Volume 41 Issue 1 September 27, 2021

Millard North High School

THE HOOFBEAT

EATING AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE Page #17 Sipping on coffee while enjoying artwork

Volume 41 • Issue 1 • Sept. 27, 2021

A TURN IN THE ROAD Officer Martinez decides it’s time to follow new path on journey in this world after he retires from Omaha Police Department

Page 2

UNDER AND OVER THE NET Page #19 Galvin to take on college volleyball as a Torero

2 • NEWS • Sept. 27, 2021

A LIVING LEGACY

MN’s School Resource Officer retired after 15 years of service at MN, 30 years with OPD AIDEN LEWALD Design Editor

Staff and students both agree that they will miss Martinez. He had spent his days bonding with students and creating a safe environment for students to prosper.

Students past and present can recall the great t has now become the time for MN to say times associated with Officer Martinez. MN alumni, one of its hardest goodbyes. The shoes of a legend- now a MN English teacher, Jacob Bergmeier is one ary officer will be left behind, ones once filled with of these students. Not only was he a student during kindness, selflessness, and Dum-Dum lollipops. four years of Martinez’s career, but he has been a On Sept. 9, MN said its final salutations to teacher for the last two years of his career as well.

School Resource Officer John Martinez. After 15 Throughout Bergmeier’s time as a student, he years of dedicated service recalls the support he to the school, Martinez dewas given by MartiI will always remember cided it was time to retire. nez. Not only through “I put in 30 years [to the sight of smiling Officer sports, as Martinez the Omaha Police Depart- Martinez standing in the comhas the reputation of ment], and you just reach a being the MN Footpoint where, you know, it’s mons area distributing candy ball team’s number time to move on to anoth- to our students in a successful one supporter, but er challenge,” Martinez said. through his overall This year would’ve effort to build a strong relationschool experience. been Martinez’s 30th year ship with our kids.

“Officer Marof working with the Omatinez, as a freshha Police Department. Beman, was very welBRIAN BEGLEY fore coming to MN, Martinez coming. He got to PRINCIPAL was assigned as an uniform know [the students] patrol officer for a total of and made a point, 10 years. And before making his final stop as a to introduce himself, which was really cool,” School Resource Officer at MN, he worked as a Bergmeier said, “Having that sort of figure detective in the detective bureau for five years. reaching out made it much more welcoming.”

At MN, Martinez’s impact has been memAs a Millard West transfer, Bergmeier was comorable, leaving students and staff members with pletely new to MN. To help ease his transition, fond souvenirs that will last them a lifetime. Martinez welcomed him with open arms, giving a “My favorite memories of Officer Martinez in- sense of belonging to Bergemeier’s new adventure. volve his outstanding rapport with students, staff, and To this day, Bergmeier still has a strong relationship community members at hundreds of events, games, with Martinez. 10 years after graduating, Bergmeier and activities within our school,” Principal Brian reconnected with Martinez and immediately noticed Begley said. “I will always remember the sight of that Martinez was still the positive and influential insmiling Officer Martinez standing in the commons dividual he had known when he graduated in 2011. area, distributing candy to our students in a successMartinez has not only helped students out in ful effort to build a strong relationship with our kids.” their day-to-day lives but has also helped teach-

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ers by handling dangerous situations in and outside of the classroom. His selfless acts of protection will always be remembered by the staff members.

“He gives his time up freely, not just for Millard North, but for elsewhere he is needed as well,” history teacher Lance Ott said. “He’s a true public servant.”

Not only do the students, past and current, have warm memories of Officer Martinez, but he has some of his own as well.

“Certainly, just working with the students. I mean, that’s the biggest thing for me,” Martinez said, “Relationship building, going into the classroom, talking to the students in the classrooms, answering questions.”

Building these strong relationships with students was one of the most important parts of Martinez’s job, and he always put it first.

Throughout the years he has been interviewed in Journalism teacher Sarah Crotzer’s Intro to Journalism class, along with answering questions in Ott’s law studies class.

“The thing about Officer Martinez is he really cares about kids, and that comes across when he tells you the police side of things, why they do what they do,” Ott said.

In these question-and-answer sessions in Ott’s semester-long Law Studies classes, the kids were able to see the law from the point of view of a police officer.

MN students see Martinez as a human, not just someone in a uniform. They see him as a role model, someone who is trying to protect them and is willing to be honest with them.

As Martinez leaves, he is leaving a strong legacy behind, a position soon to be preceded by Officer Raymond Carlisle, Omaha South’s former School Resource Officer.

The legacy left behind by Martinez may be one hard to fill, but Carlisle has the ambition to fill those shoes as best as he possibly can.

With the support of Martinez and the school administration, Officer Martinez’s legacy will live on for years to come.

CHRONICLES OF MARTINEZ February 1991

September 1991

2001

2006

September 2021

Hired at Omaha Police Department

Assigned to unifrom patrol bureau

Assigned to criminal investigations bureau

Became School Resource Offier at MN

Retired after 30 years and six months

MNHSONLINE.COM • 3

ROLES OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

MEMORY WITH MARTINEZ

What is a School Resource Officer?

An officer who has been assigned to a school to serve as an enforcement officer, a law-related counselor, and a law-related educator.

“My favorite memory would probably be the first day of freshman year. My mom was dropping me off, and I was walking to the front of the school. Officer Martinez was out in front greeting people. He’s known my family for a long time, so he stopped and said ‘hi’. My mom took a picture of us together. He’s just helped me a lot through highschool, and he helped me get into my academy by writing me a letter of recommendation.”

In what ways do they help?

School Resource Officers patrol the school, looking for students who are breaking violations of the criminal law. However, they don’t discipline students for breaking school rules.

Do School Resource Officers help out in classrooms?

SRO’s commonly teach in classrooms about topics that relate to policing.

For example, they may talk about drug & alcohol use and awareness, gangs, crime prevention, and safety when driving.

- Senior Marissa Messick

GET TO KNOW YOU

A.

Fun facts about MN’s new School Resource Officer, Raymond Carlisle

Outside of school, Officer Carlisle is a pastor at Purpose and Grace Ministry.

B. Officer Carlisle loves to lift weights on the regular.

C.

Whenever he has free time, Officer Carlisle likes to work on cars.

D.

Before he became a police officer, Officer Carlisle was a Boystown Family-Teacher in both Nebraska and California. In Omaha, he ran a boys home and had a total of eight youths in the household.

E.

Officer Carlisle isn’t interested in being a lieutenant or a sergeant. He prefers to do groundwork as he is able to build the most relationships, whereas when you’re higher up, you lose that connection with your community.

F.

While he fell in love with being in a patrol car and scoping the streets, he decided that he needed a change in his life. He took on this job in order to be able to make an impact and to be a proper role model in their lives.

4 • Sept. 27, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

LOCAL NEWS Omaha patrol horse, Orozco, retires on Sept. 17 after 4 years service

Two wildfires break out on Sept. 17 in Nebraska panhandle, containment in progress and situation improving

NATIONAL NEWS First private, all-civilian team to orbit Earth returns after three days in space on Sept. 18 Sequoia National Park in California shut down due to fires on Sept. 15

WORLD NEWS Bee swarm kills 63 endangered penguins in South Africa on Sept. 17

Worldwide travel restrictions ease for those who are vaccinated

LOCKING UP CELL PHONES

New freshman phone policy forces students to stow away their phones SADIE HUGELMAN Staff Writer

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rules based on their teacher. Most students will never face consequences for their phones, but they see the policy enforced on freshmen as unfair.

“As long as it’s face down [on the desk] it shouldn’t be a problem,” freshman Kristy Phelps said, “I follow [the policy], so I don’t get my phone taken away.”

Other students feel the policy puts their phones at risk. The phone pockets that sit at the front of the classroom take the control of their own device out of their hands.

‘I don’t want my phone not on me, so I don’t put it in the pocket. I do when I have to,” freshman Mya Goff said.

