The Hoofbeat Issue 2 October 2020

Millard North High School

THE HOOFBEAT

2020 ELECTION

TIKTOK FAME

Student’s make their mark on the election

Some Mustangs you

Page 16

Page 9-12

FYP

Drawn by Aiden Lewald

Volume 40 • Issue 2 • Nov. 2, 2020

CELEBRATING

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A

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EVERY

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SHADE

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OF

O

LGBTQ+ students discuss what LGBTQ+ History Month means to them

THE

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2 • NEWS • Nov. 2, 2020

HONORING A COMMUNITY

LGBTQ+ History Month empowered students throughout October

ISA LUZARRAGA Editor-in-Chief

S

HELPING HINTS

A quick dictionary for expaninding your LGBTQ+ vocabulary

COMING OUT

“

CISGENDER

QUEER

By providing an outlet to discuss it, LGBTQ+ history month is an amazing way to expose people to new perspectives that they previously had not been aware of

”

SHE/HER HE/HIM THEY/THEM ZE/HIR

JARED GERHARDT SENIOR

LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+

WHO IS WHO ON THE COVER Clockwise from top left: Laverne Cox, Pete Buttigeg, Vincent Rodriguez III, Freddie Mercury, Jonathan Van Ness, Janelle Monae, Elton John, Lil Nas X, Todrick Hall (Center).

Laverene Cox

openly transgender person to be on the cover of Cosmopolotin Magazine.

Social Media Star and Drag Queen.

Made the 30 under 30 list and was in a Taylor Swift video.

Todrick Hall

A gay AsianAmerican actor most known for his role in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Vincent Rodriguez III

MNHSONLINE.COM • 3

FLAG FACTS

MONUMENTOUS MOMENTS

Breaking down some of the who and what in the LGBTQ+ community

A timeline of historic moments in the LGBTQ+ community

JUNE 28, 1969

Made in 2015, the lesbian -

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1973

JUNE 26, 2015

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be extended

APRIL 14, 2019 -

HEARTLAND PRIDE Heartland Pride has occurred annualy, with the exclusion of 2020 due to the pandemic, each June since 1985 in celebration of Pride Month. The memorial of those who lost their lives to AIDS.

4 • Nov. 2, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS LOCAL NEWS Nebraska prisons report over 260 COVID-19 cases among staff and inmates Former US senator from Nebraska, David Karnes, dies at 71

NATIONAL NEWS Amy Coney Barrett sworn in as new Supreme Court Justice Fires in Orange County Los Angeles leave many without homes Hurricane Zeta bringing danger to parts of Louisianna and northern Gulf Coast

WORLD NEWS Second wave of spikes in COVID-19 cases in Europe hit East Africa due to heavy October rains

GOING OFF-SCRIPT

MN One Act adapts to performance restrictions SNEHA SELVARAJ Staff Writer

A

typical year of One Act consists of long bus rides, late night competitions, and post-performance pancake parties. This year, however, that might not be the case.

They will be performing “Jack Boy”, a play about a boy who encounters an evil spirit that tries to get in his head and bring out his worst traits and fears. His town himself.

One Act has had to adapt to many performance restrictions this year including wearing masks, sanitizing all the props, and not being able to have contact with each other. It has been a challenge to put on the same performances as usual. with a mask on,” drama teacher Michelle Wiliiamson said. “An actor’s mouth is so expressive, and we have to take that away.”

Junior Mary Mancuso has year on One Act and she has the lead role of Jenny.

eryone is so close together,” Mancuso said. “It will also be weird having less reactions in the audience.”

One Act has not had a production since February, form publicly in November, they have secured the rights to live stream performances to the audience. If they do perform to an audience, there will be limited spots with spacing between people.

Competitions will still happen in-person but will be a lot more spaced out. There will be long gaps in between each performance for sanitizing, and students will have to be spaced out from each other.

The actors aren’t the only ones dealing with a new experience, however. The tech crew has a lot to adjust to as well.

Max Monahan is the student director of the tech crew and has struggled with the limited amount of time he has to direct and the heavy focus on only physical movements rather than facial expressions.

“I fully support masks, but it has made collaboration hard and [theater] is all about collaboration,” Monahan said.

With fewer people on set and no guarantee of when the next performance or competition will be, all of those involved in One Act have had to be ready to adapt to any

Once Upon a One-Act:

(Above) Main character Jack, played by freshman Jack Reason is surrounded by moss, played by junior Bethany Krichau and freshman Kaden Vetro, that is being controlled by antagonist, played by junior Gage Goslee.

(Below) Junior Sydney Kwasa waves broom as part of a mob that is harassing Jack.

Photographs by: Melissa Petty

situation.

