The Hoofbeat, Oct. 31, 2025

THE HOOFBEAT

“They’re Creepy and They’re Kooky”

Photograph by Evan Cordes

TRICK-OR-THEATER

MN Drama brings The Addams Family to the stage for Halloween weekend

SARAH ROBEY

Co-Front Page Editor

“Dun dun dun dun, snap snap…dun dun dun dun… snap snap”, with only a few notes and two famous snaps, this iconic jingle brings the excitement of the fall and the Halloween season. Last night, MN Drama premiered the musical “The Addams Family” and will perform three more shows this Halloweekend.

The Addams Family was originally a TV show in the 1960s. It was later made into several different movies as well as a Netflix series called Wednesday, focusing on the daughter of the family. The musical production is based on the original show and movie, following the creepy family as they navigate various challenges.

“The Addams Family is kind of this dark, macabre family that relishes in the darkness and monsters. They are looked upon as strange, weird, and creepy, but they love each other as a family. Essentially, the theme is about acceptance even though you’re different and dark and creepy,” director Michelle Williamson said.

This year’s selection shifted to a darker tone in contrast to the cheerful musicals that MN drama has put on in the past.

Leading with Lurch

Junior Skyler Gilpin rehearses the choreography for the muscial number, When You’re An Addams.

Photograph by Evan Cordes

“This is something a little bit different and dark. We’ve done ‘Grease’ and ‘Mean Girls’, which are popular but a little more upbeat and happy, and this is just a little bit different because it’s more of a challenge as far as the darker themes and a little bit more intense,” Williamson said.

With auditions held the second week of school, the MN drama department has been hard at work with over 100 students involved including the cast, theatrical technicians, crew members, and pit orchestra. Putting these parts together can be difficult.

“Not only the piecing of all the choreo and songs and blocking together, but also the characterization is a

little challenging with this show. Adding all the aspects like choreo, music, acting, and then also the props and stuff like that can be hard,” junior Lily Sanow, who plays Wednesday Addams, said.

A crucial part of any show is the costumes, which help bring the characters to life (or death).

The Addams Family will be in their iconic black clothing along with 30 ghostly ancestors in white from various time periods.

“There’s a caveman ghost, a conquistador ghost, and a ghost from the Renaissance period,” Williamson said. “The makeup will also look kind of ghostly and have a lot of contouring gray scale and blackout eyes because they’re supposed to be dead.”

other musicals as well as in other plays. For this musical, I am now in the lead cast so being part of this new group of people has given me a lot of insight of who these people are and what they’re like both on and off stage,” Pravecek said. Since one of the fall musical dates landed on Halloween, there was some uncertainty about whether to move forward and perform a show that day. But in the end, the program decided to embrace the Halloween spirit.

Members of the Addams Family pose for their classic family portrait and embrace the character’s dark manners.

Photograph by Evan Cordes

One of the actors took the role of a character to the next level and dyed his hair.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to dye my hair just because I wanted to see how it looked, and with the play going on, I thought it’d be fun to give it a shot. Not only is it more comfortable than a wig, but I also feel like it gives me a lot more range of motion without needing a wig,” senior Nicholas Pravecek, who plays Gomez Addams, said.

Another key aspect of the musical is the score. From the overture to the bows, the 23 songs performed help tell this musical’s theme of acceptance and family.

“The music for this show is really cool. You wouldn’t expect there to be a lot of pretty songs, but there are some really heartwarming songs, so I am excited to hear the full music come together,” stage manager Clara Giggee said.

With rehearsals every day after school, MN drama has become a close-knit community and has bonded over shared passions.

“We were contemplating what to do because normally we would do a show on Friday night, but we have Halloween. We went ahead and decided to do it anyway and encourage people to dress up because the Addams Family is dark and creepy and kind of a Halloween-esque anyway. We thought that would be kind of fun to bring that into the audience,” Williamson said.

AMS’ FAMILY R

“We have all been with each other in

With all the effort and preparation the drama program has poured into this musical, they are proud of and excited to finally perform the production.

“After all the hours after school and so much time put into the production for all the directors, actors, musicians, and crew members, just getting to actually get to the performance and to watch them do their thing is the most exciting part,” Williamson said.

An Iconic Snapshot

Meet The Addams Family

Although not based upon a real family, the original Addams Family story was inspired by the life of its artist, Charles Addams. The beloved characters began as cartoons for the newspaper “The New Yoker” in the 1930’s. Their aesthetic took inspiration from the Victorian architecture and cemeteries of Addams’ home in Westfield, New Jersey.

Who is Thing?

a

Pit Power

The Pit Orchestra is the accompaniment to the show. There are 16 musicians total, eight students and eight adults. All types of instruments are included in this group like woodwinds, brass, keyboards, percussion, strings, and more. In order to prepare the music, the pit orchestra and cast start by learning their parts separately. Later, they have a rehearsal called sitzprobe. This allows the musicians to know the rate of the music that the actors need and vise versa.

Lurch

Wednesday

Skyler Gilpin

Cousin Itt Spencer Capps

Grandma Nya Curtis

Gomez Nicholas Pravecek

Lily Brendenkamp

Lily Sanow

Pugsley

Morticia Finley O’Malley

Natalia Martinez

Uncle Fester

Thing is

disembodied hand that serves as a loyal helper and companion to the Addams Family.

Photographs by Evan Cordes

SPEAKING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP

How the forensics team achieves national recognition with hard work and unity

ARGYRENIA PIPINOS

Co-Editor-in-Chief

The sound of voices fills the room as seniors gather in a circle. They loosen up with vocal warmups, stretch out their nerves, and finally sit and listen as a senior delivers the pep talk that always comes before competition day. What started as a simple tradition turned into something greater -- this fall, Millard North’s forensics team received news that they placed third nationally for their 2024-25 season.

“Forensics is an umbrella term for competitive speech and debate,” head coach Sabrina Denney Bull said. “In our building, the forensics program has public speaking events and acting events that we compete with at tournaments.”

of nearly 200 members has brought both challenges and advantages, with younger competitors stepping up earlier than ever before.

“I think one of the things that really helped last year is that we had younger students who really stepped up, competed a lot, and did really well,” Denney Bull said.

Forensics has helped me to become a more confident person.

SANNA KUNNATH SENIOR “ “

With over 3,000 schools competing in the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) rankings, finishing third nationally is no small feat. The NSDA determines rankings based on the number of students, the points they earn, and the “degrees” they collect through competitions. MN’s balance of size and determination helped set them apart.

“It’s not just that the speech and debate team here is big, but it’s also that we’re successful,” Denney Bull said. “We’ve always been ranked in the top ten, but finishing third is pretty special.”

For many students, that success didn’t come from a single tournament -- it came from dedication and teamwork across the entire season. The team’s growing size

Forensic Frenzy

MN forensic students stand in front of the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) sign during Nationals in Des Moines, IA. They are competing for a placement at the competition. Photograph contributed by @mnhsforensics

One of those students was sophomore Moyo Ogun, who joined the high school team as a freshman after competing in middle school. His event, Informative Speaking, focuses on building a well-researched, engaging presentation -- something he takes seriously when preparing for tournaments.

“Before a competition, I work on my lineby-line delivery and make sure that each phrase I’m saying is well articulated,” Ogun said. “I spent two days making sure I could get through all parts of my speech before my actual competition.”

When he heard they placed third nationally, all he could do was just stand there and take in this unforgettable moment that reflected everyone’s effort, from freshmen to seniors.

“I was excited because seeing that all the work our team put into getting points throughout the season finally paid off,” Ogun said. “Because not only did it lead to having a bigger team culture at competitions, but we also got more advisors to help us throughout our competitions.”

That team culture and sense of connection have kept seniors like Sanna Kunnath involved for all four years. She has consistently competed in Humorous Interpretation and has qualified for both national competitions every year.

“I stay because we’ve made a really great welcoming community, and no matter what, we always celebrate wins and losses together,” Kunnath said. “Forensics has helped me to become a more confident person and helped me a lot with how to talk to people well.”

Kunnath said preparing for competitions has become a ritual over time, filled with playlists, pep talks from other seniors, and personal habits that help her stay grounded.

“I like to really focus on getting my words smooth and look for things I can add based on critiques from the last competitions,” Kunnath said. “But one thing I always do is listen to ‘Turn My Swag On’ before finals -- it gets my energy up and makes me competition-ready.”

While trophies matter, Denney Bull believes the real success of forensics comes from the growth she sees in her students. Each competition gives them a chance to strengthen their communication skills and self-assurance.

“I love watching a kid come in their freshman year and seeing them grow over the course of four years in this program,” Denney Bull said. “That growth makes it worth it, whether they’re winning or not.”

Even with new faces and tougher competition, the team’s foundation hasn’t changed. They rely on a mix of trust, support, and drive, so they can finish off strong in every competition.

