Veteran’s Day marks special FBLA Fun at Elementary time for Sauer By Jessica Wade

For many people around the country, Veteran’s Day is just another day. They might hear about it on the news or see it printed on a calendar. They might think about what it means for a moment, but then they continue on with their lives. They go back to work, change the channel, finish drinking their coffee and forget about what it all means until next year. However, this is not the case for every- one, especially for veterans like Hank Sauer. Sauer, who has driven one of the Yutan Public School buses for nearly 15 years, served in the Navy Submarine Service and he truly understands the meaning of Veteran’s Day. “Veteran’s Day is the day set aside by our government to honor our veterans,” Sauer said. “It is probably one of the most important days to a veteran. It brings a lot of memories back, a lot of sorrow.” Sauer said that the community shows its support by attending fundraisers and fish fries, by participating in youth programs PUMPKIIN PAINTING FUN - Senior Boston Rew visits with third grader Ellie Lloyd after she paints a pumpkin for Halloween. Rew and the other such as the Voice of Democracy contest FBLA members went to the elementary the week of Halloween to assist with pumpkin painting. They also played games while they were there. Pho- tograph by Megan Wade. Continued on Page 4 Community immediately learns news Veik assumes Social media impacts school role of school’s By Jessica Wade to the world has changed how information students and the community informed. activities director is developed and shared. News can travel A few members of the staff, including At the end of 2013 roughly 1.2 billion around the world within seconds, and it is activities director Doug Veik, maintain the By Julia Kennedy people were using Facebook worldwide and the same with small communities. Yutan High School’s Twitter account. around 255 million people are currently us- More and more high schools are turning “You can share [information] with the When it comes to stepping up to the ing Twitter. The introduction of social media to social media as a way to keep the staff, community instantly,” Veik said. “It’s a lot plate, you have to be confident and ready more instantaneous, but at the same time to perform your best. When Andy Timm, you have to be a lot more careful.” former athletic director, decided not to re- The account is used to keep the student turn, Doug Veik experienced what it’s like body and community informed on sports to step up and take his place. games and activities as well as other news While everyone is watching sporting involving the school. events and cheering on their child, Veik is @YutanChieftains currently has 346 working to keep things running smoothly followers; senior Christian Kazos is one with lots of time and commitment. Vol- of them. leyball needs line judges and softball needs “If a game is far away, you don’t have announcers and scoreboard operators. It may to text people to find out the scores,” Kazos be a scramble to make sure schedules are said. “Instead of having to go out and buy a right or entries are put in the computer, but newspaper you can just pull out a phone.” being organized is the key. Social studies and history teacher Lyle For 12 years, Veik has been teaching Mead agrees that social media can help information technology, accounting and students stay connected to the school. seventh and eighth grade keyboarding. But “I think that it can be helpful for a now in addition to teaching these classes, teacher to use Twitter if the kids are going to he also has to do all his work as the new use it as a mode of information,” Mead said. athletic director. He said it has been an English teacher Ginger Eikmeier said that social media is convenient when finding Continued on Page 8 out news about the school. “With the district cross country meet I was wondering how the team did,” Eikmeier See What’s said. “A parent had posted the scores on Inside...... Facebook, so I didn’t have to wait until the next day at school to find out.” Pages 2-4: Despite the obvious benefits of social media, Eikmeier stresses the importance of Reviews/Opinion thinking about the consequences of what is Pages 6-7: being shared. “Students sometimes reveal too much Superstitions information about themselves and they Pages 8-10: sometimes don’t see the boundary of what Sports/Activities Continued on Page 7 Homework should remain in schools of homework. Debates on the best way to educate their child’s education, but boils down to de- other developed countries, they rank in the If parents and education policy makers American children have always been a hot veloping children into well-educated, fully middle of the pack. would like to catapult American students button issue, especially when comparing functioning adults who can further society. The middle of the pack, which is av- to higher rankings, something in U.S. America’s academic test scores to the test It is important that U.S. children receive erage, is not a bad place to be, but since school systems is going to have to change, scores of other countries. Over the years, a quality education in today’s fast-paced, the U.S. likes to be considered the best at but they should not get rid of homework U.S. schools have updated their curriculum highly competitive world. Jobs are be- everything, average is not acceptable. The assignments. If anything, policy makers to stay competitive, and most recently, coming harder to come by as technology academically top ranked countries like should consider putting more emphasis on policy makers and parents have turned a advances and more jobs are outsourced to China and Korea tend to stress the impor- the importance of completing homework critical eye to the importance of homework third-world countries. When U.S. students tance of hard work to their students from assignments. in a child’s education. are academically compared to students of an early age, which typically involves lots According to a MetLife survey, the typi- cal American student works on homework for 30 minutes a school day and has an additional hour of homework to take home at night. While 77 percent of students in grades K-12 surveyed said that they con- sider homework important to their learning process, homework critics consider a large portion of students’ homework to be busy work. Homework is an important part of a student’s learning process. It would be im- possible for students to learn new material without reading a textbook or listening to a lecture. Homework assignments ensure that students will see the information they will be tested on multiple times. The qual- ity of homework assignments may be more important than quantity, but even busy work has a place in the curriculum. Having an excessive amount of home- work assignments to complete may cause students stress, but stress is good for students because it pressures them to try harder, which is a fact proven by the MetLife survey. Students who said in the survey that they felt more stressed about completing homework assignments tended to have higher grades than students who did not feel stressed about their homework, which meant that they rarely completed homework assignments. While some would argue that students who do not complete their assignments are lazy and deserve bad grades, it may not be their fault that they do not feel pressure to complete their assignments. The MetLife survey was also able to Way impresses with first solo album prove that students whose parents did not By Madeline Miller ing that plays like a bad reception gone though, is “Brother.” Way’s lyrical talent place any value in their child’s homework astoundingly right. To lend meaning to the is brilliantly showcased in this nostalgic assignments tended to have students with After 12 years with the legendary pop album title, the point of view alternates anthem. The track reminisces of old days, lower opinions on homework, which led to punk band My Chemical Romance, singer between a shy outsider looking in, an and yet it is compelling enough to leave its them having low grades. Gerard Way has gone solo. Formed in 2001, omniscient narrator and a man begging to listener feeling hopeful and fulfilled. Overall, the debate on homework is not My Chemical Romance announced their explain himself. Overall, Hesitant Alien is an album that about whether it adds too much stress to breakup March 22, 2013. Way signed to Four songs in particular stand out on is not to be missed. Driving beats and catchy students’ lives or the role that parents play in Warner Bros. Records as a solo artist, and this album. “Action Cat” is a love letter to melodies carry listeners through the album, he recently released Hesitant Alien. an old friend that resonates with a strange and such listeners are left with a feeling of Hesitant Alien begins with the rebel- sort of tentative optimism. The lyrics seem melancholy hope that makes a second, third lious, indignant “The Bureau.” This track to tell the story of a child’s favorite toys that and fourth listen more of a need than a want. 2014-2015 sets the tone for the post-punk influences in come alive at night. With a band as legendary as My Chemi- several other