November 11, 2019 Volume 57 Issue 2 XchangePius X High School 6000 A Street, Lincoln, NE

PHOTO BY MEREDITH GAMET Junior Mason Warner rallies with his Lincoln Southwest opponent in the semifinals at State. Warner won the match in three sets to advance to the No. 1 singles championship. Boys tennis team brings “A” game to win state title Stacie Thompson crucial semifinal matchup with Lincoln “There was definitely a lot more depth our best. Also, it was more fun because of Staff Writer Southwest’s Joe Harris. Warner was down of competition, I mean there is still some the challenge,” O’Donnell said. 0-5 in the first set before coming back and really good competition in Class B but the The tennis team won by a margin of 3.5 The Pius X boy’s tennis team has won claiming the set in a tiebreak 7-6 (7-4). overall competition is greater in A and I points. State yet again. The team moved up to After losing the second set 5-7, Warner think even though it really shouldn’t mean “We knew before our final matches that Class A for this year and won after winning captured the third set 6-3 to book his spot anything different it’s just special to really we had already won the team championship. State in Class B last year. in the No. 1 singles championship. be the Class A champions,” Plachy said. It took a lot of pressure off us so that the The players were not sure what to expect His win also clinched the first Class A Woita gave his insight on state in class A. finals for us was just fun and just for us,” at State, but they had high hopes. team championship for Pius X. “Last year I felt like there was less teams Ulrich said. “I thought we were going to be one of “I was so proud of the fight and poise and so it was more laid back. We had a Woita explained how he felt after finding the top teams to finish but I wasn’t sure Mason showed during that tough semifinal,” first-round bye in Class B and this year we out the team had won the championship. if we were really going to win or not,” tennis coach Nolan DeWispelare said. didn’t have any byes so we had to bring “I felt relieved, there was just a sense junior Joseph Plachy said. “I was basically “Mason stayed calm and played his game to it all 100% from the first round, and the of relief after knowing all the work we going in thinking to do the best we can earn a spot in the Class A championship.” competition was definitely a lot better here put in this year has led to not only a state individually and hopefully everyone can Junior Jase Woita was the only player in Class A than Class B,” Woita said. championship for us but for our school,” do well and then we’ll see how we finish who did not play at State last year, but that Woita and O’Donnell began the Woita said. as a team.” did not affect his expectations coming into tournament as the fourth seed in No. 2 Winning the Class A championship made The players had their minds set on the this year’s tournament. doubles. it all the more memorable. team title, but they knew it would not be “Our expectations were just for us to play “Class A had a very different vibe “I was really happy. I wasn’t really sure easy to win. as well as we possibly can, maintain high because even in the earlier rounds you get we would win so just the validation that “I didn’t know for sure if we would levels of focus and play our best all the people, for lack of a better word, people we won was just really special and really win, but I knew it would be close because way through. Win or lose we just wanted to who can actually play and in class B there cool,” Plachy said. we were competing against [Lincoln] leave it all out on the courts,” Woita said. is not much competition until the last two Warner agreed. Southwest. I knew that we were in the The tennis team took the jump from rounds. That defiantly was not the case in “The jump to Class A was a little bit running and that we could do it if we pushed Class B to Class A in stride. class A,” O’Donnell said. tougher, so it made it more gratifying to ourselves,” junior Mason Warner said. “There are good teams in both Class A They knocked off top-seeded Creighton win,” Warner said. Senior Thomas O’Donnell told his view and Class B, but we knew Class A would Prep in the semifinals to advance to the of what he anticipated state would be. be harder. We knew we had to step up our championship match. “I was definitely expecting the rest of my games a little bit,” junior Will Ulrich said. “Thomas and Jase lost to Prep when they team to do very well, so it was on me and Ulrich finished the season with an played earlier in the season, but they didn’t Final State my doubles partner Jase [Woita] to take undefeated 39-0 record, winning the Class play very well in that match,” DeWispelare Tournament Results: care of business and get those points we A No. 2 singles championship after winning said. “We knew if they came out and needed to get as a team and to just take care the same championship in Class B last year. played their best tennis, they could upset of it,” O’Donnell said. The atmosphere was different from playing those guys.” No. 1 Singles: The team went into State with personal the Class B championships in Lincoln to the Playing in Class A changed the experience Mason Warner - 2nd and team goals. Class A championship in Omaha. for the team. No. 2 Singles: “My personal expectations were to “There was a lot better teams [in Class “It was a lot more fun because there Will Ulrich - 1st try and get into the finals and see what I A], and more fans watching so there was a were more people watching and more hype No. 1 Doubles: could do; to make it to the second day and lot more at stake,” senior Will Olson said. around it,” Olson said. whatever happened the second day I would Olson and Plachy teamed up to finish O’Donnell described his experience at Will Olson & Joseph Plachy - 2nd be okay with it,” Warner recalled. second at No. 1 doubles. State. No. 2 Doubles: Warner cruised through the first three Plachy explained the differences between “It made it a bit more stressful because Thomas O’Donnell & Jase Woita - 2nd rounds of the tournament, setting up a the two classes. those people can play so we need to play

News & Opinion Features Sports Entertainment Annual food drive Students attend “Phantom” Softball visits Villa Marie Stereotypical Halloween party Page 2 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 2 News November 11, 2019 Yearbook wins Student Council brings students

