.
Among the Senior Class Board members working
While Erb manages the production of the event, other Senior Class Board members perform tasks that may go unnoticed at first glance. Senior Kaitlyn Gall, for example, has been put in charge of acquiring refreshments to be served at the event. “I’ve been focusing on finding the best price for food and beverages, because we’re going to do cookies and some treats with water, so we have to make sure to stay within our budget,” Gall said.
After being involved in Junior Class Board last school year, Gall decided to continue in Senior Class Board because of her love for event planning.
“Getting to plan events and figure out decorations and all the little details is just super fun for me,” Gall said.
Not only does involvement in Senior Class Board allow students like Gall to pursue their passions, but it also allows them to bring their class together.
“It’s kind of [the senior class’s] final moments to hang out with each other and really showcase all that they have done in their four years at Millard North,” Williams said. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on all that they’ve become and then look forward to where they could go.”
To those interested in event planning and bonding opportunities alike, both students and staff say “join”.
“To incoming seniors, consider Senior Class Board,” Erb said. “We always need more male voices in there.”
TEAGAN LYNCH Editor-in-Chief
024. The year that I never quite expected to come. After counting down for 12 years, I’ve reached the final weeks of my senior year.
From the moment I turn the tassel, I will officially be a member of the club of people who can say, “High school goes by so fast.”
As cliché as it sounds, and despite how much I didn’t believe my parents when they told me this over and over, the statement is all too true.
Senior year has been one of the best and busiest, from choosing a college I’m more than excited to attend to planning a graduation party and celebrating my final year with senior nights and banquets.
However, along with all of this comes seas of nostalgia and the want for it all to slow down.
I’m 18 years old, an adult in most states, yet I don’t feel that old. It feels like just yesterday that I was in elementary school, rebelliously staying up during naptime and watching Polar Express while cutting out paper snow flakes during the holidays.
I remember walking the halls as a freshman, looking up to the seniors and wondering how that could ever be me-- club leaders, college commits, state competition competi tors.
Now that I have these things I aspired to have, would love to take a trip back to my 5th grade Montessori science class, 10th grade En grade Spanish class.
I realize now the impor moment and enjoying where you are at the given time in your life.
Each year has had its ups and downs, the laughs so hard you think you’ve developed abs and the class projects so hard you wish you hadn’t taken the course.
through is truly a last.
From the last football game, to the last dance, to the last soccer season, I have tried to cherish every moment.
In order to do so, I make my best effort to say yes to everything I can. With such limited time in my hometown with friends that I have attended school with for so many years, I say yes to any opportunity offered to me-- from games to concerts to morning coffee runs.
I also make sure to take pictures with my friends and of the things that I do, as memories and physical reminders to look back on.
One of my favorite ways to take pictures is with my digital camera. Many people that have these bring them to games, dances, and other events. It’s a great way to involve everyone and get fun, vintage-style photos.
Fighting the senioritis isn’t easy, but I do my best to come to school each and every day because these classes with these people are something that I won’t ever get to come back to.
During senior year, it is important to commemorate and remember how far you have come, in any way
Throughout it all, there has been a comradery between me, my friends, and my classmates. These relationships are what have always mattered most to me.
It feels unfathomable that these vivid and wonderful memories lie so deep in my past and that every last I live
spring semester calendar has been colorfully painted with senior night, honors night, graduation parties, the Grannys, a middle school graduation
These celebrations are all contributing to making my final year even more memorable.
As I flip to this next chapter in my life, I feel fear of the unknown, but also an incredible feeling of opportunity and adventure.
I’m looking forward to meeting new people, a more free school schedule than ever before, traveling the world and exploring other clubs and activities offered to
, I have enjoyed watching my classmates earn scholarships and plan out their futures. I’ve witnessed their hard work, had late nights and cries over hard tests alongside them, and now get to see it all pay off.
of these people have been my closest friends for over 10 years, and it is exciting to watch their lives unfold and know that they will all achieve great
High school gave me the opportunity to meet my best friends, find my passions, and discover who I am. I could not be more grateful for my time at MN and my last 12 years of school.
