The Hoofbeat Issue 4 January 2021

Millard North High School

THE HOOFBEAT

TURNING UP TRACKS

RACING THE CLOCK

Carver Jones’ journey as an upcoming artist

Medley relay team breaks school record

Page 15

Volume 40 • Issue 4 • Feb. 8, 2021

IS CALLING Looking to the past provides students and staff with a sense of normalcy during a time that is anything but.

Pages 9-12 Photo Illustration by Isa Luzarraga

Page 19

2 • NEWS • Feb. 8, 2021

RED, WHITE, AND BIDEN

Biden-Harris administration brings new policies to America BRIDGET NEVILLE Front Page Editor

President Trump in June of 2017.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages, the Biden-Harris administration plans to devote more attention and money to the pandemic than their fter four years of “Making America Great predecessors, with federal mask mandates and a $1.9 Again”, a new America is on the horizon, one “For trillion relief package.

All Americans”. With more than 7 million votes Moreover, Biden has stated he is planning to roll favoring then-President-Elect Joseph R. Biden of out 100 million vaccines in his Delaware over sitting President TIMING TRANSITION first 100 days, and he plans Donald J. Trump of Florida, to give $130 billion to K-8 the Biden-Harris coalition APRIL 25, 2019 schools to reopen. gained control of the White Biden announces his run for In terms of immigration, House.

Biden has already reversed With a shift in partisan presidency.

Trump’s “Muslim” Ban, leadership, there are significant restricting over 42,000 people changes that are coming with AUG. 11, 2020 from Muslim majority counthe new administration.

Biden announces Kamala tries since 2017, according to For the first time in TIME magazine. a decade, Democrats are Harris as his running mate.

The Biden-Harris admincontrolling both chambers istration has also proposed an of Congress, along with the DEC. 14, 2020 eight-year citizenship plan for White House. Democrats have the estimated 11 million people The Electoral College two years with the upper hand without citizenship living in in making legislative changes. confirms Biden’s win. the United States. This plan Biden has made it known provides the fastest pathway to that his top priorities are going JAN. 20, 2021 citizenship for those without to be reversing several policies legal status. made by the Trump-Pence Biden is sworn in as the 46th While Biden is making administration, while also imPresident of the United States. significant changes executively, plementing policies of his own. there are some actions that he According to his court, Biden had already reversed will be reliant on Congress for. Even with Democrat20 of Trump’s policies and reimplemented two of ic control of both houses of congress, the pace of Obama’s by Thursday, Jan 21. changes will likely be slowed due to an impending Within hours of his inauguration, Biden had already rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, a global impeachment trial.

Mitch McConnell, Senate minority leader, still climate change treaty that was abandoned by former

A

has control over the Republican Party, though Congress is being run by Charles Schumer of New York.

Because of the 50-50 divide in the Senate, the minority and majority leaders will have to work closely together to ensure change.

“There’s no guarantee that FOCUS Chuck Schumer will get anyON THE thing done if he doesn’t get the cooperation of Mitch McConFIGURES nell,” Democrat Tom Daschle said to the Los Angeles Times.

Cooperation has been a key part of Biden’s campaign and administration, frequently asking for bipartisan collaboration. vaccines “We hope, and frankly we promised in expect, Republicans in ConBiden’s first gress – and Democrats too 100 days – will support assistance that will bring relief to the people they represent,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said to Bloomberg News. partisian Biden has chosen an array of issues to tackle in his first 100 divide in the days. Islamophobia, a panSenate demic, and our burning planet.

But he plans on conquering these issues with all Americans, mirroring the slogan of unity he won the election with.

“Politics need not be a raging fire destroying everything in its path,” Biden said. “Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war”.

150 million

50-50

WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE The Bidens have experienced the White House before, but now they’re the First Family.

JOE BIDEN After running for President three times, Biden made history as the oldest President inaugurated.

DR. JILL BIDEN Dr. Biden is the first First Lady to keep her job while simultaneously being First Lady.

MAJOR AND CHAMP The first shelter dogs to be in the White House.

MNHSONLINE.COM • 3

FIRST 100 AS #46 A look into Biden’s top priorities for his first days in office Rolling out of 150 million vaccines with the most vulnerable at priority.

Approximately 1 million doses will be shipped out to thousands of pharmacies per week, starting Feb. 11.

Rejoining the Paris Climate Act to ensure global climate change action. Biden has also reinstated more than 100 environmental regulations that were weakened by former President Trump.

HISTORICAL WINS These newly-elected officials made history as the “firsts” of their demographics.

CORI BUSH First Black woman to represent Missouri in Congress. As a nurse, she treated people during BLM protests in 2014.

Another round of stimulus checks for financial aid during the pandemic. This package would include $1,400 per household.

Immigration reforms, particularily DACA. These reforms could put 11 million people on a track to citizenship.

SARAH MCBRIDE First openly transgender state senator. Credited for the winning legislation in granting legal protection against gender-identity based discrimination.

COUNTING CONGRESS

470 congressional seats were up for election in 2020. Here is a look at the partisan breakdown post-election

2020 Senate 50 Democrats 50 Republicans VP vote is Democrat

2020 House 221 Democrats 211 Republicans 3 vacant

RITCHIE TORRES First openly LGBTQ+ Afro-Latino member of Congress.

Because of growing up in public housing, Torres has since prioritized funding for public housing.

ANA IRMA RIVERA LASSEN First Black, openly lesbian, Puerto Rican to become an elected lawmaker. Commonly known for suing a judge for appearance-based discrimination.

4 • Feb. 8, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

FIGHTING FOR EQUITY

LOCAL NEWS

MAHIKA KANCHANAM Staff Writer

Jasmine Harris, executive of the nonprofit RISE, enters Omaha mayor’s race.

Omaha groundhog Unadilla Bill to retire after 30 years of service.

NATIONAL NEWS Black Lives Matter movement is nominated for 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.

New COVID-19 strain from Brazil found in California.

WORLD NEWS The Russian Sputnik vaccine fighting the spread of COVID-19 gives 92% protection in trial.

Military in Myannmar seize control of the country calling for a year long state of emergency.

Student-led organization provides educational resources for all can also be a regional representative like Shapkota and FOCUS help introduce Simple Studies to more schools.

ON THE Junior Luke McDermott is a tutor for Simple Studies.

He started tutoring on Jan. 16 and has already had ntil we get equality in education, we won’t FIGURES many students come to him for help. have an equal society.”

“What I love about tutoring is that These words regarding moment when it finally clicks for the

I feel like more education inequity spoken by other student,” McDermott said.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia So- people would really of students McDermott believes that he tomayor emphasize a social issue like the opportunity to study less has benefitted from Simple Studies sweeping American schools. than five because he is now able to go over help out with a great Nicole Amato, a teacher at subjects he is passionate about while hours per Pritzker College Prep addressed cause. helping other students reach their full day her concerns regarding the lack potential as well. of scholastic resources in The SHREEYA SHAPKOTA Simple Studies offers a multitude New York Times.

HEAD REPRESENTATIVE IN of opportunities and is working to“Many teachers, especially in of students urban schools, are working with NEBRASKA wards making a positive impact. study more “I think that what Simple Studat-risk students with very few of than 10 ies is doing is a really great initiative, the necessary resources to support them,” Amato said. hours per which is why I decided to join the team,” Shapkota “A classroom of 35-plus students without books is hardly day said.

“I feel like more people would really like to have a learning environment, especially when compared to the opportunity to help out with a great cause.” suburban and private schools where the average class If you want to be a part of the organization or size is 20 students and resources are plentiful.” reach out for some extra help, be sure to check out Simple Studies is an organization that aims to mittheir website. igate the implications of education inequity. Through the organization, volunteers give SIMPLE STUDIES RESOURCES students the opportunity to get some extra help with their classes, along Simple Studies Find Simple with helping others. livestreams on Not all students have the reStudies on TikTok, doing sources for their education, and SimSpotify for their ple Studies works towards helping AP classwork. focus-enhancing those individuals.