Cornhusker Award PHOTO BY NOLAN DEWISPELARE together through food drive Sara Kreikemeier class that collected the most money in a week would not Sports Editor only receive donuts, but bragging rights. Social studies teacher Shiela Sievert’s first period class Each year, Student Council participates in the annual took first place with over $100. Lincoln food drive to help feed more than 57,960 food “It’s important for Pius kids to be involved in their insecure people in southeast Nebraska Lincoln. community and help out those who are less fortunate,” To kick off the 2019 food drive, Student Council went junior Gemma Larson said. trick-or-treating for food. A group of members went For the past four years, Pius X has won the food drive around in their parish neighborhoods and went door to against other competing schools, by a significant margin, door handing out flyers and collecting extra cans of food averaging about 14 meals per student in 2018. Kelly people had lying around. believes this is due to the nature of the Pius X building, “It was awkward at first, but then you would get being good stewards and living out the six core values of warmed up and realize that it is all for a good cause,” excellence, service, purpose, faith, integrity and charity. freshman Mariah Krings said. The food drive ended November 1. For this year’s food drive, Student Council focused PHOTO BY SARA KREIKEMEIER on the monetary side of the food drive. Student Council members held fundraisers Current yearbook editors pose after receiving the Cornhusker Award. They are working to win another Cornhusker Award for their efforts this year. at local restaurants around town including Slim Chickens, Hacienda Real and Yogurtini that donated a Andy Truong To get this award, Pius X had percentage of sales back to Pius X. Staff Writer to submit their yearbook to a The results of the money donated are yet unknown, judge in a different state and but the official results will be announced Nov. 14. The Pius X yearbook recently wait for their results. Student Council advisor Susan Kelly said, “It’s won the Cornhusker Award for The judge has to go through hard to know what to yield because we don’t have the last year’s yearbook. a certain point criteria when physical cans of food yet.” “The Cornhuskers are for judging the yearbook. If To get Pius X students involved, council members yearbooks, newspapers and a yearbook, magazine or held a competition with all first period classes. The Student Council set up barrels to collect donations. magazines that are just hitting newspaper falls in a certain the marks and are going margin of points, the class that above and beyond on what is made the work receives the Give to Pius X Day surpasses goal of $225,000 expected,” senior yearbook staff Cornhusker Award. goal of $225,000, and a new goal of back and help with the yearly budget. member Olivia Nelson said. Even though the class is Sara Kreikemeier $300,000 was set. Through the event, Amanda Ullman of data and Sports Editor Pius X has not won a celebrating this achievement, $357,264 was raised, with money services said, “Donating is a way to Cornhusker Award since 2015, they are already working hard The Pius X Foundation put on still being counted and the addition of pay it forward, because I know that and the students were very on this year’s yearbook to get another successful Give to Pius X $50,000 from matching challenges. Pius helped in not only high school excited when they found out the another award. Day, a fundraiser that encourages Many past donors may recall but well into college as well.” news about their award. “Of course we are going to alumni and families to give to Pius X. having a phone-a-thon as the major PHOTO BY SARA KREIKEMEIER “I feel really good, and I’m get another,” senior Kara Owens To kick off the fundraiser, a goal way of giving and receiving pledges. proud of our team and proud of said. “This award is a great of $225,000 was set, which was This year, an online website was set myself for putting in the work honor, so getting another one $25,000 more than 2018’s goal. In up for easier donating. and reaping in the rewards,” would be great.” addition to the goal set, there was a In addition to the new ways of Nelson said. This award has boosted the dollar for dollar match guaranteed up donating, a friendly competition was The other students who morale of the yearbook class, to $20,000, plus a $30,000 match for held between all graduating classes worked on last year’s book feel and they say that this year’s reaching the original goal. of Pius X. The class with the most the same way about getting this yearbook will get them the “The goal is $25,000 more donors received a trophy that would reward. award again. than last year, so I knew it would be displayed at the school. “I think we all feel really “Absolutely we are going to be a challenge, but it was still an “We get pledges from coast to coast good about this award because try and get another one,” Meyer obtainable goal,” advancement and even a few in other countries,” we haven’t gotten this award said. “This book we are working director Courtney Johnson said. Johnson said. many times,” senior Delaney on right now will get us our By midmorning on Tuesday, Oct. Give to Pius X Day is a way for Meyer said. Students and visitors could see third award.” 23, donors had surpassed the original alumni and Pius X families to give the progress throughout the day. False fire alarms cause confusion Joslyn Oglesby any harm, but it did cause Pius X Staff Writer NATIONAL NEWS students to be confused. On Sept. 18 at 3:30pm, Pius X had Freshman Sam Jakub said, "At first, a false fire alarm. Freshmen Morgan I thought it was a malfunction; then I Keep up with what is happening outside of Pius X Armagost and Nick Hruby were thought someone pulled it.” getting ready for cross country practice Jakub did the responsible thing and Brenna Mazour and messing around. took the fire alarm seriously and went Entertainment Editor Armagost said, “I was putting my across the street in case it was a real Full House star receives additional charge for college admission scandal bag down in front of the fire alarm and fire. Lori Laughlin got an additional charge of ‘federal programs bribery’ in the college admissions case, according to then one of my friends [Hruby] pushed Freshman Hannah Reinke said, TIME Magazine. Federal programs bribery is defined as when an organization gets bribed more than $10,000 and me into it and my elbow hit the fire “I was in the commons when the carries up to a 10 year sentence. Laughlin allegedly paid $500,000 to the admissions consultant to help her daughters, alarm.” fire alarm went off. Everyone was Olivia Jade Giannulli and Isabella Rose Giannulli, apply to the University of Southern California. Armagost was surprised by the fire confused because we don’t have fire Laughlin has already been faced with money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and alarm going off; he didn’t think he hit drills after school. Then I thought honest services mail and wire fraud. it that hard. someone might have set one off from Laughlin faced up to 40 years in prison but pleaded not guilty to those charges. Armagost said, “This wasn’t vaping in the bathroom.” Senior Brianna Morris said, “I don’t think she should be charged with this many felonies, because she did it out of intentional; it was wrong place wrong On Oct. 1, Pius X had another false good deed, but still in the wrong way. She maybe could have made her daughters work for college instead of teaching time.” fire alarm, but this time it was a faulty them that money can solve anything.” After the fire alarm went off the sensor in the system. boys jumped into action and did the Junior Grant Johnson said, “I did Shooting at Texas A&M University-Commerce kills two, injures 14 right thing. the normal fire procedure and went Two students died and 14 were injured at an off-campus party at Texas A&M University-Commerce on Oct. 26, “After the fire alarm went off, Nick outside. I thought this wasn’t a drill and according to CNN. A gunman opened fire at a homecoming and Halloween party in Greenville, Texas. The rented ran to the office to tell them that it was for real.” venue had about 750 people. Some were Texas A&M University-Commerce students. was his fault and that it was fake,” Freshman Ava Hoffschneider said, Brandon Gonzales has been charged with capital murder. His motive is unknown. Armagost said. "I was in the middle of biology, and Authorities have yet to rule out the shooter targeting certain people. The two victims were both male, but it is Assistant principal Greg Lesiak said, I thought it was real because they unknown whether they were students or not. “Fire alarms don’t happen often. The usually wouldn’t plan a fire drill if it Authorities believe the shooter entered through the back door and started to fire with a handgun. After the shots one after school, which is the most was raining. It was cold, so I really rang out, complete chaos ensued. Party-goers were trying to escape from the venue and four were injured while trying common, is when someone bumps into thought something was wrong. I didn’t to do so. one or a ball hits one in the gym. Those think the school was on fire, just that The deputies and sergeant nearby responded immediately, assessing the injured and transporting someone with a people will come to us right away and smoke got picked up somewhere.” life threatening injury to the nearest hospital. say there was an accident, and this is Even though both cases were false Gonzales was charged with capital murder. what happened. The nice thing is we fire alarms, Lesiak said, “The rule is Senior Olivia Theil’s sister attends Texas A&M University. Theil said, “It’s scary knowing it happened close to my can count it as a fire drill.” you have to get out, so don’t take the sister, but shootings could happen anywhere.” This false fire alarm did not cause chance of not taking it seriously.” November 11, 2019 Opinion 3 VSCO girls: Do they really deserve the criticism? Maddie Ames bit cuter, and the VSCO girls the big stereotype of a VSCO Sara Kreikemeier when you were younger, but does good for their planet Features Editor have that concept down. girl is seen. They care about Sports Editor when you are a teen it's not or other people and that is Another essential of VSCO the turtles, and why shouldn’t that cute anymore. And it’s exactly what Pura Vida does. Following the trends leads girls is a reusable water bottle, they? Turtles are adorable and When most people think of embarrassing. You should be Scrunchies are another big people to viral success, and specifically a Hydroflask. The deserve to live their lives out a VSCO girl, they think of the expressing your personality, "VSCO girl trend". The only VSCO girls have become the issue with other water bottles in the ocean. oversized t-shirts, puka shell not copying what some other reason I own scrunchies is the viral success. When people is that they aren’t as pretty VSCO girls are trendy necklaces and an unnecessary 16 year old girl thought would fact that they are better for my

