The Hoofbeat, Issue 6, May 16, 2022

Millard North High School

THE HOOFBEAT Volume 41 • Issue 6 • May 16, 2022

THE SCOOP

FULL DRAW

Page #17

Page #18

Review over Coneflower Creamery

Junior competitively arches

END OF AN ERA

Brian Begley retires after 15 years as principal of MN Pages 2-3 Photogrpah by Jacey McNemar

2 • NEWS • May. 16, 2022

HONOR OF HIS LIFE

Principal Brian Begley looks back on time at MN before saying farewell REBECCA JACOBSEN Staff Writer

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or 15 years, Brian Begley has had what he would consider the privilege of leading MN as its principal. Now, a journey that began years ago will soon draw to a close.

“I will definitely miss our students, as well as the relationships that I’ve been fortunate enough to develop with all of the people in our school,” Begley said.

That relationship-building started in 1992 when Begley was hired to teach English at MN, well before his own sons attended the school. His ability to connect with students has shone through his many years in education.

“He’s [Begley] raised teenagers, he taught teenagers. He was a teacher for many years. He knows what makes them tick, and he knows how to build relationships with them. I see him doing it constantly–he’s in the hallway talking to kids, high-fiving kids, building those bridges all the time,” social studies department head David Diehl said.

Begley’s commitment to students was developed by being a part of a family involved in public servitude as his father was a postal worker, and his mother was a teacher at OPS. Not to mention, his wife was an elementary teacher before becoming a substitute teacher at MN. “For him, it’s just truly giving

back to the community and caring deeply about seeing our community, Omaha and Millard, as a whole be successful,” assistant principal Aaron Bearinger said.

In addition to having a heart for the community, Begley has a passion for MN curated by a belief in MN’s excellency. This belief has guided him in the decisions he makes for the school.

“He [Begley] doesn’t want to be second best in anything. He wants our kids to succeed. So, because of him, we have things like directed study hall and guided study hall. We have the study center for kids who need extra help. Another way, besides action to make us succeed, is inaction. He hires great teachers, and then, he gets out of the way,” Diehl said.

Begley learned this philosophy of inaction by former MN principal Dr. Ike Pane, who served as a role model for Begley and taught him to always prioritize students when making decisions as principal.

“I owe a lot to Dr. Pane, and I am deeply grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to teach our students at MN,” Begley said.

Based on the principles he gained from Pane, Begley has retained key takeaways from his time as MN’s principal: “Every student’s success matters. On a related note, the increasing diversity of our school has enriched our community in profound ways, resulting in even greater opportunities for our students to succeed academically, behaviorally, and socially,” Begley said.

Having this success at MN has proven to

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be an important element of Begley’s legacy.

“His legacy is [that] he maintained and improved a culture of excellence, while building strong relationships with students and teachers the entire time,” Diehl said.

While Begley’s legacy lasts at MN, he will continue to build upon it in his new position as principal of Bluestem Middle School in OPS, effective August 2022. He will be overseeing the new school’s construction and the hiring of its teachers before it opens its doors in August 2023.

Even as MN works through this leadership transition, there is no doubt that Begley has had a great impact here–and despite our principal of 15 years moving on, the future of the school is still bright.

“It’s going to be a little bit different next year, to not be able to walk down a couple offices and have a conversation [with Begley]. It’s also an exciting time for MN, to see what the next chapter is going to be. He’s done a great job of hiring great teachers, we’ve always had amazing students, and so MNHS will continue to be great,” Bearinger said.

While Begley has been a catalyst of that greatness at MN, the school has also had a substantial, positive affect on him–an impact he will cherish well after he moves on.

“Millard North has meant everything to us [the Begley family], and the Mustang family will forever be special to me because being Millard North principal has been the professional honor of my life,” Begley said.

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MNHSONLINE.COM • 3

MUSTANG TO MEADOWLARK

Q&A WITH PAM BEGLEY

Question: What would you say has changed him for the better while working here at Millard North?

Answer: Mr. Begley has grown as a leader by spending time with special needs students. He has seen how each person contributes to our school.

After working at MN for the last 15 years, Principal Brian Begley will now be working at Bluestem Middle School.

Question: What do you believe he is most sad about now that he is leaving MN? Answer: He will miss the people the most! I know that he will always support Millard North and plans to continue to attend school activities.

Question: What has it been like to watch him grow throughout the years and become the person he has become today?

Answer: We met when we were 18 and 19 years old and have been together for 36 years. I am proud of the hard work that he did to become principal and the way that he put his heart into making a difference for our students.

ACHIEVMENT TRIVIA 205 inclusive graduate feet perfect

Word Bank facility Hall of Fame certificated caring Athletes million

START DATE: August 2022 WHERE: Bluestem Middle School “I am honored and humbled to be named the new principal at Bluestem Middle School. I am eager to provide caring support for our Bluestem students by helping them achieve all of their educational goals,” Begley said.

campus state

1. Fostered a ___ and an ___ learning environment for each student 2. Had a total of ___ National Merit Scholars 3. Witnessed 9000 students ___ from MN 4. Established MN ___, which now includes 26 inductees 5. Witnessed over 300 ___ dollars being awarded to seniors as scholarships from colleges 6. Completed over $20 million in ___ improvements 7. Expanded our ___ by two acres 8. Added 22,000 square ___ of learning, guidance, and office space 9. Witnessed a total of 25 ___ championships won by MN students 10. Honored a total of 155 All-State ___ 11. Witnessed 27 students achieve ___ ACT scores 12. Hired 208 ___ teachers

JOB: Principal

STUDENTS SPEAK

Students share favorite memories, as well as hopes and wishes for Principal Brian Begley After I came back with his wife from DECA internationals my freshman year, I was formally introduced to him. I was so nervous because I thought I was in trouble, but he was so sweet and even complimented me. From there, he would say hi to me in the hallways any chance he got and always took the time to ask about my day.

- Ava Hollingsworth, senior

I am sad to see him go because the impact he had on me, as well as other students at Millard North, is just amazing. Every day, you walk in the school, and he is there to greet you. He made sure that I knew that if I ever needed to talk to someone about something that he was there for me.

- Neal Mosser, sophomore

I hope Mr. Begley comes back to substitute. I also hope that he can just take some time for himself and spend time with his family. He has worked so hard, and he totally deserves a break.

- Charlotte Parker, junior

Answers: 1. caring, inclusive 2. 205 3. graduate 4. Hall of Fame 5. million 6. facility 7. campus 8. feet 9. state 10. Athletes 11. perfect 12. certificated

4 • May 16, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS LOCAL NEWS April 27: Omaha State Senator Rich Pahls dies at 78 after a “brief illness” May 2: Former Pres.

Donald Trumo defends Herbster amidst groping allegations

NATIONAL NEWS

May 2: Supreme Court votes to overturn Roe v. Wade in leaked draft opinion May 5: Pesident declares disaster in New Mexico wildfire zone

WORLD NEWS May 5: UK and Japan sign military agreement amid Russia concern

May 4: Phase 1 environmental alert in Mexico takes effect

IB INSPIRATIONS AND INNOVATIONS

Student passions are reflected in their IB projects shown at IB showcase EMILY SCHMUCKER Staff Writer

the next level by creating her very own coding game, which she calls “Happy Bird”. Phulari describes it as a knockoff version of the well-known game “Flappy Bird”. n IB, students have worked hard all year to put “I learned a few skills [from coding] and built on together meaningful and beneficial projects of all kinds. some skills I already knew like open-mindedness, comOn April 14, students got to display their creativity munication, and being a risk-taker,” Phulari said. at the IB showcase. Helping others, developing personal Phulari hopes to further her interest in coding by maskills, and learning about themselves are just a few of the joring in Computer Science. ways students have applied themselves Another student, Claire Baithrough their projects. jnauth, took both a creative and One IB project called “Helping I really like seeing investigative approach to their IB Box” was inspired by sophomore An- that what I’m doing is project. ish Amin when he noticed how much When their mom threw out the food wastage there was at Millard making a difference in idea of taking a DNA test, BaijnNorth. auth was all in. Through the DNA peoples lives.

This led Amin to think of a solutest, Baijnauth discovered that they tion to this ongoing problem. With the were a part of 16 different heritaghelp of Justin Wiley and Katherine es.

ANISH AMIN Webster, Amin is able to donate 80-90 “I thought I would spin my SOPHOMORE project pounds of produce a month to the Open on how complex genetics Door Mission that would normally go really are,” Baijnauth said. to waste.

With the results of their DNA test in mind, they de“I feel like there’s so much food wastage in the cided to create a twin-sized quilt containing a square world and doing it on a smaller scale that actually helps dedicated to each heritage’s flag. It took Baijnauth 5-6 the community and people who need it could be benefi- months to complete their beautifully complex quilt. cial for both sides,” Amin said.

