The Hoofbeat Volume 41, Issue 2, Nov 1, 2021

Millard North High School

THE HOOFBEAT Volume 41 • Issue 2 • Nov. 1, 2021

Frog Society Page #13 Drawing brings classroom closer together

G.O.A.T. TALK Page #15

Ending the debate over Donda vs CLB

RUFF DAY?

WOOF YOU LIKE TO TALK?

MN gives warm welcome--and belly rubs-- to new staff member Finn

Page 2

Photograph by Olivia Torrez

2 • NEWS • Nov. 1, 2021

THE ULTIMUTT THERAPY DOG Getting to know MN’s one-and-only therapy dog OLIVIA TORREZ In-Depth Editor

S

tanding at the door of his home, Finn, MN’s resident therapy dog since last March, waits to go to work, tail wagging and tongue dangling.

Finn is a four-year-old bulldog owned by one of the school psychologists, Kelley O’Toole.

O’Toole takes Finn to work every Friday where he hands out the PBIS awards in classrooms, lounges in the psychology offices, and brightens kids’ days.

“A therapy dog’s main purpose is to provide stress relief and make people happy. That’s his number one goal,” O’Toole said. “By just being himself, sitting around calmly asking for pets, Finn achieves his goal” A therapy dog’s traits are best described as a calm demeanor, patience, confidence, and a love of human contact. Finn fits the profile to a tee.

With a relaxed personality and his favorite pastime laying down on the tile, he fulfills the mold.

“He’s truly so calm in every situation, so I can bring him anywhere and he can just sit there and people come up to him and pet him,” O’Toole said. “He doesn’t run, he doesn’t bark, he doesn’t jump up, he just sits quietly and lets people pet him and love him.”

Finn wasn’t bred as a therapy dog but still trained to be one. Over the course of about a year, therapy dogs go through multiple levels of training:: the basic puppy classes-- obedience training, and learning how to sit and stay, and an advanced class if the dog needs more skills. Some dogs work oneon-one with trainers, while others focus on classes.

“Finn and I worked one-on-one together. I’m a psychologist, so I have a pretty good handle on how to train dog behavior, so he and I just worked together,” O’Toole said.

After he completed classes, Finn and the other therapy dogs-to-be had to pass a control evaluation.

After he passed, he went on 10 supervised visits-- going out into the community to interact with others.

• •

Help elevate people’s moods •

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Assist people through mental disorders

Help fight off people’s anxiety

Provide unconditional love and sweat deamean•

Help regulate emotions

These could be anywhere, ranging from nursing homes to local colleges, while a supervisor watches.

After passing his control evaluation and becoming a certified therapy dog, Finn sees students every Friday when he comes to visit. They are allowed to pet him and visit with the bulldog in the psychology office.

“I usually come in during my lunch hour and I basically sit in there and hang out with him.

He really just calms me down after all the stresses of the day,” student Rufio Morrison said.

Finn works and helps by simply existing around students in need. Students might take him on walks around the school, and he’s also trained to work the room-- walking around a classroom and then lying down, giving everyone the opportunity to pet him.

“He has the ability to make anybody happy. So if a student comes and they’re feeling sad, or they’re feeling anxious, or they’re just not having a good day, a lot of times they spend some time with Finn, maybe take him for a walk, and they feel much better afterward,” O’Toole said.

Finn works the typical weekdays and gets the weekends to spend with his family.

“He’s the best pet you could ever imagine. When he’s not working, he’s calm, he’s cool, he’s laid back, he snuggles with us, and he snores really loud. He’s a great pet, just not a good guard dog,” O’Toole said.

Even though the work vest is on, Finn carries these cuddly and compassionate traits over to his work.

“Every time I come into the room to see him, his ears perk up, and it’s like he’s saying ‘Oh, you’re here!’ He’s just my little buddy,” Morrison said.

Suiting up in his orange harness, Finn gets ready to work. Calm, cool, and pet-seeking, he’s ready to help the students of MN with any strife in their life. The four-year-old bulldog is certified and ready to help with a wag of his tail.

A SLOBBERY SMILE THAT DOES IT ALL How does a certified therapy dog benefit its community?

“When I’m having a rough week at school, I can always look froward to Friday’s as Finn will be there!”

- Senior Riya Kannapareddy.

“I got to see him for the first this Friday, and it was worth the visit. He’s a very calming presence, and it was incredibly nice to take a break with him when I was feeling stressed with school and college applications.”

- Senior Jalan Zhu

“I mostly have tests on Fridays, so it is really nice to be able to go visit Finn before or after the tests! He helps me destress if I just took a super hard exam.”

- Senior Ria Boob

“I love Finn. I always see him in the hallways on Fridays, and he automatically brightens up my day. You can tell in the hallways that when people see him, their stress is taken off their shoulders.”

- Sophomore Maya Brilz

“One time, Finn came into my class, and it was a fun surprise that brightened my day. I am really happy Finn is a part of our school.”

- Sophomore Hannah Longnecker • •

Offer social support

Help individuals develop social skills •

Instill confidence in students

• Strengthen relationships between teachers and students

Credit to www.therapydogs.com

MNHSONLINE.COM • 3

WHICH DOG IS RIGHT FOR YOU? THERAPY DOG

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG

SERVICE DOG

+ Tolerates wide variety of environments and people + Provides emotional support and comfort to many people

+ Americans with Disabilities Act Covered: Allowed to be taken into public establishments + Tolerates wide variety of environments and people + Allowed to live with owner in places where there’s a “no pets” policy in place + Specifically trained to assist just one person

+ Allowed to live with owner in places where there’s a “no pets” policy in place + Primary function is to provide emotional support through companionship

CREDIT TO WWW.SDWR.ORG

TRAINING TANK

Assistant Principal Susan Marlatt serves as a puppy raiser and trainer for Canine Companions Program, an organization dedicated to training puppies to be service dogs. Currently, Marlatt is training a puppy named Tank.

DATE WITH THE DOG Match the date with the picture

July 6, 2017 Adopted in Stockton, Missouri ANSWER:

January of 2019 Started training to be a therapy dog at retirement homes and schools ANSWER:

ANSWER:

March of 2021 Became officially certified through Love on a Leash

Question: Why did you want to be a part of the Canine Companions Program?

Answer: My husband has a service dog, Landen, who helps him with opening doors and picking up things that he drops.

We thought it was time to give back to Canine Companions because they give service dogs to people with disabilities to people at absolutely no charge.

R

Question: How long have you been training Tank for?

What do you train him for?

A

Photos contributed by Mrs. O’toole and Oliva Torrez

April 16, 2021 Finn’s first day at MN

K

B

ANSWER:

Answer: I have been training him since he was eight weeks old. I train Tank by teaching him 40 basic commands that the person they will be placed with will be using.

Question: How does it feel to be a part of such a special program?

Answer: It’s rewarding. People always ask if it is going to be hard for me when I have to give him back to the program. It is, but just knowing the impact of my husband’s service dog has had for him and knowing that I am able to give back and make an impact in someone else’s life is huge.

Photographs contributed by Susan Marlatt

ANSWERS: B, A, R, K

4 • Nov. 1, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

SERVING UP SOCKS

LOCAL NEWS

REEMA GUDA Staff Writer

Oct. 14: Nebraskan record holder runs across Nebraska’s panhandle to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community

NATIONAL NEWS Oct. 23: Statue commemorating African American soldier unveiled in Franklin, Tennessee

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WORLD NEWS

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Oct. 24: James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther on ‘Friends’ dies from prostate cancer at 59 in is Los Angeles home

and FCCLA member Pranavi Athota said.

Last year, Millard North and many other organizations all over the country were not able to conduct a Socktoberfest drive due to COVID-19. In efforts to ocks. Though they might be a small piece of compensate for not being able to hold this event clothing that many of us don’t even give a second thought last year, FCCLA has made it a goal to collect to, they play a trivial role in keeping us protected during as many socks as possible to provide for those cold weather. who have not received any for the past two With winter right around the corner, it’s time for the years. annual Socktoberfest drive that occurs at MN, as well as Though there was no goal in mind, FCmany other schools around the country.