A FORENSIC FEATURE

Getting to know sophomore Moyo Ogun and his start to forensics in a Q/A:

Q: Biggest forensics accomplishment?

A: Qualifying for NIETOC, one of our National Tournaments

Q: What’s your favorite forensics memory?

A: When we went to our National Tournament and I got to hang out with not only my close friends, but also people outside of my usual friend circle

Q: What’s your favorite candy?

A: Nerds Gummy Clusters

Q: Any advice for someone wanting to join forensics?

A: Get out of your comfort zone! Forensics is all about expressing yourself and your thoughts

CRAFT FOR A CAUSE

Annual craft fair rallies the community as it supports both local vendors and Mustang programs

LUCAS DAY

Co-Opinions Editor

rom crocheted animals to baked goods, small businesses across the community found their products flying off the shelves. The school gymnasium – usually home to basketball games –transformed into a bustling marketplace on Saturday, Oct. 25 for the MN Craft Fair.

Each year, the craft fair is hosted to promote local organizations and fund school activities. The school hallways fill with delicately decorated tables, each one selling a unique craft.

To rent one of these tables, local business owners must fill out an application and pay a small fee to the school. Once accepted, they’re able to set up shop and sell their goods to curious customers.

However, hosting this event requires dedicated effort and support from the entire community.

“It’s a large event. Luckily, so many different clubs and teams get involved helping with the setup and operating the craft fair,” Spanish teacher and craft fair volunteer coordinator Tara Tapp said.

Overseeing the craft fair for three years, Tapp helps organize the event and recruits volunteers. She’s watched the grueling setup as volunteers turn the school into a miniature mall, yet she also recognizes the benefits the craft fair provides.

One of these student volunteers is junior Amelia Sauser. Working at the Mustang Center entrance, Sauser got to see for herself the event’s turnout.

“There were so many people coming in, and we got lots of donations. It makes me happy because it helps fund all different types of clubs that me and my friends are a part of,” Sauser said.

A Book Buisness

Mark Langan, a retired OPD cop turned author, smiles alongside his advertisement in the MN gym. For the past eight years, Langan has sold the stories of his past profession at the Craft Fair.

“This is the biggest fundraiser for the Mustang Booster Club. Half of the proceeds [from the craft fair] go to the club itself, and the other half is dispersed amongst the clubs and teams who help put the event together,” Tapp said.

Photograph by Lucas Day

Founded in 2011, The Mustang Booster club works diligently to raise money for underfunded clubs and create an atmosphere where students can compete at the highest level in their activities.

By hosting the craft fair, the Mustang Booster Club is able to cover the school’s funding gaps and cultivate an environment of limitless opportunity for students.

However, the Booster Club isn’t the only group that benefits from this fair.

The dance team rents a table each year to sell home-cooked goods, which helps fund costumes, travel, food, and more. Moreover, student council members volunteer to both benefit the community and pay for future school events.

On top of this, any student can individually sign up and help volunteer to earn themselves service hours and working experience.

“I usually have a lot of students that help with the volunteer effort and help put on the fair. It’s always nice to see students come together and transform the school into a space that benefits everyone,” Tapp said.

Even though it’s her first year volunteering, Sauser recognizes the craft fair’s importance to the community.

“The craft fair brings so many people together to a space where we can share special homemade crafts from small organizations,” Sauser said.

Among the buzzing crowd of vendors stands local author Mark Langan, promoting his books and his name. After 26 years of service, Langan retired from the Omaha Police Department with both a heavy heart and an interesting story.

“My books are all true crime stories from my experience at the Omaha Police Department. I had so many cool experiences to share after I retired, that everyone around me told me to write a book,” Langan said.

In 2014, Langan wrote his first book, “Busting Bad Guys.” His book documents his experiences with Nebraska’s criminal underbelly along with the horrors that came with them. Later in 2023, Langan published his second book “More Busting Bad Guys”, sharing more of his unthinkable stories.

Langan stumbled upon the craft fair around eight years ago, while searching for a way to promote and sell his books. He rented a table, and he’s been coming back ever since.

“I usually do really well at the craft fair. I’ll sell about $1000 worth of books each year, so it’s well worth my time to come out here,” Langan said.

As a recurring vendor, Langan also realizes the importance of the craft fair for the Omaha and MN community.

“The craft fair is huge for everyone involved. Each year it does really well, and a lot of people come to buy cool gifts and Christmas presents for their family and friends,” Langan said.

Now that the craft fair is over, the community reflects on another successful year of supporting local organizations and school programs.

“It was definitely a success,” Tapp said. “I feel like we’ve had a really good turnout this year, and we’ve been receiving so many extra donations from shoppers. It’s really been a blessing.”

Now, the Mustang Booster Club will look to next year as it begins planning another memorable fair, ready to host more crafts, more creativity, and more cheer.

LOCAL NEWS

During a game, Elkhorn North’s football team honors coach’s son who recently died (Oct. 24)

The White House begins ballroom construction project for $250 million, expanding the East wing of the building (Oct. 21)

Coca-Cola releases “Coca-Cola Original Taste” which is made with cane sugar vs. corn syrup (Oct. 21)

NATIONAL NEWS WORLD NEWS BRIEFS

The suspects guilty of robbing The Louvre of $102 million worth of artifacts were caught in Paris at the CDG airport (Oct. 25)

Japan elects their first female prime minister in the country’s history, Sanae Takaichi (Oct. 21)

AI WITH A HEART

How three seniors collaborated to create a unique IB project focused on medical literacy

NATHAN YEH Staff Writer

Healthcare education could forever be changed by a project created by three seniors. At MN, the IB Diploma Programme has been in place for well over twenty years. Students at Millard North participate in the Diploma Program, where they are challenged to think creatively and analytically.

One of the core components of the program includes the CAS programme (Creativity, Activity, Service), where students are tasked with demonstrating these values through a project.

Not only did seniors Anthony Le, Wesley Chen, and Pavan Athota develop an extremely unique project, but they also had the special opportunity to travel to Brazil to present it at a conference that took place in early June this year.

In an age where the topic of healthcare is often misunderstood, the students have chosen to take a stand through the development of this project. For their CAS project, the students designed and created an AI medical chatbot aimed toward improving medical literacy among those who don’t understand the medical system, a topic misunderstood by many young people.

All three of the students came from immigrant families and had a limited understanding of healthcare and finances growing up. So, they have been motivated to spread awareness of healthcare and finances to prepare the younger generation for medical challenges.

“Although it’s still a work in progress, our goal is to help adolescents learn about medical finances so they aren’t caught off guard by unexpected costs,” Le said.

Le, Chen, and Athota started working together on their project early in their junior year, along with guid-

The message of their goal to help people navigate healthcare in a more personal way, being able to interact with a chatbot

ance from Dr. Chun-Hua Tsai, a professor at UNO. Le and Chen worked on the coding portion of the project, while Athota handled the website’s structure.

Initially, they struggled to get started due to their limited knowledge of artificial intelligence and the development process. Through trial and error, the three were able to make significant progress on their AI chatbot, which was manifested through their website, MedFinanceAI.

“Being able to interact with it — it’s easier and more engaging than reading. Chatbots feel more human and make learning easier,” Athota said.

Rhonda Betzold, the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator at Millard North, acted as another mentor who guided the students through the process, particularly the coding aspect

“I’ve just been so impressed with these students — their initiative, their humility, and their drive to help others,” Betzold said.

During the development of their project, they applied for and won the IB Global Youth Action Fund, a three-thousand-dollar grant given to only three student groups in the U.S. last year.

Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research (DG.O) 2025, taking place in early June. The conference is dedicated to the exchange of technological ideas and was held this year in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Presentations Under Pressure Le, Chen, and Athota all pose with their bulletin board, summarizing their research findings. This specific research point was on AI, and its educational role

Photograph contributed by Anthony Le

Following the development of their chatbot, the trio had the opportunity to present their project at the

After inputing your age and state, the chatbot will personalize information based on those variables, and account for them in the questions asked.

To apply for the convention, they wrote a research paper about their project and published their findings. Their dedication to their work paid off, as their project was accepted to be presented at the conference in Brazil.

At this event, Le, Chen, and Athota presented their CAS project, demonstrating how it functioned along with its application to real-world challenges. They showcased how their chatbot could explain different medical terminology, insurance options, and financial planning to better the understanding of the people in use of the platform and to educate people.

At the conference, the attendees could see the potential this project could have on the young population with limited knowledge of the healthcare world.

“Our long-term goal is to turn it into more than just a learning tool — something that offers real financial knowledge and practical support,” Athota said.

While they were in Brazil, the team was exposed to unique experiences and gained exposure to innovative ideas at the conference.

“I learned a lot about cultural awareness. I used to only think about healthcare from a U.S. perspective, but I realized how different it is around the world. It really opened my eyes to other systems.” Athota said.