These three student’s projects are just a sample of Other students are using use their IB projects, as a the many passions and innovations behind each Millard way to improve an existing skill. A prime example is North IB student’s project. sophomore Tanisha Phulari, who has been pursuing cod“I really like seeing that what I’m doing is making a ing ever since she discovered it in fifth grade. difference in peoples lives,” Amin said.

For her IB project, Phulari took her coding skills to

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FAST FACTS The IB program offers 4 educational programs to over 1.95 million students from the ages of 3 to 19 around the world.

ibo.org

SHOWING-OFF DURING THE EXHIBITION STUDENTS WILL...

- Select a real life issue, problem, or opportunity - Develop lines of inquiry that align with central idea - Carry out inquiry on topic - Collaboritaveky plan learning and assessment experiences - Demonstrate understanding of components of PYP - Use a variety of strategies and resources - Demonstrate academic honesty - Communicate with teachers, peers and parents - Carry out self and peer assessment - Celebrate their learning

pcsb.org

MNHSONLINE.COM • 5

STATE SURPRISE The Journalism program won their third State Championship on April 26th.

KAITLYN KELLY Staff Writer

T

wenty-two of MN’s finest journalists struggle to subdue their barely contained excitement as the announcer prepares to disclose the Class A 2022 Journalism State Champions. The atmosphere in the auditorium is electric as all eyes fall on the twenty-two students gawking at each other with shock and surprise, when the speaker announces, “Class A’s Sweepstakes Champion is…Millard North!”

After submitting the best stories, articles, photographs, layouts, and broadcasts made throughout the year, a chosen handful out of the MN journalism program made it to State and competed for a Journalism State title. The results of the competition led to MN’s third ever Journalism State Title.

“Winning State was such a big achievement because we get to be a part of Millard North’s legacy. We get our photos taken, and we’ll have a place in the auditorium with all the other State Champions for the rest of MN’s history,” junior Maizie Schaffart said.

The NSAA Journalism State Championship was held in Norfolk, Nebraska at the Northeast Community College. The journalists—composed of members from Blue View Broadcast, Hoofbeat Newspaper, and the Stampede Yearbook—took a charter bus for the two and a half hour trip, and immediately upon arrival, began competing. The writers competed in actual write-offs in Norfolk, while the other journalists’ works were judged beforehand on the preliminary submissions Senior Aiden Lewald qualified for State in Newspaper Column Writing and Sports News Writing, and ended up placing first and second, respectively, in the categories.

“I had to compete in two events, so for my first event, Column Writing, I was given two topics to choose from that I would then write a whole article on. [The topic I chose] was school spirit and the impact of culture, and I had to create an argument, state my points, and then back it up with reasoning and evidence,” Lewald said.

“Then, for the Sports News category, I was given a scenario, stats, quotes, and everything you would need for a sports story, then I just had to create an interesting story announcing girls State basketball.”

There were two waves of write-offs in Norfolk at 10:00 and 11:30, where the journalists were given 75 minutes to complete their category. Due to the lack of time and stressful writing atmosphere, oftentimes the journalists would express doubt and anxiety about their works.

“For Headline Writing, I was nervous because I didn’t think I did that well. Qualifying is great, but at State, you want to place high,” Schaffart said. “I did, however, feel decent about my Theme Copy Writing be-

1 Ov st

cause I trusted the process of my writing.”

The State competition was different for the journalists whose work was put in ahead of time; this included the broadcast students, yearbook photographers, and layout designers. Although they didn’t compete in person at Norfolk, their work was just as important a factor in State.

Out of the four categories Broadcast qualified for State in, they received first place in three of them, allotting a total of 68 points to the overall score.

“When joining Broadcast Journalism, I never had the expectation that my works would be submitted for State and that I would receive awards for them from the NSAA, so being up there and receiving awards for what I did and what I enjoy doing, that was a very big privilege,” senior Jack Macfadyen said.

The Awards Ceremony started at two in the afternoon and lasted for about an hour as the journalists were called up by category and received their placements. As the ceremony came to a close, they announced the second and first place State Champions.

“When they called second place and it was Papillon, there was definitely an ‘Oh my God!’ moment. We actually did it, we’re State Champions and you’re kind of in shock but also super excited,” Lewald said. “I got to see Mrs. Crotzer’s reaction, and that was probably the best thing we could’ve gotten out of that—making her proud.”

A mere eight points separated Millard North from the runner-up, Papillion-La Vista, who had 394 points while MN had 402 points. Due to the proximity of points, every single placement in the State competition helped the overall score and win.

“I was just excited for the students because they all work so hard, and I was thinking it was finally our time to win because we have been Runner-Up for the last two years,” Journalism Adviser Sarah Crotzer said. “And I think what makes me most proud is that it’s a team effort with all the journalists: Broadcast, Newspaper, and Yearbook. They all contribute to it as a team. It’s not just an individual publication, and they all did really well.”

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MN CHAMPION JOURNALISTS Broadcast–News

Arnav Pokhrel and Gabe Miller-1st Lila Bribiesca and Jack Macafadyen–5th

Broadcast–Sports

Jadyn Paul and Maddie McGee–1st Arnav Pokhrel and Usman Syed–3rd Sean Saxby and Grace Vidlak–6th

Broadcast–Feature

Arnav Pokhrel and Jack Macfadyen–1st Jack Macfadyen–5th

Broadcast PSA

Jack Macfadyen–7th

Newspaper Layout Olivia Torrez–2nd

Mahika Kanchanam–5th Anna Pipinos–8th

Newspaper Column Writing Aiden Lewald–1st Rebecca Jacobsen–7th

Entertainment Review Writing Morgan McCormack–3rd

Headline Writing

Maizie Schaffart–5th

Newspaper Newswriting Sneha Selvaraj–2nd Teagan Lynch–3rd

Newspaper Sports Feature Writing Deeksha Sridher–3rd Olivia Torrez–6th

Sports News Writing Aiden Lewald–2nd Deeksha Sridher–3rd

Infographic

Anna Pipinos - 6tth

Sports Action Photography Usman Syed–7th

News Feature Photography Sophia Aughe–2nd

Yearbook Feature Writing Summer Dingman–4th

Yearbook Theme Copy Writing Maizie Schaffart–2nd Kaitlyn Kelly–3rd

Yearbook Theme Development

Maizie Schaffart and Kaitlyn Kelly–5th

6 • May 16, 2022

THE MOST MAGICAL PERFORMANCE ON EARTH The band’s spring break trip to the happiest place on Earth ANUJ SINGH Staff Writer very year, millions of people visit Walt Disney World in Orlando. They travel in search of the park’s promised magic, re-discovering their inner child. During spring break this year, many MN band students made the unforgettable trip themselves.

The band trip proved to be an enjoyable experience for all involved. The students were able to go through a variety of educational experiences across Florida and develop new connections with bandmates and their directors.

“My personal favorite part of the Orlando trip was going to Universal Studios. There were many fun rides in Universal, such as the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster, and many more,” freshman Akshat Magesh said.

The students also took advantage of their location and visited the many attractions offered in Orlando besides its theme parks.

“My favorite day of the trip was when we went to the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. I really love STEM-related activities and seeing the space center was super cool. It was also very nice outside, and I love warm weather so it was also the perfect day to go to the beach,” junior Sarah Sharp said.

While the band makes the trek to Disney every four

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Beginning and End:

Seniors Will Nitzschke and Ella Hansen at Hollywood Studios (top) and senior Violet Kerns at EPCOT (bottom). The band traveled to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios the first and last days of the trip.

Photographs contributed by Ella Hansen and Sarah Sharp

years, this year’s journey was extremely different than before, with complications ranging from delayed planes to COVID-19 implications.

“The airlines and other travel vendors are operating at a much lower capacity due to insufficient staffing, which creates some travel issues. Masks were also still required but our students were very used to this because of the policies that MPS previously instated,” director of bands Ryan Placek said.

In addition, due to storms and other weather hindrances, one of the two groups headed for Orlando experienced severe complications in their flight time.

“Our flight got delayed for nineteen hours. We weren’t sure if we would miss some of the planned activities. But we knew that the band directors would figure something out. Naturally, we all got fed up but we tried to make the best of the situation, by talking with each other,” Magesh said.

Despite an inauspicious start, the benefits of the trip were plentiful. Perhaps most importantly, the Disney trip aided students in developing as musicians. At Disney, the students performed their Spanish-flavored piece Mirada multiple times in a parade. Throughout these performances, both band directors and students believed they grew in many ways.