Despite these obstacles, however, everyone has kept a positive attitude about this year.

“We are just really happy that we can do it and that the NSAA is allowing us to have a production,” Williamson said.

Actors have been using this opportunity to focus on developing their skills outside of facial expressions. Both Mancuso and Williamson said these restrictions have pushed the actors to use their bodies and voices to exKen Bradpress their emotions. bury, writer The tech crew has also been taking advantage of of Jack-Boy, limited times to push themselves to work harder.

“We are learning to interact and work in new ways,” has written Monahan said. “Work ethic has shot up because of limover 300 ited time.” scripts for While Mancuso admits she still isn’t used to the new situation, she is happy to have the chance to perform and theatrical be a part of the community. productions “I love it. It’s so much fun and I love all the people,” over a career Mancuso said. “I don’t care that we can’t be super close spanning or that we have to wear masks.” over 40 has been, those on One Act said they are focusing on the years. positives and are ready to put on an amazing show once again.

FAST FACTS

MNHSONLINE.COM • 5

A YOUNG MOVEMENT -

President of Dear Dunya Amal Imran, Omaha reshorror stories of air missiles, bomb threats, and natural -

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“

hope that one day the

”

-

AMAL

ty to our part of the Dear Dunya is tak-

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For more information visit: https://sites. google.com/view/ deardunya/home or scan the QR code

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

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YOUTH FOR YEMEN -

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THE LEBANON RELIEF PROJECT

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For the future of Dear Dunya, the founders hope -

6 • Nov. 2, 2020

MAKING SPACE FOR COLLABORATION MN library renovations include the addition of a Makerspace LILIANNE TAYLOR Sports Editor

Vivid green chairs, matte black tables, sleek white laboration.

via Zoom.

PRODUCTIVE PLACES

OPINIONS • 7

MORE THAN A TEST SCORE

Standardized tests harm more than help students’ success THE HOOFBEAT STAFF EDITORIAL

Teeth gritted, we grasp our No. 2 after answer bubble. The words blur on the eyes. Standardized testing has been dreaded by students for as long as can be remembered.

It is also a heavy factor in college admissions requirements.

Standardized testing should not be a heavily weighed factor in the college admissions proprep, it is highly stressful, and it is not a good measure of intelligence.

A PrepScholar study shows that on average, wealthy families spend about $50-$2,000 on test preparation for their children. Families

may demonstrate a holistic assessment of a stucerns about the ACT. “I don’t think the ACT measures what we dent’s knowledge, standardized testing should are looking for in education,” Betzold said. not be as prevalent as it is in college admissions.

“I think they are a good measure of what a leading up to it. The timed factor can lead to a student constantly checking the time instead of day,” Gabel said. focusing on the test.

The ACT covers a broad spectrum of School counselor Paul Gabel, who works learning throughout a students education proclosely with the college admissions process, cess. This is another reason why colleges take shared his thoughts on how standardized tests scores into heavy consideration when going should play a role in the admissions process. through applicants.

“The ACT is stressful, however they should not be overly stressful,” Gabel said. “They things into the admission process such as pershould not be the end all be all.” sonal essays, community involvement, and activities as well as standardized test scores. The America states that feelings of disappointment, other factors show more of who a student truly anger, helplessness, and fear are typical reac- is rather than comparing their intelligence to a - test score.

Finally, once the test is over and students are ized tests. Students who have good grades in school and study everyday preparing for these told to put their pencils down and close the an-

However, while standardized tests are not programs for their children are at a disadvantage when it comes to scores and readiness for the test. ACT prep course instructor and En- a good measure of what a student can do and glish teacher Rhonda Betzold shared her con- how well they can study for a test. While tests

STUDENT SPEAK

all over. In three to eight weeks, as the results appear on our computer screens, we all hope future students may not need to go through the strenuous process of standardized testing.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

DO YOU THINK THAT STANDARIZED TESTING SHOUD BE A PART OF THE ADMISSIONS PROCCESS? WHY OR WHY NOT?

No, I don’t think it should be a part of the college admissions process because I don’t think it’s an accurate assessment of how hard kids work throughout highschool.

JACK RANKIN

SEAN FULLEY

GRADE 12

GRADE 10

I would say no because you can do bad on a test but be really smart be really smart it just depends on the day and it shouldn’t be just one test maybe a series of tests so they can get more of a level of how you are.

No, because I don’t think answering a certain amount of questions in a certain amount of time should decide your future.

No, because I don’t think that should be the reasoning you should get into college because I don’t think it’s an accurate measure of how hard you worked in highschool.