Throughout the process, the three learned a lot about the different aspects of developing a project. To complete this extraordinary project, they needed to combine elements of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity.

The final product of the AI medical chatbot was proof of their resilience, effort, and compassion. Trusting in one another was foundational to the success of their project.

“The true value of the project lay in the skills and knowledge we gained along the way,” Chen said.

A NEW KIND OF LOOKING GLASS

The current state of divisiveness indicates political beliefs are increasingly shaping morals, distorting right from wrong

THE HOOFBEAT Staff Editorial

ou chug your morning coffee, the fleetingly acerbic taste quickly returning in the form of news headlines. Grimacing, you skim over articles covering recent school shootings, the assasination of Charlie Kirk, and the continual Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As you read, those red or blue-tinted glasses you unconsciously use reveal an increasingly relevant issue: although morals certainly influence political opinions, it is a two-way relationship—political beliefs can also dictate individual principles and values.

Now, of course morals influence politics; they are intertwined. Everyone has convictions, maybe strengthened due to personal experiences or cultural ties, and these beliefs most likely control various aspects of one’s political stance.

According to “Psychology Today,” a common theory associated with the relationship between politics and morality is the Moral Foundations Theory (MFT). Originally divided into five sections—Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Purity—the initial thought was that these spheres of morality influenced political opinions.

For example, many liberals are thought to center their political values around a few of the sections, particularly Care and Fairness, whereas conservatives center their values around all five.

But recently, the argument of political affiliations and beliefs actually influencing these spheres, rather than the other way around, is gathering momentum. Political opinions…are opinions. Therefore, it is rare for them to be completely unbiased, and honestly, rational.

My favorite costume was a ballerina, because my family grew up dancing and I did dancing for many years.”

The growing correlation between politics and opinions is creating an irrational aspect to one’s decisions as the influx of confirmation bias is blurring the line between fact and fiction.

Modern thought recognizes this dilemma, assuming that political opinions, more centered around intuition and feeling rather than measurable facts, are actually shaping the common values of MFT.

How many times have you disagreed with the actions of a public figure you respected? Maybe you start to rationalize, start to tweak aspects of your own beliefs, just to make them fit neatly into the definition of your political alliance.

We’ve all done it. Squirmed slightly in our seats, as the majority opinion—maybe including our friends —contrasts our own, not sure anymore between what is the absolute truth and what we want our own truth to be. Flicked on the TV, nodding absentmindedly at a politician’s words, focusing on the minute “R” or “D” by their name, rather than the content of their words.

Suddenly, without realizing it, we’ve actually shifted our values to fit into our political beliefs.

This cherrypicking of political ideas goes back to the whole in group versus out group debate; we typically reject “outsiders,” immediately feeling an opposition toward those individuals, and take comfort in our inner circle.

This dilemma can skew our perception of what is right and wrong, especially in terms of the current political environment. Now, many individuals choose look at content at face value instead of its actual substance.

A study conducted at the University of Nebras-

My favorite costume was Spiderman, as I got silly string for the webs and it got everywhere. Will Bundy Senior

My favorite costume was when I went as the Cookie Monster, because it was very comfortable and looked really

My favorite costume was when I dressed up as a little bunny, because my mom matched with me as a carrot.

ka-Lincoln indicated how simply politicizing a topic could drastically change an individual’s perception. Creating a survey that encompassed both politically related and nonrelated topics, researchers found that slight phrasing differences were enough to completely change a person’s response.

For example, using the word politician instead of person caused people to drastically change their answers. Similarly, many people reacted positively towards certain political members, even if their ideologies did not correspond to what the individual responded to in a prior, politically unrelated question.

Although the famous saying “correlation does not imply causation” still holds true, we must ask ourselves what looking glass we choose to view everyday, and how it is affecting our own judgement.

If all it takes is a simple phrase change to not just slightly change but completely denounce individual principles, that probably means a fair amount of people are blurring the line between politics and morals.

Is it always morally right to vote for your party, no matter if you agree with a political figure’s stances? Is it always morally right to only surround yourself with those who will provide a confirmation bias? Is it always morally right to only seek out the “truth,” which is actually just a carefully curated version of the world you want to believe in?

The escalating relationship between politics and morality cannot be ignored, for it is creating a distorted reality, quite easily. Mitigating it will require a little more looking inwards and a little less use of a politically biased looking glass.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Rosie Scherbarth

Lily Stromgren

Kap Nedunoori Junior

TOO YOUNG TO DECIDE

Diving into the nature of college admissions and how students can’t handle the pressures that come with them. progress on.

JAYDEN’S JUDGMENT

taring at a computer screen, endlessly typing and trying to finish up what is left on a prompt, your eyes are heavy, and your chest feels like you are gonna throw up. But soon, after a few months of work, you’ll be finished with what about 1.5 million Americans have done that could make or break their next 4 years and even their future careers–applying to college.

Many students who apply have one goal in mind: to get into a highly ranked college and make money. However, recently acceptance rates of many well-known colleges have decreased drastically. The process of getting to a dream college has become too overcompetitive and too hard for some because it has mainly become a stress on their mental health.

Colleges and universities have tried reducing class prerequisite requirements, making applications digital, and even lowering their overall admissions requirements, like GPA or ACT/SAT scores, in order to provide students more opportunities. However, this has only caused an increase in the application pool and a lowering acceptance rate.

Still, students go to extreme lengths to aim for the top colleges. For example, many of the people I know have been up doing homework for hours on end throughout the night, which has worried me as they

TOUR SOME SCHOOLS ONCE ACCEPTED COMMIT

According to the National Institutes of Health, Gen Z students have reportedly had higher stress levels compared to the last 3 generations, with only 47% of overall teens considering themselves thriving mentally. This trend connects with how they manage their time and what teachers’ and parents’ expectations are, which has made an even more stressful environment for these students.

These expectations usually come from legacy or lower-income households, as they want them to get more opportunities to excel in the job market, have access to networks to help them pay, or an increased likelihood of success, which has been a part of the reason students are trying their best academically, but risking issues with their mental health.

Another reason for the overcompetitive nature is that students now have reportedly taken a harder class rigor than what students took 25-30 years ago. As found by the College Board, around 3 million people took at least 1 AP exam in 2024, compared to only 450,000 people in the 1990s.

This has also correlated with students taking an average of 2 APs throughout their high school years due to the increase in materials and school district funding used to increase the rigor of post-secondary classes.

This pressure can also come from the point of affordability. With new laws restricting federal loans and the rise of tuition fees, many students have been trying to find alternate routes to pay for college while also trying to avoid private loans.

AP classes have been something students use to reduce debt and increase their future income by earning college credit while in high school. This has in turn made AP classes more popular and putting more stress

STEPS TO COLLEGE

on students through their rigorous program. Because of all of this, many seniors that I personally know feel like that they need to take more of these classes, have had pressure to do good in their classes and activities, and have made them more irritable and reclusive.

Finally, with the trend of problems that these students face, many of these students face pressure from social media. For example, many social media apps depict students in research internships, top academic competitions, and how they made it to top-ranking Ivy League Universities. To point from John Hopkins, this causes social comparisons to skyrocket amongst students, increasing depression and low self-esteem rates.

Overall, applicants and college expectations have caused too much stress and effects on students and have made it difficult to get into your dream college; however, there are solutions to this problem that colleges should consider.

One thing colleges can do to give more opportunities to high school students applying is that colleges should try to enhance the student experience by putting more into more programs, personalizing communication between them and the students through them talking to counselors, and improving their yield management skills to get more students from diverse backgrounds into the system.

Colleges have tried to make the process of getting in easier, but the truth is that students are stressed, and they need a break from the pressure that comes from these classes, activities, and the stress of applications.

If this trend goes on, our future generations could be facing problems that they haven’t faced, which is why they should try to fix these problems now in order to face the future of our country later.

TOUR SOME SCHOOLS ONCE ACCEPTED COMMIT

WHAT

CHOOSE VERSATILE SCHOOLS WITH GOOD EXPLORATORY PROGRAMS APPLY TO COLLEGES

BRAINSTORM YOUR DREAM LOCATION AND SCHOOL SIZE FIND A FEW POTENTIAL FIELDS OF INTEREST

JAYDEN MAPLE Staff Writer

TheCrazeofCreatine

Exploring creatine’s components and key characteristics as well as its increasing role in the fitness industry.

Illustration by Nadirah Johnson

GAIN OR GAMBLE?

A close look into what exactly creatine is, what it is made of, and the potential benefits and risks of its consumption

ou’re drenched in sweat, muscles aching, as you finally finish your last rep at the gym. You’re constantly sore and tired, and don’t quite understand how people can make lifting look so effortless. Each day you sluggishly get ready for the gym, and all you can think about is how you really, really don’t want to work out.