“The band trip did such a great job of helping students grow as musicians on an individual level. They push everyone to do their best at every rehearsal,” Sharp said.

CANDID TRIP TAKES

However, along with the prestige of performing at Disney, there also comes an added pressure of perfection.

“There was a lot of added stress. We had to perform in full uniform in 80-90 degree weather, and we still had to perform well for the hundreds of people who were at the park. The dressing room was just one big room, with nothing to separate people,” sophomore Mansi Singh said.

But this pressure eventually wore off as the band members got the opportunity to do what they love.

“When I perform, I zone in on the music and my personal performance, and I kind of tune out the audience so I can focus. It was just like any other performance, except it happened to be 90 degrees and humid in our full uniforms,” senior Sam Wang said.

The trip to Disney not only offers a place for band students to hone their musical abilities but also can help them develop a deeper connection to the band community.

“It is a great learning opportunity to get to watch, learn, and interact with members of bands from all across the country. It is really fun when our students realize that students from other bands are just like them,” Placek said.

The Disney trip is a place for students to grow, both as musicians and individuals. It fosters a sense of community that the band will never forget. Most of all, it gives students the chance to make their own kind of magic.

Green Screen Fun:

Groups pose at Universal Studios (top) and with assistant director of bands Craig Mathis at Kennedy Space Center (bottom).

Photographs contributed by Stephen Tran and Jessica Morrow

The Big Day:

Students pose in front of Cinderella’s Castle (top left) and perform in the parade at Magic Kingdom (top right). While marching, the students experienced 90 degree weather in their full uniforms.

Photographs contributed by Elizabeth Jacobsen and Amy Wallace

OPINIONS • 7

TRAFFIC JA-MN

The lack of administrative action in the MN parking lot is leading to major parking issues THE HOOFBEAT STAFF EDITORIAL

I

t’s 7:40 in the morning. Straining to see over the steering wheel and past other cars, students search for a parking spot. The problem is, there aren’t any.

Lately, getting to school 20 minutes early has meant circling the lot until a spot opens up, giving up, and heading back home or risking a tow or ticket by parking in residential areas instead.

Everyone who drives themselves to school knows the pain of the school parking lot: an oversold lot, tickets, parking passes, and more. Mary Bayne is an assistant principal, and one of her jobs is safety and security.

“We always monitor the parking lot and the number of parking passes sold. When the lot starts to fill up or gets closer to capacity, we no longer sell parking passes,” Bayne said.

Earlier in the year, it was announced as much-and by not selling any more parking passes, the administration is leaving kids with new cars or those borrowing a car stranded and struggling to get to and from school.

This statement is frustrating in its vagueness and leaves students with no solutions.

The nearly oversold lot has meant not being

able to make it to class on time, as well as not being able to make it to classes for the rest of the day.

“I missed first hour and half of second hour, when I got to school, I drove around it twice looking for a spot and I got the very last one in the C lot, which was only because someone else had pulled out of the spot,” junior Payton Stone said.

Junior Carson Bishop has had similar problems with the lack of parking: “I got to school late and went to park.

[All the spots] were taken and one car was coming down while I was turning in by the last spot,” Bishop said. “I waited for them to pass, but they wanted the spot too.

The person behind me also had their blinker on, but I was in the way, so I turned in and took it. I’ve never seen it so bad.”

The office has asked students who aren’t familiar with the traffic flow to stop by an admin office for better help understanding the lot, but this doesn’t solve problems with the confusing traffic flow and direction, poor maneuverability, and narrow streets.

The back lot by the tennis courts is especially problematic: spots fill up too fast, students are more accident-prone due to congestion and new drivers, small roads, confusing traffic flow, and a near stand-still going in and out daily.

While the administration failed to comment

STUDENT SPEAK

about the reason spots are being taken so quickly, it’s common belief among students that this is because of a combination of sophomore students starting to drive second semester and filling up the parking faster and an overhand-out of parking passes to begin with.

Students have been asking for solutions to many of these problems, but the administration has only provided a review of the issues with no action taking place.

Students hope for more parking spots, clearer directions to navigate the lot, and specific landing areas for parents and activities that otherwise clog the road.

These solutions would help resolve the stand-off for spots in the morning, encourage attendance rates, help clear the afternoon traffic a little bit faster, and give parents and activities directors out-of-the-way spots to safely load and unload equipment without posing a risk to oncoming traffic.

The administration’s lack of answers and refusal to give a straight solution to all problems listed has been frustrating to everyone who relies on a spot.

As it stands, we are dealing with old policies in a new age, and the parking lot population’s expectations are on the floor: any student who drives can attest to the desperate need for any reform, but it doesn’t look like any are coming. The future of the MN parking lot’s future looks as bleak as its cracked cement.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

HOW SHOULD THE PARKING LOT ISSUE BE FIXED?

GAGE GOSLEE

Seniors should get priotrity, then juniors, then sophomores. Having a first period off is supposed to be a good thing for a senior, but instead I got five tickets.

They should make more ways to get out of the school parking lot than there is now. It should also be bigger because people are paying for these tickets.

HARRY BONEHAM

SENIOR

JUNIOR

They should add more parking spaces that are divded into sections by grades. They should give rewards to encourage people to carpool more.

Maybe they should not let sophomroe get parking spots.

I’m disappointed and mad because they tell you to go somewhere else but keep giving you tickets.

SAM MARINUS

LEILANI BONILLA

JUNIOR

GRADE

By: Violet Bredenkamp

8 • May. 16, 2022

A SLAP HEARD AROUND THE WORLD

Why Will Smith ruined his career in the craziest moment in Oscar history

Asim’s Analysis

This year’s Oscars had a lot of

firsts. The first deaf man to win an Academy Award. The first show to have three female hosts.

And most importantly, it was the first time people actually talked about the OsAsim Adhikary cars.

While presentStaff Writer ing the award for best documentary, comedian Chris Rock poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, saying, “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.” Not knowing the actress suffers from Alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, Rock was unaware of what he had just said.

At first, everything appeared normal. Actor and husband Will Smith’s first reaction was to chuckle at the joke. Until moments later, what seemed like out of nowhere, Smith stormed on stage and slapped Rock across the face. Many people, including myself, thought this was all scripted. A bit for viewers at home to jump out of their seats and ask, “was that real?” Then, without warning, Smith started cursing out the comedian. Shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth!” it was then that everyone at home knew none of this was planned.

Shortly afterward, Will Smith accepted his Oscar for Best Actor for his pivotal role in the movie “King Richard.” During the speech, Smith apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his previous actions, claiming he would do anything to protect his family.

Once the show had ended, I raced to social media to find answers. What is the Academy going to do?

Did Will Smith just end his career? How is Chris Rock going to clap back (pun intended)? Finally, after being consumed by everyone’s opinions, I went to sleep, curious Dollar Worth of Chris Rock’s Show Tickets

$250

$150

Before the slap

After the slap

to see how this would all play out.

The following day many celebrities and online personalities had weighed in on the incident. Some found Smith’s actions acceptable and warranted, while others believed he was utterly wrong. I agree with the latter.

Although Chris Rock’s joke was insensitive and unappealing, he was genuinely clueless about Jada’s circumstance. Chris’s brother told the Los Angeles Times: “The joke was funny. It wasn’t hilarious, but I know that if he knew that she had alopecia ... he wouldn’t make a joke about that. But he didn’t know.”

Many people are unaware that the comedian struggles with a non-verbal learning disorder, which causes him to have difficulties with social skills and spatial concepts. This is why when Rock saw Smith charging at him on stage, his learning disorder impeded him from making a reaction before getting slapped.

On the other hand, Will Smith reacted in quite possibly the worst way imaginable. He jeopardized his career and his reputation by going up on that stage. When asked by the Academy, he refused to exit the award show and had the audacity to not apologize to Rock during his acceptance speech. On top of that, after the show, the actor was seen at an after-party acting as if nothing had happened.

Will Smith is now banned from the Oscars ceremony for the next ten years but ironically can still be nominated and win an academy award. The actor said in a statement, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

Despite the backlash from the slap, the word around Hollywood is that the actor won’t face much damage to his prolific career. “It is only but a minor speed bump to Will Smith. He’s not kryptonite yet,” says one studio executive.

Surprisingly, some good has come from this already infamous incident. Chris Rock’s tour sales saw a massive spike with numerous sold-out shows, and the Oscars expect more people to tune into next year’s awards.

All in all, what took place at this year’s Oscars will notoriously be remembered as one of the most jaw-dropping moments in entertainment history.

Only five people have ever been banned from the Oscars: Harvey Weinstein, Carmine Caridi, Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski, and Adam Kimmel.