Although the district has taken extra precautions to keep freshman more engaged in class, students like Goff don’t feel the positive effects of the policy.

“I don’t think anything changed, like it’s just more annoying and it makes kids want to have their phone out,” Goff said.

Ultimately, the choice to have phones out during class are given to the teacher. While teachers like Nickolite give their students freedom to use their phones during work time, other teachers have the option to be stricter about the policy.

“There are always problems with phones, I would say as a whole students understand when are the right times and the wrong times to have their phones out. But there are always those few students that feel the rules don’t apply to them,” Nickolite said.

FAST FACTS

magine walking into your first class of the day. You are finishing up the last level of Temple Run you started last night. You’re so close to beating your high score, but A study due to a new policy that bans phones for freshman, you done by have to put away your phone. Your high score is ruined, and you will have to wait until the end of the day to start Wilkes over again.

University The freshman phone policy allows teachers to enfound that force the rule that all ninth grade classes or classes with 95% of a majority of ninth grade students must put their phones into classroom pockets or bags. It is derived from Disstudents trict Policy 7500.2, established in February of 2020, bring their which states phones are only allowed once permitted by phones a teacher, otherwise students may face consequences. to class “I think it’s just a constant issue that seems to just be becoming more complicated,” English teacher Miranda and 92% Nickolite said, “I am happy to see that the school is being use their more proactive in putting a school wide policy in place.” phones for This year, the administration is focusing the policy on freshmen to help them acclimate to high school life. one reason “I think the school was concerned that (the school) or anothwas too big to tackle. With perhaps routines that are er during already kind of in place in some classes, they felt they class time. would start with a fresh group with the freshmen,” Nickolite said.

To recover from the pandemic, a Freshman Success Team made up of MN faculty designates their time helping students recover in their school work after the pandemic. The team discusses ways PROS AND CONS OF CELL PHONES IN CLASS to support students based on what they have seen in the classroom.

PROS CONS “Throughout the past year, we have worked with other Metro area DISRUPTION: Freshmen Success Teams to learn ACADEMIC Cell phones glowing more about what we can do to help RESOURCES: screens and vibrations can ensure students get a solid start here Will hand-held access to cause interruption during at Millard North High School,” asthe internet, students are sistant principal Amber Ripa said. lessons. given access to a myriad “The team decided student engageof resources to aid in ment could be increased if phones CHEATING: academic success. were not a possible distractor.”

Cell phone allow for access to many different The school and the Freshman resources, while this can be beneficial, it can INTERCONNECTION: Success Team have taken other also lead to academic dishonesty.

With the use of cell phones in the classroom, steps to help freshmen in their transition into high school, including students can better communicate amongst smaller class sizes and designated DISTRACTION: one another, aiding in the teaching of social study halls, as well as the phone Having access to cell phones may cause circumstances in the modern age. policy. students to pay more attention to their screen “The benefits are fewer distracEMERGENCY than on the lesson taking place. tions in class, as well as learning CONTACT: proper phone etiquette to prepare With cell phones, students students for life outside of Millard are able to contact parents or North,” Ripa said. guardians when they need to.

Freshman students understand the policy and follow different

MNHSONLINE.COM • 5

A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Renowned artist Watie White honors Millard’s diversity on local mural DEEKSHA SRIDHER Staff Writer

Each student on the mural had something different to take away from the experience. They saw the artwork as something that not only held their identities, but also something that held their friendship.

“This mural feels surreal to me, I’ve never been a part of something this big before,” Adams said. “I was extremely excited that Sammy gave me a chance to be on a mural, and I felt like our friendship is now stronger and true.”

Along with personality and friendship, the mural contains familial values as well.

Both Ward and Levering are depicted wearing coats that once belonged to their relatives.

“I am depicted carrying my grandfather’s coat and wearing a vintage coat because I enjoy thriving and antiques,” Levering said. “I like that my grandfather’s coat will be on a mural for a long time, so he’ll be memorialized a bit.”

While Levering sports her grandfather’s coat in the mural, Ward dons her uncle’s old jacket. A Millard graduate himself, her uncle is happy to have his jacket pre-

Mural Madness:

This depiction boy throwing a golden football. A cottagecore of diversity girl enjoying a picnic. Two students antiquing old jackcan be seen ets, heirlooms of their families. on the back These are just a few of the many figures depicted on of the scorethe large painting that outlines the back of the scoreboard board at Buell at Millard South’s Buell Stadium. Hand-painted by local Stadium. The artist Watie White between February and August 2021, mural depicts the mural aims to represent students in the Millard disa wide variety trict. of students “Watie White, an amazing wood carving artist is the practicing their one who sketched and painted the mural,” senior Sammy Ward, one of the students featured in the mural, said. hobbies.

“The idea around it was how people spend their time and how they make their fun in Millard, specifically the teens.” sented on the painting.

The mural displays White’s paintings of several stu“I also like it because the jacket I’m wearing on the dents from across the Millard district. Four seniors from mural is my Uncle’s old jacket from when he went to Millard North are painted on the mural Ward, Aiden LeMillard schools, and he is really thrilled about having his wald, Kiera Levering, and Avery Adams. Ward was iniold jacket on that mural,” Ward said. tially selected to paint the mural along with two other Overall, White’s creation has generated positive Millard students. opinions from the students painted on it. Pleased with “The three of us went to a few meetings to discuss the results of his work, they are proud and honored to be what would actually be on the mural, which is where we featured on the mural. decided to focus on how teens make fun,” Ward said.

“I was a little nervous to see how I’d look at it, but However, as COVID-19 became an increasing conseeing the outcome, I’m very happy with it,” Adams cern, White’s plan for the mural changed. Instead of said. “Watie White is such an amazing and talented artist, painting the mural, the three students would be painted he deserves more recognition than he gets.” on the mural itself.

“Originally, I was THE MAN BEHIND THE MURAL: WATIE WHITE selected to paint the ● Omaha based artist mural with those oth● Has work all across Nebraska er two girls,” Ward said. “Because of ● Works features in exhibitions in Arkansas, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, North COVID-19, we were Carolina, Nebraska and Minnesota instead just going to be ● Worked with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Omaha Public Schools, part of a photoshoot at Justice for Our Neighbors and more White’s gallery down● Uses various mediums town.” ● “All that Ever Was Is”: a project in which White painted stories of the neighborhood on Being a part of windows of a house set to be demolished in collaboration White’s photoshoot with Habitat for Humanity wasn’t the only surprise in store for them. ● “New Nebraskans”: a series of woodcut paintings depicting Each of the three artists immigrants and refugees that had recently become Newas able to bring a few braska citizens friends along to join ● “100 People”: his current projects in which he digitally them in the experience. enhances a series of woodcut portraits of models “I would have loved to be able to ● Tends to focus on the individuals that paint it like I was choare typically less seen and often for the sen to do, but going to a less seen photoshoot at a bigwig artist’s art gallery with my friends was really Source: watiewhite.com exciting,” Ward said.

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6 • Sept. 27, 2021

A GLIMPSE THROUGH TIME

New addition to MN walkway takes students through the history of MN MORGAN MCCORMACK News Editor

“T

he past is not the property of historians; it is a public possession. It belongs to anyone who is aware of it, and it grows by being shared,” social historian Walter Havinghurst said.

Havighurst’s idea served as inspiration for the newest addition to MN’s skywalk, the timeline. The timeline will be dedicated to Millard North on Oct. 5 after five years of work done by Principal Brian Begley.

“It was a real labor of love for me because of my passion and appreciation for all things Millard North,” Begley said.

The newly installed timeline was created with a goal to depict the colorful history of MN, and it depicts the history of the past 40 years of MN’s history due to the graduating class of 2022 being the 40th Millard North graduating class.

“The goal of the timeline is to feature all aspects of our school including academic, co-curricular, extra-curricular, logistical, organizational, and practical points in the history of Millard North and how it all successfully came together to be the stellar school it is today,” Begley said.