Suddenly, while scrolling through social media, you see an ad pop up. It’s trying to get you to buy the latest gym craze – creatine. You hear some scientific jargon and all you really understand is more creatine, more muscle. You shrug and buy some, curious on what it’s all about.

Creatine first took off in the early 1990’s. According to “Physical Culture Study,” it all began after the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992. Olympic athletes took creatine to boost their performance, and once researchers began finding benefits to the substance, consumption rates skyrocketed.

Yet most people don’t actually understand what it is that they’re putting in their bodies. What is creatine, and why do people take it?

Creatine is a naturally produced organic compound that the body uses to store energy.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED FORM OF CREATINE?

Creatine Monohydrate

According to “Maxinutrition,” organic creatine is formed in the liver and kidneys by a trio of amino acids.

After being formed, creatine is mainly stored in skeletal muscles as a way to keep them functioning, even through intense exercise or fatigue. This same creatine is also found in certain meats and fish, meaning a balanced, healthy diet can help naturally increase creatine intake.

However, the body only makes so much creatine (about one gram per day), and it constantly excretes it. While it is true that some of our foods contain creatine, it’s in very small amounts. A person would need to eat about four pounds of beef – or almost six pounds of cod – per day in order to have noticeable benefits.

Because of this, many people turn towards synthetic supplements. According to “Vitaquest,” these supplements are formed by a chemical reaction between two compounds – sarcosine, a form of salt, and cyanamide (not to be confused with the highly poisonous cyanide).

These supplements can carry 5-8 grams of creatine per serving, which is drastically different from the body’s daily one gram. They’re ground to a fine powder that can mix into any drink or food with ease.

When it comes to athletics, particularly weight-lifting, creatine is seemingly a cheat code. It sparks quick bursts of energy that are perfect for anaerobic exercise, which can help build lean muscle mass and improve workouts. However, research shows that there are both pros and cons to taking creatine.

• The most researched and used form of creatine, it is typically derived from a water molecule and a creatine molecule.

Although creatine has five other major forms (Creatine Ethyl Ester, Creatine Hydrochloride, Buffered Creatine, Liquid Creatine, and Creatine Magnesium Chelate), there is insufficient research to prove their equality or superiority to creatine monohydrate. More studies and research will need to be conducted in order to substantiate the claims of the other forms of creatine.

Source:Healthline

LUCAS DAY Co-Opinions Editor

cules. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this water retention helps the body recover quicker from workouts, reduce muscle soreness, and stay hydrated for longer periods of time. Some research, as found by UCLA Health, has found that creatine can even help with skin health and relieve Parkinson’s symptoms.

However, creatine’s water-retention capabilities have also proven detrimental. According to “Healthline”, taking consistent amounts of creatine can cause a massive increase in the water in your body, leading you to bloat and even gain weight.

On top of storing energy and retaining water, creatine has been indicated to have neurological effects as well.

Evidence compiled by the National Institutes of Health shows that people taking creatine have improved in logic, memory, and reasoning. Some research even showed that people suffering from neurological conditions may be relieved of their symptoms by taking creatine.

However, these effects aren’t guaranteed. According to Harvard Health, because it’s a supplement, creatine is not directly tested by the FDA for accuracy. This means that ingredient concentrations could be different from what’s printed on the label, misleading customers and people meeting strict dietary guidelines.

These effects also raise questions about its consumption in youth. As studies progress, creatine’s impact on teens is both uncertain and a potential cause for concern.

For start- ers, creatine helps attract and store water mole-

WHAT IS A TYPICAL CREATINE REGIMEN?

Loading Phase

One Month

While research has indicated that teens taking creatine yields beneficial results, it’s hard to generalize the effects to the entire youth population. It’s also difficult to differentiate results from confounding variables, such as growing teenage bodies that already gain muscle mass naturally.

Secondly, Harvard Health has found that creatine overconsumption can create stress on the kidneys. This can leave athletes with long-term side effects, especially in athletes with already-present kidney dysfunctions.

• Take 20-25 grams of creatine daily for five to seven days Maintenance Phase

• After the loading phase, take three to five grams of creatine daily for the remaining month

Source:ClevelandClinic

Schedule: (You could also just do the maintenance phase for the month, and alhough it will take longer than the loading phase option, it is still an effective way to increase muscle mass.)

Despite being extensively studied, creatine impact isn’t conclusive and more research is left to be conducted. While creatine has shown a multitude of benefits, its potential risks should also be considered.

With athletes taking it to boost their stats and gains, it’s important to know what creatine actually is, where it comes from, and why people take it.

THE SUPPLEMENT SHOP

How do I figure out what type of creatine is the best for my specific needs and goals?

Shelf One

Thorne Creatine

• Containing only one ingredient, creatine monohydrate, this product is ideal for those who want to stick to the basics.

Momentous Creatine

• This product also only contains creatine monohydrate. Both Thorne and Momentous creatine are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free. Additionally, this product can enhance overall workout performance.

Shelf Two

Kaged Creatine

• This product contains creatine hydrochloride, a form of creatine that can potentially be easier to digest. It dissolves easily in water and is convenient for competitive athletes.

Nutricost Creatine

• This product not only has no preservatives or artifical flavors, but is one of the most affordable creatine products on the market.

Shelf Three

Transparent Labs

• This creatine supplement uses both creatine monohydrate and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). HMB has been show to build muscle when paired with weight training.

Optimum Nutrition

• This product is recommended for those who do frequent high-intensity exercise.

THE WEIGHT OF BULKING

Reasons

behind the influx of creatine usage in young athletes

LYDIA HARLOW Sports Editor

Sweat drips as hands clasp tightly around the cold, shining metal bar. Brows furrow and heartbeat quickens as muscles visibly tense in preparation for the attempt to deadlift a new personal record.

Junior Abby Scritchfield has been taking on these weights for years, and has even participated in power-lifting competitions. In order to give her that edge and enhance her natural ability, Scritchfield, like many other student athletes and weight-lifters, has invested in creatine.

But what is creatine? Simply put, creatine is a natural compound that helps to supply energy to the muscles, especially during high-intensity exercise. It is traditionally found in red meat, pork, fish such as salmon, and chicken, though through these sources a typical person will only get 1-2 grams a day.

Many athletes, therefore, being influenced by their peers and social media, have begun to augment these natural sources. Athletes are now commonly taking creatine supplements; some taking small amounts over long periods of time and others taking larger amounts in occasional cycles, but both producing similar results.

“I took a cycle of creatine for about a month or two,” junior Brayden Higgins said. “I noticed I started gaining a lot of weight because of the water retention... I also noticed I was getting stronger quicker. My workouts even felt easier after a couple weeks. I could notice a difference in how much weight I was lifting, and I felt healthier overall.”

Creatine boosts the body’s energy by increasing its production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), speeds up recovery, and can increase cell hydration, instigating growth and muscle repair. Not only does creatine have impacts physically, but it also has cerebral benefits, such as improved memory, mood, and cognitive processing.

“People take it for the health benefits most of the time. It’s great for running, it reduces dizziness and headaches, and you’re less likely to get dehydrated. It’s great too for people lifting weights, just great for physical healthiness overall,” Higgins said.

Creatine has steadily gained popularity in recent years, largely due to its increased prevalence online. However, it’s been around for a long time, with research dating back to the 1830s and long-term studies on its effects, making it one of the most well-researched supplements.

“In the bodybuilding community, a lot of people take it just to enhance their muscle strength,” Scritchfield said. “It makes you stronger and able to adapt more to different environments, things that come along your way, so you don’t plateau as much”.

Despite its benefits, creatine isn’t nearly as effective without consistent exercise. It isn’t a replace-

and weightlifters

ment for physical activity, but helps workouts to be more effective and enhances the user’s natural ability.

“I started because when I was younger, I wanted to be stronger and faster than everyone, and I realized I needed a supplement because my own ability wasn’t going to be able to get me to that level,” Scritchfield said.

Creatine is just that, a supplement. It doesn’t create change out of nowhere, it just enhances natural ability through additions of a nutrient your body already creates. Only when paired with exercise, proper nutrition, enough sleep, and other healthy behaviors, is it able to help to its full potential, though that is often skated over in advertisements of the product.

“It’s very encouraged in the weightlifting community… throughout the gym, there are stations where you can buy [creatine], and sometimes there are representatives there to sell you on it and share the benefits,” Scritchfield said.

While this is a much more outright and obvious advertisement, many young athletes feel pressure from their peers, coaches, parents, and even influencers online to try to enhance their workouts through supplementation.

“Teenagers are seeing constant promotion of pre-workouts, creatine and other performance products from influencers, athletes and even their peers,” registered dietitian and specialist in sports nutrition, Jenaed Ruddock, said.