MADDIE BEACHAM

MICHEAL SOMMER

GRADE 10

GRADE 9

By Rachel Kricsfeld

8 • Nov. 2, 2020

As I grow ever closer to the end

of my high school career, and closer to the beginning of my life-long career, I have a lot of choices ing, management, web-design are all potential avenues life could go Cooper Piercy my down. However as I look around my Staff Writer school, I see a lot more less appealing options being pushed my way: Shooting victim, criminal, or war machine.

Obviously there are no posters advocating to ditch school for a life of crime, in fact, the opposite is true.

However, when we examine the subtle messages our learning institutions send to children, the normalization of violence in schools is getting worse each and every year.

literature and thought exercises, but in the real world,

militarization of schools is one of those that has gone way too far. This might seem like an abstract concept to schools boils down to the rise of a culture that anticipates and makes room for violence. This can mean a constant police presence at schools, or military recruiters advertising war to children, and even a deliberate architecture designed in the event of a live shooter.

These types of presences in schools normalize things like war, school shootings, and run-ins with law enforcement, to children, and over generations, that In December of 2018, an 8-year-old boy was sitting outside his classroom, awaiting punishment for allegedly cussing and punching at a teacher. What came next

mental issues.

in a higher position of power would deem acceptable.

They do this by creating a structured environment where adults are placed in a commanding position to teach about respecting authority.

From an outside perspective this can be deemed as “education as enforcement,” a militarized idea where they desensitize school age children to violence. This is pliance with the government through constant police presence and fear.

While constant police presence is deemed necessary in most schools, it is not to encourage fear into compliance. It is much rather a source for education and safety. three roles: a teacher, an informal counselor, and a rooms, helping teachers and students understand law said.

A 2016 Texas State University study supports

A similar study conducted in 2015 by the Univer-

school arrests becoming more common all the time.

cations of their presence amongst school-aged children

interacting with a uniform, a societal force, and not a person.

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tal years, those types of experiences only serve to make being detained feel normal, and can easily alter some-

FIGHTING AGAINST FEAR SROs create positive learning enviornment for students

Education in America today provides emphasis on how to complete tasks to a standard in which a person

life of crime.

This type of behavior is no isolated incident either, as the American Civil Liberties Union in a 2019 study found that in the state of Florida alone, there are more

sity of Nebraska at Omaha found in comparison to jobs when participating in non-crime activities, with in-

force compliance with the rules. They are there to create a bridge between law enforcement and the student population. students and law enforcement, but as a representative of [the Omaha Police Department] to trust and have

“I want to make [students] comfortable [around me to know me and by getting to know them. Interactions make people feel comfortable, and gaining a [mutual

Still, regardless of how you view police interactions ly examine the way police interact with children.

Opposing Opinions School resource to force compliance with rules, but a tool to understand and interpret the demographic of school populations.

While some schools have a higher arrest rate than others, the majority of these schools already have a higher crime

Taylor Talks

Cooper’s Commentary

BEING DETAINED FOR DETENTION Police presence is rapidly accelerating normalization of violence at schools

Lily Taylor Sports Editor

overall not adding or decreasing the arrest rate, but downgrading the severity of the charges in the students interest.

Their role is not to create a “school to prison pipeline,” but rather develop positive relationships with

ments and can focus more on the tasks at hand instead of the possible threats that may be lurking around the corner.

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IN-DEPTH • 9

TALLYING UP THE 2020 ELECTION Students weigh in on, take part in decisions determining the future of the U.S.

Graphic by: Rachel Kricsfeld

MNHSONLINE.COM • 11

10 • Nov. 2, 2020

WANT TO BE HEARD

LOCALIZING POLITICS

Students voice their hopes and concerns for the election

Students volunteer for NE-02 candidates

ANNA PIPINOS Lifestyle Editor

now is to understand each other more. If we spent more time having healthy conversations with people who are ith less than a month from Election Day, hunwilling to listen then there wouldn’t be so much division dreds of students at MN have begun to grow tense due or hate in America,” Dorn said. to the presidential election, many primarily concerned Dorn and Herr are a part of the Douglas County Rewith the outcome of the election. publican Party, and both have participated in numerous “I still think this will be one events to communicate the importance of the most pivotal and important of these issues. elections, and it will really be a “I go door-knocking and make This isn’t the turning point for our country, no phone calls to inform people about America I want my matter who wins,” junior Riya our candidates, not just presidential, children to grow up Kannapareddy said. but also the legislature, Congress, and With students informed about school board. Our goal is to educate in.

I want unity, I both presidential candidates, the anyone of any background on today’s want equality. majority feel more closely reprepolitics,” Dorn said. sented by one of them rather than Like Dorn and Herr, KannaparedELYSE DORN dy, junior the other.