Begley, inspired by another timeline that was put up in another high school, decided to also showcase previous principals and events that changed MN into the school

that students attend today.

“Millard North has its own rich and illustrious story to tell, especially where academic achievements are concerned, and I felt it was important to proudly preserve these historical happenings for the sake of our entire community,” Begley said.

Students who see the timeline can explore the history of MN through a compilation of images and short textual descriptions of events.

“I would hope our students may look at this and wonder what the next 40 years will bring for Millard North,” coach long-time teacher Walter Mertz said.

The history of the school is important to the students because it educates them on how the school has evolved and changed, leading them to wonder how it can change in the future.

MN’s rich history is being given to the students through a “labor of love” put on the walls of the walk-

HISTORY OUTSIDE THE TIMELINE

Outstanding Outline:

The newly installed timeline in the walkway adds both history and aesthetic to the MN hallways. The installation was made possible through collaboration with Metal Logos.

Photograph by Morgan McCormack

way.

The new timeline can give the students a way to look back at the history of the school that they attend in a way that’s pleasing to the eye “I think what students should get out of it is an appreciation for how great this school has been and still is, it’s a really important place and the timeline demonstrates that,” former student and social studies teacher Dave Diehl said.

2021:

MN installs new rock bed depicting the school logo on the edge of campus.

1987:

MN wins first state championship in the school’s history in volleyball.

2014:

Contruction on new school pool completed.

2003:

1981:

MN founded allowing grades 9-12 to come together.

2021:

MN wins first state football championship in the school’s history.

2016:

Entrance renovation and walkway addition finished.

New timeline installed in the hallway in honor of the 40th gradutaing class out of Millard North.

OPINIONS • 7

BEING TACTFUL ON TIK-TOK

Students should respect school property and stop stealing it for entertainment into benefitting our school goes unnoticed and Tik Tok has banned the hashtag from THE HOOFBEAT disregarded.

Students are not only wasting factheir platform to discourage kids from stealing.

STAFF EDITORIAL This shows how much people and their values ulty time, but their own as well.

Scrolling through your For You page; Vandalizing the school is not only dis- are impacted by social media.

you see someone has stolen the soap dispenser from the East Wing hallway. Is that why you couldn’t wash your hands yesterday? Your school bathroom has fallen victim to the latest Tik Tok trend. Someone has committed the ultimate devious lick.

Tik Tok’s newest trend involves stealing and vandalizing schools and public places. The videos with the most likes showcase stolen soap dispensers, sinks, and even fire extinguishers.

The trend has now found its way into Millard North.

According to building engineer Raul Perez, a total of 29 soap dispensers were stolen in a time span of three days. He has had to constantly replace and reattach each one. It can take up to 45 minutes to fix a dispenser, depending on the amount of damage.

The extra time and work the faculty have to put into fixing the dispensers could have been spent doing more productive tasks that are actually a part of their job. The effort they put

respectful to our building but also to the faculty who try to make it a better place.

“It just adds to his [Perez’s] job, it makes it more difficult because of a challenge from Tik Tok,” Assistant Principal Mary Bayne said.

Of course, since stealing is an act of vandalism, consequences are being assigned accordingly. Vandals will be punished based on the Code of Conduct; the punishment for this act is typically a suspension.

Unfortunately, if people keep stealing, there will need to be new procedures. For example, according to Perez, administrators are considering putting only one soap dispenser in each bathroom, and if it is stolen, then students will be forced to use hand sanitizer.

This means that the few students who choose to take part in the act could force the administration to administer consequences upon the entire school. Bayne believes that students should make their own choices that better benefit themselves and the school.

STUDENT SPEAK

In the future, students should learn to be less influenced by social media and think for themselves. Respecting property and people’s time is a trait students should carry with them throughout life, and it starts here at Millard North. While it can be hard to go against a crowd, it is important to learn to do the right thing and practice integrity.

When something like this happens, students should think before they act and consider the possible consequences for themselves, their peers, and anybody who may have to clean up after them. By simply doing the right thing, lots of people’s lives can be made much easier.

Stealing is wrong and immature. As high-schoolers, the student body should know better. Avoid consequences and leave the soap and sinks in the bathroom.

“Let’s take care of our school, take care of property. That’s our building and it’s something that we should take care of and be proud of,” Perez said.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON TIK TOK’S NEW “DEVIOUS LICK” CHALLENGE?

VIOLET KERNS

“It’s really funny, but it’s really disrespectful. We shouldn’t be doing it at all...the joke is over. It was funny, but now the joke is over.”

SENIOR

ADDIE WOKI FRESHMAN

“I think it’s very hilarious, but also not very smart” DYLAN REINHARD JUNIOR

LAUREN WAIBEL FRESHMAN

“It’s dumb because people are taking things like toilets and soap dispensers. It’s funny, but why do you need a toilet, do you not have one at your house?”

“The school doesn’t get that much money and they are just taking stuff that the school is using to make it a better place”

By Aiden Lewald

8 • Sept. 27, 2021

WAR OF THE WORLDS Singh’s Stance

Climate change deepens global inequality between wealthy and poor countries

The world is currently filled with

scenes that seem to be out of a dystopian film. In the United States, uncontrollable fires rage in the west and destroy the properties of millions, while in the east, storm upon Anuj Singh storm demolishes buildings and takes Staff Writer the lives of thousands.

Throughout Europe, heat waves have claimed the lives of hundreds. While in Asia, burgeoning monsoons threaten to derail the progress developing countries have made over the past few decades.

Developed countries, such as the United States, Russia, and China, who contribute the most to global warming and climate change and overwhelmingly are to blame for the climate crisis, yet do not face most of the repercussions for their acts.

According to a report published by the Center for Global Development, 79% of historical carbon emis-

sions are produced by just the top ten largest carbon emission producers within developed countries. Additionally, developed countries contain the majority of contributors to climate change, such as large factories and populations that produce massive amounts of emissions.

The consequences for these countries’ actions are showing up all around us, and they are mostly concentrated in low-income countries.

In South Asia, Bangladesh and the Maldives have already been affected by the activity of wealthy nations.

According to a study conducted by researchers at James Cook University, rising sea levels are caused by global warming, for which developed countries are overwhelmingly responsible.

These higher sea levels have caused Bangladesh and the Maldives to begin sinking into the ocean. They are expected to lose significant amounts of their land in upcoming years, which will lead to the displacement of millions of people.

A recent study conducted by researchers from Stanford University concluded that global income inequality has become exacerbated by the climate crisis.

This is because wealthy nations have the resources to handle the effects of climate change while poorer nations simply do not have the money to finance such projects. It is obvious that this global inequality must be addressed and solved immediately.

One step that we can take as a society to combat climate change is preparing for the massive numbers of refugees that will be fleeing from countries devastated by climate change -- such as Bangladesh. This will ensure that the growing divide between developed and developing nations based on the ability to protect themselves from climate change-driven natural disasters will lessen.

Lastly, there are measures of prevention we can take ourselves, even as young adults in a developed country. First, we can donate to organizations such as Oxfam and the United Nations, which are dedicated to fighting against poverty created by climate change.

We can also advocate for a change in our government’s approach to addressing climate change and the cycle of inequity driven by it in ways that can boost the capacity of developing nations to protect themselves.

For example, they can offer aid to developing countries specifically for addressing climate-driven disasters.

We cannot allow richer and more industrialized nations to relinquish their responsibility for our climate crisis. We must act together as a global community to prevent this inequality from evolving into a cycle of oppression that prevents developing countries from growing. Working together to prevent this looming poverty and inequality crisis will ensure that our world will continue to thrive for centuries to come.

