The Hoobeat, Issue 4, Feb. 14, 2022

Millard North High School

THE HOOFBEAT

THE FINALE Page #15 Review on new Attack on Titan season

REAL ON RELATIONSHIPS Pages #9-12

Different takes on high school relationships

Volume 41 • Issue 4 • Feb. 14, 2022

GRABBING LIFE BY THE HANDLEBARS The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) gives the opportunity to compete to all student-athletes

Page 19

Photograph by Will Ramsey

2 • NEWS • Feb. 14, 2022

MASK OFF, MASK ON

UNMASKING MYTHS

Number of COVID cases from Jan. 5 to Feb. 8 = DATE OF MASK MANDATE

Below is a list of myths that have been spread. Underneath each myth is accurate and credible information about why each myth is not true.

MYTH #1: THE COVID-19 VACCINE CAN AFFECT FERTILITY FACT: The vaccine will not affect women’s fertility. Instead, it helps the body create copies of the spike protein found on the coronavirus’s surface.

Data contributed by School Nurse Lindsey Murphy

COVID CONSEQUENCES

COVID is primarily known for causing respiratory illnesses. However, it can affect other parts of the human body. Here, we take a look at its effects on the different parts of the body.

Brain

Patients may have neurological damage presenting as seizures, strokes, and confusion.

Lungs

Nose People may lose their sense of smell, even without having nasal congestion.

Heart

The lungs may become in-

COVID-19 can cause the

flamed and fill with fluid. As

heart to become inflammed,

infection progresses, there

damaging the heart muscle.

may be fatal lung damage.

Patients may pass away from a heart attack or heart failure.

Kidneys

Liver

In severe cases, patients

In severe cases, it is com-

may have acute liver

mon for patients to have

damage and liver failure.

acute kidney injury, which

MYTH #2: THE INGREDIENTS IN THE VACCINE ARE DANGEROUS FACT: Almost all the ingredients in the vaccine are ingredients that are also found in the food we eat.

MYTH #3: THE NATURAL IMMUNITY FROM BEING SICK WITH COVID-19 IS BETTER THAN THE IMMUNITY FROM THE VACCINE FACT: Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is a safer way to build protection and causes a response that is much more predictable.

MYTH #4: THE COVID-19 VACCINES CONTAIN MICROCHIPS FACT: The vaccines do not contain microchips and were not created to track your movement.

can cause patients to need dialysis.

Blood Vessels

COVID-19

patients

Intestines

can

COVID-19 can affect the

develop blood clots, which

lower gastrointestinal tract.

may lead to complications

Because of this, 20% of pa-

like heart attacks, strokes,

tients have diarrhea.

and organ damage.

Source: Chronicle Research

MYTH #5: THE COVID-19 VACCINE MAKES YOU MAGNETIC FACT: The vaccine does not make your body or the site of the injection magnetic.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

MNHSONLINE.COM • 3

UNDERSTANDING THE UNKNOWN After two years of living under global pandemic, when can we expect to return to normal?

CORON A

VI

R

People Hospitalized:

111,872

U

d People in the ICU: ite n 21,193 U e : th y 6 r in s rua n b io Fe Ages 5-11: at iz on l s a t 22% pi ate

os St Ages 12-17: H 52%

Ages 18-64: Pe rc 69% en ta Ages 65 & up: Ne ge br of 91% as ka peo pe ple Ventilators r are usually the age vacc in g last line of defense rou ate p: d in before people pass away from COVID-19.

Percentage of hospitalized people on ventilators: e as se n 19% i D o o r e n ti f ers ev Centnd Pr : e c S ou r t rol a Con

S

ST

A TS

SNEHA SELVARAJ Opinions Editor As the word “quarantine” first echoed through every household in the U.S., the emerging feelings of confusion and fear were quickly masked by the prospect of wearing pajamas all day and the joy of skipping school. However, the excitement soon wore off as two weeks became two months and two months turned into two years.

This March marks the two year anniversary of the world shutting down as COVID-19 crept into the U.S. Since then, over 875,000 people have passed away due to COVID-19 in just the United States alone. With the rapid development of mutations, we will likely see this number continue to rise.

Despite this, some countries have begun calling for COVID-19 to be treated like an endemic disease and not a pandemic — just like the seasonal flu. The CDC classifies an endemic as “the constant presence of a disease in a population.”

However, sources from the World Health Organization (WHO) have warned that prematurely naming COVID-19 an endemic disease could be dangerous.

“We still have a huge amount of uncertainty and a virus that is evolving quite quickly, imposing new challenges,” WHO’s senior emergency officer for Europe, Catherine Smallwood said. “We are certainly not at the point where we are able to call it endemic.”

Yet, on February 1st, Denmark became the first EU country to lift all of their COVID-19 restrictions— despite having the second-highest infection rate in the world. They lifted mask mandates, the requirement of “Covid Passes” for entry into public areas, and self-isolation when testing positive.

Denmark is not alone in this decision. Other European countries have begun lifting COVID-19 restrictions as well.

These decisions bring up the ques-

VACCINE BREAKDOWN

General overview of the ingredients and why these ingredients are being used in the vaccines mRNA

Allows body to build piece of protein from the virus that causes COVID-19

ER

Work together to help keep vaccine molecules stable until ready to be given to vaccine recipient

ACID, ACID STABILIZER SALTS & SUGARS

Work together to help keep vaccine molecules stable until ready to be given to vaccine recipient

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

N SO ON N H NS JO OH J &

IZ

PF

LIPIDS Work together to help the mRNA enter cells

SALTS & SUGARS

VECTOR VIRUS

Allows body to build a piece of protein from the virus that causes COVID-19

tion of whether the U.S. will be moving towards similar action in the coming months. While there is no solid answer to this, the decision will likely be made on a metric of transmission.

The CDC tracks the spread of COVID-19 in each county of the U.S. and ranks them by their levels of transmission.

“It’s based on new cases per 100,000 persons in the past seven days. Low is less than 10. Moderate is another range, substantial another, and high is another.” chief executive officer of NACCHO, Tremmel Freeman said.

As of January 31st, every county in the U.S. is in the highest level of transmission, except for four counties. This means that they have at least 100 new cases per 100,000 people each week. As long as transmission rates remain this high, it is unlikely that the U.S. will be removing COVID-19 restrictions anytime soon.

For example, in Columbus, Ohio, the city’s mask mandate will not be lifted until they are in the moderate transmission bracket for four consecutive weeks.

Similarly, in North Carolina’s Mecklenburg County, their indoor mask mandate will lift as soon as their percent positivity rate hits 5% or below for seven consecutive days.

So, until the amount of cases per week drops below 10 cases per 100,000 people in each county, we can expect to see restrictions sticking around in the U.S. To reach this point, most health experts agree on one thing: vaccines are the best option for ensuring this pandemic becomes endemic.

Every RNA virus will eventually mutate to adapt to its surroundings, allowing the virus to overcome treatments. By getting vaccinated, infection can be prevented, which will in turn help lessen the possibility for COVID-19 to mutate.

“Viruses don’t mutate unless they replicate,” Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said.

“And if you can suppress that by a very good vaccine campaign, then you could actually avoid this deleterious effect that you might get from the mutations.”

PANDEMIC OR ENDEMIC Poll on normalizing COVID

Is it time to accept that COVID may not *survey of 60 MN students go away and call it an Yes 26.7% endemic illness?

73.3%

No

4 • Feb. 14, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

LOCAL NEWS Feb. 3: Large fire erupts in large horse stable in Elkhorn leaving one person and 9 horses dead Feb. 3: Bill proposed

by Senator Julie Slama could change nonpartisianship in NE

NATIONAL NEWS

Feb. 4: US donated oxygen-generating plants to Peru to provide aid during the third wave of COVID-19 Feb. 2: US to send 3,000 troops to Europe due to tensions with Russian troops on Ukraine border

WORLD NEWS Feb 7: Satellite images show Russia accelerating movement of military hardware towards Ukraine Feb. 7: Ottawa, Ontario Canada placed in state of emergency amid anti-vaccine protests

THE PERFECT FIT

DECA takes and resells donated prom dresses OLIVIA TORREZ In-Depth Editor

which school could get the most dress donations; MN ultimately won.