songs. This, however, is not the “No Shows” has a catchy tune that will cal Romance in his rearview mirror, another Chieftain only influence the album boasts. have its listeners tapping their foot and artist might find it difficult to venture past A feeling of 1980s and 1990s Britpop singing along on the first listen, even if they the expectations that fans and critics alike resonates strongly with several tracks, don’t know the words. It is upbeat and defi- have for his music. Way, however, manages Times Staff namely “Maya the Psychic,” “Zero Zero” ant, but somehow also manages to be sweet. to use his debut solo album to skyrocket his and “Get the Gang Together.” With these “Drugstore Perfume” is a plaintive, career in a whole new direction. Jessica Wade songs, Way nods at his favorite artists and empathetic look at a lonely life, but the idea It is an ambitious album that strives to Cassie Wade his pop punk history in a way that still feels that the subject remains hopeful in hopeless resurrect music of the past in a way that is fresh to the ear. surroundings brings light to the otherwise relevant to the future. Hesitant Alien lands Colton Leal The album is characterized by old ideas dark story. on earth with some of Gerard Way’s best Megan Wade in new ways, clever lyrics and a fuzzy feel- The real winner on Hesitant Alien, work to date. Madeline Miller Haleigh Wuster Fashions feature subdued, wearable look Maddie Davis By Madeline Miller away from fashion risks, but if you’re look- by form fitting leggings or skinny jeans, and Julia Kennedy ing to get noticed, the way to go is with an a flowing midiskirt can offset a structured For those who get nervous at the sight eye opening orange. The season also brings top. The Chieftain Times Staff wel- of those outrageous runway designs, there emphasis to plaid prints and muted neutrals. Inspired by popular television shows comes letters to the editor and com- is hope this fall to stay on trend and in your Leather can be found almost anywhere, like Scandal, designers are turning to pow- ments on our coverage of the school comfort zone. Compared to previous sea- be it a detail on a dress, a stripe on leggings, erful, striking lines to bring emphasis to and concerns you might have. Please sons, this year’s trends promise a subdued, a leather jacket or full-on leather pants. their looks. submit them to the journalism wearable look. Love cozy sweaters and snarky one-lin- For the guys, sporty letter jacket-in- room. All items must be signed and Textured fabrics offset clean, structured ers? Now you can combine your two loves spired coats will keep you warm through the appropriate. - Adviser Rod Henkel silhouettes. Similarly, flowing shapes are with printed knits, a trend picked up on by unpredictable weather, paired with a button made with smooth, unassuming materials. young celebrities such as Cara Delevingne. down or a crew neck sweater. Soft blues are a hit with those that shy An oversized pullover can be balanced Continued on Page 5 China selects candidates for leader Hong Kong must resist infringement By Madeline Miller skyrocketing home prices, leaving more been occupied for a month as of Nov. 2. fight back. than a thousand people without homes. The Hong Kong Federation of Students The city’s government views the pro- Imagine you are about to choose whom All of these factors have boiled down is one of the groups leading the movement, testers largely as criminals, and over 80 you are going to marry when your parents to one solution for many citizens of Hong and almost all of the protest’s leaders are arrests have been made, including students make an announcement: you can only pick Kong: protest. In the beginning, there were students. The youth are particularly upset by as young as 16. from three people they have selected for hundreds of protesters. At its peak, that the words of contempt from the city’s elite, There are no signs pointing to an end you. They chose your last significant other, number exceeded 100,000. according to The Washington Post. for the protests yet as leaders of both Hong and then they promised that you would be After images surfaced of protesters Adding fuel to the fire, chief executive Kong and the occupy movement are reluc- allowed to choose your own spouse. This defending themselves from tear gas with Yet Leung has said that allowing universal tant to compromise. The protesters should decision will affect the rest of your life, so yellow umbrellas, the protests were given suffrage would give the poor of Hong Kong not have to compromise, however, when why should they be allowed to limit your the name the “Umbrella Revolution.” Many too much of a say. they are only demanding the freedoms that options? demonstrators reject this as being too On the other side of the issue, an organi- they were promised. This is exactly how the citizens of violent, instead favoring the “Umbrella zation opposing the occupy movement has Beijing officials should not try to turn Hong Kong feel about the Chinese govern- Movement.” claimed to have gathered 1.8 million sig- their backs to the promise they made to ment pre-selecting the candidates for Hong Sunshine-yellow umbrellas and ribbons natures, but many of these signatures were Hong Kong. The protesters are right to Kong’s leader, known as the chief executive. abound in the protestors’ main encampment. proved to be fake. Even the real signatures defend themselves against this and future When Hong Kong was handed over from The Guardian reported that “Umbrella do not indicate an opposition to the protest- betrayals, and with any luck Beijing will Great Britain to China in 1997, it was under Square,” the center of the movement, has ers cause, merely the means they choose to realize the error in its decision. the condition that the city would be allowed a high degree of autonomy. Thus, the city became known as part of China, but it had a separate government. This principle became known as “One Country, Two Systems,” and it has been in place since Hong Kong’s return to China. In 2010, China promised universal suffrage would be granted to Hong Kong in the 2017 election. This year, however, it was announced that Beijing would nominate two or three candidates for the election, limiting the options that Hong Kong’s citizens have. Nominees would almost certainly have pro-Beijing sentiments, leaving China effectively one step closer to completely eradicating democracy in Hong Kong. This infringement is a dangerous breach of the Joint Declaration that regulated the transfer of Hong Kong to China, and it must not be tolerated by the citizens of Hong Kong. But it isn’t just the broken promise that has angered citizens. A wealthy economic hub, Hong Kong is marked by a stagger- ing wealth gap. Approximately one in five citizens of Hong Kong fall below the pov- erty line, but the city is home to 114,000 millionaires. In addition to low income (the median household income of a family of three is 2,979 U.S. dollars a month according to a Bloomberg news report), the city has faced Lack of sleep linked to decreased focus, memory Teenagers need more sleep than many receive By Madeline Miller Many teens find it difficult to get to that most teenagers need about 9 1/4 hours dents who do not get enough sleep are often sleep before 11 p.m., but according to the of sleep, but when they go to bed at a later irritable and sometimes even aggressive. A Walking through the hallways of the av- National Sleep Foundation, there is a very hour, early mornings at school mean that normally pleasant teenager can become up- erage high school, shocking statements can good reason for that. Biological sleep pat- the average teenager gets between 7 and set more easily and end up losing patience, be heard from students. One may proclaim terns change during adolescence, meaning 7 1/4 hours. This can lead to startling con- yelling at friends and acting inappropriately. that they managed to sleep for four hours that it is unnatural for a teenager to try to sequences that affect health, behavior and Teenagers are well known for their abil- the previous night, another student for three. sleep as early as they had when they were academic performance. ity to sleep until noon during the weekends, Still another announces the worst of all: they a child. Lack of sleep is linked to decreased but studies suggest that when they have did not sleep at all. The National Sleep Foundation states memory, focus and problem-solving skills. to get up as early as 5 a.m. to get ready This can often mean sinking grades for a for school during the week, maintaining a student who is not getting enough sleep, regular sleep schedule throughout the whole which causes stress for the student and can week may make it easier to wake up feeling lead to arguments at home. well-rested. Unhealthy eating habits, weight gain and Reducing screen time may also be ben- acne are all consequences of sleep depriva- eficial, as the light from phones, computers tion. As a result, a teenager’s self image and televisions stimulates the brain and can be seriously damaged. Losing sleep can keeps the body awake longer. Even taking make the body more susceptible to disease, 15-20 minute naps in the early afternoon can especially when