think of the average VSCO PHOTO BY ADDIE O'MEARA hair. I have thinner hair so girl, they hear the words wearing a hair tie that won't “save the turtles!!” and “and I pull on my hair and looks oop”. However, there is much cute was a big seller for me. more to a VSCO girl besides I understand maybe wearing her love of the environment one on your wrist if your hair and metal straws. is down, but if you have two VSCO girls are always or more on your wrists and trying to look as trendy as already have your hair pulled possible. Yes, you might not back, that is too much. be able to see their shorts Hydroflasks are just not it. under the XXL shirts, but you They dent so easily and are know that they are probably very bulky to carry around. rocking some Lululemon I use a YETI and it is 100 shorts. New idea, new percent better than a Hydro paragraph. Adorning the Flask. They don’t dent if you average VSCO girl’s wrist drop them on hard ground and are Pura Vida bracelets and they offer different sizes for scrunchies. any occasion. Pura Vida bracelets are VSCO girls care a lot about trendy and cute to pair with the environment, especially any outfit. Plus, their whole saving the turtles. Turtles are brand is about giving back to not the only thing that need artisans in Costa Rica. The saving. We have thousands of beachy vibe of a Pura Vida species that are rapidly dying bracelet adds to any VSCO due to humans. We do need to girl outfit, and to really any cut down on plastic use and other person’s attire. using metal straws will not fix Let’s take a minute as a Hydroflask. The pastel and continue to show that amount of scrunchies on their be cool. our problem entirely. to discuss scrunchies. colors fit perfectly into the if anyone scrolls through wrists. Now I may own most of And let’s remember that Scrunchies are comfy to wear VSCO girl color wheel. My TikTok and Instagram. A The VSCO girl trend needs the items VSCO girls own, "and I oop" came from in your hair and to have on crystal blue Hydroflask will VSCO girl can be spotted by to fade. but I have valid reasons to "ope", which comes from your wrist in case of a hair be superior to any other water looking at the oversized shirt Not only are these girls wear them. the Midwest. emergency. Throwing my hair bottle in the market. and Lululemon shorts they and guys basic and all First: Pura Vida bracelets. The VSCO girl trend needs into a messy bun is handy A plus about reusable water are wearing or if you hear any look the same, they have I have worn my Pura Vida to go. I’m tired of seeing and can look cute. Even a bottles is that you aren’t using of the iconic phrases. Now, no personalities. Maybe it bracelets for over three years, a group of girls look the scrunchie on the wrist can more plastic. *cough cough* I have to go make a TikTok. was cute to dress alike with way before the VSCO trend exact same and not have a make an outfit look a little plastic straws. This is where Sksksksk…and I oop— your sibling or best friend started. I love a company that personality. Buy your yearbooks! Senior year: Best year of your life $70 now or most overrated disappointment? Meredith Gamet with harder classes to complete his final year. Front Page Editor “The majority of high school students take harder classes like myself.” Chandler said. During a student’s first three years at Pius X High Chandler explained that this was the biggest School, students endure the daily routine of going to homework load he has had in all four years of high eight periods a day, having on-campus lunches, and school, but the off periods have benefited him. not having the complete freedom of picking classes Senior Luke Tomes on the other hand disagrees to their full liking. Finally, students make it to their with senior year being overrated. senior year. “It is not overrated because of the freedom of open However, is being a senior as great as everyone says periods,” Tomes said. or is it over-hyped? Pius X offers students up to two free periods for $75 after December Senior Aidan Chandler believes that senior year is their senior year to help them manage their time. overrated. “You have the opportunity to go to get food or hang The Pius X-Change Staff Writers “It is overrated in the sense that everyone thinks it out with friends. Which allows you to get a break Abbie Russman Maddie Ames is going to be extremely easy,” Chandler said. from school.” Tomes said. Co-Editor in Chief Ava Chmelka With the last year of high school, students have the Senior Gracie Feltes said the final year has its ups News Editor Alexander Fern ability to choose courses that spark their passions. and downs, but in the end it is what it is. Addie O'Meara Meredith Gamet Along with that, they can make the decision to pick “I firmly believe that the best parts of senior year Co-Editor in Chief Sara Kreikemeier harder curriculum. Chandler explained how he went have yet to come,” Feltes said. Opinion Editor Brenna Mazour Sara Kreikemeier Ziyal McArthur Sports Editor Alex Odgaard Meredith Gamet Joslyn Oglesby Front Page Editor Addie O'Meara welcome! Brenna Mazour Abbie Russman Entertainment Editor Stacie Thompson Maddie Ames Andy Truong Features Editor Nolan DeWispelare Adviser The X-Change is a monthly publication of the Pius X High School newspaper staff. Opinions expressed on the opinion page do not necessarily represent those of the entire school community. Students and staff are invited to share their opinion through a letter to the editor. The staff reserves the right to edit or reject any letter. All letters must be typed, signed and sent to Room 2110 or: The X-Change Pius X High School COMIC BY ELLE MARROQUIN AND EMMA CASSIDY 6000 A Street Lincoln, NE 68510 4 Features November 11, 2019 Pius Players host haunted house, transition to one act season