“Our committee is doing a really good job and peoutting on your makeup, choosing the right pair ple seem to be excited about it,” Gredy said. “We just of heels, and getting ready to go dance the night away need more people to send it out to the older people in with your best their lives that might have On averfriends. All that’s dresses to donate.” age, Amermissing is the perAnybody, including fect prom dress. ican famgrandparents, parents, and However, cousins, can donate to this ily spends dress shopping drive, even if they do not about is expensive. Reattend MN $1,000 tail prom dresses “I think the hardest part typically sell for is really getting the word on prom anywhere between out because social media inculding $100-$800. can only go so far,” LantransportaIn order to caster said. “Mostly getting tion, promhelp with the afthe dresses so that we have fordability and acthem for resale [is diffiposals, cessibility of dresscult].” dresses, es, the DECA club The goal of this drive is Dress Donation: and dance at MN is hosting to help students and make Dress racks were set up inside and outside the their annual prom prom as special a night as preparation school for the collection of dresses in the dress drive. dress drive. Dress possible. (hair and MN DECA hosted a competition against Millard donations will be “I definitely think it makeup) South to see who could bring the most dresses. collected through will help people… and enPhotograph by January and Februcourage people to go to ary. On Feb. 25th Sadie Hugelman prom and buy dresses,” Duand 26th, there will lany said. be a resale event in the Mustang Center.

With affordable, trendy options for all, everyone can nbc.com “Having an opportunity to buy a dress even if it’s have the opportunity to dance the night away. second-hand, 30-50 [dollars], that’s a lot more reasonable for a lot of stuTHE PERFECT PROM PICS dents.” senior and project director Lexi Gredy said.

As word gets out, students and people around the community are getting excited to donate or buy dresses.

“I think it’s a really cool opportunity in case someone doesn’t have the money or the resources to get a brand new dress… I think that’s a Mt. Vernon Gardens Heron Havens: really cool idea,” senior Sloane Dulany said.

6011 S 13th St. Omaha, NE 11809 Old Maple Rd. Omaha, NE Students that are part of the club are having fun with the event as well.

“I really enjoy it. I really like the people I’m working with, and it’s fun to promote the event,” junior and DECA member Sophia Lancaster said.

Those involved are working on spreading the word about the event Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge Midtown Crossing through social media and posters.

There was also a competition be705 Riverfront Dr. Omaha, NE 31st and Farnam tween MN and MS DECA at the Source: rockbtookcamera.com basketball games on Jan. 21st to see

P

FAST FACTS

MNHSONLINE.COM • 5

MURALS BY MUSTANGS Art and German clubs work together to create murals around the school EMILY SCHMUCKER Staff Writer

W

hen Art teacher Jon Austin and German teacher Wendy Brennan realized something was missing from the empty and blank walls of the art and language stairwells, they knew they had to do something about it. After some brainstorming and discussing, the pair decided on collaborating to create two murals, combining art with a German twist.

“We thought why don’t we team up, let’s pick a German artist for German Club, and then my kids [Art Club members] with hers could paint these murals,”Austin said.

Austin and Brennan chose German artist Franz Marc--who is known for painting abnormally colored animals--as inspiration for the murals. With Franz Marc’s work in mind, the two decided for a single blue mustang to be painted at the end of the art stairwell, as well as a stampede of mustangs painted in the language stairwell.

Throughout the process, Austin had the role of printing the mural images onto large sheets of paper, enabling students to transfer the images onto the school’s walls. Alongside his printing job, he and Brennan took it upon themselves to raise money to buy the supplies needed to put together the murals.

While Austin and Brennan planned this project, it is the Art Club and German Club members.

“I want it to be mostly student done, so it can be their activity,” Austin said Sophomore Ainsley Scritchfield has been working on these murals firsthand. She helped sketch out the underlying drawings onto the walls, which ultimately proved to be a difficult task.

“With murals the size of the ones we’re doing, sketching the underlying drawings onto the wall is usually a 5-6 person task,”

Scrutchfield said. “It takes a few tries before it resembles what it’s supposed to.”

Scritchfield works on the murals whenever she can, and her and the Art Club’s hard work and dedication is not going unnoticed.

“It’s really cool to see a boring hallway being lightened Mural Making: up by a really colorFreshman memful piece of art, and I ber of the art club think it’s really cool Jingyu Wang works that people in the Art on the mural in Club are so talented the art stairwell. to be able to paint This mural is one these pieces on the of the many being walls,” junior Michepainted by the Art al Driesen said. and German Clubs While Scritchthroughout the field is hard at work with sketching the school in order to murals, other Art inspire students and Club members have add student made begun to paint the art to the halls of the murals. school.

Freshman Violet Photograph by Bredenkamp helped Sarah Crotzer with both drawing and painting the mu-

rals. She described the painting process as being both unique and untraditional.

“It doesn’t matter if there are streaks of other colors in it [the mural] because that’s just the whole theme of the piece, and everybody can paint a piece,” Violet said.

By communicating and working with one another, the Art Club members hope to finish both murals in about a month.

“I think it’s cool that while these students [are here], and a lot of them are freshmen that get to be here at Millard North for four years, they’ll get to say, ‘Hey, I helped make that.’ There’s some pride in the students and their friends,”Austin said.

These murals will stay in the school for many years to come, impacting and encouraging many people in both big ways and small.

“Making something that’s meant to stick around and inspire others is thrilling. It truly makes me feel like I’m part of something. I’m helping to make history,” Scritchfield said.

MAGNIFICENT MURALS IN NEBRASKA

North Downtown

South Omaha

Called “Fertile Ground,” this mural depicts the history of Omaha.

North Omaha This mural commemorates Mexican and Latin American influence in the 24th St area.

A mural which celebrates African American culture and history in the area.

Source: thewalkingtourist.com

6 • Feb 14, 2022

TAKING OVER AN IMPORTANT ROLE

Junior Assistant Principal of MN looks forward to representing MN as new principal next year interested in the role of assistant principal.

MAHIKA KANCHANAM “Initially, I wanted to be a business teacher and Lifestyle Editor a baseball coach, and I did those things at first. What res Mr. Begley announced that the 2021 to 2022 ally changed me is [when] we started a Finance Academy school year would be his last working year before re- at Millard North. I was selected to be the lead teacher tirement, talking came to a stop as students looked at for that, and I worked with district leaders for the first each other, eyes wide open. After Begley’s announcetime for an entire year before ment, students began to question it started,” Bearinger said. who would take over as principal.

Throughout the With his considerable Soon, MN found out that current whole planning process, Bear11th-grade assistant principal Aar- experience and inherent inger worked with a number on Bearinger would be filling Beg- familiarity with our learning of students and administraley’s shoes. tion. After enjoying and re“This is my 10th year as as- culture, I am quite confident flecting on the time he spent sistant principal. I started out as that positive things are on the planning the Finance Acadea business teacher here in the fall my with others, Bearinger disof 2005 and I started as assistant horizon. covered a new interest of his. principal in the fall of 2013,” “I was the one that BRIAN BEGLEY went out and Bearinger said. kind of recruited MN PRINCIPAL Korian Pfeifer, a current students for the Finance Acadteacher at Millard North, was emy, and in doing so, I realized once a student of Bearinger. She the impact that something like feels that Bearinger has had an imthis can have. I never knew all portant influence on her life and believes he will have the of the nuances that went into creating something, and same influence on other students. that sparked my interest in pursuing an admin degree,” “His passion for his roles has been a motivation in Bearinger said. my life. He taught my first ever business class so well that

After gaining his admin degree, BearI ended up minoring in business in college. Teachers like inger was the summer school principal for a few sumhim, who truly care about what they go to work for, are mers. By having this position, Bearinger gained a better what brought me to education,” Korian said. taste of what it’s like to have an admin role. For the last While working with students as both a baseball 10 years, he has enjoyed working with the team of assiscoach and business teacher, Bearinger was able to gain tant principals. new and invaluable experiences, leading him to become “They have been a huge support system to me,

A

“

”

and I’m probably going to miss that because, yes, moving down a couple of offices is going to [cause there to] be a little different relationship [between the assistant principals and I]. But I’m also thankful because they know me.

They know what my strengths and what my challenges are, and they compliment me very well,” Bearinger said.

