THE HOOFBEAT
SUPERB START
Freshman’s striking swimming start Page #18
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Find everything you need for the perfect holiday season! pages 2 and 3
Illustration by Brady Bredenkamp
THE ULTIMATE WINTER WONDERLAND GUIDE
SNOW MUCH TO DO
KAI PAVLOVA Staff Writer
itter cold air, early sunsets, and changing leaves can only mean one thing: winter is coming.
With the holidays quickly approaching, Omaha has many options, whether you want to go out into the cold or stay cozy inside.
If you’re looking for something cozy to do, Marcus Majestic Cinema and other theaters in town are showing two new releases: “Red One” and “Best Christmas Pageant Ever”.
“Red One” features Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans and is an action-packed comedy movie, while “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a family-friendly comedy.
For many, the holidays also consist of curling up in the comfort of their homes with warm blankets, and snacks, and watching classics like “Elf”, “Home Alone”,
More Fun at Heartwood Preserve
Live DJ Fridays:
Ice skaters will enjoy holiday and party music favorites courtesy of a live DJ from 7-10 pm. each Friday along with festive themed-hot chocolate and mocktail beverages from Midwest Mixers for purchase.
Community Stage Saturdays:
The Winterland Community Stage will host memorable holiday performances from schools and community groups from noon to 3 pm each Saturday.
Sundays with Santa:
To capture the joyous holiday spirit, Santa will be available for photos, story time, as well as arts and crafts from 1-4 pm each Sunday.
and “The Polar Express”.
These nostalgic films can transport people back to their childhood and can be a perfect escape from the cold outside, especially paired with steaming hot cocoa and treats like classic Danish butter cookies or cranberry scones.
Looking for somewhere to go outside to embrace the cold? Marking its debut on December 1st, Heartwood Preserve is a new outdoor ice skating rink that will be open daily until its departure on January 5th.
Whether you are just learning how to skate or are an expert, the rink offers free 90-minute ice skating lessons and free skate.
If you’re searching for something more artsy and less holiday-specific, the Kiewit Luminarium has also newly opened its “GLOW” exhibition. This interactive experience explores the wonders of light.
The exhibit features immersive art installations and explores the light spectrum.
The holidays are the perfect opportunity to stop, reflect, and savor the special moments with your loved ones that make this time of year just that magical.
From cozy movies to ice skating lessons, Omaha has something for everyone in the family to make memories that will last a lifetime this holiday season.
Skating into the Holidays
Join WINTERLAND at Heartwood Preserve to celebrate the holidays! It will be a holiday ice-skating rink open to the public daily through January 5th.
Location: South of 144th and Dodge at 301 N. 145th Street.
Parking: There will be free parking between Canopy and Dewey Avenues on 145th Street.
Reservations: While reservations are encouraged, a limited number of walk-up skaters will be accomodated on a first-come, first-serve basis during each session. Make reservations at https://heartwoodomaha. com/winterland/
SEARCHING FOR SWEET TREATS
KAI PAVLOVA Staff Writer
Looking for yummy holiday drinks and treats after skating? From peppermint lattes to scones, look no further than Zen Coffee Company and Stories Coffee.
Located at South 133rd Plaza, Zen Coffee Company has hot chocolate, Chai Tea Lattes, Peppermint White Mocha Matcha, a Sugar Cookie Latte, and the option to add Red Velvet Cold Foam.
A classic, rich and creamy hot chocolate can easily warm someone up and uplift their spirits. Meanwhile, the Sugar Cookie latte feels like a holiday dessert in a drink, its sweet, sugary flavor and charming visual execution is the cherry on top.
Additionally, Zen Coffee has introduced a Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired drink flight this winter season.
For the Pumpkin King, Zen has a Tuxedo with Pumpkin Cold Foam, for Sandy Claws, a Peppermint White Mocha Matcha with Red Velvet Cold Foam, and for Deadly Nightshade, a Butterfly Tea layered over Lavender Blue Lotus. Last but not least, for the Boogieman: a Salted Caramel Pistachio Latte with Caramel Driz.
But the treats don’t stop there, Stories Coffee, just off 156th and Dodge or at its anterior location on Dav-
enport Street, has a vast holiday selection. They sell holiday donut holes, peppermint scones, Peppermint Mochas, White Mocha Chai, and a Nutella Latte.
The classic Peppermint Latte has dark chocolate mocha sauce, pepper mint, and espresso steamed with milk.
The White Mocha Chai includes hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, white chocolate syrup, and steamed milk.
Lastly, Stories is transforming the exte rior of its 114th and Daven port location into a professional photo with Santa. It will be held on Wednesday, Dec 11, from 11 am-1 pm, perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re in the mood for something warm and cozy, chilled, or sweet, these cozy coffee shops’ holiday drinks and treats are worth stopping by and checking out.
DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD
KAI PAVLOVA Staff Writer
The holidays are the season of giving, but what if you were to give back to the community with your gifts?
Oprah Daily has a list of over 60 gifts that give back to great causes. The range is endless, whether you want to buy someone jewelry or kitchenware.
Gifts that give back are a newer concept but are growing in popularity. These presents significantly appear to increase awareness of social issues and environmental impacts.
For example, Williams Sonoma partners with No Kid Hungry, and the purchase of one of their spatulas also means you’re working to end child hunger.
Another example is the beaded tracking bracelets the Henry Doorly Zoo sells that are linked to an animal in the wild. The purchase of this bracelet helps support animal welfare and safety.
Lastly, the brand Conscious Step sells socks that give back to all kinds of different causes.
They have versions that save the lives of the LGBTQ community, protect our oceans and national parks, support mental health, donate books, and many more.
Additionally, if you want to donate this holiday season, the Salvation Army is always looking for donated winter hats, gloves, socks, and coats.
Overall, there is so much good you can do during the holidays, so go out there and do something for someone you love.
Guide to Giving budget items
If you’re a little forgetful or broke (or both!), look for items like:
• DIY kits
• Cozy socks
• Handmade soaps and bath salts
• Something thrifted from a local store
New Year, New Moments
Looking for a celebratory way to spend your New Years?
“Noon Year’s Eve” at the Durham
• Live music from Dino O’Dell and the T-rex All Stars
• Bubble Wrap Stomp
• Noon Balloon Drop
“Bubbly New Year’s Eve Party”
• Bubble shows and crafts
• Hosted by the Omaha Children’s Muesam
• Bubble drops throughout the day
New Years Eve Sunset Hike
• Guided sunset hike through the Loess Hills
• Learn about the park with the Hitchcock Nature Center environmental team
• Get in touch with your nature side before the New Year
luxury gifts giftsfor giving personal presents
If you’re looking to put a little extra thought into your gift, find ideas like:
• Engraved jewelry
• Photo books
• Custom illustrations
• Monogrammed items
• Photograph-covered blankets
For someone special in your life, the splurge on these is worth it!
• Designer accessories
• Gourmet gift boxes
• Tech gadgets
• Leather wallets
• Branded handbags
Give back to the community this holiday season with things like:
• Donations to local shelters
• Bell-ringing for the Salvation Army
• Organize a gift-giving event or fundraiser for those less fortunate than you
CHECKMATE AND CHECK-MATES
A look into how Chess Club’s constructive, positive community prepares competitors for intense matches while creating lasting friendships
LUCAS DAY
Staff Writer
riginating in the India’s Gupta Dynasty during the sixth century, chess has always been a game of strategy and wits. Each move is a calculated play to eliminate opponent pieces and eventually conquer the king.
Through a series of strategic and clever matches, high school players involved in chess demonstrate their skills in tournaments against various schools in highstakes competitions.
In one of the most recent of these matches, MN competed against Lewis Central in an action-packed contest. The match ended in a win for Millard North, beating Lewis Central by a landslide.
However, the match against Lewis Central is only one of many that go towards securing a win at the Metro Tournament, and later, the State Tournament.
“Our win against Lewis Central was a key milestone toward winning the Metro Tournament,” Chess Club sponsor Jim Stromberg said.
Winning the Metro Tournament isn’t a far-fetched dream for this team of top-notch competitors. MN has won the tournament for the past seven years in a row and the team is striving towards winning again.
A Business of the Best
Although chess is a game played by and 8.2 million people worldwide, only a selection of these players have attained the highest possible title a chess player can win. A Chess Grandmaster, once recognized, maintains this title for life. There are 1721 Grandmasters alive today.
Source: International Chess Federation
The Metro Tournament isn’t where the competition stops either because from there Chess Club competitors move on to competing in the Nebraska State Tournament.
While the number of state tournaments has been sporadic in recent years due to COVID-19, when held, MN has remained steady champions for eight years running. Each chess match won, regardless of size or importance, goes towards keeping the title.
While this group of adept thinkers can often bring home the gold, to call it easy is an understatement. Each week they meet to enhance their skills and play through perplexing scenarios that may occur.