CLA coordinators were Socktoberfest beblown away by the amount gan as a way for people of socks donated and the to provide socks for the generosity shown by homeless during the students. winter. It remains a way This years turn for students and people out was massive in around across the counterms of socks dotry to give back to their nated. There were community. over 1,200 “[Socktoberfest] is pairs of socks a nationally recognized donated. The program that not only class with the FCCLA does around most socks the country, but other donated was companies also like to M e g a n help out with,” conHopkins’ sumer science teacher class, with a and Socktoberfest coorwhopping 276 pairs dinator Madison Ford of socks donated. said.

The runners-up FCCLA stands for most socks donated for Family Career and per class were Community Leaders of Jeff Brady’s America, and is a naclass with tional organization that 131 pairs of family and consumer socks, Simon science teachers are Rhode’s with involved in all over the Sorting Socks: 126 pairs of country.

Junior Aanya Mishra sorts socks gathsocks, and Car“I think if you are ererd during the annual Socktoberfest. ol Ariza’s class able to donate, you A total of 1200 socks were donated by with 93 pairs of should because it’s MN students. socks. something that those in “They had been Photograph by Abbey Hess need can benefit from,” doing it for a really senior and FCCLA long time, so it was member Parker Lundsomething that I autogren said. matically knew that I was going to pick Socktoberfest is an annual drive that collects new up and continue because it has been so and gently used socks, which are then donated to the successful,” Ford said. “So I think it’s Lydia House and Open Door Mission to those in need of just continuing that success and then also making winter clothing. it better and bigger is something that we are going to “Some of us are very lucky that we have the ability try and do.” to get these items without much thought, and we might The members of FCCLA sorted and counted up the not have thought about what a privilege it is to have socks, preparing them to be donated to those in need. something like socks that seem really basic. I think we Considering the lack of donations from the prior year, should all take a moment to think about how even the any contribution made would considerably benefit the simplest thing can help others in our community,” senior people who need them the most.

2nd Place Winner--Rohde

Oct. 23: Nebraska volleyball team earns a win against Purdue

MN hosts annual Socktoberfest drive, but with changes

MNHSONLINE.COM • 5

FREEZING FUNDS

MN announces they will no longer pay for AP and IB exams students and parents, who began inquiring the reason for SNEHA SELVARAJ this decision.

Opinions Editor “My family is not a family that necessarily quali hen junior Amuda Balu sat down to calculate fies for the free and reduced lunch,” senior Abby Adher AP and IB exam fees, she was surprised to see the am-Spitzer said. “But that doesn’t mean that it won’t numbers on her calculator climb up to $1,200. Hesitant leave a massive dent in my family’s finances.”

Adam-Spitzer had to drop the AP exams she planned of such a high price, she began contemplating dropping to take when it was announced that her required IB exone or two of her tests. ams would no longer be paid This decision has become for. the reality for hundreds of stuI fear that it might afThe IB and AP programs dents at MN who are a part of the at MN date back to the 90s, International Baccalaureate (IB) fect participation. However, I when students had to fully and Advanced Placement (AP) wonder if kids will try harder fund for their exams themprogram. selves. In an effort to incentivIn September, Millard Pub- because there is a fee attached. lic Schools announced that be- It’s going to be interesting to see ize participation and create an “AP Culture”, Millard decided ginning in the 2021-2022 school that they would funnel money year, students in the IB and AP what the data shows for that. into the IB and AP programs program would now be responthat exams could be free sible for paying for their exams RHONDA BETZOLD so and accessible. (with the exception to those in IB COORDINATOR The funds for this plan the free and reduced lunch prowere supplied by the Millard gram).

Public Schools Foundation, a AP students would pay $96 for each of their optional exams, and IB students would non-profit that provides a set amount of money to each pay $119 for each of their seven required exams. This of the 35 schools in the Millard District to use on “site was a significant change from the one-time $40 fee that plans”. This can range from simple projects such as planting the trees outside of MN to more long-term ones IB students paid in previous years.

This announcement was met with concern from both like starting the IB program.

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THE HISTORY OF IB

1968:

The IB program was recognized as an official organization and introduced in 12 schools

1982

Regional offices open in Buenos Aires and Singapore

1997:

Introduction of the IB Learner Profile into the program

1994:

1976:

First inter-governmental IB Conference

“We call it soft money. It is not meant to be forever,” Millard Public Schools Associate Superintendent of Education Services Heather Phipps said. “Grants are meant to get a program off the ground and then we phase it out to fund new initiatives.”

Now that the AP and IB programs are up and running, Millard can shift the $320,000 that they used to spend on exams over to other sectors within the school.

Millard North Principal Brian Begley stated that they have not yet decided what projects they will invest in.Every five years, a school improvement team will meet and decide the agenda for initiatives they believe will be useful for the school. These plans can be found on the Millard Public Schools website under the “About” tab.

The last time they met was in 2018, and the next time will be during the 2022-2023 school year at the earliest.

In response to concerns over decreased participation in IB and AP, Phipps stated that they would be monitoring statistics carefully. If a huge decrease in exam numbers occurs due to the reduced funds, the improvement team will reconsider paying for the exams again.

“I fear that it might affect participation,” IB coordinator Rhonda Betzold said. “However, I wonder if kids will try harder because there is a fee attached. It’s going to be interesting to see what the data shows for that.”

For now, both the students and staff of Millard North can only wait for what changes will come. However, it is not likely that funding for exams will come back, so students may have to accept this as the new normal.

Middle Years Program introduced

2001:

MN becomes the first school in Nebraska to introduce the IB Program into the school.

6 • Nov. 1, 2021

INTRODUCING ESPORTS

MN introduces esports club alongside many new additions to the club roster AMINA HUSSAIN Staff Writer

ship”, club sponsor Aaron Harding said.

Starting with over 50 students trying out to become a part of the club, only 15 remained to make up the three onsole, game, controller, monitor, and internet. teams. Students had to tryout to make either the League Millions of people assemble their gear to play another of Legends team, the Rocket League team, or the Super esports games.

Smash Bros team.

“Sam and I like playing esports, and we wanted a League of Legends is one of the most popular games way to meet others who enjoyed it and wanted to com- in the world taking the interest of both Lynch and Hardpete,” co-president Ben Lynch said. ing with its epic battles Seniors Ben Lynch and Sam Wang and 140 characters to founded the new esports club- a com- Esports is the future. It’s choose from. petitive gaming club that involves play“League of Lega rapidly growing thing and I ing in teams or individually to achieve ends is a type of game your goal and ultimately win- at MN, to think very soon it could be a called MOBA, which bring together students who are passion- state sanctioned sport or acstands for multiplayer ate about the activity. Especially with online battle arena. I the recent rise in esports popularity, it is tivity wehre there will even be play it on PC with good necessary to have a club that will incor- state championship. friends. I guess that is porate students’ interests. why I play it because “We had 60 to 70 people show up it’s a way to hang out to our first meeting. For something that AARON HARDING with my friends and big, it is good to have a club where a lot MATH TEACHER & E-SPORTS have fun,” Lynch said. of people can come and meet, ” Lynch Another well liked CLUB SPONSOR said. game is a one-versusThis indicates how much esports is one fighting game that features various crossovers of growing. Esports is one of the fastest growing industries. Nintendo characters called Smash Bros. The goal of the There are almost 26.6 million monthly esports viewers game is to score more eliminations than your opponent. in 2021. With that amount, esports may play a role in the “I became interested in Smash Bros after I broke my future of student sports. leg. I had nothing else to do, so I started playing compet“Esports is the future. It’s a rapidly growing thing, itively with a group of friends. That’s how I got into it,” and I think, very soon, it could be a state sanctioned sport junior Maxwell Douglas said. or activity where there will even be a state championThe other team game, Rocket League, involves us-

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NEW CLUBS AT MN ART CLUB

Ran by Mr. Austin, the Art Club allows students to explore their creativity in a safe and fun environment.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CLUB

A club perfect for those who are passionate about changing the stigma behind mental health or are interested in a career in the mental health field.

ing rocket powered vehicles to play soccer. The teams score by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s goal.