The turning of my tassel will signify the end of an era of laughter, memories, and love but also the beginning of a wonderful new one, of growth and adventure. Adventure I do not yet know.
The Hoofbeat staff will publish six 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 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.
Editor-in-Chief
Teagan Lynch
Front Page Editor
Elias Pipinos
News Editor
Mia Castro
Opinions Editor
Anuj Singh
In-Depth Editor
Teagan Lynch
Lifestyle Editor
Natalie Hill
Sports Editor
Callie Menke
Social Media Editor
Cece Vlieger
Adviser
Sarah Crotzer
Principal
Aaron Bearinger
Cartoonist
Brady Bredenkamp
Photographers
Kai Pavlova
Cece Vlieger
Staff Writers
Grace Evert
Sumanas Maram
Mira Mukherjee
Kai Pavlova
Renia Pipinos
Mahdis Riazikhah
Sarah Robey
Prisha Sabherwal
Teja Sridher
Matthew Um
n front you lie the 215 questions that decide your financial, academic, social, and scholastic future as you transcend the high school experience and become a college student.
For many, the ACT examination is one of the most troubling and unsettling experiences of their entire scholarly career. Taken by students across the nation, the test is rarely an enjoyable experience.
More annoying than the exam itself is the fact that it is so discerning in the future of your life, meaning this three-hour-long examination that you take when you are 16 could greatly impact what you do late into your 60s as a working adult.
But the ACT isn’t even the only test that students take that decides their future. Its distant cousin, the SAT, terrorizes students on the East and West coasts annually.
Standardized testing is notably the most commonly despised part of students’ lives. However, it remains one of the only ways of taking statistical data on the educational advancement of large groups of students and the effectiveness of the classes given to these students, whether they directly or indirectly provide ACT readiness.
Picture this: you’ve taken the ACT twice, the second time receiving a score that brutally matches the one you received the time before. You sit down in a converted classroom, leaving your worldly belongings behind except for a number-2 pencil, a calculator, and whatever else the federation has allowed you to take with you.
Ready to tackle your third and, potentially, final ACT exam, you start whizzing through questions and, after answering nearly every single one correctly, you exude confidence on the way out of that sniffling, coughing, sneezing, moaning, and groaning classroom that houses students of all walks of life, from seniors sneaking in their last ACT to freshmen getting their start early.
Ready for the kicker? You open your results two weeks later on a rainy, muddy Tuesday, and BANG! Guess what? You, the student who studied hard to take this test for a third time and paid out-of-pocket to do better, have received the EXACT SAME SCORE! Congratulations, you are the definition of consistency - but that doesn’t do you any good, does it?
These tests are both a blessing and a curse. It isn’t a coincidence that students at Millard North struggle through hours of John Baylor prep videos, as his message
is accurate - in small, point-by-point jumps, your ACT score can go from meaningless to life-changing and can make colleges go from demanding multiple tens of thousands of dollars per semester to, for the smart bunch, paying all or more of your tuition, housing, and even dining expenses.
The struggle with such an exam comes for students seeking to make marginal score increases above the 32 score range. Here, even 1 question can set you back in a major way. In fact, for students who seek a 34 or above, missing even 1 or2 questions per section of the exam can prove their efforts futile, with score drops of entire points happening with even one point difference.
This enormous drop that commonly happens is one of the most discouraging parts of taking such a nationally important exam. With students struggling over 1-point differences that can financially better their lives, there is nothing but resentment for an exam gone wrong or a classroom filled with allergy-stricken students who ceaselessly sniff and sneeze their way through the exams.
Regardless, the ACT remains the most important exam for students for another reason - the social and financial future it provides for a young student. The unfortunate truth of this tradeoff, though, is that this financial future comes at the expense of the massive financial burden that is college, dormitory life, apartment living, and everything in between.
