The Hoofbeat, May 5, 2025

Millard North High School

THE HOOFBEAT

ROBOT RAVE

FAST FOOD FIX

Underdog freshman robotics teams make Worlds

Exploring the different aspects of Fast Food

Page 5

Volume 44 • Issue 6 • May 5, 2025

ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE

Pages 11-13

Millard North band director Ryan Placek retires after 12 years, leaving Craig Mathis in charge of the band Pages 2 and 3

Photograph by Katelyn Judd

2 • News • May 5, 2025

A BITTERSWEET GOODBYE Beloved MN band director Ryan Placek is retiring at the end of this year TEJA SRIDHER Co-Opinions Editor

of various backgrounds and has elicited considerable growth in the fter years of halftime shows, bonding events, program.

“For me personally, being in and competitions across the country, the Millard North Band Department will say a heavy-hearted goodbye to the Wind Symphony, my peers and the person who made it all possible. Band Director Ryan I have had a tremendous amount Placek has stood at the podium for over 13 years, or- of support under his direction, in which we have grown, not only as chestrating each performance with heart and passion.

Placek will be retiring from Millard North at the musicians, but as individuals. The end of this school year. However, his legacy, laughter, impact that Mr. Placek has had on and positivity will never be forgotten. His dedication is us extends beyond the band room and is tangible in clear in the nine awards he’s taken our everyday lives,” home in his band career, and stuThe impact that junior Anagha Vedents are no exception to underMr. Placek has had on mmelesseril said. standing his commitment.

Over the years, “The type of students we have us extends beyond the the classroom has here are very committed and dedibecome a two-way cated. They want to be challenged, band room and is tanstreet for inspiring and I think with the support from gible in our everyday mutual connecadministration, our program has Placek’s Presentation tions and growth. been able to suceed,” Placek said. lives.

Placek stands in front of his AP Music Theory class during a class The energy and huJunior Angela Cui has been inactivity. He helps his students review song keys as they prepare for mor his students volved in band since her freshman bring have helped their upcoming AP exam. year, and feels that Placek has fuel Placek’s contin- Photograph by Katelyn Judd helped her become a better flute ued passion to work player and person as a whole. challenged more, and they are performing at a much “I felt very sad when I found out that Mr. Placek with young adults. higher level than they were when I first got here. It’s “The students’ energy energizes me.

No matter was leaving. He’s an amazing director. You can tell that totally up to [Mr. Mathis] where he wants to go with it. what kind of mood I come to work in, the kids are going he puts all of his time and effort into making the band The possibilities are limitless,” Placek said. to put me in a good mood.

Somebody’s going to make better, both as a music ensemble and as a community, Vemmelesseril has high hopes for the band, and and I’m grateful for all the sacrifices he’s made for us,” me laugh or something funny is going to happen, and believes they will continue to succeed in the upcoming so leaving this joy is going to be tough at first,” Placek Cui said. years.

In all of Placek’s years here in the various band de- said.

“Under the direction Even though the band members are saddened about partments, he has interacted with countless students of Mr. Mathis, I believe Placek’s departure, enthusiasm about the band’s future is evident throughout the that we as a band will be able to reach new heights student body.

“I’m excited! Even though I’ll miss Mr. and push ourselves to a Placek, he deserves to rest, and change new standard of excelisn’t necessarily a bad thing. If anything, lence. For the entire I’m looking forward to seeing what our Millard North band, we are excited to see what new director will implement,” Cui said.

Mathis has been a part of the Mil- lies ahead and the various ways lard North band community for 12 years, in which we will grow,” Vemmeassisting Placek in building the program lesseril said.

As the baton passes to the and their community. new director, Placek’s impact “Mr. Mathis is just as dedicated, passionate, knowledgeable, and empathetic, on MN band will never be forand I don’t have any worries about next gotten. The band will continue to achieve great things with year despite the big change,” Cui said.

Placek is confident that the band will the guidance of Mathis. Even Rhythmic Reading continue to achieve great things in the fu- though Placek is moving on, it’s never a final Senior Madison Bonham reads sheet music for AP Music The- ture, regardless of his absence. ory class. She works to find what key the song is in.

“I feel like I am leaving things in a goodbye, it’s only a great position. I think the kids are being standing ovation.

Photograph by Katelyn Judd

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Anagha Vemmelesseril

Placek’s Prizes

Throughout Placek’s career, he has recieved numerous awards and accolades including: •

Nebraska Music Education Association Educator of the Year (2004)

•

Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Director’s Fraternity (2015)

•

Director - Wind Symphony selected to perform @ Nebraska State Bandmasters Convention (2016) •

•

MN’s next Band Director

Full Name: Craig Mathis

Worked Here For: 12 Years

Teaches:

Jazz Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Basketball Pep Bands, Elementary School Band

Primary Instrument: Trombone

• Conn-Selmer VIP (2019) MPS Caryl & Katherine Brown Award of Excellence in High School Teaching (2020)

Favorite Color:

Director - Wind Symphony selected to perform @ Nebraska State Bandmasters Convention (2020)

Sour Gummy Worms

•

Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award (2023)

•

School Band & Orchestra + magazine “50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference in America” award selection (2024)

•

Meet Mr. Mathis

mnhsonline.com • 3

Director - Wind Symphony selected to perform @ Nebraska State Bandmasters Convention (2025)

Red

Favorite Candy:

Favorite Vacation Spot: Breckenridge, Colorado

Hobbies:

Watching College Football

Craig Mathis

Accomplishments:

Nebraska Music Teacher of the Year (2023) Jack R. Snyder Young Band Director Award

Drum Majors’ Minds

2025-26 Marching Band Drum Majors’ thoughts on Placek’s retirement

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Natalia Martinez Sophomore

I’m very sad about Placek leaving. I was very excited when I got to do band here, and he was an amazing director. I wish him all the best for his next years

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Lucy Kitchen Junior

He’s been an amazing director. He’s always been fun and very welcoming of everybody

Emma Schlick Junior

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Isaac Schade Sophomore

I’m sad because I’ve known him for a while, my older brothers were in band and so I’ve known him for over 10 years. It’s going to be weird without him

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He’s a really great teacher and has a pretty good legacy at Millard North.

He’s impacted a lot of students

”

4 • News • May 5, 2025

A SMARTER SYSTEM

Students’ bus experiences set to improve with 2025-26 MPS bus system upgrades MAHDIS RIAZIKHAH Co-Opinions Editor

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gentle breeze is rolling down the streets—silent, efficient, and perfectly timed. A brand-new bus company is hitting the road, bringing a wave of modern upgrades aimed at elevating everyday commutes. Public transportation is evolving, and this is just the beginning. Buckle up—your journey just got smarter.

In a press release on Mar. 17, 2025, Millard Public Schools announced that it had started a four-year contract with Zum, an American student transportation service company.

“We are excited about our partnership with Zum,” Millard Superintendent Dr. John Schwartz said in the press release. “Zum offers several unique features that will improve [transportation services]. Through our partnership, families will now be able to track their child’s ride. Additionally, the buses will be new, will include air conditioning, and will also be propane, which is the most reliable during the winter months.”

The current contract with Student Transportation of America has expired, and MPS sent out an RFP, or Request for Proposal, which is a document used by a school district or public transportation to obtain proposals from potential bus transportation providers, as well as for other services. These RFPs outline the school’s needs and requirements for bus services, allowing interested companies to submit thorough proposals detailing how they would meet those needs.

“The routing software that they [the buses] have is very robust, and so our [staff’s] hope is that students will be able to track their rides much more easily without calling anyone. Parents can see exactly where their kid is at or how far their bus is away,” Executive Director of Activities, Athletics and External Engagement Chad Zimmerman said.

Students can check in by scanning their ID, which will show students’ location. If students forget their IDs, the buses will provide tablets that students can check in on as well to give an accurate depiction of who is on the bus at what time.

“Our hope is that it’s a better customer experience.

Students start and end their day often on a school bus, so we want to make sure that experience positively starts their day and positively ends their day,” said Zimmerman. “We hope to give some comfort to parents and reassurance to parents so their student is either arriving at school or on their way home.”

Zum held a school bus driver hiring event on Mar. 25 and 26 at the Marriott Courtyard. Zum planned on hiring 70 drivers and 29 attendants for 64 routes, as stated in the same press release.

“We are honored to partner with Millard Public Schools, a district that has been recognized for its academic excellence and engaged student population,” Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum, said in the press release. “We are excited to launch this partnership in the 2025-26 school year and provide greater visibility and transparency to parents, students, drivers, and schools.”

Zum offers the ability for parents to rate their child’s ride. This was one of the main aspects that stood out to Millard. Among all the districts they served, they achieved an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

“Zum collects all that data, and if there are any concerns, they have a department to respond to parents to address that concern. It gives us a lot of comfort that the service they are providing is very good,” said Zimmerman.

Besides working with the Millard Public Schools district, Zum works with Omaha Public Schools, another local public school district. In general, the company works with about 30 districts across the country, although Zum is relatively new in the Midwest.

“We had the opportunity to visit OPS and their leadership to determine how that transition went for them this year, and they felt like it made a huge positive difference in the quality of service they were able to provide,” Zimmerman said. “It was helpful for us to understand that and to be able to use them [the OPS school district] as a resource as we had other questions

based on their [Zum’s] performance.”

In addition to efficiency, Millard will take an environmentally friendly initiative with Zum. As referred to before, Zum buses use propane. Propane operates more efficiently than diesel, mainly by reducing harmful emissions.