teenagers spend every day help teenagers to get the sleep they need to sharing germs with their peers. face the day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other mental health problems can stem The human body needs sleep to func- from sleep loss, such as symptoms of depres- tion, and teenagers need even more sleep sion or an inability to focus on important than adults. Implementing sleep-saving tasks like driving. Tired teenagers can nod techniques can help keep the hallways of a off behind the wheel and cause injuries and high school from looking like an episode of deaths in traffic collisions. The Walking Dead. In addition to these consequences, stu- Veteran’s Day marks special time for Sauer, other vets Continued from Page 1 and Patriot Pen writing contest, by teach- ing patriotism, and by simply thanking a veteran for their service. Band director Kevin Koopmann said that Sauer does more than just give a speech at the school’s annual Veteran’s Day program. “Hank doesn’t just give a speech, he runs Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day,” Koop- mann said. “He is the driving force behind it all. In the past the band would just sit in the bleachers and play the Star Spangled Banner, but now we are much more present. “Hank represents what is good about ‘old school’ and that having pride in your country is not something to be ashamed of.” Despite all the support that is shown to veterans today, Sauer remembers a time when society wasn’t so supportive of vet- erans. “When we were in the service, service men were very unpopular,” Sauer said. “We were told at one time not to wear our uniforms in public. Nowadays people go out of their way to thank a veteran. “Now we feel good about the fact that we served our country because of the support we get from our community. It makes you feel like you’ve done something.” Havranek accompanies musicians for 40 years By Megan Wade has worked with many music teachers over that time.” have as much time to practice because ev- the span of 40 years. One of Havranek’s The music students appreciate all of the erybody’s so involved in everything. The Forty years is a long time to work in any favorites was Jon Gathje. time Havranek puts in to help them with kids here are so nice and always have been.” career. Nancy Havranek has been working Yutan’s new music teacher Matt Gunter their music. Havranek moved to Yutan in 1959. She in Yutan’s music department for almost half has enjoyed working with Havranek this “She works with you. She’ll basically lives with Gary Havranek, her husband of of her life. year. do anything for you,” senior choir student 56 years. Havranek’s music career at Yutan began “I love working with Nancy,” Gunter Madeline Miller said. “She cares a lot about “He [Gary] encourages me. I look in 1975 as volunteer work. Mr. Serb, the said. “She [Havranek] has experience be- us, her students, her musicians.” forward to coming down here every day,” band director at that time, asked her to help cause she’s been here so long. I love asking Havranek said that there have been many Havranek said. “I love the kids; I love tutor some of the band students. After a her for advice.” students that she’s loved to work with. the piano, and the two together make me year of working with the students, she was In addition to working with the choir “The kids haven’t changed any,” she happy.” offered a job. class every day, Havranek also helps prepare said. “The only thing is now they don’t “The superintendent called me and students for different music competitions. asked me if I’d like a job,” Havranek said. “I Havranek says that her busiest time of the had already been working here for nothing, year is January to the end of April. Circle of Friends enables but they wanted to pay me. I said ‘yes, I’d “I have Band Olympics; I have Malcolm love it,’ and I’ve been here ever since.” (contest),” Havranek said. “Sometimes Havranek started out full-time, working I play for 50 different kids that I have to students to accept differences 8-3:30 with the band and choir teachers. She practice with, and we have districts all at By Haleigh Wuster the same as you and I but have a bad home situation and the struggles they may be With all the typical struggles of high going through,” Lewis said. “We also talk school, making friends is just another thing about people with Autism and other dis- to add to the list. Circle of Friends is a group abilities that may cause someone to look a to join if you are struggling to make friends little different and how to make conversation in school or would just like to help others with them.” make friends. Along with meeting during lunches, Circle of Friends is a group sponsored Circle of Friends has done many activities by a grant from Autism Action Partnership throughout the year to help students become to help students who have trouble making involved. They held tailgates at football friends in school make friends. The spon- games, watched movies and did lip syncs sor for Yutan’s Circle of Friends is special for fun with the group. education teacher Kathy Lewis. “We do a lot of fun things throughout The group is made up of 11 students the year and it’s just a lot of fun to be a part from grades 7-12. Although they have been of,” junior Sam Butler said. meeting for most of the year, they allow In addition to the fun activities done to other students to join at any time. All that spend time with each other, Circle of Friends is required to join is parent permission and tries to help others as well. Every Christmas taking a survey online to check how much season they hold a toy drive to collect toys to you know about kids with special needs. bring to the Children’s Hospital. They also The main goal of Circle of Friends is have sold ice cream during lunch to help not only to help students make friends, but raise money for Autism awareness. also to help them realize that everyone is dif- “We sold lots of ice cream last year for LONG-TIME ACCOMPANIST - Nancy Havranek rests for a moment while playing for singers at the fall ferent and that they should accept people’s Autism, so I’m hoping we do that again this concert. Havranek has been working for Yutan Public Schools for 40 years, accompanying for vocalists differences. year,” Butler said. and helping them prepare for contests and performances. Photograph by Madeline Miller. “We talk about students that may look Continued on Page 5 One-act play shows conflict is important By Madison Davis

One act is a student’s moment to shine, their time to really get into the character and be whoever they want to be. To some people the idea of being in a play is “lame,” but to others, it’s a confidence booster. “This will be my second year in one act, and just being on stage and acting is something that I love,” sophomore John Grinvalds said. When previous one-act coach Heather Niedfeldt left, it meant a new advisor and changes for the team. This opened up new opportunities for Laurie Kotalik. Coming from the school of Essex in Iowa, Kotalik did not coach one act, but participated in one act during her high school career. “The play this year is called Conflict,” Kotalik said, “and it’s about how important it is for a story to have conflict.” In the mornings, talking and laughter can be heard coming from the English room or commons area as the team practices its lines. This year the cast consists of eight people, with the leads being played by Grin- valds, as the protagonist, and junior Nolan Roth, as the narrator. “We have a lot smaller cast this year,” senior Zachary Palmer said, “but everyone helps each other out with their lines, and it brings us together.” ONE-ACT PLAY PRACTICE - Sophomore John Grinvalds and freshman Lauryl Hebenstreit practice their lines during a one-act play rehearsal. The play Yutan performed in the conference one- featured a cantaloupe as the source of conflict throughout. The cast performed at ECNC Nov. 8 and placed fifth, while Grinvalds was named best actor. Pho- act competition on Nov. 8, placing fifth out tograph by Cassie Wade. of the 12 schools. Grinvalds was named best actor. The cast will perform at districts during Kotalik leads one-act, speech team the first week of December. Last year the team placed seventh out By Haleigh Wuster wanted,” Kotalik said. “They could go to lik makes speech very interesting,” sopho- of eight teams at districts. Kotalik hopes to school for two to three periods a day, or a more Katrina Devish said. “It’s one of my strive for something greater this year. With many different options to choose full day. It was up to them.” favorite classes.” from, one might wonder why Yutan was Kotalik has been teaching for five Kotalik has taken over the speech team Fashions feature the final choice years. She en- and one-act play this year. Other hobbies she for the new staff joys teaching has outside of school are running, cooking, balance, warmth, members. New “It feels like a family and all the chal- spending time with friends and watching English teacher lenges that go movies and football. dramatic colors Laurie Kotalik community and along with it. Yutan is different from her other schools. says she chose She said that She likes it here because of the high stan- Continued from Page 2 Yutan