“Simple Studies is absolutely music. free, so anyone can access these study guides, which is really great,” Junior and Head Representative for Nebraska Shreeya Shapkota said.

In addition to study guides, Simple Studies Scholarships up to Simple Studies has many resources blogs are updated to offer, including a blog, scholarship $500 are able to frequently and announcements, a study buddy probe used on their give advice for all gram, tutoring, and much more. website.

These blogs “can help students students. through some of the toughest parts of high school,” Shapkota said.

All of these resources are created Essays are able to be by high school students to ensure a shared experience among volunteers sumbitted to their and those seeking assistance. website and Simple Studies Discord The volunteer positions within reviewed/corrected chats are free for anythe organization are endless. You can by one of their tutors. one to join. Gain access choose to be a content creator and become a part of the team that helps to extra help and more. https://simplestudies.edublogs.org/ put together the study guides. You

“U

“

69%

”

2.5%

MNHSONLINE.COM • 5

TAKE THE CHANGE

Students demonstrate economic knowledge through national activity SARAH SHELTON Staff Writer

COVID-19, the team went to UNO to take the tests in person, but now the competitions are online and timed to keep the process fair.

“To prepare I just look through some practice ave you ever wanted to win $200 for your problems.

It is essentially a mix of common knowledge knowledge of economics? Have you wanted to comand the AP curriculum, so it is not that bad if you have pete with friends a couple times a year? Economics studied for the tests,” senior Kenny Challenge is the perfect opportunity for Zhu said. students to quiz their knowledge and win At MN there are no team pracsome money. tices, many members engage in mostly Economics Challenge is a nationally individual work renowned activity that challenges com“To prepare for the challenge, I petitors’ knowledge of national economic just reviewed over notes from my past factors. The local Economics Challenge AP Micro and Macro classes, and I also chapter is sponsored by the Nebraska took practice tests that they made availCouncil On Economic Education. No able,” junior Vishal Potineni said. school has to pay to compete, they just When taking the test, each teamregister through their administration. mate is taking a different form of the There are two divisions, the Adam exam, and the lowest score is dropped.

Smith Division, which is for students that Scan to take the full The highest score advances to a buzzer have taken two-semester or advanced Economic Challenge round. economic classes.

Practice Test.

The Economics Challenge team The other is the David Ricardo has been lauded for their competitive Division for students with experience in success in the past year, winning Fall one-semester or introductory economics Finals, State Finals, and Regional Semifinals in 2020. courses.

They are headed back to state this spring to mainTeams are made up of three to four students, all tain their winning streak. taking a 30 question test in 35 minutes made up of “I received a perfect score last year so I can hopethree economic subjects micro, macro, and forex. Before

H

fully maintain that this year,” Zhu said.

Though they only compete twice a year, Econ Challenge sponsor Jeff Gustafson reminds all AP Economics students that it is coming up and they can compete.

“In spring, as a class we participate and everyone is put on teams and the top ten teams go to state competitions and you can win up to $200-250 for winning the competitions,” Gustafson said.

There are no tryouts as long as you have taken the class or know the curriculum. The top teams in the spring will head to state.

“Any high school in Nebraska can compete in this and typically you get 50-60 teams in the two and more of an advanced class with AP kids,” Gustafson said.

Scholastic associations said they love the effort students put into furthering their education beyond just the class they take or the personal knowledge they might already have.

“We are able to see how the concepts we learn in our classes are able to be applied in the real world,” Potineni said.

Through it all, Econ Challenge’s purpose is to shine a light on the importance of education and school systems.

Questions from the Adam Smith and David Ricardo divisions of Economic Challenge

A) B) C) D)

An increase in the pay of workers.

An increase in capital investment.

A decrease in job training.

A decrease in taxes.

2. The supply of gasoline changes, causing the price of gasoline to change. The resulting movement from one point to another along the demand curve for gasoline.

A) A change in demand B) A change in quantity demanded C) A change in quantity supplied D) Unit elasicity

Answer: B

1. Which would most likely decrease the productivity of labor?

Answer: C

3. In microeconomics, the basic characteristic of the long run is that

4. In the short run, a pure monopolist will

A) B) C) D)

A) Always earn economic profits B) Always earn a normal profit (break even).

C) Either earn a profit, a loss, or break even depending on revenues and costs D) Always realize a loss

Answer: C

Firm cannot change its plant and equipment.

Firm cannot hire or fire workers.

Goods produced must last more than five years.

All resources and all costs are variable.

Answer: D

6 • Feb. 8, 2021

INSURRECTION ON CAPITOL HILL

Hundreds of Americans stormed the U.S. Capitol attempting to delay democratic process

MADDIE COFFIN Staff Writer

O

n Jan. 6, 2021, history was made. America experienced the unthinkable. Countries across the world were shocked at what they saw: the Capitol being stormed by hundreds of thousands of Americans, trying to halt the act of confirming then President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Hanging off the side of the building, stealing government official podiums, and destroying senators’ offices were just a few of the events that took place.

News outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, and many others were covering the events as they unfolded.

Senior Zach Herr is a member of the Young Republicans of MN Herr said the Capitol riots were something that “impacted him and his organization”.

“It was frankly one of the most unpatriotic and disgusting acts I’ve seen carried out on American soil,” Herr said.

A mere eight hours following the events that were still continuing, former President Donald Trump released a statement telling rioters to go home.

“You have to go home now.

We have to have peace,” Trump

said. “We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We don’t want anyone hurt.”

As the rioting continued, members of Congress were rushed to safety under desks and tucked away in offices because of the looting.

Consequently, government officials instituted increased security for Biden’s inauguration to ensure threats similar to the Capitol riots wouldn’t threaten the proceedings.

“Although we hope that nothing like the Capitol riots ever happen again, there is now always that potential threat, and I think that will be reflected at future inaugurations.” social studies teacher David Falke said.

Junior Kheely Warren who is a part of the Young Democratic Socialists of America club was ‘shocked and disgusted’ at the events that took place.

“I think, like many other events

in history, this will be sugar coated in order to present a cleaner image,” Warren said.

The Biden-Harris administration recognizes the changes in protocol that must take place following the events at the Capitol.

More recently, there is a pending impeachment case against former President Donald Trump due to his alleged inciting of the rioters that stormed the Capitol.

Trump held a rally prior to the events at the Capitol while the certification of Biden’s victory was taking place.

“We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and we’re probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them,” Trump said.

Many government officials are speculating that these words, in addition to Trump’s potentially inflammatory Tweets, were the reason behind the riots and looting at the Capitol. As soon as this rally ended, hundreds of thousands of Americans marched right into the Capitol.

Moving forward, the federal government has the opportunity to review safety and security protocols as well as redefining the difference between protesting and rioting.

Biden said that government officials must work together to “restore the honor, the integrity, the independence of the Department of Justice”.

OPINIONS • 7

SWITCH UP YOUR SCHEDULE

Elective classes hold immense value beyond filling course requirements THE HOOFBEAT STAFF EDITORIAL

E

nglish. Math. Science. Core classes are the basis of our education and dominate our school days. As we progress through high school, many feel trapped by the expectation to succeed in these common subject areas.

And ultimately, this has distracted us from other viable subjects: electives. Educational systems are slowly forgetting the value of untraditional classes like electives.

Students know too well the stress to excel in standardized testing and have a rigorous schedule worthy of impressing colleges, causing the focus on core classes to increase exponentially.

For junior Johnathan Peters, electives create a space where he feels relaxed and stress free in comparison to core classes.