Instagram and TikTok in particular are full of body-building influencers trying to convince the next generation of athletes to buy specific products, persuading them that each contains the secret to building their dream body. For many viewers, these are the first places people hear about such supplements.

“[I heard about creatine] a lot on TikTok and even Instagram; there are a lot of ads going around... A lot of influencers [I would see] were talking about the effects of it, how it makes you bigger, and why teens should

WHENINDOUBT, CHECK IT OUT

• When viewing information about creatine, it is important to recognize where your source is coming from. Focus on those with certifications rather than those who promise fast results.

take it,” Higgins said.

Influencers make money through these brand placements in their videos, and therefore often use their platforms to advertise certain products. These supplements are also well promoted through social media stores, such as Tik Tok Shop.

“There’s easier access now through online stores, and a perception that supplements are a shortcut to faster gains in sport or appearance. Add in pressures around body image, and it’s not surprising more teenagers are experimenting with supplements,” Ruddock said.

When adding new supplements into your diet, Ruddock and other nutritionists heavily emphasize the importance of researching them thoroughly beforehand, looking into both long and short term effects; additionally, they encourage young athletes to keep in mind that supplements shouldn’t take the place of a healthy lifestyle.

“Focus on getting enough total energy first – growth plus sport is very demanding,” Ruddock said. “Aim for protein at every meal and snack, about 1-1.5g per kilogram of bodyweight per day, spread evenly across the day”.

Creatine has risen in popularity for a reason: when taken correctly, in balance with a healthy lifestyle, it’s an easy addition that leads to notable benefits in cognitive thinking, muscle growth, and overall well-being.

SCIENCE-BACKED SOURCES

Jeff Nippard

• Youtuber and professional bodybuilder, Nippard makes educational videos on a va- riety of fitness topics on his channel, and has a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

Dr. Stacy Sims

• Exercise physiologist and nutrition scien- tist who discusses the impact of creatine on women’s health.

Dr. Andrew Huberman

• Founder of the podcast “Huberman Lab,” Huberman is a neuroscientist who has spo- ken on creatine’s effectiveness and bene- fits in athletics.

TAMING THE TUSH PUSH

The NFL must be better on officiating Eagles’s signature play

Staff Writer

n Oct. 9th, I was out eating with some friends when I saw the Philadelphia Eagles playing the New York Giants on TV. In the game, Philadelphia made its way to a 3rd and 1. They ran the Tush Push, their short yardage sneak, and were stopped short. Then they ran it again on 4th and inches and converted.

Now it was first and goal. At this point, people were getting frustrated since they knew exactly what was about to happen. There were grumblings in the restaurant as the Eagles ran the Tush Push on a third consecutive play.

After being again stopped short, the Eagles ran it a fourth time in a row, and finally made it into the endzone.

By now, pretty much the entire restaurant was watching, with visible groans reverberating around the room. I was among them - who really wants to see the same boring play 4 times?

The Tush Push is a form of a quarterback sneak meant to get short yardage gains in plays with only a yard or two needed to convert. The quarterback will take the snap and immediately be pushed by a few of his players forward simultaneously with the offensive line. The high success rate of the play in getting a few yards makes for almost a cheat code.

second time the play was run, one of the guards, Tyler Steen, obviously had a false start. However, because all the players on the field are close, it becomes difficult to see when the ball is snapped and the call is much harder to make.

That’s just one offender. Another difficult penalty to call is offsides, on both the offense and the defense. The defense would much rather line up in the neutral zone than give the Eagles an easy first down in hopes of stopping the play.

The second most common argument to ban the Tush Push is that the play is impossible to stop. While it may be difficult, the Tush Push is not infallible. As stated earlier, the Eagles were only successful around four out of five times.

Tackling the Tush Push

33 of Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts’s 55 rushing touchdowns have come from the tush push

108 tush pushes have been run since 2022

The Eagles introduced the play in 2021 and it has since become a staple of their offense. Other teams too have tried to run it, with varying degrees of success. Eagles by and far have run the play the best, achieving the first down on 81.9% of the time it was run in 2024 according to Jeff Kerr from CBS Sports. If they’re stopped short, they just run it again, bringing its overall effectiveness

makes football a bit more boring. So what? You shouldn’t ban the play just because few other teams can stop it, right?

Although the play works well, the biggest issue with the Tush Push is the officiating. Back to the Giants game. The

After last year, there were calls to ban the Tush Push, spearheaded by the Green Bay Packers, who cited player safety and “pace of play.” Needing at least twenty-four votes to ban the play, the movement ultimately failed 22-10, the funnily enough the score of the Packers’s loss to the Eagles in the wild card round of the playoffs.

So should the play be banned?

No…unless it cannot possibly be officiated properly. As the Eagles have argued, a play should not be banned just because it is unstoppable, and the Tush Push is neither unstoppable nor should be banned for being a creative play. The Buffalo Bills have tried to run a similar play but haven’t achieved the same level of success, making it clear banning the Tush Push would be a direct slight to the Eagles.

However, the play must be officiated better, or the Tush Push will need to be banned if fairness and parity are to remain in the game.

The NFL has stated they will try harder and attempt to officiate the play better. Otherwise, it stops being an issue with the play and starts becoming an issue with the referees and the organization itself.

“At the end of the day, there is a team that still does it well,” NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent said. “From an officiating standpoint we’re gonna try to get better when someone is in the neutral zone or leaves a little early.”

If the play remains fundamentally impossible to officiate correctly, then the league will be forced to act not because it’s boring or unfair, but because no play should be immune to the rules. Ultimately, the Tush Push needs to be fixed because it breaks the game’s ability to regulate itself. If the play simply cannot be officiated correctly, its days may be numbered.

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 402-

Responding to the Hoofbeat: Letters to the editor may be submitted to Room 1105 or sent to sacrotzer@mpsomaha.org. Names will be published. Letters must not contain attacks against an individual and may be edited for clarity.

THE STAFF

Co-Editors-in-Chief

Argyrenia Pipinos

Mira Mukherjee

Front Page Editors

Grace Evert

Sarah Robey News Editor

Katelyn Judd

Opinions Editors

Lucas Day

Teja Sridher

In-Depth Editor

Mira Mukherjee

Lifestyle Editor

Argyrenia Pipinos

Sports Editor

Lydia Harlow

Online Editor

Sarah Robey

Cartoonists

Nadirah Johnson

Rosie Scherbarth Artists

Nadirah Johnson

Rosie Scherbarth Photographers

Lydia Harlow

Lucas Day

Staff Writers

Jayden Maple

Matthew Um

Miley Huynh

Nathan Yeh

Parker Neville Adviser

Sarah Crotzer Principal

Aaron Bearinger

PRESCRIPTIONS & PUZZLE PIECES

Sharing my own experience with autism, and where I stand on the current Tylenol vs. Autism debate

Katelyn’s Corner

KATELYN JUDD News Editor

Two years ago, in the winter of my freshman year, my then-17-yearold sister said her first sentence in the car on the way to school. A seemingly unimportant December day turned out to be the beginning of my sister’s language journey. Today at 19, she strings together new sentences and enhances her vocabulary on the daily.

My older sister, Mackenzie, was diagnosed with autism in an educational setting when she was 18 months old, which helped her receive additional school support. Then, at 5 years old, she was diagnosed by a medical professional.

My whole life, past, present, and future, I have been a caretaker for my sister. I have been a mother, sister, mentor, role model, and protector all before I could even brush my own teeth. I don’t even know who I am without my sister.

My entire childhood, I was asked what was wrong with my sister and why she was different from other kids. It wasn’t with bad intent, just childish curiosity, and I never knew any difference either, so who was I to judge my peers? My response was the same every time:

what my mom had always told me. “She was born with it; her mind just works in a different way than yours.”

Although, as I’ve gotten older, times have changed, and so have attitudes towards those with autism. I’ve heard countless remarks spoken across hallways, in parking lots, and in classrooms. Whether it be with malicious intent or coming from a place of ignorance, they’re always present, and I’m not sure which one is worse.

“You’re autistic, bro.”, “Ugh, she’s so SPED.”, “Are you slow?”

Hearing these phrases doesn’t just make me sad; they genuinely make my heart hurt. All that runs through my mind are flashes of kids like my sister, those who are unable to stand up for themselves against people who won’t, or don’t understand.

As stated by the “American Psychological Association”, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and can be characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulties interacting socially. I won’t lie, it is a complicated definition, even coming from someone who has seen it up close and personal.

The organization also points to the source, which can get controversial, as caused by genetic and environmental factors. The organization shares studies that confirm it is not caused by vaccines, which is a commonly held belief. I’ve been looked in the eyes by adults and told that the reason my sister has autism is because she is vaccinated. Yeah, picture being seven years old and having to respond to that.