“If the electrical infrastructure becomes readily available, that will be something that we will consider. Potentially transitioning to electric buses, right now, the infrastructure isn’t there, so we will continue to use propane buses, which gives us the best opportunity to serve the community in all kinds of weather.” Zimmerman said.

This collaboration between the school and the district is designed to strengthen the overall quality for students and parents. As the partnership develops, it could become a valuable model for other districts seeking to enhance their transportation services.

“Zum”-ing to the Top

Zum represents a new approach to the world of school transportation.With a focus on sustainability, safety, transparency, and accessibility Zum has established itself as a significant brand throughout the country. By working with Zum, Millard Public Schools is looking to keeping up with the new face of sustainable and efficient student transportation.

Photograph by Priya Kukreja

Propane Possibilities Zum Student Transportation Services relies on propane to power its school buses, winning awards through the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency and being named on the Fortune Change the World List for their environmentally-friendly company policies. But what does this mean? What does propane do for environment?

Propane...

• is a clean-burning fuel; reduces air pollution • is reliable; requires less maintenance compared to other fuels • is safe; has lower flammability and a smaller risk of leakage compared to other fuels • is versatile; can power a variety machines and appliances

mnhsonline.com • 5

BRAINS, BOTS, AND BROTHERHOOD

MN freshman robotics teams make the VEX Robotics World Championship, reflect on a breakthrough season LUCAS DAY Staff Writer

this season,” freshman driver and builder of Lord of the Rings Cale Hemje said. “But then we went way beyond that.”

Nonetheless, the Lord of the Rings team quickly became adhether it’s on a page or the big screen, every great underdog ept contestants in the game. Both freshman teams began to rack story starts with an unlikely bunch breaking expectations and beat- up wins and beat out multiple top teams, making their mark in the ing the odds. On Mar. 14, MN’s own underdogs did just that as two state competition.

When the Nebraska State V5 Championship rolled around, both freshman robotics teams fought side-by-side to earn a spot in the Havøc and Lord of the Rings were seeded in the VEX Robotics World Championship. top ten and were expected to qualify for the world The championship, held in Dallas, Texas championship. Havøc toppled the competition in from May 6-8, brings together the best and each match, maintaining their spot amongst the top brightest teams from across the globe. Acteams. cording to the Robotics Education and ComLord of the Rings, on the other hand, had hit a petition Foundation, there are more than wall. Already seeded at the lower end of the top ten, 20,000 teams worldwide, yet only about the stakes to hold their position were high. Then, a 850 get to compete at the top. loss of transmission with their robot left them unFor the freshmen behind Havøc, one of able to control it, forcing game reruns and multiple Millard North’s rookie teams, qualifying for lost matches.

Worlds was an incredible accomplishment.

While Havøc sat safely in their qualifying posiHowever, it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. tion, Lord of the Rings had dropped down far below “Being a team of all freshmen with litthe cutoff. tle prior experience in high school robotics, “The hard part was staying positive and just the start of the season came with a very looking ahead as a group instead of blaming peosteep learning curve,” freshman Havøc codple,” Hemje said. er Daniel Velasco said.

With tensions running high, the struggling Part of this learning curve is adjusting freshmen poured their efforts into one last shot– to the annually-changing games. qualification rounds.

Each year at the world championship, In these final matches, top teams select an ally VEX Robotics unveils the game for the fol- A Havøc-ly Skilled Team lowing season. Veteran teams spend months Havøc’s team robot, named “Havøc”, to compete with side-by-side for a spot in the championship. Havøc–already secured in their ranking– planning and adapting to the game before could be found in the robotics chose Lord of the Rings to be their partner. competitions even begin, while freshman classroom during robotics season.

By allying with Lord of the Rings, Havøc rekindled teams start from scratch.

Havøc is composed of many small a partnership that had won them a tournament earliAdjusting to robotics isn’t just learning the game, but also adapting to the compe- parts, including disks, gears, sensors, er in the season.

“We knew we were a pretty good combo going tition. Still, this didn’t stop these freshmen and barrels all made from varying materials like steels and metals. into state, because the communication is definitely from rising to the challenge. there,” Hemje said.

“We improved rapidly throughout the Photograph by Mia Castro Despite not being favored to win the partnered rounds, the sister season, beating out some of the best teams in the state multiple teams ended up trouncing their opponents, and Lord of the Rings times,” Velasco said.

Havøc’s steady climb paid off as they arrived at the Nebraska found themselves climbing their way back into the bracket.

By the end of the tournament, Havøc and Lord of the Rings were State V5 Championship. Their skill set, matched with their determination, put them in a comfortable position during the state tourna- two of only ten teams from Nebraska–and two of just seven teams from MN–to make the VEX Robotics World Championship. ment, and their place in VEX Worlds was seemingly secured.

“We were certainly not expected to make Worlds this year, beMeanwhile, MN’s other freshman team, Lord of the Rings, began their robotics season with low expectations. They were complete- cause it’s our freshman year and we don’t have the experience,” ly unfamiliar with the game and competitions, and they improved Hemje said. “However, we did pull it off, and we were instantly happy with the season.” solely through a trial-and-error process.

While an MN team making the world championship is nothing “It usually takes a full season or one year to develop the skills to be competitive and figure out what works and what doesn’t,” new, Hemje emphasized that two freshman teams rising to the occasion is an impressive milestone rarely seen in robotics. robotics sponsor Jeff Brady said.

With the World Championship coming up soon, MN’s freshman Due to the time needed to acclimate to tournaments, becoming teams gear up, not only competing to represent MN, but to showthe competitive as a first-year team is notoriously difficult to do.

“Even winning a single award was gonna be an accomplishment world what the word “rookie” really means.

W

NEWS

BRIEFS

LOCAL NEWS Nebraska lawmakers in hot debate over the legalization of medical marijuana (Apr. 30)

Bat tests positive for rabies after biting two (Apr. 28)

NATIONAL NEWS

US economy shrinks 0.3% as companies rush to curb Trump’s tariffs (Apr. 30) University of Delaware student killed, 8 hurt after U-Haul crashes while fleeing police (Apr. 30)

WORLD NEWS

Massive power outage hits Spain and Portugal, leaves 3 dead (Apr. 28)

Swedish teenager kills 3 in triple shooting, arrested by Swedish police (Apr. 29)

6 • News • May 5, 2025

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

The class of 2025 prepares to participate in nostalgic senior activities, reminisce on elementary and middle school days RHEA JAIN Staff Writer

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s seniors begin to check items off their to-do lists, each check mark is a step towards the end of their journeys at Millard Public Schools.

From finalizing college or work commitments to delivering graduation party invites, seniors are caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities.

However, amidst the chaos, they often reminisce about the time when the hardest decisions were what games to play at recess or who to sit next to at lunch.

Yet now, they have the opportunity to take a walk down memory lane as every Millard Public Schools Elementary School is holding a Senior Elementary Walk.

These walks have started in recent years, allowing elementary school alumni to walk the halls that were once theirs.

The seniors can find their old classrooms, meet with previous teachers and staff, and have the chance to speak to the elementary stu-

Attention Seniors!

Make sure to check your emails for information regarding elementary and middle school graduation walks and other events! Most schools have sent out information to inboxes by now.You don’t want to miss out on these celebrations!

dents about their elementary experiences and their high school experiences as well.

“This is a great way for our previous students to relive their best lives,” Harvey Oaks Principal Erin Gonzalez said.

• She emphasized how meaningful it is • to see former students reconnect with their • roots, so they can continue to work toward • making their younger selves proud.

• This emotion was voiced by former Har• vey Oaks student and current senior Elsa • Podoll. She recognized this event’s • impact.

• “ I thought Senior Spotlight that it Name: Daniella would be Zastrow super exciting to be Alumna of Aldrich able to reconnect with Elementary School the people that I grew College: University of up with,” Podoll said.

Nebraska-Lincoln For many, the Major: Biology event is not just about Favorite walking the halls elementary school again, but about revisiting the people and memory: Olympic places that shaped Day Photographs contributed their early years.

Although the seby Daniella Zastrow nior walks bring back memories for MN students, another piece may also bring back memories: the 8th-grade letter.

In 8th grade, some students wrote letters to their future selves regarding their future goals, dreams, and pieces of advice for the next 4 years and beyond.

“I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I think I told myself to enjoy high school and all the experiences I could have, ” senior Lia Rilantono said.

Trying to recollect memories from elementary and mid- Senior Spotlight dle school Name: Lauren Smith seems like Alumna of Harvey Oaks Elean imposmentary School sible task.

H o w e v e r , College: University of Nebrasfor the se- ka-Lincoln niors at Mil- Major: Elementary Education lard North, Favorite elementary school these expe- memory: playing in the snow riences are during recess all they can Photographs contributed by Lauren remember.

Smith

Upcoming Senior Walks

Harvey Oaks Elementary: May 21, 8:00 AM Cottonwood Elementary: May 22, 3:00 PM Montclair Elementary: May 21, 1:15 PM Abbott Elementary: May 22, 2:50 PM Cather Elementary: May 21, 1:00 PM Cody Elementary: May 21, 1:30 PM Ezra Elementary: May 21, 9:00 AM Morton Elementary: May 21, 1:15 PM Millard North Middle: May 21, 1:30 PM “Getting to experience life with my friends from elementary school has been super rewarding,” Podoll said.

These moments are more than nostalgic because they serve as a reminder of who they once were.