Will Smith will be banned from all Academy Events for 10 years. This includes not just the Oscars, but also the Academy Awards.

Jada Pinkett The average viewership for the 2019 NBA finals was 15.14 million while the 2018 WNBA finals averaged 231,000 viewers.

Terry Crews “There was a time in my life [where] I was Will Smith and let me tell you, I’ve done worse... just his punishment did not fit the crime.”

Chris Rock Chris Rock has refrained from speaking about the situation, only commenting that he is “still processing” what happened.

Rosalie Rock (Chris Rock’s mom) “When he slapped Chris, he slapped all of us. He really slapped me.”

Tiffany Haddish “Seeing a Black man stand up for his wife meant so much to me. that’s what your husband is supposed to do, right? Protect you.”

IN-DEPTH • 9

Leaving Behind a Legacy Teachers, administrators, and seniors alike graduate after the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close

Photo by Jacey McNemar

10 • May 16, 2022

GRADUATING CLASS

MN teachers leave high school to pursue new opportunities DEEKSHA SRIDHER Staff Writer

W

ith the school year coming to its close, many seniors are looking forward to their new futures in college. Leaving high school is bittersweet, where the prospect of a new school also means many goodbyes to the memories made over the past four years.

However, this year’s seniors are not the only ones graduating. Many teachers and administrators will be leaving the school as well, with the goals of pursuing new opportunities.

For English teacher Hannah Heser, family is her priority as she leaves Omaha to live in Denver for two years.

Her husband was offered a position in construction, one that would allow her to be with her children more often.

“We said ‘no’ so many times, but the one time we said ‘yes’ was because they were giving him a promotion, and because I could stay at home with my babies, which I never thought I could do,” Heser said. “For me, I love teaching, but I love my daughters more, so I’m going to take the opportunity to be with them while they’re little.”

Heser, who teaches English 9, Honors English 9, and Media Analysis, has enjoyed what her teaching experience has brought her. Despite the difficulty that comes with teaching, she knows she will miss the interaction she gets with her students and colleagues.

“I still think about kids I’ve taught in the past, I hope they are doing well after graduating because I care about them as people,” Heser said. “Teach-

TIM CANNON

ing is a very hard job, so we are in it together.”

While family is one reason why teachers are leaving, job opportunities also draw them towards a new career. For Honors English 10 and Speech teacher Rebecca Terrell, the opportunity to be a media specialist at Skutt Catholic High School is her next adventure.

“I’ve just always loved reading and books,” Terrell said. “When I got my Master’s Degree, I knew I wanted to be in something different in case I did want to leave the classroom and pursue something that was still with students, but different from English.”

Terrell wanted the opportunity to become a media specialist with her degree in library science. However, her decision also comes from a desire to challenge herself.

“I just decided that I was ready for something different. There’s nothing about MN or the kids that I don’t love, it was just time for something different,” Terrell said.

“Even as adults, I think we need to challenge ourselves.”

For some teachers, both family and the desire to pursue a new career drive them towards opportunities outside of education. Computer science teacher Jonathan Ringenberg will be a software developer at Quantum Workspace, a building just down the street from MN. “I’ll be a full stack developer, tracing problems from the front end that the user sees to the back end where data is stored,” Ringenberg said. “I’ll try to figure out glitches so it goes more smoothly.”

Ringenberg, who taught kindergarten in China prior to coming to MN, enjoys the energy from a crowd of people that one would find in a school. As

an extrovert, he became interested in the prospect of teaching from his experience as a camp counselor.

“I majored in math and took computer science classes in college, so I had the coding experience,” Ringenberg said. “I thought of going down that path, but a big turning point for me was when I was a camp counselor at Camp Kitaki over the summer. The more I looked forward to the summer, the more I wanted to be a teacher.”

After getting a new house and having another baby, Ringenberg wanted to leave the bell to bell schedule that came with teaching. His job offers a flexible schedule for him to take care of his children.

“With a newborn, it was hard to take days off from teaching,” Ringenberg said. “I would have more flexible hours to help out with childcare and the money that would come with [it].”

While the many staff members leaving MN are moving ahead to greener pastures, they will miss the students and coworkers they’ve come to bond with.

Ringenberg enjoys the variety of activities in a school environment, Terrell reflects on the school spirit, and Heser keeps a binder with memories from her 10-year teaching career.

“It’s every positive email from a parent, or student, or admin, it’s graduation invitations, it’s artwork that kids drew for me, and they gave it because they just wanted to,” Heser said. “It’s the good things, the happy things, and when I have a bad day, I need to open it and remind myself that I’m doing this for a purpose.

I’m a teacher for a purpose, and it’s a good purpose.”

REMEMBERING THE RETIREES “[I’ll miss] getting to work with [students] every day here, the connection you have with the rest of their lives.”

“I always enjoyed relationships with the students. We had a great environment and culture in the gym and those two state champs were a lot of fun.”

“We know there’s gonna be family/ grandkids [and] travel. I think I’m [also] gonna come back to sub. I want to see students, teachers, and coaches [again].”

Photo by Usman Syed

What will you miss the most about MN?

What’s your favorite memory at MN?

“Laughing at situations that most people might find tearful, but in our department, we tend to find it more crazy and fun.”

“Watching the kids grow from freshman year to senior year. Seeing how much they’ve matured and changed, making a huge difference for themselves and advocating for themselves.”

What are you most look- “Just being able to get things done ing forward to in around the house. There are things I retirement? can’t ever get done because I’m here

from sun up to sundown. I’m also excited to spend more time with people that I currently don’t have time for.”

Photo by Jessica Morrow

JUDY ELLEDGE

MNHSONLINE.COM • 11

A NEW SEASON

Zimmerman to become District Activities Director next year “I have gained a

nnel

o tremendous amount s pers n g f i s s A of knowledge from ision o v r e p u Chad and feel confident for s ivities ameday for athletes means excitement and that he will lead our disact competition. Seasons get long and busy, and it often trict to bigger and better proves to be hard for one to keep track of the schedule. things,” Administrative Ascons e t a n i Assistant Principal Activities Director Chad Zim- sistant for the Activities DeCoord stand merman is the one in charge of making all of the partment Kathy Folk said. schedules and organizing events for all the sports, cession edule This opportunity is an sch among many other responsibilities. exHe is a huge part of what keeps citMN’s athletic department running. i n g transI’m excited but it’s s e After working at MN for eleven next g Arran on for or years, Zimmerman is moving on and a little bit emotional too, step for i t becoming the Executive Director of because I will miss being Z i m porta tions and a Activities, Athletics, and External mer man teams ganiz Affairs for Millard Public Schools. here on a daily basis for and his ic s “[The job is] giving me an op- sure, athlet oordinate family, but portunity to serve our district in a new the deparnd c ld trips a way, more of a broader scope… to CHAD ZIMMERMAN ture is also all fie serve all of MPS rather than just the b i t t e r s we e t .

MN ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR MN community,” Zimmerman said.

“I just Zimmerman has made an imhave trepact on lots of lives during his time at MN, from stu- mendous respect for the people here and dent-athletes to co-workers to even his own kids. at Millard North. I love our northside s e “If I ever need somebody to go talk to, or community,” Zimmerman said. iciz s school l b u if I need advice for a class, I can go talk to him P Things will be different in years to ote and m about it,” Zimmerman’s son Ty Zimmerman said. come, but Zimmerman’s legacy will carry on. o r p ities His large amount of knowledge and expepro“I’m glad that he’s staying in the district… I’m iv t c a rience within the position has made him a lead- very excited for MPS because I think the future is tic er and go-to person for his co-workers and friends. bright with him as the AD for the district,” Folk said. athle rams

TEAGAN LYNCH Staff Writer

ing Mov

G

Up der

Lad

”

the

“

g

CHAD’S CHAMPIONSHIPS Marching Band:

Boys’ Tennis:

2016 2019

Journalism: 2011 2012 2022

2018

Football: 2010 2012 2015

Boys’ Basketball: 2021 2022

Volleyball: 2016 2018

Boys’ Golf: 2011

Speech: 2017 2018 2019

Girls’ Soccer: 2011 2018

Debate: 2016 2017 2018 2019

2020 2021 2022

2021 2022

with s e t a ardin er org o o e C st boo and th l l a tion nd com f a z i n ol a use o o h sc ity s mun facilitie all ates tivity n i d r ac Coo cts of letic e asp nd ath includ a ms ling a r u g d pro g sche in

12 • May 16, 2022

SUPERINTENDENT SEND-OFF

Millard Superintendent Jim Sutfin retires from his position after 33 years in Millard SADIE HUGELMAN Staff Writer

J

im Sutfin sits behind his desk with his eyes locked on his computer screen. He’s in a Twit-

ter battle with students from his district and the retweets for a snow day are overwhelming.