The youthful mind of a rowdy high school student is lax when it comes to the true depth of adult life. Ask any senior their biggest fear right now and they’ll tell you a myriad of things - you’ll notice a pattern that alludes to the burden of adulthood.
Where this all ties into the ACT is that many students do not get the opportunity to retake this exam, but still desire a college degree or want to pursue schooling that requires a higher ACT score. A split-second decision in junior year to sleep through the ACT study sessions provided by the school could very well be the distinguishing factor between a student receiving the education of their dreams and working in a gas station.
Throughout high school, it is common to ignore the future; after all, your current situation is more fun! You have a basketball game to get dolled up for, a school dance to get a suit for, or another school event, person, test, assignment, or other aspect of high school to look forward to, not the rapidly approaching future that entails adulthood and adult responsibility.
Regardless of what draws your attention in your dayto-day life, many high school students will tell you the ACT exam is the bane of their existence. This test, which is offered 28 times in a 4-year span to teenagers around the United States, defines just how far you can take your education and social experience post-graduation, whether you like it or not.
Why did “Anyone but You” do so well - and what does it mean for rom-coms?MATTHEW UM Staff Writer
n late 2023, the rom-com Anyone But You was released to theaters with low expectations. However, it ended up becoming one of the biggest success stories of the year, grossing over 218 million dollars. But the real question is: why did this movie make so much money when many others have failed in its place?
Romantic Comedies, also known as rom-coms, have been an indispensable genre of movies as long as movies themselves have been around. Often following a formula involving two lovers and the strange circumstances they are in, these movies are meant to be quick, fun, and comical.
The genre peaked in the 1990s and 2000s, with huge successes and staples emerging, such as 2002’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which grossed over 368 million dollars in the box office. But the genre began to steadily decline until the early 2010s, when it had all but disappeared from the theaters.
Looking at the statistics, Box Office Mojo reports that only two rom-coms released after 2010 have grossed over 100 million dollars at the box office, being last year’s Anyone But You and 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians. So we must wonder, what happened?
In the 2000s, a larger disparity began growing in the box office numbers between big blockbusters and smaller movies. Huge returns were made on the blockbusters, while the rom-coms would only perform moderately well.
Eventually, movies like The Dark Knight and the MCU’s successes made studios start directing their efforts toward marketing these action blockbusters. The funding that would’ve gone to rom-
coms started going to epic, big-budget movies, and the rom-coms began not only making less money but having less funding to use for promotion as well.
The rise of streaming services also helped kill the comedy. Comedy budgets are usually at least a tenth of those of a tentpole action movie. With studios wanting to save money and produce action movies to make grand profits, they would hand mid-budget movies over to streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, and let them take the project on, limiting the movies’ reach.
To make more money, streaming services can also stretch these movies out into long series. What may have started as an hour-and-a-half movie will be released on streaming services as a show with multiple seasons to maximize profit.
As the rom-com genre’s popularity declined, elements of them ended up in the action and superhero movies that reigned throughout the 2010s. It was no longer a rom-com movie, but an action movie with rom-com aspects. Take something like Spider-Man: Homecoming. If you really look at it, it’s just a superhero movie inserted into a teen rom-com.
But if the genre has fallen out of the mainstream, why were Crazy Rich Asians and Anyone But You able to become so popular? Is the rom-com truly dead?
Crazy Rich Asians benefited from international market releases, especially in Asia, where the movie was set. The international gross was especially high, which helped the movie immensely.
Anyone But You, however, did not benefit from the same factors. Pre-release reviews were generally mixed, and it had relatively little promotion and came after years of rom-coms failing in the box office. So why did it do so well?
Part of the reason was definitely in the movie itself. Will Gluck, who directed some of the best of the genre, including 2010’s Easy A, as well as 2011’s Friends With Benefits, was once again behind the camera. Gluck’s sure-handed direction helped make for a movie that not only provided a smooth viewing experience but also one that reminded you of the rom-coms of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
With this, the familiarity of the movie was refreshing. In a world packed with comedy movies that strive to be different, it’s always refreshing to see a movie that relies on familiar meet-cute tropes, reliably funny moments, and a predictable dumb but fun story.