because the best part of dards set for students and also the size of Makeup trends for the fall are also lead- of the “school that’s exactly what I teaching is see- the school. The location is perfect for her ing toward comfort; dramatic colors are pride” and ing the growth because of the distance from family living giving way to soft browns and shimmering “small-town was looking for.” within the stu- in Omaha. rose-gold hues. For eye-catching flair, try vibe.” dents through- “It feels like a family community and electric eyeliner, keeping the rest of your Growing up, Laurie Kotalik out the year. that’s exactly what I was looking for,” look simple. Kotalik went to “Miss Kota- Kotalik said. For a nighttime look, metallic shades Sioux City High School. She was involved like copper and silver are gaining popular- in activities such as speech, softball, drama, ity. A natural face can be livened up with basketball and tennis. Her favorite thing to huge lashes. do was play softball. Overall, this season’s hottest looks After graduating high school, Kotalik revolve around balance and warmth. From went to Wayne State College. At first, the shades to the shapes, fall is keeping the she didn’t realize she wanted to become a scales from tipping. Go ahead and grab the teacher. She started her college years want- biggest sweater you can find and put it with ing to become a journalist. your favorite leggings, because this season, “I always daydreamed about teaching comfort is in. and being a better teacher than the teacher in front of me, but I didn’t realize that meant I Circle of Friends helps wanted to be a teacher,” Kotalik said. Before going back for her educational students make friends degree, Kotalik worked for the Sioux City, Continued from Page 4 Iowa, television news station. Her job was Butler and Lewis both agreed that Circle to run the newsroom and make sure there of Friends is an important aspect of the were stories to talk about each day. school. Students who have trouble making Kotalik previously taught at the alter- friends now are more confident, and the native school in Papillion-La Vista. Unlike students involved in it are more aware of dis- Yutan, Papillion had no structure, she said. abilities and how to interact with someone The standards were set low and students with disabilities. didn’t have the privilege of being involved “I got involved in Circle of Friends in extracurricular activities, as they were not because I wanted to be a good friend to provided there. NEW ENGLISH TEACHER - Laurie Kotalik works on her laptop at her desk. Kotalik is the new English everyone and help people out that are being “Kids could basically build their own teacher, taking the place of Heather Nietfeldt. She also assumed the roles of one-act play director and bullied” Butler said. “I’m happy I joined.” schedules, and go to school whenever they speech coach. Photograph by Megan Wade. uperstitions Athletics, Music? Do you believe in them? Performing Arts? Are you scared of them? Everyday Life? Do you practice them? SAthletes practice superstitious actions By Colton Leal “Before every softball game, I rub chalk Now, it would be easy to claim that most were the third seed in the 100-meter dash at on my right sock,” said freshman Morgan of the superstitions are total nonsense, and the district track meet by less than a tenth of In the United States, it would be fair to Pinkelman. some, if not all, probably are. But, if you a second, would you dare to risk it? say that most people have at least heard of Superstition also flows over into other the Curse of the Bambino. sports, like track. This “curse” refers to the Boston Red “I’ve worn the same compression shorts Sox’ inability to win the World Series for 86 since seventh grade,” distance runner Cassie years after they traded the great Babe Ruth Wade said. to the New York Yankees in the off-season Even throwers have superstitions. of 1919-1920. “I have to lick my fingers before I throw This is obviously on a huge scale, but discus, or I just won’t throw good,” said superstition falls all the way down to high junior Eric Bussen. school sports. So, why do athletes stick with their It’s not difficult to find students who unusual pregame rituals or superstitions? strictly follow special superstitions, whether The answer is more complex than one the goal is to attain good luck or avoid bad might imagine. Some feel that they bring luck. In particular, baseball and softball are good luck. well-known sports of superstition. Senior “In softball, I just can’t untie my shoes Zac Jones can verify this. after I pitch a good game,” senior Courtney “Superstition is big in baseball,” Jones Fisher said. “It’s just good luck.” said. “Whenever I warm up before I pitch, Some feel that it just puts them in the I have to use a different glove than the one right mindset to play, or even coach. I actually play with.” “Before every game or meet, I shine Junior Peyton Pierce feels the same way. my shoes and stare at the fourth star on the “I’ve heard of guys that will eat the flag during the national anthem,” said track same food before a game they’ve had before coach Mike Davis. other good games.” Pierce said. “Before I Some have no idea why it might make go up to bat, I have to make sure my bat- a difference, but they will explore every ting gloves are on and my shirt’s tucked in chance for an advantage that they can get. comfortably.” “When I play basketball, I have to wear People like senior Connor Worden even socks that match my Kobes, or I won’t play have sports traditions that are done before good,” said senior Cayden Menicucci. they’re on the field. These high school athletes have picked “I shower before every baseball game,” up this attitude from the athletes who have Worden said. “I started doing it last summer, been successful before them. and I started getting good.” “I know that Lamar Odom eats candy CHIEFTAIN KILL - Junior Jill Edwards hits a kill against Logan View during the subdistrict volleyball Even some freshmen have already before every game,” Menicucci said, “and tournament at Concordia High School. Athletes practice many different types of superstitions prior to developed some unusual pregame rituals. LeBron always switches shoes at halftime.” competitions. Photograph by Rod Henkel. Psychic experience interesting, surprising By Cassie Wade have probably wondered if supernatural Hanrahan, who is a construction site cause that is a God-like quality,” Hanrahan beings like ghosts or guardian angels exist. manager during the day, provides customers said. “Only God should be able to connect The hair on the back of your neck stands In order to shed light into the mysterious with psychic readings in his home (located 100 percent.” on end as you suddenly feel a cold, tingling world of the supernatural, I met with psychic in typical American suburbia) at night. I was surprised to find out that Hanrahan sensation. You think you are being watched, and medium Kevin Hanrahan. Hanrahan has known about his psychic is Catholic. He said that it is not uncommon so you look around, but you are alone. While most psychics and fortunetellers ability since the age of three. He has been for psychics and mediums to be religious, This sounds like the plot of a B rated are portrayed as old women with crazy hair providing psychic readings for the past and he always says a prayer before a reading. horror movie that won’t even make it to and too much jewelry who speak in misty seven years and is able to see, feel and com- After saying a quick prayer, Hanrahan theaters, but at some point in your life, you tones, Hanrahan is an ordinary looking man. municate with spirits. began to read me. Several minutes passed Of course, I had to ask Hanrahan what before he began to describe my grandpa, the spirits he sees look like, and he explained who passed away two years ago. that they appear to him as they were when Hanrahan was able to tell me my they were alive. grandpa’s age and described him as having “They have to give me the things that his hands in his pockets. He also said that represent themselves,” Hanrahan said. “I he was pointing to his chest and holding up can physically describe them to you, or they five fingers. will give me photos.” When he asked me if that meant any- In an effort to help me better understand thing, I was able to tell him that my grandpa what feeling a spirit’s presence is like, had died on the fifth of Jan. and had bad Hanrahan had me cup my hands, face them lungs. He also said that another spirit was towards each other and slowly move them there and was able to describe my great aunt back and forth. who had passed in June. “You’ll feel like a ball of magnets (be- Hanrahan then asked the spirits to help tween your hands),” Hanrahan said. “That him make predictions about my future. He is your soul, your energy.” said that they gave him the date of March 3 Hanrahan said that his accuracy rate is and the colors blue and white. around 90 to 95 percent and that he is not It was fascinating to watch Hanrahan able to connect and read every one, which complete his process and as for his predic- he considers to be a good thing. tions, I look forward to seeing if they come “I shouldn’t connect with everybody be- true.