QUICK FACTS 2020 was the second hottest year on record

CO2 concentration in our atmosphere are the highest in known history

Global temperature has increased by 1.8°F in the past century

Sea levels are now rising by 3.6 mm per year

11% of carbon emissons are due to deforestation

Greenland is losing an average of 279 billion tons of ice per year since 1993

Sources: conservation.org, unep.org, climate.nasa.gov

IN-DEPTH • 9

SERVING UP the discussion on mental health

Mental health is taking the limelight in media after being considered a social taboo due to professional athletes speaking up about their struggles with the pressure caused by their sports and the world-wide stage.

10 • Sept. 27, 2021

MENTALITY OVER MEDALS How is the next generation of athletes taking the edge off mental health?

OLIVIA TORREZ In-Depth Editor

O

lympic medalist Simone Biles backed out of the team and individual finals in gymnastics at Tokyo’s Olympics to focus on her mental health. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka decided against competing in the French Open, citing bouts of depression inhibiting her.

In this generation, athletes are taking their mental health more seriously-- prioritizing their health over their medals. Which raises the question: What is the next generation of athletes doing to follow the curve?

MN athletes are under stress- both physical and mental- to perform at peak in every casing, competition, game, and race, but outside opinions don’t often consider the mental game as part of the game at all.

“That mental component is half the race. That’s half the race, half the training, that’s half of everything,” Cross Country coach Emily Janda said. “That kid’s not mentally there one day or the kid’s dealing with something else, it’s hard to give it their all during practice, so it’s half the battle.”

Janda is the head boys and girls cross country coach. She’s in charge of planning the daily practices, making sure everyone’s doing their best, and keeping an eye out for the entire team of 100 kids and their health.

“In the past, pre-COVID, we did team yoga. We do fun things in cross country to give that mental break.

We’ll play a game or do a scavenger hunt-- something that helps take away from the actual pressure of what we’re doing,” Janda said.

Coaches aren’t the only people in charge of taking care of their team’s health. Sophia Smith is a section leader in Colorguard; she’s in charge of everybody

knowing where to go, when, and what to do. better. But it can also bring you down because if you do “Part of the section leaders being on the team insomething wrong, it can make you feel bad,” Loveridge stead of just our coach is so we can check in on people. said.

If we feel like anyone is having trouble, we can check Ex-softball player Payton Stone has also been on in on them and do what we need to do to help them,” teams where they both prioritized and downplayed Smith said. mental health.

Those check-ins include: telling the coach, being “Freshman year they really made mental health more accommodating during practices, and talking out important. We’d have meetings about how handling a these issues. sport and school were going and even went to do goat “When students are athletes, that’s really great yoga,” Stone said, “Sophomore year was different-- we for their physical and mental health because it helps didn’t have anything that had to do with mental health. them create the endorphins It was just focusing on the that help them feel well, both game and not the players.” physically and mentally,”

There needs to be a Both the lack of mental School psychologist Kelley care and a shoulder injury balance. You’re only as good O’Toole said. “There can be caused Stone to quit the sport. as you’re feeling, so it’s hard some negatives though, having Self-esteem and self-conto balance it all. If you’re not cept play huge roles in affectto be an athlete, a student, someone who has the coping ing mental health. Interacting anything if you’re not feeling skills to manage that stress, with a support group is a you can become very overgood way to improve collabothe best that you possibly whelmed and stressed.” ration and a sense of belongcan.

Both school psychologists, ing.

O’Toole and Terrin Dorathy TERRIN DORATHY “[Mental health] is really agree: mental health is just as important. Whether a kid’s SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST important as physical health. mentally there or not in a Mental health is included in race, or just in practice, that general wellness along with impacts the whole team so it’s physical, social, and emotional. important for the kids and part of the job,” Janda said.

Varsity soccer and basketball player Romey LoveThe stigma on mental health is slowly but surely beridge knows this as well. She has been playing sports ing faded out of mainstream sports. In this day and age, since she was three, even being on soccer teams where the importance of mental health is taking the limelight, mental health was the priority and they saw a sports and open communication is a big part of it. Carving out psychologist every 2 weeks. the time to take care of oneself in a stressful schedule is “It boosts my mental health because when I’m the next step in realizing that focus should be on menactive, I feel better. When I do something right, I feel tality, not medals.

“

”

Mental Health In Professional Athletes 35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis, which may manifest as stress, eating disorders, burnout, depression, or anxiety.

Micheal Phelps launched a foundation focusing on teaching kids to be healthy and active in 2010 and is also on the board of Medibio, which is a mental health technology company.

Serena Williams has been an advocate for mental health as she herself has struggled with depression throughout her life and post-partem depression after giving birth to her daughter.

MNHSONLINE.COM • 11

MIND OVER MATTER

Quick Tips for Handling Mental Health

Volleyball team employs new app that benefits player’s mental health

Talk to others!

ASIM ADHIKARY Staff Writer

N

owadays, there is an app for everything. If

you ever wanted to learn that new language, go online shopping, or maybe even calculate the chances of that have begun to notice the app affecting the way they much-needed snow day, you guessed it, there’s an app think and act-- not just on the court, but off the court for it. These apps tend to make our lives easier and as well. stress-free. For the Millard North volleyball team, that “Off the court, I think I’m less stressed. When I app is Neurofuel. come home, all I would think about is how I did that Here at Millard North, the volleyball team has day, but since using NeuroFuel, I try to separate home begun implementing a new app, Neurofuel, into their and volleyball more often,” junior Hannah Nielsen daily lives. said.

“Neurofuel is a visualization, and mental training NeuroFuel’s primary purpose is to help reach a app specifically made for a volleyball athlete,” Head player’s maximum potential. Studies show that volcoach Lindsay Peterson said. leyball is 60-90% mental, yet “We beta tested it last year for the this issue doesn’t get nearly the

This app has made University of Creighton. It was attention it deserves. Mental so good I felt like we needed it for me feel calmer on the court health apps, such as NeuroFuel, all of the players on our teams.” are helping shine a light on this and realize the weight of

Peterson informed her team crucial topic. about the app in order to better “NeuroFuel allows athletes the game doesn’t all rest on her players’ mental health. With to wake up in the morning with my shoulders. Volleyball is hopes to take a little stress off a positive mindset and go to a team sport, and the app their shoulders and get the most sleep with one as well. The app out of their day, the Millard also has building blocks for kids emphasizes that.

North athletes began to ignite to get better at parts of their their mornings with Neurofuel. game. Including deep HANNAH NIELSON mental “I use the app every mornbreathing, mindfulness, gratiJUNIOR ing and night, as well as before tude, appreciation, goal setting, matches. In the mornings, it is positive mindset, and next-level an audio that helps you wake up with a positive mindset fuel,” Peterson said. and get ready to start the day,” senior Kate Galvin said.

With the help of NeuroFuel, the 2020 state cham“The nighttime ‘fuel’ is an audio to help you better fall pions are more than qualified to conquer anything that asleep and reflect on your day. For the position-specific comes their way. Already starting the season with a audios, they help you visualize playing and performing head start, our Millard North Mustangs are looking at your best.” forward to another chance to bring that state champiAfter using NeuroFuel for several weeks, players onship back home!

“

Get plenty of sleep!

Do something you enjoy!

Take a moment to yourself !

Tips from School Psychologists, Kelley O’Toole & Terrin Dorathy

4.3/5 on A ppAdvice

”

4.6/5 on Apple Store

12 • Sept. 27, 2021

SUPERHUMAN IS STILL HUMAN

Discussion of athlete’s mental health raises questions about notions of success, fame, and skill COOPER PIERCY Staff Writer

F

igures of speech are a constant part of our

daily lives no matter who we are- hyperbole, or dramatic exaggeration, being one of the most commonly used. For the vast majority of people, phrases like, ‘the weight of the world on my shoulders,’ and ‘the whole world was watching’ are relegated to the status of obviously untrue hyperbole.

For a select few however, that comically unrealistic hyperbole is reality.

And while it may seem easy to think that unbelievable physical skills goes hand-in-hand with equally unbelievable mental skills, the simple truth is that we all have the same vulnerability to mental health issues, even the world’s best athletes.