“I loved when we would play games in Spanish. My teacher always knew how to make the best games,” Peters said. “Walking into Spanish, I always knew I was going to have fun.”

All the while, electives like art, music, and industrial technology are framed as pursuits

lacking professional value. The impact of indifference surrounding electives is more than one would initially think.

According to the Miami Herald, electives not only provide practical skills but help students find hidden talents or passions. Electives offer options that allow individuals to seek out other interests. Being able to choose a class is huge, and this tends to keep kids motivated to learn.

Another plus of taking electives is that they create an environment that students can excel in. Senior Cartney McGuigan remembers the encouragement and inclusiveness she felt from her whole drama class.

“I learned a lot of techniques and skills that I even use today when I act, but I also learned what kind of academic environment I really thrive in,” McGuigan said.

The college-driven mindset has completely changed what students feel they can and can’t study while in high school. It is essential that we emphasize the importance of branching out and taking electives.

In reality, a diversity in coursework provided

STUDENT SPEAK

by arts or music is likely to be respected by an admissions committee.

The College Board reported that in 2017, 1.17 million students took at least one Advanced Placement course.

This specialization and increase in AP course registration shows the prevalence of a college-centered mentality and an attitude less focused on classes that could help students discover alternative professions.

Of course, it is important to note that Advanced Placement classes can be a great tool to help prepare for college, but it is important to find a balance. The balance helps students excel at their full potential.

Electives are essential to the growth of teenagers’ intellectual and emotional health and must become more emphasized. Without them, student indifference towards higher education may very well increase, leaving them without a spark or passion.

Whether strumming a guitar, welding a pipe, or applying paint to canvas, the positive implications of electives hold more significance than course credit.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

WHAT ELECTIVE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PROVIDED AT MN AND WHY?

MORRIGAN BERRY

A common sense class or Japanese. Not many people have much common sense and it would be cool to have Japanese class.

GRADE 9

SAM WANG GRADE 11

ELLE FLEMMING

Music writing or iron work orientated towards jewelry design. Traditional cultures, specifically towards history and aestheticism, polytheism.

GRADE 10

Chinese class, because China is becoming more and more relevant in the global economy, and Chinese is becoming a more relevant to language to learn

BRYAN SCHUETZ GRADE 12

I think, an iron working class, more IT classes and hands-on classes.

Especially for kids who don’t know what to do in college, learning a trade is a good idea.

By Rachel Kricsfeld

8 • Feb. 8, 2021

WE’RE ALL NOT OKAY Isa’s Introspection

Mental health needs to be prioritized during difficult circumstances

Atherapist’s sa

daughter, I’m no stranger to divulging my feelings.

Whether in the makeup aisle at Ulta or during family dinner, my mother, lovingly, asks, “Are okay?” And to Isa Luzarraga you be honest, I’m not, Editor-in-Chief and that’s alright.

Younger generations, millennials and Gen Zers, have become more comfortable disclosing their emotional roadblocks, challenging the stigmatized notion of coping with mental illness in private.

While some might view the “I’m not okay” assertion as overly dramatic or attention-seeking, it’s become more important than ever to acknowledge personal discontent and find effective strategies.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2019, nearly 30% of young adults aged 18-25 were diagnosed with a mental illness along with 25% of 26-49-year-olds. These disorders compounded by the

stressors of the pandemic have increased in number.

The Center for Disease Control found that nearly 40% of adults reported struggling to cope with mental health or substance abuse, exemplifying this state of “not being okay” is not isolated to teenagers.

The causes of our shared mental decline are very obviously linked to the uprooting of our routines, however, we can’t rely on vaccinations or the opening of restaurants to mitigate our sadness. Health institutions like the Mayo Clinic advise us to practice self-care, exercise to boost endorphins, limit screen time, and eat healthily.

Much easier said than done, especially during a global upheaval. What many therapists, like my mother, sometimes fail to mention is the importance of acknowledging and accepting feelings.

There is, of course, value in these typical mental health boosters and certainly merit in employing perseverance and grit. However, maybe a more unconventional step is unnecessary.

We’ve been conditioned to respond positively when we interact with others and they ask us how we are. It’s much easier to respond with “Good, how are you?” or some other typical exchange. Of course, I’m not advising the expression of your despondent feelings to every person on the street, but we must realize the value of

confiding in others.

The Mayo Clinic cites making connections, while social distancing, as a form of combatting depression and anxiety. Find others to confide in; it doesn’t have to be a host of professionals or family members. Just reflect on who you feel the most comfortable with when discussing your mental health.

I’ve started being more honest with myself by expressing my true emotional state to those close to me.

After a nine-hour day at school taking tests, slathering hand sanitizer, and walking through the halls, I seldom feel content or hopeful. So, if someone questions my current state, I say I’m not okay for the time being.

This doesn’t make me or anyone else selfish or overly-dramatic, in fact, it’s just the opposite. We recognize the value of our relationships and realize that our friends and family genuinely want us to be happy. The first step towards contentment, before all the self-care and therapy, is admitting we’re not really cheerful to begin with.

So yes, does my therapist-mother worry about me and my mental health? Of course, that’s what parents do, but we both recognize the value of self-introspection and emotional honesty.

We’re all not okay, but I have hope that we will eventually be.

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK LIST

Five questions to ask yourself to help maintain mental wellness

Two:

One:

Three:

Have I eaten regular meals?

Have I spent time outside?

Your body needs nutrition to help maintain mental wellness.

Make sure to consume three healthy meals a day.

Sunlight is a great way to boost positive mindset. It is important to get outside at least once a day.

Four:

Am I getting enough sleep?

Sleep is essential to prevent mental decline.

Getting at least eight hours of sleep will help combat negative thoughts.

Have I been focusing on positive self-thoughts?

Make sure to give yourself grace in your life. It is ok to not be perfect.

Five:

Have I been comparing my real life to other people’s highlight reel?

Know that your life is your own and shoudn’t be compared to others. Enjoy your life and know that it is special.

Source: The Healing Group

THE

BRAIN

NO S

A T

A I LG

On

IN-DEPTH • 9

Unexpectedly, reminiscing is common in the wake of the pandemic.

This nostalgia can bring harmful and helpful implications.

Graphic by Rachel Kricsfeld

10 • Feb. 8, 2021

PSYCHOLOGY OF REMINISCING Research shows nostalgia can pacify brain in times of trauma DEEKSHA SRIDHER Staff Writer

E

ven though students have spent much of this past year bored at home, it isn’t difficult for us to feel a little homesick. Whether it’s watching decade-old Disney movies, snacking away on our favorite foods from our childhood, or even simply poring over hundreds of baby photos, it’s easy to feel nostalgic about our childhoods and the years of our lives that have gone by in the blink of an eye.

Now that we are nearly a year into the pandemic that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives, time begins to get fuzzy, as we ponder what day of the week it may be or wonder when the last time we left the house was. It’s clear to see that before we were confined to our own living spaces, life was much simpler.

However, in overwhelming times of stress, the nostalgia we may feel isn’t an odd occurrence. In fact, according to a July 2020 “New York Times” article, nostalgia is in fact a way of coping during stressful times.

Going through our memories of the “good old days” is a bittersweet process. Although it may seem sorrowful to wish to return to our childhood innocence, nostalgia has actually proven to give us feelings of com-

fort and solace, even telling us that we are not alone.

Seeing as the virus in itself has caused the global “loneliness pandemic”, our homesickness may not be such a sickness after all- it instead helps us to mentally and emotionally connect with those we love.

Nostalgia can also be used as a mechanism against depression, anxiety, and stress. According to a “Psychology Today” article written by Matt Johnson, research has proved that nostalgia decreases our levels of cortisol, which is our stress hormone.