Alexander Fern haunted house, or they just enjoy PHOTO BY SAVANNAH LINDEEN Staff Writer being on stage, or even if they love working on the more technical parts The Pius Players are the theatre group of each production. at Pius X. With fall play ending in Junior Nikolas Barger has been October, the Players set their sights on a member of Pius Players for three other activities. years. Pius Players consists of actors, Barger said, “We each know what directors, crew members, and backstage our job is as a member. We each technicians. respect each other’s jobs, and know The group put on an annual haunted that each person contributes to house during the Halloween season. every production.” The event took place throughout Pius Players is also a very the school and had different stages welcoming community for along Pius’ hallways. Tour guides led everyone. participants throughout the school, while Barger spoke about his actors did their best to scare the people experiences with the group in his roaming in the haunted house. three years at Pius X. Junior Colleen O’Gara was one of the “Pius Players is a place where I scarers this year. can be completely myself and do “I was able to hang out with people something I love,” Barger said. “I I like to hang out with. It’s always fun can be with people that have the Senior Rosie Lang and junior David Krueger rehearse for the Pius Players’ fall production. being able to see how the people look same passions as I do, and I believe when we jump out and scare them. That’s that it’s completely different than Miller said, “It was kind of a jarring they always want to be there for you probably the most rewarding part of this anything else here at Pius. I believe it’s experience to be honest. You go in all whether you’re up, or down. I guess it’s entire thing,” O’Gara said. something special.” nervous and then you’re surprised to just a whole big family atmosphere. I Anyone can join Pius Players at any Freshman Aden Miller joined the figure out that everybody there is in a think we should be very proud of that.” time of year. Whether they want to do the group this year. whole big family. Especially the seniors,

Senior Progress - Class of 2019 -

Undecided (2%)

No (2%)

As early deadlines for college decisions come and go, seniors have Home (27%) Yes (96%) their futures on their minds. Polls by Andy On Campus (60%) Truong.