The growth and development from their first day of kindergarten to their last day of senior year is vast, and walking the same halls brings those changes into sharp focus.

Both the senior walks and the letters go hand-inhand, serving as unique opportunities for students to reflect on the past, present, and future.

Even though graduation can be a symbol of the end, it also represents the beginning of something new for all students moving forward in their lives, no matter what the next chapter brings for them.

As they count the days till graduation, the class of 2025 takes time to honor their past while building for the future.

For every one step forward, one must take one step back and remember where it all started.

Opinions • 7

PAPER OR PIXEL?

Switching to digital or hybrid AP testing brings both backlash and support THE HOOFBEAT Staff Editorial

Many students report that testing online feels far more arduous than testing with paper and pencil. Sitting for hours working on one test, repetitively filling out question after question, trying not to let your mind wander- it’s hard enough on paper, but it’s all made worse when faced with a glaringly lit screen.

Not only this, but research studies by Macquarie University found that when we read text on a screen, we understand less than if we read the same text on paper.

It isn’t just the loss of concentration affecting students, though; some may not understand the test layout or the tools available to them, whereas on paper, annotating and writing notes is far more intuitive.

Furthermore, many students are not as proficient at typing, and this may put them at a significant disadvantage during the timed writing portions of the tests.

Although practice and becoming familiar with the tools available can help, technology is still notoriously unreliable. You never know what may go wrong at the worst times.

Are all the students going to remember their chargers? Will there be enough outlets? What if a computer malfunctions mid-test? For the larger exams, will the internet be able to support all the test takers at once?

While there are measures in place to minimize and prevent these issues, such as testing the internet’s bandwidth and ordering more power wheels, technology remains unpredictable. With all the test-takers and administrators accustomed to paper-and-pencil tests, the sudden switch to digital is challenging.

A more graceful transition would have been ideal,

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S technology advances, it’s essential to change with it; we must embrace newer formats as past ones become obsolete. But sometimes, we try to implement these switches before we are prepared for them.

This may be the case with the upcoming shift in AP exams: 28 of the 40 exams are switching to fully digital or hybrid digital-paper formats this May. While this change does have some benefits, such as increased security, it has sparked concerns that it may be too abrupt a shift.

Until now, only nine exams offered a digital option.

The sudden switch to digital-only formats has been inelegant and possibly too hasty. It’s received major backlash from students, teachers, and administrators alike nationwide.

“I wish [going to digital exams] wasn’t such an abrupt change and that we could have eased into it… as a coordinator, I have questions and concerns, and it’s a pretty severe change in a short amount of time,” Matthew Starks, MN’s AP testing coordinator, said.

The switch to digital brings plenty of logistical concerns for the test administrators, but there are also concerns for the test-takers and the scores themselves.

“There is pretty compelling evidence that for two students who are otherwise similar, if one took the test on paper and one took the test on a computer, then the student taking the test on paper would score higher,” an article by Future Ed said.

Logan Pessini

Evelyn Tucker

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Raylie Hollingsworth

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School sporting events, especially Friday nights, and just being in the students’ section and having a good time with my friends.

Adam Gotschall Senior

Senior

My favorite memory is probably my junior year of DECA. It was very fun and all of my best friends were there, and we all competed very well.

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During junior year, it was the Gretna vs Millard North game, we started the quarter, and it was fun.

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What’s your favorite memory of high school?

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My favorite memory was playing tennis for the girls’ team junior year.There was a great sense of community, and we all bonded a lot.

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Student Speak

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Senior

Senior

but because of advancements in technology, going paperless was bound to happen at some point. There are definite benefits to switching to online testing, especially from an administrative perspective.

Online testing gives an added level of security, such as the lockdown browser, which restricts access to external websites or applications for the exam duration.

Fewer paper tests to keep track of and less organization required to submit them could potentially lead to quicker score turnaround time and lower testing costs in the future, although the online infrastructure likely has a cost as well.

Additionally, editing the essay portions of many of the exams will be easier when taken digitally. Online platforms allow students to go back, revise, and reorganize their work without needing to rewrite sections or cross things out entirely. It also simplifies grading, as teachers will not have to decipher students’ messy handwriting.

So, is the switch to digital ultimately beneficial for the future of the exam? From the administrative side, it seems promising, but only time will tell.

If only the switch had been integrated more smoothly, such as starting with more widely advertised online testing options, this change may have been received better.

As it is, it remains a controversial decision. The students taking the exam online will be some of the first to do so in many subjects, so it remains to be seen how online testing will affect scores and the overall testing experience.

By Brady Bredenkamp

14 •May 5, 2025

BUILDING THE BRAND OF ME What does it mean to really “find yourself”? What did the process look like for me?

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Mia’s Mindset

ne of the vital parts of marketing is brand management. Building a strong brand identity can mean the difference between astounding business success and complete failure.

Brand management ideally involves positioning a business in a consumer’s mind as special and worthy of the consumer’s investment and time.

However, challenges arise when the brand’s market is unpredictable and fluctuating. In cases like these, it becomes significantly more difficult for a brand to distinguish itself, no matter the unique features it has to offer.

When I learned about this in marketing class, it sounded strangely familiar. After intense reflection, I realized this is something I’ve navigated my entire life.

Attending a large suburban high school, I’ve constructed a unique persona, grappling with what others expect of me.

On one hand, I “fit in” with the success-oriented, resource-rich students because I have always been involved in that segment of the school through activity and academic circles. On the other hand, I connect deeply with the smaller minority population, whose

Mia Castro Editor -in -Chief

background and values of family and responsibility heavily reflect mine.

Despite my ability to relate to both circles, I’ve never felt a total membership in either group. Whether I was the only Hispanic girl in school activities, competing in state competitions, or even in advanced classes, I’ve always occupied the gray space between the two groups. The way I’ve been raised, with most of my family back home and most of my close friends living in South Omaha, led me to feel isolated and occasionally misunderstood.

Sometimes feeling “too white” for the Hispanic group or “too Hispanic” for the white ones, I’ve learned to conform to all sorts of environments. Some may see this as insincere or “wishy-washy”, but for me, it’s a means of survival.

Just as I’ve trained myself to keep up with the varying contexts of my everyday life, brands must continuously keep up with shifts in the marketplace, surfacing trends, and ever-changing consumer preferences. They must accomplish this all without losing their core brand identity. This is a delicate balancing act—one that I’ve mastered since I was young.

Like an emergent brand trying to find its niche in an overcrowded market, I’ve had to develop strategies to simultaneously stand out and “fit in,” a difficult thing to do while also trying to keep my authentic core intact.

As I end my senior year and begin my collegiate career, I reflect on how much I’ve grown and learned about myself during my four years in high school.

Yes, I am the daughter of immigrants. Yes, I am the

How To: Finding Yourself

ggg Begin each day with a clear intention and end it by reflecting on how far you’ve come.

Picture the person you want to become.

first child in my family to pursue higher education in the United States. Yes, this means I will serve as an example for my younger relatives as they progress further into school, whether I want that pressure or not. Yes, I am inevitably going to face all sorts of mental strain, judgment, and prejudice because of these reasons.

But, beyond this surface, I am a girl who is going through this journey—going to college, being an A+ student, big sister, involved peer, dedicated friend, and trying to find my stride in this complex and volatile world—for the first time.

All parts of my character can coexist, and I am allowed to stumble while figuring myself out. I can construct my personal brand—one that will serve as a compass, grounding me when I feel lost.

Although my Spanish isn’t as casual and smooth as I want it to be, and my hair is thick, dark, and riddled with frizzy waves rather than straight and shiny gold, I know I don’t need to fit in any box.

Like a young brand finding its loyal customer base, I will build my brand with patience, care, and understanding. If, when first piloted, my initial project drawup doesn’t perform as well as projected, that’s okay.

Brands are built to be adaptable and strong, just as I know I am.

I understand that my story, like a brand, is a work in progress. And progress isn’t linear. Through toil and triumph, I will continue evolving—all without losing sight of my ambition and the sacrifice of my loved ones who came before me. With each step forward, I will strive to embody myself in an authentic, unapologetic way.

After all, what is a brand if it isn’t whole and true?

Live with purpose and make your actions meaningful.

Pay attention to what fuels your energy and what drains it.

Let your interest and passions guide your direction.

Release any self-doubts and silence your inner critic, replace them with affirming thoughts that reflect your values, strengths, and goals.

Honor your strength, perserverance, and growth through difficult moments.

Source: Better Up

In-Depth • 9

Growing Consumption,

Growing Consequences

Illustration by Nadirah Johnson

Analyzing the allure of modern fast food culture and its impact at a socioeconomic and environmental level

10• May 5, 2025

A FAST FOOD FRENZY

Examining the marketing strategies of fast-food companies their long-term consequences KATELYN JUDD Co-Front Page Editor

E

veryone has heard the familiar jingles of “I’m lovin’ it”, “finger-lickin’ good”, or “have it your way” from well-known fast-food companies. Their tunes are often displayed on billboards or in the background of commercials.

A business’s success is nothing without its marketing, and this applies to the familiar fast food industry’s marketing methods.

Nevertheless, the style and thinking behind their marketing go deeper than fun songs and silly commercials. What happens under the surface and who they are targeting in their methods can even be considered dangerous.

According to “Yale News”, fast-food companies focus their marketing strategies on children and adolescents for a few reasons, as for the most part, children and adolescents have some sway over their parents’ purchasing decisions.