The real draw, however, may be its two strong leads. Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell have been primed to become some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and their chemistry makes watching them onscreen enjoyable, which may be the biggest factor of a rom-com’s success.
Deep down, this may be what always made romcoms so successful. Without the great performances of leads like Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, or Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, would 10 Things I Hate About You or How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days have been even half as successful - or good?
In the end, Anyone But You’s success wasn’t a fluke. While the genre has largely fallen out of popular favor, Anyone But You’s combination of the right ingredients made for a tasty dish that some people might have thought they might not ever taste again. Are rom-coms really back forever? It’s too early to tell right now. However, romantics shouldn’t fear. After the genre went into a long slumber for the past decade, Anyone But You gladly welcomes it back while pointing to a bright future for the resurgence of rom-com.
Completed all ranks, check. Earned the merit badges needed, check. Service project done, check. When they were finally given the medal and badge of an Eagle Scout, senior Miles Divis felt happy his hard work paid off and senior Ethan Mann felt proud and glad that his hard work was recognized.
The ranks that those involved in Boy Scouts must progress through are Scouts, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. Only about 6% of participants reach the Eagle rank. To obtain this prestigious rank, one must make their way through all 7th ranks, earn 21 out of 138 merit badges, and complete a service project.
Some of the merit badges include first aid, cooking, lifesaving, hiking, communication, etc.
“We have gone through all the skills and these merit badges and requirements and basically it will help you prepare for life and once again be prepared to help out anyone in numerous ways,” Divis said.
Divis was in Boy Scouts from the beginning of 2017 to the end of 2023 and was in Cub Scouts (a program for kids in 5th grade and lower) from 2012 to the end of 2016. Divis took two years to finish his service project. He placed trail markers at Glacier Creek Preserve in Bennington. The marker posts were branded with numbers and each included a QR code that maps back to the Glacier Creek website explaining the significance of that area of the trail.
“What I like about being an Eagle Scout is that I feel like I completed something that I worked so hard on throughout my life and I feel like I could help other people,” Divis said.
Mann started his journey in Boy Scouts in early middle school, where he had the opportunity to go through various campouts and experiences and develop leadership skills that helped him climb the ranks until he became an Eagle Scout. Mann’s service project was building picnic tables.
“When I earned that rank it felt good because it was many years of work that I put into it and so finally achieving my goal and becoming an Eagle Scout was very special,” Mann said.
His desire to choose picnic tables came from the fact that his church did not have any.
“I felt that in order to promote more outdoor activities, creating more picnic tables that were circular would create more conversations across the table, as well as give them space they can use outside in order to do services or host activities,” Mann said.
As an Eagle Scout, one must help fellow scouts and the community to better themselves and work with others by teaching them skills they might need to gain or guiding them on their leadership style.
“Within the community, I do a pos-
Understand family values and converse with parents
Law
Recognize the value of the law and see it in action
Explore different aspects of sustainability
First Aid
Demostrate first aid procedures and recognize symptoms
One goal of the project is to prove that one can lead a group of people and effectively complete a project.
Know Your Badges
Become experienced in camping and its risks
Know how to react in a water-related emergency situation
Cooking Learn food safety and preparation skills
itive thing every day. I make sure I live to the ideals that are set within scouting in order to better help the community,” Mann said.
As a mom, Deborah Divis supported Divis’s journey of becoming an Eagle Scout by listening and encouraging him to think creatively about whom to help and solve the beneficiary’s needs.
“No doubt there’s a sense of relief that Miles accomplished such a cool project, but mostly I am happy for him,” Deborah said.
As Divis obtained new skills, he increased his bravery, deepened his faith and determination, learned leadership, celebrated wins, cared for others and the environment, and made friends.