Every single match on the road to State requires an almost painstaking strategy to secure a win. The atmosphere is quiet yet tense, and thrilling for those who understand the subtler aspects of the game.
“There’s a focused energy that you just can’t find anywhere else,” Stromberg said. Everybody gathers to watch masters of the game compete.”
Junior Suthej Kashyap is one of these masters and one of MN’s strongest competitors.
“I thought that generally, as a
team and personally, we all played well [at the Lewis Central tournament],” Kashyap said.
Kashyap has been a part of the club since his freshman year, but has been playing the game for much longer than that.
“[I started at] probably about six or seven. My brother was really into it, and he beat me a lot. I wanted to beat him... I really like winning.” Kashyap said.
Kashyap highly values the victory aspect of chess, as he is another one of MN’s top competitors. Kashyap works diligently to hone his strategic skills in order to help procure the win.
However, not everyone shares this same sentiment in Chess Club. Plenty of players come purely for the community and enjoyment the game brings.
Chess acts as a meeting point between all sorts of lifestyles and people, giving them a shared interest and hobby regardless of how competitive, or non-competitive, they wish to be.
Junior David Olson was originally only interested in chess due to the game’s compelling appearance.
“Honestly, it just looked cool,” Olson said. “I enjoyed looking in and watching games, that was fun. But now that I’m playing chess a lot more, I absolutely love the people here. I love the community.”
As his love for the community grew, so did his love for the game. Olson now competes in tournaments and was a key competitor in against Lewis Central.
“It was my first actual game competing, so that felt nice for me. We also won 5-0, which always feels good,” Olson said.
Through practices and competitions, Chess Club has worked diligently to build this atmosphere that cultivates comradery and positivity. The club meets in room 2613 once a week to sharpen each other’s skills, provide feedback and experience, and simply have a good time.
In Chess Club, you can find a mix of masters and novices, upperclassmen with underclassmen, and those looking for competition and those looking for recreation. The club disregards differences and expertise, uniting under a common interest: their love for chess.
An avid chess player himself, Chess Club sponsor Jim Stromberg loves having the club meet in his classroom once a week. He enjoys watching them grow and have fun together.
“I love seeing them challenge themselves to improve with each game. Most of the time they don’t even realize they are helping each other out,” Stromberg said.
This acclaimed club embraces all, whether you hope to compete in matches and tournaments, make some friends, or learn a little about the game of chess, Chess Club offers a place for everyone to fit in.
Chess Club isn’t just about competition and highstakes games of chess; it’s about a community that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Checking Out Chess
Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced veteran, understandig how chess pieces move in a match is vital to becoming a chess master. like some of the members of MN’s chess community.
Source: United States Chess Federation
• Moves one square in any direction
• 1 King per player
• Moves diagonally in a straight line
• 2 Bishops per player
• 2 Rooks per player Rook
• Moves horizontally and vertically in a straight line
• 1 Queen per player Queen
• Moves any number of squares in any direction, combining the qualities of the Rook and Bishop
• 2 Knights per player Knight
• Moves two squares in one direction and one square perpendicular, in an “L” shape
• 8 Pawns per player Pawn
• Moves one or two squares directly forward
‘TIS THE SEASON TO GO TO CLASS
Administration pilots a new holiday rewards initiative to increase student engagement
RHEA JAIN
Staff Writer
n a push to increase attendance and overall student engagement in the last weeks of the first semester, administration has promoted a new way to prompt students to get to class.
This system’s objective is to “help students who are on the fence about attending class make the decision to come,” principal Aaron Bearinger said.
From Nov. 11th to Dec. 18th, Jingle All the Way to Class will reward students with zero tardies and zero absences, who will then be entered to win a prize each week or a grand prize at the end of Jingle All the Way to Class.
“This new system won’t be used to crack down on or enforce stricter attendance guidelines, but it is to incentivize students,” Bearinger said.
Based on school records, overall attendance levels fall between 1-1.5% as the semester goes on. Yet the months leading up to the end of the semester take the sharpest decline.
“November and December can be tougher months with the changes in weather, time, and amounts of classwork,” Bearinger said.
“Jingle All the Way to Class shines the light on the idea that human nature tends to focus on the few who aren’t doing what they are supposed to be doing [being tardy/truant] and this is a way to counteract that focus on the negative and its outcomes,” science teacher David McEnaney said.
By highlighting the kids who consistently attend class on time, teachers and administrators hope to encourage others to follow their example.
One of the first students to win Jingle All the Way to Class was sophomore Lily Sanow. She won a digital camera for her stellar attendance rates.
By being seen for my hard work I think that a lot of other students will also want to participate...
“
LILY SANOW SOPHOMORE
Teachers will continue to take attendance as normal, with one change. Every Monday a winner from each grade will receive a prize for their stellar weekly attendance from the pool of students who were present and on time during the week.
By playing on two of the biggest motivators of this time of year, holiday music lyrics and presents, administrators hope this new idea will help curb the decline in attendance rates.
This program may seem to target the “troublesome” students who skip class but many teachers, students, and parents believe that this program will benefit the responsible, rarely-tardy peers.
Responsibility Rewards
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20 people hurt in Central Omaha apartment complex fire (Dec. 11)
“I had a lot of people congratulate me,” Sanow said. “By being seen for my hard work I think that a lot of other students will also want to participate in this.”
Although Jingle All the Way to Class has been met with positive and encouraging comments, many individuals remain unconvinced about the actual impact of this program.
“The kids who will be motivated to win a prize are probably the kids who go to class on time every day,” Spanish teacher Shaun Hoover said.
Hoover also points out that this program may motivate the underclassmen over the upperclassmen.
“Overall, I am probably a bit more skeptical than hopeful with Jingle All the Way to Class,” Hoover said.
With the delicate balance between reasonable optimism and honest uncertainty, Jingle All the Way to Class has connected these ideas. The initiative has prompted a new system to motivate students to attend class and represents a stronger emerging culture of responsibility and care for one’s education, consistent with MN’s reputation of academic excellence.
Winner, Winner
Selected prizes in hand, Jingle All The Way To Class winners Junior Trevor Pecha and Senior Calista Nelson pose with administrators Amber Ripa, Theresa Rude, and Susan Marlatt. Jingle All The Way To Class winners can choose between an Owala water bottle and a digital camera. At the end of the program, the grand prize will be something “more valuable”, according to principal Aaron Bearinger. Photographs contributed by Aaron Bearinger
Nebraska football reportedly hiring new defensive coordinator, associate head coach, and defensive line coach (Dec. 10)
NATIONAL NEWS
Luigi Mangione charged with murdering United Healthcare CEO (Dec. 10) Chinese national arrested for photographing Vandenberg Space Force Base with drone (Dec. 10)
WORLD NEWS
Israel invades Syria, rapidly closes in on its border (Dec. 9)
Thousands flee Malibu “Franklin” wildfire (Dec. 11)
NEW ADVISORS WITH NEW HORIZONS
With new leadership, DECA continues to excel in competitions, fostering a fun and inclusive environment
SUMANAS REDDY MARAM Staff Writer
or Millard North’s DECA chapter, the rhythm of collaboration and competition begins long before the first event or tournament of the year. Dedicated to career readiness, the club helps students excel in various business sectors, making its mark through leadership and innovation.
The organization is one of the largest in MN and has impacted hundreds of students throughout its time at MN. Yet, this school year marks a change for DECA, one that celebrates its rich history, but also signals an era of growth.
When DECA’s previous advisor, Allison Goodman, left the school last year, the organization needed someone to take on the position. New teacher Jacobi and veteran teacher Ryan Foehlinger took on the job and now serve as the organization’s new advisors.
“Being a new teacher at MNHS, DECA gives me the opportunity to connect with business students outside the classroom and foster a positive relationship. I have always enjoyed preparing students for competitions,” new DECA advisor Trent Jacobi said.
A Common Misconception
What does DECA stand for? DECA, named in 1948, used to stand for Distributive Education Clubs of America. Distributive Education was the traditional name for business education when DECA was first founded. DECA kept the name because hanging the name entirely could have taken away from the recognition and trust it had built over decades.
Source: Georgia DECA
The advisors hope to build on DECA’s strong foundation while bringing in new ideas and fresh energy to elevate the organization.
DECA Domination
220,000 join DECA each year
23,000 members attend the International Career Development Conference, DECA’s most important competition of the year
Source: DECA
“I see my role as both a mentor and facilitator. My job is to create opportunities for students to lead, collaborate, and innovate. DECA is a student-driven organization, so I focus on supporting their ideas, providing guidance, and ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed,” Jacobi said.
The advisors have been working
with the current leadership team to learn the ins and outs of running a successful chapter. Seniors Raylie Hollingsworth and Akhil Bettadapura, Co-Presidents of the school chapter, have taken charge of guiding the advisors.
“Last year, I could take a back seat and trust that our advisors knew what they were doing, while this year, we have two new advisors who came in knowing very little about DECA and how to run a whole chapter,” Hollingsworth said.