Superstitions used every day Performers a penny heads up, pick it up; if it’s heads Other than the superstitions that bring use routines From unlucky 13, down leave it on the ground. good luck, many superstitions are thought “I only pick up a penny off the ground to bring bad luck as well. One of the bad if it’s heads up,” sophomore Ellie Petersen superstitions is the belief that Friday the 13th to guarantee to sidewalk cracks, said. “I’ve believed since I was really young is an unlucky day. This superstition is one that it’s only good luck if the penny is heads of the most popular. There is even a horror to found pennies, up because my dad has always believed in movie titled Friday the Thirteenth. success that.” “I definitely believe that Friday the 13th By Julia Kennedy students fear them Another common superstition is “knock is an unlucky day,” sophomore Scott Wuster on wood.” It is said that knocking twice on said. “My family always seems to get into With any performance, those who wish By Haleigh Wuster wood or just simply saying “knock on wood” car accidents on that day. It’s freaky.” to do well take many precautions to keep after saying a hopeful statement will reverse It is believed that the number 13 in things running smoothly. Instruments must Do you step awkwardly down the side- the bad luck. The expression comes from general is an unlucky number, not just the be tuned properly and actors must know walk just to avoid stepping on a crack? The the belief that good spirits lived in trees, day itself. It is believed to be so unlucky their lines. With academics, students make unluckiness of and knocking that elevators do not feature a button for the sure they get lots of sleep and eat well before the number 13, on something 13th floor. Some people believe it to be so taking an exam. walking under a “I honestly believe in wooden would unlucky that they refuse to wear it on their Many superstitions have been created ladder, or even call the spirits sports uniform. to help relieve stress and have a great show. breaking a mir- there for protec- “Thirteen was my volleyball number this Whether it’s saying a prayer or wearing your ror are all super- the knock on wood tion. year, and I think that it brought me a lot of lucky underwear, everyone has their own stitions in which “I honestly bad luck,” sophomore Katrina Devish said. ideas of what makes them perform best. people strongly superstition because believe in the Opening an umbrella indoors is thought Band director Kevin Koopmann has one believe. What knock on wood to bring bad luck because back in the Egyp- superstition of his own. superstitions do superstition be- tian days, umbrellas were used to protect “They say the rehearsal before the con- you believe in? I think it stops fate cause I think it leaders from the heat of the sun, not the cert or contest, if it is bad, that’s good luck, Students stops fate from rain. Opening an umbrella indoors, or even though I find it stressful for a director,” throughout the from occuring.” occurring and it in the shade, would offend the God of the Koopmann said. “If the rehearsal went well, school have dif- won’t jinx what Sun. However, there is an exception to the then the concert might be average.” ferent views and Kelsey Edwards you just said,” rule. If you open the umbrella outside before Matthew Gunter, the choir teacher, beliefs when it Edwards said. bringing it indoors there will be no bad luck. agrees with Koopmann on bad rehearsals. comes to superstitions. Some students Making a wish at the time 11:11 is yet “I think that opening an umbrella in- It allows the actors and musicians to make believe strongly in them and others do not another superstition. The saying goes that if doors is very bad luck. It scares me if some- any bad mistakes the night before. He also believe at all. you make a wish at 11:11 it is more likely one opens an umbrella inside, and I make knows of a few more superstitions, includ- “I believe in some superstitions but not to come true because it is said that if you it a point to tell them not to,” Phillips said. ing one of his own. all of them,” sophomore Kelsey Edwards happen to look at the clock when it is 11:11 Although many superstitions seem too “I have seen people say a prayer every said. “Some of the superstitions like break- it isn’t a coincidence. unrealistic to be true, they are always be- performance, and I have also seen every one ing a mirror is seven years of bad luck just “I always make a wish when I see it’s lieved by some. wear the same jeans and shirt the day of the seem too unrealistic to me.” 11:11,”senior Brooke Phillips said. “One “Superstitions are a little freaky,” Pe- concert,” Gunter said. “For me, I like to play One common superstition is a penny of these days, one of my wishes will come tersen said. “Some seem too weird to be true, just the beginning of each song and then that is heads up is good luck. When you true.” but I always wonder ‘what if they are?’” shake out and relax for a moment.” are walking down the street, and you see He also said that many musicians or ac- tors in one act like to put a mark on their arm that revolves around the play like an animal or symbol. Others use a pump up or a yelling warm up to relieve some stress and jitters. For theater, other popular superstitions include not saying “Macbeth” on stage. Ghosts are known to haunt theaters, so lights are left burning on the stage to keep them away. Objects like mirrors bring bad luck, and telling an actor “good luck” or “break a leg” can also make them have a good show. Following some of these superstitions can be essential to an actor’s or musician’s performance. There’s a wide variety, but everyone has his or her own unique ritual. “Before any band performance, I mess with the valves to make sure they’re not sticky, and I play all the scales,” freshman Morgan Pinkelman said. Senior Madeline Miller has a few per- sonal superstitions as well. “I don’t like to see faces in the crowd while I’m performing,” Miller said. “Obvi- ously, no one should ever say ‘Macbeth’ on stage. The scream circle we do before the play helps me a lot, and I’m pretty sure I would flop without it.” Social media makes its way into schools Continued from Page 1 is and is not appropriate,” Eikmeier said. “Students don’t always realize that once you put something out there, it’s out there.” Mead agrees that students have to be careful about what they read and post to social media. “Social media has substantially changed the way information is shared,” Mead said. Creatures of the night - Real or simply myth? “They [students] can read something on Facebook or Twitter that might not neces- sarily be true, and they have to be careful with what they post.”

Junior follows line that includes brother Feist important to team’s 6-3 finish By Julia Kennedy team.” that first play and the adrenaline rushing in almost anyone. Pursuing his love for the game, Cody your body,” Feist said. “Football is a lot of fun, but it’s also Working hard to bring the football team Feist has been playing football for as long Focusing on doing well, Feist said he a lot of work to keep getting better,” Feist to victory, Cody Feist played a key role in as he can remember. works really hard in practice. Krajicek said said. “I’ve worked hard, but I still have a lot accomplishing a record of 6-3 in the 2014 “My favorite part of football games is he knows the defense and offense better than Continued on Page 9 season. As the starting fullback and middle linebacker, Feist learned to step up as a leader on the field and play well with his teammates. Throughout the season, Feist had 80 un- assisted tackles and 43 assisted tackles. On 141 carries, he rushed for 1081 yards, giving him an average of 120 yards per game. At Tekamah-Herman on Oct. 3, Feist had 168 rushing yards and 14 tackles. “It was his best game not only because of the stats, but because he stepped up and was a positive leader for the team,” head coach Dan Krajicek said. In addition to Feist’s success, he had the opportunity to play with his freshman brother, Colton Feist. Colton was a starting tackle for the varsity team. “It’s a fun experience. Not many people have the chance to play with their brother,” Cody Feist said. “It can get quite competi- tive, though.” Colton said he gets along well with his brother on the field. He enjoys suiting up every Friday for football games since it’s his favorite sport. “It’s a very good experience since most freshmen don’t start varsity,” Colton said. “I don’t really get nervous, so instead, I make the other guy against me feel nervous.” During the games, Krajicek said that Colton was “absolutely instrumental” in Cody’s success. He also said that the two brothers are all business on the field. “They both have a natural competitive- ness that you cannot teach,” Krajicek said. BROTHERS MAKE THE TACKLE - Brothers Colton (60) and Cody (24) Feist tackle an opposing ball carrier during a football game. Colton, a freshman, “Neither one wants to lose at anything, and and Cody, a junior, started for the Chieftains, who finished with a 6-3 record. Cody rushed for more than 1,000 yards and was in on 123 tackles. Photograph they set a good example for the rest of the by Julia Kennedy. Veik learns that planning makes A.D. job easier Continued from Page 1 found it much easier to get everything done. still worked at the high school. Veik worked sure to take time to be with and appreciate easy transition into his position, but a “I’m finding that the better I plan, the with him at several track meets to learn the my family. They have been extremely sup- little difficult learning all of the specifics smoother and less stressful things become,” essentials like how to set up the meet. He portive and understanding with all the time that his job entails and