THE HOOFBEAT
CHOICE FOR CHANGE
Voters will vote on Feb. 11 on a bond issue that could impact MN’s gym and STS areas pages 2 and 3
Photographs by Samantha Jindra-Fischer and Sarah Crotzer
BOUND FOR NORTH
If passed, a bond referendum is set to expand and update facilities across district, strengthening legacy of MN
MIRA MUKHERJEE
In-Depth Editor principal.
3,000 students. 35 buildings. 3.35 million square feet. One of the largest school districts in Nebraska, Millard Public Schools has utilized consistent bond cycles to uphold a certain standard for the population they serve. For Millard North in particular, advancements from lighting replacements to the addition of the skywalk have indicated the continued investment in the community.
The current bond cycle is set to vote on a bond referendum of 158 million dollars; ballots were mailed on Jan. 21st and must be sent back by 5 p.m. on Feb. 11th. The tax rate will be maintained at 11.5 cents if the bond is passed.
“Through really good long term planning over many years, having a plan to manage our facility needs and the resources that it requires to maintain them has allowed us to become increasingly efficient,” Millard Public Schools superintendent John Schwartz said.
Construction would commence in the summer of 2026 and finish by 2029, with all schools being affected, although some more than others. Millard North will receive extensive updates to the Skilled and Technical Sciences portion of the school.
“I’ve been an administrator for over a decade, and some of the things that have come in are girls wrestling, our Winter Guard, which has increased numbers, and our cheer team practicing and competing more and using space,” Bearinger said. “Anytime that you come to Millard North High School, in the evening or on a weekend, a lot of the space is being used.”
The relocation of the STS area will allow the old space to be redesigned and used as a multi-purpose room, maximizing space and impacting various athletics and activities, such as gym classes, Color Guard, and basketball.
We think that there’s some really great career fields we can expose students to at all three of our high schools by updating that facility space,
JOHN SCHWARTZ MPS SUPERINTENDENT
“We think that there’s some really great career fields we can expose students to at all three of our high schools by updating that facility space,” superintendent John Schwartz said.
With an estimated budget of 13 million dollars, the bond would enable the STS space, which has not been updated since the original construction in the late 70’s, to be extended and reconstructed.
“The number one thing that it’s going to do is it’s going to provide a more ideal space for those doing woodworking and metalworking,” principal Aaron Bearinger said.
Bearinger has witnessed MN’s continual growth in his 20 years of education, from being a business teacher to building
“One of the things that Millard North can’t currently do, which every other Class A school, from my knowledge, can, is have two competitions for basketball going on at the same time,” Bearinger said. One example of this convenience is Millard West, who can utilize their two gyms to house four basketball games at the same time. Meanwhile, Millard North either has to travel to other schools if basketball games coincide or stagger times. An additional multi-purpose room would not only allow for more games to be played, but also allow for practice space for basketball feeder programs and other activities, increasing efficiency.
“It’s really hard to get stuff done when we have to take 400 pound tarps back and forth from a school to a church, it takes up a lot of our time,” senior Marisa Powell said.
Powell, who is a part of Color Guard, has been on the varsity team for all four years of high school. Limited space means many activities, like Color Guard, are required to travel and move equipment to other spaces in order to practice, impacting their productivity.
“Right now, if we are in the band room, we can’t do any of our tosses because there’s a ceiling. If we’re in the gym, there’s always somebody else there, so it’s hard to be productive,” Powell said.
If passed, the bond will enable Powell and others to practice in designated areas, allowing for the efficient use of practice time. These updates that encompass the bond referendum content have been discussed and strategized by a wide array of individuals.
“Our facilities team, in collaboration with myself and our board, architects, and engineers who serve the district, try and figure out how to scaffold these projects so they get done most efficiently and have minimal negative impact on instruction and our staff,” Schwartz said.
Additionally, by reaching out to the community via telephone surveys, involving local law enforcement in terms of security, hosting presentations, and utilizing third parties, the district has come to a consensus on what people want prioritized.
“We’re just trying to engage with those that are interested in learning more and helping them to understand what’s in this bond issue,” Schwartz said.
Fast Facts
Millard Public School’s tax levy compared to other districts Millard = 11.50 Lincoln = 11.88 Bellevue = 13.00
= 16.31 Ralston = 16.80
= 19.96 Westside = 21.90 Elkhorn = 30.00 (in cents)
The impact of the bond referendum will influence not only the overall growth of MN, but many subset communities. Due to it being made a priority, the renovations will accrue benefits across multiple groups. From athletes to STS students, gym classes to cheerleading practice, the potential updated facilities will be felt for years to come.
“For students that may be graduating by the time some of this work gets done, what I hope is that there’s pride in the district where you attended, and wanting to continue to see it be a thriving district where the students that come after you continue the legacy that you’ve played,” Schwartz said.
A S T B O N D S
Breaking Down the Ballot
Read all directions carefully and ensure you have completed all the necessary steps
Drop-Off Destinations
City/County Building
South Omaha Library
Make sure to have your drivers license handy when filling out your ballot
Read the
and and ensure that no tampering has occured
Charles B. Washington Branch Library
Clarkson College Parking Lot 8
Ralston Police Department
Asian Market
Milton R. Abrahams Branch Library
Douglas County Election Commission
Douglas County Engineer’s Office
Millard Public Schools Foundation
Spring Ridge Shopping Center
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch Library
Sarpy County Election Commission
La Vista Police Department
Bond Bucks
Safety and Security- 77
Sign your name legibly, double-checking for any spelling errors
School Renovations- 24
Young Adult Program
Space- 13
MNHS Multi-Purpose
Space + STS- 13
Construction/Maintenance-41
(in millions)
C U R R E N T B O N D
Voter’s Oath
BRING ON THE BREAD
How three juniors transformed a mandatory IB-MYP project turned into a popular school-wide club
KAI PAVLOVA Staff Writer
rowds of people, charcuterie boards, and loaves of bread fill the lecture halls, but it’s not for a class, it’s all for Bread Club.
The club is sponsored by English teacher Claire Aken, who was initially uncertain what to expect when approached about starting this club.
Juniors Sarah Hyder and Pooja Patel origi nally started Bread Club as an IB-MYP project, but it quickly grew outside of the classroom and into the lecture halls.
“We decided to formalize it for our CAS project. It involved food and friends which I both love,” Hyder said.
Each meeting is centered around eating bread, dis cussing different types of bread, and meeting new people. To their surprise, the club has grown to 90 members, with 70 coming consistently.
The juniors also usually try to plan meetings around the current season and the holidays.
“When we first started this club, we never expected the club to get as big as it has. I thought it would be like most student-led clubs, just a couple of people showing
The two upperclassmen have different roles. Hyder founder while Patel is er, helping plan ings, coming with a related activity, and baking/ buying the bread needed for that
For paper-involved crafts, they get paper from the library. But each member is responsible for bringing their share of bread, so they all play a part in making the meeting possible. If a member cannot bring bread or cannot be at a meeting, the other members are very understanding and supportive.
“[At a typical club meeting] we usually start with an agenda, then move into learning facts about the week’s bread. After that, we will pass out the bread for tasting and begin a fun activity, usually a type of craft,” Pa tel said.
Jasmin Taylor, also a junior, originally joined to support her friends, but she is now club’s social media manager as well. She runs and man ages the Bread Club Instagram account and helps plan and announce the monthly meetings.
For example, in November, they had a potluck-themed meeting where everyone brought in a different type of bread to enjoy, and made paper hand
“I feel like this activity really connected our club together more because the activity was so collaborative,” Taylor said.
As for the actual baking process, they switch between homemade and storebought bread, so there’s some variety. It is often a lot of work and takes time to bake, so the members split up the work.
Each member of the board, creatively named the Charcuterie Board, typically makes two loaves, making seven to eight total.
“We typically try to make the bread, following a basic bread recipe that we find online. We just make these in our home kitchens, ensuring everything is sanitized as well,” Patel said.
backgrounds but Bread Club brings them all together.
The Bread and Butter The Bread Club’s Instagram account is managed by junior Jasmin Taylor. The club’s Instagram is a shared space that showcases meeting photos and announces when the next ones will be.
“My favorite part of being in Bread Club is being able to host such a welcoming club where people feel safe enough to step out of their comfort zones and participate in something unique… to share our love for expanding our knowledge in areas we are passionate about,” Taylor said.
The Charcuterie Board members emphasize that Bread Club is always happily welcoming new members, so check their next meeting out. Meeting information is regularly updated on the club’s Instagram at @mnhs.breadclub. Don’t miss your chance to be a breadcrumb, as the leadership team lovingly refers to their members.
Now, months after the club’s founding, Aken has no- ticed the overwhelmingly positive im pact the club has had on the students and herself too.
“I absolutely adore getting to see students foster joy in the classroom. Whether it is crafting silly hand turkeys, or congregating seventy students in my small classroom to play Kahoot, they always give me a reason to end the week with the most contagious smile,” Aken said.