“Rocket League has three players on a team, and I do think it requires teamwork because you spend a lot of time with the team and working on the game,” Douglas said.

Esports is not just a way to hang out with your friends. Like physical sports, esports also demands a lot.

“Esports requires teamwork, communication, strategy, and practice,” Harding said.

Esports games, like Rocket League, require fastpaced gameplay, teamwork, and technical skills. It is important to practice. The members of the club meet a couple times a week online through discord calls to prepare.

“I like the club because you get to find people that have the same interest as you, and to find new people who play the game I play,,” Douglas said.

Not only does the esport club create a way for students to pursue their passion, it creates a way for people with similar interests of gaming to meet, experience, and compete together in a way that was never available at MN before.

“Esports is important because it is inclusive for everyone. Some people like me might have had injuries or things that interfere with us competing in a physical sport,” Douglas said.

Esports provides activities for people who can’t do traditional sports or who have been injured in the past. It gives students opportunities to represent MNHS through a competitive sport that isn’t physical, but that still involves the same amount of skill work and teamwork. All of this makes it a great addition to the school.

YOGA CLUB

A student-led club, sponsored by Mrs. Pitt, that focuses on yoga relaxation and stress relief that meets every Wednesday from 3:20-4:00 PM.

NEUROSCIENCE CLUB

Perfect for students who are interested in learning about the brain and competing against schools in the Brain Bee.

OPINIONS • 7

HALLOWED-OUT

The closure of the C-Store was a necessary decision for the staff of Millard North

THE HOOFBEAT STAFF EDITORIAL

N

early every day, freshman Maddie Poloncic would visit the Hole-in-the-Wall to purchase her favorite item--a raspberry-flavored tea.

One day, however, she couldn’t—the doors to the C-Store, better known as the Hole-in-the-Wall, were shut, and it was dark inside. On the doors, a sign said, “C-Store closed”. Now, Poloncic must order her choice beverage online and wait for it to come to her.

While this specific predicament does not apply to all students, it stemmed out of the same inconvenience affecting the whole of MN. What used to be a staple in many students’ daily lives--the Hole-in-the-Wall--closed around early September of this year.

While it is frustrating for the Hole-in-the-Wall to be closed, MN staff has a valid reason for their decision. We need to have an understanding of the circumstances that led to that decision.

Contrary to any rumors floating around MN, the closure of the Hole-in-the-Wall has nothing to do with shoplifting. Our C-Store closed only because of staffing issues.

When the Hole-in-the-Wall closed, the Millard Food Services had 18 employment positions left empty. Due

to there not being enough available staff, it was decided district-wide that the staff working in the C-Stores would be transferred to the school’s cafeterias. “[It’s] more important for the kids to get service and food, as opposed to snacks,” MN food production manager Greg Eades said.

What led to these staffing issues in Millard, as well throughout the country, was Covid-19. With additional monetary aid being given to those out of work due to the pandemic, many people choose to not enter (or even come back to) the workforce when the opportunity arises. In addition, a wariness of the spread of Covid-19 may be contributing to the lack of employees around the country.

You have most likely seen these effects of Covid-19 impacting other frequently visited establishments.

For example, fast-food restaurants everywhere are posting signs announcing that they are hiring. Businesses are struggling to meet the demands of their work, customers and clients, without the number of employees they need.

When there is a shortage of employees in any workplace, it places a burden on those who remain to do their own job, as well as what should be someone else’s job.

These nation-wide employment challenges have hit close to home, impacting staff and students at MN. It would not be fair of students and administration to al-

STUDENT SPEAK

low Food Services employees to struggle under these challenging circumstances. Closing the Hole-in-the-Wall alleviated the burden Food Services workers would have been feeling if our C-Store had stayed open. Now, both staff and students must make do with what they have.

“I feel disappointed,” senior Noah Holliday said regarding the closure of the Hole-in-the-Wall. “I try to take stuff from home and bring it to school now that the Hole-in-the-Wall is closed. I can’t do anything about [the Hole-in-the-Wall closing], though.”

Although the closure of the Hole-in-the-Wall was not ideal, it was a necessary step for MN to be able to take care of its staff and students. The most important goal to be met is that students are receiving the nutrition they need and that the staff is able to do their jobs without high levels of stress over having too much on their plate.

Yes, we have to wait for the Hole-in-the-Wall to become a regular part of MN again—but we will recover.

Food Services staff such as the Human Resource Specialist and the Growth and Engagement Manager are working tirelessly to bring applications in. New people will be drawn to the jobs that Millard Food Services is offering.

Eades estimates that the earliest the Hole-in-theWall will open is January 1 of 2022. Until then, we will stay patient and be appreciative of the hard work MN Food Services staff puts in for us.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

WHAT IS YOUR NEW PLACE TO GET SNACKS NO W THAT THE C-STORE HAS CLOSED?

MRITTIKA MUKHERJEE GRADE 9

COLE BORNEMEIER GRADE 11

I just bring my own snacks or sometimes I’ll steal some from my friends. But even before it was closed, I did not go to the C-Store much.

I am now able to leave during lunch since I am a junior, so I sometimes leave to get coffeee and other stuff.

PAIGE STOCKFELD GRADE 11

The cafeteria has snack options, which is nice for when I really feel like I need something. I never go during passing periods, just lunch, so I am still able to get snacks.

I used to get food there a lot, but now that it’s closed I just bring my own food.

KATYA PAVLOVA GRADE 9

By : Aiden Lewald

8 •Nov. 1, 2021

FROG SOCIETY Rebecca Reflects

The importance of building community in classrooms

It all started with a frog. Francis

the Frog. Then came Bryan, Forg, Doug (A.K.A. Prison Spider), Frog Cop, Hot Dog Frog, and countless others.

You may be wondering who these unfamiliar amphibiRebecca Jacobsen ans are. They are the creation of English Staff Wirter teacher Tom Knoblauch’s sixth hour AP Language and Composition class.

This came about when one student decided to draw a frog on the whiteboard near her desk and named him Francis the Frog. This creative bug began to spread as students joined in on making similar art. Soon, a whole Society of frogs had been drawn.

Why does this matter? Why should you keep reading this strange story about drawing animals on whiteboards?

The truth is, this frog phenomenon illustrates an important aspect of classroom life: community.

In most of our classes, there is an underlying unfamiliarity amongst many of us students.

Although we may be acquainted or friends with some people, we typically only see them once a day.

Oftentimes, there is little or no connection between us.

In some classes, very few speak, and we are all absorbed in our own worlds.

This is a problem because if we were to build a community amongst ourselves, it would positively impact

our social and emotional well-being.

For example, the creation of Frog Society, to a small extent, seemed to launch my class out of our tiny environments into something bigger, to the point where students from other periods were getting involved by drawing on the whiteboard. We were all united by a common, albeit silly, event.

Although I wouldn’t say that this more engaged state of our classroom created life-long bonds, it did help strengthen our relationships with each other as it enhanced social interaction within our classroom.

Not only does developing a sense of community benefit the social aspect of our lives, but it also has a direct correlation to success in the classroom. In a study published in 2001, Fresno Pacific University business professor Breck A. Harris explored what a “spiritual learning community” looks like in a college classroom setting.

In this type of community, caring and commitment towards one another is a crucial part of the learning environment. Harris found that more than 87 percent of his subjects acknowledged that having this type of community in the classroom helped them to complete their program.

Although this data was recorded in regards to a college classroom study, it reveals that developing a community in any classroom helps along thriving in school.