After hours of debate and scrolling through comment sections, the snow day is finally called. Millard students are overjoyed for a day off and Sutfin is happy to connect with students and perform one of his favorite parts of his job.

After 33 years of being a teacher and then superintendent, Sutfin has decided on retiring at the end of the school year.

After graduating from Millard South High School in 1985, he started his teaching career in 1995 at Millard West.

Along with teaching AP biology, Sutfin was a student council sponsor and track coach. He later decided he wanted an administrative position

and became the assistant principal at Russell Middle School, and later principal at Central Middle School and, eventually District Assistant Superintendent.

“I look back and it’s hard to not be emotional about it. 33 years in this business and it has been the most unbelievable ride,” Sutfin said.

For the last two and a half years, Sutfin has put his best effort into fighting for activities programs within the district and keeping students in school during the pandemic.

“I hope what the students remember is that I was an advocate for them. I’ve always been all about kids,” Sutfin said.

As much as Sutfin loves his job, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and working a less time-consuming job without so many responsibilities.

“I’m not ready to not do anything, but I’m just ready to not make the commitment that this job requires,” Sutfin said Over the years, Sutfin has played a large role in Millard students’ lives. Student Board Member, Makenna Jolley, meets monthly with Sutfin and has found him to be a great role model.

Named a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association

Started working for Millard as a science teacher at Millard West

1985 Graduated from Millard South

1995

“I’m really sad about it, I think he has been a great leader for our school and he’s done a lot of great things for the district,” Jolley said.

Jolley has found Sutfin to be a good mentor.

He has inspired her to take certain classes and participate in activities. Jolley thinks the district will change but she is excited for the new Superintendent.

“I think that the people are going to be looking for another strong leader because Dr. Sutfin has been the face of Millard for so long,” Jolley said.

Sutfin wasn’t able to call a final snow day for the district like he wanted, but his days in the district office aren’t completely over. Director of Communications Rebecca Kleeman plans on calling Sutfin any time she can’t find her office supplies.

“I don’t think he’ll go that far away, so I think if we’ll need him then he’ll be a phone call away,” Kleeman said.

Although Sutfin is leaving his position as superintendent, he will never truly leave the district.

If you ever need him, he’s only one tweet away.

2014

2016

Hired to replace Keith Lutz as Superintendent over two out-ofstate candidates Sutfin Sendoff:

Sutfin and Brian Begley get ready for the graduating class of 2021. 2022 will be the last year they send off MN’s seniors.

Photograph contributed by Rebecca Kleeman

2017

Announced his retirement for the end of the school year

2021

Led a successful tax levy override campaign with nearly 63% voter approval Schwartz’s Start:

MPS Board unanimously approved Dr. John Schwartz as the new superintendent during a meeting Thursday, Feb. 11, 2022

OPINIONS • 13

EDUCATION, INTERRUPTED

How the pandemic affected the high school experience

I

Morgan’s Memories

t all began with a spring break extension in the spring semester of 2020.

Students throughout Millard rejoiced as they got an extra week off of school without the knowledge of what was to come.

After the two Morgan McCormack weeks reprieve from education, News Editor the learning began again, but different. Rather than sitting in a classroom, students learned from their bedrooms over a computer screen. Finals were canceled for many, and most felt a dwindling motivation to log onto Zoom for their 20 minute lessons. Prom was canceled, AP exams were taken online and the remainder of the 2020 school year passed in a daze.

The effects of these online classes were felt in the years to follow, as aspects of education were stunted or fell off all together. This was noticed in classes where the education built over multiple years such as in language classes. Many students taking AP Latin, like myself, are often reminded of their disadvantage due to this set-back.

The next year began with students attending school half in person, sporting masks and half online. After a few weeks, this method was disregarded and students attended in full with the choice of opting to take class over Zoom.

For the most part, events were canceled with no homecoming and a prom unfitting of the title of a dance as students were masked and forced to sit in their expensive suits and dresses. For many, this year robbed many,

“It still feels unreal that I am graduating next month. The time went by so fast.

Yet, as I look back, I feel confident I’ve left my mark at this school, and now it’s time for me to move on to my next journey.“

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 402-715-1404.

Responding to the Hoofbeat: Letters to the editor for the 2022-23 Issue 1 will be accepted no later than May 16 and may be submitted to Room 1105 or sent to sacrotzer@ mpsomaha.org. Names will be published. Letters must not contain attacks against an individual and may be edited for clarity.

THE STAFF Editor-in-Chief Anna Pipinos Front Editor Anna Pipinos News Editor Morgan McCormack Rebecca Jacobsen Opinions Editor Sneha Selvaraj Teagan Lynch In-Depth Editor Olivia Torrez Lifestyle Editor Mahika Kanchanam Sadie Hugelman Sports Editor Elias Pipinos Design Editor Aiden Lewald

Cartoonist Violet Bredenkamp Illustrator Aiden Lewald Photographer Emily Schmucker Staff Writers Asim Adhikary Adithi Deeduvanu Sadie Hugelman Amina Hussain Rebecca Jacobsen Teagan Lynch Emily Schmucker Anuj Singh Deeksha Sridher Adviser Sarah Crotzer Principal Brian Begley

Submit story tips to @mnhshoofbeat or mnhsonline.com “I believe there are two aspects to success: the first one being my professional success and the second being personal success.

To me, professional success means to be the best possible student I can possibly be. As for personal success, I hope that the effort and fulfillment I have made in my work is mirrored in my personal make. My one recommendation to students is to make sure you are looking after yourself and your mental health.”

Sneha Selvaraj

“I believe there are two aspects to success: the first one being my professional success and the second being personal success.

To me, professional success means to be the best possible student I can possibly be. As for personal success, I hope that the effort and fulfillment I have made in my work is mirrored in my personal make. My one recommendation to students is to make sure you are looking after yourself and your mental health.”

Anna Pipinos

Deeksha Sridher

“I've really enjoyed being able to bring the unique, yet often unknown stories and experiences of the individuals in our school to light.

The communication and writing skills I've acquired along the way are ones that I will never forget, and I hope to continue journalism in college!”

Asim Adhikary

Aiden Lewald

“It’s been an honor to be able to not only write but illustrate for the Hoofbeat. I was so glad that I could use my voice to bring awareness to the hidden issues in our world, especially ones revolving around transgender people.”

including myself, of a true high school experience of attending school sporting events, pep rallies and clubs.

My senior year, more normal than the previous two, was still unconventional. A temporary mask mandate was instated, lifted only to be reinstated and lifted once more. In January and February, students had Friday’s off as e-learning days in order to keep the ascending COVID-19 numbers under control. Otherwise this past year allowed some return to form for students with dances being returned to normal, and sporting events and pep rallies being attended in abundance despite the trepidation of the more cautious who noticed the pandemic continuing to rage on.

I leave high school with one year of a normal experience under my belt, I leave feeling robbed of part of my education and of the experiences of high school. Dispossessed of these things at the hand of a global pandemic.

Despite this, however, through these experiences, I gained an opportunity to learn to take advantage of what I can in terms of my education and how to keep myself motivated despite the setbacks and settings of my education.

In some part, I had to take responsibility for ensuring my education was up to the standards of attending class, working hard more independently than I ever had and more disconnected than ever.

One thing, however, I could not make up for was losing out on the social experiences integral to the entire high school affair and one of the main things one is supposed to gain from high school. Part of attending school is learning how to socialize with people both on your level and in positions above you, something taken that can never be returned.

I cannot go back in time to keep the pandemic from interfering with my education and while it left me sorely lacking in certain aspects of my education and experience, it also taught me the importance of pushing through experiences that seem dead set to inhibit me.

THE HOOFBEAT

14 • May, 16 2022

HIDDEN PRICE TAGS

Wealth creates huge disparities both during and after the US college admissions process

The committed

Sneha’s Insight

day I to college was filled with excitement for my future and an overwhelming amount of hugs from my family.

The next day of reading through my four-year financial Sneha Selvaraj statement was not so Opinions Editor thrilling.

My eyes remained focused on the black letters displaying “$80,000”. I struggled to understand how a yearly tuition could be so much.

The more this number circulated in my mind, the more it came into perspective for me. $80,000 could pay for two cars or even 205,655 Taco Bell Chalupas. The fact that I needed to pay this much to simply obtain a quality education was incomprehensible to me.

Yet, I was expecting this. Over the past few years, I have witnessed friends regretfully reject their college offers due to the burden of its costs or collapse under the weight of student loans that they were forced to take out.