Nostalgic activity also increases blood flow to our brains and activates specific areas, such as the hippocampus and substantia nigra, which are our brains’ reward centers.

According to an article written by Mary Grace Garis from “Well + Good” in April of 2020, there are ways we can actually take advantage of our nostalgia in a positive way.

Whether it is through listening to throwback music, reconnecting with others online, or looking through the physical mementos from our lives, we can reexperience the safety and love we felt as a child.

With that being said, Garis explains that nostalgia can go two ways- it can become a positive influence that allows

MAKING BRAIN WAVES Wistfulness activates different areas of the brain, resulting in changes in neurological activity.

Cerebral regions work together to produce the sensation of nostalgia.

Source: Bustle

Frontal Lobe: Nostalgia’s impacts on the brain require two conditons to have full neurological effect on the frontal Substantia Nigra: lobe: chronological remoteness and The majority of the brain’s emotional or personal significance. dopamine neurons are stored here.

The substantia nigra interacts with the hippocampus to release dopamine.

us to relive our childhoods, but it can also become a negative influence that affects our self-esteem. While reminiscing about our past, our feelings of nostalgia may in fact make us feel worse, bringing about feelings of further loneliness.

For this reason, Garis emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with your loved ones, especially if they live away from you.

Let your friends and family know you are there for them no matter what, and express your gratitude and support for them. In both giving and receiving support, nostalgia can become an emotion not of wistfulness, but of hope for the future.

Because of the events that have occurred within the last 12 months, psychologists assert that we need hope now more than ever. Between social isolation and the fear of becoming sick, reminiscing can take individuals’ minds off of the negative.

In utilizing our nostalgia for positivity, getting through these unexpected times can get not only easier, but more enjoyable as well. Through reconnecting with our past selves we can appreciate who we are and what we have gone through in life with a brighter attitude, optimistic outlook, and most importantly: hope.

MNHSONLINE.COM • 11

NOSTALGIC FOR NORMALCY

Looking back gives students motivation, hope for future endeavors

EVER LOVERIDGE Staff Writer

“[It’s] the feeling that’s a mix of happy and sad when you think about your past,” Phillips said.“[I miss] being carefree, I could live and have fun without everyhe song “The House that Built Me” by Miranda thing being closed down or wearing masks and socially Lambert is a popular country song that causes the listen- distancing.” er to reminisce on tender memories of their childhood.

Senior Taylor Goodrich, on the other hand, utilizes In this song, she remembers the her reminiscing as motivation to places, people and things that were push through difficult times.

It’s important to around her as she grew up. She takes “[Nostalgia]is a way to remind feel the way you did the listener on their own walk down yourself of how you used to be but memory lane as so many things of when you were little, so also to see how far you’ve come childhood are universal to us all. and how much you’ve grown,” you don’t forget about Just like Lambert is longing for Goodrich said. “[It] feels as if it is your childhood. the little back bedroom where she a reminder to reconnect with your learned to play guitar in her song, younger self. I think it’s important so many people are starting to look TAYLOR GOODRICH to feel the way you did when you back to simpler times. The definiSENIOR were little so you don’t forget about tion of nostalgia is a sentimental your childhood.” longing or wistful affection for the Goodrich and Phillips also past, typically for a period or place with happy personal look back at the time before the pandemic. associations. “ I would definitely go back to life before the Feelings of nostalgia have become a common trend pandemic, and I at least hope we can get to that point among students. Many of us find ourselves wishing to again,” Goodrich said. “I miss not having to worry return to a time before masks, standing six feet apart, about wearing a mask and being able to do school and having an irrational fear of someone with a cough. activities.”

Senior McKenna Phillips said her wistfulness has Although most students think of nostalgia as a posiincreased since the beginning of the pandemic. tive, senior Davis Hill has a different opinion.

T

“

”

“I also think nostalgia can be a negative. The past isn’t always what we remember,” Hill said. Oftentimes it gets romanticized, causing individuals to become bitter toward what’s happening in the here and now.`` On the other hand freshman Sophie Seefeld describes her feelings towards nostalgia in a positive light. “[Nostalgia] brings back happiness, it reminds me of how much fun I have had when I was younger.”

Seefeld said.

Junior Megan Chambers also enjoys being able to look to the past from time to time “I enjoy being nostalgic because most of the time I feel like a little kid again,” Chambers said. “[However nostalgia] does hamper my productivity because I stop to think about how that memory made me feel and forget what I’m doing.”

The context for our newfound nostalgia is a shared factor.

“I think the pandemic has caused us to be more nostalgic because we learned to not take anything for granted, like the normal life we lived before COVID-19,” Chambers said.

Students miss the past and long for a sense of normalcy again. Throughout it all, students value looking back at the past with fondness, cherishing every day in the present, and most importantly, moving forward to the future.

PICTURES FROM THE PAST

Limbic Region: When experiencing nostalgia, the brain directs increased blood flow to the limbic and paralimbic regions causing more neroutransmitters to fire throughout the body.

Hippocampus: Known as the pleasure and reward center, the hippocampus reacts sensationally to nostalgia, making us feel happy or melancholy.

Whether posing at a wedding, hanging with siblings, or taking school pictures, these students get a blast from the past when looking at old photos

McKenna Phillips Senior

Megan Chambers Junior

Davis Hill Senior

What stimuli from your childhood makes you nostalgic?

“One thing that causes nostalgia is talking with someone about old memories you have together.”

“Some nostalgic things for me are listening to music I used to listen to when I was a child and reading old notes or cards I got and kept.”

“Every time my siblings and I go sledding we tell the younger ones about growing up on Atwood Ave., the trees we climbed, and walking to school.”

12 • Feb. 8, 2021

THROUGH ROSE-TINTED GLASSES

National nostalgia unites different demographics through pop culture

COOPER PIERCY Staff Writer

to Elvis, and then it’s a way to bind people together,” Meyer said. “People feel connected through collective access to memories from a period.”

This idea of nostalgia as something that has our oad work ahead. Say that phrase to anyone over the age of 25, and they may correlate it with the orange, entire society looking back at a specific time period is not a ground-breaking one; many can identify with it diamond shaped sign that bears those exact words. everywhere.

However, say those three words “Nostalgia is very present to anyone younger, and like clockthroughout everyday life,” junior work, they’ll finish the vine, one any

People feel Connor Smith said. “But [it’s] given high schooler likely already connected through specifically in media, both social knows. And with that single enand TV and books.” grained memory, comes the flashcollective access to Perhaps the most vital part of back of an entire era. memories from a nostalgia, however, is the comfort Nostalgia is a feeling everyprovided from the eras we reimagone is familiar with, however it’s period. ine. However, that golden age of most commonly experienced as a cultural nostalgia deeply personal connection to your MATTHEW MEYER widespread, varies for many. own memories, being described by SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER “I feel like the 1980’s and sophomore Ella Parker as, “Fondly 1990’s nostalgia are big influencreminiscing about something in the es, even some early 2000’s,” Smith said. past, like when you remember something as a kid and This influence, particularly that of the 1980’s, can smile about it.”

Yet nostalgia exists in many forms, with our modern be strongly felt today, particularly in popular media, such as the popular Netflix television show “Stranger information era currently being gripped by a form of nostalgia that many see as even more universal than the Things”.

Set in the middle of the 1980’s, a 2019 CNBC personal kind we all know and love, something social article reported that the hit show had over 40.7 million studies teachers like Matthew Meyer specialize in. individual accounts tuning in to watch its third season “It’s looking back at certain decades, and maybe the weekend it released. it’s pop culture too. Like, you look back at the 50’s, and

R

C I N E M A T I C

“

”

The pop culture nostalgia that permeates the show was a real era with a tense political and social environment.

“Artists look to the past to shed light on current experiences,” Meyer said. “Interposed into that past is a revisioning of the past, maybe with more modern sensibilities.”