Bearinger wants to get to really know MN. He looks forward to being in the hallways more, connecting more with MN students, and creating better relationships with the teachers and staff at MN. “One of my goals, by the end of next school year, is to go around to each teacher and staff member to have a 5-10 minute one-on-one conversation with them just to listen to them about their challenges and successes both inside and outside of the job,” Bearinger said.

The current principal of Millard North, Brian Begley, is confident that Bearinger will be a strong leader and representative for Millard North High School.

“I am excited about the prospect of Dr. Bearinger leading our wonderful school to great, new heights.

With his considerable experience and inherent familiarity with our learning culture, I am quite confident that positive things are on the horizon,” Begley said.

Begley believes that Bearinger has made many valuable contributions to the high school, and he has always been a great person to work with.

“He has provided our students, our teachers, our administration team, our school, and me with tremendous support and competence for many years. He has both a great sense of humor and a great sense of fun.

This ability to [make others] laugh helps ease the tension on some of the more challenging days that we face as school leaders,” Begley said.

FORTY YEARS OF LEADERSHIP Dr. Ike Pane 1978-1998

Pane was the first principal of MN and the man who paved the way for academic, athletic and foresics excellence.

Dr. Linda Wyatt 1998-2002

Second principal of MN, Dr. Wyatt brought in the International Baccalaurete program to the school and headed a major building rennovation.

Mr. Brian Begley 2007-2022

Dr. Rick Werkheiser 2002-2007

Werkheiser was the third principal of Mn and oversaw the student population as it surpassed 2,500 students.

Current standing but retiring principal Begley has overseen the school during a time of great change.

More on his achievements coming in a spring issue All principals pictured attending the 40th Anniversary of MN; pictures contributed by Sophia Aughe

OPINIONS • 7

THANK GOODNESS IT’S THURSDAY

As Millard temporarily shifts to four-day weeks, the effects of this plan come into question THE HOOFBEAT STAFF EDITORIAL

Y

ou reluctantly open your eyes and get out of bed.

The sun’s bright rays blind your eyes. You glance at the time on your phone and realize that it’s 10:00am! You run into your parents’ room to find out what went wrong and realize they’ve gone to work. No, you didn’t pull a Peter Parker and erase yourself from the world’s collective memory. Your parents just forgot to remind you that Friday was an e-learning day.

As the Omicron variant continues to wreak havoc, districts around the state, including Millard, have made the decision to temporarily shift to four-day weeks.

Superintendent Dr. Jim Sutfin explained his decision in a January 11th, 2022 email saying, “This [shift] will ease the building pressure on our system and give students and staff who do contract the virus a chance to recover and come back to school with fewer missed days.”

However, schools across the nation have begun implementing this system for a myriad of reasons besides the pandemic, such as saving funds and increasing teacher perks. And while a four-day school week is working for Millard right now and surely has some benefits, it is not a permanent solution and will ultimately be counterproductive.

There are many benefits for students in districts that utilize a four-day school week system. A research study

conducted by the Robert Wood Foundation found that secondary school students in districts with four-day weeks got significantly more hours of sleep and were less tired on average. They found that this correlated with higher student engagement during school. The study also found that the shortened week created a less stressful learning environment for teachers and their students, which improves relationships between them.

But while four-day weeks may seem like the perfect option for everyone, there are significant drawbacks.

Four-day school weeks have days that are nearly an hour longer than regular school weeks to make up for lost time on the extra day off. This could not only be tiring for students but also pose a considerable challenge for parents. Additionally, with an extra day off, it can be a struggle for parents to find childcare or to take care of their children for the day.

According to a 2019 University of Oregon study, this gap in four-day weeks also has an overwhelmingly negative impact on students’ academic achievements and performances.

The study reports that these negative effects disproportionately harm already disadvantaged groups, such as low-income families, minority students, and special needs children. Without school, they often lose necessary school-provided aid, such as free breakfast and lunch.

Teachers across the country also report that four-day weeks make their jobs more difficult. They say that the large gap between Thursday and Monday creates a dis-

STUDENT SPEAK

connect for their students and makes it extremely difficult for them to truly teach their students.

Joy Hofmeister, state superintendent of Oklahoma, explains, “There is clearly a saturation point by lengthening the school day, where you are going to exhaust students, and then they have three days to forget what they learned before they come back and revisit what is being taught. Frankly, I think it’s a short-term, promotional tactic to attract teachers at the expense of kids.”

And while four-day weeks can also provide more free time to kids, it also has been shown to lead to a drastic increase in juvenile crime. According to a 2017 CPSU (California Polytechnic State University) study, districts that implemented four-day week schedules experienced a nearly 20% increase in student crime, on average.

Lastly, specifically within Millard, the e-learning days that are meant to substitute for regular school days do not provide students with the in-person instruction they need. Therefore, they cannot cannot be permanent replacements for normal in-person school days with direct interaction.

So, while four-day weeks may seem like a great opportunity for everyone, they ultimately are not the paradise they seem and could potentially exacerbate previously existing problems in school districts. Implementing four-day weeks is a better decision for rural districts that need more flexibility for their students and teachers, but overall, four-day weeks are not the best option for many districts, including Millard.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW FOUR-DAY WEEK?

PAUL CARLSON SOPHOMORE

CARSYN NEITZEL FRESHMAN

The structure [of in-school days] helps learning. When you don’t have the teacher to walk you through stuff it’s very difficult.

I like it because you have time to recuperate and get ready for the next week. It should [be permanent] because a lot of students are struggling mentally.

It’s nice to have a break, but I feel more lazy, not getting my work done on time. I feel like it’s also a lot of busy work, especially for harder SHREENAYA SANJEEVI JUNIOR classes.

JALAN ZHU SENIOR

They should be made permanant because a lot of our schoolwork can be done outside of class. It relieves stress on both teachers and students.

By : Aiden Lewald

8 • Feb 14, 2022

WATCHING FOR GREENWASHING Adithi’s Analysis

Exploring the detrimental effects of Greenwashing and looking for solutions

Adithi Deeduvanu Staff Writer

inal H&M line.

L ike many It is important to acknowledge and learn about greothers, I love to enwashing because companies are misleading their cus- Green or Greenwashing? shop. I can spend tomers into thinking that they are helping the environhours scrolling through a website or walking through a store. However, in this day and age, one of the main things I look at when shopping is the sustainability of an item.

Recently, I learned that many of the companies claiming to be sustainable are

actually not.

In 2019, H&M launched their “sustainable” clothing line, also known as the “Conscious Collection”, worldwide. Many consumers were thrilled, yet skeptical because of H&M’s history of involvement in fast fashion and other unsustainable practices. Their suspicions about H&M’s clothing line were later proven to be true when H&M was accused of greenwashing.

Greenwashing, also referred to as “Green sheen”, is a marketing tactic used by companies that provide false or misleading information about a company’s products and their sustainability. Not only is it unethical, but it is also illegal. Although they are aware of this, several companies have been accused of greenwashing, including Starbucks, Volkswagen, Coca-Cola, Zara, Nestlé, and Ikea.

In June 2021, a Changing Market’s Foundation report revealed that almost 60% of the claims made by H&M were “unsubstantiated or misleading.” The report also found that “H&M’s Conscious Collection not only uses more synthetics than its main collection, but also one in five items analyzed were found to be made from 100% fossil-fuel derived synthetic materials.” This means that the items from the “sustainable” Conscious collection are worse for the environment than the orig-

GreenWatch named Japan and the US as the top two Greenwashing countries.

84% of statements from Japanese corporations had a high likelihood of greenwashing. The US followed closely with 75%.

ment when in actuality they are doing the exact opposite.

Greenwashing is also a diversion, leading us to think that we are doing better with sustainability and preventing us from making real and important changes.

So what can we as consumers do to help? Well, to start, it’s crucial to acknowledge that you cannot completely avoid unsustainable products. What you can do is avoid companies that are greenwashing and lessen your consumption of the products created by these companies.

It’s also important for consumers to not beat themselves up if they accidentally buy from a company that is greenwashing.

However, the best way to look out for greenwashing is by doing your research. Just by looking past advertisements and reading a little more in-depth into a company, you can learn a lot. If the brand is known globally, you will also be able to find articles about the sustainability of the company.