Many companies capitalize on these kids by offering kids’ meals and collectible toys to accompany them, encouraging families with children to buy from them.

As a result, the family’s spending increases the company’s profit, and they harbor a suitable reputation for being kid-friendly.

In addition to kids’ meals, these companies also present combo deals, where you can receive more food and pay less. However, this encourages overconsumption because people may end up ordering more food than they would have originally, under the pretense of saving money.

As technology advances and the usage of the internet becomes more normalized in today’s society, fast food companies additionally utilize social media and mobile apps as some of their main marketing mechanisms.

Adolescents and teens are the major social media users and are the main recipients of those marketing tactics. This gives companies the chance to take advantage of the vulnerability of the younger generation, and can often promote unhealthier options to those who don’t know better. They are the next adult generation for the future, and can supply insight into what food culture will hold as a direct result.

Loyalty apps, making it easier to order, deliver, and earn rewards, also encourage fast food consumption.

Oftentimes, they use a point system structure, where you earn points from ordering, and those points then offer additional rewards, which consequently bring you back to their store.

Further, fast-food companies partner with third-party delivery companies to make food quite literally available at the click of a button. These companies offer a higher convenience for the consumer to be able to order food without ever stepping past their front door.

Moreover, fast-food companies invest in different methods to promote their products, such as using preservatives, food dyes, and artificial flavors to look more visually appealing. Often catering to the smell, texture, and taste to draw consumers in.

The problem is the long-term consequences of constantly consuming unhealthy ingredients. The role that junk food plays in individuals’ lives goes deeper than just reacting to marketing strategies; it’s necessary to consider the underlying psychology behind it.

As stated by the Harvard Gazette, fast food is loaded with ingredients that effectively trigger the dopamine reward pathway in the brain, and follow the same path that drugs, like cocaine, travel down.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter the brain produces to reinforce certain behaviors viewed as beneficial to survival, delivering the feeling of pleasure a n d

influencing mood and behavior.

When an individual consumes ultra-processed foods, which contain high amounts of sugar, dopamine causes temporary comfort, and therefore pushes the individual into a cycle of desiring to eat it again to feel that satiation, causing oblivion to the long-term consequences while relishing in the temporary pleasure of the short-term effects.

Whether it’s the dopamine rush, the marketing tactics, loyalty programs, or even the colorful billboards and jingles, the fast food industry knows how to target its growing audience; howevWhat is Vertic er, the consequent health results could have the The process of one consumer saying aspects of their sup they are not “lovin’ it.” to maximize effic

What are th • • •

Forward Integration: Manufacturer distributes Backwards Integration: Company buys anothe now grows Balanced Integration: Involves a combination panies control a wide range of components, fr

What are the advantages

• More control over the creation of products, leading to overall b • Elimination of “middle man” components allows for better pri • Increases the strength and resilience of a company, as it is har

Investigating Ver

How fast-food companies in the product

TREKKING THROUGH THE DESERT

mnhsonline.com • 11

Exploring the growing health consequences of food deserts, which are fueled by socioeconomic status MIRA MUKHERJEE In-Depth Editor

eserts, particular terrains of the world that are deserts are defined as lower-income regions where peo- The typical demographics of a food desert are Hispanic D typically associated with minimal vegetation, scarcity ple have limited access to fresh, healthy food due to a and African-American communities; on average, Caucasian-majority areas have four times as many grocery stores as predominantly African American communities.

Not only are African Americans more likely to live in food deserts than Caucasians, but they are more likely to die from heart disease.

In Douglas County, African Americans 35 and older succumb to cardiovascular disease at a rate of 546.4 per 100,000 compared to 369.1 per 100,00 for Caucasians of the same age cohort, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2020 Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke.

Consequently, low-income populations and minority groups typically have higher rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease associated with living in these areas.

Food Empowerment Project states that annually, heart disease contributes to 2.4 million deaths in America. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which can clog arteries when in excess, and unhealthy fats are commonly associated with living in food deserts, contributing not only to heart disease but a wide range of cardiovascular implications, such as strokes, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.

Understanding the implications of food deserts and acknowledging areas in which they are most prevalent have led to the creation of organizations dedicated to mitigating inaccessibility to nutritious food.

Grassroots organizations-- establishments focused on volunteerism-- such as Black Men United, have opened food pantries specifically in north Omaha, a region particularly inundated with fast food and scarce in grocery stores, to provide quality food to thousands.

Whether one lives in a food desert or knows community members suffering from the impact of food insecurity, the consequences of food deserts are becoming increasingly evident. Getting involved in the community, supporting food pantries and charities, and encouraging healthy food consumption can make a long-term difference and eventually instill connotations of abundance, not scarcity, in these deserts.

Source: Capstone Logistics

lack of grocery stores.

“With a lot of different population mixes in this area [Omaha], access to specific types of food are limited,” school social worker and community counselor Peggy Breard said.

Breard has been the social worker and community counselor for fifteen years, dealing with all non-academic aspects of student life, including food insecurity.

“Food insufficiency is growing, and it’s just a matter of grocery prices being too high,” Breard said.

The Omaha-Council Bluffs area has a significantly higher percentage of food deserts, particularly concentrated in northeast and southeast Omaha and western regions of Council Bluffs.

9% of these populations are living in food deserts compared to the national average of 4%, according to the Omaha Community Foundation, a non-profit created in 1982 and centered around philanthropy; these conditions directly impact diet.

“Healthier foods create the opportunity for healthy growth, and for people who are using the higher he Subtypes? processed foods or the fast foods, it does create more fat in your diet, which creates s their own products (ex. Farmers’ markets) obesity, which causes health prober company in charge of key resource (ex. McDonald’s lems,” Breard said. s its own potatoes) The impact of food deserts are not only seen at n of forward and backward integration in which coma health standpoint; rom raw materials to retail (ex. Tyson Foods) they also contribute to racial disparities.

of water, and dry, hot temperatures. Mention the word desert, and one can almost feel the blistering, hot sun on the back of their neck. Known for their harshness, many cannot inhabit these landscapes.

Although deserts are seemingly not related to Omaha, Nebraska, a type of desert-- one characterized as harsh and difficult to thrive in-- is becoming more interconnected to the population in the current socioeconomic climate: food deserts.

According to Food Empowcal Integration? erment Project, a non-profit dedicated to educate company owning ing the population pply chain in order on ethical food choices, ciency and profits food

s associated with this strategy?

better quality in goods and decision in marketing strategies icing and increased efficiency of company resources rder for other companies to compete due to increased market share

rtical Integration

s extend their influence tion industry

12 • May 5, 2025

THE COST OF CONVENIENCE

What toll does fast food have on the environment, and what changes are being enacted to foster sustainability?

MATTHEW UM Sports Editor

S

ince the beginning, the most iconic part of fast food has been the packaging. From the yellow arches of the McDonald’s Happy Meal to the instantly recognizable KFC Bucket, the signature packaging is what immediately comes to mind as soon as you hear the name of a restaurant.

Besides the presentation, one of the most reassuring aspects of the packaging is that it’s easy to get rid of. Why break your back doing the dishes and cleaning the table when you can grab your meal, and when done, toss it in the trash? It’s easy and efficient.

This is the nature of fast food. It’s tasty, it’s cheap, and above all, it’s disposable. However, one thing that is often overlooked is the environmental impact of not only the trash produced by fast food, but fast food in general. What happens after the meal is gone?

Environmental science teacher Jessica Young, who is knowledgeable in the field, has observed these impacts for a long time.

“First, the packaging is designed to be single-use and thrown away and disposable. Everything often comes in multiple wrappers and bags, since it’s on the go,” Young said.

The trend was started by McDonald’s way back in 1948. Eschewing traditional plates, utensils, and cups, McDonald’s transitioned from eat in to take out. Now, everything was packaged in plastic or paper, designed to be easy to throw away. The idea caught on quickly, especially with the boom of car culture in the 1950s.

However, the issue of the trash produced by fast food has never been suitably addressed. A 2011 study by Clean Water Action, an environmental advocacy group, found that nearly half of the litter in the Bay Area was fast food packaging, and the Natural Resources Defense Council reported that no fast food brands met best practices for using recycled materials or promoting recycling of used packaging.

The packaging isn’t the only thing ending up in the trash, though. In fact, one of the most overlooked forms of waste is what’s left on our plates.

“There’s a lot of food waste where things won’t be used completely, so they’re major contributors to the food waste every year,” Young said.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 30-40% of food is wasted, equivalent to 133 billion pounds and $161 billion.

Of this, 40% comes

from restaurants.

The reason for this is due to their operating model, with readily available food making it hard to predict customer demands and leading to overproduction. And since food waste in landfills is becoming an increasingly large problem, waste management in the fast food industry is a top priority.

The waste is coupled with the unsustainable practices fast food companies use to procure the sheer amounts of food to meet the demand. Most major chains rely on large-scale suppliers to provide enormous quantities of meat, produce, and other ingredients, often sourced through harmful methods.

While this system supports the global scale and speed fast food demands, it also comes at a high environmental cost. Typically, there is the involvement of heavy pesticide use, long-distance transportation, and significant greenhouse gas emissions, especially from meat production.

Even as these loom as huge problems, it’s not all doom and gloom for the coexistence of fast food and a healthy planet.

“I know Wendy’s has changed the packaging they use to more sustainable material,” said Young. “Some places put in recycling and composting programs to reduce waste from both the food and the packaging.”