how to do things Veik said. also showed him how to plug in entries for and effort that comes with this position. “on the fly.” To get Veik started, Timm helped him the meet and who to order medals from. They deserve to have a husband/dad when Although with planning ahead, Veik has by giving him some tips last year while he According to Veik, communication is I get home.” essential. A few issues have arisen this year Principal Tim McNamara is impressed with JV volleyball games at triangulars with Veik’s performance as the new athletic and an extra softball team showing up for director. a tournament. “Mr. Veik has been doing an admirable “From what I’ve heard, that stuff job,” McNamara said. “He spent many happens,” Veik extra hours said. “You just “I’m finding the outside school figure it out, time last spring make it work, and during the learn from it and better I plan, the summer learn- move forward.” ing the many Although smoother and less aspects of the making mis- job to help pro- takes isn’t al- vide a smooth ways fun, Veik stressful things transition. He enjoys his new has incredible job. become.” technical skills, “My favor- which is a huge ite part about Doug Veik asset when com- athletic director is the networking with municating, documenting, organizing and other athletic directors, coaches, officials administrating school events.” and boosters from our own school and other With any new job, it takes a while to get schools,” Veik said. “I also like seeing how a perfect fit. Veik is doing his best to stay other schools do things and how I can make as organized as possible and find a way that things smoother or better at Yutan.” works for him. Since Veik is taking over a rather com- “I’m finding that Mr. Timm had a certain plicated job, he wants to set some goals for way of doing things that worked for him, this year. Not only does he want to be a good and (former A.D. Dustin) Mr. Nielsen had a athletic director, but he also wants to be a way that worked for him, and (former A.D. great dad and husband. Dan) Mr. Tietjen had a way that worked NEW ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR IN CLASSROOM - New activities director Doug Veik works with fresh- “My goal to start the year was to sur- for him,” Veik said. “None of these ways man Mason Timm in one of his business classes. Veik, who has been at Yutan 12 years, assumed the A.D. vive, but I think that will be okay,” Veik are wrong, but my goal is to find one that role this fall, when Andy Timm left the school district. Photograph by Megan Wade. said. “One of my biggest goals is to make works for me.” Burright practices gymnastics every day By Cassie Wade

For many students, junior high is their first opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities every day after school. For seventh grade gymnast Logan Burright, a regular practice schedule has been part of his daily routine for years. Burright has been a gymnast for the past seven years and currently practices at Cahoy’s Gymnastics in Papillion, Neb. “I just started at Cahoy’s two months ago,” Burright said. “I practice five days a week for three and a half hours a day.” According to Burright, gymnastics practice is based on each individual gymnast’s skill level. The levels range from three to 10, and gymnasts learn new skills at each level. “I’m in level seven,” Burright said. “I need to do giants at the high bar (going around in a full circle), reverse giants, half turn and a giant on parallel bars.” DOUBLE BLOCK - Senior Brooke Kelly (4) and junior Jill Edwards (8) put up a double block against a Fremont Bergan hitter during the subdistrict champio- ship game Nov. 3 at Concordia High School. Bergan defeated Yutan in five sets to advance to the district final and end the Chieftains’ season. Kelly and Maddie Gymnasts are able to move up a level Egr were the only two seniors on a team that finished 22-8. Photograph by Megan Wade. based on their performance in competitions and if they are able to complete the skills required for the next level. Competitions are scored on a point basis. Egr, Kelly lead Chieftains In order to win, a gymnast needs to have as few mistakes as possible so that they don’t receive deductions. “Every time you bend your knees when to 22-8 volleyball season you don’t need to, flex your feet or miss a move it’s a deduction,” Burright said. “The By Colton Leal after 14 points was moving on as the other most kills in a career with 1113, most kills team concluded its season. in a game with 32, highest kill efficiency for highest (score) you can normally get is 12.3 By the time volleyball sub-districts roll The Knights came out swinging and a season with a .364 and the highest kills per unless you are in level 10.” around, the seniors on the team have realized took an early lead. Eventually, the Knights’ match average at 12. Burright said that the best score he has that victory is the only key to survival, but lead was built to 14-9. Knowing they needed They will both have a lot to look back received is a 10. He competes in multiple there can only be one winner. Unfortunately, at least five consecutive points, the Chief- on. events per competition. the Yutan volleyball team’s season ended tains rallied to tie the score at 14, but that “We had a very successful season. We “I compete in high bar, parallel bars, in the sub-district championship game at was as far as they made it; the Knights ral- only had four upperclassmen with varsity rings, pummel horse, vault and floor,” Bur- Concordia High School on Nov. 3. lied off two quick points, and the Chieftains’ experience, so it was necessary for the un- right said. “My favorite is probably floor The night began with a huge swoop of year was over. derclassmen to step up,” Egr said. “As a because you get to do tumbling.” momentum when the Chieftains won in “We had a great game against Logan senior, I’m really proud of them for playing Burright said that his favorite tumbling three consecutive sets against the Logan View, and we fought hard against Bergan. competitively throughout the entire season.” move is a front handspring front tuck (a front View Raiders in the first round. Seniors Things just didn’t fall how we wanted,” hand spring front flip), which he was able Maddie Egr and Brooke Kelly had their Egr said. to learn quickly. teammates prepared before the night began, Although they walked away with a loss, Feist brothers Burright does not plan to participate and it showed. the Chieftains played a good game, accord- in any other junior high sports at this time “We were feeling confident because we ing to head coach Becky O’Malley. help football because “gymnastics takes up a lot of my won in three strong sets,” Kelly said. “Besides our serve receive, we had time.” Following the initial victory, the girls pretty good stats,” O’Malley said. team finish 6-3 Burright said that he plans to continue had a game off while the Archbishop Ber- The Chieftains were led by Egr, who gymnastics in high school, and his ultimate gan Knights claimed a victory from the had 30 kills, Kelly, who had 31 assists and Continued from Page 8 goal would be to become an Olympic Brownell-Talbot Raiders. three aces, and junior Bailey Josoff, who of work to do.” gymnast. At 8, the championship game was set to had 29 defensive digs, which set a new Throughout his high school career, begin between Bergan and Yutan. school record. Feist wants to keep continuing to improve After taking an early lead, the Chieftains Overall, though, Kelly and his skills. just couldn’t seal the deal as the Knights Egr led the Chieftains through a suc- “This season has been really great,” battled back to claim the first of what would cessful season with a final record of Feist said, “especially since we have done be five sets with a score of 26-24. 22-8 and a conference record of 10-2. so well.” Like the first set, the second set also “It was a really fun season,” Kelly said. After 17 years, Yutan came out with a entered scores past the usual 25 points, but “We got along really well as a team.” victory over Elmwood Murdock. This was this time it was the Chieftains that came out During the year, the team had many dif- a memorable moment for everyone on the on top with a score of 27-25. ferent stat leaders. Egr, averaging more than team. Keeping the momentum alive, the Chief- four kills per set, had the most total kills with The coaches really enjoy having Feist tains kept control of the third set and closed 360; she was followed by Kelly with 166 on the team, Kraicek said. He works hard it with a score of 25-19. and Josoff with 131. Egr also had the most and is improving all the time. He will be an It appeared that the momentum was not ace blocks with 72, and sophomore Madison even bigger help to the team when he fully going to slow any time soon as the fourth Davis was next in line with 43. develops as a leader, according to Krajicek. set progressed, but again, the Knights battled Davis also had the most assists with “Cody is just scratching the surface back toward the end of the set. After a neck 408; she was followed by Kelly with 362. on how good he could be,” Krajicek said. and neck battle, the Knights claimed the Finally, Josoff had the most defensive digs “He listens very well and is starting to take fourth set with a score of 27-25. on the team with 240. steps toward becoming a complete football “We had the momentum back in our This ends Kelly’s and Egr’s four-year player.” hands after the fourth set,” Kelly said. “We careers in high school. Throughout her This year a lot of underclassmen re- knew we had to get started right away be- career, Kelly has transitioned from one ceived the chance to play and start varsity. cause the (final) set only went to 15.” of the team’s most prominent hitters to a If they put in the work, Krajicek expects