“I am going to University of Nebraska, and hopefully I will live in the honors dorm. I have Off Campus (not at applied for scholarships ,and home) (14%) I have a regency scholarship.” ~Olivia Nelson, senior

Key Club hosts Trick or Treat for Eliminate Ziyal McArthur shot to save a mother and all her babies Despite almost deciding not to go, Both Cunningham and Knievel are Staff Writer costs $1.80 and the money collected by Cunningham managed to convince her members of Key Club. Key Club on Oct. 29 will provide shots for friend, freshman Ava Knievel, to come Key Club is part of a larger international The Pius X Key Club held their annual around 40 mothers and their children. also. student-led organization in partnership Trick or Treat for Eliminate on Oct. 29. A great amount for a turnout of only “Initially I wasn’t going to come with Kiwanis and is dedicated to providing Trick or Treat for Eliminate is a service four people. because I thought it was going to be cold, community service and shaping leaders. project which entails going around the Freshman Ruth Cunningham said that and then Ruth convinced me to come,” The Pius X Key Club faculty advisor neighborhood asking people to donate she was at first dissuaded by the cold Knievel said. is Mark Martin. Key Club meets on the money to the cause of helping to eliminate and snow, but she ended up changing her Neither Cunningham nor Knievel regret second and fourth Tuesdays of each month maternal and neonatal tetanus which mind. braving the cold weather for this cause. in room 1102. affects mothers and their newborn babies “It gave me a reason to leave the house “It was fun to hang out with my friends Trick or Treat for Eliminate is one of in third-world countries. and it gave me something to do because I and it was kind of cool to see how the their biggest projects of the year. The money raised from Trick or Treating wanted to help save babies,” Cunningham community would give money to a good will go towards buying tetanus shots. A said. cause,” Knievel said. November 11, 2019 Features 5 Students, staff get chance to see “Phantom” at Lied Ziyal McArthur The chandelier was a source of awe and delight among the guitar and all this stuff and it was really cool,” Rutledge said. Staff Writer crowd. The first act ended by the chandelier “smashing” which Rutledge, who had been listening to the soundtrack for a very was represented by it dropping, sparking, and then finally going long time was excited that she finally got to see it and not at all Referred to as one of the greatest love stories in Broadway out casting the entire theater into darkness. disappointed by the final product. history, “Phantom of the Opera” came to the Lied Center and “It was so cool, I knew there was a chandelier drop, and I “It was so well done, and it was a good traveling group that on October 25, members of the Pius X student body were given knew there was something that happened with the chandelier, probably could have been on Broadway,” Rutledge said. “I the chance to see it. but I didn’t know what.,” junior Maria Rutledge said. “Then enjoyed it so much, I basically sat through it and cried, and I The students left Pius X directly after second period and at the very beginning he goes the mysterious chandelier and it knew all the music and being able to watch it be performed was returned during seventh period to eat lunch and finally returned comes down and then it starts sparking and the music started amazing and the actors were so good, and it was really well to classes just in time for eighth period. playing. It was super tense, and I just liked the scene because done.” In order to show appreciation and respect to the hard work of it made it the chandelier a character in itself and it was so This is not the first traveling Broadway show that Pius X the performers, the Pius X students dressed up in their “Sunday gorgeous.” students have attended. A couple years ago the choir attended best”. The chandelier was not the only above and beyond special “Wicked”. The Lied Center proposed a deal for students and chaperones. effect during the production. There was also rotating scenery, “That was definitely one of my top memories of freshman They offered $15 tickets (compared to regular prices over $80) billowing fog, manipulating shadows, and bursts of flame. year,” junior Austin Reinke said. so this was a deal that Pius X could not pass up. “They switched the whole scenery around, and it turned into Reinke hopes that Pius X will continue these trips in “I would never have been able to see “Phantom of the Opera” the Phantom’s lair and the stairs started coming out and it was the future and continue to invite those outside of the choir if it wasn’t this cheap and you get a great experience out of it,” so cool because then the orchestra started and there was electric department to join them. sophomore Caitlyn Hughes said. “It is a great chance for those who aren’t in the choir The discount was offered to high schools throughout Lincoln department to see a musical, because I know that some people and the entire Lied Center was filled with high school students Phantom Phast Phacts can’t make it to regular Pius Player performances,” Reinke said. excited to see a Broadway musical, thrilled to be missing • Longest running show in Sorenson hopes that trips like this and “Wicked” will become school, or both. Broadway history common but finding a family-friendly show at a good time “I thought it would be a fun way to experience another during the year was a challenge. musical as I have seen a couple of traveling Broadway shows • Winner of 70 major theatre “’Aladdin’ was at the Orpheum, but it was only here for and it would just be really fun to interact with my classmates. awards two or three days and it was a weekend and show choir had a My mom went as well and I thought it would be a good competition,” Sorenson said. bonding experience,” sophomore Ellie Brox said. • Seen by over 140 million Unlike “Wicked”, which was only open to choir members, Around 180 Pius X students and chaperones attended. Choir people this trip was open to everyone in the student body and tickets teacher Shani Sorenson was delighted with this turnout and was were being sold in the commons. proud that she and principal Tom Korta were able to provide • Only Broadway show to have “Mr. Korta and myself saw it really appropriate to extend it this opportunity for the student body. 13,000 performances to the entire student body because of the amazingness of this This version of “Phantom of the Opera” was revived by opportunity and wanted to open it up to everyone who wanted Cameron Mackintosh who goes above and beyond in the • Only Broadway show to to go,” Sorenson said. productions he works on. celebrate its 31 anniversary Sorenson also said that future shows and who can and cannot “Cameron Mackintosh tends to make things fantastical and attend may depend on the show as well as the workload it takes he also did ‘Mary Poppins’ and added in several things like Bert (January 26, 2019) to put one of these field trips together. tap dancing on the ceiling,” Sorenson said. • Employed over 400 actors The fact that Sorenson does not have direct contact to some This was the first time Sorenson saw a professional show by of the kids attending is another problem and that’s before ticket Cameron Mackintosh. over its Broadway career prices, cheap tickets like this is not always a guarantee. In order to be ready for the appearance of the Phantom, the • Largest single generator of “Phantom of the Opera” was a positive experience and Lied Center had to make preparations including renovating the overall good time that left many students hoping it was not a celling in order to swing a chandelier above the audience. jobs and income on Broadway once during their high school career event. Barbershop gives students