She is the type of teacher that always loves reconnecting with current and past students, and she loves the level of connection she gets from being a club spon-
A Loaf of Fun
“In a hectic school week, sometimes it can become so difficult to create intentional time to speak to students, and being a club sponsor provides a perfect avenue to do so,” Aken said.
Everyone involved in the club loves how welcoming, positive, and safe it has become for all students. Club members members come from different interests and
“It is a great place to meet new friends and just hang out while eating the most delicious bread ever. You should definitely join this club,” Patel said.
Bread Club members share food while chatting about everything from their favorite kind of bread to their plans for the weekend at club meetings. In one of these specific gatherings, the club held a Thanksgiving bread potluck, where members brought a variety of different breads to share. Last week, the club featured Lunar New Year with crescent rolls and a creative craft.
Photographs by Kai Pavlova and ccourtesy of @mnhs. breadclub on Instagram
ACING THE ACT
Nine Millard North students receive a perfect ACT score this year, reflect on their
TEJA SRIDHER
Co-Opinions Editor
reparing for the ACT typically leads to most students dreading this infamous standardized exam. Whether it’s the grueling hours of tedious studying, the willpower to overcome difficult sections, or the mindset to subdue any forms of distractions and procrastination, the process of studying for this three-hour-plus exam is no easy feat.
However, in the midst of 1.4 million students who take the exam annually, very few walk away with a 36/36–a perfect score.
This year, MN honored nine students who have received this remarkable achievement. Their success has led them to be guaranteed University of Nebraska-Lincoln Presidential Scholars, displaying how their hard work and dedication truly paid off.
While the benefits of having a perfect ACT score seem to be nothing but advantageous, these students have had to spend strenuous time and effort in order to have their desired outcome come to life.
The process of studying for this exam is what most students are apprehensive about the most. Senior Meghna Adduri, a perfect score recipient, outlines her own study timeline.
Isabella Zhang
University
Major: Neuroscience
“My study timeline was around 1 to 2 months. I took tests over and over again, and I would see what questions I did wrong. The trick is to do questions over and over again while mastering the perfect timing,” Adduri said.
achieving a perfect score, fostering internal motivation to study proves to be an ongoing challenge for most. Looking back, senior Elise Cherek realizes how her source of motivation encouraged her to reach this great height.
Owen Hickenbottom
“After the first time I took it, I knew I wanted to take it again because I hadn’t studied. My mom made me a bet on what score I would get, and then I was even more motivated to study. My com- petitiveness and my mom betting against me was a key factor contributing to my success, because otherwise I really wouldn’t have studied,” Cherek said.
Testing for the Top 1,374,794 students in the class of 2024 0.22% of these students scored a perfect 36 in 2024
Source: PrepScholar
While having a consistent study routine is critical for
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Major: Economics
NEWS BRIEFS
Time management is an issue that many face when preparing for the ACT. Principal Dr. Aaron Bearinger explains how pacing during the ACT is critical for receiving a top-tier score.
“The ACT is about knowledge, number one, but it’s also about how well you are able to decipher information and register that in a timed situation. If we took the time element off, we would see a lot better scores,” Dr. Bearinger said.
Junior Arnav Jain, believes that his dedication and effective time management helped him achieve the score he desired.
“I think the main factor was the amount of dedication I put in. I would work 2-3 hours a day for almost 3 months before my first test. One strategy I used was the Pomodoro technique, where I would take small breaks after around 25-30 minutes of working,” Jain said.
“Presidential” Opportunities
This incredible feat done by these top scorers has impacted their college applications and opportunities immensely.
LOCAL NEWS
Apartment fire in downtown Omaha kills one, injures two (Feb. 2)
Crowds in South Omaha protest against emergent immigration and DEI policies (Feb. 2)
NATIONAL NEWS
Trump policy protesters organize nation-wide “A Day Without Immigrants” movement (Feb. 3)
Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” wins “Best Album” at the 2025 Grammys (Feb. 2) experiences
American Airlines plane and Army helicopter crash over D.C.’s Potomac River, leaving no survivors (Jan. 30)
The University of Nebraska System and Millard Public Schools recognize 10 students from the MPS district who have achieved a perfect score on the ACT on Dec. 18, 2024. 9 of these 10 scholars were MN students. They were presented with full-tuition Presidential scholarships to any of Nebraska’s public universities, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and more.
Photograph contributed by @ millard_ north_ibdp on Instagram
“Getting a 36 has absolutely helped me. For UNL, I got a full ride scholarship, and I thought that was really cool because UNL has a lot of good programs. Better stats on a college application means a lot of opportunities, especially scholarship-wise,” Adduri said.
The passion and drive that helped motivate these students to achieve their dream scores can be applicable to many. By fostering motivation and the willingness to do hard work, a 36 may not be out of reach for you too.
WORLD NEWS
Syria car bomb explosion kills at least 20 (Feb. 3)
PARADING PAWS
MN Assistant principal Susan Marlatt walks in the Rose Bowl parade with a service dog in training GRACE EVERT
Staff Writer
t is the kickoff of the 110th Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena, California. Crowds have gathered from near and far to watch the game, but little do they know, this grand event was created to fund an even bigger event; the Rose Parade. The Rose Parade takes place annually on New Year’s Day prior to the big event, the Rose Bowl game.
This year, not only humans walked the parade, but dogs too. One of these four-legged friends was accompanied by assistant principal Susan Marlatt. Marlatt walked in the parade with the organization Canine Companions.
“Canine Companions is a non-profit organization, based out of Santa Rosa, California, founded 50 years ago. Canine Companion’s mission is to provide expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals at absolutely no cost to the recipient,” Marlatt said.
Lions Clubs International has had a float in the Rose Parade every year for the past 30 years. Marlatt is a member of the Lions Project, which is made up of individuals who volunteer and raise puppies for Canine Companions.
“I am the Vice President of the Lions Project for Canine Companions Board and a current puppy raiser for Canine Companions. There were eight puppy raisers who walked along the float with service dogs in training as well as one graduate team who rode on the float,” Marlatt said.
In addition to her vice president position, Marlatt is the founder of the Nebraska Volunteer Chapter of Canine Companions. Countless individuals recognize her dedication, including assistant principal Amber Ripa who has worked with
Marlatt for 21 years.
“Mrs. Marlatt is caring, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable. She is a great advocate for staff and students, and I think her attention to detail and her caring nature allows her to serve as an amazing advocate for Canine Companions,” Ripa said.
In addition to volunteering to raise puppies, she speaks at local organizations about service dog rights and the need for more puppy raisers. She is also a resource for those who might be interested in applying for a service dog.
“The Rose Parade was viewed by millions of people across multiple countries. Walking in the parade gave us the opportunity to provide exposure for Canine Companions. We hope that additional people will be moved to volunteer and those with a disability were made aware of the Canine Companions service dogs,” Marlatt said.
More than a Companion
Assistant princpal Susan Marlatt poses alongside the Canine Companions float at the 135th annual Rose Bowl Parade. Marlatt explains that she is grateful for being able to give back to Canine Companions and its mission.
Photograph contributed by Susan Marlatt
Not only has Marlatt been a champion for the organization through her work as a puppy raiser and advocate, but she has also seen the impact of a service dog firsthand. Marlatt’s relationship with Canine Companions began in 2016.
“My late husband, Randy, decided to apply for a service dog. Randy had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which impacted his mobility and numbness in his hands. He received his service dog, Landon, from Canine Companions in 2018. Landon provided Randy with greater independence and a connec-
tion with the public so that his disability was not the focus,” Marlatt said. “Landon made such a positive impact on Randy and our family that we knew it was our responsibility to pay it forward.”
From this experience, Marlatt began to get involved with the Canine Companions organization. She also recommended the organization to a friend, Daryl Kucera. Kucera is the founder of MSForward, a center in Omaha that focuses on programs for individuals with adaptive needs. Kucera received his dog, Vander, through Canine Companions.
“Susan Marlatt is a wonderful friend. We got to know each other through our connection to MS. Susan’s husband Randy was also diagnosed with the illness, and attended MSForward for years. Randy was an amazing man and, together, the two were an amazing couple. Vander was trained just after Randy received his dog,” Kucera said.
Marlatt and Kucera share the same sentiment that Canine Companions has changed their lives for the better.
“Vander is truly my business partner. He helps me immensely by picking up anything I drop. I am at the gym a lot by myself and assists me by getting things that might require an extended reach or unsafe stretch. In our new world where isolation and depression caused by the pandemic are all too prevalent, just one glance at Vander produces a smile and creates a joy that was largely missing for more than a year,” Kucera said.
Undoubtedly, the bond between dogs and people makes this service relationship possible. Marlatt shared that the end of her training with puppies is very emotional. Each puppy goes through 16 months of training, and a strong bond is created between the puppy and trainer.
“On the day that puppy raisers turn in their dogs, they are able to watch a graduation ceremony where recipients are matched with their service dog. Watching the joy on the recipients’ faces is what reminds you of why you are doing this,” Marlatt said.
From the Rose Bowl parade to future events with Canine Companions, Marlatt will continue to make an impact on countless lives through fluffy bundles of joy.