Will Ramsey, and senior JUNIOR Kenny Zhu have also discussed topics “Both have major characof importance to themselves amongst morally unwise things on a regular basis. While Donald various friends, family, and fellow peers.

Trump needs to work on polishing his character more, “The most important issue for me is climate change. he generally stands for the things I believe in based on With the lives of billions in peril, I think that it is essential his policies and actions as our president.,” junior Zach to address this. Global warming can lead to the extincHerr said.

With the clock counting down, students from both release a new disease from the arctic, however, it seems as sides of the political spectrum have voiced their opinif we would rather prioritize the economy over the future ions on what issues they believe need to be focused on of the planet,” Zhu said. after the election. Junior Elyse Dorn said there are key Kannapareddy, Ramsey, and Zhu also agreed that racial justice must be brought to an end.

“My top three issues in politics are the support of “I would like to see some major changes occur in terms of racial justice, police reform, gun control, and the

W

“

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overall condition of the United States of America in this election,” Ramsey said.

Aside from the students who are closely tied to one of the candidates, there are some who feel completely misrepresented by the two nominees.

“I kind of just wish we could have two completely didates are from have values that I endorse. However, I don’t agree with how the candidates plan to execute those principles,” senior Allison Louthan said.

Many at MN have felt over the past couple of months that our nation has not only been split into fractions, but that a rivalry amongst friends, families, and acquaintances has come to a peak and that these disputes between loved ones must come to an end.

“No matter the outcome of who wins, I want to see change,” Dorn said. “This isn’t the America I want my children to grow up in. I want unity, I want equality, and I want America back the way I remember it growing up.”

ALISA PRATER Staff Writer

A

midst the televised presidential election, plenty of other elections for Congress are also occurring. While all 435 seats of the House of Representatives are being contested, one congressional district election could spell District.

NE-02 has been occupied by incumbent, Republican congressman Don Bacon since 2017. This year he faces two-time Democratic Primary winner, Kara Eastman for their second head-to-head race. This has been

prospective voters in Nebraska’s Second Congressional District in support of candidate Kara 02 race is reported as being one of the most competitive congressional races in the country according to The Cook Political Report.

Photographs contributed by Mary Ulrich and Caleb Flott

Racial equality

16.5%

Health care

12.6% 10.6%

Economy

18.9%

69

.4%

NE-02

NE-03

47.

NE-01 10

7%

7.5% 6.6% 6.3%

*Poll of 254 MN students

30

.6%

%

Other/Abstain/Libertarian

NE-01

.9

38.5%

Which policies are most important to you regarding the results of the 2020 election?

48

Reproductive Rights

8.6%

Trump/Pence

her district.

“You can tell she cares about the people, not just the power,” Ulrich said.

Both volunteers said viewing the candidates holistically, outside of their political involvement, is important when voting.

“I think we need to realize that politicians are said. “Yes they need to learn from [them], but I don’t think we should be as harsh on them unless it’s repetiVolunteers of both campaigns encourage prospective voters to reach out for information regarding both candidates.

0%

NE-02

60

.4%

NE-03 51

%

NE-01

76

NE-02

.7%

Immigration

10.2%

42.6%

blue vote following the election of President Barack Obama. In the primaries, both candidates secured their position in the general election by winning against their party’s opponents by more than 60%. Two years ago, Bacon and Eastman previously competed for the same seat. Bacon held on to win by 2%.

As many Nebraskans have realized the importance of this congressional seat in relation to the presidential election, local students have become more involved with the happenings of local politics. Despite high schoolers and college students having little to no campaign experience, they have still taken to volunteering to show support for their candidate.

Breaking down the Nebraskan House of Representatives race for the past three cycles, circles represent incumbents at the time, while squares represent opponents

COVID response

20.8%

Biden/Harris

As Election Day inches closer, various campaign volunteers said they have developed emotional connections to their candidates after spending so much time advocating for them. Ulrich said Eastman is a

NEBRASKAN CONGRESSIONAL RECAP

Students give their thoughts regarding outcomes of the election

*Poll of 83 MN students

hours a week doing walk books mostly and some

volunteering for the Eastman Campaign.

QUICK POLL

If you could vote in this election, who would you vote for?

Bacon campaign since 2019.

with the margin of victory as close as 2%

Making an Impact:

“I went on to the campaign website and signed up for further opportunities there. It was really easy to get involved,” Ulrich said. “I usually do a few text banking opportunities after swim practice for about two hours.”

Several volunteers contribute weekly hours working fundraisers or knocking on doors as a way to secure funding on top of raising awareness for their

Climate change

ran unopposed

39.

49%

6%

23.