It isn’t just the leadership team that has strived to welcome the DECA newcomers, the whole chapter has come together with the common goal of making this transition as smooth as possible.
“Students have responded very well to the leadership change. A majority of our members this year are new to the club, and we have ensured that their experience remains the same as previous years. The veteran members have been very helpful in acquainting the new advisors to the club,” Bettadapura said.
While this change has created a new dynamic and motivation for DECA, it’s clear that the organization will continue to provide opportunities for students and will still be in full drive to help students excel during their preparations and actual competitions.
“Even with the change in leadership, I think that we’ll be able to continue our competitive success from previous years and even expand on it,” Bettadapura said. “We have continued to host biweekly competition prep sessions in order to ensure that they are ready to succeed.”
By combining extensive preparations with efforts to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere, DECA aims to keep students engaged through a well-rounded experience.
“This year we are trying our hardest to be inclusive and fun. We have always had success on DECA’s competition side, so we wanted to focus more on our networking side this year. We are planning outings and socials such as going to Valas for all members to attend,” Hollingsworth said.
DECA’s competition strategies are clearly effective, especially when it comes to preparing students for the International Career Development Conference each year. It’s these accomplishments that unify the team and make leading DECA extremely enjoyable.
“Seeing students grow in confidence and develop their skills has been incredibly rewarding. Watching them step outside their comfort zones, whether it’s presenting at competitions or leading a meeting. I am happy to be a part of their journey,”
Jacobi said.
This dedication to fostering student growth aligns with the aspirations for the organization’s future. It reflects a shared vision for encouraging students to achieve gratitude and excellence.
“I believe Millard North DECA will continue to make a great name for itself and hopefully continue at the rate it has been for the last couple of years,” Hollingsworth said.
Overall, the shared commitment to student growth and organizational success ensures a new era for Millard North DECA, one with a continued legacy of excellence and more impact than ever.
In Their Suit and Tie Sophomore Grace Altman, Senior Josie DeNourie, and Junior Meruni Are hold their Top 8 certificates at the Omaha Central DECA Invite on Nov. 9. It was these new members’ first competition.
As DECA’s first competition of the year, the Central Invite was especially exciting for new DECA members.
Photograph contributed by Josie DeNourie
GRADING OUR GRADE SYSTEM
Shifting from a 7-point to a 10-point grading scale will be beneficial for MN students
THE HOOFBEAT
Staff Editorial
As the semester wraps up, a familiar foe returns to haunt students and teachers across MN alike. Choruses of pleas and tears fill the halls as teachers enter final semester grades. And they wouldn’t be complete without the most dreaded annual tradition: rounding.
Students cautiously enter their teachers’ rooms, with reluctant hope for a better grade. With their percentages on the unique seven-point grading scale implemented by Millard Public Schools, they wish for the elusive opportunity to maintain the grades they hope for.
But it is a strange situation that many students across the country never have to experience. Our district’s arbitrary grading scale makes life increasingly difficult for students.
While most high schools use a 10-point grading scale, meaning an ‘A’ is any percentage between 90 and 100, our district has implemented a 7-point one, in which just percentages between 93-100 are considered an ‘A’.
These scales are functionally equivalent, yet the small difference of 3 percentage points for a desired grade can generate significant heartbreak for our district’s students.
Millard is once again discussing a switch to a 10-point grading scale, and it’s time we actually go through with it because it will benefit both students and teachers.
A key reason for making the switch is to better prepare students for college. According to a May
What do you think about Millard’s 7-point grading scale and how do you feel about switching to a 10-point scale?
2023 Harvard Graduate School of Education article, nearly all universities across the United States implement a variation of the 10-point grading scale.
It seems out-of-place for a district that prioritizes college preparation not to align its grading standards with the structure in most higher education institutions.
Furthermore, it is counterproductive to hold middle and high school students to higher standards than they will be held accountable for in college.
While some might argue that this grading system is responsible for Millard’s numerous educational achievements and rigorous academic standards, this can easily be disproved by examining other districts across the state.
High schools across Lincoln Public Schools, Westside School District, and Papillion La-Vista Schools all implement a version of a 10-point grading system.
These schools all maintain similar educational standards to Millard and perform at a similar level on state-wide tests, receiving similar distinctions from the Nebraska Department of Education.
Implementing this shift will not only benefit students by better preparing them for higher education but also benefit students who might be struggling with their courses.
Specifically, by lowering the grade required to pass from 69% to 60%, students who simply are trying to get through their classes will be able to achieve their goals without as much stress.
This change will additionally be beneficial for
students’ mental health, as they won’t have to overstress about gaining a few more percentage points just to get the grade they desire.
It will also benefit teachers by moving away from the rounding system that many feel pressured to use, allowing students to receive the grades they earn.
Another important factor to consider is equity. The current 7-point grading scale disproportionately impacts students from underprivileged backgrounds who may face additional challenges outside of school.
These students often struggle to meet the higher thresholds required for each grade under Millard’s grading scale, placing them at a disadvantage compared to peers in districts using a 10-point scale.
By adopting a more lenient grading system, Millard can help level the playing field and provide all students with a fairer chance to succeed.
This step aligns with the district’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners.
Ultimately, adopting a 10-point grading scale is a win-win for students and teachers alike. It fosters a more supportive learning environment, aligns with the realities of higher education, and reduces unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
The time for Millard Public Schools to make this change is now. Doing so will ensure the district continues to uphold its reputation for academic excellence while prioritizing the well-being of its community.
Sophomore
think it’s inefficient. An 84 is a good grade, but it’s a 3, so it makes you feel bad. Switching to a 10-point scale will help people feel more confident.
Hannah Ehrenberg Junior
I think it’s a good scale and I like getting good grades. Switching to a 10-point scale would help athletes get their work done.
Antonio Johnson Senior
I think it would be beneficial. I know a lot of schools do that. It would help becuase a 92.5 adds a lot more stress.
Rai Cowardin
Senior
I don’t love it. It feels really demanding to get an A. Switching to a 10-point grading scale would help me focus on other things, rather than school all the time.
By Lydia Harlow
Rosie Scherbarth
EDITORIAL CARTOON
BODY SHAMING KNOWS NO BORDERS
As body shaming- continues becoming increasingly normalized worldwide, how does it harm young women and men?
gaze at my reflection in the mirror. Stretch marks litter my stomach. I feel eyes drilling holes into my skin. A faint whisper in my ear echoes, “Fat.” I feel as if a black hole sucked me in, and I can’t get out. I replay that word over and over in my head.
Throughout my childhood, I was bodyshamed by classmates and relatives on my mom’s side. For years, I struggled with my insecurity, constantly staring at myself in the mirror, stressing about my weight, and wishing I had the “perfect” body.
By 17 nearly 80% of females hate their bodies as stated by Cultursmag.
Body shaming happens worldwide and is normalized in society and in many cultures. Body shaming stems from societal expectations and cultural norms reinforced by media, advertising, beauty standards, entertainment industries, etc.
etc. commented on my mom’s weight gain. They offered unsolicited advice, suggesting she eat less, go to the gym more, and follow specific diets.
Hearing these comments made me uncomfortable, but my mom didn’t seem to mind them. I overheard my mom’s relatives discussing my weight with her. They probably thought I did not understand Farsi, but I did.
Even when I’m not in Iran, during video chats with my grandma, the comments and questions about my weight never end. Sometimes she asks if I lost weight, other times, she asks if I gained weight.
Some days, I ignore them, forcing a smile. On other days, I give the phone to my mom and retreat to the solitude of my room, letting the floodgates open as tears course down my cheeks when the weight of it all becomes too heavy to bear. Whenever I ask my mom why my grandma and her relatives are obsessed with mentioning our weight, she always says that Iranians are like that in nature and do that because they love us and what is best for us.
The amount of men who went through body image disatisfication trippled from 15% to 45% in the last 15 years.
Many people don’t realize their derogatory comments are harmful, due to people internalizing cultural beauty standards. Hence, they view their harsh comments as constructive criticism, concern for their health, or “helpful” advice. It could look like this: “You would look so much better if you went to the gym,” or “You look as thin as a stick, you should eat more.”
My family and I frequently visit Iran to see relatives. What was supposed to be a relaxing trip quickly turned into a nightmare.
My mom’s mother, cousins, aunts, brother,
According to Bradley University, more cultures prefer thinness over larger bodies due to globalization, colonization, and the spread of Western media.
By the age of 10, 81% of girls develop a fear of becoming fat.
Social media, Movies, TV shows, and entertainment industries in many countries reinforce negative stereotypes about certain body types frequently. People with larger bodies are often depicted as lazy, unhealthy, unattractive, or as comic relief. Meanwhile, those who possess the ideal body are glorified even if underweight, are glorified and portrayed as beautiful and healthy. Health can exist in various body sizes. When the media fails to present a diversity of body types, it reinforces the idea that only one kind of body is associated with health and beauty and that this particular body type is the only one worth celebrating.