Another way to avoid greenwashing is to watch out for common terms that companies often use when greenwashing. According to Clean Up News, these words are often, “Eco-friendly, green, all-natural, earth-friendly, plant-derived, etc.” The site explains that words like natural do not correlate with sustainability since there is no certification/testing for them.

A final way to steer clear of greenwashing is by looking for third-party certification. As Women’s Wear Daily says, “Brands and retailers need to proactively mention their certifications/labels when talking about their products whether online, in stores, in ads, or catalogs through social media and sustainability statements.”

According to Earth911, 78% of Americans say that they believe companies should be sustainable. This number should motivate companies to do the right thing instead of misleading their consumers. It is time that we, the consumers, demand change by contacting companies, finding alternative products, and informing others. This way we can create a more sustainable and green future.

1 2

Consistently claim they are making porgress in tackling pacakging waste while being ranked as the #1 plastic polluter and refusing to abandon plastic bottles

In 2018, Starbucks released a “straw-less lid” with more plastic than before. They claimed it was polypropylene (recyclable plastic), despite knowing only 9% of plastics are recycled

Tide announced their “Tide Purclean” laundry detergent as 100% plantbased when the product is only 75% plant-based.

In 2020, they agreed to change their labels.

Fossil-fuel company BP changed their name to “Beyond Petroleum”.

They began adversising their low-carbon energy products even though 96% of their annual spend is on oil and gas.

Sources: Earth.org, Truthinadvertising.org

IN-DEPTH • 9

WHAT’S NOT TO

Is dating in high school worth it?

Illustration by Riya Kannapareddy

10 • Feb. 14, 2022

MORE THAN A FRIEND

Students and faculty give their opinions on dating in high school ASIM ADHIKARY Staff Writer

“I

t’s like an extra friend, someone to talk to and lean on. It’s someone you like, and they like you back, and you just enjoy each other’s company,” senior Addison Zhang said.

It starts as a crush, following their Instagram and texting back as soon as you hear that notification. Then, finding yourself being late to class, changing your walking schedule just so you can see them.

Depending on who you ask, high school relationships have their pros and their cons. Dating in high school can open your eyes to different perspectives, allowing you to get a better understanding of the world around you.

“You get a feel for having a relationship before you go to college and head out in the real world.

It isn’t worth it if you’re dating just to date, but if you want something long-term, with college in mind, then it is worth it,” senior Sanjana Das said.

According to Hudson Valley Community College, having a healthy relationship in high school can help adolescents grow. Students expand their social skills while learning time management and developing both mentally and emotionally. In addition, these skills can be translated outside the relationship, growing in other areas such as academics, employment, and adulthood.

“Everyone deserves to find that somebody. Somebody you can hold conversations with and share inside jokes. It feels like they’re a part of you, like they’re the missing half,” senior Owen McGrath said. “It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, it’s just the fact that we’re with each other, that’s what really matters.”

Many students decide not to date in high school because they are too busy. With homework, extracurriculars, jobs, and maintaining a social life, students are already drowning with responsibilities. Having that new responsibility that a relationship holds is hard to manage for many teenagers.

On top of that, seniors dating in high school are already balancing both college applications and their personal lives. After all, time is not limitless for high school students.

“At this age, we fall in love, and we fall hard. So we get possessive of the other person’s time and attention,” Millard North counselor Laurie Stackhouse said. “Students lose touch with their other friends once they’re in a relationship, and that happens a lot. Friends feel like they’ve been cast aside, resulting in lost friendships.”

At the end of the day, whether you decide to date or not, the most important thing is to be true to who you are.

“If there are things that are important to you, stick to those things. Don’t sell yourself short, and don’t get roped into a relationship where there is an expectation to change who you are to make someone else happy,” Stackhouse said.

ches ve tea g o l e g Teena w to belon o kids h r world and ge r to a la meaningful for m nships relatio

57% betwee of teenagers n 12 regula and 17 are rly dat ing

Source: yourteenmag.com & onlinedivorce.com

PROS

&

CONS

Positive experiences and trying new things Overload of stress with a relationship on top of life outside of them Discovering new things about yourself and maturing emotionally Stereotypical teen drama and a potential loss of friends dbldkr.com

YOUR TYPICAL TEENAGE LOVE STORY

ualare us h s p i h s hig on Relati intense in of e r ly mo due to lack ce o scho l y experien h t l hea

71% o f relat ionships ar person e with a of th posite e opsex

MNHSONLINE.COM • 11

TECHNOLOGICAL DIFFICULTIES SEEING SPARKS: How does technology affect relationships?

peof o 55% eir ink th h t e l p part/ e s u spo too ends p s r e n on time h c u m ne ell pho their c

45% of ma rried ple co peonsider t e chnology a big pr o b elm in their m arriag es

Technology’s positive and negative impacts on relationships

ANNA PIPINOS Editor-in-Chief

“W

hen I go out with my girlfriend, I see other couples who are on dates and are on their phones. [It is] kind of crazy to see how that person can be closer to their phone rather than the person across from them,” senior Blake Rosen** said.

As another year filled with technological advancements passes by, the usage of technology continues to increase. Within the last decade, there was a 70 percent spike in technological usage, and a multitude of effects—both positive and negative—have been born and brought to light, many of these relating to relationships.

On one hand, technology can cause a number of conflicts to arise between couples.

“Our phones and other tech have a stronghold on us, and as a senior, I’ve gotten to see mostly the negative effects of technology on both friendships and relationships,” Rosen said.

For instance, when someone is with another person that they care about, their focus is usually directed towards them. However, there are times when their attention can become derailed just by glancing at their phone, leading to a loss of connection and intimacy.

“We both check our phones when it vibrates or pings, and sometimes, it is while one of us is talking about something that’s important,” senior Jessica Hampton** said. “Obviously, I get a little frustrated with him if he is on his phone while I’m talking to him. It just feels like he stops listening to me.”

Furthermore, technology not only serves as a distraction but can also give rise to anxiety and stress between one or both of the partners.

“There are times where we don’t text as much or I see that he is active on social media but won’t be talking

53 % on th to th ink re o m eir p the la uc h y’ tio h on re ns in e hi a p

to me. I know it sounds weird, but it can cause me to stress and overthink situations,” junior Ashley Honmin** said.

However, although it can harm relationships, technology can help them grow through light-hearted conversations, calling each other while in a when away from each other, and taking memorable pictures together.

“Using our phones and laptops have brought us closer together. Although they may seem insignificant at the moment, the ‘good morning’ texts and the late-night calls that we have are memories that I will be holding on to,” Honmin said.

With that being said, there are ways that couples can ensure that the usage of phones and other technology isn’t interfering with their relationship, such as simply putting away the phones while together.

A study done by the PEW Research Center found that 50% of teens in relationships felt that social media distanced them from their significant others. If it comes to the point where it is doing more harm than good, both partners should come to an agreement on how they will go about the situation.

“We see on Instagram and TikTok ways to hang out without having our phones, but we haven’t tried any of them yet. Maybe she and I should try it out and see how it goes,” Rosen said.

“I have faith that it will bring us closer together.”

The connections we form between people result from not only personal and upfront experiences but also by communicating through technology. However, it is important to recognize when technology begins to cross that line of healthy and unhealthy and to take action when relationships begin to fall apart.

“Technology can become two things: a barrier and a gateway. I think it is up to the couple to figure out which one they will allow it to become,” Honmin said. **For anonymity, all the names in this story have been changed.

to remore likely re e w rs se u r enYounge tension and d se a re c in port both tionships in their rela ss e n se lo c hanced technology as a result of

or a relationship in rs e n w o e n ll phone four cell pho d by their ce te c a tr One out of is d o ner to nd their part marraige fou Source: Utah State Today & goodtherapy.org

12 • Feb. 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS

The struggles between high school couples and single students SADIE HUGELMAN Staff Writer

R

emember that time you were walking in the hallway and all you wanted was to get to class in a timely manner, but a couple couldn’t help but show their love for each other right in your path to class?

Perhaps it’s just because of Valentine’s Day or maybe they are just comfortable enough in their relationship to showcase it to their peers. Either way, this uncomfortable position they have put you in urges you to think: Why are kids getting into relationships in high school?