Colleges have not done much to alleviate the situation either. Though the rise of college costs have slowed down due to the pandemic, the U.S. Census finds that from 1980, the cost of college has increased by 160% while the earnings for workers between the ages of 22 and 27 have increased by just 19%.

This creates huge wealth divides among college campuses— specifically top institutions like the Ivy League Universities. Thankfully, if your family makes under $65,000-$75,000, you can typically receive enough aid to cover your entire tuition. However, for families who live in the middle-class income range, paying for college can become an impossible feat.

Wealth also plays a huge role in college admissions behind the scenes— specifically seen with legacy admissions. Legacy admissions are when an institution gives preference to an applicant simply because they are related to an alumni of that university. It is a highly controversial issue— especially at Harvard University.

According to The Guardian, Harvard’s 2019 legacy acceptance rate was 33% in comparison to its 6% overall acceptance rate. Another layer worth noting is that the majority of legacies are wealthy and white. In fact, according to Harvard’s public statistics, they would admit fewer than 12 black undergraduates each year before 1970. This suggests that the legacy pool in itself barely consists of people of color.

There are many reasons why colleges love legacy admissions. Schools that want to protect their yield rates see children of alumni as a steady source of revenue since

they are likely to commit and be able to pay the tuition without a need for scholarships. However, the main reaAccording to Harson given by most universities is that legacies rack up dovard’s freshman nations for the institution. survey, over 25% of Yet, The Atlantic has broadcasted research studies that found no correlation between legacy preferences Harvard freshmen and university revenues, suggesting that legacy admiscome from families sions might have little to no effect on alumni donations. that are wealthier than And though supporters claim that legacy admissions will eventually benefit minorities too, giving preferenc94% of Americans. es to children of alumni— even if they are people of color— is not the best way to tackle racial inequality on college campuses. Instead, it mainly benefits those of the elite and wealthy minority, a group that continues to exist due to policies like these.

Moreover, the effects of wealth on your college ad- Based on Statistica’s missions process does not begin the second you hit the data, 14.96 million “submit” button on your application. The first decision high schoolers atof your college pathway truly begins the day you choose what high school you will attend— specifically whether it tended public high schools in 2020 while is public or private.

Private school high schoolers receive many of the 1.3 million attended same benefits seen for legacy admits. Yearly private private. school tuition can range anywhere from 10k to 50k to 70k. This is a positive indicator to universities that the student can pay their tuition in whole if accepted.

And no, private schools are not perfect. They do not receive state funding, which can put them at a financial “I was ecstatic when I got into Northwestern. I had disadvantage to public schools. However, many do come worked so hard, for four years, making sure I was a with special resources such as personal college counselors prime candidate for their Medill School. I coulnd’t and an administration that is paid to specifically get stuapply Early Decision because there was a chance dents into top colleges.

In fact, according to the 2019 U.S. census, private we wouldn’t be able to afford Northwestern’s price schools carry 7% of the high school population, yet their tag. When I got in, my mom started crying and said students made up a third to half of accepted college that no matter how much it costed, they would do freshmen classes.

And the education at private schools is not always whatever they could so I could attend. When we more rigorous than that of a public school. In fact, I got the financial aid package back, I was stunned. personally know students who switched from the public Instead of getting any grants or scholarships, they schools I attended over to private schools in an effort to recommended my parents and I take out a 50k inflate their GPA. The allure of obtaining an easier education pushed them out of the public education system. loan every year for four years. Because my parents Though I am sure they worked hard at both schools, own their own business, we were not in a position wealth was quite literally able to buy them better grades. where we could take out that much in loans. We The National Bureau of Economic Research found would’ve had to take out a second mortgage on that from 1924 to 1990, students from the nation’s most elite boarding schools had a comparatively worse acaour house. It was really difficult for me to accept demic performance. However, they still made more monthis because I felt like I did everything right, and it ey after college due to connections they made in groups still wasn’t enough. I had to realize that I control like final clubs, which are known to exclude those not wealthy or white. my own narrative. The same skills and passion Though of course, the statistics I listed do not apply that enabled me to get into Northwestern meant I to every high schooler and institution, it is still imperative would be happy and successful no matter what.” that students and colleges understand the discrepancies within the admissions process. Specifically, it is necessary - Isa luzarraga MN’21 for institutions to mend the flawed systems that they set in place many years ago.

LIFESTYLE • 15

ANOTHER BRIDGERTON SCANDAL T

he show Bridgerton takes place during the Regency era. As you watch the show you are taken along a journey where the Bridgerton family searches for love. The queen, Queen Charlotte, picks a woman to be the diamond each season, and the woman who is to be named the diamond, should be the most desirable wife for the suitors.

In season two, we are introduced to the Sharma family. Lady Mary Sheiffield Sharma had been cast out and shunned by her family due to choosing love over class, marrying a lowly clerk. Raising her daughter Edwina and her step-daughter Kate Sharma, she returns to London to find Edwina a husband.

The introduction of the Sharma family has helped make Bridgerton a beautiful multiethnic show, presenting both a beautiful romance story as well as rich south asian culture.

The representation of south asian culture is different from what audiences have seen in the past. The show does a keen job of avoiding strong stereotypical notions of Indian culture, but rather nicely weaves pieces of the culture into the show highlighting the beauty of it. For example, throughout the show we hear the girls speak hindi, and when it comes to the time of marriage we see traditional practices we would see at an indian wedding.

The character development of Kate Sharma is something that cannot be ignored. In her first scene of the show she is horse riding on her own in the forest.

Now in this era, women are seen to be improper for participating in sports or being on their own in such a place.

But Kate Sharma challenges these ideals, and throughout the show we see her continue to break the expectations society has set for women, bringing on a strong feministic story to the show.

We also see strong feministic characters through Eloise Bridgerton, who challenges the idea that women are only destined to marry, and Genevieve Delacroix who is a dressmaker that runs her own boutique.

In the beginning of Kate and the Viscount’s relationship, they deny their attraction for each other and continually bicker. Though, as they spend more time together they find out how similar they are. But, as Edwina falls for the Viscount, Kate suppresses her feelings that she too begins to develop for the Viscount as they have very similar interests and spend more time together.

Through this romantic story, we see two sisters who are in love with the same suitor, and two enemies who find out they’re in love.

The chemistry between the Viscount and Kate Sharma is amazingly portrayed through Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley’s performance. The softness that Bailey brings out in the Viscount’s character when he is alone with Kate uncovers a new side to the Viscount’s character that the audience hadn’t seen before.

Lady Whistledown the writer of the town’s newspaper full of the new gossip and scandals that occur throughout the show. As the town wonders who Lady Whistledown is, they are clinging to their papers, waiting to see what she will write next. This character plays a very major role in keeping the audience entertained and captivated, and as she introduces a new scandal to be addressed in every episode, there isn’t a moment that doesn’t bring the audience excitement and anticipation.

While season two brings on a show full of color, femininity, multethnic culture, and beautiful romance, it is at the same time very similar to the first season. After the beautiful romance the first season had put on, audiences were thirsty for something new in the second season, however much of the first half felt similar to the first season with the complicated love story and the uncoverings of Lady Whistledown. But the ending was definitely worth it, with the uncovering of who Lady Whistledown is, and the beautiful ending of another season in London.

Overall, the second Season of Bridgerton, went through many ups and downs taking the audience through emotions of friendship, hatred, passion, and love. With beautiful scenery and unique and complex characterization, this show is own you wouldn’t want to miss.

No one knows who Lady Whistledown truly is, but through her papers, she uncovers all the town’s scandals.

MAHIKA KANCHANAM Lifestyle Editor

SOCIETY PAPERS

Season two of Bridgerton comes back with new love story and more secrets yet to be revealed

LADY WHISTLEDOWN

The desire of the Queen to uncover Lady Whistledown starts to influence the decisions she makes for the marriage season

The Viscount approaches Edwina for marriage, but Kate and the Viscoutn realize that they are meant for one another

Lady Whistledown Exposes Eloise for secretly meeting Theo, and this could threaten their relationship

16 • May 16, 2022

CAP AND OUT OF TOWN Seniors celebrate their last year of highschool with senior trips with their friends and family AIDEN LEWALD Design Editor

W

arm sand beneath your toes, the cool condensation on the side of a Virgin Pina Colada, and the calming splash of clear water on the coast. Paired with beautiful, lush trees, layered on top of island wide mountains, the salty wind drifts between their leaves.

This is what senior Abby Spidle experienced on her exotic trip to Guanacasta, Costa Rica during spring break. After two long days of travel, and eight days of island adventures, Spidle made some life-long memories with her best friends Megan Chambers and Ally Stalzer and her mom, Nancy Spidle.