Meredith Gamet Front Page Editor something to sing about Ava Chmelka about three or four tags and will Staff Writer learn new tags every week. Junior Nik Barger said, “Barbershop is different from any The Barbershop Club is a group other club at Pius X. It is a very of students who get together unique music style.” during fifth period study hall to Barbershop has many different sing barbershop tags. chord progressions and is a very Barbershop singing started different style of singing compared between the late 1800s and early to Sotto Voce. 1900s in the South with four Blatchford said, “Barbershop is African American men. They very different in the brightness of made a group together and started the tone and differences in musical singing songs and adding harmony technicality.” to it. Barbershop moved to Pius X Many students in Barbershop high school when a group of boys Club said that it helps them meet got introduced to it and decided lifelong friends through your e to make a club specifically for singing and helps you to get to barbershop. know each person better. This club Senior barbershop member John is like one big family where they Blatchford said, “Barbershop is a can sing and have fun. four part acapella group with four Fulton said, “Barbershop has guys or girls singing with a main helped me meet great guys and melody using no instruments and that’s how we made such a good making sure that all your voices go friendship.” together.” The members in Barbershop Barbershop Club is held in the Club at Pius X said to just go for it music room with vocal music and try it out. teacher, Todd Krier, every Friday Barger said, “Most times people during fifth period study hall. have no idea what barbershop is. Any student can come and make a They know that it is singing but group to sing barbershop. they do not know really what the Senior Bede Fulton said, point is and the uniqueness of it. “Students will pick out a tag, That is why we love it so much which is the ending to a song like and we want other people to the big finish and sing the tags all understand it, get to know more together.” about it, and hopefully love it as After the students pick out a much as we do.” tag, they will learn the tags, then Anyone can join. Just show up form a quartet, and harmonize the at one of the practices and you are tags as a group. Students will learn automatically a member. 6 Sports November 11, 2019 Softball team bonds with Villa Marie friends Stacie Thompson get to come to where they live and see all to see them be our biggest cheerleaders seeing these kids, what little they have but Staff Writer the stuff they love to do and now they get even though the result of the game were seeing the kids have so much joy. It has to come watch us do something we love not what we wanted,” Reed said. been such a huge thing for our girls to see. Varsity softball visited the kids at Villa to do. That was one of the coolest parts of Reed feels that the kids at Villa Marie It’s just been cool to see those relation- Marie as a service project for the third the season for me,” Reiling said. have impacted the team greatly. ships grow, they remember each other season in a row. Every year the Varsity The experience touched the coaches not “Our girls are starting to see that they from year to year and they like the same team does a service project near the end of just the players. have been gifted with so much, with their music, same games, there just kids. They the season. “It was incredible, the kids were so ability to play softball, with the ability are building those relationships with each “We wanted our girls to think outside joyful, and it looked like they were seeing to go to a catholic school and her family other which is really cool to see,” Reed themselves and reach out to other people, rock stars out there on the field and they and home life. I think they have seen the said. specifically on the team not just looking at were cheering the entire game. It was cool bigger picture. They have commented of