“Among professional athletes, data shows that up to 35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis which may manifest as stress, eating disorders, burnout, or depression and anxiety,” explained the non-profit organization, Athletes for Hope, which advocates for the mental health of athletes worldwide.

In fact, when world famous olympic gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to mounting mental health issues, she turned to the very language most people would deem hyperbolic to describe her very real situation.

“I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me, but damn, sometimes it’s hard.” Biles said on social media following her withdrawal.

Despite her openness about the issue however, she still faced backlash from many for this perceived show of weakness, including from wellknown British media personality Piers Morgan.

In a tweet following the announcement of Biles’ withdrawal, the broadcaster with almost 30 years of experience asked, “Are ‘mental health issues’ now the go-to excuse for any poor performance in elite sport? What a joke.”

Even though Morgan was very openly and widely criticized for his comments that the vast majority of people saw as insensitive and misinformed, the persistence of these criticisms of athletes doing what’s

Local

Mental

Boys Town National Research Hospital provides counseling, therapy, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, and help with severe behavioral and mental health problems.

Call for help at 531- 355-3500

best for their mental health raises a crucial dilema: How do we uplift those who dedicate themselves to athletics without turning them into objectified ‘superhumans’ without any perceived human qualities?

A diverse variety of advocacy groups offer an even more diverse variety of programs to help the mental health of athletes, including Athletes for Hope.

“Many manage symptoms with therapy, medication, eating a healthy diet or exercise. Research has shown that the benefits of exercise can boost moods and improve overall mental health,” Athletes for Hope said.

This is something accentuated by former Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who became vocal about his struggles with depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts, during his time as an Olympian.

A documentary telling his story, titled The Weight of Gold, detailed these struggles by shedding light on the true stakes at play, but also ways he’s found to keep himself safe.

“I thought of myself as ‘just a swimmer,’” Phelps said in the documentary, which was made following his admittance into a hospital after serious fears he would attempt suicide, “And not a human being.”

As easy as it would be to conclude that the best way to relieve athlete pressure is to give them more time away from their stressful athletic environment, Phelps would be the first to say that that’s incorrect.

In an interview for Business Insider, when discussing his mental health, Phelps said that exercise was “essential” for him, and that, “it helps me be the authentic me, the real me.”

“The more people who are famous and come out publicly about their mental health, the better,” said Victor Hong, the director psychiatric emergency department at University of Michigan Health, “Backlash will happen, but somewhere out there we know there are young athletes who sought help because a role model spoke up, and we know that will continue.”

As more and more athletes speak out, and more and more aren’t intimidated by the backlash they face, more and more people won’t see them as a living hyperbole, a living figure of speech, and instead see them as a real person.

Health

Agencies

“Physiologically, you may be fine but mentally fatigued athletes find the same task much more effortful.”

-Dr. Samuele Marcora

“If someone wants to call me weak for asking for help, that’s their problem because I’m saving my own life.”

-Micheal Phelps

“Stepping away from the things that don’t serve as an essential practice for your well-being, regardless of how mandatory society makes those things, is smart.”

-Analis Bailey, USA TODAY reporter

Children’s Hospital and Medical Center treat children of all ages with behavioral and mental health disorders. They work with the patient’s physician and school to provide individualized treatment.

Midwest Regional Health Services has two mental health therapists on-site who offer confidential crisis intervention, counseling, resources, support and more.

Call for help at 1-800-833-3100

Call for help at 402-230-7945

OPINIONS • 13

A NATION DIVIDED

THE HOOFBEAT

Polical polarization is creating deadly consequences

L

Reema’s Reaction

“ et’s not get political”. In the wake of social movements such as Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate, it seems as though our country has unnecessarily become more divided than ever. With increased access Reema Guda to social media, Staff Writer it’s become easier than ever to spread information at the click of a button, but sometimes, this can be used more as a weapon than a tool.

Take COVID-19 for example. The pandemic started as a public health issue, where everyone came together to grieve those who were affected and to come up with a way for our lives to go back to normal.

Ultimately, it has turned into an ongoing debate about whether scientific research conducted by the most qualified scientists in the country is “real” or not.

People have started looking for unnecessary reasons to stir up controversy, and that has resulted in over 648,000 deaths in the US that could have been avoided.

648,000 families that wouldn’t have to grieve the loss of a loved one if people would just wear their masks and get vaccinated instead of turning science into a debate.

The Pew Research Center defines the phenomenon of trying to turn everyday life events into a political scenario as Political Polarization, “the vast and growing gap between liberals and conservatives”. The survey shows that the amount of Americans who persistently identify with either conservative or liberal beliefs has jumped from 10% to 21% in the past two decades, meaning the amount of “ideological overlap” between the two groups is decreasing.

This creates a sense of growing division between the two opposing sides, causing there to be a sense of competition; people from both sides will automatically oppose any ideas brought up from the other side, no matter what. This can have detrimental effects, especially if it gets to the point where politicians start creating laws over subjects that shouldn’t even be up for debate.

Texas GOP lawmakers recently passed a bill that cracks down on prohibiting critical race theory from being taught in their schools. Brookings Institute states that put simply, the definition of Critical Race Theory is “U.S. social institutions (e.g., the criminal justice system, education system, labor market…) are laced with racism embedded in laws, regulations, rules, and procedures that lead to differential outcomes by race”.

Teaching critical race theory in school simply means that students will be taught about how the history of racial inequality in America still has systemic effects to this day. However, the narrative has been completely twisted into the idea that teaching it in schools is somehow labeling all white people as “oppressors”, which is simply not the case, and gives into the idea of political polarization, and coming up with excuses for liberals and conservatives to disagree on yet another topic.

Facts are being molded to fit political agendas, which will create adverse effects on both current and future generations.

“There isn’t anything wrong with living a political life,” Sonny Bunch, an American journalist said. “A politicized life is a different beast, however. It treats politics as a zero-sum game or a form of total warfare in which the other side must be obliterated.”

Politics affects every aspect of our lives, and every bill that’s passed could either help or harm the way we live. When we turn it into a game of always trying to prove the other side wrong, that’s when we start moving backwards instead of making progress.

We need to start being more open to the other side, instead of always turning everything into a this-or-that game. It’s not always about being right; it’s about making decisions that will help our country move forward into the best version of itself. It’s time we start being a little more selfless and putting other people’s needs before our own wants. Wanting to fulfill our rights shouldn’t infringe on others’ freedom.

Partisan Polarization 1994-2017

The Hoofbeat staff will publish six issues of the paper at Millard North High School (1010 South 144th St., Omaha, NE). Type and Layout are done using Macintosh and HP computers. Printing is done by White Wolf Printing, Sheldon, Iowa. The Hoofbeat is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association and JEA. The Hoofbeat exists for the 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 October 25 issue will be accepted no later than October 11 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 Editor-in-Chief Anna Pipinos Front Editor Anna Pipinos News Editor Morgan McCormack Opinions Editor Sneha Selvaraj In-Depth Editor Olivia Torrez Lifestyle Editor Mahika Kanchanam Sports Editor Elias Pipinos Design Editor Aiden Lewald Adviser Sarah Crotzer Principal Brian Begley

Cartoonist Aiden Lewald Illustrator Riya Kannapareddy Aiden Lewald Photographer Aiden Lewald Staff Writers Asim Adhikary Adithi Deeduvanu Reema Guda Sadie Hugelman Amina Hussain Rebecca Jacobsen Teagan Lynch Cooper Piercy Anuj Singh Deeksha Sridher

Submit story tips to @mnhshoofbeat or mnhsonline.com

Source: pewresearch

14 • March 23, 2020

BREAKING THE STIGMA

The truth of rape culture and sexual assaults in society today

O

Teagan’s Take

n Tuesday, August 24th, the 103rd rape since 2005 and the 78th rape since 2015 occured at the FIJI fraternity house of University of Nebraska Lincoln.