Finally, the fifth set was set to begin. dependable setter as well. Egr has managed them to improve tremendously over the The four previous sets no longer had any to capture all but one of the school’s hitting years. The team had an overall good season, meaning; the first team to be up two points records: most kills in a season with 360, but Krajicek said they should be “hungry.” Logan Burright Coach brings experience from UNO, Elkhorn High Petersen takes over boys basketball By Julia Kennedy ley, Neb., Petersen said he loves the feel of “We never had the best record, but we Petersen is now excited to become a Yutan. However, it’s a lot smaller than the had a lot of good kids that played there,” head coach for the first time after playing While everyone is cheering on the schools he formerly coached at. Petersen Petersen said. basketball for so many years. Chieftains, coaches are taking on the job of was the assistant women’s coach at the Pursuing his love for the game, Petersen “My favorite part of coaching is being leading their team to victory. With previous University of Nebraska at Omaha two years has been playing basketball since he was around the guys and being part of the team,” head basketball coach Andy Timm gone, ago. He gained a lot of experience when he four or five, and he still continues to play. Petersen said. Justin Petersen is taking his place. Being a had this position. He also had the opportunity to play five With any new coach comes new ideas head coach for the first time can have some “Coaching was my only job,” Petersen years of basketball at UNO before coaching and goals. Petersen said he plans to bring “a pressure, but it’s also exciting. Petersen has said. “I woke up, went to the gym, scouted there for a year. tempo that has never been seen yet.” a few years of experience as an assistant and coached. It was basketball all the time “It was awesome playing there,” Pe- “We will play at a rapid pace and con- coach to help him start his first season at for me, and it was a great experience.” tersen said. “I learned a lot, and I got to stantly put the pressure on the other team Yutan. Petersen was the assistant varsity coach travel to so many places I would’ve never when we are on offense and defense,” Growing up in the small town of Man- at Elkhorn High School last year. gone to on my own, like Las Vegas.” Petersen said. As a new coach, Petersen is looking for- ward to sitting down with the upperclassmen and learning their goals and hearing their ideas. Then as a coach he wants to push them to their goals and eventually push past them. Petersen believes he has a good team of boys and is excited for the season to begin. “I really like all the kids that are out for basketball,” Petersen said. “There is a good potential for success, that is for sure.” In the mornings, Petersen works with some of the boys in the gym for extra shoot- ing practice. As a young coach, he said he connects well with his players and wants to help them improve. “I think he’s great,” freshman Mason Timm said. “He knows how to talk to the kids and he’s cool. I’m excited for the season because we’ve got new things to learn and a good team to play with.” Earning a varsity jersey is a huge accom- plishment. Petersen wants everyone to work hard and earn their spot with dedication. “The great thing about being a new coach is that everyone starts on the same page and you earn your varsity jersey,” Pe- tersen said. “If a rookie steps up and shows me that he deserves to be on varsity then he will get that jersey.” With lots of excitement to start the sea- son, Petersen wants to have success during his first year at Yutan. He has a great rela- tionship with Andy Timm and is constantly talking to him for tips and other things. “With anything I do, I hope to have the NEW COACH INSTRUCTIONS - New boys basketball coach Justin Petersen offers instructions to the boys basketball players during a pre-sesaon open gym same success that the previous years have session. Petersen, who is in his first year as the boys basketball coach at Yutan, previously coached with the University of Nebraska women’s basketball team and at Elkhorn High School. Photograph by Julia Kennedy. had,” Petersen said, “also because I know we have a great group of guys on the team.” Job shadowing gives glimpse of careers

By Madison Davis “I just thought what she did was really cool,” Fisher said. “She did autopsies and For some people, growing up and find- figured out how someone died and just ing a job may be the last thing on their helped the family find justice.” mind. But for Ginger Eikmeier’s English 4 While shadowing, Fisher had the op- class, it wasn’t just an assignment, but an portunities that many people might not opportunity of a lifetime. receive, from taking finger prints off of For the past seven years students have guns and padlocks, to learning about the been required to write an I-Search paper different arches in her thumb and how to with a personal focus on the career that in- identify them. terests them. Along with the essay, students Ryder was able to go to the Omaha Com- were also required to go shadow the job on munity Playhouse and work back stage as a which they were writing. technical director. While she was there she “They are seniors and are going to be go- was given the chance to make one of the ing off to college next year,” Eikmeier said. mold templates for a staircase for the props. “It’s a good experience for them to actually “I always find it fascinating about the see what a career is and decide whether to effects of the play,” Rider said, “and it’s just pursue it in college.” always been a little hobby of mine.” With the most common jobs being As the tradition of the job shadowing teachers or engineers, it was different when assignment continues, it will continue to seniors Courtney Fisher and Kaitlyn Rider allow students to experience what it’s like decided to take a different route. for that job. In fifth grade, Fisher would go home “If you do plan on job shadowing make every day and watch her favorite show, Doc- sure it’s the thing you really want to do,” SUCCESSFUL CHIEFTAIN RUNNERS - Senior Colton Leal and sophomore John Grinvalds compete in tor Jean Medical Examiner. Watching this Rider said, “cause if you really find some- the district cross country meet at Branched Oak Lake on Oct. 16. Both boys medaled to lead Yutan to its eighth-straight team championship. The Chieftains, behind Leal’s 14th-place medal and Grinvalds’ 21st- show, Fisher became more open to the idea thing interesting, do that; it will be fun. place fiinish, finished third at the state meet for the second-straight season. Photograph by Lori Grinvalds. of becoming a forensic scientist. Jazz choir offers students new opportunities By Madison Davis be the best. With the jazz choir becoming an although this may seem like a small bunch, in at 7:30 and see the students really get into addition to the music department, new and they don’t sound like it. They are equally the music, whether he sees it in their face or Success takes hard work and dedication, exciting opportunities open for the students. divided into a group of six girls and six boys, body language. Some students might even but those are the sacrifices worth making to The group consists of 12 students, and allowing the balance to be even between the say that it’s a great way to start the day. two genders. “I really enjoy jazz choir,” freshman With music teacher Matthew Gunter Natalie Lothringer said. “It is fun to sing having some experience from attending new and different songs rather than the usual Norfolk Senior High and being involved required ones.” in jazz and show choir, it wasn’t a surprise The group is planning on performing when he agreed to do jazz choir. five concerts - the fall concert, winter con- “I liked the idea of a different type of cert, pops concert, pre-contest concert and music that we don’t get to do much of in districts. They also set goals, such as using regular concert choir,” Gunter said. “It was more expression so that the audience can brought to my attention by the students feel the intensity of the music. They hope who loved jazz music, and they wanted to to receive a superior rating at districts and do more of it.” just enjoy themselves. Unlike regular choir, jazz is a different As of now, jazz choir is only for senior type of style and music. It is not as formal, high students, but Gunter hopes to soon have and when it comes to a certain season, it junior high students start up a jazz choir. isn’t required to sing that genre of music. The only issue is they don’t have enough “The music in jazz is much slower or students yet. sort of peppy,” junior Sam Butler said, “and Gunter encourages people to become sometimes you don’t even use words; you new members. Some students may think that use sounds.” being in jazz choir requires being in choir While nearing their second performance as well, but it doesn’t. on Dec. 15, the singers had an idea of what “It’s always nice to have students who to expect. While having little time to re- aren’t in choir join because a lot might not hearse during class, the group finds alterna- have enough time for it,” Gunter said. “It tive times that they can practice. On Tuesday does benefit if you are in choir, though, es- and Thursday morning, they are up just like pecially considering that the fundamentals FIRST PERFORMANCE - Freshmen Nic and Natalie Lothringer perform at their first jazz choir concert. any other team rehearsing from 7:30-7:50. are the same.” Jazz choir is the newest club in Yutan’s music department. Photograph by Jessica Wade. Gunter says that it is fun for him to come Aurasma app creates videos in yearbook Siblings Staff starts yearbook sales specially-marked pictures that will be linked cost is $40 until Nov. 27th, and