So imagine my initial reaction of shock, disappointment, anger, and exasperation when I came

across news articles and found new claims linking the pharmaceutical drug, Tylenol, to autism. Imagine how I felt when all of a sudden, what I had rehearsed, what I had memorized, and all that I had known to be true was suddenly invalidated in a single claim.

The lessons and experiences I have had with my sister have shaped me into the person I am. I am forever grateful and full of empathy that I get to have this life with my sister.

And maybe this is what people in office making these claims should have. Empathy.

This isn’t just a “disease” or an “illness” that politicians can slap a label onto whenever it’s convenient to them. It’s a spectrum with highs and lows, valleys and peaks, where some may need more help than others. No two diagnosed people have the same diagnosis.

But these are real people. Real people who struggle and deserve better than politicians wanting to cure them as a booster for their campaigns, when there’s nothing wrong in the first place. It’s such a harmful way of thinking.

Uniqueness is a terrifying thought to those trapped in the cages of uniformity, while threatening the stability of a system built by bland, identical bricks of the same individuals.

Whether it be from politicians, adults, or students, we all need to be more accepting, even for topics we don’t entirely know or understand. It’s impossible to know the challenges that people endure.

My mom has always said, “Everyone struggles with something; it’s just that some struggles are more visible than others.”

PARADISE TURNED TO CHAOS

Examining MN alumna Lizzie Johnson’s movie, “The Lost Bus,” released on October 3rd

KATELYN JUDD

News Editor

Sitting on my basement couch in Omaha, N.E., the room in my house that is undeniably the coldest, began to feel uncomfortably hot as I watched wildfires blaze through Paradise, C.A., on the TV screen.

In the last issue of the newspaper, I had a rare opportunity to meet and interview Lizzie Johnson, a Millard North alumna from 2011.

Johnson, over the course of the years since she graduated, has kept busy and done a plethora of things. Most notably, and for the purposes of this review, writing a book about “Camp Fire,” the deadliest wildfire in American History.

do, before he pivots around and drives to Ponderosa Elementary School.

Upon arriving, McKay works alongside Mary Ludwig (played by America Ferrera), a kindergarten teacher, to keep the children calm and collected as they gather onto the bus, not knowing the perilous conditions that lie ahead.

Her book, “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire,” aimed to explain individual perspectives on what happened the day of the fire. Johnson honed in on the distinctive stories of residents, paramedics, firefighters, all while actually experiencing the fire herself, as she was a volunteer firefighter.

Her novel was picked up by Blumhouse Productions, which is headed by well-known actor Jamie Lee Curtis and producer Jason Blum, as well as others. Johnson, as an executive producer on the movie, played a key role in the reconstruction of the day of “Camp Fire.”

The movie’s main character, Kevin McKay (played by Matthew McConaughey) is a bus driver, and receives a phone call from his mother, telling him that his son, Shaun, is sick. McKay is hurrying home when the evacuation notice for Paradise is called.

McKay’s boss calls out to all units, begging if any bus driver could pick up 23 kids and bring them to the designated safe spot. McKay struggles with what to

“The Lost Bus” is rated ‘R’ and is categorized as a thriller. That being said, it is rated this way for harsh language and violence, and being described as a thriller is 100% accurate.

For the entirety of the film, I was genuinely anxious. At the end, I didn’t realize two hours had gone by; I was extremely focused and drawn into the movie. However, the feeling of anxiety only grew, along with the utter, raw emotion it provoked.

I won’t lie, this movie wasn’t an easy watch. Just as Johnson told me, that day was the worst day of a lot of people’s lives, and I think that the movie really captures that essence that Johnson wanted to stay true to. You witness the extremes people turn to in panic-filled chaos. In clips, you watch people catching on fire, banging on the bus’s door with firearms, and drowning in rivers to avoid the fire.

The acting contributed by McConaughey, especially in the scenes where you can see him fighting with his inner monologue, was powerful to watch: Do I turn around to go save the other kids? Do I stay on course to take care of my own kid? One scene in particular, he breaks down into full-fledged tears, and

The Real Camp Fire

85 people killed, 18,000+ buildings destroyed. Lizzie Johnson reports as a journalist and volunteer firefighter.

I found myself really feeling for this character and how he struggled.

I also thought a couple of scenes were mildly unbelievable, and even a little irritating as a viewer. Especially when Ferrera is trying to calm the students. After the evacuation notice is called and McKay is trying to load the kids up quickly, Ludwig pauses and wastes precious time. She asks the kids how they’re doing, how their day has been, gets them to line up in two lines, and waits to proceed until all have said they are ready.

I completely understand needing to keep the kids calm, but I felt like there could have been a more timely route taken. The long time with the kids led to more problems later in the movie that could have been solved if they had used those minutes to leave earlier.

Regardless, these situations, combined with the otherwise powerful and moving performances of McConaughey and Ferrera, made the movie a compelling one and really helped me to understand how grave wildfires can be, especially in states like California.

Living in a state like Nebraska, especially somewhere where wildfires are something we never experience, obviously, I knew what wildfires were, but I didn’t quite understand how all-encompassing they could be. This movie showed firsthand how complicated the evacuations could be, how pileups can happen, and how difficult they were to contain.

Overall, I would recommend this movie to anyone who can handle the frightening aspects of wildfires, and to anyone who can block off two hours solely for this. I can guarantee you will be absolutely captivated by the intense story of “The Lost Bus.”

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Lizzie Johnson’s Book Released Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire. Human-focused stroytelling

Film Production

Blumhouse picks up the story (Jamie Lee Curtis + Jason Blum) Johnson joins as executive producer.

The Lost Bus Movie Premire Starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera star.

The world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025

The Lost Bus Viewed in Theaters On September 10th “The Lost Bus” was realeased for public viewing.

GARNISHED WITH LOVE

Sophomore Laura Flaugh’s macaron business, Garnier D’Amour

GRACE EVERT

Co-Front Page

Editor

ith flavors ranging from nutty amaretto to cayenne pepper, it would be easy to assume that this macaron business is run by a professionally trained baker. However, the executive pastry chef is only a junior in high school.

Laura Flaugh is the owner of Garnir D’Amour, which translates from French to “garnished with love.” The company specializes in meringue macarons in over 20 flavors. Having always been interested in baking, Flaugh first made macarons during the pandemic.

“At that point, I would get so bored that I would just start reading cookbooks, and when I found macarons, I chose to make them purely because of the difficulty,” Flaugh said.

free,” Flaugh said.

Mouthwatering Macarons

Junior Laura Flaugh created salted caramel, strawberry shortcake, and vanilla macarons. She made these for her very first order last fall. Photograph contributed by Laura Flaugh

Ironically, Faugh doesn’t even like the taste of macarons, but her desire to tackle the challenge has garnered her success. Flaugh’s busi ness has been rapidly growing since it began during her sophomore year as her IB MYP Personal Project. Physics teacher Sharon Eblen was Flaugh’s Personal Project su pervisor.

“Laura realized that competing with local bakeries and larger retailers was going to be a challenge, so she chose a recipe that was different from what most peo ple associate with macarons. She also got creative with flavors and came up with some really fantastic ones,” Eblen said.

With so many flavors, there is certain to be an op tion that suits all taste buds. Flaugh’s friend, sophomore Claire Savage, attests to the variety of flavors offered.

“My favorite is the pumpkin spice. She brought them to our lunch table, and they were the best sweet treat I’ve ever had,” Savage said.

As any entrepreneur does, Flaugh ran into challeng es in the initial stage of her business. Not only did she have to perfect multiple flavors, but she also had to gather a customer base for her macarons

“In the beginning, the growth of my business was pretty small because I had trouble finding ways to ad vertise. I was also still slightly insecure in my baking, so the second I felt like I messed up, I would give them for

As Garnir D’Amour began to reach an audience, Flaugh encountered a new obstacle: balancing a busy teenage life with an intensive baking schedule.

“With more orders, I had to start adjusting the times I could drop off, and it was really hectic until I fell into a schedule with homework and all,” Flaugh said.

Flaugh’s business continued to grow by word of mouth. Luckily, her work began to pay off as a steady stream of orders came in. At the end of her sophomore year, Flaugh presented her business at the IB Showcase. Garnir D’Amour was a highlight of the night.

“I knew it seemed like she had a good thing going on, but I was blown away at the response during the showcase. As I walked around the lecture halls that night, I heard tons of people talking about her macarons, and how they took one of her busi-

commitment, Flaugh is reluctant to let anyone else hold the spatula.

“I hate making frosting. I resent it. Every time I’m done making the cookies, I’m so happy, and then I realize I have to frost, and it’s an instant dread. So that’s the only thing I think I would ever let anybody else do,” Flaugh said.

Even with demand from customers, Flaugh still makes time to bake for those in her life, just as she did in the infancy of her business.

“Laura makes a plate of macarons for everyone’s birthday and gives it to you, which I think is really sweet,” Savage said.