3%

Foreign policy SCOTUS appts.

2%

Other

2016

2018

2020

NE-03

12 •

VIABLE VOTING

Highlighting the importance of casting ballots and voting methods OLIVIA TORREZ Staff Writer

T

-

2018. 2020 has the numbers jumping to 88% by mail with only 12% going in person due to personal safety precautions against COVID-19. Kruse predicts the upcoming presidential election to be 70% by mail, 30% in person.

for politicians to ignore your needs,” Ott said.

Registering is the

-

information, hand out ballots, and put them in the drop box.

“As Americans, we portunity. If we want change to come, we nior Shayla Jones said. one of-age in her family and friends plan on

registered casts their ballot for the next president of

“

As Americans, we all are given the opportunity. If we return it. The other type of in-per- want change to come, would go to their assigned polling we have to speak up. and they can get a ballot. They can

at the polling place, and then they

“What some people might ready mailed in a ballot, might actually be a clerical error or honest

”

fraud is not a rampant problem,” Compared to other states, there is a small population of peo-

SHAYLA JONES

SENIOR

-

ty. He has his team spend all year preparing for elec-

whether in-person or mail-in, would be easier to catch

upcoming election. “[As students] we many life changing

to prepare for elections, either presidential or local.

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-

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process. After registering either online or at the DMV, they send out a card with polling information. At

The generation in high school now will be the largest

Got Mail?:

Senior Shayla Jones ballot before she signs “It’s

generation to use our future,” Jones said.

Photograph contributed by Shayla Jones

year. Our generation is the most important generation; we are the future,” Jones said. policies, and how these line up with each other and an indi-

mail-in and 67% in person to 37% and 63% from 2016 to

TURNING OUT THE VOTE

D

2008

61.6% ll

overa

Obama (D) v.

McCain (R)

48% Hispanic 66.6% Black 64.1% white

D

49.9% Hispanic 65.2% Black 66.1% white

2012

57.5% ll

overa

Obama (D) v.

Romney (R)

47.6% Hispanic 59.6% Black 65.3% white

R

2016

55.5% ll

overa

Trump (R) v.

Clinton (D)

OPINIONS • 13

EQUALITY IN EDUCATION

THE HOOFBEAT

District needs to consider before abolishing remote learning

Deeksha’s Deets

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Advertising:

Responding to the Hoofbeat:

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DEEKSHA SRIDHER Staff Writer THE STAFF

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RISE OF THE VIRUS

Editor-in-Chief Isa Luzarraga Front Editor Bridget Neville News Editor Morgan McCormack Opinions Editor Sidney Anderson In-Depth Editor Isa Luzarraga Lifestyle Editor Anna Pipinos Sports Editor Lily Taylor Online Editor Sree Kolli Adviser Sarah Crotzer Principal Brian Begley

Staff Writers Sidney Anderson Mahika Kanchanam Rachel Kricsfeld Aiden Lewald Ever Loveridge Isa Luzarraga Morgan McCormack Bridget Neville Cooper Piercy Anna Pipinos Sneha Selveraj Sarah Shelton Deeksha Sridher Lily Taylor Olivia Torrez Illustrators Rachel Kricsfeld Aiden Lewald

Submit story tips to @mnhshoofbeat or mnhsonline.com

14 • Nov. 2, 2020

RIGHTS AT RISK

New Supreme Court Justice spells negative changes for minorities

I

Morgan’s Moments

ntelligence, modesty, respect, congeniality, objectivity. All traits an ideal Supreme Court Justice should have, but objectivity is the one they often lack.

The lacking objectivity is within the Morgan McCormack rampant justice system, and the Supreme Court News Editor Justices are just as susceptible as anyone else to having their opinions get in the way of impartiality.

The newest addition to the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett, claims that she will not let her personal ideology cloud her decision-making when faced with issues in the Supreme Court.

Nevertheless, scholars Allison P. Harris and Maya Sen found in their 2018 study Bias and Judging that judge’s decision.

Sen and Harris stated that “Our conclusion is that

the courts are an ideological body whose rulings represent the preferences of the men and women who serve on them.”

Barrett is a Catholic with a strong conviction. A conviction that could put impartiality at risk when it comes to her decision making.

The consequences of her possible objectivity will be felt by women to immigrants, from the LGBTQ+ community to African Americans.

expert in climate communication and cognitive science at George Mason University said to CBS. As a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Barrett has been faced with cases involving immigration before. Her refusal to review cases involving immigrants applying for humanitarian protection as well as her backing of Trump’s policy of imposing a wealth test on immigrants seeking entrance to the U.S. seems very telling on where she stands on the

abortion. The illegalization of abortion has always been a hot button topic, but with Barrett, a woman who has already shown her distaste for the outcome of Roe v.