Indeed, some of the titans of fast food have made agreements to try to become more sustainable. In 2015, McDonald’s broke new ground by pledging to prevent 150 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere by 2030. Wendy’s has been possibly the most active, setting a goal to sustainably source all of their packaging by 2026.

In an interview, Liliana Esposito, t h e

Source: The Nutrition Source

Chief of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Wendy’s, stated that a sustainable future is one of Wendy’s top priorities.

“It’s a journey and we continue to, to be on that journey and probably will never consider ourselves complete,” Esposito said. “But a few years ago, we went through a process of, first just identifying…those issues that are most important to the company.”

The first was to responsibly source the food, and the second was to responsibly source packaging.

“In terms of what is most driving, I think the most, [is] kind of pride and encouragement. It’s just seeing us make progress against all of those goals,” Esposito said.

In the end, maybe the giants of fast food can change their ways to keep our planet healthy for the future. And who knows, maybe in this future, we’ll find our next Happy Meal or KFC Bucket packaged sustainably. We’ll see new icons of fast food ready to do their part in not just feeding us, but helping the environment along the way.

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Opinions • 13

ONE LAST TIME

A reflection on the four years of high school in one story

Pavlova’s POV

our years.

F 1,460 days. 35,040

hours. 2,102,400 minutes. So many numbers, and it’s all over in just two weeks.

I always knew high school was going to shape and change me forever, but I never expected just how much.

The summer before freshman year, I discovered a lot of things about myself, had an identity crisis, and was finally finding my true self.

I had been to Millard North before; various events my family and I had attended were held here. But in Aug. 2021, I stepped foot inside for the first time as a freshman. After all the High School Musical movies I watched growing up, I was finally going to experience it too. Spoiler alert: like most things, it was nothing like the movies.

I started off the year taking three honors classes, one AP class, and some graduation requirements. This was also the first year I ever took a class related to journalism, and I fell in love with it.

However, jumping into an AP history class straight from a fairly lenient year in 8th-grade American History was an unexpected transition for me. I wasn’t expecting the rigor of the course load.

I had always loved school, but I don’t think 14-yearold me was expecting the workload of the classes I chose to take.

For seemingly the first time, I struggled with my classes, keeping up with 2 assignICE # e V D A th ments, all of and my Take es and r grades. I pictu ou can y was also deos i v trying to balance sports, clubs, friends, and making time for myself.

By the end of the year, I had finally found a perfect balance of everything. But as it finally ended, I was ready for new classes and new people.

Sophomore year, I was doing a lot better schoolwise. My GPA went from a 3.1 at the end of second

KAI PAVLOVA Staff Writer

semester freshman year to a 3.8 first semester sophomore year.

But on the other side of things, I was still struggling a lot with my mental health, was no longer involved in any of the clubs I was in previously, and I unintentionally found the wrong people.

Not saying this shaped my entire year, but it genuinely kind of did. I honestly wasn’t sure I was ever going to get through that year.

But despite it all, I kept trying to find the things I loved again ADV and focused IC on my Don’t E #1 grades and anyth take ing fo healing, and r grant that paid off. ed I was doing a lot better going into junior year.

Junior year, I finally found myself back in journalism, and I loved every second of getting into writing and photography. Now, still in this class, writing this final column, I couldn’t be happier and more passionate about pursuing this in the future.

Freshman year me would never have been this certain on anything, ever. But for the first time in my life, I am 100% certain about what I’m doing and where I’m going in life.

Sitting here and reflecting on the past few years, I can’t believe I’ve made it this far, but I did. And I’m actually going to college. Younger me could’ve never imagined this. But I’m so glad I kept fighting through it all. Through freshman funk, (severe) sophomore slump, junior jitters, and senioritis.

Wrapping this up, I have a few pieces of advice.

First, you’ve probably heard this many times, but these four years go by so fast; never take any of it for granted.

Two, take all the pictures/videos wherever you go.

You will want all of these memories, I promise. The good, the bad, all of it.

Three, surround yourself with the type of people who reflect your values and who you want to be.

This one’s more general, but four: life is fragile, tell your people you love them. Always.

Well… 12 stories, five news articles, four photographed events, three opinions, two years working, one in-depth, and one sports story later… Kai Pavlova officially signing out.

This has truly been such a rollercoaster of an experience, but thank you, Millard North, for everything.

And thank you, Millard North journalism, for bringing me my passion.

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 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 402Responding 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 Editors Lydia Harlow Katelyn Judd News Editor Mia Castro Opinions Editor Mahdis Riazikhah Teja Sridher In-Depth Editor Mira Mukherjee Lifestyle Editor Argyrenia Pipinos Sports Editor Matthew Um Online Editor Sarah Robey Adviser Sarah Crotzer Principal Aaron Bearinger

Cartoonists Brady Bredenkamp Nadirah Johnson Lydia Harlow Artists Brady Bredenkamp Nadirah Johnson Photographer Kai Pavlova

Staff Writers Lucas Day Grace Evert Rhea Jain Sumanas Reddy Kai Pavlova Anuj Singh

14 • May. 5, 2025

THE ART OF PROCRASTINATION

Unpacking the benefits behind procrastinating and how it can beused to maximize success

P

Mira’s Mind

rocrastinator. A term not typically used to characterize motivated individuals. As a self-identified procrastinator, I have felt the onslaught of shame, worry, and feelings of inadequacy that are coupled with the activity. But procrastinating is a universal experience, so why do we demean ourselves when we partake in it? What if instead of viewing procrastination as a threat, we can hone it as a skill?

Looking up “procrastination” will prompt slight variations of the same basic definition: “Procrastination is the intentional act of delaying or postponing something.” This key word is intentional, as procrastinating is a conscious act.

Whether choosing to click on a random video about the power of introverts that spirals into a YouTube rabbit hole, or having to wait until it’s 5:00 p.m. to start homework--because starting at 4:46 p.m. would obviously be ridiculous-- I know exactly when I procrastinate.

Now, as with everything, there is an optimal range for procrastination. I am not encouraging extreme procrastination, in which one exclusively relies

MIRA MUKHERJEE In-Depth Editor

on the habit, causing undue stress and anxiety.

Tim Urban, author and co-founder of the blog Wait But Why, stresses the perils of extreme procrastination if left unchecked, describing his own experiences in his TED Talk, “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator”.

Urban argues that a procrastinator’s mind differs from the rational decision maker due to the presence of an “instant gratification monkey”, which serves as a basis for the mechanism behind procrastination, leading to great unease, poor habits, and unhealthy stress.

While I do believe the instant gratification monkey is an example of procrastination’s consequences, I do believe minimal procrastination has its role in the productivity sphere.

In a New York Times article titled “Why I Taught Myself to Procrastinate,” the writer, organizational psychologist and author Adam Grant, details an experiment performed by a former student, Jihae Shin.

She took a group of individuals and asked all of them to generate new business ideas, but some were told to start brainstorming right away, whereas others were told to play Minesweeper or Solitaire for five minutes.

The results? The latter group’s propositions were 28% more creative than the group that was told to start right away.

The increase in creativity in the procrastinator group makes sense, for usually the most novel ideas don’t come to most people’s minds immediately. I will attest, I don’t immediately think of solid article angles the second we start brainstorming for the newspa-

Positives of Procrastination MORE EFFICIENCY: We tend to get the low priority tasks done first when we procrastinate, setting us up for completing major tasks later.

PEAK PERFORMANCE: Studies show that optimal stress levels can lead to best performance. Whne you procrastinate, typically, you are

per, but instead ideas pop up sporadically on random nights throughout the year.

Utilizing procrastination, contrary to popular belief, is particularly beneficial to those with higher workloads. Being in multiple AP classes, writing for the newspaper, and playing an instrument has kept me on my toes, and it would have been even more difficult to handle without the help of procrastination.

When crafting my daily to-do list, most days the amount of work feels overwhelming. But keeping track of deadlines and knowing what needs to be done that day helps break up my workload and make it more manageable.

Yes, this might mean delaying that English essay until tomorrow and instead focusing on studying math in study hall for the quiz that afternoon, however, it allows me to prioritize assignments and delegate tasks for certain days, increasing my overall efficiency.

I’ve noticed many students, including myself, stress over the fact that their study habits aren’t “perfect”, feeling engulfed in the volume of work to complete that it all seems to be too great an obstacle to conquer. Instead of focusing on perfection, allow yourself some grace and understand that some “imperfect” habits, such as procrastination, can actually be the gateway to achieving goals.

At the end of the day, procrastination is a tool. It’s not the be-all and end-all to success, but it is a component of innovation, time management, and goal-oriented behavior. Don’t fear procrastination-- we all do it, it’s part of human nature. Starting now, allow yourself a little procrastination, and watch the benefits unfold.

Source: LSE Blogs INSPIRES CREATIVITY: Procrastination allows you to think creatively by exploring the task you are on to a much deeper extent

IMPROVES DECISIONMAKING: By delaying the time in which we make our decisions, we may select a more educated choice

STRIKING A POSE

Lifestyle • 15

From being scouted at a Taylor Swift concert to walking the catwalks of New York, senior Faith Decker’s modeling career is taking off ARGYRENIA PIPINOS Lifestyle Editor

Faith said.

Even with years of experience, the job still brings high school,” D. Decker said.