Do you love animals? Do you like giving back to the community? Look no further than Canine Companions. This dedicated organization offers a myriad of opportunities that are bound to meet your talents and hobbies. Whether your heart is set on working directly with fuzzy friends or contributing from afar, there are multiple ways to help out.
• Volunteer. Canine Companions offers a flexible variety of volunteering opportunities nationwide, designed to fit all schedules and availability.
• Become a puppy raiser. Open your heart and home by training someone’s future hero. Plus, who couldn’t use an extra friend around the house?
• Plan a fundraiser. Dedicate an event to Canine Companions.
Photograph courtesy of Canine Companions
Source: Canine Companions
PHONE DOWN, HEAD UP
An insight to the new restrictive phone policy and students’
THE HOOFBEAT
Staff Editorial
ust as students were riding off the high from winter break, they went to their 1st-hour class and were met with a new rule: a phone rule.
Specifically, a revised, even more restrictive rule limiting the usage of phones during class time.
Administration and teachers viewed this idea, the overwhelming majority found this policy to be beneficial, labeling it as a step in the right direction regarding student technology.
Several teachers have emphasized the increases in grades, engagement, and participation.
Students, on the other hand, have expressed concern and outrage but were expected to look at the “positive” effects and “helpful” secondary education skills.
This viewpoint doesn’t allow students to voice their opinions on the matter while enabling administrators to conduct whatever policies seem necessary.
This lack of student input can lead to a disconnect between the administration and students affected by the policy, fueling frustration rather than cooperation.
Yet, how can students view this new policy as constructive, when it seems more like punishment?
Assistant principal Amber Ripa explains that this policy is school board-issued. It allows the building principal to establish digital phone expectations, such as where phones can be used and stored during class time.
As the oldest students in the Millard Public School district, many high school kids view this policy as “irritating” and “unnecessary”.
Phones offer students a sliver of peace and reality. They allow students to contact friends and family, maintain a school-work-life balance, and put life on
What do you think about the new phone policy?
opinion on the topic
pause when the school day reaches chaos.
Students can access their phones to coordinate schedules and that access allows them to use their personal emails/gmails, which are important for those applying for jobs, scholarships, or even college.
Those who disagree with the stricter policy challenge that this idea categorizes all instances of phone usage as the same, without understanding that not all students are reaching for their phones for entertainment purposes.
Although extensive research has shown that phone usage can interfere with attention spans, social skills, and academic success, this policy undermines the real problem facing MN students.
Instead of reprimanding students for giving in to the temptation of phones, administrators across the district should focus on how to properly educate students on distractions and self-indulgence.
Working against distractions and staying focused is a life skill that should be acquired in high school.
Taking phones away destroys any chance for students to learn to use self-control and forcefully taking phones away and writing punishing slips is the wrong approach to facing the school’s phone and technology problem.
Students will continue to disobey this rule, even with these drastic measures in place.
They will look to online games, or even return to the old-fashioned distraction of talking during class.
Addressing the underlying issue is just the first step in the path to correctly handling technology.
However, by cracking down on cell phone usage, certain groups of students believe that this policy negatively affects them. Students who are focused and motivated to get their work done in class, already do so.
I don’t mind it because I’m not on my phone that much during class. Oliver Reeves Freshman
Sophie Conley Sophomore
I
think the policy could be good for some people, but I’m not the person to use a phone in class, but I still like to have it on with me.
This policy pushes the narrative that all students must be punished to regain control over the students who don’t follow the rules. It doesn’t allow for students to receive a little bit of relaxation time on their phone, even when they have properly time managed and completed their tasks.
This will force students to look negatively on all future phone policy endeavors and will indirectly reduce any potential benefits that may come from these policies.
Whether this policy is considered positive or negative, any future phone-related policies are bound to spark debate and controversy.
Students, teachers, and even parents may have differing opinions on the fairness or effectiveness of such measures, leading to a variety of perspectives, but considering and respecting the viewpoints of all individuals provides a potential pathway to the area for compromise.
Yet, for the rest of the 20242025 school year, the administration will continue to use this policy as a stronghold and beneficial rule.
Focus on the Figures
77% of US schools ban cellphone use at school for non academic reasons.
6.3% of people are believed to have a phone addiction out of 3.8 billion phone users globally
The best the student body can do is fight for what they believe is right; in the end, students must maintain the backbone
EDITORIAL CARTOON
it can seem strict, but it has helped in limiting
I think it’s a little bit strict and that the district can be a little bit more lenient on it.
By Brady Bredenkamp
JUGGLING JOBS AND DREAMS
When students are forced to tone down their passion and settle for the practical option in the job field
f had a dollar for every time I have been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I would be the richest person in Nebraska.
On the other hand, if I had a dollar for every time my answer to that loaded question remained the same, I would be penniless.
Countless questionnaires, surveys, and icebreaker questions should have prepared me for answering, but the conflict between my head and heart remains. What am I supposed to say? Do I listen to my heart or my head? Do I pick my passion or choose to be more practical?
It’s been a recurring thought in my head for years. Should I pursue my dreams, even if it means financial instability and the slim chance that I’ll be one of the few at the top, or do I pick something more stable to consistently bring money in and pay the bills?
However, a new trend surfaced about which side of the argument new workers are taking. In a Monster study that approaches Gen Z’s work habits, seven out of 10 participants identified salary as their most crucial motivator in the workplace.
I wondered if this applied to the future workforce in
Source: nobledesktop.com indeed.com
NE, so I decided to ask a few similar questions to some of Millard North’s student body.
A three-question survey of 20 students gives an insight into what the job field can expect within the next few years. Those three questions are:
If money didn’t matter, what would be your dream job? What will you do as your actual job? Lastly, does money influence your job decision?
The survey results were sobering. Most people settled for alternate careers instead of pursuing their passions. Musicians became psychiatrists, authors became lawyers, and actors became physical therapists.
When asked if money influenced their job decisions, 18 out of 20 students identified it as an influential factor in their careers.
Honestly? I can’t blame these students as money is a necessity. However, in the end, it’s important to ask if you will feel successful and proud if your only source of happiness is money.
Maybe the money would be nice for a while, but as you sit in a big, lavish house surrounded by material possessions, I’m willing to bet you will begrudgingly realize that maybe money didn’t actually buy happiness.
Alternatively, if you follow your dreams despite low pay but love what you do, will that be enough when you arrive home to a stack of bills and wonder how you will make it by this month?
Perhaps the answer to a more balanced life with financial stability that encourages your passions lies in a more gray area than the finite black and white.
The College for North Carolina, or the CFNC offers some of the most crucial things to consider when
DAY IN THE LIFE
Data Analyst
-Data analysis uses a set of techniques to examine data to extract relevant information, trends, and insights. This process includes collecting data, organizing it, storing it, then performing statistical analysis on the data.
-Salary:low is $51,067, average is $81,195, high is $129, 099.
-Education requirement:at least a bachelors degree in computer science, statistics, or information systems.
choosing a career.
To begin with, your personality, your goals, and your values. It’s key to consider what you could excel at and what you would enjoy doing every day. Additionally, choose a path that brings you happiness and also allows financial stability.
Take a step outside your comfort zone and view yourself from an external perspective. Where do you picture yourself in five years? Should you work in person or at home? Are you a people person or not?
It’s critical to look through the lens of your options and the costs and training that go with them. After narrowing down your strengths, look into what types of jobs are available and the necessary skills and requirements that accompany them.
The training may be as simple as a high school diploma, or you may have to obtain a degree, complete internships, or have a few years of experience.
Lastly, take advantage of your current resources at Millard North and be an advocate for your success. School counselors can provide you with countless resources and insight into realistic expectations for your career. Be open to classes you may not have thought to take as they can spark new interests or passions. Reach out to people you may know who have a successful job in your field and see if you like what a day in their life has to offer you.
Although, I think the most important part is knowing that selecting a career isn’t an overnight process. If you don’t have a decision in high school, it’s completely okay even if you may not think it is. From one high schooler to another, we’ll all figure it out and be alright.
Public Relations Specialist
-Their job is to create and maintain a positive public image for an individual, groups, or organizations they’re in charge of.
sources-U.S. Bureau of Labor
-They make media releases and create social media programs to develop the public perception of their clients and to increase awareness of each client’s work and goals.
-Median salary-$66,750
-Employment rate for public relations specialist is expected to grow 6% from 2023-2033.
Education requirement-at least a bachelors degree in public relations, advertising, communications, marketing, journalism, business, english, or equivalent.
KATELYN JUDD
Co-Front Page Editor
A Matter of the Mind
Exploring the ubiquitous presence of AI and its significance on the current state of the world
IllustrationbyNadirahJohnson
AI: IDEA TO INNOVATION
The history of artificial intelligence and its potentially harmful impact on our environment
LUCAS
DAY
Staff Writer
hether it’s a self-checkout line, the face-ID on your phone, or even a quick ChatGPT request to help with chemistry homework, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used everywhere every day. In fact, most Americans can’t last a day without using it.
Artificial intelligence’s widespread use combined with its addictive component make it a deadly new competitor in society. The tempting quality of AI is understandable, and its vast versatility makes it easy to use for a multitude of purposes.