Wade, calling it an “erroneous decision,” the majority may be swung in the opposite direction that it has been for the last half a century.

Furthermore, while not denying its existence in her

when faced with issues regarding immigration.

Barretts backing of the dissenter’s opinions, when faced with the Obergefell v. Hodges case, the landmark marriage equality decision, and stating that Title IX, the title that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs, does not extend to trans people, does not bode well for those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Her record when it comes to civil rights is astoundingly hostile and her refusal to rehear segregation cases is very telling to how cases such as these will be handled if she becomes a part of the Supreme Court.

Despite her claims of objectivity when facing controversial decisions, her track record, studies claiming that true objectivity is nearly impossible, and strong ideology prophesied a bias that could be detrimental to many Americans.

was “a very contentious matter of public debate”, expressing a similar unwillingness to disclose her views on many other important topics. While not outright stating her views, Barrett’s previous comments hint at her true stances.

“The ‘not a scientist’ comment was a tell — not explicit but suggestive, as it’s the go-to catchphrase of climate deniers — usually a preamble right before they

RBG’S GREATEST HITS

Breaking down the late justice’s most memorable cases The court case followed a divorced husband and wife engaged in a property ownership battle.

RBG wrote the brief for Sally Reed’s case and ultimately the court decided that discriminationtion based on sex was unconstitutinal based on the Equal Protection Clause.

Reed v. Reed 1971

United States v. Virginia 1996 The court removed the male only admission policy from the Virginia Military Institute. This was another key case where the court ruled that you cannot discriminate on the basis of sex.

tive action admissions policy of the University of Michigan Law School. The decision permitted the use of racial preference in student admissions to promote student diversity.

Grutter v. Bollinger 2003

Obergefell v. Hodges 2015 The court granted same-sex couples the right to marry in all 50 states. RBG was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and argued hard to get the court to rule that all couples deserved the right to get married.

LIFESTYLE • 15

COLLEGE ESSAY EXTRAVAGANZA Five tips on how to write the best college essay

C

******. Seniors, the time is upon us when we have to face what we have been dreading for the past 12 years of our lives: college admissions. But lucky for you, your writhow to make sure you stand out to admission counselors.

Before you even worry about writing your essay, make an account on the CommonApp. This website is the easiest way to apply to college, with almost every school represented and has all aspects of each application in one place.

Now, you can choose from one of seven topics and have 250-650 words to share your voice. Let’s get to writing.

1. Choose a topic that’s unique to you.

Everyone has had a pet that’s died. Unfortunately, the admissions board more than likely doesn’t want to hear about how you wouldn’t leave bed for a week after Rhonda lative three years in a row and it’s inspired your interest in majoring in Fish Studies, tell your admissions counselor!

2.

Show, don’t tell.

When you only have so many words to make an incredible impression, the way you talk matters. Instead of telling the reader: “I was distraught”, show the reader: was the best thing in my life. Her death tore my heart

club, but if that’s on your resume, you don’t want to take up all of your space in the essay repeating it. If it is important, consider telling a story about the club instead.

4. Find someone else to edit your essay.

It can be easy when you read something over and over again to miss a glaring error. Having a fresh set of eyes will help eliminate errors, and an unbiased

ing out loud will help you sound natural and like yourself, which is alw ay s t h e best.

5. Make sure you talk about growth.

The point of your admissions essay is not to explain how you’re oppressed and therefore deserving of higher education but instead to show how you can bounce back from adversity. Your dream school wants to hear about how you live to honor

to go on without her bubbling next to you.

5. Make to talk 6.

Edit, edit, and edit. about your growth Unfortunately, it’s impossible for every school to meet with every applicant. Your main impression will be this essay. Spelling, grammatical, or structural errors could be the deciding factor between getting in and not.

7. Read 7. Read the essay out loud. essay out loud Trust me on this one. After writing for hours, strange sentences can slip under the radar. Read-

IVY LEAGUE ADMISSION OFFICERS DISSECTS COLLEGE ESSAY

ind so to e meon e dit ess ay

into a million pieces.” See how much better that sounds?

3.

Don’t repeat your resume.

1. Choose a unique topic

2. Show don’t tell

3. Don’t repeat your resume

3. F

BRIDGET NEVILLE Front Page Editor

6. Edit, edit, and edit

While I can’t guarantee you early acceptance into Harvard, these essay tips are sure to get you a few steps further in your application process. Good luck applying!

16 • Nov. 2, 2020

OUR TIKTOK STARS

Students blow up on new media platform MAHIKA KANCHANAM Staff Writer

A

clusive TikTok is and how it appeals to everyone.