Modeling hasn’t always been easy. COVID took a challenges. The runway show for Enspire Couture he hallway mirror catches a last-minute outfit check. toll on Decker’s confidence and made her question her pushed her limits—she modeled 45 prom dresses and A duffel bag packed with makeup, passion for the industry. It took walked up and down stairs between each one. It was hair ties, and extra outfits waits time—and the right people—to physically demanding, but it taught her a lot. by the door. Soon, studio lights “It was physically exhausting but a great learning help her get back on track. will flicker on, or a runway will experience,” Faith said, “Modeling for Enspire couture “Rebuilding my love for modglow under dim overheads. For taught me that modeling jobs aren’t all easy, some can eling took time, but I’m incredibly senior Faith Decker, this routine grateful to the supportive people be hard on your body and your mind.” is second nature. She’s spent the The lessons Decker takes from experiences like the in my life who helped me find last seven years building her path Enspire Couture runway show are not just about physthat spark again,” Decker said. in the modeling world. ical endurance but also the resilience and communicaOne of those people is art Despite her current ease in teacher Jon Austin. After every tion skills needed to succeed in the industry. It’s those front of the camera, Decker’s job, he’s always the first to ask moments of challenge that have shaped her approach journey into modeling began unhow it went. His consistent sup- to modeling and life in general. expectedly, sparked by a chance Now, as she finishes high school, she’s thinking port has stuck with her. encounter.

“By keeping up to date with about what comes next. She plans to continue classes Decker’s modeling career behow she is doing, what her goals with Metro while she travels. In a few years, she’ll degan after she was scouted at a are, cheering her on from afar, cide whether to pursue college full-time or keep buildTaylor Swift concert at 11 years and writing letters of recom- ing her modeling career. old. Her career took off only a year “After the next couple of years, I’ll evaluate where mendation, is what helps her the later. most, just knowing there is al- modeling is taking me and I’ll make my final decision,” “I landed my first paid ways someone there and rooting Faith said. job at 12 with Oriental Trading D. Decker asserted for you,” Austin said.

Company, modeling Halloween that the decision is up to Decker has alwigs and bat ears,” Decker said.

Decker, but she’s proud of ways treated her “It was so much fun, even though how far her daughter has career as something I was really nervous.” come, emphasizing Deckseparate from her In recent years, her resume Fierce Finale er’s strength. everyday life—somehas grown fast. She’s modeled for Striding down the runway in a dramat“I have been so proud thing that belongs major brands like Nike, Shein, For- ic black dress and oversized hat, Faith of my daughter and how just to her. ever 21, and Pajar. However, one Decker brings bold energy to the end of far she has come from “Sharing about of her most intense experiences the show. Designed by Tiffany Brown for modeling is difficult, Omaha Fashion Week to was in Montreal, where she spent going to casting rooms but when people 11 hours outside in the snow mod- Omaha Fashion Week, the look repacross the country,” Diresents “fierce beauty.” want to listen and eling outerwear for a shoot. She ane said. “Seeing how Photograph contributed by Faith Decker ask me about it, I handled it all alone, flying solo to much she loved the difind it way more exCanada for the job. versity, outfits, and her “That shoot was intense—we were outside in the citing,” Decker said. friends she made along Some of her biggest wins include signsnow for 11 hours modeling coats and boots,” Decker the way made all the ing with Women Management New York said. “But it was all worth it.” lights and glamour of the Decker’s mother, Diane Decker, helps manage her and traveling for brand meetings. Those runway a bonus.” schedule, reviews contracts, and ensures clients under- trips were early steps toward a long-term For Decker, modeling stand that Decker is still a student. She’s traveled with dream: being featured in Sephora. isn’t just a job—it’s per“One of my biggest career goals is to her to jobs across Nebraska, the metro area, and Los sonal. It started with one have a giant poster of my face in Sephora Angeles. unexpected moment and “My role in Faith’s modeling career is mainly to because it means I finally made it,” Faith became something she’s said. keep her safe and humble,” Diane said. carried with her through The cosmetic industry is where she Back in Omaha, Decker balances a packed schedule.

Bridal Bliss good days, bad days, and She works three days a week at a beauty salon, takes hopes to grow next. Her favorite model, Ju- Wearing an elegant white gown, Faith big wins. classes at Metro, all the while she is still in high school, liette Andrews, works with the same OmaDecker walks the catwalk with grace and “Modeling is someand still finds time for creative outlets like painting, ha agency and recently did a Maybelline poise.

The dress is part of a bridal collecthing I’ve always loved,” campaign. drawing, and pottery.

Faith said. “It’s person“She [Andrews] recently did a cam- tion by designer Arial, featured during “The beauty salon I work at is a great fit for me al, and it will always be because they’re super flexible, which allows me to con- paign for Maybelline and continues to in- Omaha Fashion Week. mine.”

Photograph contributed by Faith Decker tinue working there as I pursue modeling, college, and spire me with her work ethic and success,”

T

16 • May 5, 2025

PUSHING THE LIMITS

Following senior Luke Glasgow’s journey to becoming an Ironman athlete SARAH ROBEY Staff Writer

E

veryone knows that running a marathon is a challenging thing to do. Many people can’t even run a few miles without stopping. Now imagine not only running a whole marathon, but also swimming and biking another long distance on top of all that in one day. That is what an Ironman race is. It is one of the most physically demanding events and pushes people to their furthest limits.

An Ironman race is a long-distance triathlon that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon (26.2-mile run). This totals up to be 140.6 miles and can take up to 17 hours to finish. This year, 170 races will take place all around the world with 10 of them in the United States.

Senior Luke Glasgow has been preparing for the Ironman Lake Placid. This race will take place this July in Lake Placid, New York. This course will take the athletes through various parts of the village with a swim across Mirror Lake, a bike ride through the Adirondack Mountains, and a marathon through the mountains and downtown.

“I’m excited to go open swim in Lake Placid because that lake is supposed to be really pretty and all the things around it,” Glasgow said.

This triathlon requires months of intense and consistent training. Many people follow structured plans that include physical training, nutrition, and more that help them prepare for this difficult event.

“It is a huge time commitment if you’re really going mans, which are half-Ironmans. People usually do half to train and really race it. It’s about 20ones and then go to the full, 25 hours a week just for training. You’re but I’m just doing the full. The swimming 10,000-15,000 yards per week. only thing I’ve ever run before You’re biking 300-350 miles a week and is a half marathon, so it’s kind you’re running 50ish miles a week,” asof ridiculous, but I think that’s sistant track and cross country coach Brithe whole point, because I an Yueill said. want it to be ridiculous and to Training since October, Glasgow has do something great,” Glasgow had a strict schedule and trains nearly said. every day at the gym and around 15-20 This event is a lot to take hours per week. on. All the rigorous training and “I have a Google Doc right now that hours take discipline to keep I made. I used a little bit of AI to help do going strong to get to that finmy training program. I have a regimen for ish line. every single day leading up until that,” “It’s a lifestyle. You have to Glasgow said. give up a lot of things. You can’t Along with physical training, it is also be staying up late and your nuimportant to be prepared mentally. One trition, you have food truly as a of the biggest parts of an Ironman is the fuel. It’s not, oh, I feel like havmental challenge. ing this chocolate cake, that “You have to overcome that physical will ruin your training,” Yueill drain. You’ve got to figure out mentally said. how to do it. You’re like I hurt, I’m hungry, Along with that, having I’m thirsty, I’m tired, I want to be done, motivation and determination but you have to figure out how to keep to push through and reach your going because everything in your body is goals is important for success. saying stop. That is the mental challenge,” Marathon Miracle “It’s that physical feat that Recieving a medal with a smile, Yueill said.

I’m probably never going to be Yueill has had lots of success with Luke Glasgow completes his able to do as easily in my life. these races. He has been a competitive first-ever marathon. Even more I want to do it now. I want to runner his whole impressive—he didn’t train and be able to say that I’ve done it. life but had start- still ran it in under two hours I want to be able to do it and ed doing triath- Photograph contributed by Luke prove to myself that I can do lons when he Glasgow something like that,” Glasgow was 35 years said. old. He has now completed 5 Completing this race is a reIronmans around the country warding experience and a huge acincluding Ironman Wisconsin, complishment.

Arizona, Louisville and more.

“When I finished all of them, Before tackling an Iron- I was literally crying, it was such The fastest overall man, many people tend to an emotional experience. It’s six Bike 6 hours Run 18 miles build up to it by running sev- months of training for the race, and Ironman triathlon eral long-distance events and then that you’ve completed it and time, including half-Ironmans. you’ve reached your goal,” Yueill the swim and bike Bike 6 hours Run 18 miles “Most people start said. with what’s called a sprint For Glasgow, he is pumped to portion, is 7 hours triathlon or Olympic distance finally fulfill this goal and complete 40minutes and Bike 6 hours and work their way up be- the race.

Run 18 miles cause it takes a lot to just “I think the after part of it, go24 seconds, set build the overall endurance ing through that finish line and beto be able to cover that dis- ing delirious, will feel like it was all by Gustav Iden in Bike 6 hours Run 18 miles tance,” Yueill said. worth it,” Glasgow said.

2022.

For Glasgow, he is jumpWith 3 months left until the big Source: ing right in and taking on the race, Glasgow will continue training Triathelte Bike 6 hours full. and working hard toward this ac“There are 70.3-mile Iron- complishment.