Women are more likely to be securitized over their appearance compared to men. Cultural expectations of masculinity and femininity can make people feel inadequate if they don’t follow those ideals. Women are expected to maintain a certain body type while men are ridiculed for being too slim or lacking muscle mass.
When raising awareness about body shaming, males are often overlooked.
According to child psychologist Lisha Chheda, kids between the ages of 10 and 11 develop an idea of what their bodies should look like.
Cultures often have strict ideals about what is considered attractive and acceptable. In some cultures, thinness is highly prioritized leading to body shaming of heavier people. In other cultures, heavier bodies are seen as a sign of wealth, and slimmer people may be stigmatized. This creates cultural pressure to conform to these ideals, leading to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem for those who do not meet these established standards as stated by Bradley University.
According to a study by Bradley University, men usually are quieter in their body insecurities compared to women due to shame and embarrassment if they don’t have that ideal perfect body.
It has been integrated into men that they can’t show emotion, with phrases like “Man up, stop crying like a girl” causing them to suppress their feelings and not speak out about their insecurities.
The normalization of body shaming reflects a deep societal failure to embrace diversity and self-acceptance. To break free from this cycle, beauty must be redefined to include all shapes and sizes and create environments where every body type is celebrated. Only then can we foster a society where self-love and acceptance become the true markers of beauty.
Source: Cultured Mag
MAHDIS RIAZIKHAH Co-Opinions Editor
High Risk, Little Reward
Evolution of academic dishonesty and its implications on student morality and success
Photo by Argyrenia Pipinos
CHEATING THE SYSTEM
Unraveling why students cheat, their internal motivations, and the deception behind it all
TEJA SRIDHER
Co-Opinions Editor
f there is one thing high schoolers are no strangers to, it’s the ongoing pressure of academics, sports, and social interactions. At times, students can feel overwhelmed by these different activities, leading them to resort to deceptive shortcuts such as cheating.
More than ever, with the introduction of artificial intelligence, cheating has been more prevalent than ever before.
This can lead to students being unable to understand the concept being taught while relying on outside sources to get them their grades.
According to the magazine, Psychology Today, several different external motivations influence students to continue their cheating spree. Some motives include the desire to get a good grade, while also having the underlying feeling that “everyone is doing it so cheating must be okay”.
Sophomore James Wilson* believes that cheating is a common issue present throughout classrooms.
“I think students cheat so much because they have a lot going on, and there simply isn’t enough time for them to thoroughly study everything they need to. There are teachers who test students on things they haven’t learned in class. As a result, students have to do a lot of their learning at home,” Wilson* said.
Source: ProctorEdu
Fabrication:
Creating information in order to support a hypothesis, theory, or overall research.
• Stating data in an experiment when those results did not occur
• Exaggerating or minimizing effect to support a theory
For students, the most important thing is to get a good grade in their designated classes, however, for teachers, cheating is much more difficult to process, as their job is to make sure this doesn’t happen.
IB Psychology teacher, Mark Hewitt, has had several experiences with students cheating, noting that as their internal motivations overtake their true morals, students will be more susceptible to cheating.
“I think there are a ton of different possible motivations. They fear failing, the reaction of parents, or what might happen to their GPA, or their entire future. And in that moment, those things likely outweigh the risk of being caught,” Hewitt said.
For teachers especially, the challenge of understanding why students would cheat after being caught is unclear. Desensitivity to this issue may be a key reason.
“It’s always hard to imagine why students would cheat once they have been caught. But I would imagine that for certain students the risk of being caught is outweighed by the certainty in their mind that they will get a bad grade if they don’t cheat,” Hewitt said. “Also, from my experience, students seem to believe teachers have no idea how to spot cheating, whether it be a phone, notes, etc.”
More than ever, society has been trying to find a
• Leaving out significant information from an event when presenting to others (research)
way to prevent cheating, as it has been taken to far extents at times. Students, staff, and administration all have different ideas on how to prevent this ongoing problem.
Junior Ryan Smith* believes that time management is a key reason students cheat.
“We could prevent this by giving students more time to grasp the information and suggesting learning tactics or strategies. Also, make sure the information on the test is actually on the notes,” Smith* said.
Staff, on the other hand, are trying to take approaches to prevent students from cheating in their classes.
“It’s hard to say whether students are cheating more these days, but it sometimes feels like it. I think technology has provided more opportunities to cheat, so it may just come down to ease and availability. I often try to make tests and assessments paper-based still as a way to counter cheating when I can,” Hewitt said. “But technology has also given us a chance to catch cheating in ways that we couldn’t before, so for certain subjects and types of work I would bet that cheating has actually declined.”
With advancements regarding the prevention of cheating in our school systems, providing support to students while fostering integrity is critical for change.
A Shortcut to the Subtypes
Defining academic dishonesty and its key components
Academic Dishonesty:
Compromising ethics in order to achieve a desired result, typically in research results, schooling, and educational areas.
Plagiarism:
Using the work of others without citations or consent, especially when copied verbatim.
• Writing exact text from an author without providing a source
*Name has been changed
Cheating:
Using outside material in order to complete a task that prohibited any additional resources
• Using scratch paper with information on a test
• Conferring with classmates during an exam
• Utilizing the Internet to search for answers
Centers on efficient note taking methods and supplies needed for success
Relaxing background music to aid focus and present calm space to study
Combat the Cycle
YouTube resources designed to help build study skills and strengthen work ethic
Revision templates, note guides, and study routines
Extrinsic Motivation
• Achieve results based on external desires
• Focuses on outside circumstances, people, and events
• Increases likelihood of cheating
Science backed techniques, focused on research to prevent forgetting curve
Intrinsic Motivation
• Achieve results based on internal desires
• Focuses on self-improvement and individual effort
• Decreases likelihood of cheating
Weighing the Factors
Main reasons for academic cheating *Survey of
Thomas Frank
Ali Abdaal Studyquill
Merve
THE CHEATING CONUNDRUM
How academic dishonesty has changed over time in the eyes of MN teachers
GRACE EVERT Staff Writer
very student can recall a memory associated with the word “cheating”. Whether they witnessed cheating, were themselves the perpetrator, or received the warning speech that many students are familiar with, cheating is an unfortunate aspect of education.
As is true of everything in the modern world, cheating continues to take new forms year by year. Recently, the impact of the pandemic and AI have completely changed the concept of academic dishonesty and have presented an unforeseen curveball for schools. Despite this, the objective of education remains the same.
“Academic honesty is the core of education. We are trying to measure what you know. You get what you earn, and that requires hard work,” Math Department Head Aaron Harding said.
But what is academic dishonesty? Often, the line can be blurry, as the definition looks different between schools, programs, and other institutions.
“IB defines academic dishonesty as presenting work that is not yours as if it were, or not giving credit where credit is due. Because IB is global, they have to think not just about American culture, but every culture,” IB coordinator Rhonda Betzold said.
Betzold became the IB coordinator just one week before the COVID-19 pandemic began, so she can clearly see the changes the pandemic has brought about surrounding cheating.
“COVID-19 did a number on a lot of kids because they were able to cheat and therefore did not learn. People say this all the time, that when you cheat you
only cheat yourself. When you start to cheat, you don’t learn what you need to learn and then it snowballs. Before you know it, you have to cheat to succeed,” Betzold said.
Although the pandemic may feel like far-removed history for some, its effects will continue to be felt for years. The complete change in the learning process during that time shifted how students viewed academic honesty and failure.
“We learn a lot through not just failure, but we learn a lot through making mistakes. And if you don’t make an honest mistake, you don’t know where your weaknesses are,” Betzold said.
As for more recent developments in the world of education, artificial intelligence (AI) is a headline topic. Because it is so robust and integrated into all technology, it is impossible to pinpoint cheating through AI to one specific source.
“With AI, cheating is very accessible. Also, you add in all the demands on students these days with sports, activities, and work; students have less time to devote to their studies. This puts more pressure on students to use easy ways of getting things done,” Social Studies Department Head Brad Edmundson said.
While Harding shared AI is less prevalent in math classes, it has a greater prevalence in English and history classes. AI can complete time-consuming writing-based assignments in fractions of the time a student would take to complete the assignment.
“From the IB’s perspective, they’re not against AI. That would be like being against Google. The question we have as instructors is, how do I teach you to use AI
Reduce The Risk
to help you learn and not to replace learning with pretending something’s not your own,” Betzold said.
Both Betzold and Harding shared that they deal with academic dishonesty on a case-by-case basis, as each situation can be different. Recent policies at MN aim to mitigate the effects of technology as an aid to cheating.
“The use of Securly to monitor computer use and trying to eliminate phones has helped prevent academic dishonesty in classrooms,” Harding said.