their own stats, or abilities. Instead think- PHOTO FROM JAMIE REED ing about their teammates and the best way to do that is, service,” assistant coach Jamie Reed said. Reed explained how it first got started. “I had some connections with Villa Marie from when I was in college at UNL. The Varsity Catholic teammates went out there and I went with them, so I knew of the kids and met some of the sisters out there, so I wanted our team to do that.” The team loves going there and it has become a tradition for them. “The first time I ever went to Villa Marie was when I was a sophomore and that was the first time we had ever done it. Since that first year everyone has just loved it and fallen in love with all the little kids there so now it is a tradition that we always go,” Senior Matti Reiling recalled. The kids at Villa Marie had the opportu- nity to watch one of the Varsity softballs games for the first time this year. “That was the coolest thing ever. They had never done that before which I think was just as cool for them as it was for us because they always see us outside of softball and they have never seen us play. They don’t know us as really softball players, so getting to come watch us do what we like to do is awesome. We always The softball team pauses on the playground with their friends from Villa Marie. The team learned many lessons from their new friends. Offseason conditiong preps students for upcoming season Abbie Russman Pius X also offers sports-specific programs for to throwing camps to relearn techniques before the Co-Editor in Chief/News Editor conditioning. throwing season.” Activities Director Tim Aylward described all of the For Wackel, conditioning helps her feel prepared for Students condition during their offseasons to stay in programs Pius X offers for students to stay in shape. the season. shape for their sports seasons at Pius X. The weight room is open every morning during the “I think it makes a huge impact,” Wackel said. There are programs Pius X offers to help students school year from around 6:15 to 7:15 and after school “Instead of catching up, you can just add on to what you train for their seasons, such as summer conditioning. until 4:45. Running Club takes place three or four already know.” Senior Julia Wordekemper participates in cross days out of the week, and many sports have offseason Aylward said that offseasons are the best times for country and tennis. conditioning programs prior to the seasons. student athletes to improve their physical abilities to get “It [conditioning] makes you more prepared for the “I think it’s important for students to maintain a level ready for their season. season,” Wordekemper said. “You can focus more of fitness and improve their strength, conditioning and Conditioning not only prepares student athletes on doing more fundamentals of the sport instead of speed,” Aylward said. “It’s a good thing to stay busy.” physically, it also prepares them mentally. conditioning.” Senior Levi Ackermann participates in baseball and “We’re ready mentally for anything,” Ackermann said. Conditioning is also good for staying healthy and fit. the lifting program Pius X has in place. “Conditioning is really hard. We’re ready not to give Junior Nicole Davis participates in cross country. “We lift every day during the school week,” up.” “I think it’s really beneficial to keep your fitness up Ackermann said. “Starting in January, we will condition While staying in shape year-round takes extra time throughout your offseason,” Davis said. “Even if you’re after school Monday, Wednesday and Friday.” and effort, it is beneficial to their sport seasons. not able to do the same activities as you would during Senior Claire Wackel throws shotput and discus “It’s definitely something you have to make time for, your season, it’s good to keep your body healthy to be during the track and field season. but I like doing it,” Wackel said. “It’s worth it.” prepared for your actual season.” “I like to lift a lot after school,” Wackel said. “I go Bolts cruise past Links on senior night Alexander Fern The Bolts won the Heartland Athletic Conference Preparing Staff Writer tournament for the second straight year. After winning the district title, the team entered the Class A state Thunderbolts The Pius X volleyball team cruised to a sweep over tournament as the third seed.

Lincoln High on senior night. PHOTO BY KARA OWENS for the ACT Seniors Carly Rodaway, Liz Stacy and Lauren Taubenheim helped propel the Bolts over the Links in and SAT for three sets on Thursday. The match started out slow for the Bolts, with over 24 years... Lincoln High scoring the first four points. But they OnToCollege is the best eventually climbed their way back to a 25-18 first set paying job a high school victory. We help families student can have. Pius X dominated the second set and won 25-13. and schools create Despite a flurry of Lincoln High points in the latter part of the third set, Pius X still came away with a Sign up for In-Person Classes two- and four-year three set sweep. or Online OTC Classes at college graduates The Bolts held the annual senior ceremony for OnToCollege.com the senior volleyball players in their last regular with minimal debt. season home game. Rodaway, Stacy, Taubenheim, and student managers Aidan Chandler and Franklin Junior Cora Thomas hits through the Lincoln High Now Offering College Thomas were honored during the pregame ceremony. block in the team’s sweep of the Links on Oct. 17. Counseling for Families! OnToCollege.com November 11, 2019 Sports 7 New swim and dive coach brings high expectations to program

Joslyn Oglesby first fitness second and a goal orientated process where high level and those young men and women are going to Saff Writer each and every swimmer gets the chance to set their be prepared for what that looks like during the season,” expectations and then it is my role to make sure they’re Gray said. Corey Gray was announced as the new swimming and meeting those expectations.” Winter sports practices start on Nov. 18, but swim diving coach at Pius X. One of the aspects of swimming that Gray wants to team has already started conditioning in the mornings to Gray is the director of Career Development and impact is the mental preparation of the swimmers. prepare. Retention at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. “The thing about swimming is it is one person in a Owens said, “Swimming has been a big part of my He is excited to get the chance to inherit a program lane against themselves,” he said. “No matter how long life and it’s taught me how to work hard and work that’s incredible and get to take the team to the next level. the race is, the hardest part is winning the four inches toward something I love. It also taught me a lot of time Gray coached the club in Seward for nine years and prior between your ears and being good at that as a team.” management.” to that he taught militarily survival aquatics in the U.S Owens said, “I’ve been on the swim team for three Gray said the swim team is for everyone even if it’s not Army for a couple of years in the early 2000s. years. The new coach will be different, but we have a your primary sport. Senior swimmer Kara Owens said, “The new coach will talented group of people that will help each other succeed Gray said, “If you’re thinking about joining the swim be different, but we have a talented group of people that and we have a lot of potential.” team absolutely join the swim team. There is no reason will help each other this season.” Gray plans to hold the team members accountable while not to. Worst case scenario you’re going to be the fittest This will be Gray’s first time coaching a high school also having fun this season. person on whatever sport you compete in. Our program swim team. “I hope they come ready and hungry because we really foundation is fitness, we will have strong athletic young Gray said, “We’re going to be grounded in a team want to take them where I know they can go at a very people.” PHOTO BY JOSLYN OGLESBY Fall Finishes Check out end of the season results for varsity fall sports.

Cross Country Girls 6th at State Lizzy Kramer finished 8th Gavin Skorupa finished 12th

Football 4-6 Lost first round of playoffs New swim coach Corey Gray talks to the swim team during conditioning.