One of the key parts of this exciting trip were the monkeys. Native to Costa Rica these well loved Panamanian White-faced these Monkeys have found their sanctuary at a local restaurant on the coast. Where the customers have the chance to spoil them with bananas and other fruits.

“The monkeys were so cute! Megan, Ally, and I were saying how we wanted to take one home with us,” Spidle said.

Spidle and company had visited a restaurant called the Monkey Bar, which is surrounded by beautiful forests and is only blocks away from the beach.

Their trip seemed to be timed perfectly, as these white faced monkeys paid them a visit and ate the bananas given to them by the owners.

For Spidle, this had been the dream stereotypical senior trip. Even though she had to take the trip during spring break due to summer conflicts, to her it was the graduation celebration that has been making its way to the forefront of social media.

Senior trips are not a new phenomenon, but with social media their relevance has increased rapidly. With the beautiful sights and Instagram photo ops, more students are taking the opportunity to celebrate their

graduation on a tropical vacation.

However, Spidle is not the only MN student who had decided to take an exotic trip of their own. Senior Nick Dolezal had traveled out of the country for the first time to visit Cancun, Mexico.

Having never experienced a trip of this accord, Dolezal had seen some of the many great wonders of the world for the first time.

“We went and toured the Mayan ruins,” Dolezal said, “Then we swam in cenote caves, which are underground caves with a ton of freshwater.”

The caves were his favorite part of the trip due to the fact that it was something he had never seen before, and in his eyes it was almost like he was in a movie.

Gorgeous sights are a key feature of a good trip, and senior Shasha Rayamajhi will be traveling to several different islands over the summer.

One being the many islands that are a part of Thailand. Rayamajhi will be visiting with her cousins for a vacation However, Thailand is not the only country she will be traveling to. Rayamajhi will be visiting Nepal to see her family, who currently reside there to celebrate her 18th birthday.

At the moment, her exact plans for Nepal are not set in stone, but she does know they will be traveling to several different places in Nepal.

“I think I’m most excited to see my family again and spend time with them,” Rajamajhi said, “I’m also excited to explore a new country and cross things off my bucket list.”

By seeing a new country, teens are able to experience once in a lifetime events that their home state cannot provide them, such as visiting the clear ocean waters of Florida, which Rayamajhi will also be doing during the summer, petting a monkey like Spidle, or even swimming in cenote caves like Dolezal.

Senior trips are not only for celebrating an end of an era, but getting that chance to cross off things on one’s bucket list.

Millard North Seniors:

Spidle and her friends rode up a mountain with some horses. They finally reached a ziplid which went through the jungle.

Photograph provided by Abby Spidle

TOP 3 PLACES TO VISIT

3. BORA BORA

1. SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

White Faced Monkey:

Spidle catches a rare sighting of the white-faced monkey at the Monkey Bar. It’s not guranteed that you can see a monkey at this restaurant but they got lucky!

Photograph provided by Abby Spidle

2. PARIS

MNHSONLINE.COM • 17

THE SCOOP ON CONEFLOWER CREAMERY Reviewing Blackstone’s well-known local ice cream shop Anna Pipinos Editor -in- Chief

TOP TIER FLAVORS CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

A fter stuffing ourselves with sushi at Blackstone’s

of Coneflower who not only worked as the executive sushi restaurant, Butterfish, my friends and I left and be- chef at 801 Chophouse but also cooked in Italy’s Amalfi gan our walk to our cars. Suddenly, after being outside Coast, had just served me. for only a few seconds, rain began to heavily pour on Ecstatic to try the ice cream after my realization, I top of us. With nowhere else to go, we quickly ran into anxiously waited for my friends. After they got their orConeflower Creamery as it was the closest place to us. ders and sat on the bench with me, we began to indulge As a first timer at Coneflower, I glanced around on the ice cream. the creamery, my eyes moving back and forth from the I first started off with the chocolate chip cookie smiling workers to the shirts and the menu that were dough ice cream. Every bite was filled with several hanging on the wall. Having spoken with a friend about pieces of cookie dough and beautifully made vanilla ice the owner of Coneflower and learning about his experi- cream, leaving a heavenly taste in my mouth. ences and where he worked previousWithin minutes of the ly, I was expecting a little more than first bite, I had finished the what there was. of chocolate chip The ice cream melted scoop Although I was expecting to see cookie dough. Worried that I in my mouth perfectly, leav- wouldn’t enjoy the cinnamon the infamous long line of people waiting to be served ice cream, the cheesecake crunch ice cream ing behind the taste of Cinline was rather short due to the as much as the previous flavor, weather. I also noticed that there was namon Toast Crunch Cereal. I hesitantly tried the first bite not much room in the small creamof the ice cream. ery, feeling more cramped rather My taste buds were in disthan cozy. belief. The ice cream melted Turning to my friends, I asked ANNA PIPINOS in my mouth perfectly, leaving if they would like to get something Editor -in- Chief behind the taste of Cinnamon while we waited for the rain to die Toast Crunch cereal. After down. With each of them nodding not having my favorite cereal their heads, we hopped into line and began to read the in quite some time, this ice cream flavor truly made my menu on the wall. night.

With a wide variety of both classics and out of the Before leaving the store, I made my way back into ordinary flavors, I decided to get a waffle cone with the line and got a pint of the Cinnamon Cheesecake one scoop of my favorite flavor, chocolate chip cookie Crunch, as well as a pint of the Blackstone Butterbrickdough, as well as a scoop of a flavor that I had never le--a flavor one of my friends highly recommended for tried before: cinnamon cheesecake crunch. me to try.

After placing and paying for my order, I quickly Overall, despite my first thoughts on the place, grabbed a spot on the bench for my friends and I to eat Coneflower did not disappoint. If in Blackstone or close at. While sitting by myself, I realized that I had failed to the area, help yourself to a scoop or two of Omaha’s to notice someone before. Brian Langbehn, the owner greatest ice cream. I know I will.

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MEET THE MAKERS

KATIE ARANT CO-OWNER, CHEF, & ICE CREAM ARTISAN

BRIAN LANGBEHN FOUNDER, CHEF, & SCOOPOLOGIST

50% VANILLA ICE CREAM

25% STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM

8% MINT CHIP ICE CREAM

5% BUTTER PECAN ICE CREAM

5%

18 • SPORTS • May 16, 2022

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

Junior competes in archery, traveling around the U.S. ANNA PIPINOS Editor-In-Chief hey say it’s about the journey, and it’s true. I am proud to see how Kiana has grown in skill by sharpening her mental and physical abilities. Kiana is a little warrior, and I am more than proud of her,” father Calvin Davis said.

After being invited to try out archery for the first time at 7- years old, junior Kiana Davis quickly fell in love with the sport.

“We have a family friend whose son was trying archery out, and they invited me to join him one time.

After that experience, I stuck with archery,” Davis said.

“Archery gives me an escape, and it gives me a chance to just channel all of my attention into one thing.”

After deciding to continue with archery, Davis needed a teacher to help her perfect her technique, as well as her mental and physical capabilities. Luckily, ex-archer C. Davis stepped in and stood by her side, serving as her instructor, father, and friend.

“I see myself as her father, then her friend, and finally as her coach for now. I say for now because Kiana has surpassed what I could do a long time ago,” C. Davis said. “What she really needs now is a level 5 archery professional coach to take her onto more professional tournaments. [However], seeing her grow has been a blessing, and the hours of conversations while driving are priceless.”

As her father coached her throughout the years, Davis looked up to her father as her inspiration to improve.

And, after hearing about an old MN friend of hers heading to the World Archery Championships, Davis’ motivation to excel was driven even further. “ M y dad has helped me for so long with learning archery that he was

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Heavy Pull:

Kiana Davis aims down range. Kiana, who shoots a 40 pound bow, carries various items with her to help in her sport and in her profiency.

Photograph submitted by Kiana Davis

and has been someone I look up to. Also, Raegan Bender is someone that I look up to because she is someone I shot with that has now actually gone to the World Archery Championships. She has been a really big inspiration for me,” Davis said.

With both her father by her side and a fiery motivation to improve, Davis has traveled to a number of states to compete in tournaments that would help her improve and see where she is at with her game. Through her travels, Davis has been able to have experiences that not many people have had.

“It is very eye-opening to be a part of archery as I have been able to travel to many places. Without archery, I don’t think I would have been able to go to any of these places, and so, being able to just expand my world is just great. What’s also nice is that I always have fun, and so, I always leave with new and amazing memories,” Davis said.

Along with the good memories of traveling, Davis and her father have experienced some troubling times, causing Davis to have to think quickly on her feet.