And even if the show uses old culture to reflect modern tensions, the influence of direct nostalgia for the real 1980’s can be felt just as deeply.

“I was thinking [of] the 80’s, when Reagan was president,” Parker said. “Compared to back then, the economy was thriving, and that could be more appealing than what life looks like today.”

Meyer said the political influence of nostalgia is widespread.

“You find political groups playing upon nostalgia in a means to form communities,” Meyer said. “It plays into identity politics and group identity.”

Looking through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia affects countless decisions the public must make.

Therefore, it’s important to ask ourselves: is this even a positive thing for humanity?

“Nostalgia as an aesthetic and interest is more than fine, but it’s important we don’t romanticize those time periods to be better than they were,” Smith said.

Regardless of your comprehension of vine references, every speck of rosy nostalgia should be taken with a grain of salt.

Films and television shows utilize nostalgic elements to obtain viewership

N O S T A L G I A

Based on the best-selling novel, “Ready Player One” is set in the future, 2045 to be exact. However, the video game elements and soundtrack are purely 80’s. The movie incorporates clips from “The Shining” and even the DeLorean from “Back to the Future”.

Though filmed in 1978, “Grease” is set in the 1950s, complete with greasers, jukeboxes, and multi-colored wallpaper. In 2020, “Grease” was officially picked to be preserved in the National Film Registry because of its cultural significance.

“Ready Player One”

“Grease”

Many owe the popularity of “Stranger Things” to its various 80’s and 90’s vignettes including the debut of Coca-Cola’s New Coke and references to famous 80’s films like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”.

“Stranger Things”

OPINIONS • 13

AN APPROACH TO PROUNOUNS Stating perspective on misgendering as a transgender male

Lewald Lectures

I have tough skin, as evident

by the fact that I willingly chose to work at Starbucks for my first job. I can deal with harsh words and cruel comments, but there is one thing that rips right through my skin. MisgenAiden Lewald thick dering.

The MerStaff Writer riam-Webster Dictionary defines misgendering as “to identify the gender of (a person, such as a transgender person) incorrectly (as by using an incorrect label or pronoun)”.

Intentional or not, misgendering is still damaging to a transgender person in the midst of their transition.

From the perspective of a transgender person, being misgendered hurts. Being called she/her when I use he/him pronouns is frankly gut wrenching, making my already frail mental state worse.

No matter how harmless the intentions were, it still is painful...but just because it hurts, does not mean I and other individuals should not handle the situation maturely.

When someone misgenders you, be polite. Do not be overly rude or dramatic. Correcting them simply by saying, “oh it’s him” or “oh I use he/him pronouns, not she/her,” gets the job done.

I have discovered that being over dramatic or rude about your pronouns makes people not want to respect them.

Being overly dramatic about being misgendered fuels negative stereotypes that the transgener community expects you to get their pronouns correct at all times.. It also causes the people who are misgendering you to not want to use the correct pronouns due to them feeling disrespected, however justified the sentiment is.

As much as I disagree with that, and instead believe

that pronouns should be respected no matter the situation, I understand why. It’s a natural human reaction to lash out when you feel slighted.

If this is, for example the fifth time they’ve misgendered you in a row, after you’ve corrected them the previous four times, then you have a chance to be more stern.

Guilt-tripping is a no go, as we do not want to seem manipulative, but that does not mean you cannot tell them what negative feelings their misgendering makes you feel.

Tell them what your pronouns are, and how you do not appreciate the fact that they have been repeatedly misgendering you, even if it is on accident. Ask them to be more conscious of it, and explain that it is harmful towards your mental health.

In a 2014 study from “Self and Idenity Journal”, 32.8% of transgender people feel stgymitized when being misgendered. Besides the stigmitization, transgender indiviausls feel more insecure about themselves and their gender presentation.

Worst case scenario, depending on the environment, you may have to get an employer, teacher, or administrator involved. When it comes to doing the actual misgendering, there are a few ways you should approach the situation afterwards.

First of all, correct yourself if you know you’re slipping up. A simple, “well she said, sorry, he,” is perfectly acceptable. It has a simple apology, and you simply correct yourself.

As a transgender person, we do not want you to be overdramatic about your apologies and corrections. It brings unwanted attention to us in relation to a topic we are already on edge about.

I cannot speak for all transgender people, but I can say that most of us only want a simple apology or correction. Do not feel guilty, it happens. Even transgender people are guilty of misgendering other people.

All of us are aware that it happens, and sadly, most of us are desensitized to it. From both standpoints, it only takes a simple correction to get the idea across.

For the sake of my mental health, use the correct pronouns, and please do not question my decision to work at Starbucks.

QUICK REVIEW

e, h

(sh

)

ers

h er,

(he

,hi

m,

) his

Tips to make sure you are using proper pronouns 1. When introducing yourself, say your prounouns and ask for theirs in return.

2. If prounouns are not brought up in conversation, listen to how others refer to them or how they refer to themselves.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask.

4. Always have an open mindset.

(ze

,zi

(th

ey,

m,

rs)

the

The Hoofbeat staff will publish eight issues of the paper at Millard North High School (1010 South 144th Street, Omaha, NE). Type is set with the use of Macintosh and HP computers. Printing is done by White Wolf Printing, Sheldon IA. The Hoofbeat is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association and JEA. The Hoofbeat exists for the express purpose of student information and learning.

Advertising: Advertising will be sold at $7 per column inch or by special quarter, half, or full page rates. Information can be obtained by calling 402-715-1404.

Responding to the Hoofbeat: Letters to the editor for the March issue will be accepted no later than Feburary 20 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 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 Maddie Coffin 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

r,z i

the

THE HOOFBEAT

irs

)

14 • Feb, 8, 2021

TEARING DOWN SOCIAL STANDARDS Path to self love includes prioritizing physical and emotional health

Pipinos’ Perspective

Body image has with-

out a doubt been a problem in American society, but the pervasiveness and the severity of the issue only recently became apparent to me after a conversation with my close friend Josie Boan**.

Anna Pipinos Recently, Boan Lifestyle Editor shared with me that during her sophomore year she struggled with bulimia. After overcoming bulimia, she unfortunately began to struggle with orthorexia and anorexia.

She explained to me that her relapse was triggered from primarily social media usage.

“Looking back, I can’t seem to recall a single day where I felt that I was able to measure up to other girls.

These thoughts were always in my mind, even when I walked in the halls of my school or as I would scroll through my Instagram feed,” Boan said.

However, her disordered eating was perpetuated due to snide commentary and jokes her fellow classmates made about her figure.

“What pushed me over the edge and fueled my

relapse was when this guy, who I was crushing on at the time, made a cruel joke about my weight, poking at my love handles and laughing,” Boan said. “He later apologized, but he had said what he had said, and nothing could ever change that or take away the pain and embarrassment.”

Boan had first started working out heavily in March, shortly after school had shut down. She was running four to five miles a day while consuming a normal amount of food.

However, in mid-May, she still felt disgusted by her body, thinking as if she wasn’t dropping enough weight every week. As a result, she began heavy lifting on top of running and lowered her caloric intake from 1450 to 750 calories.

“One time, I sat down and in front of me was a relatively small plate of salad with chicken bits spread on top. I sat there for a solid four to five minutes, contemplating whether or not I should eat it,” Boan said. “I ended up eating a fourth of it to stop my stomach from grumbling and tossed the rest away.”.

From June to August, she slowly began to either skip or reduce the size of her meals, all while continuing to work out intensely. Fortunately, in mid-August, her unhealthy habits were brought to a halt after her mother and sister noticed what was happening.