In the four years students spend in high school, some people find that starting a relationship isn’t worth their time.

“I’m a senior, I don’t need to try. I’m going to college in six months. I do not care. Anything that’s here I am leaving behind,” senior Steve Smith** said.

In high school, there can be the common misconception that just because a student is single, this means they are lonely or they can’t find someone to date. For Smith, a high school relationship is not only a waste of time but will also distract him from his religion.

“I believe it is the only way to show my true and full devotion to my Lord and Savior,” Smith said.

Smith finds it easy to put his focus elsewhere rather than strive for a relationship, but the pres-

sure to date in high school can cause students to force themselves into a relationship before they are ready.

“I think any relationship that makes you feel like you have to change in order to make the other person happy is not a good relationship,” counselor Lori Stackhouse said.

Being single in I think we all spend high school can be a too much time comparing struggle for students. It’s ourselves to other people. A c o m m o n negative of being single is that for female you feel like you must not be students to struggle worthy of a relationship bewith the cause you’re not in one, pressure of finding a LORI STACKHOUSE relationship COUNSELOR because it’s not uncommon for a female student to be shamed for being single.

While some find high school relationships illogical, other couples feel like their relationship is truly meaningful.

“I think we understand each other pretty well, so that’s really nice. Sometimes I don’t even have to say something, and he just knows

“

”

what’s happening,” senior Ava Johnson** said.

High school couples also face some challenges regarding their relationships, especially if the couple is in different grades.

Not only can college affect the relationship, but peers and drama can cause issues for these relationships as well.

“People’s intentions just don’t feel very good in the time that we’re in because everyone is usually looking for something that’s very self-centered and it causes for a lot of drama,” sophomore Emma Williams** said.

Williams believes that even though she enjoys her relationship, the drama and lack of maturity in high school can make it feel as if it is not always worth it.

“I love the relationship I have with him, but it’s almost not worth it because there’s a lot of people that will try to be mean,” Williams said.

For Williams, although the drama surrounding her friend group can be an obstacle in her relationship, it’s one that she’s willing to overcome at the expense of some fake friends.

So the next time you see an overly excited couple in the hallway, assess how being single isn’t the end of the world. And while some relationships may or may not be worth the time, there are still struggles in and out of high school relationships. **For anonymity, all names in this story have been changed.

LOVE TALK

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON RELATIONSHIPS IN HIGH SCHOOL? ARE THEY NECESSARY?

“I don’t think it is necessary. Senior or junior year it might be a little bit, but freshman [year], it’s just for play. A real relationship is to marry, and juniors and seniors are actually close to that.”

“I don’t really feel like they last super long. They’re mostly just for fun.”

MEGAN RUWE

CADEN THIELEN

SENIOR

FRESHMAN

SARAH FENTON JUNIOR

“Don’t. I think that you really have to take relationships slow, and they’re fun, but you should really focus on yourself, school, your grades, friends. Meet some fun people. Meet people to meet people, and have a good time with those close relationships that aren’t necessarily romantic.”

OWEN SKURZEWSKI SOPHOMORE

“I think it’s a good idea. Relationships are a great thing. To love somebody is one of the best things in the world, and if you’re wanting to actually carry out the relationship then it’s great. If you are dating to try and marry them, I think that’s great.”

SUCCESS AND PERFECTION

Pressures to be academically perfect negatively affects students

What defines success? Is it

Rebecca’s Reflections

Is the risk worth it?

No. While working hard to improve yourself is an admirable characteristic, it is easy to fall into the trap having a 4.0 GPA? of thinking you are a lesser person simply because you How about being achieved a lower result than others. Deriving your worth involved in multi- and identity from being successful in academics (or any acple activities while tivity) will never fulfill you because there is always sometaking AP classes one who will be “better” than you at a myriad of things. and working a part Even though perfection is an impossible goal, studtime job? Is it get- ies show that young people today still pursue it, often at ting a perfect 36 the expense of their mental health. One study published on the ACT every in 2016 by a senior clinical psychologist, Karina LimRebecca Jacobsen time you take it? burg, found that “socially prescribed perfectionism” corA c c o r d - related to symptoms of mental health disorders such as Staff Writer ing to the Merri- social phobia, suicide ideation, anxiety and depression. am-Webster dicThe illusion of success being the end-all in tionary, one definition of success is, “the correct or life also leads to overworking yourself. You may desired result of an attempt.” This begs the question: choose to sacrifice sleep, family time, and peace of What result do I desire from my attempt in X, Y, or Z? mind in favor of working every hour of the day– Too often, we expect the results of our endeav- just so you can receive a 100% on your math test. ors to measure up to a standard of perfection; this is Additionally, humans were not created to be based on what we perceive as perfection in others. identical–not in hobbies, not in appearance, and not In particular, the importance of this type of success in talents. It is okay to not have all the characterishas been ingrained into MN’s culture by the consistent tics your friends have. You are your own person and high standard our school reaches in academics and activ- have unique traits! You may be a couple grade levels ities and by the celebration of that norm. The assumption ahead in math and great at singing, while one of your that arises from the standard is that if we don’t attain good classmates may be an excellent runner and loves to grades or do well in our activities, we have less worth. write. Those characteristics are a part of who you are.

For example, I am taking Physics this year. At times, So, you should not feel ashamed of your perforit is a challenge for me, and I have felt as though it is mance in a school subject or activity because you beyond my mental capacity to understand every con- didn’t meet someone else’s criteria that they hold for cept we are learning. That alone is enough to cut at the themselves. It is far better to identify your personal talpride I typically feel about my academic performance. ents and passions, enjoying and being proud of what Beyond this, I was incredulous when I discovyou are good at throughout your journey in life. ered that there was an IB Physics class–and that Furthermore, you should pinpoint your people I knew were taking it. I did not underweaknesses as well. That way, you can set goals stand how anyone could comprehend this for yourself and work at those goals–not othsubject enough to survive it within the IB ers’ goals–in order to improve yourself. curriculum, which is known for being Andrée Seu Peterson, a colparticularly academically rigorous. umnist for World News Group, I began to wonder why PS wrote about the diverI H others were up to the sity of talents each NS challenge of taking O human has been I certain advanced AT given in her L classes, while RE column piece I was not. I “Our Escape felt inferior Room.”

This and less intelline perfectly S ligent compared encapsulates the HIP S R to them. I asked A proper attitude we OL myself, why are should have as we apH SC they so much “better” than proach our academics, activities, me? Why are they so perfect? and how we see ourselves based on This pressure to succeed at our personal talents and interests: the highest level leads to balancing “We’re not responsirisk and reward. The risk: insecurity, ble for what we’re born with stress, and burnout. The reward: the but only how we use it.” satisfaction of attaining perfection.

FUTURE

ACT

GRA

SC

SPORTS EXAMS

DES

HO

OL

ES

N DEADLI

FAILURE

COL

LEG

FAMILY

E

OPINIONS • 13

THE HOOFBEAT 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 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 Emily Schmucker Anuj Singh Deeksha Sridher

Submit story tips to @mnhshoofbeat or mnhsonline.com

14 • Feb 14, 2022

DEADLY PRACTICES

Vaping is taking a toll on youth, leaving them little room to improve their health

Elias’s Excerpt

Click and draw in. Hold it, so it’ll last. Let it go, and feel the headrush.

There’s something about that rush… A sort of guilt.

Around campus, it is noticeable. There Elias Pipinos is a problem, and it gets worse Staff Writer by the day for kids around the school, as bathrooms and classrooms become unwelcoming and uncomfortable environments.

Vaping, which is oftentimes wrongly stated to be the better, healthier, and cleaner option to smoking, is following a clear trend upwards— especially among younger people.

John Locke, a junior at Millard North, had an early introduction to vaping at a highly impressionable time.

“It was seventh grade. You could say ‘friends’ brought me into it,” Locke said. “There was a point in time that I really didn’t care at all; I’d hit it anywhere.”

According to Locke, who was passing school beforehand, vaping took its toll as expected. It left him with little care for his future or for high school Mary Bayne, Millard North’s assistant principal, works on maintaining the school’s safety and security. On her side, she has teachers, security guards,

and even some students.

“Juuls, and really, any [vape brands] target kids.