One of the most renowned forms of AI is ChatGPT, which is used across the globe to aid in education, work, writing, and more. Another is the notable Apple assistant Siri, which has aided customers for over a decade. Even though these chatbots are some of the more common forms of AI, they’re simply just one in a variety
tions. If the evaluator cannot determine which is which, then the test hypothetically confirms a computer can mimic human qualities.
Six years later, the term “Artificial Intelligence” was officially introduced by American computer scientist John McCarthy. McCarthy organized a summer conference at Dartmouth University, gathering a small group of top-notch scientists and mathematicians to explore the idea of machine-simulated intelligence.
This conference would open the field of artificial intelligence and begin a period of inquiry and enlightenment, which is sometimes referred to as AI’s Golden Age.
However, AI research hit a snag in the 1970’s during the era dubbed “AI Winter”. Reports and papers addressing flaws in artificial intelligence caused defunding in research, leading to a lack of interest and study. Due to this, AI exploration came screeching to a halt for
humans.
Along with this newfound popularity, funding and investments in artificial intelligence reached an alltime high, further contributing to AI advancements.
Yet by pouring mass support into AI, the fate of mankind became sealed for good.
The recent boom of artificial intelligence has spurred worry amongst experts. Recent evidence has suggested that, despite its undeniable benefits, AI has contributed to the depletion and scarcity of earth’s natural resources.
While it may seem strange a computer program can harm our planet, these artificial programs are held in large data centres that inhale resources like candy.
According to the UN Environment Programme, global AI-related infrastructure will soon intake up to six times more water than the entire nation of Denmark. This rapid consumption, combined with already depleting resources, will only lead to global freshwater scar-
Additionally, water isn’t the only resource these AI data centres are affecting.
The average ChatGPT request requires nearly ten times more energy than a Google search, and with over 10 million ChatGPT queries per day, the AI program utilizes as much energy as 180,000 U.S households. Moreover, the International Energy Agency estimates that by 2026 these large data centres will consume up to 4% of global energy, roughly equivalent to the energy usage of Japan.
Artificial intelligence also uses heavy minerals and metals in order to power and transport hardware devices. The Yale School of the Environment states AI hardware uses metals such as cobalt, silicon, gold, and more. On top of that, mining and producing these metals can create pollution and soil erosion.
Although it only truly took off thirty-some years ago, AI has soared higher and farther than anyone would’ve thought achievable. Its widespread operation will only expand in coming years, chiefly due to potential innovations and models.
While AI can provide countless advantages, its global popularity and investments leaves a knot too twisted to untangle. For good or bad, the day AI became a reality, a door to turn back was unknowingly shut for good.
AI ETHICISTS
• Institute guidelines to regulate AI in the workforce
• Ensure privacy and accountability are maintained
• Create policies designed to uphold societal and moral standards
AI PERSONALITY DESIGNERS
• Blend psychological and behavioral knowledge to craft more humanstic AI conversations
• Utilize sociocultural interactions to forge interpersonal AI systems
MAJOR ADVANCES: MAN VS. MACHINE
Artifical intelligence’s impact on choosing college majors and career paths
LYDIA HARLOW
Co-Front Page Editor
In many futuristic, sci-fi thrillers, there seems to be a common motif: don’t let artificial intelligence become sentient. Don’t let it gain too much influence in our daily lives. Don’t let it take over our jobs.
Imagine a world in which everything is run by technology. All customer service is done through chatbots that are available 24/7. A world where speeding tickets are given without any human contact; a world where people may not drive at all, instead riding in self-driving cars. A world in which life-changing medical diagnoses are delivered through a machine.
This all sounds very sci-fi-esque, but some of this is already happening, and every advancement in technol ogy takes us one step closer to all this becoming a very real possibility.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is already becoming widely integrated into many different workspaces and fields, altering or completely replacing human roles.
The McKinsey Global Institute predicts that by 2030, some 70% of companies will have adopted at least one type of AI technology into their operating systems.
A similar report by the investment bank Goldman Sachs says that artificial intelligence could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs within the near future.
Due to forecasts like these, it is becoming increas ingly important to pursue a career in something that will be able to take AI integration in stride.
The fields that are generally considered safest from AI replacement include healthcare, education, law, cre ative roles such as artists and authors, social workers, leadership and management, consumer services, such as hairdressing and cosmetology, and skilled trades. Even in these jobs, however, AI will still have a substan tial impact.
“It’s more about looking at how AI can help rather than hurt… like how you can use it to your advantage instead of it maybe displacing you,” school counselor Abbie Sivinski said.
placed with automation.
An example of this is customer service. Nexford University claims that this segment of business will likely be one of the first to go, because a majority of the time the questions and problems of customers are repetitive, so answering these queries do not “require high emotional or social intelligence”. Because of AI’s capacity and the nature of these customer relations,
majors that you enjoy, especially those that help you to develop uniquely human skills. Rather than avoiding a certain major, he believes that we should find ways to work alongside AI and develop skills that will assist us in that.
“If, say, you’re a college student preparing for life in an AI world, you need to ask yourself: Which classes will give me the skills that machines will not replicate,
Education itself is becoming increasingly important, as jobs that require lower education and consist of routine, repetitive tasks are often the first to be re-
AI SECURITY ENGINEERS
• With the growth of AI, a rise in scams and viruses are predicted to increase
• Engineers will be able to design more programs safegaurding against attacks, developing software to instill protection measures
displace a lot of things,” history teacher and Education Academy co-leader Simon Rohde said.
He instead recommends focusing on classes and
AI INSTRUCTORS
• The increasing integration of AI in companies will prompt designated AI instruction
• Basic understanding of AI technology will allow for ease of access and increased efficiency
ways to cooperate with artificial intelligence, as its increasing presence will continue to shift and impact the role of humans.
What careers are predicted to emerge in the wake of AI?
Source: Forbes
FORTUNE TELLING GROUNDHOGS?
A glimpse into the history behind the most anticipated yet contested weather prediciton event
LYDIA HARLOW Staff Writer
’ll give you a winter prediction: It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be grey, and it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.”
This quote is from the well-loved movie Groundhog Day, where a weatherman finds himself reliving Groundhog Day over and over again.
But what is Groundhog Day? Celebrated every February, it is the time-honored (if slightly odd) American tradition of using rodents to predict the future.
Every year, thousands of people eagerly gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to observe an oblivious groundhog being plucked out of a hole, watching enthusiastically to see if he will spot his own shadow.
According to the folklore surrounding the holiday, if the sun is shining and the groundhog sees its shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If it’s cloudy and he doesn’t, spring will come early.
Advantageous Additions
How to use ChatGPT responsibly to maximize efficiency
• After individually brainstorming, generate sub-topics in order to compare and generate different ideas
• Use ChatGPT to locate and condense heavy research material, making sure to fact check and refine the sources
• To understand different types of articles, prompt ChatGPT to create different outlines, from journalistic writing to more creative types
• Vary the same article in terms of tone to see the different voices ChatGPT generates, which will increase exposure to modes of writing
But just how accurate is Groundhog Phil at predicting the weather? From 1969 on, Phil’s overall accuracy rate is only about 36% according to Live Science (considering he has about a 50/50 chance, this doesn’t seem great).
Although the groundhog has a less than perfect record, this time-honored tradition has stuck around for over a century, with this year being Punxsutawney’s 139th celebration.
Even though Phil is the most renowned of the fortune-telling groundhogs, there are many more throughout the United States. Some honorable mentions of these other fortune-telling groundhogs include Buckeye Chuck in Ohio, General Beauregard Lee in Jackson, Georgia, Octoraro Orphie in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, and Sir Walter Wally in Raleigh, N.C., along with a few others.
Despite being a somewhat ridiculous event, this is one of the most entertaining and notable American mini-holidays, certain to be enjoyed for years to come.
Prompt:
Write a short, informative article on the history of Groundhog Day.
A Quick Comparison
An analysis of defining differences between human and ChatGPT writing
• ChatGPT tends to use generic, fact-heavy diction
• As seen on the left, human writing is characterized by a “voice,” which allows for a specialized flow and structure of words, aiding in variability and imagery
• Lack of sources can be found throughout AI-generated writing
• ChatGPT typically has highly convulated sentence structures
FROM ANCIENT RITUALS TO MODERN TRADITION
How Groundhog Day evolved into a quirky American custom CHATGPT
Groundhog Day, celebrated each year on February 2, has become a lighthearted tradition where a groundhog predicts whether there will be six more weeks of winter. But behind the fun lies a fascinating history that blends ancient European folklore with American customs.
The roots of Groundhog Day can be traced back to an ancient European festival called Candlemas, which marked the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Celebrated by Christians, Candlemas also drew from pagan traditions that involved forecasting the coming of spring. One of the rituals involved animals, notably hedgehogs, who were believed to have the ability to predict the weather.
When German immigrants, known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, settled in the United States in the 18th century, they adapted this tradition to their new environment. Since hedgehogs were not common in the region, they turned to the region’s native groundhog,
also called a woodchuck, as the new weather forecaster. This gave birth to the unique American version of Groundhog Day.