“My sister told me that she first realized I was struggling with disordered eating when she saw me consistently getting up to go on long runs, perform a workout for the second or third time day, or when I’d obsess over a 0.3 pound fluctuation in my weight,” Boan said. “My

mom first started to piece it together because of my exhaustion and how emotionally drained I was.”

Tears streamed down Boan’s face as she told me that although she began eating normally again, she still has severe body dysmorphia. She sometimes has panic attacks after consuming specific meals or from just simply looking at a mirror.

By the end of our talk, she could barely look me in the eyes. Her struggle with building a positive body image and self-acceptance really illuminated the absurdity and toxicity that underlies male and female beauty standards.

Beauty standards are social constructs: socially defined, socially accepted, and shifting as society changes.

Unfortunately, these standards are not viewed as ‘socially defined’ or ‘unrealistic ideals’.

Instead they give rise to stereotyping, prejudice, and discriminatory remarks based on deviance from what is considered ‘perfect:’ the ‘perfect’ weight, the ‘perfect’ height, the ‘perfect’ body type.

Although it took her some time to realize it, Boan saw that ‘perfection’ is unattainable, and that these imaginary standards only function to draw out people’s insecurities. At the end of our discussion, Boan shared with me, “We need to remember that beauty is never just skin-deep, and whether we are struggling or not, it is important to lean on good friends and family that will help us appreciate how wonderful and unique each one of us really is.”

GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN Winnie Harlow Model

“Evolution of Vitiligo is beautiful. Don’t be ashamed of what makes you different,” she said in the caption. “Skin is just skin.

We shouldn’t judge based on it, condition or race. Like our minds and souls, my skin is ever evolving.” @winnieharlow

**Name has been changed for anonymity

Body positive influencers give insight on body image Ashley Graham Lizzo Singer

“Who I am, and the essence of me, and the things that I choose to do as a grown woman can inspire you to do the same. They don’t have to be like me – you need to be like you, and never ever let somebody stop you or shame you from being yourself.” @lizzobeeating

Model

“Someone once told me my thighs were ‘cellulite city’ but I now realize these thighs tell a story of victory and courage. I will not let others dictate what they think my body should look like for their own comfort, and neither should you.” @ashleygraham

Dexter Mayfield Model/Dancer

“I just want people to understand that you are created, and you are created in a certain way, and you should be appreciative of that, you should love that. And once you love that, everybody will follow.” @dexrated

To reach out for support, confide in a friend, family member, trusted adult, or call or text the National Eating Disorder hotline at 1 (800) 931-2237.

LIFESTYLE • 15

MOONWALKING TO TOP OF CHARTS Aspiring artist begins to navigate music industry by dropping singles LILY TAYLOR Sports Editor

A

s seniors enter their final semester of high school, they look to their past for guidance on future decisions. For some, it is clear academically what they want to pursue, and for others, it’s their dreams they wish to chase.

As a child, senior Carver Jones was said to have a fiery passion for music. As he grew, his infatuation with music never faded, but blossomed, making it clear to his family what his future would be.

“Carver has always been musically inclined,” older brother and MN alumni Justice Jones said. “He would take showers, and our whole family would sit in front of the door and listen to him sing because he would never sing in front of us. I knew he would always want to pursue something like that.”

While Jones has found a passion in other activities, including football and basketball, music has always shined through as his main focus.

“Music was always something that seemed to overpower whatever I was doing. I was afraid of failure, so I didn’t pursue it. As I have gotten older, I realized that failing is the biggest win, and music was always what I wanted,” C. Jones said.

Jones released his first single, “Moonwalking,” on

“I feel like everyday life inspires me to make music,” Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Pandora on Dec. 26, which was shortly followed up by the release of “Pain C. Jones said. “I want to bring awareness to certain topAway” on Jan. 5. His two debut singles are just the start. ics and everyday situations that people go through with “I’m planning on dropping an EP and a couple more emotions people have. Hopefully, my music can make people happy and really feel and relate to what I say.” singles soon. I [hope to drop] something on Valentine’s While Jones is not currently Day, and I have signed under a manager or record multiple features on songs that will come

He would take showers, and label, he is working closely with his to create connections in the out soon, so be on our whole family would sit in front brother industry. the lookout,” C. “Everyone who knows Carver of the door and listen to him sing Jones said. knows that he’s super special, and His musical because he would never sing in we are just trying to figure out how process is very simfront of us. we can bring himself into his art. ple. He records at We have been looking into differhis home recording JUSTICE JONES ent things using my connections studio and works with producers to OLDER BROTHER AND MN ALUMINI in New York [to help him move forward],” J. Jones said. find tracks to base Up-and-coming artists find the his songs around. music industry difficult to handle.

“I record most With the support of his friends they of my music at are encouraging him to continue making an impact. home,” C. Jones said. “I usually get beats sent to me by “I think that it is cool he is doing his own thing,” some producers. Then, I pick the one I want and start recording. I experiment with melodies and lyrics and just senior Jada Nielsen said. “He could be getting judged, but he doesn’t care. Especially in high school where keep building it up until I have a complete song.”

He looks to daily experiences to influence his lyrics in everyone is judgmental, I definitely wouldn’t have the guts to do what he did.” hopes to relate to his target audience.

“

NOW STREAMING

Pain Away Moonwalking

”

Spotify Profile: CARVER JONES - A young artist out of Omaha, Nebraska. He creates rap and R&B music for all ages and all types of people. He hopes to continue to grow and better his work as an artist.

Pain Away

Carver Jones

Moonwalking

Carver Jones

16 • Feb. 8, 2021

WANDA VISION-ARY

Marvel’s “WandaVision” more intriguing by the episode OLIVIA TORREZ Staff Writer

than they’re used to, the adrenaline junkies are getting impatient.

“Its titular characters seem sidelined in their ow will this duo fit in and fulfill all? By sharown series. The show-within-a-show format makes ing a love like you’ve never seen. WandaVision!” for cheeky diversions, but ultimately feels somewhat Marvel’s new series, “WandaVision”, follows the su- shallow,” writer Roxana Hadadi said in a ‘Roger Ebert’ perhero Wanda and the humanoid mind stone Vision’s article. ‘normal’ life in a new, sit-com style neighborhood. But Despite the growing criticism, the online fan base there remains one question: How? seems to be growing daily, After the events of both “Infinwith fan theories and GIF Its titular characters ity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” sets being made in abunthe baffling notion of how this dance. People are curious seem sidelined in their own sitcom is even happening looms what wacky, stereotypical, I series. The show-within-a-show Love Lucy-esk shenanigans over the audience. Did something happen to Wanda? Is she trapped the ‘newly-weds’ are going format makes for cheeky diin her own head or a fictional to get into with the impendversions, but ultimately feels town? How did this happen? ing doom of an outside Each episode fast forwards somewhat shallow. force working against them. through a different decade starting After Disney+’s success ROXANNA HADADI with “The Mandaloriin the 50s, thrusting into the 60s era in the second episode, and an”, they’re dropping an FILM CRITIC bleeding through into colorized episode once a week on television by the end. Trailers for Fridays. New content will the first season suggest an even be released on an almost further progression throughout time. consistent weekly schedule, and this new development So, what does this mean for the convoluted storyline is definitely one for the better. of a disturbed witch and a dead robot? Well, that’s the New shows are being released one after the other, question. unlike the previous schedule of a couple movies per With each new episode and interaction, viewers get year. “WandaVision’’ will run until Mar. 5 with nine the growing feeling that something is amiss in this perepisodes total in the first season, with “The Falcon and fect dream world, which really only stands to draw fans the Winter Soldier” following on the 19th, and “Loki” closer. Starting with the fact that Vision shouldn’t even scheduled to start in May. be alive to see it after the events of Marvel’s previous The so-far success of the show seems to be paving release “Infinity War’’. the way for future Marvel TV shows and is ushering in Overall, the show pulled in a well-deserved 97% a hope for the dawn of Marvel television. on “Rotten Tomatoes”, a 7.5/10 IMDb score, and lots All of this begs for two questions: what are we and lots of frenzied theorists wondering about what’s to in for the rest of this intriguing show? The decade come. With the first two episodes having been released themed episodes made for a very interesting hook, but on Jan. 15, fans went crazy for the hidden easter eggs can Marvel keep up with the demands of the audiand vague announcements from Marvel themselves. ence?