We don’t need to be afraid of being initiators; we should talk to our classmates and get to know them. We can make efforts to exercise our creativity and even start something new that will catch the interest of our peers and bring us together.

Creating a strong, unified community in the classroom doesn’t have to take much effort or planning. All it might take is a drawing of a frog.

Collaboration within community: The markerboard of English teacher Tom Knoblauch is decorated with drawings of frogs. Although the students of one of Knoblauch’s classes began the sketches, other class periods began to join in on the drawing.

Building Connections in the Classroom

1 2 3 4 5

Schedule peri-

odic meetings or get-togethers

Implementing SEL into curriculums and everyday teaching

Create a shared

goal for the class to work toward

Allow students

to have their own voice and share their ideas

Plan projects for

the entire class instead of individual work

Photograph by Rebecca Jacobsen

Source: nshss.org

IN-DEPTH • 9

VETERANS DAY VALOR Veterans Day is Nov. 11 and honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Students and staff commemorate the day by talking about their connections to the military.

Illustration by Aiden Lewald

10 • Nov. 1, 2021

ARMY Part of the Department of Defense and the largest of the five military branches. It handles major ground combat missions, especially operations that are ongoing.

COAST GUARD Part of the Department of Homeland Security that’s responsible for maritime law enforcement. It manages maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection.

NAVY Part of the Department of Defense that protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea.

MARINE CORPS Part of the Department of Defense and provides land combat, sea-based, and airground operations support for the other branches during a mission. This branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world.

OMAHA VETER

AIR FORCE Part of the Department of Defense responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. air bases, and building landing strips.

VENERATION FOR OUR VETERANS

Veteran On Memo Park

Americans honor and celebrate veterans alive and deceased MORGAN McCORMACK News Editor

Flags waving at half-mast, federal office closure, parades in the streets, an atmosphere of pride

and remembrance in the air. All of these things can be seen and felt on November 11 every year.

Approximately 19 million veterans are recognized as heroes on November 11, also known as Veterans Day. The holiday, initially known as Armistice Day, is a day in which American people pay tribute and show respect to all veterans, living and dead, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forcesboth during times of war and times of peace.

Veterans Day came to be a federal holiday after the Armistice with Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

The year following the Armistice, on the first Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson said that “Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who die in the country’s service.”

While it was publically deemed a holi-

day, Armistice Day was not recognized as a legal holiday until 1938 through an act of Congress.

In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans’ Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in order to honor those who served in wars following World War I. If the first world war had actually been the “war to end all wars,” the holiday would most likely still be called Armistice Day. This day of honor is typically celebrated by the closure of businesses, the flag being waved at half mast, religious service, two minutes of silence, and parades held to celebrate those who fought for our country.

There is also a service at Arlington Cemetery, the home of approximately 400,000 graves of fallen soldiers.

The United States is not the only country that recognizes November 11 as a day of remembrance. Many English speaking countries also recognize this day, such as Canada and Australia, as Remembrance Day. On November 11, America sits in remembrance and walks in celebration of those who fought for the country we live in.

Free Admission to Durham Museum

Free Admission to National Parks

Information from USA.gov

Vetera Aeros Museu

MNHSONLINE.COM • 11

TOUGH TIES

Students share what its like having a miltiary family member TEAGAN LYNCH Staff Writer

M

RANS DAY EVENTS

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ans Day at space um

Council Bluffs Veterans Day Parade

Nebraska’s Veterans Day Parade

ost of us have seen the teary-eyed veteran returns home videos on YouTube as well as witnessed the heartbreaking aftermath of the death of one. Time spent in the military can be both a sore and proud subject for veterans and their family members all over the world.

While having pride and respect for those serving in the military, the demanding conditions of the job can make it difficult for their family members at times. Sophomore Abigale Holtz, daughter of a service member, understands these frustrating difficulties.

“The military is very unpredictable; they could be gone randomly and not know until a week [before],” Holtz said.

Many people who serve in the military are stationed away from home for their service. When this happens, family members, such as spouses and children, have the option to move with them as a family or stay home.

Those who move with their family may get the opportunity to visit and live in many different states, or even countries, by a young age.

One person who has moved a lot because of her parent’s involvement in the military is the daughter of two Navy service members, senior Ellyna Campbell. She has lived in many places including Virginia, California, Washington, and now Nebraska. “[Moving is] one of the worst parts, but a blessing in disguise because I get to meet new people and learn about new cultures- it’s fun,” Campbell said.

On the other hand, those who stay home, like daughter of service member sophomore Haylea Booth, have to learn to live without important figures in their lives.

They don’t get to see them very often and have to settle for digital and over-thephone contact as a replacement for in-person contact.

“I like that he’s helping out and stuff, but sometimes it can affect your daily

life and Homecoming Kisses not be - Abigale Holtz and her father in ing able to Fort Jackson, SC. Holtz’s father have such a close re- understands the stuggle of a moving lationship,” military parent.

Booth said. Photograph contributed by Abigale Holtz This distance can greatly affect the relationships children have with their parents and upset regular household dynamics.

“It sucks not having a father figure around 24/7 and not being able to communicate all the time.

So it gets kind of hard sometimes.” Booth said.

In many cases, however, parents being in the military can inspire their children to follow in their footsteps. This was the case for Campbell, who is looking to go into the Navy, just like both of her parents.

“I support them, they serve our country and they still do a good service,” Campbell said Campbell has been able to maintain a close relationship with her parents throughout their time of service, creating a positive view on the lifestyle of a service member’s family.

“My least favorite part is knowing in some places he could be unsafe… but when you know they’re safe it’s like a weight being lifted off your shoulders.” Holtz said.

Limited family phone calls at certain deployment locations, like high battle zones, can cause tension and fear of the unknown.

“It can be hard but if you look at it from the bright side it’s really not that bad,” Booth said.

Military Memories

Haylea Booth and her father dance at a father-daughter dance.

Booth’s father served for most of her life.

Photograph contributed by Haylea Booth

12 • Nov. 1, 2021

STORIES FROM THOSE WHO SERVED Honoring MN veterans who have served our country

SOON-TO-BE SOLDIERS

MAHIKA KANCHANAM Lifestyle Editor

MN Seniors prepare to serve in the US Military

We all have to make sacrifices in our lives, whether it be for our friends, families, or for ourselves.

Veterans Day is a day to honor our veterans and the sacrifices they have made to fight for our country. We can learn a lot from listening to their stories.

Veteran Bodwin Holmes, now a math teacher at MN, started her journey in the army in 1983. She had joined the Air National Guard Unit in Lincoln, Nebraska two years after graduating high school. She was an avionic sensory system specialist, a job that required security clearance.

“I loved my job so much. I worked on the electronics of the camera systems in the F4 reconnaissance aircrafts [which] flew into enemy territory,” Holmes said.

This was an important job. In the early 1980s, drones and satellite photography were not in use. F4 planes flew level missions. Holmes helped with taking pictures of areas the military may target, bomb, or monitor the activity of.

When Holmes decided that she wanted to continue her military career, she joined the Airforce in 1986. Taking honor in serving our country, she still enjoyed the city around her.

“I was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. It was incredible to be living in the Music Capital of the World. Free concerts and lots of chili cook-offs every weekend,” Holmes said.

As Holmes gained many new experiences throughout her time in the Air Force, she learned many important lessons as well.

“I know how to keep my toothpaste cap very clean,” Holmes said. “Yes, some things seemed meaningless while I was going through Basic Training, but now, I appreciate the self-discipline I learned.”

Throughout Holmes’ time in the military, she also had to face obstacles that came with gender roles. Being one of the only females on the flight line, she had to prove that she was capable of doing her job.

“Working with people from all over the world who have

Under the Sea

Brian Yueill’s crewmates pictured on their submarine, the USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723). Yueill was commissioned as a Navy Officer in 1991.