“I am thrilled that he had this positive foundation that he can build upon all his life,” Deborah said.
Divis’s father Anton Divis, his brother, and grandfather were scouts when they were kids; his father was his cub master for most of his Cub Scouts career.
“I was very proud of him. He worked very hard and finally got it done. I was very relieved. You have to get it all done once you turn 18, it was close.” Anton said.
Overall, Mann and Divis accomplished a lot over the years with their hard work and dedication, and the results were worth it to them.
On Your Marks:
A trail marker reads senior Miles Divis’ name and troop number. He has spent two years placing them as a part of his service project.
contributed
Divis works on one of his trail markers, making sure it is up to his standards. It is located in Glacier Creek Preserve for hikers to use.
Photograph contributed by Miles Divis
ith summer vacation just weeks away, every student can imagine the warm sun rays beating into their car as they blast a Summer 2024 playlist. With their friends in the backseat, they enjoy the beautiful afternoon free from the binds of neverending assignments.
But where can you hang out in Omaha this summer? Many teens assume there is “literally nothing to do in Omaha,” but that could not be farther from the truth.
Omaha is home to many fun outdoor attractions and experiences that do not get the attention they deserve. So, if you are looking to discover uncharted territory in your own backyard this summer, listen up.
First up is an amazing Omaha tradition that began nearly 100 years ago. The Omaha Farmers Market has two locations that operate on weekends from May 4 through October 13.
The first location is in the heart of the Old Market and is set up on the well-known brick roads. The Old Market location is open on Saturdays from 8 am to 12:30 pm.
The other location is in Aksarben Village right next to one of UNO’s campuses. The Aksarben location is open from 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays.
The farmer’s markets host hundreds of vendors selling items from farm-grown produce to handmade jewelry. However, the highlight of the market has to be the
handful of food trucks located on the periphery.
There is no meal quite like those that are hand-assembled with authentic ingredients. The market boasts a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Asia, African, Middle Eastern, and American food trucks.
The Omaha Farmers Market is a wonderful afternoon adventure that will satisfy your taste buds and provide you with homemade goods, while also providing an opportunity to support local small businesses.
Next is the Omaha Riverfront. This area is located on the Missouri River but actually encompasses many areas. The term “Omaha Riverfront” was recently coined after a 325 million dollar renovation brought the Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and the Lewis and Clark Landing under one identity.
The Gene Leahy Mall portion is the oldest of the three, and the renovations preserved the two large metal slides the area was known for. Additions included a large playground, an outdoor stage, a dog park, a sculpture garden, and hammocks surrounding fire pits.
The Heartland of America Park is home to the recently added Skate Ribbon, which is converted into an ice skating ribbon in the winter. The park also includes an amphitheater and bocce ball.
Lastly, the Lewis and Clark Landing is located next to the Kiewit Luminarium which opened last April. The area includes an even larger playground with open grass and a modern beach with fire pits.
Needless to say, the Omaha Riverfront includes
May 31-Jun. 2 Taste of Omaha @ Elmwood Park
Jun. 9-11 Omaha Summer Arts Festival @ Downtown Omaha
Jun. 1, 4, 5-9 “Moulin Rogue! The Musical” @ Orpheum Theater
Jun. 1 La Vista Days with Free Concert and Fireworks + Drones show @ locations throughout La Vista
Jul. 1 Omaha Storm Chasers
Baseball Game @ Werner Park
Every Sun., Mon., Thurs., Joslyn Castle Public Tours @ Joslyn Castle
Jul. 4 Omaha Symphony’s Patriotic Performance with Fireworks Finale @ Gene Leahy Mall at the Riverfront
Jul. 5 Benson First Friday @ Benson
many outdoor activities perfect for all ages to enjoy on a nice summer day.
In addition to these public outdoor areas, many yearround venues are particularly popular in the summer.
For example, Lauritzen Gardens, an expansive indoor and outdoor botanical garden, is in full bloom during early summer. The garden is a perfect place to take adorable pictures and enjoy beautiful nature.