Rigorous Training Regimen

Fast Facts

Swim 3500m + bike for 3 hours

Rest day

Swim 3500m + bike for 3 hours

Rest day

Swim 3500m + bike for 3 hours

Rest day

Swim 4000m

Bike 5 hours + Run 4 miles

Run 16 miles

Swim 4000m

Bike 5 hours + Run 4 miles

Run 16 miles

Swim 4000m

Bike 5 hours + Run 4 miles

Run 16 miles

Swim 3500m + bike for 3 hours

Rest day

Swim 4000m

Bike 5 hours + Run 4 miles

Run 16 miles

Swim 3500m + bike for 3 hours

Rest day

mnhsonline.com • 17

NOT-SO-TYPICAL ICE CREAM

An evaluation of the frozen delights sold at Típico Helado’s new store in West Omaha

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s I walked through the doors, a bell’s chime combined with upbeat Latin music hit my ears while I soaked in my surroundings. Ocean-blue walls, arctic-blue tables, and cerulean-blue booths, and all kinds of colorful signs and decals hang on the wallpaper, covered in Spanish phrases and sayings.

Típico Helado is a small, locally owned Ice Cream shop in Omaha that sells authentic Mexican frozen desserts. Not only do they sell frozen desserts, but also products like Maruchan noodles, Bionico (a Hispanic fruit salad), chicharrones (fried pork rinds), and spicy chips.

Típico Helado’s new location, on 156th and Dodge, opened in November, marking their third shop, far from their original location in South Omaha, at 5210 S 21 St. Since then, another location made its debut in Elkhorn, bringing the total to four stores.

This location has a very clean atmosphere, kept by the employees. The workers were able to speak both English and Spanish fluently, and appreciated it when you tried to order in Spanish.

Immediately after walking in, my eyes were drawn to the multi-screened menu, hanging above the L-shaped counter, where a plethora of different types of helados and nieves (ice creams and sorbets) were displayed. The menu consisted of numerous pictures alongside the item’s respective name, which was convenient. The employees didn’t hesitate to offer samples or answer any questions about the menu.

F

r

Spicy hot

F u si o n

chocolate

lavor

Fu sion

Mango chamoy and tajin

Nuez (Pecan) – Nuevo León

A mangonada is a blend of sweet, tangy, spicy, and salty notes

Northern Mexico has pecan trees everywhere. Nuez ice cream is super rich and often homemade.

2

lavo

rs of M exi co

was enough to make my jaw drop.

The combination of the sweetness of the chamoy and the spiciness of the tajín was a burst of flavor, but I would have preferred if the mango sorbet had been sweeter. I felt overall it had the spice but was lacking in the sweetness from the sorbet, so the ratio was a little off for me. I gave the taste a 6/10.

Lastly, I tried a specialty drink, their Iced Horchata with Strawberry Cold Foam. The presentation was beautiful, the pink cold foam with dried strawberries on top created an ombre effect to the drink, and it came in close behind the Mangonada in the presentation. I gave the Horchata a 9/10.

Actually, one of my favorite horchatas I have tried was strawberry flavored, so I was super excited to see if this lived up to my expectations. Spoiler alert, it did.

The horchata was sweet and had a luxurious cinnamon flavor, and combined with the Strawberry Cold Foam produced a fruity balance to the drink that I greatly appreciated. Although I will say that it was excessively sweet, this resulted in a few points docked overall for the taste. The horchata received an 8.5/10.

My only regret was not trying a sorbet on my first trip there. With this location being close to Millard North, it allows more students to be able to experience and take advantage of this under-hyped and amazing establishment.

With summer’s yearly arrival and school’s end just around the corner, as temperatures rise and you’re looking for a spot to cool down, Típico Helado absolutely received a 10/10 from me.

Mexican Hot Chocolate made with 100% unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon and a hint of chili

Tamarindo – Michoacán

Tamarind fruit is super popular in Michoacán—this tangy flavor shows up in nieves, paletas, and candies.

Chongos Zamoranos – Michoacán

A dessert made from curdled milk and sugar, now turned into an ice cream flavor! Born in Zamora, Michoacán.

Rompope – Puebla

Kind of like Mexican eggnog, originally made by nuns in Puebla—now an iconic ice cream flavor.

Mamey – Yucatán

This creamy, sweet fruit is native to southern Mexico and a favorite in tropical regions.

1

Flavo

First, I tried one of their specialty items, the Fresas con Crema (Strawberries with Cream). The delivery and presentation were adequate, but paled in comparison to the rest.

Served with a cream base and topped with strawberries, the strawberries were very fresh and sweet, but the cream had too much of a vanilla-yogurt flavor for my taste. It had a thick consistency and was overall rich and hefty, so I needed something light to balance it out afterwards. I rate the presentation and taste 7/10.

Next, I tried their ice cream. With around 25 flavors to choose from, eventually, I made the challenging decision to try the almendra (almond) flavor.

Ordering a medium size, the portion was heaping and packed in a clear cup, so the presentation earns an 8/10. Now, personally and controversially, I love almonds, so I may be a little biased, but this was amazing.

It had a delightful flavor and texture, and had a superb balance between the sweetness and nuttiness of the ice cream. It was thick, yet still light and refreshing. I rate the taste a 9/10.

Then I went back to the specialty items and tried their renowned Mangonada. This was served as a mango sorbet with Tajín and Chamoy (a Hispanic spice and a sauce made out of pickled fruit). The sorbet was chunky and not necessarily smooth, with little bits of mango every few bites.

The presentation for the Mangonada was the best, receiving a 10/10 from me. Heaping scoops of mango sorbet with chamoy lining the container and tajín dusted atop, with an edible tajín-covered straw sticking out,

F

KATELYN JUDD Co-Front Page Editor

18 • Sports • May 5, 2025

FROM NORTH TO WEST

Teacher, Football Coach David McEnaney named head coach at Millard West, leaving behind a legacy of relationships LYDIA HARLOW Co-Front Page Editor

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or the past 13 years, Coach David McEnaney has been a cornerstone of the MN football program. From his initial roles as the freshman and reserve coach to more recently being the head JV coach, special teams coordinator, and the running back position coach, McEnaney has interacted with countless athletes across the football program.

But now, McEnaney is shifting gears and embarking on a new, exciting journey: taking over as Millard West’s varsity head coach.

“Being here for so long and [being a part of] this community has always been special to me,” McEnaney said. I’ve made Millard North my home… I’m going to miss it.”

He has always been a strong presence on the team, and his bond with his athletes extends beyond the playing field.

“He was my freshman coach, and he’s always been the guy I could talk to. He’s been one of my favorite coaches I’ve had,” senior Spencer Phillips said.

Throughout his high school career, Phillips has been a linebacker and long snapper, and has worked closely with McEnaney, developing and fortifying his skills.

“He really helped [me develop] my liking for long snapping, and he’s just a good coach… everybody loves him,” Phillips said. “He brings some energy, brings a little fun, but [he] can also be very serious.”

McEnaney has been a consistent presence in the football program, always bringing enthusiasm and

Magnetic Mentor:

Football Coach Dave McEnaney poses with former head football coach Fred Petito. Petito helped McEnaney begin his career at Millard North and the two worked together for many years.

Photograph contributed by David McEnaney

motivating the team to greater accomplishment.

“During practice, he’s always nice and giving encouragement to the team,” junior Brady Andersen said. “Most of the time, he’ll be cracking jokes and stuff like that… he always brings up the energy a lot.”

Having a bond with the team he coaches and the school he works at has always been exceedingly important to McEnaney, and he hopes to create a similar dynamic at Millard West, while putting his own spin on things.

“I’m excited to be able to lead a group. I feel that relationships have always been one of my strong suits, and being able to bring that energy and bring Charismatic Coaching a different style and vision to a building with a great storied Football Coach David McEnaney converses with two players during a success [is a great opportuni- game. Players report that McEnaney has proven to be an invaluable coach in games, practices, and team meetings. Photograph contributed by David ty],” McEnaney said.

Millard West is special to McEnaney McEnaney; his wife works there, he lives nearby, and his kids go to a Millard West feeder certainly be a big switch, but both he and the athletes elementary school, so his attachment to the school runs are eagerly anticipating competing against one another in the first game of the upcoming season. deep.

“Obviously, you want to win every game, but get“Millard West has always been the one other place ting to play the kids that I know here is going to be a lot I could see myself being connected to, one of the only other places it would be more than just a job,” McE- of fun,” McEnaney said. “I’ve told them it’s going to be the longest handshake line they’ve ever gone through naney said.

While the football team will certainly miss one of because I’m going to give them all hugs. I can’t wait to its long-term, staple members of the coaching crew, see them from the other side of the field.”

Though his absence will be felt, it will also open up athletes and coaches alike are excited for McEnaney as a new spot in the coaching lineup, allowing new talent he steps into this new role.

“Coach Burrell has been great through this whole and perspective to enter and instituting a space for rething. He and I have talked about it several times. He construction and growth of MN’s football program as is in full support of me going and kind of fulfilling my well.

“I have total faith in Coach Burrell. It was kind of dreams,” McEnaney said. hard to hear, but I have already been replaced,” McEHis departure will certainly take some getting used naney said. “When one door closes, another door opens. to the shift in the team dynamic, and his absence will Me getting my opportunity over at West will give somebe felt throughout the program. “[McEnaney leaving] sucks for us, but it’s his deci- body else a new opportunity here, and I fully believe sion and it’s a great job for him. I’m going to miss not that Coach Burrell will do well regardless of who fills my spot.” having him for a fourth year,” Anderson said.

It is certainly a bittersweet moment for all inHis close relationships with the athletes, and the bonds built in McEnaney’s Biology and Zoology class- volved. Coach McEnaney will surely be missed, but the future’s looking bright. Perhaps, his departure could rooms, will be missed on both sides.