Photograph contributed by Brian Yueill

different views of women’s roles was a constant obstacle to work with. But the military was providing training to both men and women so we could work as a team,” Holmes said.

Without the technology we have today, Holmes was away from her hometown, Omaha, for a long period of time. She was able to stay in touch with her family through care packages and writing letters.

“I didn’t come back to Omaha often enough according to my parents. But they knew that was part of the job,” Holmes said.

As veterans were serving our country, they had to sacrifice time with their families and their time at home.

“It is different now. When I was in, we could receive two ‘family grams’ on a six-month deployment from our family. I could also write letters. Every few months, they would all get sent a ‘mail call’ and sometimes I would receive letters,” science teacher Brian Yueill said.

Sailing sailboats with his grandpa on Lake Michigan and having a love for the water, Yueill joined the Navy ROTC in 1987 after graduating high school.

He was commissioned a Navy Officer in 1991.

“I wanted to be a submariner. My dad told me stories of when he was in the Navy and his job was to find Soviet submarines. It fascinated me that people could live in a metal tube and no one knows where it is,” Yueill said.

Yueill, at sea for four years over a five-year period, had to learn how to re-assimilate to home life. Though, while on the job, he learned a lot about the world and himself.

“I learned just how important it is to do the right thing and maintain your integrity, how to take care of my sailors and lead by example and to be able to get along with just about anyone. I learned that I can do anything I set my mind to, physically or mentally,” Yueill said.

So, to any student thinking about going into the military in the future, here’s some advice from Yueill: “Go for it, do it! It is an awesome experience. A chance to learn new skills, grow up and see the world, meet great people, and figure out who you are and what you want to do.”

“I decided the best route would be joining the Army Reserves, and on Aug. 2, I officially swore into the Reserves as a CBRN, (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist).”

EMILY LESSER “It’s very difficult to get into the US Military Academies, but if I do get accepted it would be a great honor. I love my country and I would have the opportunity to get one of the best educational experiences available.”

COLLETTE FEAGINS “I see the military as a career that provides an abundance of experience. I have been dreaming of becoming an officer in the military through an academy ever since seventh grade and it’s been my goal ever since.”

NOBLE RASMUSSEN

OPINIONS • 13

A DEATH SENTENCE

THE HOOFBEAT

Why restricting HRT access for trans youth is a death sentence

I

Aiden’s Acclaim

n my AP Literature and Composition class we were given an assignment to write a poem about ourselves.

Some kids wrote about their passions, while others wrote about their family.

I, on the other hand, about my Aiden Lewald wrote transition.

My transition Staff Writer started almost four years ago in February, but the signs were always there. There were simple indications throughout my childhood, pointing to who I was supposed to be, such as the time I was a little too excited to play a rooster in a school play. After my long and steady transition, I’ll be making a revolutionary turn in less than three months.

For the past few months, my family and I have been consulting with doctors and gender therapists to finally get my transition on the road, with hormone replacement therapy. Hormone Replacement therapy being the replacement of hormones, either testosterone and estrogen, in the body through shots, gels, and pills. After four years of a transition, I am finally able to medically change my body into the one I desired.

Thankfully, the laws of Nebraska allow me to transition before the age of 18, but this is not the case for other states.

In April of 2021, Arkansas became the first U.S. state to ban hormone replacement therapy for transgender youth.

This law threatens to rid a medical provider of their medical license if they provide a transgender minor any sort of hormones. This includes puberty blockers, hormone replacement, and gender-affirming surgeries.

Although Arkansas is currently the only state to have had this law pass, as of April 16th, more states, such as Kansas, Montana, and Texas are considering

similar legislation.

This ban is extremely harmful for teens in the midst of their transitions. In fact, medically transitioning is what is keeping certain transgender youth alive.

In a survey run by the Human Rights Campagin in 2018, over 50% of transgender males and 29.9% of transgender women surveyed had admited to attempting suicide at some point during their lives.

A transition goal as life changing as hormone replacement therapy gives these youths a reason to continue on, giving them a reason to continue on against the social backlash they receive and not let their own gender dysphoria get the best of them.

With being unable to obtain things such as puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy can and will be the breaking point for transgender youth.

Speaking from experience, if I was told that after transitioning for over four years that I was unable to medically transition due to the fact that I am not yet 18, my heart would be absolutely broken. It could have possibly been my breaking point.

This breaking point leads to a devastating statistic, being well known fact that suicide rates are high in the transgender community.

A lot of these suicidal tendencies stem from unsupportive families, bullying and harassment, along with feeling generally unsafe. For some youth, feeling unsafe can distractly change their hormonal therapy.

Hormonal therapy changes one’s body shape, voice, facial hair growth, and so much more. This allows them to conform to society’s expectation of their gender, making them feel safe in everyday life.

Without access to this medical transition, trans youth are at higher rates of danger. The more unsafe one feels simply for expressing themselves, the more suicidal one may feel. This gives them an unwanted death sentence due to their own anxiety and fear of being hurt for transitioning.

For those transitioning at a young age, this law is dangerous. I have been transitioning since I was 13. A sudden change in state legislature that would prevent me from medically transitioning in December of this year may simply be the death of me.

How to be an advocate for the trans community: Stay Informed!

Educate yourself on the discrimination that trans youth face and always ask others for their pronouns Source: aclu.org

Be proactive!

Find out how representatives in your district stand on issues like these so you can advocate for change

Support others!

Check on your friends during their trantitoning process but do not ask for personal body/medical information

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 in 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 December 6 issue will be accepted no later than November 18 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

14 • Nov. 1, 2021

THE MISSING MEDIA

Addressing the lack of attention that Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women receive

Adithi’s Advice

Since September 11th, 2021 when Gabby Petito was first reported missing; her case has taken the media by storm. Gabrielle Petito was an American woman who went missing on a cross-country hiking trip with her boyfriend. According Washington Adithi Deeduvanu toPost,thewithin a seven-day period, “PeStaff Writer tito had been mentioned 398 times on Fox News, 346 times on CNN, and 100 times on MSNBC.” The same article mentions that in the State of Wyoming, where Gabby went missing- at least 710 Indigenous people (mostly women), have gone missing from 2011-2020. Many are presumed to be dead. Gabby’s case is being covered by all major news outlets, and rightfully so. But as The Skimm says, only 18% of stories of

Indigenous women being murdered make it to print (compared to 51% of stories about white women being murdered.)

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) deserve more press and media coverage than they are receiving right now.

Simply defined, the MMIW movement advocates for the end of crimes against Indigenous women. A movement like this is imperative because Native American girls are 10x more likely to be murdered than the national average. The movement also seeks to educate on the high rates of murder and abductions that Native people face.

According to the Urban Indian Health Institute, there are at least 33 missing Indigenous women within our home state of Nebraska. But, many missing person cases on reservations are not reported, because there is a cultural disconnect between law enforcement and Native Americans.

Fortunately, in 2020, UNO received 170,000 dollars in funding to “bridge gaps in reporting for missing and murdered Native American women and children in Nebraska.” The grant was funded because of bill LB 154, which was signed so that Nebraska State Patrol could write a report on the MMIW in the state.

As Nebraska State Patrol Captain Matt Sutter

states, “Our goal is to provide Nebraskans a full understanding of the scope of this issue, as well as to provide viable solutions.”

However, not every state is giving the issue as much attention as they should. We can see this because as of 2016 there have been 5,712 cases of MMIW reported by the National Crime Information Center. While the U.S Department of Justice has only reported 116. The discrepancy between these two reports is striking.

The reason for the discrepancy is jurisdictional issues between different levels of government, lack of communication with law enforcement, and that most of the perpetrators of these crimes are Non-Natives.

As Strong Hearts Native Helpline writes, “Today, there is ample evidence that genocide still occurs through the inhumane conditions on reservations, the jurisdictional issues that prevent the prosecution of non-Native perpetrators on tribal lands, and ignoring the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis.”