The most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, first gained nationwide attention in 1887 when a group of locals in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, declared Phil’s weather predictions an annual tradition. According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is expected.
This tradition has been celebrated since the late 1800’s, with Phil’s predictions becoming a beloved part of American folklore, despite the fact that the accuracy of his forecasts is debated.
Source: Medium
Today, Groundhog Day has evolved into more than just a weather forecast. It’s a fun celebration marked by festivals, media coverage, and plenty of humor. The day serves as a reminder of the long-held human fascination with weather patterns and our efforts to predict what nature has in store.
UNDER PRESSURE
Delving into the negative impacts of an overly competitive environment
SARAH ROBEY Online Editor
t’s the day after a test. We anxiously wait at the beginning of class for our teacher to hand back our tests. After we have just barely received our scores, I can already hear the whispers of questions and comments filling the room. “That test was so easy, what did you get?” or “I just failed that, I got an 85.” Finally, the question makes it around to me. Instead of a “Hey, how are you,” it’s about my grade.
I dread this conversation regardless of whether I score well or not. While some academic competition can motivate and encourage students to excel, too much of it can have negative impacts.
Mental H20 Inc. states, “One of the biggest impacts of a competitive school environment is the heightened level of stress and anxiety among students.”
Often when students feel the constant pressure to always be the best, it results in large amounts of stress. Students may feel burnt out and drained from this never-ending cycle which can start to take a toll on them.
With Millard North being a high-performing school, measures have already been taken to prevent extreme academic competition such as when we got rid of class ranks in 2015.
Prior to this change, many students would stress out over class rank and select classes that would boost their rank over classes that sparked their interest. Some even took extra
competitiveness can also result in academic dishonesty. According to the National Institutes of Health, a study showed that the pressure to get good grades was one of the main reasons for cheating in high schools.
Instead of students caring about the material they are learning, they are fixated on the grade they receive and maintaining their GPA. Naturally, this causes many students to resort to cheating.
Academic competitiveness can also lead to unhealthy comparison. When test scores are shared among classmates, those who scored worse often feel even more disappointed.
For example, when I score a 90% on my math quiz and overhear someone complaining about how they failed that quiz with their 94%, it can be discouraging, even though my score is actually good. All of a sudden, the 90% I worked hard for feels like a low grade I shouldn’t be proud of.
On the other hand, when you score higher than someone, especially if they normally score better than you, it may come as a relief that you are keeping up with them when really, it doesn’t matter who scored the best.
Top 3 Most Common Causes of Academic Pressure:
•Parental pressure
•Pressure from coursework and exams
•Bad time management
Alternatively, students are constantly compared to not only their peers but also their siblings. Whether they have graduated or are in an older grade, students still feel the same impact of academic comparison. For me, I am a twin. I’ve been asked the question, “Who’s the smartest?” or if asked “What did you get on the test?” it may be followed up with “What about your brother?” as they try to figure out who
THE HOOFBEAT
The Hoofbeat staff will publish six 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 402715-1404.
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.
Editor-in-Chief
Mia Castro
Front Page Editors
Lydia Harlow
Katelyn Judd
News Editor
Mia Castro
Opinions Editor
Mahdis Riazikhah
Teja Sridher
In-Depth Editor
Mira Mukherjee
Lifestyle Editor
Argyrenia Pipinos
Sports Editor
Matthew Um
Online Editor
Sarah Robey
Adviser
Sarah Crotzer
Principal
Aaron Bearinger
Cartoonists
Brady Bredenkamp
Nadirah Johnson
Lydia Harlow Artists
Brady Bredenkamp
Nadirah Johnson
Photographer
Kai Pavlova
Staff Writers
Lucas Day
Grace Evert
Rhea Jain
Sumanas Reddy
Kai Pavlova
Anuj Singh
early in the morning during the school year or in the summer just so they could rack up points and raise their standing. Academic
It can be hard not to compare yourself to your peers when you are surrounded by this environment. This not only goes for test scores, but also overall academic achievements.
We need to remember that everyone is different and has their own strengths and weaknesses. No one is better than another just because they have a higher GPA or scored a 36 on the ACT.
Your success and future are more than just your grades. It is important to focus on yourself and your own goals rather than someone else’s. Your personal growth and learning as a student is what truly matters.
THE CALL TO QUIT CAFFEINE
Exploring the effects of excessive caffeine intake and how to combat the all-too-common caffeine “addiction”
iiing! The 8 AM morning bell rings and your class slowly quiets. The last hallway stragglers exhaustingly mope into first period, dragging their feet to start another long Thursday. Just one. More. Day. Then, as if on cue, students around the classroom find their solution; they pop their Celsius, Alani Nu, and Red Bull energy drinks open and guzzle them down, their bright eyes widening as each drop of caffeine resuscitates them from their empty expressions.
The standard consumption of caffeine, in the form of coffee, energy drinks, and energy shots, has only grown over the past few years. According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), 66% of Americans now drink coffee every day, consuming this more than any other beverage, including tap water. To make matters worse, NCA’S “data tracking” additionally found that society’s caffeine intake has increased by nearly 14% since January 2021.
Caffeine, when consumed in large quantities, can lead to increased anxiety, worsening sleep quality, and more frequent and severe headaches, according to research by the National Institutes of Health.
Another problem arises with this excessive intake. It is not only harmful, but it’s also addictive.
Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning that it excites the body’s dopamine neurotransmitter system. By blocking receptors in the brain and increasing dopamine levels, caffeine creates an active effect that the body craves continually.
This process is comparable to a drug stimulant after long periods of time. But if this is true, why have we not only normalized but also glamorized caffeine addictions? When did this phenomenon first originate and what can we attribute the widespread use of caffeine to? Is social media at fault? Today’s hustle culture? High school and university’s never-ending standards?
Although there is no clear answer to any of these questions, I believe society’s increased caffeine dependency connects to all these reasons, especially the overworked and under-rested way people live nowadays.
For example, busy students like junior Cole Wentling often feel they need to consume caffeine to function properly throughout the day.
Wentling, who takes multiple advanced classes, is currently involved in show choir and speech, and was also involved in Northern Lights and theatre in the past. He knows he has to perform at his best to keep up with his full schedule.
Although Wentling realizes the overconsumption of these bubbly beverages might not be the healthiest habit, he feels as though there’s only one way to stay on his toes: the sweet exhaustion anecdote of caffeine.
Wentling drinks, on average, five or six energy drinks a week, but is careful not to consume more than one a day. His personal favorite is the Pear Cinnamon Winter Edition Red Bull, a popular option.
Kids aren’t the only victims in this dilemma. Parents might be the first ones to attack energy drinks and
The Power of Coffee Consumption
Just by drinking two energy drinks like the ones above, you would have consumed 600 mg of caffeiene.
This is equivalent to drinking 10 Coca Colas. Individuals can drink at most 400 mg of caffeine per day.
coffee, but they are also the first to warn their children not to talk to them before their “morning coffees” and the first to go off their rockers without their daily cappuccinos. The hypocrisy is overwhelming; no one is safe from the suffocating grasp caffeine has on us all. However, hope is not lost—not yet. There are ways to combat the caffeine-hungry voices in our heads. If excessively tired, Northwestern Medicine suggests taking short power naps, no more than 20 minutes long, to regain some energy.
Otherwise, I’ve always found myself significantly more energized after a quick workout. Exercise gets your blood pumping and can refresh you after a long, draining day.
If you simply can’t shake off caffeine and worse comes to worst, there are multiple alternatives to caffeine you can still enjoy either hot or cold, to-go or snuggled up at home.
Harvard Medical School recommends yerba mate, a traditional Argentinian tea made of yerba mate leaves. This drink can have as much caffeine as coffee without the “fatigue and jitteriness” regular coffee brings its consumers. My mom is a personal fan of this drink. Personally, I’m more of a matcha buff. Matcha, a Japanese tea drink crafted from finely powdered dried green tea leaves, is made by sifting and whisking this powder with hot water and then adding milk to create a mellow, natural concoction that can be enjoyed hot or iced.
This drink contains less caffeine than coffee, but like yerba mate, provides steady energy without the severe cognitive drop one regularly feels with coffee. Either way you want to go, it’s time to stop normalizing the overconsumption of caffeine.
Next time you’re craving that Starbucks White Mocha, make the switch. Try yerba mate or matcha. Who knows, it might change your life for the better.
This is also equivalent to drinking 4 eight ounce cups of coffee. Consuming this level of caffeine is detrimental to our health.
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
Galentine’s Day in Omaha celebrates friendship with fun activities, local events, and memories
ARGYRENIA PIPINOS
Lifestyle Editor
February 13 is no longer just the day before Valentine’s Day—it’s Galentine’s Day, and it’s all about celebrating friendship. What started as a fun concept on “Parks and Recreation” has turned into a full-blown tradition. Galentine’s Day presents a chance to hang out with your best girlfriends and make lasting memories.