Even if numbers haven’t increased, that [targeting] idea has grown,” Bayne said.

According to Bayne, although it is typically freshmen who are caught, there are likely more seniors that do it; the difference is simply that seniors have open-campus, in which they can leave campus and do whatever they’d like.

A lot of the time, it is evident that vaping and skipping classes are a problem; but the growing problem is that its presence in our school has only increased.

In a similar way, Justin Vandervort, a security guard at Millard North, has seen a big increase in vaping in just this year alone.

“The bathrooms seem to be a really big issue.

I’ve had a lot of kids tell me, during passing periods for example, certain restrooms [are crowded] because there’s so many kids in there vaping,” Vandervort said.

Although some students do not successfully hide it, catching groups in the act is a different story.

“They always have lookouts, so to catch them in the act is a little more difficult. I’ve definitely seen an increase this year,” Vandervort said.

Vandervort, who has worked as a security guard at MN for five years, has found that many students, like Locke, can notice the problem and do what’s right for them and their health and make the necessary change: to quit.

“I found that agitation was a big problem, and stress is a big one as well. I got anxious, and headaches came along when [I didn’t] have it,” Locke said.

Locke, who is now clean from vaping, found

The Flavor Facade Don’t be fooled by vape flavors...certain flavors may be riskier than others due to the chemicals that go into making them and how they react when heated up.

that throughout his time vaping, his life deteriorated visibly as a result of his actions.

“It brought you down. You didn’t focus, and you were always craving it,” Locke said. “You were like, ‘I need to leave, I need to meet up with someone.’ I wasn’t passing school anymore.”

Locke, who was caught time and time again for vaping, and even expelled from his previous school, was able to quit in a way different than most.

“It just came to me, and I just stuck with it. I spent so much money on disposables, and I got tired of working so much and then losing money to something that causes cancers and [other illnesses], “ Locke said.

“I started cutting down on the amount of nicotine in the vapes, and eventually I hit zero and threw it out.”

Locke, now clean, finds that, nowadays, his life is much better off, not only in day-to-day relationships, but in school, too.

“I’m nicer, and I see things more clearly. It’s something you can feel, and now I can run and not get tired as easily. I just feel better, and I feel good,” Locke said.

In some cases, the most difficult obstacle for teenagers to overcome when initially trying to quit is not the nicotine addiction, but the pressure around them.

“I knew it was not good for you, it was literally just burning metal. The most difficult thing was that you knew it was bad, but the addiction was there,” Locke said. “Quitting meant leaving the head rushes in the past, and that was all for me.”

Today, according to MedPageToday, 53.4% of young vapers find that they, too, want to quit. Vaping, a plague on our populace, may just see a decrease in its numbers some time soon.

Vaping in the US

by Grade (2020)

34.5%

30.7%

16.6% Known as the most toxic vape flavor, cinnamon heavily damages white blood cells and impairs ability to remove mucus.

Source: Bustle

Vanilla strongly impairs blood vessel function, leading to heart damage.

It is also incredibly toxic and linked to cell death.

Mint flavors are a danger to epithelial cells and can cause cell death. In the long-term, they kill bronchial cells completely.

8th Grade

10th Grade

12th Grade Source: NIH.gov

LIFESTYLE • 15

LOVE - LOVE

MN Students take an opportunity to enjoy a sport with those who have disabilities REEMA GUDA Staff Writer s senior Aiden Norris steps onto the tennis court with a racket in his hand, a smile illuminates his face as he thinks about his deep rooted love for playing tennis.

As he’s conversing with his friends, he realizes that this is the one place where he gets the chance to play the sport he loves while creating bonds with those who share the same passion as him.

Tennis Buddies is an organization that gives the opportunity to physically and developmentally impaired athletes to learn tennis from enthusiasts of the sport.

Tennis Buddies was created in 2008 by Special Olympics Nebraska.

“I am a tennis buddies athlete, and I play doubles with my brother at the Special Olympics Tournament.

My favorite thing about tennis buddies is hitting balls.

Tennis is my favorite sport, and I make friends there,” Aiden Norris said.

Tennis players from all over the Omaha area are involved in the program, including players from Creighton and other Omaha high schools, some from MN. Aiden, along with his sister, Zoey Norris, are two of the handful of MN students who are involved with Tennis Buddies. They both share a love for the sport and have been a part of Tennis Buddies for around six years.

“I found out about Tennis Buddies when my parents were looking for activities for my brother Aiden. Hearing about the program and what they do for people with disabilities made me want to be a part of Tennis Buddies,” Zoey said.

Allan Muinov, currently a senior at MN, is another volunteer for Tennis Buddies who felt compelled towards

A

the program right off the bat. Muinov has been actively volunteering for the program for close to two years now, and found out about it while looking for sports-related volunteering opportunities.

“My favorite thing about Tennis Buddies is being able to give those who have access to far fewer opportunities than myself the chance to play the sport that I love and have played my whole life,” Muinov said.

Volunteer coaches are usually tennis players that have enough tennis experience to teach the players technique and live in the Omaha area. At practices, they usually run drills and play matches. They even throw fun parties during the holidays and participate in national unified tournaments.

“My favorite thing about tennis buddies is being able to see the athletes grow in their tennis abilities and seeing their faces light up because they truly enjoy the sport,” Zoey said.

The special thing about Tennis Buddies is that there aren’t many programs like it in the Omaha area that deal directly with sports where those with and without disabilities can cooperate. The program works to remove the exclusion of individuals with special needs and opens an entirely new door to people who might be interested in playing a sport but were never able to before due to their impairment.

“I think the players enjoy the opportunity to get up and move around, as well as develop a unique skill in playing tennis,” Muinov said. “Since there are often fewer opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities, I think the athletes appreciate being able to do something unique while simultaneously having fun and making friends on the weekends.”

TOP 3 MENS ATP TENNIS PLAYERS

Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev Alexander Zverev TOP 3 WOMENS WTA TENNIS PLAYERS

Ashleigh Barty Aryna Sabalenka Barbora Krejcikova

Want to get involved?

Jan 15, 2022 - Winter Practices Resume at the Maple Athletic Complex or

Make a donation on the Tennis Buddies Website Tennis Buddies Earned the USTA Missouri Valley Gold Star Award in July of 2020

Picking Up A Racket:

Zoey, Aiden, and Christian Norris posing together after a Tennis Buddies Competition. Every year, the Norris siblings compete in tournaments for Tennis Buddies.

Photograph provided by Zoey Norris

16 • Feb. 14, 2022

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

Dedicated Attack on Titan fan reviews first episode of long awaited part two of season four AIDEN LEWALD Design Editor

M

uch like the inevitable falling of the borders of Paradis, the time has come. Old and new fans come together in excitement for the ending of one of the all time most popular anime to air in America.

The second part of Attack on Titan’s final season has aired. On the 8th of January, the 76th episode, “Judgement,” aired.

As a dedicated AOT fan myself, I’ve been waiting for this episode for months.. Although I may be new to the anime world, only finishing the first part of the final season in April of 2021, I am still a big fan of this franchise and simply could not wait to watch.

Mappa, the studio producing both Jujutsu Kiasan and Yuri on Ice, is the animator for this final season. So far, in these other shows and AOT, they have done a stellar job, both with character design and action animation.

Not to mention, the openings Mappa has produced have been some of the best. For example, the Jujutsu Kaisen opening and the first opening of this season was out of this world.

First off, this opening was stunning animation wise, but the music was not my favorite. It didn’t exactly scratch an itch in my brain like “Shinzou Wo Sasageyo” from the 2nd opening of season two, or “My War” from the 1st opening of season four.

Even by the end of the opening, I was not fond of the song choice and believe it could have been better.

The animation and concept is a whole other boat. The opening brought back intense nostalgia from previous seasons, having flashbacks of characters that have previously been killed off, such as Sasha Blouse and Berthdolt Hoover, and reflecting and paralleling scenes that began the show.

There was not a single scene in this opening that I disliked. Each panel was extremely aesthetically pleasing and brought back intense emotions. With every scene, I was reminded of the tragedy that had happened previously, preparing me for the heartbreak that has yet to come.

The teaser of the first episode was extraordinary.