As for the future of Garnier D’Amour, the company will be on a brief hiatus during the 2026-2027 school year. Flaugh is graduating early from MN and plans to travel to Africa and South America as a volunteer for a year before continuing her education.

Regardless, given Flaugh’s dedication to her business, there is no doubt that all who have tasted Garnir D’Amour macarons will be excited for her return.

WHEN THE SHADOWS WALK

From ghostly rituals to trick-or-treat fun, the night of spirits has never stopped evolving.

ARGYRENIA PIPINOS

Co-Editor-in-Chief

On Halloween night, the streets come alive with glowing pumpkins and the sound of laughter mixed with screams. Children race from house to house, their capes fluttering, plastic fangs gleaming, and painted masks grinning in the dark. Witches, skeletons, ghosts, and ghouls all march together, turning an ordinary neighborhood into a carnival of the strange and spooky. The chill in the air makes it feel like the whole world is holding its breath.

But this playful chaos has ancient roots. Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts celebrated Samhain, a festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter’s long, dark nights. They believed spirits could wander freely on October 31st, slipping through the thin veil between the living and the dead. To protect themselves, people dressed in frightening disguises and lit huge fires to keep the shadows away.

During those nights, firelight flickered across stone walls as villagers gathered in animal-skin cloaks and bone masks. Sparks leapt into the cold sky while eerie shadows danced around them. Each disguise served a purpose -- to confuse wandering spirits so no one could tell who was mortal and who might belong to the other side.

As the centuries passed, these eerie traditions blended with Christianity, and All Hallows’ Eve was born. The new holiday honored saints, but the ghostly side of Halloween never disappeared. People still feared wandering souls and kept their masks and lanterns close, hoping to confuse or scare away whatever might come knocking.

When the holiday reached America, it transformed into the lively celebration we know today. Pumpkins replaced turnips for lanterns, children began chanting “trick or treat,” and communities gathered for parties, ghost stories, and pranks. Mischief was everywhere, but so was the thrill of dressing up and stepping into a world where anything was possible.

Even today, the crunch of dry leaves under children’s feet, the glow of jack-o’-lanterns on porches, and the laughter of children in disguise carry echoes of ancient fear. Behind every costume and candle is the memory of a time when the dead were believed to walk freely, and people braced themselves for a long night with the unknown.

Now, Halloween is both playful and chilling -- a night when kids in glowing masks run wild under the autumn moon, and even adults feel the pull of the unknown. It’s a mix of candy, costumes, and ancient whispers, reminding us that this holiday has always been about dancing with the darkness, but never letting it win.

WHO HAUNTS YOUR HALLOWEEN

It’s Halloween night. You’ve got a costume, tons of candy, and questionable life choices ahead. What’s your move?

You walk into a Halloween party. What’s in your hand?

A) A snack tray -- someone has to be responsible.

B) A prop weapon... or three.

C) A homemade costume that took two weeks and too many glue sticks.

D) A proton pack. Don’t ask where you got it.

If you chose...

A --> go to #2

B --> go to #3

C --> go to #2

D -->go to #3

Someone jumps out to scare you, do you...

A) Scream and immediately start laughing.

B) Stand there like, “That’s cute.”

C) Run. You’re not paid enough for this.

A --> go to #5

B --> go to #6

C --> go to #3

You’re watching a scary movie. Your reaction?

A) Predict the killer halfway through.

B) Root for the monster -- they’ve had it rough enough, it’s time to give them a chance.

C) Hide behind a pillow but won’t admit it.

A --> go to #7

B --> go to #4

C -->go to #5

What’s your idea of a perfect October night?

A) A cozy movie marathon and hot chocolate.

B) Painting pumpkins while listening to your favorite Halloween playlist.

C) Playing silly pranks on your friends in the dark.

A --> go to #5

B --> go to #7

C --> go to #3

You’re the quiet type until you’re not. Loyal, misunderstood, and definitely the one who lifts everyone’s spirits (literally).

What’s your biggest fear?

A) Sticky fake blood.

B) Ghosts (but you’d still fight one).

C) Needles.

A --> go to #7

B --> go to #8

C --> go to #6

Pick a random word that speaks to your soul:

A) Voltage.

B) Screech.

C) Slime.

D) Bones.

A --> go to Frankenstein

B --> go to Ghost Face

C --> go to Ghostbusters

D --> go to Jack Skellington

What are you doing at the Halloween party?

A) Standing in the corner, but still talking to everyone.

B) Getting everyone to join a group dance or game.

C) Showing off your elaborate costume that took weeks to make.

D) Sneaking up behind people just to make them jump.

A --> Frankenstein

B --> Ghostbusters

C --> Jack Skellington

D --> Ghost Face

If you could live in any era, what would it be?

A) Early 1900s - I like old-school experiments and inventions.

B) The 80s - fun chaos, weird tech, great music.

C) Doesn’t matter - as long as it’s Halloween every day.

D) The present - it’s easier to go unnoticed.

A -->Frankenstein C -->Jack Skellington

B --> Ghostbusters D --> Ghost Face

Ghost Busters

You’re a creative soul who turns every idea into a absolute masterpiece and every holiday into Halloween.

You’re chaotic good or maybe even a chaotic evil. You thrive on adrenaline and never miss movie night.

You’re all about the fun side of fear. You keep everyone laughing and distracted even when the lights flicker.

Ghost Face

Jack Skellington

Nadirah Johnson

RACING TOWARD THE FINISH LINE

Detailing the MN boys’ cross country team’s record-breaking year and district championship

TEJA Sridher Co-Opinions Editor

ust when you think zero-hour is tiresome enough, the Millard North cross country team is already halfway through their morning practice, training along nearby sidewalks, testing their endurance, and timing their runs. Before most students are awake, these dedicated runners are chasing the sunrise as they exemplify endurance on yet another long run.

Through grueling meets, early morning practices, and potential injuries along the way, the cross country team has persevered, making strides in their consistency and outcomes.

Just recently, the boys’ team won the district championship, and the girls’ and boys’ teams both qualified for the state competition in the same year—the first time since 2006.

The excitement from this success was cohesive across the team, as they had been hoping for a triumph this year. Many members of the group believe that their team culture and hard work have been major factors leading them to victory.

“I was unsurprised that we made it to state. The team we have right now is the strongest team Millard North has ever had. It still meant so much to me to make it all the way with the team. My freshman and sophomore years, the team came close both times but fell short. I felt proud that we made it, and we made it with style, taking the district champ plaque home,” senior Marc Louthan said.

Aside from this, some members of the team have accomplished individual feats, breaking both school and personal records.

Mustangs on Three

“Our boys’ team has broken the school record for the lowest team time thrice this season alone. We have also won 2 meets. Some of my greatest races this year included 8th at the UNK invite, 10th at Metros, and 2nd

at districts, where I ran the district meet school record. Based on best marks, I was 8th on the team last year, and this year I am 1st on the team. I would say it is going really well,” junior Caleb Thome said.

The team not only consists of dedicated runners, but also highly skilled coaches. The coaches Emily Janda, Brian Yueill, and Sarah Wright have displayed their love for running through their experienced coaching. In fact, Coach Janda won Boys’ Metro Coach of the Year this season.

Triple Threat

While sharing the mileage, they are able to encourage push eachother, and many treasure every moment they spend running together.

Junior Caleb Thome, sophomore Oliver Reeves, and junior Beckett Anderson push one another to new heights, racing through the hills of Pioneer Park in Lincoln. MN placed third at this meet, the Harold-Scott Invitational.

Photograph by Lucas Day

“I wanted to be a cross-country coach because I have loved running my whole life, and I want to pass on some of that knowledge and hopefully a love for running,” Yueill said.

The boys team rallies together to hype themselves up before the UNK meet. They do this before every race, creating an atmosphere of camradarie and friendship.

The group culture and persistence during practices have proved to be beneficial in a variety of aspects for the boys’ team.

“My experience as a distance runner at Millard North has been a treat since day one. Some days are better than others, but at the end of the day, I love running with my boys. Marc Louthan often reminds me that the opportunity to compete against other teams with my friends, to this degree, is something that I will only have for a fraction of my life. I’m excited for our distance squad this track season,” Thome said.

Good sportsmanship is one of the most important things about competing against one another. Creating friendships along the way has proven to be a highlight of this activity.

“The community in XC is unlike any other sport. This year, I especially love the pack running during workouts and races. When we have a strong group in the front, we are able to hold each other accountable to reach our potential. I also love that I can make friends with any athlete from any school. The common goal of beating the course and your previous best is enough connection to be good chums with the boys I compete against in mid-race.” Louthan said.

On Friday, Oct. 24, the team ventured to the state competition and ended up placing sixth overall. Thome placed 15th in the state individually.