“I’ve built a lot of relationships here in the past 13 bring in an opportunity for new thoughts and help grow years, whether it’s seeing siblings of former students an already glowing program.

“I’ve honestly been really lucky to be a part of or seeing former students walking the halls… those rea lot of very special communities here. Everywhere I’ve lationships are what I’m going to miss the most,” McEgone has had a different feel to the program, but all of naney said.

McEnaney’s transition to the opposing sideline will them have been vital to supporting each other,” McEnaney said.

mnhsonline.com • 19

SUPERCHARGED FOR SAFFY Millard North’s SAFFY allows for friendly competition between teams.

MATTHEW UM Sports Editor

“But if you advance past one round, you kind of slap your team name on and then they all celebrate that. We veryone played some sports as a kid. However, as had the same concept.” you got older, the teams got more competitive and you SAFFY has become so available that it now invites realized you might not really be good. Soon, you quit the people that don’t even attend Millard North to come sport entirely, only playing occasionally with friends, or and play. sometimes, not at all.

“People can make super teams as well,” Glasgow Now, MN has a fun way to get back into the com- said. “You can recruit for specific sports. People from petition. outside of the school can do this as well.”

Current seniors Luke Glasgow and Sharish Shapkota Even high schoolers that don’t play a sport can get started Sports and Fitness For Youth (SAFFY) last year to involved with SAFFY through predicting the winner. let high schoolers play the sports they had enjoyed as “We made these fill out brackets, like in March kids again in a semi-competitive environment.

Madness, for all five different sports,” said Shapkota.

“We wanted to give kids to compete in the sports “People turn them in, and we give them a little prize they love, you know. There’s if they get a perfect brackalways those kids that et.” watch all these sports and As well as all of this play all these sports, but the two employed a stratthey don’t have the time to egy to keep the competicommit, or maybe even the tion between teams a litskill,” Shapkota said. tle closer.

Glasgow and Shapko“Every tournament is ta then came together to worth more points than organize a sports competithe one before. So even if tion. They started off with it is skewed in one direca popular choice, flag foottion, people would still ball, which quickly became show…because there’s popular. always a chance to come “It was a simple footback in,” said Glasgow. ball game, lots of people With a strategy like came,” Shapkota said. “This this, competition stays year we have a different close and energy stays By the Bracket approach.” high, which is what the After the success of Seniors Luke Glasgow and Sharish Shapkota pose two want. last year, Glasgow and next to their bracket. Shapkota commented that “The goal of the point Shapkota have expand- their brackets were much inspired by the March system is to keep it close ed their horizons to make Madness tournament. between teams. OtherSAFFY an even bigger expe- Photograph contributed by Luke Glasgow wise, if you go into the rience than one flag footlast week and you already ball tournament. have a team that’s out by “We turned it into a league this year,” said Shapko- like 200 points and they obviously already won, there’s ta. “Five different sports, five different weekends. You no energy around that,” said Shapkota. come in with one team, and that one team plays in all Junior Anshul Bihani has expressed his support the different sports.” and enthusiasm for SAFFY, seeing it as a way to play In SAFFY, your team will take on all the others, tour- the sports he loves again in a more competitive atmonament style, in the five sports: 3 on 3 basketball, pick- sphere. leball, spikeball, soccer, and the one that started it all, “It’s just a lot of fun to get to play with your friends,” flag football. said Bihani. “You know, we’ve all played drive-in basket“Each team is 7-10 people and with those people, ball, football in the street and stuff, so it’s just kind of you make lineups for different sports,” said Shapkota. fun to take those teams and actually play against some For each of the sports, each of the teams will com- other team and have a good time.” pete in a one on one matchup. The winners will advance Even after this season makes its way to an end, and play the other winners through several rounds until Glasgow and Shapkota plan to keep SAFFY growing even there is only one winner. after they are gone.

“We have this life-size bracket. It’s a lot of inspira“We know who to talk to, where to go,” said tion from March Madness, I can’t lie, with their brack- Glasgow. “If we wanna have fun, we’re gonna keep on ets,” said Shapkota, referencing where he got the idea. expanding. It’s awesome.”

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Loud Leader

Senior Luke Glasgow yells into his megaphone.

Glasgow cited the megaphone as his favorite part of running SAFFY. He uses it to amplify his voice to make important announcements during the tournament.

Photograph contributed by Luke Glasgow With the roots down and no limit on what to explore, Glasgow and Shapkota have undoubtedly created a new Millard North tradition. Every year SAFFY gives participants a chance to shine on the field, pitch, and court, and, for just a moment, a little time to relive the magic of youth athletics they used to know by heart. Being able to relive this exciting, and it’s here to stay, even after the organizers are gone.

SAFFY Stars NYX Singles

DNS

Doubles

SB

CBC

20 • May 5, 2025

MORE THAN FAST FEET

Girls’ distance track coach Seth Stewart has introduced new changes to the program to make track more fun LUCAS DAY Staff Writer

“I feel like it’s improved everyone as a runner, and I developing a positive attitude both on and off the track. think most people can agree that the new additions to If the athlete learns to love the sport, they’ll be better our runs will be beneficial in later weeks,” said senior equipped to persevere through it.

Stew also does something most coaches don’t do: ven when the pace slows and their run ends, the distance runner Ella Jonas. he runs side-by-side with his runners. Whether it’s a But perhaps more importantly, Stew has adopted a girls’ distance track team keeps the field buzzing with slow jog or an intense workout, Stew never forces his new mindset this year. energy. A loudspeaker rolls through the grass, blasting “I set new goals every year as a coach, and my goal athletes to do something he isn’t willing to do himself, upbeat music as the girls gather to stretch, laugh, and this year was to have more fun with the team,” Stew showing them they can push themselves even when it support one another. gets hard.

Each day is challenging yet high-spirited, and at the said.

By cultivating a more positive environment, Coach During these hip-mobility exercises, Stew plays viheart of this refreshing atmosphere is girls’ distance brant music to lighten the mood and keep runners mo- Stew hopes to instill a healthy relationship with runcoach Seth Stewart. ning in his athletes. tivated.

Stewart–better known as Coach “I lean on running because it’s something more “The music makes us all Stew–began coaching at MN only meditative for me, and I want these young women to be pumped up and ready, and three years ago, yet he’s already it makes [stretching] more able to lean on running when life gets hard,” Stew said. made strides in improving this team Through these supportive new changes to the proenjoyable so we won’t slack of quick-footed athletes. However, gram, the girls’ distance community has grown even off,” sophomore runner coaching wasn’t always his plan. closer.

Workouts and exercises have become a shared Alaina Hutchinson said.

Shortly before his arrival at On top of this, Stew has experience for the team, deepening camaraderie and MN, Stew was requested to coach introduced a new incentive support. at Plattsmouth Middle School. He “I think the community has gotten even stronger for good performance–vivid, took up the offer unsure of what to than it was before, and adding these new things has plastic flower pins. expect, only to find something new Each time a runner sets brought everyone closer,” Jonas said. and profound: a sense of purpose.

Although his time at MN has been short, Stew has a new personal record, Stew “I didn’t necessarily seek out coachalready made a lasting mark in the distance community, rewards them with a colorPlanned Program: ing, but I really enjoyed it,” he said. transforming the girls’ team into a close-knit, dynamic ful pin to wear.

The coach Coach Stew tells the Girls Distance T rack After only one brief fall season at Plattsmouth, Stew began seeking Team their run for the day. Stew schedules will also place a pin on his community. His leadership extends beyond just improvown hat, creating his own ing race times and workouts–he fosters an atmosphere out other coaching opportunities runs to help the girls do their best. miniature pastel garden. based on resilience, support, and sportsmanship. for track. In his search, he stumbled Photograph by Lucas Day Girls’ distance track isn’t just about loudspeaker While small, these little across a position open at MN. prizes contribute to building music and plastic flower pins; it’s about a rich, vibrant “It sounded like it was only gonna be one year, becommunity like no other. cause [the girl’s coach] was on maternity leave, but I a positive mindset, something every runner needs.

Running is often a grueling sport, demanding weeks embraced it anyway,” Stew said.

Quickly finding passion in the program, Stew now of dedicated training, endurance, and mental Perfect Pins: leads the girls’ distance team into his third year–this toughness. When you run, your legs will tire, Coach Stew’s flower pins are your muscles will burn, and your body will time with some changes in mind. shown in the grass. Stew’s For starters, Stew has shifted his focus to quality want to give up. The true skill in running isn’t pins help him motivate his over quantity. Practices now include more extensive one’s speed or endurance, but their ability to runners to do even better. warmups and cooldowns, lengthy hip-mobility stretch- embrace and push through the pain, mainPhotograph by Lucas Day taining an ironclad mentality as they race. es, efficient workouts, and deliberate scheduling. Not and maintain a headstrong mindset despite only do these changes better build endurance and speed, but they also help prevent injuries and lingering the pain.

The best way to build this ironclad mentality is by soreness.

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“

Lydia Bogner

Being with my doubles partner for the first time and learning how to play together and then like eventually winning later on.

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Vaibhavi Kota

Natalie Cisler

Sophomore

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Junior

Junior

Smashing the ball in doubles and seeing my teammates really improve.

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What’s something memorable from your tennis season?

Nishi Ponnatha

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All the times we went to Dairy Queen after we would win matches.

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Jock Talk

Senior

“

Winning against them this year and then overall just like, improving our game.

“