Surprisingly, many people are not aware that you can float down the Elkhorn River in the summer. Tubes are available to rent and the float takes 4 to 6 hours. This is a perfect opportunity to chat with friends while enjoying the scenery and soaking up the sun.
For those who are athletically inclined, Top Golf is a great place to bring a group to hit golf balls and enjoy great food. The venue is open year-round and has a special sale every Tuesday.
Additionally, the College World Series is hosted in Omaha and begins on June 14th. Even if you can’t get tickets to the game, the restaurants and shops surrounding Charles Schwab field will be bustling with activity.
Lastly, summer is known for aquatic sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating, which are all available at Zorinsky and other lakes in the Omaha area. There is no end to the amazing activities and events occurring in Omaha this summer. So instead of heading out of town every weekend, take the opportunity to explore your own city. It has more to offer than meets the eye.
Aug. 3 Omaha’s Parks and Boulevards Bus Tour @ Durham Museum
Aug. 9-10 Outlandia Music Festival @ Falconwood Park, Bellevue
Aug. 16-17 Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival @ Mid-America Expositions Inc, 7015 Spring St
Aug. 15-17
Omaha Greek Festival @ 604 Park Ave
hether it’s a high school soccer game or an Inter Miami match, the US is passionate about soccer. For some, playing or even coaching is a dream come true. For teacher Sandro Deangelis, it is both. After 11 years of working as a coach for Millard North Boys Soccer, he was given the opportunity to coach and teach at Elkhorn South.
“It was an agonizing decision. The reason I’m doing it is because of my kids. My boys want to go to Elkhorn South, where we live. We would finally be on the same schedule for school and have the same breaks,” Deangelis said.
Deangelis grew up in the Buffalo, New York area, playing soccer along with football in high school. At the time, when looking to go to college, there weren’t a lot of opportunities to play soccer. With this, Deangelis went to college playing football for the Nebraska Huskers. He was the kicker for the team and later even played on a Canadian football team. From football star to now soccer coach and teacher, Deangelis is living his dream.
a junior, he has seen the work Deangelis has put in for his team.
“He always has team dinners at his house, or we will do other team bonding activities. We even had the opportunity to meet his mother who lives in Canada this year, which was pretty memorable,” Rutherford said.
After games, Deangelis would go over film with the team, pointing out plays or mistakes. He always had messages for them, whether on or off the field.
The Deangelis family poses for a quick picture with his wife Cassi and kids: Max, Cruz, and Chole. His family has been there for him since his start of coaching back in 2013.
“This is something that I want to do my whole life. So when people tell you to go live your dreams, I’m literally living next to playing professionally. I knew once that I got done playing professionally, I wanted to be a coach. And I wanted to be a teacher, so I’m literally living my dream,” Deangelis said.
Photograph contributed by Sandro Deangelis
One of the main aspects Deangelis tries to implement in the team is a family-like atmosphere. Whether on the field or off, they work to build bonds that can last a lifetime. For player Kyle Rutherford, who has been playing under Deangelis since his freshman year and is now
“I love how coaching is all year round, not even just in the sport. I am coaching them in the hallways, at barbecues, just those little moments mean so much to me,” Deangelis said.
With all of this being said, this marks the end of an era that Deangelis holds dear to his heart.
“Obviously, everyone was kind of devastated when he told us, but we all understand too, because family comes first,” Rutherford said.
Varsity Goalkeeper Carter Wiebusch has also had the opportunity to know Deangelis from his freshman year to his junior year. Though Deangelis is moving on to another journey, the boys understand what he is doing for him and his family.
“He told some of us previously, so I kind of expected it. But when he told the whole team, we understood,” Wiebusch said.
Though the team is sad to see their coach go, they wouldn’t be where they are today without him. After 11 years of hard work and dedication, he has poured his blood, sweat, and tears into the young men in the program.