“A memory I hold onto is when I went to South Dakota because I had a lot of equipment problems. My string on my bow was really worn out, and we weren’t able to get a replacement on time before the tournament,” Davis said. “Because I could no longer rely on the equipment, I had to rely on myself. I had been practicing back tension release. Although I was new at it, I couldn’t rely on my equipment, and so, I tried it and did well,” Davis said.

In the future, Davis hopes to take archery to the next level by competing in the World Archery Championships, as well as opening a new archery range here in Omaha, NE. “I really want to try to go into the World Championships, but I also want to open up my own range. After the range here closed down, I have wanted to share archery with the people in the city. I think it would be a great business opportunity, and I think archery could be a big sport here in Omaha, Nebraska,” Davis said.

KIANA’S CARRY-ONS Hey, Kiana! What do you bring along with you to the range?

“I bring my quiver to hold the arrows, back tension release (used to release the arrow from the bow), string bow (allows me to practice form and different releases when I’m unable to shoot the bow or in-between rounds), a bag full of things to fix the bow in case of any equipment failure, arrows (obviously, but I do have a set for indoor and one for outdoor), a mantis (a small device that you mount onto the bow and basically records the shot and lets you see it on your phone), a cloth to quickly wipe my arrows down, [and] a name tag that I got from the tournament in Kentucky.”

Kiana’s bow, made for competition, called the TRX 38 G2.

MNHSONLINE.COM • 19

MILES AND MILES LATER Tommy Eichmann’s lasting legacy ELIAS PIPINOS Sports Editor

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TOMMY’S TRIUMPHS

50 Meter Freestyle: 21.73 seconds 100 Meter Freestyle: 49.30 seconds

11.2 seconds 100 METER DASH

50.9 seconds 400 METER DASH

22.5 seconds 200 METER DASH

Kickering Kicker:

Tommy Eichmann performs butterfly stroke.

Butterfly, along with backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, make up a popular swimming event, that being the Medley, which in this case is performed by one person, called the individual medley (IM).

Photograph submitted by Tommy Eichmann

LOOK OUT FOR MN’S STATE QUALIFIERS

stroke, and one last kick forward. Shaving seconds the end of the year here,” Mertz said. off the Medley Relay time had proved difficult for TomAlong with coaching the whole team, Mertz watches my and the team, but his anchor position meant that he the events, and keeps in mind how his runners, including was the last person in line, and that his stretch of the race Eichmann, do every meet. was the most important.

“His 100 and 200 time, along with his 400 time are In its 21-22 swim season, with its relay team an- all dropping right now, and [in the 200] he is close to chored by Tommy Eichmann, MN beat its prior Medley making our record board,” Mertz said. “He’s ran a 29.59 Relay time by 2.5 seconds. at the 200 lately, so he’ll probably make it to State with “We set the Medley Relay record, which was actually that.” something we’ve been working on for a long time. [In But, of course, Mertz and the other track coaches, my sophomore year], we got within 0.2, and we came including Foster, put the runners through training and within 0.3 the next year,” Eichmann said. “But this year, put them to work on picking up their pace. we smashed it by 2.5 seconds, and that was just one of “He’s a great leader. It’s been a good, long road with the greatest moments ever, [being him, and he shows up every day, comable to say] ‘it took two years to petes every day,” Foster said. “He was a I hope that my do this.’” state qualifier last year, and I think that Eichmann, who swam the legacy would be that there’s still more for him to come.” freestyle to finish off the relay, Foster, being Eichmann’s track has tried his hand in many oth- people look up to me, coach for the last four years, has had a er sports, including cross country, and maybe even aspire lot of time to grow, learn, and adapt with track, and even football.

Eichmann.

“I’ve done four sports while to be like me. “[Tommy] listens, he’s coachable, I’ve been in highschool,” Eichand he’s probably one of the more mann said. “I’ve been the team athletic runners that we’ve had come captain of two of them, [and] TOMMY EICHMANN through the building in a while,” Foster I’ve set some records.”

SENIOR, VARSITY FOUR- said. “Tommy’s a special guy, and he’s Recently, Eichmann has SPORT ATHLETE got something special coming for him.” been going faster than ever and In the last weeks of school, and, coshaving off time in a different incidentally, his last track season, Eichfield; the track. mann has put thought into his future outside of school.

“My time as a runner has been pretty short com“[Although] you can go straight to the polic acadpared to others, because I’ve taken time off for other emy right out of high school, I would prefer to get a sports.” Eichmann said. “Running seems to be a break bachelor’s degree and then go to the police academy,” from everything else, but at the same time, it is my favor- Eichmann said. ite sport to do.”

In his last few weeks as a Mustang, Eichmann has a Walter Mertz, who coaches cross country, and is the lot to think about, in regards to what he is leaving behind. head coach of track and field ran the 200 in track, like “I’ve done four sports while I’ve been in high school, Eichmann does now. Along with Mertz, Coach Jermaine I’ve been the team captain of two of them,” Eichmann Foster helps to train the competing sprinters. said. “I’ve helped set some records, and I hope that my “I like watching the kids compete, and it’s a lot of legacy would be that people look up to me, and maybe fun when they get excited about it, of course. Certainly even aspire to be like me.”

Tommy is involved in that, and he’s really come along at

Nebraska’s State Track will be held at Burke High School on May 18th. Look out for Millard North’s best athletes there!

MN has amazing talent in all departments, including our sprinters, throwers, jumpers, and more!

20 • May 16, 2022

SISTERHOOD IN SPORTS

Sisters Eunice and Lucy Cho on their relationship through tennis ADITHI DEEDUVANU Staff Writer

Most athletes have been playing their sport for as long as they can remember. For sisters Eunice

and Lucy Cho, tennis is no different. Both girls have been playing for over seven years.

Unlike many other athletes, Lucy and Eunice have always found companionship in tennis whether it be from their teammates, coaches, or from each other. The sisters are both on MN’s girl’s varsity tennis team, an accomplishment, considering that many girls tried out alongside them this year.

Both Eunice and Lucy were introduced to tennis by their dad but fell in love with tennis on their own.

“I am continuously motivated to keep playing because I know what I am capable of and am looking forward to reaching that point,” Eunice said As a junior, this is Eunice’s second year on varsity. She plays number 1 doubles with senior Zoey Norris. Eunice is constantly working to improve, watching young players like Emma Raducanu as inspiration.

Additionally, Eunice trains a lot throughout the year. During the school year, she takes private lessons, and during the summer she attends clinics and tournaments. All of her hard work has paid off, and last year at Metro’s Eunice and Zoey were the #1 Doubles Runner-Ups. Eunice says that this was one of her proudest moments, along with contributing to her team.

Her sister Lucy is a Freshman, and this is her first year on varsity. She plays number 1 singles. Tennis has taught Lucy many things, many of which are important life lessons.

“My favorite thing about tennis is that it taught me how to be mentally stronger and confident in myself,” Lucy said.

Lucy is inspired by other determined young women like Naomi Osaka, because of her talent and perseverance. She is currently practicing for her first trip to Metros and State.

She is making sure she is confident in her tennis skills, both physically and mentally.

Both Lucy and Eunice are reflecting on how it feels to play tennis with one another. This is the first time they’ve been on the high school team together, and it will not be the last.

“It feels very satisfying because we have been waiting for a long time to share this experience. It’s very fun to see my sister go through the same experiences I did my sophomore year” Eunice said.

Lucy and Eunice are constantly pushing and supporting each other’s playing.

“When we aren’t playing against each other, we are our biggest supporters. But, when we play against each other we don’t forget how to put our full effort into beating one another” Lucy said.

Their supportive dynamic also helps the rest of their teammates.

“Off the court, they are the biggest cheerleaders for their teammates. Eunice and Lucy are always the first ones to yell and cheer when someone has a good point or wins. They bring great energy to our team,” varsity tennis coach Isabelle Wostoupal says.

Wostoupal says her goals for the sisters are simple.

“I want them to grow into the strongest and most confident tennis player and person they can be.”

As Eunice and Lucy practice for their path to State, they are strengthening their bonds with each other while also working to get better. Their experience of sisterhood in sports is one that not many people get to experience.

Dynamic Duo:

Lucy and Eunice, mid-point. The two have a twoyear age gap, and have grown their skills in tennis together through the years.

Photograph submitted by Eunice Cho

JOCK TALK What is the most memorable moment from the past four years of your sport?

Kyie Schweers SENIOR Cheerleader

Probably just placing at nationals for the last time I ever competed, that was really fun, and it was really fun seeing all of our hard work pay off.

Trenton Young SENIOR Track

It’s always the long runs I have with my friends, just fun times with everyone.

Zoey Norris SENIOR Tennis

I think the most memorable moment for me was my freshman year when I was playing in doubles with a senior and we made it to the finals at state and got second place.