Tok is also a great outlet when you are stuck in

good dancers, or young children that are just

-

-

up to on the app, and

“

Be mindful and kind; you never know what someone else is her dancing and Tikgoing through. destress,” Phillips said.

Phillips enjoys

Many students downloaded TikTok as a joke, and it soon took over their

LIZ DOLL

Sweetly Stylin’:

JUNIOR

Tik-Toker, said Tik-

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Tok has been a way to connect through social distancing.

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”

but to also continue growing their page.

-

Even when we were all locked up eos and interact with people, and

Like

clothes that originatPhotograph contributed

by Hannah Hailu

other

tionally known, and that in turn MN

Tik-Tokers,

Doll

said

video in which she had worn her traditional Ethiopian dress when she was younger.

“I thought it was pretty cool when people talked about their old dresses or about their

-

Doll

explains

that

-

Tik-

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIK-TOKERS

SHOUTOUT TO THE STARS

@maziphillips mazi p.

-

celled” went viral due to the tartogether? Many speculate yes as the two continue creating TikToks where the

to spread body positivity

lio endorsed Align Technol-

-

In the song, he not only calls out

@llizdoll ann angel

agers across the nation

@hannahhailu

records his reactions routines.

Hannah Hailu

MNHSONLINE.COM • 17

IS IT WORTH THE HURT?

Popular donut shop adding a new level of donuts EVER LOVERIDGE Staff Writer

HURTS DONUT DO’S AND DONUTS

w

My personal favorite was the Andes Mint, a chocolate donut covered with mint

DO: BE KIND

Many people from Omaha have travelled to the

Hurts Donut Shop in Lincoln and fell in love with the the moment it was announced that Omaha would have a Hurts Donut Shop, the anticipation began to slowly

DONUT: REFER TO EVERY EMPLOYEE AS SHIRLEY

tionably enjoyed the combination of the

DO: LICK THE FROSTING OFF YOUR FINGERS

ate it warm out of the box immediately after we got

and I went to go buy some of the interesting creations at the sweet mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked doin, but this was expected since it was a brand new donut

all over the walls, chalk printed menus, stunning tables with a variety of neon-colored chairs to look at and even swings to eat on, which my seven-year-old little brother My family and I ended up getting a Hurts Dozen Mint, the Cookie Monster, the Cosmic Brownie, the Cereal Killer, the Slim Shady, the Jesús, the Glazed Donut,

DONUT: LICK THE FROSTING OFF THE FLOOR

orated with a crumbly streusel topping that consisted -

DO: PICK A BUNCH OF DONUTS DONUT: PICK YOUR NOSE

Furthermore, my dad said his favorites were the glazed and old fashioned one be-

DO: EAT LIKE AN ANIMAL

while my little brother really liked the Cereal Killer, a donut smothered in frosting and coated with Overall, it was a very pleasant experience that I tomer service was really exceptional considering how busy it was, and the employees The pricing was reasonable as we got -

DONUT: BRING ONE IN THE STORE DO: BRING IN YOUR CHILDREN DONUT: RELEASE THEM LIKE WILD WOLVES

from, but their donuts are something that will fully

DO: JOIN HURTS DONUT BITE CLUB DONUT: TALK ABOUT BITE CLUB

DONUT DETAILS Oreo Cheesecake Cereal Killer Oreo Crumbs

Samoa Dark Chocolate Frosting

Caramel Drizzle

Crushed Graham Crackers

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cereal Milk Frosting Fruity Pebbles

Rating:

Rating:

Rating:

Samoa Cookie Crumbs

18 • Nov. 2, 2020

PAR-TEEING TO STATE RACHEL KRICSFELD

For the past four years, the girls golf team has been building a dominant program and climbing their way to the top of the ladder.

Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication, the Mustangs set their eyes on an undefeated season.

season undefeated, averaging a 17.9 stroke win over their opponents.

“We had a record breaking regular season. [During the] regular season we played nine tournaments and won all of them. Outstanding.

Very very successful,” girls golf coach Eric Welte said.

As Districts approached, the team was conset on winning.

“It felt amazing being part of such a successful team. I was excited to play another tournament with my talented teammates,” junior Katelyn Ruge said Oct. 5, they won Districts at Awarii Dunes by 21 strokes.

“Districts was a super fun experience this year. I played solid golf at Districts, and I felt ready for State,” Ruge said.

Awarii Dunes, designed to imitate the Great

“Awarii Dunes is very hilly, and there’s a lof

FAST FACTS

Girls golf -

-

there’s a lot of out of bounds areas [that can

“

Izabella Pesicka said.