However, the old-timey photocopy has raised Whether they’re comic fans from decades ago or criticism. People come to Marvel for action, and with cinematic universe fans drawn in from the silver screen, this new series seemingly based in a more complex plot Marvel has quite a few expectations to uphold.

“H

“

w

Release Date: Feb. 12, 2021

”

Ep 1. Recap: It’s a 50s sitcom in which Wanda and Vision can’t remember what the heart on a calendar stands for. Was it for an anniversary?

Was it for a special date at a restaurant?

Watch to find out.

Ep 2. Recap: It’s a 60s sitcom, and Wanda and Vision are performing a magic show at a suspicious campaign. Is there a chance they will reveal their identites at the magic show?

Ep 3. Recap: It’s a 70s themed epsiode in which Wanda’s pregnancy is progressing very fast, and she ends up giving birth to the twins. During the episode, someone pays her a visit and tellls her something.

Ep 4. Recap: It’s from the perspective of the agents who are trying to get into Westview, and the episode goes into depth about what has happened in the last three episodes.

UPCOMING MARVEL MOVIES

Release Date: May 7, 2021

Release Date: June 25, 2021

Release Date: Aug. 6, 2021

Release Date: Dec. 27, 2021

MNHSONLINE.COM • 17

TASTE TESTING TIKTOK DRINKS Trying to find one tasty drink to energize and satisfy MORGAN MCCORMACK News Editor

I

‘ve always had difficulty finding a caffeinated drink that satisfies both my tired brain and my taste buds. I’ve also never been the one to drink coffee or energy drinks as they make my mouth pucker in distaste.

However, I put myself up to the challenge to finally find a drink that will satisfy me. Faced with this challenge, I did what many high school students do and turned to social media.

In my search, I found a multitude of drinks to try. I drove to Starbucks, my nerves rattling with a combination of anxiety and anticipation.

I arrived and ordered my drinks, phone in hand, and the notes app opened. After reading off my meticulously typed order, I pulled forward and paid the barista, and awaited the hopefully tasty beverages.

As someone who only drinks water and lemonade, I was nervous but pleasantly surprised by the first drink.

The Strawberry Acai Refresher was the perfect blend of strawberry and blueberry, and would definitely be worth trying again.

The drink comprises of three scoops of strawberries and three scoops of berries, blended. I had some trepidation about the berries as I wasn’t sure what that would entail, but in the end, it was very satisfying and refreshing.

I was a bit taken aback by the white mocha iced coffee as it was very potent. I could certainly taste the mocha, and it took a while to get used to the bitterness, but overall I was impressed that I didn’t dislike it.

Next was the concoction I was the most hesitant to sip on, venti iced coffee with four pumps of white mocha and sweet cream. The mocha flavor was strong, but not overpowering. It’s most likely not something I would purchase again but the appeal is definitely there.

Conversely, drinking the Pink Drink was like drinking a strawberry shake. I’m not a huge fan of strawberry shakes, but in this case, I enjoyed the flavor and the consistency was perfect.

This pastel-colored drink was a variation of its predecessor, with heavy cream rather than coconut milk and three scoops of vanilla bean powder with whipped cream on top. I wasn’t really the biggest fan due to its bitterness and cloying flavor, but I can definitely see the appeal.

By far my favorite of the bunch was the oreo chocolate chip frappe. It tasted like hot chocolate and Oreos in the perfect blend and is something that I will definitely be purchasing again.

This drink is somewhat of an enigma, I asked for a venti double chocolate chip Frappuccino with white mocha and whipped cream. For someone who doesn’t usually invest in Starbucks, I would recommend this beverage to anyone looking to try a blended drink.

DRINK UP!

V-DAY DRINKS How to order top-rated Valentine’s-themed coffee drinks Starbucks Secret Menu Item

Love Bean Frappucino

-Ask for a vanilla bean Frappucino.

-For a grande, ask for two pumps of raspberry syrup.

-Top with raspberry whipped cream and chocolate curls.

Dunkin’s Annual Valentine’s Day Drink -Rich espresso is combined with flavors of red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting.

-Can also be ordered as a latte.

Pink Velvet Macchiato

MONSTER MELTDOWN

Starbucks’s Secret Menu Affogato Frappucino -Order a caramel Frappucino.

-Add two floating espresso shots for a grande drink.

-Top with whipped cream and caramel syrup.

-Tip: for extra sweetness, ask your barista to drizzle the inside of the cup with caramel syrup.

Scooters’s Secret Peachy Tart Blast -A peach smoothie is infused with lemonade to give this icy drink some tartness.

-The smoothie comes with an energy-boost, but can be ordered without.

-Comes in small, medium, and large sizes.

My last and final drink that I had was a drink I had to hand-make. The drink is a Gatorade mixed with a Monster Hydro Energy Drink and any type of candy; the flavors are up to you to choose. Naturally, I went with gummy bears.

The drink without the candy was quite sweet and didn’t really dazzle me. However, when I tasted it with the gummy bears, I was instantly revolted by the taste. I could feel my tastebuds decaying as I drank the sugary drink. I truly had high hopes for the drink itself, but to my dismay, I was repulsed and ended up giving it a rating of 2/10.

18 • SPORTS • Feb. 8, 2021

BREAKING BARRIERS ON THE BLOCK Preseason conditioning injury pushes athlete to new heights

THOMAS BEGLEY ing, and supporting every decision he made.

“The swim team has created a good friend group Staff Writer “Injuries are really hard to overcome during a three for me. There’s a lot of motivating people in that group,” eavy breathing echoed throughout the weight room month season, but I think I would have done exactly Zheng said. “[They are] people who I see as mentors and as the swim team trained for their upcoming season. what Andrew did,” sophomore varsity swimmer Riley take advice from.”

O’Toole said.

Everyone gasped as junior While persevering through injury may be difficul, To accommodate for his injury, Zheng is prepared to finish out the season stronger than Andrew Zheng fell to the ground.

Injuries are really hard Zheng made adjustments in the water ever. in order to minimize On Nov. 23, Zheng was his time. While his doing box jumps and sur- to overcome during a three original cast allowed passed the height of the box, month season, but I think I him to swim simiinadvertently kicking it out would have done the same larly to before the from underneath him. Zheng break, the new brace fell to the ground, fracturing thing Andrew did. he received has inhis radius. creased his cautiousAfter setting the school RILEY O’TOOLE ness. record in the 100 meter “I have to make breaststroke and being in VARSITY SWIMMER sure that I don’t hit it the top ten in the State for against the walls too the 200 IM during his sophomore year, Zheng wasn’t ready to sit out his junior sea- hard and put too much extended force son. If anything, it only increased his desire to make his on it when [I lift or] get in and out of the water,” Zheng said. mark in the pool.

Wading Through the Water: Junior Andrew Zheng cuts With the support of his friends “Andrew is competitive. He does not like losing and through the water while backstroking his way to the finish at the did not want to give up. Sitting out was not an option and family, he is continuing to make Interquad meet. “Once I got the brace on Jan. 1, I no longer that was discussed at any time,” head swim coach Andy waves throughout the swim commuhad to be as cautious. I don’t have to swim with it on, so I was nity, while also taking advice from his Cunningham said. swimming normally,” Zheng said.

His teammates agreed, encouraging him to keep go- peers and his mentors.