The following days and nights, hundreds of college students could be heard chantTeagan Lynch ing, “No more rapists in our faces.”.

Staff Writer Due to over half of all the rapes reported to UNL having been in the last six years, the topic of sexual assault and harassment has been brought to light to the students and the state of Nebraska once again.

Unfortunately, statistical numbers do not include the numerous rapes that go unreported. In fact, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), more than 2 out of 3 sexual assaults will go unreported to authorities.

One reason for this is the rise of rape culture. Rape culture is defined by Marshall University as “an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women [or men] is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture.” It is “perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence.”

The effects of rape culture are appalling. Rape and sexual assault can cause emotional, psychological, and physical distress to a victim, even well after the event.

Fighting FIJI:

Hundreds of students flooded the streets to demand the shut down of FIJI fraternity house. Protests lasted for days after a sexual assault took place on campus.

Photograph by Will Ramsey

Some examples stated by RAINN include depression, PTSD, and flashbacks.

Research done by associate professor of sociology at West Virginia University Karen G. Weiss revealed that, in many cases, the victim may either blame themselves, feeling ashamed for what happened to them, or even fail to realize that what happened to them was sexual assault.

This stops them from coming forward.

“Ambiguity reflects the difficulties of recognizing crime due to cultural messages that trivialize certain situations as normal or as an inevitable part of youth,” Weiss said. “Ambivalence protects teens, at least temporarily, from social disapproval and interpersonal conflict associated with disclosing peer offenses.” Essentially, this means that denying or contradicting the seriousness of an assault can protect a victim from the judgement or loss of friends; especially if it was a friend who committed the act.

Since there is already so much societal pressure on these individuals, support is very helpful. According to clinical therapist Ebony McClain, to provide support for those who have gone through this kind of trauma, people should act with “empathy and compassion and validation of the experience.”

Another important point to stress is that a rape is not the fault of the victim, but entirely the rapist’s. Studies show that motives of a rapist can include a lack of empathy, narcissism, toxic masculinity or even a deep-rooted hostility towards women, none of which can be controlled by the victim, yet, more than half of the time, victims blame themselves.

As a community, we need to stand together against this issue. Although it may never go away, supporting each other and doing our part to combat the toxicity of rape culture will lead to a better future for us all.

12-24 PEOPLE BETWEEN AGES 12-24 HAVE THE HIGHEST RISK FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND RAPE

90% OF RAPE VICTIMS ARE WOMEN AND 10% ARE MALE

1 IN 6 AMERICAN WOMEN ARE VICTIMS OF ATTEMPTED OR COMPLETED RAPE

SOMEONE IS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED EVERY 68 SECONDS IN AMERICA

PLANNING AN UNFORGETABLE NIGHT

LIFESTYLE • 15

Students in Advanced Marketing bond together as they plan the Powder Puff ANNA PIPINOS Editor-in-Chief

”edI byamgirlsexcited who

to see some girls get dustare on the track team. It’ll be a fun night,” senior Blane Wheeler said.

On Aug. 29, students in Advanced Marketing were given the task to plan powder puff by Sept. 21.

“Powder puff has been run by Advanced Marketing for quite a few years now, and it’s just something we like to do in the fall as it’s a really fun event for everyone to come together and watch,” senior Aaron Morrissey said.

With an image in mind of what they wanted, this year’s powder puff game to look like, the student’s broke off into three groups, each taking care of different tasks.

“We split up into three committees: the administration, the promotion, and the volunteering committee. We all spent time in-class and out-of-class planning for this event before pushing out the Google Form for the girls to fill out,” senior Ava Hollingsworth said.

Given free range to do what they like, the students kicked around multiple ideas in order to help ensure that their plans for this year’s game were perfect.

“My favorite part about helping with powder puff is the creative liberty our teacher gives us. It was a lot of fun to discuss with my classmates about what was a cool t-shirt design and what else we could add to the game to make it more exciting,” Wheeler said.

Throughout the whole process of arranging powde puff, the students benefited in multiple ways, one of them being able to experience what it’s like to plan a massive event.

“For DECA, while we make a small profit to help stipend students’ fees for competitions, we really bene-

fit from planning an event and keeping track of the expenses. It is like planning a real business event, so we are getting that real experience,” Hollingsworth said.

The students also profited from the experience by having time to bond with each other, helping many of them to grow closer with one another.

“I really liked working with the people in my class because of how fun they are to be around,” Morrissey said. “I’ve also never experienced or even watched Powderpuff, and I am excited to see everyone come together to watch the girls in our grade play.

However, although the organizers noticed themselves growing closer as friends, they also noted the benefits for the girls competing.

“Powderpuff has given a chance for a lot of girls to go on the football field and have football players as their coaches, which is a fun little flip from what we normally see at football games,” Hollingsworth said.

However, Powderpuff doesn’t just give the girls an opportunity to play on the field.

“For the girls who have played in previous years, we’ve seen how it has strengthened and created new bonds between girls, as well as helped create a sense of teamwork between the girls,” Hollingsworth said.

With all of their work and stress being over, the students from Advanced Marketing excitedly wait for the event to commence.

“My favorite part about helping with powde puff is chatting with the players and hearing their excitement for tonight’s game,” Hollingsworth said. “I really think it is going to go well tonight, and [I’m excited] to see the competitiveness from both teams.

POWDER PUFF PLAYERS

Junior Maria Johnson

“The game was extremely fun. We made hisotry tonight. The seniors might have had plays but we had heart. You’ll see us next year!” photos by Mahika Kanchanam and contributed by Maria Johnson and Fiona Stevens

Senior Fiona Stevens

“I was so excited to hear about how the powderpuff game would be coming back this year! I’ve been wanting to play since freshmen year. I can’t wait for a rematch.”

Seniors Hailey Gregg and Annie Roberts help design and print shirts for the game.

16 • Sept. 27, 2021

SKY HIGH Student with a passion for flying works his way towards earning a private pilot license REBECCA JACOBSEN Staff Writer

pen. Instead, Stolinski finds the activity relaxing.

Using those critical thinking skills, Stolinski was “You look down at the cars and think, ‘haha, I’m better equipped to work towards completing the rever the summer, it was nonstop flying.” better than you’. But it’s a very surreal experience, espe- quirements for making a cross country flight this Not many young people find themselves speaksummer: writing out wind speeds, accounting for the ing this sentence. Junior Patrick Stolinski is one weather at the time, and calculating other variables of the few who has received that opportunity. from one point to another before making the flight.

“About three years ago, when a family friend “In theory, if you were having to fly without any of ours took me up in his small engine airplane, of the fancy computers, you still could,” Stolinski said. [he] let me take control for a little bit, [and I did] Stolinski has flown from the Millard Airport to a couple of turns. That kind of set the flame goColumbus and Millard Airport to Wahoo, as well as a ing, and from there it just grew,” Stolinski said. round trip starting and ending at the Millard Airport.

Traveling back in time, Stolinski’s moth“What’s really cool is, as you get further into the eveer Susan Stolinski said that his passion for flyning and as the sun starts setting, just seeing the city light ing didn’t start then, but when he was nine up; the airport lights, those coming on,” Stolinski said. or ten years old using online flight programs.

Although Stolinski does not consider fly“When he was young, we took him to places, ing itself difficult, he acknowledges two things typically children’s museums, that had flight simuone must learn to make the process easier. lators, and he enjoyed that so much that he looked “One, learning to have an advanced unonline for simulator programs,” S. Stolinski said.

Going Solo: derstanding of the weather; [and] two, havBy joining the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet ProThis picture was taken the day of ing a very good mental picture of the world gram in September 2018, Stolinski began to turn what environment around you,” Stolinski said.