The closer State came the more the pressure to do well built, but with teamwork and self-motivation, the team felt they could pull out a win.

“Moving

CALI

days [until] State, the team has put in extra hours at the course. We have motivational text messages sent throughout the day to each other and just the mindset that we can do it.

This is driving us to our goal, but we still have a lot of work to do,” freshman Cali Wisdom said.

State took place Oct. 12Oct. 13. While State did not go as expected, the team put their

all into playing.

“I feel [we played] to the best of our ability, but to our standard we did not play very well,” Wisdom said.

MN beat nine teams in order to steal the third place they wanted, they had a record breaking season nonetheless.

Ruge earned fourth place overall at State and feels that with hard work during summer tournaments, the team will be more experienced for the next season.

“We didn’t do our, best but we had a great season overall and we’re just looking forward to next year,” Ruge said.

”

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT with MNGG? A: “My highlight was spending time with the team for golf and winning the majority of our tournaments.”

the team?

A: “It was making my friendships and learning more about golf.”

A: “It goes by fast, take everything in while you can and enjoy it.”

Eagle Eye: Sophomore, Izabella Pesicka lines up her putt at State.

Photograph by Callum Sports Photography

MNHSONLINE.COM • 19

IT’S JUST A FEW MILES

Cross country ends their season closer than ever SARAH SHELTON Staff Writer very year a team’s dynamic changes. The previous senior class has moved on leaving only memories behind.

However, the freshman class has arrived ready to create life-long bonds and participate in the sport they love.

With a variety of ages and grades represented on this year’s cross country team, their wins are widespread. Not just one person has been successful, but the whole team has been vigorously working towards their goal of making it to state.

With freshmen pushing themselves further every race, they in turn push all team members to train more and dream big about their future success.

“Having so many younger kids on the team reminds

For many this sport is not just a sport, but a bond they form together working out and competing daily.

“We have really supportive seniors; they write notes [we] will do amazing before meets,” Anderson said.

Although having the opportunity to have a variety of grades on the team may

place,” senior Gretchen Braak said.

The freshmen this year have been working hard to improve and compete with their older athletes. Freshman runners are focusing on their athletic abilities more than

said.

As a team, they strive for collective strenght leading into Districts and State.

Sprinting with Style: MNXC strikes a pose in their conThe week of Districts, coaches decided to have a theme week. Each practice the boys will compete against the girls to see their season runner up at Districts and ninth at State.

Photograph by Emily Janda who have more spirit and creativity.

“Monday’s theme was Rainbow (girls) vs Black and Oct. 15 at districts with the varsity runners placing secWhite (boys). Tuesday’s theme is Crazy hats (boys) vs ond, qualifying for state. Four freshmen also placed in the Crazy Hair (girls). Wednesday will be a movie themed top 15 at districts qualifying individually. day where each team will have to come together to portray a movie of their choice,” Braak said. season of high school competition with varsity placing This idea is meant to focus on the fun and relation- ninth at state. ships in the sport, channeling all the nerves into friendly “State this year would be the perfect way to end competition. The coaches intend to bring positive energy my high school cross country career, knowing that I was to all varsity runners before their big competition.

The excitement radiated from all the runners on said.

E

“This has pushed the other runners to continually strive to improve and hold on to their varsity and junior varsity positions on the team,” cross country coach Emily Janda said.

When thinking of cross country, most would just say it is a lot of athletes running against one another, however this team runs together. They value everyone’s success as one instead of individually. “ It’s great how we all support each other even though we run on our own and against each other. We are all in this together, and we all win when one does,” freshman Ainsley Anderson said.

the seniors that are having their last season excited for the future.

“I would hope that after I leave in the upcoming year, the freshman now could look back on this year and smile not only because of the fun memories made, but the accomplishments that they achieved by

TAYLOR GOODRICH SENIOR Personal Best : 20:25.10 Four Year Varsity Runner

ALLISON LOUTHAN SENIOR Personal Best : 19:11.42 Four Year Varsity Runner 3 Sport Athlete - Cross Country - Swim and Dive - Track and Field

30.24 50 Freestyle Swim

WILL RAMSEY JUNIOR Personal Best : 16:58.00 Pre-State Personal Best of 17:15.36 One of Two Individual Cross Country

20 •

TURNOVER TO EMPTY STANDS Lewald’s Lectures

NFL continues season without fans in order to keep fans and players safe

T he camera pans-

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Aiden Lewald Staff Writer

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STATING THE STATS

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times

has

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JOCK TALK

Who is your sports hero and what impact did they have on you?

Aidan Shnayder

Kylie Schweers JUNIOR Cheer

SENIOR Hockey

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Lynn Davis SOPHOMORE Softball