The term “Galentine’s Day” was introduced in the popular television show “Parks and Recreation,” 2010, season 2 episode 16. In the epi sode, Leslie Knope, portrayed by Amy Poehler, gathers her female friends for a brunch to celebrate their friendship, coining the phrase “ladies celebrating ladies.” Since then, this fictional holiday has transcended the screen, becoming a real-life occasion for women to honor their friendships.
Junior Nithya Khandavalli is just one student who cele brates this fun tradition. For her, Galentine’s Day is all about enjoying time with best friends.
those moments shaped who I am today.”
For most, Gal- entine’s Day is more than just a chance to party—it’s a way to bond with the people who matter most. The fictional holiday has come to life by allowing people to reflect on the importance of genuine connections, especially in today’s
fes and boutiques offer the perfect setting for gathering with close girlfriends.
While big parties and extravagant celebrations are popular, a more personal and low-key approach may be the way to go.
“Sometimes, the best celebrations are the simple ones,” Khandavalli said. “Just being with close friends and making memories is what truly matters, especially when supporting small businesses that create thoughtful, personal bundles for all of my friends.”
Besties, Brunch, and Beyond
Fun Ideas to Celebrate:
- Movie Marathon: Watch your favorite feel-good films together.
- DIY Gifts: Personalized gifts that show how much you care.
- Brunch Vibes: Nothing beats a waffle bar and an orange juice station.
- Game Night: Competitive spirit meets bonding time.
Trending Galentine’s Gifts:
- Self-care goodies (face masks, bath bombs, perfume, skin care)
- Personalized jewelry
- Cute mugs or novelty socks
“It’s a way to celebrate Valen tine’s Day but with your lady friends, it’s a nice opportunity to have a break from life and just have fun with your friends. It’s fun to have a day just to spend time with my female friends and keep up with their lives,” Khandavalli said.
Khandavalli first learned about the holiday from rom-com movies and her sisters. Over the years, it has become a personal tradition to celebrate with her closest friends.
“I usually hang out with my friends, eat food, talk, and do some fun activities,” Khandavalli said. “My favorite memory was when my friends and I made slime together. I try to host it so that when I look back on the good memories with my friends, I can remember the joy we shared and how
- Their favorite chocolate, candy, and snacks
- A bouquet of flowers
- Handwritten note
“I value the kindness, loyalty, and respect that all of my friends have shown me. They have always been open to my problems without judgment, ready to accept new people and respect the boundaries and expectations that I have set. I also value the ability to laugh with them, which all of my friends have been able to do,” junior Sarah Hyder said.
Omaha offers an extensive Galentine’s Day scene for you and your girls to enjoy. Local businesses and venues have embraced the trend, hosting everything from themed brunches to spa days. For those looking for a quieter, more intimate celebration, local
ca -
Though the tradition has grown, the essence of Galentine’s Day remains the same. It’s about taking a moment to celebrate friendships and appreciate the people who truly matter. Khandavalli’s ideal Galentine’s Day would involve spending time at a spa with fancy finger foods, music, and unwinding in silk pajamas.
The increasing popularity of February 13 reflects the ongoing cultural shift towards celebrating friendship as much as romantic relationships.
“It really highlights the importance of female friendships and celebrates the relationships we’ve formed. I think it’s amazing to have a day to empower and encourage female-based relationships especially when we’re so busy with our own lives most of the time, ” Hyder said.
As Knope famously said, Galentine’s Day is all about “ladies celebrating ladies.” Whether it is through heartfelt gifts, shared memories or simply spending time together, this celebration has become a testament to the enduring strength of female friendships. And between us girls, it is clear that this tradition is only growing stronger with time.
LIGHTS, LITERATURE, AND LESSON PlANS
English teacher juggles filmmaking, podcasting, and writing, all while inspiring storytellers
ANUJ SINGH Staff Writer
Tom Knoblauch isn’t your typical teacher. By day, he guides students through the intricacies of literature and film. By night, he’s an accomplished filmmaker, an NPR podcast host, and an experienced author.
For him, storytelling is at the heart of everything he does, whether he’s standing in front of a classroom, sitting behind a microphone, or working be hind a camera.
One of Knoblauch’s most ambitious projects is his upcoming book on filmmaker Céline Sciamma, best known for her critically acclaimed “Portrait of a Lady on Fire”, currently under peer review.
The idea for the book started when he watched the movie in March 2020, just as the world began shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He described how he discovered the movie on a whim, often seeing new films after work without knowing much about them.
“‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ happened to be one of those but also what I thought might be the last movie I ever saw in theaters,” Knoblauch said. “Surely as a result of that, it lingered, but also, it was a fascinating movie in form, content, and influence.”
over another is largely arbitrarily determined anyway. I enjoy when authors--cinematic or literary--run with that idea.”
Furthermore, his storytelling instincts are also evident in his podcast Riverside Chats. A flagship program for Nebraska’s NPR station KIOS, the show has around 10,000 weekly listeners, but its journey to success
Award- Knoblauch’s
International Independent Film Awards
2022 Winner Bronze Award – Best Narrative Feature for “Moving Parts”
Lincoln Shorts
2019 Winner Festival Prize – Director’s Choice Award for “The Debut” Chicago International Genre Film Festival
2022 Winner Festival Award – Best Comedy for “Moving Parts”
Madrid Arthouse Film Festival
2022 Nominee – Jury Prize for Best Script for “Moving Parts”
rhythm will be,” Knoblauch said. “I want to listen to the answers and see where that takes us. Then you have to make sure that rhythm is sustained. Sometimes a guest has plenty of rhythm just with a mic.”
Knoblauch’s fellow English teacher and friend Alycia Gutierrez describes how his instinct for rhythm carries into his teaching, demonstrating his natural ability
Winning Triumphs
FilmHaus: Berlin Film + New Media Competition
2023 Nominee – Outstanding Contribution to Independent Film for “Moving Parts” Vancouver International Film Awards
2022 Winner Audience Award – Best Screenplay for “Moving Parts” Sacramento World Film Festival
2022 Nominee – Festival Prize for Best Original Screenwriting for “Moving Parts” Milan Arthouse Film Awards
2022 Winner – Best Comedy Narrative Feature for “Moving Parts”
The film’s impact stayed with him, eventually inspiring a seminar paper during his Ph.D. studies. That paper evolved into a peer-reviewed article published in the “Academic Journal Film & History.” As one of the first scholars to write extensively about the film, Knoblauch’s work became foundational for future research.
The movie’s growing popularity led Bloomsbury Academic to reach out to him about turning his article into a book, which he worked on extensively this past summer.
Knoblauch explains that the film is deeply concerned with authenticity, authorship, and cultural traditions.
“Sciamma…is largely tied to discussions around “the gaze.” I think it is through normalizing unconventional gazes, through challenging conventions in ways that I think are healthy for artistic standards,” Knoblauch said. “Why we value one kind of storytelling
podcast started as a series of live events at Benson Theatre in 2018, focusing on cultural discussions in the Midwest. However, the events struggled to draw large crowds, leading Knoblauch to do some problem-solving.
“Nobody showed up, essentially. It’s embarrassing to have a space and a guest and then only eight people in the audience. So, I switched it to a podcast for about a year and more people would listen than would go to an event,” Knoblauch said.
One of his proudest moments came during an interview with comedian Tim Heidecker, who performed in Omaha as part of his Two Tims tour.
“He’s built a career out of playing a caricature of himself, so I didn’t know what I’d get—if I’d be talking to a character or the real Tim,” Knoblauch said. “Instead, I think I got the most open and in-depth public conversation he’s ever had.”
For Knoblauch, storytelling is central to podcasting success. He believes that momentum and rhythm drive compelling conversations.
“There has to be some kind of rhythm that signifies movement of some kind, and there are a million ways to establish that. Rather than having strict rules about it, I go into each episode not sure what exactly that
“He knows the right inflection, the right cadence to take when giving information, and it’s shown in his teaching style when he lectures or leads a discussion. He keeps students interested,” Gutierrez said. “But, additionally, to do what he does outside of school—with his radio show and his academic research— he also has to be very adept at listening and knowing what will appeal to his audience.”
His passion for storytelling extends into filmmaking as well. Knoblauch has worked on a variety of microbudget films, short projects, and music videos, often taking on multiple roles such as writer, director, producer, editor, and occasionally actor.
Outside of these roles, in the classroom, Knoblauch emphasizes momentum, keeping students actively involved in discussions and analysis.
“One of the things that makes Mr. Knoblauch so good at what he does is that he has passion and enthusiasm for everything he does, and that has to be the most inspiring thing, both for his students and also for his coworkers and friends,” Gutierrez said.
Furthermore, for his aspiring storytellers, Knoblauch emphasizes the importance of consistency and deadlines to fuel productivity.
“I think the biggest impediment to people who want to pursue professional and creative projects but feel like they don’t have the time is that they don’t have consistent deadlines,” Knoblauch said. “Deadlines get you moving, and I like to keep moving.”
Looking towards the future, he is already beginning to explore a second academic book and fit in editing his newest short film. For Knoblauch, storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life.