Patrick Stolinski’s first solo flight. used to be a simulation into a reality. As a member Through all his training and experience, Photo contributed by of his squadron, Stolinski furthered his knowledge Stolinski has proven that he is qualified to fly a Patrick Stolinski of aerospace, leadership, and emergency services. plane. S. Stolinski, although in a position where “Once Patrick joined the Civil Air Patrol, his in- cially when you’re up there by yourself with the sunset in other mothers might be anxious for their chilterest in flying genuinely increased,” S. Stolinski said. the background. It’s just very peaceful,” Stolinski said. dren, has confidence in Stolinski’s abilities.

Early in 2021, Stolinski set his eyes on an ExperiIn addition to taking flying lessons, Stolinski has “I can’t imagine being nervous each time he goes mental Aircraft Association scholarship, which would done work outside of the plane that helps take his up in a plane, or to a further extent, gets behind the pay for up to $10,000 towards his private pilot license. skills to the next level. By taking industrial technology wheel of a car. He has learned the necessary skills, After receiving the funding halfway through June of classes from teacher Jeffrey Brady, Stolinski has had so now his job is to use them,” S. Stolinski said.

2021, Stolinski began his training by first picking time the opportunity to further progress his problem-solvAlthough he hasn’t earned his private pislots to work with his instructor and renting a Cessna ing and critical-thinking skills in regards to airplanes. lot license yet, Stolinski will be able to take his fi172 airplane from Oracle Aviation at Millard Airport. “[Patrick is] thinking about different ways the air- nal check ride when he turns 17 (the minimum Although some may be intimidated by fly- planes could be designed and finding little problems that age requirement to get the license) this May. ing high in an airplane, Stolinski chooses not to be; would be tedious [to fix] in a plane; transferring that into Until then, the flame will keep burnhe says that being anxious is how accidents hap- 3D design, prototypes, [and] testing them,” Brady said. ing as Stolinski continues to take to the sky.

“O

Earning A License Hours for flight training include three hours for each of the following: cross-country flight time, night flight time, instrument training, and training with an authorized instructor, as well as 10 hours of solo flight time. You need 40 hours total.

One requirement to getting your private pilot license is passing an aernautical knowledge test. It’s recommended that you take it before you start your training.

The final test is a practical test, also known as a checkride. It consists of an oral and flight test.

MNHSONLINE.COM • 17

ENCHANTED AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE Locally started art cafe in Benson creates new and magical experience for customers MAHIKA KANCHANAM Lifestyle Editor

A

fter a very busy week at school, I decided that I would take this Friday evening to relax and treat myself to some coffee. Entering the drive thru at Scooters, I realized that I’d been getting the same three orders for the past three years from the same three places: Starbucks, Scooter, and Dunkin Donuts.

Itching for a new taste, I asked around to find a new cafe that was worth going to in Omaha. Luckily, my friend mentioned a cafe in Benson. So, we headed towards the Edge of the Universe, a cafe that is said to have my two favorite things: mesmerizing artwork and coffee.

Located in Benson, Edge of the Universe is an art cafe filled with creativity, delicious baked goods, and refreshing drinks. Standing outside a busy alley in the Ben-

Octob

e

Murde r 6th rino

son area, my friend and I pushed open the glass doors to the cafe. Our first step inside gave way to what we felt like entering a whole new world. The cafe was filled with heavy, vivid paint strokes that recreated the famous painting by Vincent Van Gogh: The Starry Night.

My eyes glazed across the room, and I noticed the soft music that played throughout the room, creating a homey environment. The sparkling chandeliers and fairy lights that hung from the ceiling added to the Starry Night theme. By the time we took our second step, we were greeted with excitement and kindness by the workers.

Full of curiosity, we took a seat in the cafe and started reading the menu. The menu was very simple: baked goods, charcuterie boards, and hot or iced coffees with the option of 10 different syrups to compliment them. Yet, we were unable to choose what to order, wanting to taste all the unique flavors offered. After realizing I had spaced out, lost in the artwork, I hurriedly scoured the menu, and at last, I decided to try the iced latte with three different flavours: white mocha, strawberry cream, and pumpkin spice. Within the first five minutes of ordering, my drink was served to me in a large glass super mug.

Trying the iced latte with white mocha first, I noticed that it didn’t stand out too much from other iced

lattes around Omaha. It was a regular latte with a hint of some sweetness from the white mocha. But, nonetheless, it was a refreshing and tasteful drink after a busy day.

The next flavor I tried was Strawberry Cream. Initially, I hoped that it would have had a powerful strawberry flavor. However, after tasting this drink, I noticed that the coffee flavor was a bit too strong, taking over the strawberry. My sweet tooth began to beg for something sweeter, as the drink was too bitter compared to how I normally take my coffee.

The last flavor I tried was Pumpkin Spice. Pumpkin is usually not a favorite flavor of mine, but this drink truly surprised me. It was sweeter than the other two lattes, resolving my craving for something sweet in the process, and I could still taste the spices in the aftertaste. There was a good balance between the light hint of spice and sweet; it was definitely a drink I would come back for.

Before leaving the cafe, I decided to try one of the few baked goods they were serving, soI went with the cheesecake topped with blueberries. The base was a sweet pressed crumb shell with syrup. The creamy filling on the base was topped with blueberry puree, adding a rich and fruity flavor.

Overall, Edge of the Universe was a welcoming and whimsical experience. It was almost as if it was filled with magic, making it feel like a place where you could

escape reality.

er 2nd

Octob

ight

sN Witch’

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 1st

GhostBusters Marathon

Yoshitomo sushi restaurant

Selfie Spot first selfie museum

Found Vintage Market

OTHER BENSON ATTRACTIONS

Baked After Dark late-night bakery

Jojo’s Diner retro styled diner

Hardy Coffee Co. coffee shop

18 • SPORTS • Sept. 27, 2021

COMING IN FIRST

RESULTS ARE IN Number One Singles

Boys tennis starts strong with win at Mustang Invitational

The boys on the team have developed great chemistry with each other these last couple of years, making the team a much greater competitor.

“Tennis is more of an individual sport. But outside of matches, we have a fun and welcoming environment.

“You can win at another school’s competition, but Sometimes when one of our teammates is having a bad when you’re winning your own tournament, it feels a lot day, we will support them. We’re kind of like a family,” more meaningful. It’s nice to know the trophy is with its Muinov said. “There are 11 members on the team, and 8 rightful school and not sitting in a random case,” senior of them are seniors. We’ve known each other since sophomore year, so we get along really well.”

Allan Muinov said.

Outside of practice, the boys will host team dinners For the first time in four years, the boys varsity tennis team stood on top of the podium at the Mustang Invita- or have group bonding activities. And before big game tional. The Mustang Invitational is a yearly tournament days, each player gets ready, both individually and as a hosted by MN, generally at the beginning of the season. team.

“I make sure I am physically ready. I will hydrate “Since we host it, we obviously want to win that toura lot the night before, make sure I nament. It almost feels like a source of have enough snacks and drinks, and pride. It’s a good sign that we can beat mentally be prepared for the day,” some really good competition and take As a team, we Zhu said. “As a team, the day bethat invitational,” senior Jalan Zhu fore matches, we have a light-heartsaid. “Wins like this are a good sign know we will always ed practice where we get our bodies leading up to the state.” support each other, and loose and prepare ourselves for the The tennis team has already faced next day.” its fair share of challenges this season, we know our coach is With the tennis team already including recently introducing a new there to help. hitting off their season with a runhead coach for both the girls’ and boys’ start, the state title is looking tennis teams, Isabelle Wostoupal.

CONNOR GHARST ning very attainable.

“With a new coach this year, it is a “If we all play our best and whole different environment. Creating Senior & Varsity Tennis Player prepare the right way, we definitely that bond with a coach can be tough, but I feel like it’s gone very well,” senior Connor Gharst can win state. There’s going to be a lot of tough competisaid. “As a team, we know we will always support each tion and good teams, but I believe we can win,” Muinov said. other, and we know our coach is there to help.”