Even though it had taken me a second to remember what was happening, I enjoyed it. For those who know, the Zeke scene had simply taken me by surprise. I was not expecting to see what I saw at 6:47pm on a Wednesday night.

Now, the true meat of the episode begins with one of my favorite storylines--character development!

I have always been a fan of the warriors, and seeing them interact has been my absolute favorite part of season four so far. Throughout this episode, you see lots of character development between the warriors.

You see heart to hearts between characters, and the devastation the older brother, Colt, of Falco feels when given the news about his only sibling being detained due to drinking Zeke’s spinal fluid.

As a warrior enthusiast, this is the content I enjoy seeing, and I am extremely happy how the voice ac-

MAIN

Eren Yeager Voice Actor: Yuki Kaji

- main protagonist but argued as main villian - ex member of Survey Corps - leader of Yeagerists - inheared the Attack Titan and Finding Titan

C HARACTERS

Colt Grice Voice Actor: Masaya Matsukaze

April 7, 2013

Reiner Braun Voice Actor: Yoshimasa Hosoya - vice captain of the Marley Warrior Unit - holder of the Armored Titan - spy in the first season - holds the guilt of the casualties of several of his warrior comrades

- warrior candidate - inline to inherit Beast Titan - known for bravery when it comes to saving individuals he cares about

season 4 parts 1 &2

season 3

season 2

season 1

tors, animators, and writers presented it. Each voice actor, especially Masaya Matsukaze--the voice actor for Colt--did an extremely effective job in portraying these complex emotions each character felt.

There are only so many words I can use to describe the utter beauty of the battle scene between Reiner and Eren. The animation is stunning, I could not have asked for a better job done. The use of slow motion was very well placed and really added more depth to this battle scene that could have easily been boring and not worthwhile.

Connie’s breakdown was my favorite scene of this whole episode. There was something about the pure emotion in his voice that got to me. After thinking about all he has gone through, despite being a comedic relief character, his anger is more than justified. I really enjoyed his own little character arc in this episode and the impact his words had on the characters with him.

Then lastly, the development of the bond between Armin, Mikasa, and Eren. Of course, this bond has been there since episode one, but seeing it in full force once again is nice. You see how despite everything Eren has planned and everything messed up he has done, Mikasa and Armin are still there to defend him.

Overall, I have greatly enjoyed this first episode. Sadly, it feels like the beginning of the end, but I am glad that this franchize is ending with a boom.

Everything that has been produced and shown in this one episode alone sets the stage for the reason of the season, and I think it is going to be great.

April 1, 2017

July 23, 2018

December 7 2020

Attack on the titan: season timeline

January 31, 2022

LIFESTYLE • 17

NEW GAMER UNLOCKED Senior at MN becomes world-ranked player in Overwatch through perfecting his strategy MORGAN McCORMACK News Editor

Q

uick game play, flashing colors, the sounds of gun fire and shouting over headsets. Playing Overwatch can be intense, taking focus and strategy, forcing you to be quick on your feet. Senior Addison Zhang excels at quick thinking and strategy a reason that he became a worldranked player Released in 2016, Overwatch captured the attention of those within and outside the gaming community. One such person was Zhang.

Overwatch is a collaborative game in which players get assigned to two teams of six, each choosing a character with a unique skill, and working with a team of six to complete a map-specific objective.

“You have to play around your team, you have to always be conscious of where your team is and where the other team is,” Zhang said.

Zhang has been playing Overwatch almost since its 2016 release, beginning in 2017 and logging upwards of 1,200 hours of playtime and gaining the title of worldranked.

Gaining a world rank in any video game is a feat, requiring a lot of hard work and dedication. In Overwatch, the way to rank up is to consistently win games, practice, and knowledge of the game.

“Mostly putting a lot of time into learning the game.

This came from online streamers, coaches, and learning the game through experience,” friend of Zhang and senior Richard Xu said.

As ZhangAddison has grown as a player, so has his knowledge of the game, further increasing his skill.

“He is incredibly knowledgeable about the game.

There are multiple different roles in this game, and although he only plays one of them, his knowledge of all roles makes him a lot better than most people,” senior and friend of Zhang Ryan Herman said, who is a friend of Zhang.

This knowledge of the character and strategy furtheredfurthers his skill and aided him in climbing up the ranks, with his peak being around 310th in the world.

Since beginning to play the game, Zhang has begun playing with more upper-ranked players and professionals.

“He has grown a lot in skill as a player, but the biggest change is the people he plays with. At first, he used to tell us about all the professional players in his games, and now it’s just a normal occurrence for him,” Herman said.

OVER 1200 HOURS OF PLAYTIME

The HEROES OF OVERWATCH TOP 10

FOR ZHANG Many years of hard work put Zhang in the rank he is today, his growth as a player and in strategy put him on the world-ranking list.

Being a great player while balancing school is certainly a feat as well. Excelling in both his education and his passion is certainly something to be proud of.

“It’s impressive how he is such a good player while also doing well in very hard classes,” Herman said.

310TH IN THE WORLD

A PLAYER OF KNOWLEDGE AND INCREASING SKILL

18 • SPORTS • Feb. 14, 2022

CUTTING OUT WEIGHT CUTTING

Making the personal choice of weight cutting in wrestling and its effects OLIVIA TORREZ In-Depth Editor

restling is a solitary team sport. While the individual W wrestler is on a team, they’re still competing alone. Being

on a wrestling team for some has created friendships that withstand the test of time and a culture unique to the community, but when it comes down to it, the wrestler is facing tough decisions on their own.

The loss of weight to make certain weight classes in competition, commonly known as weight cutting, has been one of the many difficult experiences undergone by all wrestlers for decades. “[The use of weight cutting is] to reach the weight class that [a wrestler] wants, where they have the best chance to wrestle at. I cut by picking a weight class at the beginning of year, and then staying at that weight,” varsity boys wrestler TJ Johnson said.

Weight cutting is when a wrestler will drop weight to stay in one specific weight class that they can compete competitively in by restricting food intake, water-loading, and perspiration through exercise. The goal is to stay in the heavier end of the weight pool in order to be a more formidable opponent against others on the lighter end of the same class.

“The regulations in place today weren’t in place when I wrestled. You could wrestle whatever weight you wanted in those days, no matter how much you had to lose to get there,” boys wrestling coach Scott Loveless said. “I believe that has changed quite a bit over the years. People are more informed about nutrition and fueling the body for competitions.”

In the past, wrestlers were essentially depriving themselves of food to get to an ideal weight that they

could still compete in. This led to detrimental effects on their mind and body.

According to a study done by The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, rapid weight loss in wrestlers can lead to a “decrease in short-term memory, vigor, concentration, and self-esteem. Not only that, but it also brings about confusion, rage, fatigue, depression, and isolation.”

Due to all of the damage on the body, regulations were put into place by the NSAA to prevent cutting too much weight too quickly, such as hydration testing, body fat testing, and a calendar to track weight loss in a healthy manner.

“Cutting weight has to be done in a set timeline, you can’t just lose 20 pounds for a tournament and expect to wrestle in your weight class. The NSAA only gives us two pounds a week that we can lose so you can’t lose too much too fast,” varsity boys wrestler Shikarendra Chintamadaka said.

Despite the regulations in place, wrestlers like Johnson think weight cutting is too dangerous and choose not to.

“Generally, I don’t think weight cutting is a good idea. In most situations, it’s a personal choice and I think that the benefits and consequences are both personal. It’s not something to be influenced by coaches, peers, or parents,” Johnson said. “It’s [a choice] that you should make for yourself.”

Since an NSAA meeting in 2007 that helped to regulate weight cutting, it’s become less of a threat. However, that doesn’t mean it’s become less dangerous of a decision to make. But just because wrestlers compete alone, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a community of people lifting them up.

BULKING, CUTTING, COMPETING What’s Bulking?

For wrestlers, bulking means putting on weight; not necessarily in fat, but more optimally, in muscle. Oftentimes, bulking is seen outside of the wrestling and fighting community, with bodybuilders utilizing the same practices to pack on big, show-worthy muscles.

What’s Cutting?

Competing:

After bulking on muscle, cutting puts the wrestler in the highest part of the weight class below them; that is, being in the weight class below their norm so that they can be the highest weight in that block. This is done through weight loss towards a limit; not high loss, but targeted instead.