OMAHA’S RAMEN RENAISSANCE
A quest to locate Omaha’s best ramen hotspot
LUCAS DAY Staff Writer
amen has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for over two hundred years, beginning in 18th century China and traveling to Japan in the late nineteenth century. Due to its carefree packaging, effortless shipping, and simple preparation, ramen’s popularity has spread like an epidemic.
Ramen’s global acclaim has led to many different brands and variations being produced. These brands are either sold in bulk, with low prices and easy cooking, or in refined restaurants, with elegant seating and high-quality food.
The diversity of ramen variations proposes the question: which is the best? Of course, I felt this question was up to me to answer, kicking off my mission to find who really has the best ramen in Omaha.
The journey began in my own home. Quick and easy ramen has become a household classic for lazy nights, as this dish is swiftly prepared and ready to enjoy.
In the end, I found myself gifting my brother the remains of my bowl and indulging in a sweet treat.
My next stop was Jinya Ramen Bar. Across town on 70th and Dodge, Jinya Ramen is a small yet elegant restaurant with kindly dimmed lights and a serene atmosphere. Their menu is grand and assorted with various cuisines, consisting of mini tacos, salads, divine appetizers, and of course, ramen.
Broth Battle
Their ramen was a spicy chicken soup with thin, al dente noodles, spinach, crunchy bean sprouts, and diced scallions.
Savory Journey
At Jinya Ramen Bar, their spicy chicken ramen features thin al dente noodles drenched in a rich, scarlet broth made with chicken and red peppers. The dish includes fresh spinach, crunchy bean sprouts, and diced scallions. Photograph contributed by Lucas Day
size of the dish.
After bringing four cups of water to a boil, I placed my Shin Noodles into a pot along with a packet of earthy red seasonings. Four minutes later with only minimal stirring, the ramen was ready to serve.
Ika San’s Plain Jane ramen is a rich, flavorful dish that includes roasted chicken, radish, citrus, and a perfectly cooked medium-boiled soy egg.
The scarlet-colored broth was delightfully fragrant, smelling of rich chicken and red peppers. The crunch of the bean sprouts and scallions, as well as the firmness of the noodles, all of which were drenched in the savory broth, brought the course to near perfection.
Even though there were areas that could’ve used improvement, Jinya Ramen was still scrumptious and rich and, in my opinion, ranked above Shin Noodles.
My final destination was Ika San, a welcoming, quaint place in Village Pointe. The menu was descriptive and wide, with several courses catching my eye as I searched.
Photograph contributed by Lucas Day
Before me, perfectly cooked noodles soaked in a mahogany broth. The vapors wafting from the steaming bowl carried delicate hints of red pepper and garlic that only enhanced my appetite.
The first bite consisted of perfectly cooked noodles and a rich and robust broth. The broth itself was beefy and salty with hints of subtle spice. The noodles were neither too thick nor too thin and offered just a dash of salt that wasn’t too overpowering. Altogether, the dish was delicious.
However, my opinion changed as I continued to eat. The flavors soon became repetitive. While the meal itself was adequate, it was deprived of any playful variety. Noodles and broth are both inherently delectable, but the consistent nature of the dish made it passionless and dull.
Of course, the price Shin Noodles presents cannot be ignored. At Costco, you can find 18 packages of noodles for merely 16 dollars, making each meal cost only about 89 cents.
On top of its cheap price, the dish takes a surprisingly short amount of time to make. Although Shin Noodles possesses a lack of quality and diversity in its dishes, it still presents itself as a viable option for late nights.
However, the meal had its faults. For starters, the details of the ramen stated the soup would be spicy whereas, in my opinion, it was not. Jinya’s signature
hot sauce and some flavorsome chili oil were a necessity to bring out the level of spice promised in the description.
Along with its insufficient spice, the noodles seemed slightly too thin for my liking. The noodles also lacked the pinch of saltiness the Shin Noodles had, and they were rather dry.
Finally, the price of the bowl. As Jinya is of higher quality, it’s expected you have to pay a little more. Nevertheless, the price of Jinya’s ramen is nearly 20 times the amount of Shin Noodles, with one bowl being $17.50.
Of course, you get your money’s worth. The immense size of the bowl forced me and my mom to split between ourselves. And even though we shared one meal, we still had some ramen and broth left over due to the sheer
The dish I ordered was called the Plain Jane, which wasn’t a very fitting name. The ramen contained a rich, flavorsome broth with radish, roasted chicken, scallions, citrus, and a medium-boiled soy egg. The noodles were perfectly firm and thick and absorbed the earthy broth.
Bowl Bliss
A simple homemade ramen begins with a spicy beef broth, seasoned with red pepper and garlic, paired with Shin noodles for a quick and easy meal.
Photograph contributed by Lucas Day
The chicken was well cooked and well-distributed in the dish, moist and soaked in the delicious soup. The egg was mediocre, but I’m surely biased due to my indifference to eggs. The swirling flavors and the sublime scents kept the food thrilling after each bite. It didn’t need any condiments to enhance the taste.
The price and size were relatively the same as Jinya’s Ramen Bar. The bowl of soup was heaping. However, no bit of this ramen was left to waste.
After careful consideration, taking into account the size, price, and quality of the ramen, I determined that Ika San at Village Pointe was the best ramen. Its prices and sizes were comparable to Jinya, however, its quality was superior in areas that Jinya was lacking. While Shin Noodles is easily accessible and convenient, its repetitive flavors and low-quality place it at the bottom of the list.
THE GAME CHANGE
A peek into the high school athletic transfer process and how it is changing the culture of high school sports across the state
MIA CASTRO Editor-In-Chief
Beads of sweat collect on junior football player Araf Evans Jr.’s forehead as the evening dusk sets over his silhouette on the field. He prepares to take on the demanding gameday football routine again, but this time something’s different.
The colors of his uniform are a bright blue and true green, not the deep purple and yellow he had grown accustomed to. The threaded words across his chest read “Mustangs” in all caps, not “Thunderbirds” like it used to. The only thing that stayed consistent was the number on his back, the lucky number 7.
Evans, who transferred from Bellevue West in early 2024, joined MN’s school community for a reason unique from the common student. “I followed Burrell over here… My dad and him are actually friends so I was able to talk to him about MN beforehand… I really like how he coaches and we had been talking for a while so I decided to make that change,” Evans said.
Head football coach Allen Burrell, who Evans was in contact with prior to his transfer, is also a recent newcomer. Starting at MN second semester of the 20232024 school year, Burrell took on the head football coach position, bringing along a new philosophy.
“I’ve always been more of an outside-the-box kind of guy… people have these expectations. You [spectators, fans] want coaches to produce, but you can’t produce without certain resources, right? That’s the way I see it.” Burrell said. “You can’t be elite without the right resources. You have to evolve or you evaporate.”
This assertive mindset, integrated with meaningful connections like the one Evans holds with Burell, is often the determining factor for student-athletes to make the switch for their athletic careers.
Additionally, with a growing emphasis on college recruiting, transfer culture is correspondingly more prevalent than ever.
Activities Director Keith Maly, who has served in the school system for over 15 years, reflects on the changes he has witnessed in the high school sports
scene over time.
“I started in Plattsmouth High School as an AD [Activities Director], and there, there weren’t a whole lot of kids that were being grabbed by other coaches to come to that school. It was really your neighborhood kids that attended the high school,” Maly said. “I think as you come back into the [Omaha] metro there’s a growing amount of competition and pressure between kids and coaches.”
“
Although Nebraska doesn’t disclose specific data about transfer rates, there is a lot of available information for the curious individual on the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) website.
The NSAA, the governing body of Nebraska high school activities, is responsible for creating and enforcing rules regarding transfer eligibility.
tration… not just because they’re good on the soccer field or the baseball field,” Maly said.
Maly additionally emphasizes that even if a student transfers, a spot on a MN athletic varsity team is never ensured.
“When you transfer here, there’s no guarantee you’re going to play… the one thing we will guarantee is that they [students] can not transfer and just think they have a spot because they transferred…” Maly said. “We want to instill in these kids that it’s going to take hard work and dedication to just maybe get a spot… you have to work for it, just like everything in life. Nothing is given.”
“...As you come back into the [Omaha] metro there’s a growing amount of competition and pressure between kids and coaches.”
KEITH MALY ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR “
In the NSAA’s Constitution & Bylaw’s section 2.7.8, the bylaw states that unless a student is put on the “May 1” list, a kind of “priority list”, then the student is “ineligible” for varsity-level athletics. They must sit out for 90 school days before they can play in a varsity game, match, or race.
In other words, this student could try out and practice with the varsity squad, but they aren’t allowed to play with the team in an NSAA-sanctioned competition until they’ve completed the 90 school days.
But there is a way around this. If students are registered on this May 1 list before May 1, transfer students are “immediately eligible in the fall at the Nebraska school to which they transfer.”
Even with this list, transferring is still not a simple process. Maly and the rest of the administration always ensure that any incoming transfer is a good fit for the school.
“We [administration] are looking for kids that first, are great students in the classroom, and second, are great people with our teachers, faculty, [and] adminis-
Jock Talk Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl?