Despite the changes that time, technology, and worldwide events have brought to the realm of education, MN teachers have observed that the reason behind cheating has remained largely the same.
“There is a misperception among high-achieving students that any B will derail your future. There is also a fear of failure among high achieving kids, and that fear of failure can drive them to unethical choices,” Beztold said.
The American Psychological Association (APA) states that in their surveys since 2013, teens have reported higher levels of stress than adults. These unmanageable stress levels can make academic dishonesty appear as an easier option.
“We as teachers have to do a good job of teaching our students the what and why for being honest in class and what our expectations are,” Edmundson said.
As academic dishonesty continues to become more prevalent within education, new policies will be implemented to guide students. Teachers will continue to teach students not only important lessons in math and science, but moral lessons too.
Techniques to help maximize test results, without resorting to cheating
The SQ3R Method- when
reading any text
• Survey: skim all the pages first
• Question: ask yourself what confuses you and what you already know
• Read: find the answers to your questions in the text
• Recite: try writing or speaking the information in your own words
• Review: utilize active recall by quizzing yourself on information
Mind Mapping- connect various concepts
• First grab a piece of paper and write a main idea/objective in the center
• Then, add bubbles around the concept, and branch off terms that would relate to the overeaching idea.
• Add in between branches how concepts are interrelated
• Helpful for visualizing similarities and overall themes
Distributive (Spaced) Practice- optimal revision schedule
• When breaking up study sessions, plan to start a few weeks before test
• After class, study newly learned information
• The following day, study the same information; repeat on day three
• Wait a week, then review all material. Continue this pattern until the day of the exam
The Feynman Technique- checking mastery
• First take one concept and write it down
• Then provide a brief description and key points about chosen concept
• Make sure your own summary is explained in Layman’s terms
• Then fact-check with notes and add in any missing details
Source: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
A REMARK TO REMEMBER
Misconceptions surrounding the public education continue to create a false image
Mira’s Mindset
In-Depth Editor
few years ago, my parents were told their children would not amount to anything. Hosting a dinner one Saturday night, they had planned on an evening of relaxation; but during a conversation, a guest gave this shocking remark, leaving them speechless. Unbeknownst to my eight-year-old self, who had been playing downstairs, my future had been summarized in a succinct yet degrading statement.
What is most bizarre about this incident is that this comment arose from the belief that private schools better served students’ needs than public schools. Looking back, I am less upset than curious about this fallacy.
How could one be so quick to judge a child’s future successes based on the superficiality of the school they went to? But most importantly, how is this notion misleading, and how could it affect current students?
Personally, I value an education that seeks to bring out and emphasize my strengths. For example, the opportunity to write for the newspaper has facilitated my interviewing skills and ability to take leadership in a group dynamic. As a student journalist, I have had the privilege of meeting individuals of diverse backgrounds, interests, and perspectives, aiding in my own communication and personal capabilities.
PUBLIC
private school students have access to superior teaching and academic courses.
Pew Research Center disclosed that 52% of public school teachers have at least a master’s degree, while only 41% of private and public charter school teachers have a master’s degree.
The caliber of teaching does not correspond to the type of school one attends. I have had my fair share of teachers who left me feeling frustrated and confused, but countless have inspired me and instilled confidence in my abilities as a student; this experience could be said of every individual who has gone through the educational system.
Many will argue that private schools have higher academically performing students, prompting favorability due to standardized testing’s importance in college admissions.
However, most do not note the underlying discrepancies between test scores between private and public schools. The majority of private school students are of higher socio-economic status, allowing for the increased availability of test prep courses and tutors.
In comparison, academically rigorous classes, contrary to popular belief, can actually be more accessible to public school attendees than private ones. Private schools, commonly implementing rigid curriculums and restrictions on enrolled AP courses, can contribute to reduced opportunities for challenging coursework.
PRIVATE
Meanwhile, MN offers 26 AP courses, compared to Creighton Prep’s 25 and Marian’s 17, with students being able to take some as early as freshman year. Being able to take college-level courses earlier has left me feeling more eager and prepared for my future educational endeavors.
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.
THE STAFF
Editor-in-Chief
Mia Castro
Front Page Editor
Anuj Singh
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
Lydia Harlow
Rhea Jain
Katelyn Judd
Sumanas Reddy
Kai Pavlova
Top Tier Admissions stated that generally, public schools are characterized by larger, more diverse student bodies. Clubs and extracurricular activities are more accessible to students, with a wide variety being able to peak many interests.
I, for one, appreciate the range of activities MN has to offer. From speaking with members of the show choir to seeing the close-knit community of the Education Academy, I have witnessed the formation and security many have made within their high school experience.
Another perspective to note is the assumption that
I want to stress that neither public nor private school education outweighs each other. When thinking of education’s meaning, one should question what education is doing for them instead of focusing on the minute details.
For me, this means attending a school that fits my needs and allows me to feel connected to the community. Most importantly, I want to leave a school with a feeling of purpose and confidence, knowing I left as a better person. I am sure those who set out with this mindset will amount to anything they desire, whether they receive a public or private school education.
MIRA MUKHERJEE
SHATTERED INNOCENCE
Is society ignoring the root causes of youth crime?
Argyrenia’s
Argyrenia Pipinos Lifestyle Editor
The sound of gunfire echoed in a neighborhood this August, leaving an innocent Uber driver dead. The shooters weren’t hardened criminals but children as young as 11, who had stolen guns from a pawn shop. It’s sickening that society has allowed this to happen.
Juvenile violent crime rates rose from 31,302 in 2022 to 34,413 in 2023 according to the FBI’s annual “Summary of Crime in the Nation,” and the trend shows no signs of slowing. How many more lives need to be lost before we realize we are failing these kids?
Across the country, the system for dealing with juvenile offenders is broken. Throwing kids into detention centers doesn’t address the real reasons they turn to crime. Many of these children grow up in unstable homes or violent neighborhoods, where crime becomes a way of life. What chance do they have to live up to their full potential when they’re surrounded by chaos from the start?
“It’s no surprise that children exposed to violence from an early age are more likely to repeat that behavior,” said L. Rowell Huesmann, a psychologist specializing in aggression, in a study published by the National Institute of Health. “They model what they see, and if violence is a consistent part of their environment, it becomes normalized for them.”
The age-old debate of nature versus nurture is front and center here. Some might argue these kids are just “bad seeds,” but the evidence points in another
direction. Yes, some traits are inherited, but the environment they grow up in is overwhelmingly influential. If a child grows up witnessing violence every day, how can we be surprised when they imitate it?
“Our genes may make us predisposed to certain behaviors, but it’s the environment that shapes how those traits are expressed,” said Vincent Felitti, co-founder of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, in an interview with Psychology Today. “When kids grow up in violent, abusive settings, their chances of turning to violence increase dramatically.”
Take Omaha, for example, where sex trafficking and poverty run rampant. The Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 548 cases of human trafficking in 2023. Of those cases, 1,053 victims were identified. Kids in these environments don’t just fall into crime—they are pushed into it by circumstances beyond their control. When society ignores the systemic issues that create these conditions, we’re complicit in their downfall. Then, we turn around and demonize them for doing what they feel they must do to survive.
“Kids caught in this cycle aren’t inherently bad,” Mark Reed, an officer with the Omaha Police Department said. “They’re often the products of environments that fail them at every level.”
What’s worse is the psychological damage these kids endure. Trauma from violence and neglect doesn’t just disappear—it rewires their brains, making them impulsive and aggressive. The very systems meant to protect children fail them, and by the time they act out violently, it’s already too late.
“When children are exposed to trauma, especially over extended periods, it can impair their ability to regulate emotions and make rational decisions,” Jennifer Singh, a child psychologist said in an article for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. “These children often react with aggression because their brains are wired to respond to stress with fight-orflight responses.”
Juvenile Crime at a Glance
But it’s not too late to act. Waiting until these kids commit crimes to intervene is absurd. Mentorship programs, access to therapy, and family support systems should be part of the standard, not an afterthought. And yet, as a society and in our government we pour billions into punishment instead of prevention.
We must face the uncomfortable truth: society prioritizes punishment over helping these kids. If we don’t change course, the cycles of violence will only deepen, and more lives will be destroyed. Communities must invest in their children with the same energy they pour into blaming them.
It’s easy to write off juvenile offenders as “lost causes,” but they aren’t. The real failure lies in a society that would rather incarcerate than nurture, blame than fix, and ignore the root causes of violence. If we want to stop hearing stories about kids with guns and innocent victims, we need to stop pretending this problem is unsolvable. It isn’t. It just requires us to care enough to act.
36 schools throughout Nebraska are creating Hope Squad groups as an intervention program hoping to create a difference. HopeSquad creates outreach events and provides anonymous peer support. This is especially helpful for kids who feel more comfortable opening up to a familiar face. They address issues before they escalate, and HopeSquad can soon refer them to the psychologists at the new mental health center opening.