Historically, cutting comes after bulking, and in wrestling, its purpose is to get the wrestler in question to a low weight before competition.

Cutting consists of any weight loss techniques that can be implemented, with some people doing it healthily with time beforehand, but for some, it’s a process made quick with unhealthy practices.

Meal Prep:

Oftentimes, wrestlers plan out their 3 meals to healthily cut weight before competition.

Photograph by CelebratingSweets

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR LUNCH WHEN ON A CUT, VERSUS WHEN YOU’RE NOT? Kirwa’s Account:

“[I’m in weight division] 145. When I’m cutting, usually just plain chicken, and when I’m not cutting, it doesn’t really matter, it can be anything.”

Photograph by Sadie Hugelman

Chintamadaka’s Thoughts: “[I’m in weight division] 195.

When I’m at home, I eat rice with curry, and when I’m at school I eat whatever’s down there. I don’t usually care about what I eat.”

Photograph by Sadie Hugelman

MNHSONLINE.COM • 19

TRAILBLAZING TO TRIUMPH

Students reflect on their experiences as part of MN’s NICA Team DEEKSHA SRIDHER Staff Writer

A

s he looks through recap videos detailing the winning moments from races past, senior Will Ramsey can’t help but smile. He feels a gratifying sense of fulfillment as he captures the community involved in each biking race for the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling Association, otherwise known as NICA. Ramsey, whose family is involved with NICA, does photo and video coverage for the entire Nebraska league.

His tasks as a photographer and video editor began in 2019, the same year that NICA was formed in Nebraska.

“I do photo and video coverage for the entire NICA Nebraska League,” Ramsey said. “I got involved because my mom is a league director, and my dad is a team coach.”

NICA was created when an unrelated mountain biking program known as Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling Series (NICS) was established by two Millard West teachers. Eventually, the program transitioned into a NICA chapter that currently consists of ten different teams in Nebraska. However, concerns over the pandemic temporarily halted competition plans.

“In 2019, we started the transition to an NICA chapter. Since we already had NICS, our NICA formation was much faster than other leagues in the past,” Ramsey said. “2020 was supposed to be the first season of full production races, but COVID-19 dampered that production.”

In 2021, Millard North students who were members of NICA were finally able to begin participating in competitions. NICS competitors from Millard North and Millard West combined to form the Millard North NICA Composite Team.

“Mountain biking at Millard North started with NICS, and the Millard North NICS team transitioned into the Millard Compost NICA Team,” Ramsey said.

“Millard Composite began attending official races during the 2021 season, the first season official races were put on.”

Although Ramsey himself is an avid cyclist, his other sports commitments have prevented him from being able Handlebars & Brake Levers Forked Suspension Front/Back Derailleurs, Chain, Crankset Front/Back Brake Disks Pedals Tires

THE PARTS AND PIECES OF YOUR BIKE:

to compete in NICA. However, his experience covering other biking events has allowed him to create recap videos for individual NICA races.

“I didn’t want to compete because I wanted to focus on my cross country career because that overlaps,” Ramsey said. “I’ve done photos and videos for previous organizations, and I felt I could bring my skills to this organization and help out madly.”

Although Ramsey is unable to participate in NICA as a cyclist, two students at MN are able to compete as a part of Millard’s Composite Team. Junior Riley Hrlevich and sophomore Parker Case have joined NICA during their freshman year.

Hrlevich, who first learned about NICA through reading announcements posted on the school walls, enjoys the close bond that comes with being a part of the team. He finds value in knowing that NICA is inclusive of all, regardless of biking skills.

“I really enjoy riding with the people on the team and a lot of them have become really close friends. The support from those friends is unreal,” Hrlevich said.

“Riding with them, seeing them progress, and being able to have fun 100% of the time is awesome.”

Case, who became interested in cycling through riding different trails in preparation for races, finds his NICA experience as supportive and encouraging. Having learned about NICA in 4th grade, he began putting effort into cycling and cherishing the rewards it reaps.

“I really enjoy the races, and all of the friends and family around support the racers,” Case said. “The support from my teammates has really encouraged me to keep pushing through the season.”

Overall, as NICA makes its way through its first season, the sense of bonding as a community is what competitors feel defines it best. While competition may be a critical aspect of the activity, the support and fun it involves draws its members closer together with every race.

BEGINNER’S INVENTORY • • • •

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Helmet Gloves Team Jersey Snacks (for long days)

• Layers and Blankets (unpredictable Nebraska weather) • Entertainment

WHAT SHOULD YOU KEEP IN MIND?

NICA is not only about your race performance. The main idea of NICA is to get active and have fun outside. Expect to have a good time and to make great memories with your team.

20 • Feb. 14, 2022

CREIGHTON COMMIT

Senior looks forward to playing basketball in college

Early Bird:

AMINA HUSSAIN Staff Writer

Jasen Green prepares to make a pass, early on in his successful basketball career. Photograph submitted by Jasen Green

Green wanted to stay close by. After familiarizing himself with both the campus and team, Green began to take lue and white jerseys fly across the court, the ball things into consideration, finally choosing Creighton as curves through the air and bounce into Green’s hand. the place for him to continue growing as a basketball With one step he is in the air scoring another point for player.

Millard North.

“I am very excited to see Jasen commit to Creighton.

“He’s such a great player and everyone knows it,” Jasen is a great student and will fit in well with Creighvarsity basketball player David Harmon said. ton’s strong academic sector. His style of play is well suitSenior and varsity basketball player Jasen Green is ed for Creighton’s strong basketball tradition,” varsity the first Millard North student to start every varsity game coach Tim Cannon said. freshman through senior year. Green assisted Millard Both Green and Cannon are expecting Creighton to North to win a State Championship and two develop Green to become Metro Tournament championships. the best player he can be After graduating as the 2nd best high and eventually guide him I’m looking forschool player in Nebraska currently, Green to play on a professional will depart to play D1 basketball for Creighward to being able to team. ton is someone play at the high level be- who“Jasen “I’m looking forward to being able to really doesn’t care cause one of my goals as about himself and he truplay at the high level because one of my goals as a kid was to play at a D1 college, and I am a kid was to play at a D1 ly wants what’s best for finally getting to do that,” Green said. the team. It’s amazing to college, and I am finally With his goal set, the only thing left was play with him.” Harmon to choose a school that fit him best. On Sepsaid. getting to do that. tember 16, 2021, Green announced his deciHarmon, himself sion to the MN and Omaha community. who has played basketball “I chose Creighton first because of the JASEN GREEN for many years, apprecoaching. Just Coach Mac and his playstyle ciates Green’s skills and VARSITY BASKETBALL PLAYER teamwork. Making him really fits how I like to play,” Green said.

Coaching and building a relationship a great addition to any with coaches was and has been an essential factor in team.

Green’s decision-making process, he decided to visit “The main thing I am going to miss is probably walkCreighton after getting to know Creighton Coach Greg ing past all the teachers and students before the games McDermott (Coach Mac). Soon he realized Creighton’s and hearing them say good luck and they are gonna be style of running up and down the court quickly was com- at the game. The atmosphere that school has in terms of patible with his playing style. the support that everyone gives is amazing,” Green said.

“Secondly, I chose Creighton because of its proximJasen’s High School career isn’t over yet. He still has ity to my house, the people I grew up with, my trainer, many more games, the most important being State. The and parents,” Green said.

Millard North varsity team is looking forward to another Knowing the importance of community and family State title.

B

“

JOCK TALK Thomas Eichmann SENIOR Swimmming

Moving Forward:

”

Jasen Green sits, comitted to Creighton. At 18, Jasen Green is a senior, ready to take on college as a Bluejay.

Photograph submitted by Jasen Green

What does your pre-game preparation look like?

I usually put in some headphones, kind of dance around a little bit, and try to shut everything out. I just try to think about the race.

Kent Kuchma SOPHOMORE Wrestling

We do some warm-ups like jogging, stretches, jump-ropes, just working out with your partner, that’s all.

Maddie Beecham JUNIOR Cheer

We meet and do our hair, makeup, facepaint, all that stuff together. Our parents bring in food, and we eat, get ready together, and then we head to [the game].