There are over 5,700 MMIW in the US who deserve our attention. It is important that we recognize MMIW on a national scale, but that change starts with us. The first step to helping Indigenous Women is by getting educated on the issues that harm them and informing those around us. Together, we can help the women whose faces and names deserve to be known.

FACT BOX

84.3% of Indigineous Women have experienced violence

More than half of Indigineous Women have experience sexual violence

Source: nativewomenswildreness.org

5712 cases of missing indigineous women have been reported since 2016

10x

Indigineous Women rates of murder are 10x higher than other ethnicities

The official symbol for the MMIW movement is a bloody handprint across the mouth

LIFESTYLE • 15

GOAT TALK Rivalry continues between Drake and Kanye West as both release long-awaited albums ASIM ADHIKARY Staff Writer

1

09 million monthly listeners, 25 Grammys, and over 50 billion streams. This is what it takes to reach “GOAT” status.

This past month, two of music’s most influential artists released their long-awaited albums. Kanye West - controversial, trailblazer, and distinctive - released his 10th studio album, “Donda”. And Drake - calculated, accomplished, and versatile - also released his 10th studio album, “Certified Lover Boy”, five days after Kanye.

Even though these two projects are vastly different, music enthusiasts, such as myself, have already started to ask questions. Which album is better? Which album will age better? Which album has more Instagram-worthy captions? The list goes on and on.

I believe “Donda” is the better album between the two. The project has greater longevity, will be more significant, and has had more of an influence on the music industry. Although, “CLB” does take the cake with the better Instagram captions. Both albums are unique in their own way. They each have their

own sound, style, and purpose that sets them apart.

In an Instagram story, Drake described “CLB” as “a combination of toxic masculinity and acceptance of the truth which is inevitably heartbreaking.” In contrast, Kanye’s album incorporates gospel and rap through experimenting with abstract tones.

“Donda” is innovative in that it does not sound like any other Kanye project. The album has better production, more memorable lyrics, and takes more creative risks. My favorite songs on the album include “Remote Control”, “Praise God”, and “New Again”. On the other hand, “CLB” suffers from originality due to the context and flow being similar to Drake’s previous works. Drake has a formula for making hits, and because of this, he will rarely step out of his musical comfort zone. On the album, I am a fan of “Way 2 Sexy”, “You Only Live Twice”, and “No Friends In The Industry.”

Both artists dealt with challenges while creating their albums. During production, Kanye lived inside the Mercedes Benz Stadium for several weeks, paying $1 million per day for a congested storage room that resembled a jail cell. Drake, on the other hand, delayed the release of “Certified Lover Boy” due to an injury

he faced while playing basketball. The artist was later memed by fans and the media for the poor excuse.

Through various listens, I have come to a conclusion that both albums are simply too long. Each project has repetitive and unnecessary songs that weigh down its tracklist. The last four songs on “Donda” are repeats of previous songs with different features. I view this as unoriginal and lazy. On “CLB”, songs such as “7am On Bridle Path”, “Race My Mind”, and “The Remorse” all sound the same to me. These could be taken off the album, and would make little difference.

“CLB” is a shapeless album that could be resequenced entirely and would still sound nearly the same.

“Donda” was hindered by Kanye’s messy rollout, which included three separate listening events in two different states, constant editing, and delayed-release dates.

When it comes down to it, these albums were made for other purposes and audiences. “Donda” is a personal album with intimate anecdotes dedicated to Kanye’s mother. And “Certified Lover Boy” is an album that deals with heartbreak and the reality of moving on.

Love them or hate them, both of these albums are unique in their own way.

Students Decide Who’s Best 63%

37% 100 Students Surveyed

Donda No. 9 on Billboard 200

CLB No. 1 on Billboard 200

TOP 5 SONGS 1 OFF THE GRID 2 HURRICANE 3 PURE SOULS 4 BELIEVE WHAT I SAY 5 OK OK

KNIFE TALK 1 IMY2 2 CHAMPAGNE 3 POETRY 7AM ON 4 BRIDLE PATH THE REMORSE 5

source: Billboard

16 • Nov. 1, 2021

CHAMPION-CHIP COOKIES A search for the best place to find cookies in Omaha ElLIAS PIPINOS Sports Editor

C

ookies, and every aspect of them, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Perhaps the most famous example, after the birth of chocolate chips, are chocolate chunks. When comparing the classic chocolate chip to a chocolate chunk, it’s like comparing a flatbread to a deep dish pizza.

In truth, there are aspects of a cookie that can either elevate or harm its appeal. On that note, I’d like to talk about our first contender: Coldstone Creamery.

At Coldstone, the options are, unfortunately, quite slim, as you are stuck with cookie-sandwiches. That’s not to say that they’re bad though.

The chocolate-chip cookies, which are cold and crumbly, sit above and below the ice cream filling of your choice. The ice cream, in combination with the cold chocolate chips inside of the cookies, makes for an amazing textural experience.

In this list, which is based more on the cookie alone, there is a flaw to be pointed out in Coldstone’s cookies. The ice cream overpowers the taste of the cookie.

With that, Coldstone Creamery takes the third spot on our list for Omaha’s best cookies.

Our second contender has made a strong start here, in Omaha, with its opening day being marked in calendars across the city. Goodly Cookies, which finally opened this summer in June, has taken Omaha’s cookie world by storm Goodly Cookies, found in Village Pointe Square, makes massive chocolate chip cookies. They fill up the palm of your hand, and that’s just their circumference.

The chocolate chip cookie I tried was three-quarters to a whole inch thick, and it was very creatively put together.

Maybe I’m childish, but the large chocolate chips, which were buried deep in

the dough, along with the experience of finding and digging them out, were what made the cookie so much more enjoyable than any normal chocolate chip cookie.

With an amusing staff, who wasn’t afraid to crack jokes and laugh with you, and an inviting and delightful atmosphere throughout, the experience was truly spectacular.

Goodly Cookies makes a crazy-good cookie, so they’re at the number two spot on our list for Omaha’s best cookies.

Goodly Cookies is not the only new contender for the top. Just recently, another amazing new place, filled to the brim with different varieties and flavors of cookies, made its appearance. Mary’s Mountain Cookies, Omaha’s number one, makes huge batches of seasonal and traditional cookies alike.

The cookies, which are large and kept slightly warmed, are served to you in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere as the cashiers help you choose the cookie that’s best for you.

Specifically, the chocolate-chip cookies are amazing. They are the perfect temperature, and every chocolate chip is melted and sweet for each bite. The cookie holds its shape, and each bite you take leaves you wanting more of the sweet dough and the rich chocolate inside.

In all, their traditional flavors, like snickerdoodles, fudge, and peanut-butter cookies, are all served in amazing and appealing ways. Not to mention their seasonal treats, which almost made me wish fall was year-round.

In truth, there is almost no downside to sinking your teeth in one of Mary’s Mountain Cookies, and to top off this list, Mary’s Mountain Cookies takes the first place spot as Omaha’s Number-One Cookie.

If you’re a fan of cookies, like myself, and you’re on the search for Omaha’s Best, stop down

by Mary’s Mountain Cookies and see what you’ve been missing.