Abby Barry “
The Chiefs have always been my team… because they’re the closest ones to us.
Cale Hemje Freshman
Well, I guess just not the Chiefs.They’re just overrated.They always like pay their refs and are bad. cause they suck.
Many, if not all, coaches echo this principle, which Maly and the rest of the administration work hard to underline for every athletic program.
“In the end of the day, everyone has to work the same… and when you prepare yourself, there shouldn’t be any pressure,” head football coach Allen Burell said.
Coaches and administrators alike agree this is a fair way to maintain equality across the board; this way, both traditional MN students and transfer-ins hold an equal opportunity to make a mark on their respective athletic programs.
Ultimately, the high school transfer process should be up to the student, or in this case, the student-athlete. As long as the correct rules are being followed and guidelines are being respected, there should be no reason why student-athletes shouldn’t be able to attend the schools of their choice.
Just like so many around students today are fixated on their “dream schools”, working diligently toward their visions of perfect lives and careers, these student-athletes are doing the same by taking their first steps toward college recruitment.
Macy Jensen Sophomore “
I’m a big Chiefs fan. I think it would be really cool to see a three peat since it’s never been done before.
THE FINAL HOOP
Senior Derek Rollins’s passion for basketball shines on and off the court
MAHDIS RIAZIKHAH
Opinions Editor up.
enior Derek Rollins isn’t just a basketball player—to his team, he’s the spark that ignites the court. With every pass, shot, and rebound, he brings a unique blend of his skill and heart to the game that’s as much passion as it is about bringing points to the scoreboard and winning.
Rollins and the varsity basketball team achieved many successes. In his freshman year, the team won the state championship, and during his junior year, they defeated Bellevue West for the first time in the last two years.
“I just recently broke 1,000 points and feel accomplished because only five other people have done that,” Rollins said.
His aggression, success on the varsity floor, and AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) career make him stand out. His work ethic and physicality set him apart from the rest as he continued to grow.
“One of his biggest strengths is his [Rollins’s] work ethic and the time he puts into his game on his own,” Coach Michael Etzelmiller said. “In the offseason, he will sometimes go to the gym 3-4 times a day. He is a very coachable player and strives to be his best version. Many don’t see the hours he puts in to be that version.”
Like Etzelmiller, senior Amari Rahaman, Rollins’ high school teammate, describes him as a hard worker and a great leader, pushing the team to be their very best through the game and keeping everyone’s spirits
“He brings positive energy all the time. He has to be loud and talkative to help us keep going during practices,” Rahaman said.
Rollins started playing basketball when he was 3 years old. His dad was his role model growing up, and watching him play drove him to love the sport.
“I like competitiveness, and I like to win. It [basketball] has helped build relationships with my teammates and helped me make long-term friends,” Rollins said.
Etzelmiller appreciates Rollins’ passion and enthusiasm for the game and considers him a great role model for everyone.
“I have three boys [sons] that adore him [Rollins] and the smile I see on Derek’s face and the smile he puts on my boy’s face is one thing I will always remember. He is an amazing role model for future Mustangs.”
Rollins first started playing at the YMCA, then joined a club team there throughout middle school.
“I feel like every game has been a pressure on me and I feel like I have just been building off every game that I play in,” Rollins said. “For time management it takes up my entire time but it’s what I want to do and it’s a passion of mine.”
Etzelmiller asks for feedback from college coaches on what Rollins needs to do to get to the highest level. A lot depends on his height and skill level.
“He is shooting over 44% from behind the arc, which is really good. He also leads our team in rebounding and blocks on the defensive end of the floor.” Etzelmill-
Baby Baller
Derek Rollins shares photos from his youth. Basketball has been huge in Rollins’s life from a young age. Photographs contributed by Derek Rollins
er said.
Rollins has received offers from Black Hills State University, University of Central Missouri, Fort Hays State University, and Kirk State University. However, he is still undecided about which school to attend.
“I knew I was going to be recruited but I knew the process would be difficult. Regardless of the outcome, I’m blessed with what I have,” Rollins said.
Soaring Shoot
Derek Rollins rises up against Millard West High School. Rollins dropped 30 points and eleven rebounds during the game.
Photograph by Katelyn Clausen
Etzelmiller contacted many different levels of schools, including prep schools, junior colleges, NAIA, D2, and D1 schools, that might be interested in him and other players.
“As a coaching staff, it is our job to create as many opportunities as possible for Derek and all our team basketball players,” Etzemiller said. “After creating the connections between the school and Derek, we want to help evaluate the school and their basketball program so our student-athletes can make a sound decision on where they want to continue their athletic and academic careers.”
This is Rollins’s last year playing basketball for Millard North. He wants to make this year memorable, even winning the state championship again.
“I want to try to win the state championship and have good team chemistry at the end of the season with everyone, and for the season to end with no regrets,” Rollins said.
Whether scoring 1,000 career points or leading his team to victory, Rollins’ career proves that success is not only about talent but also about heart, perseverance, and the willingness to work hard. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, his drive and determination will undoubtedly influence his path both on and off the court.
SUPER BOWL SHOWDOWN
History to be made in thrilling Super Bowl rematch
MATTHEW UM
Sports Editor
As two teams walk on to the field, they both know that this is it. After over 20 games across the season for each team, it will finally be decided which of the 32 teams in the NFL will win it all.
This year in New Orleans, the dominant Kansas City Chiefs and equally hot Philadelphia Eagles play to put a cap on a thrilling 2024 football season. In a rematch of Super Bowl LVII at the end of the 2022 season, both teams are hungry to face off and retake the Lombardi Trophy.
Junior Georgia Barton believes that the Kansas City Chiefs will be able to pull off a Super Bowl win.
“I’m feeling great. Third year in a row, couldn’t be happier,” Barton said.
Indeed, this is not only the third time the Chiefs have made it to the Super Bowl in three years, but also the fifth time in the last six. Now they look to win three straight Super Bowls, or “threepeat,” a feat never before achieved by a team in the NFL and sending them into uncharted territory.
While expressing some concern for the locked down Eagles defense, Barton believes that the Chiefs’s mentality will take them to the win.
“We have a lot of star players, who might not be stars by themselves, but when we come together we really have this team culture,” Barton said.
Freshman Jack Greening, a lifelong fan, is also enthusiastic about the Chiefs’s return to the Super Bowl.
“I’m really excited. We’re gonna get three in a row,” Greening said.
Greening also believes the star studded roster of the Chiefs will bring them a victory.
“We’re really good. We have Pacheco running in the backfield, and we’ve got Mahomes and Kelce,” Greening said.
However, the route hasn’t been easy. Pacheco, who was their lead running back, was out for most of the season, and injuries to receivers such as Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown kept the entire season an uphill battle. The returns of many injured players, however, has helped the Chiefs immensely.
“To be honest, during the regular season when we lost to the Bills, I did not think we were making it to the Super Bowl,” Greening said. “But I still had hope we we’re, and now we’re here.”
On the Eagles’s side, junior Daniel Castillo, who has supported them since birth, believes that they will ultimately win the Super Bowl. This would make it their second in franchise history after their win in Super Bowl LII against the Patriots in 2018.
“It’s amazing. I mean, it doesn’t happen very often. I’ve been very fortunate the Eagles have been good these past few years,” Castillo said.
On paper, the Eagles definitely have an incredibly talented roster that Castillo believes will be able to get the Eagles the Lombardi Trophy.
“We’ve got Saquon Barkley, A.J Brown, the best offensive line in the
Quarterback: Jalen Hurts
Running Back: Saquon
Barkley Defense Rank: 1
Chance of Winning the Super Bowl: 56.1%
Top Postseason Reciever: Dallas Goedert
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league, a shut-down defense, and Zach Vaughan,” Castillo said.
The Eagles arguably made the greatest move in the offseason by trading for running back Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants. Barkley has become the focal point for the offense, breaking 2,000 rushing yards during the regular season and proving himself nearly unstoppable.
“At the beginning it was a little rough. But starting at Week 6, we turned it around,” Castillo said.
The Eagles defense has also proved itself a force to be reckoned with. The overall number one in the league, the Eagles have a top ten defense in all categories and the number one passing defense in the entire league, making for a challenge for Patrick Mahomes and the revitalized Chiefs offense.
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Castillo also expresses admiration for the Chiefs players and head coach Andy Reid, who has rebuilt the team into the Super Bowl winning dynasty that they now are.
“He [Mahomes] has won several MVPs. You can’t say he’s a bad quarterback. And I have a lot of respect for Andy Reid. He used to be our coach in the 2000s,” Castillo said.
With two powerhouse teams, this Super Bowl is set to be one to stand in history. The Chiefs seek to make history with an unprecedented three-peat, while the Eagles look to avenge their Super Bowl LVII loss and reclaim glory. One team will leave as champions, while the other will face heartbreak. No matter the outcome, the fans are in for an unforgettable showdown.
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes
Running Back: Isiah Pacheco
Defense Rank: 9
Chance of Winning the Super Bowl: 43.9%
Top Postseason Reciever: Travis Kelce