H

“

”

SWIMMING SETBACKS Check out the most common swim injuries according to a Central Orthopedic Group article.

NECK INJURIES Significant strain on the neck is caused by keeping the head above water during breaststroke or rotating the neck to breathe during freestyle.

SWIMMER’S SHOULDER Swimmer’s shoulder is the most common injury. Since swimming is derived from repeated motion, every swimmer will expereince a degree of pain. This injury includes, but is not limited to rotator cuff impingement, rotator cup tears, bicep tendonitis, and bursitis.

SWIMMER’S EAR Swimmer’s ear is caused by swimming in water with high levels of bacteria. It can cause mild discomfort and muffled hearing.

BREASTSTROKE KNEE In competitve swim, breaststroke is very demanding. By the feet facing out during breaststroke, the ligaments of the knee become effected causing knee pain and inflammation.

MNHSONLINE.COM • 19

DIVING IN DEEPER

BACKSTROKE

Medley relay team breaks school record by over a second SNEHA SELVARAJ Staff Writer

K

eeping her head down, senior Hannah Hailu watches her shadow in the light blue water, waiting for the signal to dive in. Her team of four are competing in the 200 meter medley relay, and she is about to start the race off with her backstroke.

What none of them expected was breaking the school’s record for the event. The four of them would bring down the record time from 1:47.55 to 1:46.36 becoming the ninth fastest time in Nebraska high school swimming history.

“Their exchanges clicked, their swims clicked. They put together a fantastic swim that two months later is still the best in the State,” head swimming coach Andrew Cunningham said.

The 200 meter medley is a relay in which a team of four swimmers each do one of four strokes (backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle) in one race. On their team, the backstroke is swam by Hailu, breaststroke by sophomore Ella Petrick, butterfly by senior Mary Ulrich, and finally freestyle by junior Maddie McLeay.

The dual meet, the event of their record break, was supposed to be an opportunity to see how fast the team could go. They did not expect their time to drop so dramatically.

It surprised the team as well as their coaches, none of them expected them to swim faster than in their previ-

ous State competition.

“It was actually pretty funny because I was excited we had won the event. I didn’t realize that we had broken that record,” Ulrich said. “It wasn’t until about half an hour later when [our] coach looked it up and it was pretty exciting.”

Breaking the record was no simple feat. The team spends hours year-round in the pool and the weight room. Each of them are motivated to push themselves to new heights.

“I think we dropped so much time because we were all ready to show our team, coaches, and parents what we could accomplish,” Petrick said.

The medley team said they aren’t going to just stop at their school record. They are all going to continue working on improving themselves in preparation for this season as the State meet quickly approaches.

“Our next goal is to continue to keep improving our time,” McLeay said. “We hope to place high at our State meet in February.”

The team said they are grateful for the effort their coaches put into the swim team. Their coaches are just as proud of their achievements, and excited to see what this years State meet holds for them.

“Those girls are just phenomenal. They show up everyday and work hard. They are very driven and very motivated,” Cunningham said. “It’s been a long time since Millard North has had a state champion, but now those girls want to break that streak.”

TAKING ON THE TIMES

Take a look at the individual girls making up the record breaking 200 medley relay.

59

individual first place finishes

31

individual second place finishes

8

individual third place finishes

Breaking Away from the Pack:

(left to right) Maddie McLeay, Mary Ulrich, Ella Petrick, and Hannah Hailu pose for a picture after another succesful 200 medley relay at Ralston High School. Together as a team, they have recieved all first place finishes besides one second place.

Contributed by Kristen Petrick

01:55.39

average 200 medley relay time

Stats by MaxPreps

The backstroke is one of the most notable swim strokes.

Swimmers perform the backstroke by swimming on their back and swinging one arm over their head at a time while fluttering kicking their legs.

BREASTSTROKE

While swimming on their stomach, swimmers breaststroke by arcing the arms in front of their body while simultaneously frog kicking with their legs.

BUTTERFLY The butterfly is done on the stomach. The swimmer performs a circular motion with both arms simultaneously. Once the arms hit the water, the swimmer performs what is known as the dolphin kick.

FREESTYLE

Freestyle is the most “streamlined” swim stroke. It is mostly used for speed.

The arms and legs of the swimmer work in tandem in order to crawl themselves forward through the water.

20 • Feb. 8, 2021

PANICKING OVER PERFECTION

Toxicity of youth athletics threatens mental health of young competitors

“G

Anderson’s Answers

et on the most athletes can derive their perfectionism from nega- that I was not meeting the expectations I had set for myline.” My stomach tive experiences with past coaches. self. I was full of self hatred for not being perfect. I knew drops. I can already The National Alliance of Youth Sports states, “70% I wasn’t good enough. feel the ache in my of young ath- s of Appe letes drop out of their While none of this was true, the toxicity of club tite 13.” This can be at- sports culture invaded my mind and shaped it into a lungs from the run- sports by Los ning I know is com- tributed to performance-in- mountain of unrealistic expectations. ing.

While I may not be able to attribute this mindset to duced punishment.

Immediately, W h e r e running, bear one specific coach or person, what I do know is that comI started to analyze crawls, and high levels of peting at SIGNS OF what wasn’t good c o n d i tioning are used a high AT enough in my team’s to teach young athletes what l e v HL ET performance, and is to be expected of them. el for I Sidney Anderson what we could imAs I decided to become spe- a long on to avoid cialized in my position as a goalkeeper, my period of Opinions Editor prove punishment next mental health dramatically suffered. Many days I would time took time. How can I not get more than six hours of sleep. I became a toll on me fix it? Why is it not good enough? Why am I not good a machine. I learned how to function with Increased Anx mentally. ie enough? How can I be perfect?

An athlete's nic Fat little energy and convinced myself I was o r h i Soccer wasn’t always like this C gu having fun. version of “good e for me. At first, I joined soccer beWhile generally youth sports adenough” should cause my older sister played, and I vise young athletes to maintain a never be based on thought it looked fun. I could run positive mental outlook, when youth their performance in a up and down the field with no worsports transform into club sports, it singular game, but their work ries and play with my friends. As takes a dramatic turn. ethic and effort they put into improvsoccer became more serious, it startAccording to the Journal of Athleting as a whole. ed to take a toll on me mentally. ic Training, specializing in youth sports at a According to Youth Sports Psycholyoung age can cause increased anxiety, negative sleep ogy, “nearly every athlete struggles with some f o r m patterns, self isolation, and burnout. of perfectionism or fear of failure.”

T h i s sconnecti was further proven when on ing Switzerland's elite In most cases, it can cause young “stars” to under- s t u d y - Di perform during games, and set their expectations too young athletes. Researchers high for their individual performance. As I was moved found that participatup to a more select team. I started to equate my perfor- i n g in sports for more mance in soccer with my worth as a person. If I wasn’t t h a n 17.5 hours a week performing well nothing else mattered except for making c a n double the negative myself better. i m pact sports have on the This mindset became detrimental when I was moved y o u t h mind. back down to a lower level team. All my doubts were conI would allow soccer to take up firmed, and I was back at where I started and had to work my whole week. I would come home from school, go to even harder. soccer practice, and then go home and do homework.

While I was conflicted by self-induced perfection, This constant cycle made me anxious and terrified

C

T OU RN BU

ty

JOCK TALK What is your pregame superstition?

Solomon Allerheiligen

SENIOR Wrestling

Makenna Weimers

I have to listen to music, it gets me ready and in the mindset. It calms me down and it [reminds] me of what I have to do.

Thomas Eichman

JUNIOR Swimming

SOPHOMORE Basketball

[Before every game] I put on my right sock first, because I could have a bad game [if I don’t].

I always blast music through my headphones. Then, I usually shake it out and dance around a bit.