MARY’S MOUNTAIN COOKIES WHAT’S ON THE MENU? 10922 Prairie Brook Rd Omaha, NE 68144 Price range: $2.00 - $5.00

TRADITIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP SNICKERDOODLE SUGAR CUTOUT M&M OATMEAL RAISIN SNICKERS CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH

GOURMET FROSTED GLAZED SUGAR CUTOUT AVALANCHE BROWNIE MONSTER COOKIE ORANGE DOODLE FUDGE FANTASY S’MORES

ICE CREAM FILLED COOKIES VANILLA CHOCOLATE COOKIE DOUGH COOKIES AND CREAM MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP MOCHA CHIP STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE STRAWBERRY

MNHSONLINE.COM • 17

LOOKING AT A BRIGHT FUTURE

Boys Town students attend classes at MN and break preconcieved stereotypes ANNA PIPINOS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF in a class throughout the school day. The students from Boys Town are offered a variety of classes to choose to am en route to becoming a National Youth Poet join, ranging from regular to Advanced Placement coursLaureate, one of my biggest dreams. I plan on attending es. a four year college, then I hope to go into the FBI. Mil“AP Literature and Composition is my only class lard North is providing me with at MN, but it creates a a long overdue challenge and rechallenge for myself. If

Taking classes at Millard alistic opportunity to pursue my I had the option to take dreams,” junior Megan Lambert another class at MN, it is a chance for me to prove said. would be some sort of that Boys Town kids are norCreated by Father Flanacomputer class because gan in 1917, Boys Town is a rethat’s what I want to mal kids, just like all of the nowned, non-profit organization study in college.” senior other students. created as a place for youth and Nia Wilson said. families to come and work on And although many discovering who they are while may apply for a position MEGAN LAMBERT simultaneously building a life for to come to MN, only a Junior at Millard North themselves. few of the students are Although Boys Town’s focus allowed to be a part of is on keeping the children and this partnership between teenagers safe and out of the system, Boys Town also of- MN and Boys Town. fers them an education that is specialized for their needs.

“A few of my fellow students and I, who excel both “Boys Town offers kids a chance to get back on track behaviorally and academically in the school system at in life, by providing an atmosphere of structure and care. Boys Town, are allowed the opportunity to take more Us kids also acquire skills here that are necessary to one challenging classes at Millard North. It is an amazing opday become an adult,” senior Madison Hagan said. portunity,” Lambert said.

Alongside their classes at Boys Town, the students While excited to come to MN to learn and meet new have been given the option to come to MN and partake students and staff, Lambert and the rest of the students in

“I

“

”

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

the program were worried about the vast differences and the adjustment between MN and Boys Town.

“I must say that coming to Millard North is a little nerve-wracking. I have never been surrounded by so many teenagers. The last public school I went to had about 200 students at max,” Lambert said. “I am used to everyone knowing everyone, so Millard is very different.”

While at MN, Lambert and her friends hope to not only strengthen their knowledge in certain subjects but also form friendships with the students at MN and break the stereotypical assumptions people may have associated with kids at Boys Town.

“Also, taking classes at Millard is a chance for me to prove that Boys Town kids are normal kids, just like all of the other students. Many times, people have these preconceived ideas of Boys Town kids. I hope that I defy the stereotypical Boys Town kid,” Lambert said.

However, even though MN has given Boys Town students a new community to be a part of and the opportunity to further their education, Boys Town still remains their true home.

“I became Mayor of Boys Town in May, and it has allowed me many opportunities many kids my age would never get to experience,” Hagan said. “In addition, Boys Town is where my family is. Maybe they’re not biological, but family nonetheless. I discovered my true potential here at Boys Town, and I would not be talking to you right now if I never had come to Boys Town.”

PUTTING IT INTO PERSPECTIVE

A total of

2.35

Sponsor a Boys Town Family

Help Fundraise

For as little as $20 a month, you can sponsor a Boys Town Family Home and make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth.

Every dollar counts. You can start your own fundraiser, see if a company will match your donation, or join Amazon Smile and the “Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home” charity.

Buy Boys Town Products

Spread the Word

Purchases of Boys Town products in the gift shop and purchases from the Boys Town Press help support their mission.

Read powerful stories of millions of children who have overcome obstacles and difficult situations.

Share their stories using the hashtag.

Served more than

million

512,500

visits to Boys Town parenting and service-based websites

through Boys Town care and support programs prevent over

children

#BoysTown100

Hotline Crisis Counselors help prevent over

2,700

suicides

18 • SPORTS • Nov. 1, 2021

TRIPLE THREAT TRI-ATHLETES Students balance their busy sports and school schedules SADIE HUGELMAN Staff Writer

total sour attitude because I was like ‘I do not want to be here,’ but then I found a really good group of friends and everything and so that was super cool. And I discovered fter starting the fall morning with a Mustang Men- I really actually love running because I had never had toring meeting, selling cookies to raise money that sense of community before,” for DECA, and planning school fundraisers Hollingsworth said. for the Student Council, senior Ava HollingThis is Hollingsworth’s fourth sworth ends the school day by heading on over year playing three sports at MN. to the track to run for cross country and later Her busy schedule keeps her moheads home to finish mountains of homework tivated and being a tri-athlete has for AP and honors classes. taught her incredible time manAfter a day filled with nonstop work, agement skills.

Hollingsworth finally goes to bed. This rouHowever, although Hollingtine goes on all year as Hollingsworth particsworth is able to balance all of her ipates in three sports at Millard North: cross activities, Hollingsworth is a firm country, swimming, and track. believer that grades and extracur“Honestly, my freshman year my mom riculars should take priority over forced me into cross country. She told me like sports. a week before the season started, ‘You need “My number one priority is to do something.’ She was like, ‘Just start with still my grades, but probably close cross country you can always quit,’ Hollingto number two is my academic exsworth said. tracurriculars, and then comes There are few students at MN who sports. But I like to balance them take part in three sports, and a handful of all, and I still like to dedicate those who became tri-athletes never truly Sweaty Relief: myself to all of them,” Hollingintended to do that many sports going into Ava crosses the finish line in sworth said. high school. Hollingsworth only planned relief during the popular Walnut Sophomore Peyton Omer on doing two sports going into high school Grove 5k race. Finishing up the takes part in three sports as well. before her mom convinced her to join cross final stretch and pulling through Omer began to participate in country. cross country, swimming, and for the win!

“And so, I started cross country with a track at the start of his freshman Photograph by Jack Durkan

A

year, and unlike Hollingsworth, Omer believes that as long as you know what’s going on in class then the workload for missing school isn’t that bad.

Student-ath“There have been times I have letes reported been able to tell that I haven’t been higher than paying as much attention to school as I should have because I am so usual stress busy after school. You just have in several to remind yourself ‘Yeah, I have places, into stay on top of this too,’” Omer cluding in said.

Sophomore Ramtein McVay their responparticipates in cross country, wres- sibilities, time tling, and track. Cross country practices and wrestling weightlift- for sleep, and ing overlap and McVay could end demand from up going to both practices on the extracurricusame day.

“I try to get my homework lar activities. done in my fifth period guided study and if I have work to do at home I just have to not get distracted and get it done,” McVay said.

These athletes spend their after school hours dedicated to sports all year. Through every sports season at MN and off-season conditioning, these tri-athletes stay involved and busy.

“I think that might be the biggest downfall of doing three sports a year is not being able to do like other extracurriculars very easily,” Omer said.

FAST FACTS

Catch Up With The Triathletes:

Swinging the Arms:

Peyton Omer takes the lead on his opponents. Omer not only runs, but also swims and runs track in the winter and spring.

Photograph by PrepRunningNerd

Shaking It Off:

Ramtein McVay shakes hands with his opponent. After a difficult last round and rounds to come, the shake is a sign of respect to the other person. McVay will be participating in wrestling and track this year.

Photograph Submitted by Ramtein McVay

Reaching for Gold:

Ava Hollingsworth backstrokes during her swim event. This year, Hollingsworth plans to take on high school swimming and trackone final time.

Photograph Submitted by Ava Hollingsworth

MNHSONLINE.COM • 19

SPRINTING TO THE FINISH LINE

Senior Will Ramsey made a significant impact in cross country.

ANUJ SINGH Staff Writer

fun and occasionally do longer races, but could also see really together.” myself running on a As a leader, Ramsey has led the cross country collegiate team.” team through many tough times, such as last year’s omeone sprints past you and you watch as his blurred season, which was at the height of the COVID-19 Janda reminiscfigure rushes past the crowd you are standing in. His pandemic. However, through his guidance, the es about one of the blonde hair flies in the wind as he flies through the race- team has only grown closer. most exceptional course. Senior Will Ramsey has been on the varsity cross runners on her team “My favorite part about being on the cross country team at Millard North since his freshman year. in recent years. country team is growing with my teammates. As “I enjoy running because it simply makes me feel “I’m going to a team, we get better togood. I don’t think it’s much more commiss Will Ramsey gether, we go through plicated than that,” Ramsey said.