if you buy compete By Megan Wade to a video. First, download the app, and then before then your name will be put in a draw- Imagine looking back 10 years from now you can test it out on the poster hanging in ing for prizes. The cost after Nov. 27th is $45 and telling your kids all about your high the commons. If you have any questions until Christmas, and the cost after Christmas in school school career. Now imagine being able to about aurasma, you can ask a journalism is $50. You can also purchase yearbooks By Madison Davis show them a video from your first varsity student. online on the Yutan High School website. Doing well in sports and academics is game or a clip from your last senior play. Yearbooks will be on sale in the com- See a journalism student or Mr. Henkel if a difficult task, but having big shoes to fill The new aurasma app makes that possible. mons before school and during lunch. The you would like to purchase a book. with older siblings just adds to the pressure. The 2014-2015 yearbook will have With every family having those “sibling rivalries,” it causes tension between them in school as well as on the playing field. Steps to using Aurasma App The Wuster twins constantly compete to see who can do better academically. “My brother Scott has the better GPA by far,” sophomore Haleigh Wuster said, “but I think I’m more competitive in academics because I want to do better than him.” When juggling between school, sports and extracurricular activities, it could be easy for an A student to slowly slip to a fail- ing one. Adding the expectations of parents and grandparents, it can become frustrating to students, especially those with siblings. “Haleigh and I are both really competi- tive when it comes to academics,” sopho- more Scott Wuster said. “We use each other to push ourselves to do better.” The same thing goes for student athletes and their siblings, and the Josoff sisters know exactly what it means to compete to earn the title of “Top Dog.” “My favorite sport is softball,” freshman Libbey Josoff said, “and when Bailey plays with me during summer I want to be better than her because she’s older than me.” Being only two years apart, Libbey and Bailey have the opportunity to play on the same team. This caused a lot of tension be- tween them this summer and will continue to during basketball season. “When we are on the court together it gets pretty physical,” junior Bailey Josoff said, “and we are usually separated before we get to see the outcome of it.” Although it may seem already tough for Bailey and Libbey, add to that fact that they also have to compete with their cousins Nealie, who is a junior, and Noelle, a fresh- Continued on Page 12 Street’s bus-driving day begins at 6:30 By Cassie Wade why students are required to perform bus is that no one bothers her in the morning. he froze it,” Street said. “He was bringing it evacuation drills twice a year. “She (Street) waits for us if we are run- for show and tell.” While some students walk, drive or “If we are in an accident, the kids have ning late,” Cernin said. Street has driven generations of students are driven to school by their parents, others to know how to get off the bus,” Street said. Besides having to wait for students who on her bus and is currently driving a grand- begin their day by riding a yellow school “We usually designate the older kids to help are running late, Street has seen many inter- child of a former student. bus. Generations of families have relied on the little kids get off it.” esting things over the years and continues to “My favorite part is watching my kids school bus drivers to transport their children Freshman Lizzy Cernin is one of the be surprised by her students today. grow,” Street said. “I start them at pre school to and from school, including Yutan bus older students who ride Street’s bus. She “I had this little boy come with a zip lock and watch them grow and mature over the driver Linda Street. said that her favorite part of riding the bus bag. He had a snake in it that was alive, and years, which is the neat part.” “I rode the bus for four or five years, and my kids rode the bus,” Street said. “So, I’ve had a lot of bussing experience.” Street has been a bus driver for 37 years. Her day begins at 6:30 a.m. when she arrives at the bus barn and checks the lights on the bus; she begins picking up students at 6:45. Currently, Street picks up approximately 40 students along a 55-mile stretch north of Yutan. Street said that she feels a lot of responsibility for the students in her care. “You have to make sure that you are accounting for all of your children,” Street said. “They always used to say that each child is worth a million dollars, and that is how I look at my children.” Since bus drivers are responsible for the lives of the children they drive, it is easy to see why becoming a bus driver requires so much training. “You have to have 18 hours of class before you can get your license, and that is sent to the state,” Street said. “You also have to do approximately 10 hours of pre driving that has to be documented by another bus driver.” In order to maintain a bus license, bus drivers have to take another class every five years and obtain a yearly physical to make sure they are healthy enough to drive the bus. PREPARING FOR THE ROUTE - Long-time bus driver Linda Street sits in her bus, ready to leave for her after-school route. Street has been driving the bus Bus drivers also have to prepare their for Yutan Public Schools for 37 years. “Each child is worth a million dollars and that is how I look at my children,” she said. Photograph by Cassie Wade. students for emergency situations, which is Senior boy wants to begin work with older brother Nelson plans to graduate at semester break By Colton Leal ketball varsity letter winner who is ranked has been his primary mentor. This isn’t just an occasional experience second in his class of 45, he has decided to “It’s all just something I grew up with,” either. By the time summer rolls around after take advantage of the unique opportunity for Tad said. “It’s something where I can watch “I’ve spent my last few summers work- senior year, most students are still getting a student to graduate after the first semester all of my hard work pay off.” ing out there,” Tad said, “and I still go out everything figured out to further their edu- of senior year. He has decided to do this Occasionally, some people pick up a there as much as I can.” cation in order to achieve success in their because he already has an opportunity to temporary interest in enticing careers after The work load is so immense that Tad desired field, but senior Tad Nelson has become a partner in his brother’s agriculture a brief period of time, but Nelson and his has even had to have his classmates come prepared himself so well working outside business, which consists primarily of raising sophomore brother Josiah have had experi- out to work throughout the night, whether of school, that he is already prepared to take cattle and growing vegetables. ence working on their brother’s farm since there’s school the next day or not. on a full-time career in January. In the future, Nelson hopes to grow elementary school. “One night we were covering crops Although Nelson is a football and bas- produce, bale hay, raise cattle and harvest “Ty has needed our help since we were with hay from eight at night to five in the row crops with his oldest brother Tyler, who young,” Josiah said. “Since then, we’ve morning with school the next day,” senior done everything from managing the crews Jacob Schulz said. “Another time, I even to running the warehouses to loading semis got to drive one of the roofless buses down to helping with calving to raising some of the highway.” our own crops.” These “roofless buses” are old school buses, which have had their tops cut off so that they are easier to load, used for moving Activities, academics produce, but the Nelsons are now testing a new method. create sibling rivalries “We used to cut the tops off so that we Continued from Page 11 could just throw the watermelon in, but now man, in sports. This year the basketball we only take the windows out so the wa- team will have four Josoffs, which could termelons don’t get sunburnt,” Josiah said. cause some conflict considering the fact that As the future closes in, Nelson is becom- they are all really aggressive. ing more optimistic about his new business “We are going to have our ups and adventure. downs this year,” Noelle Josoff said, “but “After I graduate, I’ll immediately start I’m excited to see what the outcome is of helping out with calving and working with playing with my older sister and cousins.” Ty so that we can start thinking on the same Not only do students have sibling ri- page,” Tad said. “After that, we want to be valry, but teachers as well. Counselor Becky successful and have someone come out to O’Malley was two years behind her sister look at the farm to make sure we are running in school, so it was different for her to start the business right.” on the same junior varsity team as her sister. Even his younger brother sees the poten- “Athletic competition wasn’t as com- tial that he’s bringing to the farm. ALL-STATE MUSICIANS - Juniors Nolan Roth and Cody Stevens were recently named to the Nebraska “I think Tad will really improve the busi- all-state band, which will meet in Lincoln in November for a three-day event. Students must record an petitive as it is now,” O’Malley said, “but I audition tape and then be selected from entries from all across Nebraska. This is the second year Stevens could tell that my sister didn’t like me being ness because Ty will have another guy there has earned the honor. Photograph by Jessica Wade. on the same team as her.” all year long that knows what he’s doing.”