The Behavioral and Wellness Center will add much-needed resources to help kids and teens (19 years old and younger) struggling with mental health. It is set to open in early 2026 and will have 38 inpatient beds, A 10,000-square-foot assessment center for crisis stabilization, and expanded outpatient programs like partial hospitalization. These services will work alongside groups like Hope Squad, providing a place for kids to get the support they need before things get worse.
In 2022, there were over 1,000 murder offenses from youth ages 13-17.
Source: Statistica
THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA
An insight into a senior’s photography journey throughout his high school career
KATELYN JUDD Staff Writer
T he pictures posted on Instagram, highlighted from sports games ranging from baseball to football, have a certain sparkle. They look so alluring and professional that you almost have to force yourself to look away. Captured by a fellow student, the photographer behind the camera is none other than senior Cael Herron.
Looking for a new hobby after his sophomore year’s baseball season ended, Herron decided to take up photography and videography. With money saved up, his first step was to buy equipment.
“A lot of [my equipment] I bought used so it wasn’t as expensive as it would have been new, and I had a lot of money saved up which helped out. On birthdays and Christmas, I would usually ask for [equipment],” Herron said.
After learning from various sources like YouTube and trial and error processes, his mentor, however, was the most prominent influence in his career. A Millard North alumni, Connor Michaud, was a friend of Herron’s and is now a sophomore at Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota introduced him to the world of photography and guided him through it all.
“One of my old baseball friends, Connor, did photography and I realized that when he graduated someone would need a photographer,” Herron said.
Even with Michaud a state away, his guidance carries on with Herron and is evident in his presence as a photographer.
Photography101
1. Learn the Basics:
- Understand key concepts like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
2. Get the Right Gear:
- Buy a good camera and essential lenses.
3. Practice Regularly:
- Shoot often and experiment with different techniques.
4. Build a Portfolio:
- Showcase your best work in an organized collection.
5. Learn Photo Editing:
- Use software like Lightroom to enhance your photos.
Herron proceeds and improves in his career, besides his parents, grandparents, and friends as supporters, as he plans on continuing with photography. Senior football player Pierce Mooberry, who has known Herron since middle school acknowledges his dedication to photography.
“He’s very passionate about what he does. He’s a great guy and a great friend,” Mooberry said.
As Herron makes his transition to his professional career with higher education, he isn’t going to let his passion slip away. Majoring in Construction Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he intends to minor in photography.
Herron doesn’t doubt that photography has immensely impacted his development as an individual. What he appreciates most is how it shapes his interactions with others, from his friends to those he’s never met.
“[Photography] connects me with people,” Herron said. “It makes them feel good and it makes me feel good.”
Herron is a photographer, but first and foremost, a Millard North student. When he photographs Millard North games, he usually doesn’t make students and his friends pay. For other schools, Herron charges $20 for all photos taken of players he photographs. Regardless of the client or audience, Herron strives to deliver his best product. He wants to give his community the best photos and works to find how to capture them.
“What I think makes a good photo is when the picture is built around a subject and when it tells a story,” Herron said. “[What I look for] is a cool and different perspective while also capturing a certain moment.”
6. Study Photography Styles:
- Explore different genres (portrait, landscape, etc.).
7. Network:
- Connect with other photographers and professionals.
8. Take Courses or Workshops:
- Sharpen your skills with photography classes.
9. Share Your Work:
- Post on social media and create a website.
10. Stay Updated:
- Follow trends and experiment with new techniques.
Swinging Sophomore
Sophomore Abby Beard steps up to bat, taking practice swings before running to first base. Her and the team gear up for at the State Championships against Gretna.
Photograph by Cael Herron
After games or events, Herron is selective and detailed about what photos to post on Instagram that justly showcase his talent. Using Adobe Lightroom software, Herron usually takes around 5 minutes to edit a picture.
“I choose the best [photographs] to post, and I’ll edit all of those. If people ask me for photos I’ll go
back and edit those to send them,” Herron said. His hard work developing pictures is recognized by senior football player Spencer Phillips, with whom Herron plays baseball. When the football team was asked if they could be photographed, they jumped at the opportunity.
“He does a good job, he puts a lot of time into his pictures and edits them. He gets them back to us fast,” Phillips said.
Mac Johnson, a student photographer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is one of Herron’s inspirations whom he looks to for guidance and new ideas.
“He always has really creative shots and is always getting good pictures,” Herron said.
Johnson’s creativity, Michaud’s mentorship, and Herron’s dedication have all come together and significantly impacted his journey and where he is today.
“I can see a clear difference from when I started [photography] versus where I am now,” Herron said. “The best thing you can do is research and ask questions. People out there know a lot more than you do [and can show you the ropes].”
As Herron once was a beginner looking to Michaud for inspiration, Herron encourages new photographers who are in the same situation he once was in. It’s never too late to find your spark and what inspires you.
WHICH COOKIE TAKES THE CAKE
Join a Hoofbeat staff writer on a cookie crusade throughout Omaha
LYDIA HARLOW Staff Writer
he soft, sweet scent of freshly baked cookies wafted out from the brightly packaged box. The heat warmed my palms through the packaging as I exited the charming storefront.
In the past few years, there has been a craze of cookie shops popping up nationwide. These rapid ly grow from one-off small businesses into chains that span the entire country and even internationally.
In Omaha alone, we have many competing cookie shops, so subsequently, I was forced to try a variety of cookies to compare (just for research purposes of course).
To embark on my cook ie-tasting mission, I set off toward Village Pointe. As I approached Goodly Cookies, the smell of freshbaked delicacies wafted out the door and into the sea of busy shoppers.
atypical thickness of the cookies.
The next review was Crumbl. With its iconic logo and bright pink box, Crumbl is likely the most recognizable and well-known of the three.
Crumbl Cash
Breakdown
Crumbl has a weekly rotating menu, and while that brings a sense of novelty and excitement to each visit, it is hard to gauge if you’ll like the week’s flavors or not, and your favorites may not return.
Regular cookies: $4.25 each
Mini cookies: $1.50 each
4-Pack Box: $16.49 (4 regular coo- kies)
6-Pack Box: $22.99 (6 regular cookies)
Within a minute after ordering, the warm cookies were placed into a box and sent with me out the door. As I walked, a warm, soft, rich aroma escaped from the box, springing from the delectable desserts inside.
Opening the box, I saw the tall, dome-shaped, cracked-on-top cookies. They were smaller than the others I tried, though far taller and rounder, and still easily big enough to split with friends.
Finally, it was time to try the cookies. The flavor combinations were immaculate, especially the white chocolate raspberry, but I couldn’t get over the cookies’ unfortunate texture.
The sheer height of the cookies caused an odd distribution of consistency, with the inside feeling squishy and almost raw while the outside was overly crispy. The height and density combined caused it to feel less like a cookie, and more like a scone or bread.
Party Box: $40.99 (12 cookies)
Walking into the store, a delightful scent filled the air. Ordering was fast and convenient due to the kiosks, and after just a few minutes, I had the cookies and was ready to go.
The cookies were mildly warm when I got them, er than the Insomnia cookies but less dome-shaped than the Goodly cookies. Each dessert had its own unique design. From cookies shaped like a donut to cheese cakes shaped like cookies, each had its own noteworthy features.
The texture of the cookies was outstanding, with just the right combination of smooth and chewy and consistent all the way through.
Goodly Price Guide
Individual Cookies: $3.00–$4.50 per cookie, depending on the type, such as Brookie or other options
Party Dozen (12 Cookies): $42.84
While they did have some of the best flavor combinations, the texture was sorely lacking. This being said, I felt they deserved a 7/10, losing points only due to the
However, I felt that the flavors were slightly lacking. Possibly due to the alternating menu, the flavors were delicious, just under-developed and under whelming. Due to this, I’d rank Crumbl at 8.5/10.
the traditional tastes, like chocolate chip, M&Ms, snickerdoodle, etc., over 15 flavors in total.
Then there’s the deluxe. These were bigger, with more fanciful and decadent flavor pairings, including Reese’s peanut butter cookies, s’mores, triple chocolate, and more.
Besides their cookies, they also sell ice cream, cookie crumbles in ice cream, cookie ice cream sandwiches, brownies, and 6” and 10” cookie cakes. On top of this already expansive menu, they also have 3-5 seasonal cookie flavors that they rotate around every 2-4 weeks. Once I was (finally) able to decide what to order, the wait time was practically nonexistent. Placed into a charming purple box with their iconic symbol of a moon on top, the cookies were ready almost immediately after ordering.
Insomnia’s cookies were more traditional looking; they were flatter than the other two but with a greater circumference.
Insomnia
Cookie costs
Traditional Cookies: $1.85 each for flavors like Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal Raisin, and Snickerdoodle
Deluxe Cookies: $3.70 each for treats like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and S'mores
Mini cake: $13.50
10-inch cookie cake: $24.75
For the last of my trav els, I took the journey out east to the Blackstone District for Insomnia Cookies. Known for locating near college campus es and staying open into the wee hours of the morning, this business caters to those in need of a late-night snack.