As a team, we get bet- hardships together, we on the team. He is Since joining the team, he has greata great person and have fun together, and we ter together, we go through ly contributed to its success and has crea great athlete. I’ve work together,” Ramsey ated a lasting legacy as one of the most hardships together, we have never coached an said. decorated and dedicated runners for the fun together, and we work athlete quite like Will In addition to cross Millard North team. before. It will be sad country, Ramsey is also “My proudest moment from my together. when he graduates part of another sporting cross country career was qualifying for because there will be community: the cycling state individually last year. I worked hard WILL RAMSEY a void where he was,” community.

Kicking up Dust: all season to get there,” Ramsey said.

Janda said.

“I enjoy different Will Ramsey closes distance on his Senior and Varsity Runner His coach, Emily Janda, attests to Whatever the fuparts of both sports for opponents. Ramsey went on to place his dedication to the team. ture holds, Ramsey different reasons,” said 24th in this race, and with Millard “I will most remember [Will] for being trustworthy. Ramsey. “I enjoy being a part of the running will always be grateMost athletes have ‘bad races’ from time to time or days community more than the cycling community North getting three Mustangs in the ful for the personal where they just need to step away and get a break. Will while I enjoy the actual physical activity of biking top 25. growth and developdoesn’t do that. He is always there—every day, every over running simply because it’s less hard on my Photograph Submitted by Will Ramsey ment being on the workout, every race giving 100% effort,” Janda said. cross country team body.”

She also describes him as a leader for the team, Now, as a senior, Ramsey looks ahead to the future. has given him. leading through example, setting the precedent of being He hopes to study journalism at the University of Min“I think the main thing cross country has done for trustworthy, consistent, and committed to the team. nesota, Twin Cities. However, his future in running re- me as a person is give me structure and motivation to “I really don’t feel pressure being a team leader,’’ mains unclear. excel in other aspects of my life. The mental toughness Ramsey said. “ I just make sure everyone is accounted for “I haven’t decided whether I will continue running skills I get from cross country work really well in real life,” and we stay on the right path. I’m fortunate to run with after high school,” he said. “At the very least I will run for Ramsey said. a group that doesn’t need a lot of leadership, we all work

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Having Fun While You Run The cross country team takes a spin at Theme Week, with runners dressing up in crazy ways to boost team morale leading up to Districts.

Twin Day:

During theme week, the boys took the win on Twin Day after much thought and consideration.

Movie Day:

On movie day, the girls took the win, after a tied vote was decided by Coach Jermaine Foster.

Hawaiian Day:

On Hawaiian Day, the boys once again took the win home, with some even riding around and biking in their costumes!

Photographs contributed by Emily Janda

20 • Nov. 1, 2021

PUTT-ING IN HER ALL Senior golf player Katie Ruge reflects on golfing career and state tournament DEEKSHA SRIDHER Staff Writer

we were a little disappointed with our finish,” Ruge said.

“As a team we got third, and we were one stroke off from uspense hangs in the air, looming over the golfers as second.”

Nevertheless, Ruge looks back at the season with they anticipate the results of the tournament. Tensions are higher than ever for senior Katie Ruge, who is about pride, remembering how fun she found it to be.

“It was super fun regardless of how we placed,” to discover how her last golf tournament in high school Ruge said. “I think overall it was a really fun will turn out. season.”

On Oct. 11-12, the Girls’ Golf team compet Ruge, who has been a comed at the state tournament in Norfolk, their petitive golfer since 4th grade, last competition of the season. After two will be heading south to Kansas months of training for four days a week, University next year to further the players were ready to take on State. pursue her golf career. AlHowever, this tournament was esthough her time as a golfer pecially significant for Ruge- it was the at Millard North has come last game she would ever play as a part to an end, she is looking forof the team. ward to expanding her ex“The tournament took place at pertise in the coming year.

Norfolk Country Club on Oct. 11-12,” “I decided on KU for Ruge said. “The first day was the 11th college, and I chose this for the with 18 holes, and the second day was competitiveness and the facilithe 12th, with 18 more holes.” ties, and this is just a place where Ruge, as well as the rest of the team, I feel I could progress the most as a felt especially confident with this tournament. player,” Ruge said. “I’m super excited As it was one that was preceded by an for the fall next year.” invitational that they had won, the girls Looking back on her were anticipating winning the state title Un-fore-gettable: Senior Katie Ruge smiles at the last four years as a Mustang golfthis year.

“We had an invitational at Norfolk tournament of her high school career. er, Ruge enjoys seeing how much she has grown. three weeks prior to state, and we real- After a day of both long and short“It’s definitely been a ly thought that was foreshadowing how distance shots, Ruge and the team fun four years and my game state would go as all the best teams were finished third at State. has progressed a lot,” Ruge there,” Ruge said. “So when we went to Photograph submitted by Eric Welte said. “Coach Welte has kept state, that was a momentum booster.” all the stats and it’s really However, the state tournament cool to look back at all those.

Just seeing how far I’ve didn’t go entirely as the team had expected. Although they were shooting for first place, the team finished out come as an individual player and also setting standards for our girls’ golf program has been really cool.” in third place.

Ruge has also been a big supporter for the other “We didn’t perform how we wanted to and I think

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JOCK TALK Jayden Hogan-Marshall JUNIOR Football

girls on the team. Junior Erica Lee, who transferred from Burke this past year, sees her as a motivator for herself as well as the team.

“Katie is a lovely person, she was so welcoming and supportive of me coming on the team,” Lee said. “Having such a good golf player on the team is motivation for me to become a good player.”

Lee, who herself began playing golf at the age of 3, sees potential in Katie and is excited to see where her future will guide her.

“I see such a bright future when I see her talent,” Lee said. “I know she pushes herself a lot, and I know she’ll be really successful.”

Coach Eric Welte, who has been training with Ruge ever since she was in 8th grade, remembers how much she impressed him before she began playing for Millard North.

“Before she even stepped foot in Millard North, I already knew she would be one of our best players,” Welte said. “She came in and took over our top spot within a couple of weeks of practice.”

Additionally, Welte didn’t realize this would be Ruge’s last tournament at first. As soon as he did, he recounted how much he values her as a player.

“This year, I was thinking about our team trying to win the tournament, and I didn’t really think about it being Katie’s last round until probably about halfway through the final round,” Welte said. “I definitely tried to hide my emotions because she’s such an outstanding young woman.”

When it comes down to the crux of the matter, Ruge ultimately sees her hard work’s effects as the greatest reward. In doing so, she is able to put in her all when playing her sport.

“I would say my favorite thing about golf is the payoff,” Ruge said. “I love the game, and it’s really fun when I can go out and shoot a low score and have my hard work pay off.”

What kind of year-round preparation goes into your sport?

“We have the season, and then after the season’s over we get straight into lifting everyday, and after everyday we do footwork or practice

Lynn Davis JUNIOR Softball

“I’m in [the] offseason for six months, and it can be kind of boring at times, but I try

Marissa Lootens SENIOR Volleyball

“Volleyball- for me- is pretty much year round anyway. Highschool goes from about August to November, then clubs have tryouts

formations. We lift all year round after the

and hit every day, or at least six times a week;

the day after the state tournament. Usually

season’s over, and then as soon as summer

and then workout three times a week, so that

[it goes] from that November to about July.

hits we go into doing actual practices in the

keeps me pretty busy.”

Then I’ll do beach volleyball from about June

morning. As soon as school starts we’ll be

to August, and then high school starts back

back into the season again.”

up in August.”