“One thing I will miss about Coach Deangelis is just him as a person and also as a coach, but I love him as a person in general. He is always funny and gives great advice. He loves us all a lot,” Rutherford said.
Deangelis’s teachings on and off the field will live on through the players. Though it may not be Inter Miami, the Millard North Mustangs Boys soccer team always comes out to play.
Deangelis’s first varsity soccer team at MN 2017 season
The team holds up ones for a pic as they celebrate their wins against both Millard teams. “We became the kings of Millard that day,” Deangelis said.
Deangelis’s last varsity soccer team at MN 2024 season
The team keeps a straight face for their year book photo. With a season full of ups and downs, they finish the year as a close knit group.
aking a deep breath, senior Kat Beachler cradles the heavy metal orb in her palm, her gaze fixed on the field as she channels years of training and passion into a singular moment. With a pivot of her body, she releases the orb, her eyes following its trajectory until it hits the ground at 46 feet and 6 inches.
Beachler has been a thrower since she could walk, with her mother as her coach. Competing in local competitions since the age of three and has now spent a decade competing at the regional level and is on her way to national competitions.
“Every morning she insisted I bring her to practice with my older throwers to watch. I think that’s where her love began for throwing. But once she stepped into that ring at 3 years old, with a tennis ball in hand, I could see her eyes light up like mine once did,” Lisa Charles, Beachler’s mother said.
Charles, who herself represented the USA at the first-ever World Youth Championship in Poland. Charles aspired for Beachler to follow in her footsteps, aiming not only for USA championships but also a successful throwing career from a young age.
“Seeing my daughter take after me made me excited to see how far she would go in her career in track and field. I understood everything she had to go through to get to where she is now,” Charles said.
Having her best season yet, Beachler beat her previous high school record at an invitational on March 30th. She set her new Personal Record (PR) at a big competition in shot put at 47 feet 1.75 inches and is now only four feet off her discus record.
“Being able to hit a PR knowing my form is still off is exciting because I know I have a lot more in the tank,” Beachler said.
Training with her mom as her coach for 15 years, Beachler has transformed both as a person and an athlete.
Meruni Are SOPHOMORE Tennis
“Sushi because I enjoy eating it after a good match and it provides me with good nutrients and vitamins to recover.”
“Kat has by far exceeded anything she has ever done. She is as true an athlete as you will ever come across, from her strength, speed, and sheer athleticism. I am beyond proud of her performance in Kansas,” Charles said.
On April 20th, Beachler qualified for Nike nationals in shot put at the KU Relay Regionals, beating her old high school record with an improvement of 8.75 inches. She is now focused on her form for Nike nationals in June.
“I have a set schedule on where I need to be for NXN so I can be ready in time. I do specific workouts that are already laid out for me every week and practice for about an hour and a half after,” Beachler said.
To improve her score and stick to her schedule, Beachler practices 5-6 days a week and lifts four days out of seven, despite her busy schedule, she always finds time for physical therapy for her hips and past shoulder injuries.
“Kat trains for this year-round, with a minimum of four days a week lifting, getting her plyo work in, as well as practicing all four of her throwing events, which all require lots of training for it to all come together when we need it to at state, NXN and especially at college,” Charles said.
Brigham Young University, a Division 1 school, wanted Beachler to be a part of their team because of
Shoving Shots:
Senior Kat Bleacher celebrates with her mom after a big competition. She set her new record of 46’ 6’ that’s now on a wall waiting to be broken again.
Picture contributed by: Prep Running Nerd
her great attitude and ability to compete under pressure. Her final competition will be in June at NXN before she heads to a new chapter of her life in Utah.
“Now that I’m getting ready to embark on my new journey, with a new coach, and a new team, I want to cherish every last memory from all the trips, every win, and every training session that I can get with my mom,” Beachler said.
For Beachler and Charles, track and field has been a way to connect on a deeper level. They see all the small fights as something that helped them grow closer together.