Entering into their adorable, brightly-lit storefront, the first thing that I noticed was the sheer length of their menu. It was crammed full of options and things to try, spanning multiple screens above the counter. They had not one but two different categories of cookies: classic and deluxe. The classics contained all
These warm, golden-brown baked cookies smelled heavenly and had an impeccable, smooth texture all the way through. They had numerous flavor options, all of them intriguing and mouth-watering. My personal favorite cookies came from Insomnia Cookies: the Deluxe Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup cookie that had chunks of Reese’s baked into the rich peanut butter cookie base and the Deluxe Salted Caramel at a close second. These two cookies tipped Insomnia over the edge in my rankings and earned it a solid 10/10. Overall, Crumbl, Insomnia, and Goodly were all extraordinarily delicious and I was shocked at how close they came in my rankings. I would return to all of them if the opportunity arises. All are ideal destinations for those craving a sweet treat to share with friends. However, due to its flawless texture, extensive menu, and outstanding flavors, Insomnia Cookies was this cookie critic’s top choice.
GRACE, GRIT, AND GLAMOUR
Senior makes a mark on the state and national scale as Miss Nebraska Teen, runs meaningful service campaign
MIA CASTRO Editor-in-Chief
Bright, multicolored lights beam down on a captivating, glittery tiara as the girl wearing it glides slowly across the Miss Nebraska Teen stage, her elegant gown trailing behind her. Music booms in the background as an elegantly dressed contestant waves to the crowd, with loud cheers and applause cheering her on. This high school senior is carrying one of the state’s most prestigious titles on her shoulders.
This was the scene at the Miss Nebraska Teen pageant on June 8, 2024. After participating in pageantry for less than a year, senior Janae Harris was crowned at the annual scholarship competition in North Platte, Nebraska.
“I had a teacher a long time ago… She [the teacher] said, ‘Janae I think you’d be really great at this role’, and I’ve always wanted to do modeling, so I was like ‘OK, this will help me get into that’... so I decided to try it. I’m so glad I did,” Harris said.
initiatives…” Long said. “The confidence that you gain, the communication skills and public speaking opportunities, and just being able to perform a talent on the state and national stages is amazing.”
With the long days she’s spent networking and preparing for her role, Harris can support this.
Dsylexia Disscusions
Janae Harris sits with a parent, talking about the challenges of dyslexia at the 2024 International Dyslexia Conference in Georgia. Educators, parents, and advocates gained tools and strategies at the event to support people with dyslexia
To become Miss Nebraska Teen, Harris participated in a week of outings and practices, including community service activities and talent rehearsals, and preparing for and executing a private interview and an on-stage question. She also presented an evening gown look and a fitness wear outfit, along with performing her chosen talent for the competition, which Harris selected as dance.
Photograph contributed by Janae Harris
These factors come together to determine who is granted the honor of serving as Miss Nebraska Teen on the final day of the week-long endeavor. This is the signature, crowning moment of the week.
Courtney A. Long, one of the two Miss Nebraska Co-Executive State Directors, has overseen the process for many Miss Nebraska Teen girls. She emphasizes that the role of Miss Nebraska Teen entails more responsibility and activism than others may think.
“Girls come to compete, yes, but they really do amazing things in their community. They become super involved across the state with their social impact
“[It’s important for others to] understand how hard girls work to not just “be pretty” and have that sense of posture but share things that are very important to them and others in their community,” Harris said. “It’s about spreading your message.”
As Harris set forth, she has clearly spread her message. Her service initiative, “#Made4More”, is centered around dyslexia awareness. Harris is dedicated to her goal of teaching and informing others about this common disorder.
“#Made4More” has taken her far. For this initiative, Harris explains that she strategically chose a topic close to home.
“A lot of girls pick their platforms because they are a part of them and [what they speak about] is something that needs to be normalized and talked about more,” Harris said. “I didn’t pick dyslexia because I don’t have dyslexia, I picked it because I do and so many other people do. It’s important.”
Harris loves her position as Miss Nebraska Teen, but one aspect of the job takes first place in her heart.
“Being able to travel is one of my favorite parts of this position. I’m able to travel around the state and I’ve even gone to Texas for a National Dys lexia Conference and spoken with neurologists, pathologists, and real ly smart people. I’ve been able to make great connections,” Harris said.
achieved this title, she would leave in December 2025, directly after Christmas. On this trip, she would volunteer in school rebuilding programs and African literacy organizations for one to two months.
Harris’s position comes with its stressors though. Being Miss Nebraska Teen is a massive undertaking, especially for a busy student like Harris.
“I’m constantly busy with all the activities that I do, like lacrosse, the [Millard] STEM Academy, and school in general. It all gets really compact and I often have to miss days of school. So making sure I have myself emotionally and physically collected is definitely the hardest part. Especially if I have to do interviews or have to be on the news,” Harris said.
Harris’s mother, Amanda Hall, who Harris regards as her “biggest supporter”, has witnessed Harris’s experience and flourishing firsthand. She recognizes the magnitude of her daughter’s role and feels she’s gone through it with her.
“I hope Janae knows how proud I am of her. It’s not easy being vulnerable and putting your own story out in the world. It’s a very brave thing to talk about dyslexia to help other people or to read in front of audiences…” Hall said. “She’s smart and compassionate and she inspires me to be too.”
As a direct product of the Miss America Opportunity program, Harris embodies everything the program wants to instill in young girls: female empowerment, ambition, and respect for their community and country.
As Harris’s Miss Nebraska Teen term comes to a close in June 2025, Harris leaves potential Miss Nebraska Teen contenders with some advice: “[What you are] doing and representing is so very important… Stay confident and never give up.”
Age: 13–18 years old
Education: Enrolled in school or pursuing education
Service Hours: Some pageants require a specific number of documented volunteer hours.
Platform or Cause: Contestants may need to support a cause they are passionate about and promote it during the competition.
Charity Events: Participation in fundraising or charity events organized by the pageant is often encouraged.
Having said that, Harris’s travels aren’t strictly confined to only the U.S. Recently she was invited to represent Nebraska on a Kenya service trip. This opportunity is contingent on her be coming Miss America’s Teen on January 5, 2025. If she
STIRRING SUCCESS
Record-breaking freshman joins Girls Varsity Swim Team
SARAH ROBEY
Online Editor
eep! Beep! Beep! The clock reads 4:30 am. It may still be dark out, but it’s time to get up to get ready for a long and productive practice. With early morning workouts and twice daily practice most days, the swim team training schedule may seem grueling to the non-swimmer but it is all worth it for freshman Leah Inman as she pops out of bed all set for practice. With swim season starting up again, there are many new exciting things to come.
This year, new to the girl’s varsity swim team, Inman is looking forward to a successful high school swim season ahead of her.
Since she was seven years old, swimming has been a major part of her life. Starting out at a summer league at Rockbrook, Inman developed a strong passion for swimming. She has now been swimming competitively for six years and swims at Swim Omaha.
“I love everything about it. I can’t imagine what I’d do without swimming because I’ve always done it,” Inman said.
“Breaking records is an extremely exciting feeling. It is a big accomplishment and makes me very proud. It keeps me motivated to keep working and to do even better in the future,” Inman said.
To be able to compete and excel at this high level, Inman pours extensive amounts of time and effort into her sport. With practice everyday, she is able to keep pushing to get better.
“It’s something that she wants to do. She wants to be at practice. She wants to be pushed hard. She wants to excel and it is who she is,” head swim coach Andy Cunningham said.
On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!
Over the summer, much of Inman’s weekends consisted of competing at swim meets where she swam several freestyle events including the 50m, 100m, and 200m. Many of these meets were out of state and took place in states including North Dakota, Minnesota, and Missouri.
Inman dives into the pool to start a race. Inman was one of the strongest swimmers in her races.
Photograph contributed by Leah Inman
One of the biggest meets she competed in was the 2024 USA Swimming Futures Championship in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Inman broke the record for the fastest time ever in the 13 and 14 year old girls 100 meter freestyle for Midwestern Swimming. Midwestern Swimming is one of the 59 Local Swim Committees of USA Swimming that includes Nebraska and part of western Iowa.
This dedication has paid off as Inman qualified for a large national meet called Junior Nationals (JNATS).
In early August, Inman qualified in the 50 meter freestyle at the 2024 14 and under Central Zone Long Course Championships in Fargo, North Dakota. JNATS will take place in December in Austin, Texas.
“I am very excited to go to the meet. It is the biggest meet I’ve ever been to, so it’s pretty nerve racking and intimidating, but I know that I am good enough to be there so that helps me not get too nervous,” Inman said.
Inman has received lots of support and encouragement for her passion for swimming as she pushes herself to reach new goals.