“The records were not our focus, but a side effect of our discipline and effort. The records we made this year will be broken next year if the team stays on the current trajectory and each runner stays hungry. There is more to come for Millard North Boys XC: highest team state placement, lowest team time, and lowest team score,” Louthan said.

The MN cross country team has made powerful strides in the field regarding what they have accomplished just this year. The sense of community and belonging involved in this activity has been uplifting, and has allowed the team to run and chase after their dreams.

Photograph by Lucas Day

A UNIFIED EFFORT

Celebrations are planned as the Unified Bowling team hits its tenth anniversary

PARKER Neville Staff Writer

t’s been ten years since Unified Bowling landed in NSAA, and from the start, it’s brought both general and special education students together as a team. Since those first strikes as the program got rolling, Unified sports have expanded and left a huge impact on the schools that support them, and with its tenth anniversary approaching, the team plans to make this year one to remember.

Unified Bowling started in 2016, when it was added as an official NSAA sport. However, for the school to establish a team, they needed coaches. So, Unified Bowling coach Tricia Rohde volunteered, despite having no previous experience in either coaching or bowling.

“So finally, I was like, ‘Well, if you really don’t have anybody, I want the team to happen, so I’ll do it for like a year.’ And then an English teacher here, Mr. Cobb, he used to come in my classroom all the time and help out during his plan. So he coached with me for two years,” Rohde said.

While the team’s other coach has changed throughout the years, Rohde has remained, coaching throughout every year of the program. She’s witnessed the program expand and has taken the chance to develop the team’s positive environment and welcome more people into it.

opportunities to introduce new Unified activities.

“I think that it really opened [Unified sports] up, now that we’ve done this, and we’ve had this under control, and it’s really successful, what else can we add? And I think they found track [to be] an easy thing that they can add because we have the track and we have teams so they can go there. We’ve had a little bit of Unified Swimming here, and then cheerleading, we’ve also done a little bit,” Rohde said.

Coming Competitions

years as I’ve been hearing from other people. We’re coming back with more kids coming into the school, and it’s just going to keep on growing. I think we tried to recruit 12 people at orientation,” sophomore Sam Harris said.

Rohde has already made several plans to help commemorate the milestone, and she hopes to bring the celebration to the whole school.

“We’re going to do ten year anniversary t-shirts that we just got the design [for], so now we just have to turn them into the school store,” Rohde said.

Oct. 28- Millard Triangular @ Western Bowl

Nov. 4- vs. Westside @ Mockingbird Lanes

Nov. 10- vs. Omaha North @Maplewood Lanes

The celebration extends beyond this year’s bowlers as well. Even former students who have been impacted by their time on the team have been invited to reconnect with one big get-together.

Nov. 11- Omaha Metro Tournament @ Maplewood Lanes

Dec. 1- Districts @ Maplewood Lanes

Dec. 8- State Tournament @ Sun Valley Lanes & Games

“When we first started, we had different players on a unified team: we had athletes, and we had participants. The athletes were only students who had an intellectual disability, and so we had to question, why just them? Why is it that specific verification? Why not more?” Rohde said. “[The program] has changed a little bit and evolved, which has been nice, and the goal is to be inclusive, and I think that that has been a good goal of Unified and has continued to be in all these years.”

Of course, Unified Bowling hasn’t just influenced MN. As the first Unified sport in NSAA, it also created

Jock Talk

What song/artist do you listen to before a game to prepare or get hyped up?

Ethan Forrest Senior “ “ Mostly just like DestroyLonely,and maybe some Ken Carson too. I like electricmusicwitha lot of bass.

These developments have improved the program tremendously, but senior Nathaniel Gust hopes that the program will continue to adapt and evolve over the years.

“I feel like they need to just keep on improving [the program] and keep on fixing something. Even if it seems perfect, there’s always something you can get better at, so I don’t know what it is, but it’d be nice to continue to see improvements to keep the program going and stay at a success,” Gust said.

The program’s progression has also convinced more people to participate. This year, so many people tried out that they had to make a waiting list to join.

“It has definitely been growing more in previous

Marianna Zephier-Murphy Freshman “ “ All Night by Beyonce, Love by Keyshia Cole, and some Drake is a lot of what we listen to.

“We’re going to invite the bowlers from the last ten years to come to our banquet that we have at the end of the season... It’s always interesting to hear what they’re doing. Some of them are bowling, and some of them went into special education because they bowled on the unified team and got to know students in special education,” Rohde said.

Additionally, the team’s celebration is taking a role in the start of their competitive season. Their first match is their triangular against Millard South and Millard West, a competitive match with a highly sought-after trophy.

“We’ve won that trophy seven times, and Millard South has beat us twice, [and] they currently have that trophy. We want to win it back for the tenth year, and so to prepare for that, we’re going to do some decorations around the school. We’re going to put out some signs in front with colors, information, our names on there, so we want to just really celebrate [that] Unified Bowling is here,” Rohde said.

This celebration is about more than just a team: it’s an ode to the activity that pioneered a new form of inclusivity within NSAA. Now that it’s lasted ten years, hopes are high for the program to hit further and further milestones.

Josiah McGilvery Junior “ “ [Ilistento]Ken Carsonmostly. I think he’s a good artist.

Kingston Maas

Sophomore “ “ Typically some GreenDay,some AC/DC or Metallica, Blink-182, Foo Fighters,[or] Radiohead.

FIGHT TO THE FINISH

The culmination of softball season highlights a team centered around strong community

MIRA Mukherjee Co-Editor-in-Chief

The dusty, smooth dirt contrasts the vibrant green patches of grass, where drops of dew carefully perch on the tips of the blades. Players carefully move to their respective positions in the field, waiting for the home team to pitch. The crisp, resonant sound of the ball makes contact with the bat; spectators watch with bated breath. The game has begun.

For the MN softball team, this year’s season marks another year rife with activity, passion, and perseverance.

The 2025 softball state championships were held on Oct. 15-17, with the final games held on Oct. 20. Although going into the championships as the No.1 seed, Millard North lost to Lincoln Southwest in the Class A championship. But the strength, achievements, and determination of the team during the entire season was still evident.

“Softball is a game where you do fail a lot, but we also talk about how instead of talking about failure, we talk about how it’s always a game of opportunity,” head coach Travis Unzicker said.

Unzicker is in his 6th year as head coach for MN softball and has helped lead the girls to state championships for the last five seasons.

Both on and off the field, the softball team’s emphasis on team culture is also something that has been highly prioritized amongst the players.

“We all come together because we love the game of softball but also come together because we have such good teammates, and the girls really make a positive environment,” outfielder Sarah Frazier said. “I’m just excited to be with my girls when we go out and play.”

The softball team’s emphasis on team bonding has played a crucial role in their success and cohesiveness as a group.

“We’re all so close, and we are basically like a huge family. We take our culture pretty seriously, and it’s im-

portant to everyone that we’re all close,” pitcher Jadyn Pokorny said. “I think being close off the field is a huge reason why we can perform so well; we’re all connected.”

The team also makes sure to maintain an honest environment, speaking frequently about their strengths and weaknesses.

and say that we need to address the elephant in the room, and we’ll just sit and talk, and we’ll talk for a long time, or sometimes short, just so we can resolve the issue and be a better team together,” Frazier said.

tivities, the team also incorporates “Mustang Mind sets,” frequent conversations the team has through out the regular and off seasons to discuss softball.

mate; when you’re in pressured situations, knowing how you feel, how you respond, and how you are able to handle adversity and move on,” Travis Unzicker said. assigns upperclassmen to mentorship roles in order to strengthen the bonds between teammates.

they can ask us things, especially being experienced. It also helps from a school perspective, because we can tell them what classes we enjoyed, or teachers we en joyed, or just give them help,” Pokorny said.

space inclusive and opening to all members.

into teams, like varsity, junior varsity, and reserve, but we still do so much bonding together that you kind of talk to everyone and get to know everyone,” catcher Regan Gillis said. “We are really good at making sure our team is close, and that even seniors and freshmen have good relationships.”

the importance of maintaining a strong team culture aids in the efficiency of players.

College Commits

“The game speeds you up, the game gives you anxiety,” Unzicker said. “There’s a lot of things in the game; you have to be able to calm yourself and nerves and be able to execute and produce in situations where others can’t.”

Looking towards next season -- with familiar and fresh faces -- a strong focus on sense of community, reflection, and responsibility will continue to be valued.

“Next year, we’ll have to make sure that freshman and sophomores know their role, know how to be a good teammate, and how they can use their strengths to provide for the team,” Gillis said.

Within the softball team, a motto commonly used by players and coaches is “Mudita,” a Sanskrit word that means to care for others and put them above yourself Reflected in the longstanding close team culture, this saying is something that has been and will continue to be maintained in MN softball.

“In any situation we try to use it. We’ve really put that to the girls and told them that this is really kind of our battle cry for anything we do,” Unzicker said.

Abby Beard