“Every competition I went to, I could look over my shoulder, and my mom would be right there, cheering me on. She has been my teacher, fiercest supporter, and the greatest coach for not only me but for others,” Beachler said.
“I like eating sandwhiches because they are sandwhiches.”
Joe Amato
“Most likely ramen or any types of noodles because the carbs fill you
Kalaya Catron SOPHOMORE
“My favorite meal to eat before a game is full chicken ceaser salad om Panera.”
ooks are always deceiving. What some may perceive as a blessing others may see as a curse. What some support, others hate. And what some believe to be as natural as taking a breath of air, others feel that what they are doing must be humanely impossible.
For senior Brooklyn Bratetic, this is dance. Though her skill makes it look easy, the intensity and rigor required to be a dancer of her level are often not appreciated enough.
“We practice Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. and Thursday and Sunday evenings. It’s challenging to balance dance team with dance training, school and having a social life but we are all very used to it and pros at time management at this point,” Bratetic said.
After an extremely successful high school career, winning numerous state and national championships as a valuable member of the MN dance team, Bratetic has decided to take the next step in her dance career, committing to a college team for the next four years.
because of the social atmosphere that it provides.
“Another aspect that drew me to Alabama was their gameday feeling. Being on a college dance team, you cheer on the sidelines of football, and basketball games,” Bratetic said. “Football is huge in Alabama, and their athletic excellence in all sports gives more opportunities to the spirit, like dance and cheer programs. And of course, who wouldn’t want to cheer on the Tide!”
Her recruitment to the school was another special part of the process, as she was able to commit to Alabama in a unique way.
Bratetic poses in front the letter “A” for Alabama. She will be dancing there this fall.
Photograph by @brooklyn.bratetic on instagram
“[I signed with] the University of Alabama Dance Team for the next four years. I will be majoring in Biology, on the pre-med track, and plan to earn my degree while also being a part of the dance team for the next four years,” Bratetic said.
She says that she was drawn to the school for numerous reasons, ranging from the team itself to personal reasons as well.
“I have always wanted to attend college out of state, specifically in the South. Additionally, I have been dancing since I was two, and competing since I was six. I am not ready to give it up,” Bratetic said. “Most importantly, I was drawn to Alabama’s dance team. They are very competitive at the college national competition, and I have always loved watching their routines. I saw myself blending in well with this particular team.”
Another reason Bratetic felt drawn to this school was
“On April 7th, I visited Tuscaloosa and attended a dance clinic, and I was offered a spot on their dance team on April 8th. The coach was able to offer me in person before my flight home left and it was really exciting and special,” Bratetic said.
To achieve this longdreamed-of goal, Bratetic had to start her hard work in high school, beginning her preparation early.
“I attended numerous college dance clinics along with many recruiting events from my sophomore year through the fall of my senior year. In the fall of my senior year, I submitted video materials to multiple different college dance team programs I was interested in. I also attended recruitment weekends at different colleges and had multiple interviews with different coaches,” Bratetic said.
As she looks to her upcoming future, Bratetic cannot wait for what is next to come.
“I am highly looking forward to meeting and getting close with my new team, moving to the south, dancing at college nationals, and experiencing an Alabama football game for the first time,” Bratetic said.
And while high school and college dance share some similarities, she will also have to make some adjustments as she shifts into her new team.
“Being on the college dance team itself is the main difference from being in high school dance. Sports are a bigger part of the college experience and with that comes a bigger fan base and opportunities for dance team members,” Bratetic said.
Overall, Bratetic believes that dance has shaped her
life in a positive way, allowing her to create the magic on stage that confounds the world around her.
“I have learned how to be a valuable member of a team, work with adults and coaches, and manage my time. These lessons have helped me succeed academically while maintaining a rigorous dance practice schedule for the past 10 years. Overall, these are valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, in and out of dance,” Bratetic said.
Jemma Syphers is committed to the University of Kansas and will join the Rock Chalk Dancers.
Lelia Klem is committed to the University of Arkansas and will join the Razorback Dance Team.