#1 - Ian Lewis

ASIM ADHIKARY Staff Writer

“

”

#2 - AJ Shefsky #3 - Jalan Zhu

Number One Doubles

#1 - Clark Rue & Alex Kugler #2 - Fletcher Kuper & Justin Ye #3 - Allan Muinov & Connor Gharst

Number Two Singles #1 - Kalen Krohn #2 - Johnathan Sabrianov #3 - Daniel Brocaille

Number Two Doubles

#1 - Arjun Anguloe & Akhil Ganti

Heavy Hitters:

The boys varsity tennis team poses with their rackets. The team placed first at the tournament hosted by MN that same day.

Photograph contributed by Allan Muinov

Cleanup Crew:

The boys pose with their brooms. The tournament, held on a rainy day, meant lots of cleaning and squeegeeing for the boys.

Photograph contributed by Jalan Zhu

#2 - Jacob Imig & Jackson Vetter #3 - Luke David & Zev Gordman

MNHSONLINE.COM • 19

UNDER AND OVER THE NET A focus on Kate Galvin’s past, and her steps into the future as a committed San Diego Torero ELIAS PIPINOS Sports Editor

Y

in different states and saw who was interested in me as a player,” Galvin said.

Galvin kept her ability on the court and her academics as her top priorities. One school especially caught her eye, and she took a quick liking to not only the volleyball program, but its academics as well.

ou’re nervous, but no one suspects a thing. Among you are seven seniors, all of them older and more experienced. You’ve made multiple digs and dives to save the ball, and the flashing lights from the cameras are what fuel you on. Although you are only a sophomore, you are their equal and you stand strong among them.

Kate Galvin, now a senior, joined her team in her defender position as a sophomore in the state semifinals in 2019.

The team would go on to win the State Championship that year. Since then, Galvin has led her team to impressive heights every season.

“Coach Just recently, Galvin herself reached [Jennifer] a defining milestone, one of a few players Digging for Gold: Petrie reached to reach 1,000 career digs. Digs, which Kate Galvin makes a dig for the ball. The girls out to me from are the first contacts made by defenders went on to win the point against Gretna’s volley- San Diego, to stop the ball from hitting the ground, ball team. and that beare one of Galvin’s most worked-for and Photograph by Melissa Petty came my best most strived-for skills. option,” Gal“Constantly being in the gym and vin said. working hard every time I get the chance In late to practice is what helped me reach this number of digs,” August, Galvin made the decision official. This coming Galvin said. school year, Galvin will be attending the University of Galvin has proved herself to be a meaningful mem- San Diego as a Torero. ber and leader of her team, and with her statistics and Galvin has a successful career in college volleyball gameplay on display, D1 recruitments came rolling in. ahead of her, but that’s not without long hours of hard “I casted a whole net to a bunch of different schools work alongside her coach, Lindsay Peterson.

Peterson played the same position that Galvin plays now, and their similarities are ever-present in comparison.

“Although Kate was definitely more confident than me, we both thought we were really good at what we did and we both easily backed that up with how we played,” Peterson said.

Peterson had watched Galvin’s games in middle school and, more recently, has had the opportunity to personally coach Galvin in highschool volleyball.

“I’ve always liked how Kate commands the court and she’s very confident. She can make an error and quickly escape that mindset and do better,” Peterson said.

Even now, in her senior year, Galvin is commended for her ability to take feedback and learn from her coaches, her teachers, and from her mother, Michelle Galvin. “[She takes feedback] extremely well. As she has gotten older she is even more appreciative of coaches’ feedback,” M. Galvin said.

Galvn’s recent commitment to the University of San Diego was not only an exciting time for Galvin, but a reassuring and happy time for her family as well. “[It was] reassuring knowing high level college coaches were watching and saw the same talent her Omaha coaches did,” M. Galvin said.

Galvin will not only play volleyball in college, but she will also put her sights on her future, where she plans to go to medical school and, eventually, become a dermatologist.

“She will accomplish whatever she is really passionate about,” M. Galvin said.

D1V1S1ON ONE DEC1S1ONS Q: How does it feel to have your decision made?

Q: How does it feel to have your decision made?

A: “A lot of people really want to be recruited by a lot of different schools, but after a month or so it gets to be a lot and really stressful. Finally making a decision is a huge weight off my shoulders.”

A: “It feels good. Obviously I still have to grind out to play there, but it feels good knowing I have somewhere that I’m committed to.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to at Creighton University?

Q: What are you most looking forward to at Kansas University?

A: “I’m most looking forward to being able to play in front of people I grew up with and the people that raised me. That’s probably the main thing. And then, hopefully, being able to pass to the next level, too.”

A: “The golf aspect [is what] I’m looking forward to.

Being part of a competitive team and [to] be playing with good teammates, I think will be really fun.”

20 • Sept. 27, 2021

TAKING OVER

With Jimmy Quaintance now gone, brother Charlie Quaintance takes on quarterback role ANNA PIPINOS Editor in Chief

M

“ y goal is to be better than what my brother was. There’s just a little bit of a sibling rivalry between us,” junior Charlie Quaintance said.

From a young age, Quaintance was a part of two sports: baseball and basketball.

However, after watching his brother play football, there was a spark in Quaintance. With this newfound passion, Quaintance decided to take on football himself.

“I have played basketball, football, and baseball since I was little. I started playing football because of my brother, and it took off from there,” Qauintance said.

Growing up, both Quaintance and brother Jimmy Quaintance were pushed and motivated by their mother to work as hard as they possibly could.

“My mom is our greatest supporter. She has been at all of the games and helps out with football stuff. She has basically been the team mom,” Quaintance said.

With years of experience on his shoulders, Quaintance as a sophomore not only held the position of safety

and slot but also back-up quarterback, proudly helping his brother lead the team.

However, with Jimmy Quaintance gone, the position of quarterback had opened up for grabs. With his eye on

“

His brother has definitely inspired him. Jimmy had a great season last year, and I believe that Charlie wants to live up to that and even do better than him.

”

BEN WEINDEL

Senior Quarterback

the prize, Quaintance stepped up and claimed his new position.

“It is definitely weird without my brother, Jimmy. I

do feel like I have pushed myself a lot to get this position, though,” Quaintance said.

With great fervor and motivation to achieve more than his brother, Quaintance challenges himself to new goals.

“His brother has definitely inspired him. Jimmy had a great season last year, and I believe that Charlie wants to live up to that and even do better than him,” senior Ben Weindel said. “He is a competitive dude, and knows exactly what he needs to do to reach that level.”

Pushing himself to break the school record of most passes, Quaintance has accumulated 360 yards in the last three games.

“He’s accomplished a lot this season. Actually, [Charlie is] about to beat a record for the amount of yards passed,” Boganowski said.

With a drive Quaintance plans on devoting himself to working hard and leading the team to wins.

“I get out there and try to play as hard as I possibly can. I go out there and just do what I know I can, knowing that my team can also do the same,” Quaintance said. “

Securing the Pass:

Playmaking:

Junior Charlie Quantaince completes a pass. The team went on to lose the game with a score of 31-56.

Photograph contributed

by Charlie Quaintance

JOCK TALK Jessica Morrow JUNIOR Marching Band

Junior Charlie Quaintance works on making a play in the game against Millard South. Quaintance completed 8 out of 13 passes during the game. Photograph Usman Syed

How does the presence of a crowd impact how you play?

Kymmia Roberts-Brown SOPHOMORE I think it just depends on the Softball

[The presence of a crowd] makes me want to perform my absolute best because I want to show the crowd what we do and how cool it can be.

person. If I know the person really well, I might get nervous around them, or do bad and mess up; or [they might] make me do worse.

Korbin Welker SENIOR Cross Country

There’s one side that when you have a positive mindset, they can cheer you on and really help you to do your best; but the other side of it is that when you’re doing bad, you just think everyone is disappointed in you, so that it can kind of bring you down even further than you would have before.