“My brother believes in me a lot and all of my coaches are very helpful and they’re all very motivating,” Inman said.
With the high school season starting up, Inman is excited for a fun and successful season ahead of her.
Powerful Paddling
Inman swims to a finish in the freestyle. Inman was a top competitor in this Des Moines swim meet.
Photograph contributed by Leah Inman
“Leah is coming in as one of the top female swimmers in the state as a freshman. Her club times that she is carrying in from this fall are some of the top times that would have placed or medaled last year at state,” Cunningham said.
As Inman continues to progress through her swim journey at MN, she hopes to drop some time on her events and do well at state which will take place in February.
“I’m excited to see where
she goes. High school season makes so many of us faster and she’s already improving all the time, so seeing that will be super exciting. I’m ready to cheer her on,” junior Morgan Jacobson said. The future is bright for Inman. With her dedication and passion for swimming, she will continue to achieve and reach new successes this season.
Swimming Success
Inman anf freshman Alice Ogura recieve their medals at Zones in North Dakota. Inman got first for the 100 meter freestyle. Photograph contributed by Leah Inman
MEET RESULTS
In the first two meets of the season, many achievements have been made.
Leah Inman, Lucas Feng, Matt Brailita, and Zack Rueschhoff have qualified for the state championship in Feb.
31 secondary qualifying swims have been secured.
Leah Inman has broken the Millard North and Millard South Pool Record for the 50 meter freestyle, beating the old record by 0.14 seconds.
FROM HOME COURT TO HEARTLAND
Both basketball teams head out to play some tough games across the MATTHEW UM
Sports Editor time traveling to these matches.
he roar of the crowd. The squeaking of sneakers. The faint swish of the net. As the Millard North Basketball Teams get ready to play, they are greeted by some different competition. Here, against unfamiliar schools in unfamiliar territory, they’re not just showcasing their skills against the best teams in Nebraska. Here, their talents are on display against some of the best teams in the country.
Every year for the past five years, the Boys Basketball Team has traveled from Omaha to play games across the region. The schools they have faced in the past have always been among the best in the country, and this year is no exception.
“This year we’re playing a team, Simeon, out of Chicago, who has some former NBA players that have played there. The other team, out of St. Louis, is Vashon, who have made playoffs for years,” Boys Head Coach Mike Etzelmiller said.
The team will be playing two games in two days, with the game in Saint Louis against Vashon on Jan. 24 and the game in Quincy, Illinois, against Simeon on Jan. 25.
“We’re kind of excited to be representing the state of Nebraska and going up against one of the top teams in Illinois,” Paulson said.
Unlike the boys team, however, who have done this annually, the girls basketball team is undertaking this trip for the first time this year. They are also travelling to Quincy and Saint Louis with the boys team..
“This will be the first time we’ve done anything like this, so we’re very excited,” Paulson said. “We’re excited about the experience, excited about the exposure our girls will get, so it’s a great opportunity for our girls.”
Etzelmiller and the team have been taking these trips to play top teams around the country for around five years, with success.
“The last two years, we’ve kind of gone 50-50. But if you can win a few games playing some of those top teams, I think our national rank will increase,” Etzelmiller said.
While it may seem a sacrifice to get the team playing outside of the state, Etzelmiller believes that the journey pays off in the end.
“It definitely helps our kids get noticed. It gets them college recruiting,” Etzelmiller said. “Playing those really good teams helps us play better, to challenge against the best teams in Nebraska.”
Etzelmiller also believes that the team gets closer due to these trips, which leads to a stronger team together on the court.
“It’s always fun to make these trips. These trips also have a lot to do with chemistry. Staying overnight in a hotel room or 8 hours together in a van is good bonding,”
Etzelmiller said.
Head Girls
Coach Chris Paulson is also enthusiastic about the team’s first
For the team, Paulson believes that seeing and playing against other top teams in the country will aid the team in playing better basketball.
“Getting to see other good quality teams is always beneficial. I think it can only benefit you for what our ultimate goal is - to play our best basketball in February and March.”
Senior Sara Harley, a four year starter, eagerly looks forward to this first time trip for the girls team.
“I like traveling and playing at other people’s home courts. It’s a different scenery and fun to play in front of other people’s student sections.We’re excited to travel far as a team and play against different competition,” Harley said.
Harley also enjoys the team bonding that goes along with these trips, seeing the travel there as an opportunity to get closer to her teammates.
“We mentally prepare for games and talk on the bus while traveling there. On the way back we blast music and sing along to songs. Riding the bus gives us a chance to get closer with each other and create memories,” Harley said.
When the teams return home, they will have memories that will last a lifetime. The challenges they faced will strengthen their bond both on and off the court. Whether they return with a win or a loss, one thing is certain: this trip was about more than basketball. It shows their passion for the game, knowing the road has made them stronger and ready to take on anything.
Omaha Central
Papillion La-Vista
Columbus
Millard South
Vashon
Simeon
Marian (Girls)
Creighton Prep (Boys)
Harrisburg (Girls)
Bryan (Boys)
Burke
Westside
Benson
Omaha North
Westview
Wasatch Academy (Boys)
Lincoln Southeast
Papillion-La Vista South (Boys)
GIRL POWER GOES WRESTLING
The girls’ wrestling program mirrors the recent increase in female participants in wrestling
MAHDIS RIAZIKHAH
Opinions Editor
oach Christina Hansen stood at the edge of the mat, watching as more girls joined the team this season. A rush of excitement coursed through her veins at the surge in the number of eager spirits and fresh faces. A smile graced her lips. These athletes were committed and determined, ready to push boundaries and prove to everyone that wrestling was for anyone willing to do the work regardless of gender.
This is Hansen’s fourth season coaching the girls’ wrestling team. Seven girls were on the team in the sport’s first season, which was 2021. Since then, Hansen has noticed an increased participation of about 15-20 girls joining each season.
“I’d love us to grow even more, we have a strong foundation right now to work from,” Hansen said.
According to data from the National Federation of State High School Associations, the number of high school girls wrestling teams has increased to 50,000 over the past decade. Last year participant numbers rose by 60%, the largest increase for wrestling in decades.
“Wrestlers learn how powerful their body can be and how physically and mentally capable they can be as well. It’s a demanding and tough-as-nails sport,” Hansen said. “To be able to compete in a wrestling match or to finish a wrestling season is a huge accomplishment. You learn a lot about yourself and how much you can overcome.”
Senior Kloee Mitcham started wrestling in 7th grade. She joined the wrestling program because she was interested in it and many of her male friends were there.
“Wrestling has shown me lots of discipline. My confidence and determination were boosted. I went from a shy little girl to a motivational pioneer leader, so that was a big step for me,” Mitcham said.
Many girls that join have a brother, dad, uncle, or
other family members who have wrestled and are encouraging them to try it out. On the other hand, another handful of girls are looking for something new and different to try.
“Wrestling is a tough sport. I think the girls that try out for it are either trying to learn how to be tough or have an upbringing where hard work as a value has been encouraged,” Hansen said.
For anyone who wants to join wrestling and is unsure, Mitcham encourages them to try out wrestling for one season.
“You don’t know how much you love something until you find that determination and dedication to stick with it and that’s when you grow as an individual,” Mitcham said.
Hansen and her assistant coach strive to maintain a positive environment for their players. As a mentally and physically demanding sport, they always want them to succeed.
“Literally our team is a bunch of goofballs. Any wrestler who begins starts off not knowing anything.” Hansen said. “We’ve all been there. Any wrestler is willing to help out a newbie because they [the wrestlers] all remember how they felt on their first day.”
One aspect Mitcham loves about wrestling is the community. Each wrestler builds discipline in each other and makes their teammates improve, not just themselves.
“Once you find the community that you belong to, you meet friends along the way. They[other wrestlers] are in the same boat as you, so you connect with everybody that way,” Mitcham said.
To Hansen success is not just winning but being open to new learning styles, being courageous, and having a no-quit attitude.
“There are so many styles of wrestling, techniques, and different approaches, that any body style can be successful in wrestling,” Hansen said.
Senior Ahnika Ficken started wrestling when she
was a freshman. Although she hesitated at first, she joined after another wrestler she looked up to did.
“I think it’s been the best decision of my life. It’s a tough sport, but I keep coming back for it for the community,” Ficken said.
From Ficken’s first practice to now, she has grown a lot with skill, maturity, and being a good teammate.
“Outside the sport, it [wrestling] boosted my confidence, made me a lot more resilient, and it improved my leadership skills because I’m surrounded by people with the same goals as me, and learned how to guide them [new wrestlers],” Ficken said.
Hansen and the female wrestlers are euphoric from the increase in female participants and wrestling’s growing popularity. As the number of girls rises, they’re not just joining the ranks, they’re rewriting and bending the rules.
Exponential Power
The number of girls involved in Girls Wrestling in the US has grow significantly over the past 10 years. What is your favorite wrestling move?
Carter Swearingen