Season recap: Fall sports come to close Girls Golf 1st place at Districts Alexander Fern Nicholas Patzel, who was on JV this year explained Staff Writer his thoughts on the team this year. 4th place at State “I believe that Gavin represented this school Nichole Kolbas finished 2nd As fall sports begin to wind down here at Pius, extremely well at state this year. He is an amazing Lauren Carr finished 10th we will look back on how each sport did. runner. Alexis Markowski was a part of the Pius X The Football team continued their journey to the Volleyball team, who just came up short in the State state tournament this year. The Bolts won three Championship last season. Markowski explained; straight games to punch their ticket to the state “We still have the same expectations with tournament. Even though it ended with a loss at Softball ourselves, but we still know that 2nd place hurts. the hands of Millard South with a score of 34-0. And we don’t want that feeling ever again. The Junior Austin Reinke explained how this feels for 8-30 Bolts might have exceeded expectations this year. the team. Lost second round of Districts Improving to a 29-6 record as they advanced to the “It just goes to show the resiliency of this team. state tournament. Pius continues its journey back to We were down, but never out. We just stuck the state championship on Thursday November 7th together, and we did all we could do to make it this at 7:30 P.M at Pinnacle Bank Arena. far.” Cross Country wrapped up last week. With an The Bolts say goodbye to a plethora of seniors Boys Tennis admirable showing at the state championship. including Quarterback Joe Finder, and Running 1st place at State Senior Gavin Skorupa, (16:31) as he finished 12 in Back/Flex Receiver Jon Andreasen. all, led the Bolts in their performance. Sophomore #2 singles champion Will Ulrich

PHOTO BY KEVIN GALL #1 singles runner-up Mason Warner #2 doubles runner-up Thomas O’Donnell and Jase Woita #1 doubles runner-up Joseph Plachy and Will Olson

Volleyball 29-6 HAC tournament champions 1st place at Districts State tournament qualifiers

Quarterback Matthew Downey hands the football to runningback Blake Vodicka. COMPILED BY SARA KREIKEMEIER 8 Entertainment November 11, 2019 Adventure: We hosted a Scary movie enthusiast picks her favorite spooky flicks stereotypical Halloween Addie O’Meara favorite, or the first scary movie Co-Editor in Chief / Opinion Editor they watched. Either way, these films continue to influence Whether you are a longtime modern horror and each define party so you don’t have to horror movie connoisseur or an pieces of the genre in their own unfamiliar novice, every person unique ways. Abbie Russman We ate cookies made by senior pictures in our costumes. Addie should watch at least one horror These classics influenced Rosie Reese and drank Kool-Aid looked particularly scary as Co-Editor in Chief / News Editor flick in the month of October. the modern movies that most Jammers brought by senior Macy Wednesday Addams. Personally, I grew up watching teenagers today know as horror. When I think of Halloween, I Majerus. The most exciting snack Most of us had already carved every scary movie I could find. Movies like “The Conjuring”, picture a stereotypical costume for us to make was apple cider or decorated pumpkins earlier Watching them now makes me “Annabelle”, “Paranormal party with bobbing for apples, slushes. We were so impressed by in the Halloween season, so we nostalgic, but I know that such is Activity”, “Insidious”, “The Blair carving pumpkins and Halloween our slushes at Martin’s Hillside ruled that out as an activity. not the case for many others. If Witch Project”, “The Cabin in music playing. Orchard that we decided to try to And, of course, you cannot scary movies aren’t your thing, the Woods”, the “Saw” franchise, This is exactly what the make them ourselves. We froze have a Halloween party without then don’t watch them. But if you “The Ring”, “The Babadook”, adventure article gang set out to apple cider in ice cube trays and a horror movie. So, to end the wanted to try to start watching “Get Out” and “It” (the original do. Seniors Brenna Mazour and put them through an ice grinder night, we piled onto the limited some, I would start with mildly or the remake) are what are Addie O’Meara, junior honorary that Addie brought. They were seating in my basement and scary classics. considered as modern horror. member Lucy Koenig and I so refreshing and satisfying; they watched “The Texas Chain Saw In the category of ‘mild’, I Another category that should planned the most stereotypical were definitely a success. Massacre”. would place movies that could be noted is the pure “shock Halloween party. Next, we tried to bob for We all thought it was a border on drama/thriller/suspense value” movies. These are the While our tight-knit quartet apples. Lucy went first, and she disturbing film, especially since and horror. This includes Psycho, movies that reach a point of knows how to party, we decided got her apple. The concept of it is based on a real event. Rear Window, Poltergeist, not being really scary, but just it would be better to invite more bobbing for apples is actually Addie, however, is a horror basically any episode of the uncomfortably gross. This of our friends to join in our disgusting and unsanitary movie fanatic and said, “I like it. original “The Twilight Zone” category includes “The Human spooky celebration. (everyone is putting their mouths I think it’s nice.” series, “A Nightmare on Elm Centipede”, some of the “Saw” My mom has always been one in the same bowl of water and A party is not stereotypical Street”, “Carrie”, “Christine”, movies (but not all), “Would You to decorate for all the holidays, bobbing for the same apples) so unless there are party favors for “The Amityville Horror”, Rather” and “Truth or Die”. so I did not have to do much we put in one apple at a time to all the guests, so we gave out “Children of the Corn” and If you want to watch a scary decorating beyond her pumpkins, lessen the unsanitariness of the Halloween pencils to everyone as “House on Haunted Hill”. movie, do not watch these. If fall tinsel and embarrassing game. Brenna got herself soaked, they left. A few of these picks could be you want to be confused and decorations made by her five and my attempt was a total fail. It Overall, the party was a considered scarier by some, but unsettled, then I suppose these kids. Lucy brought lights and is so much harder to get a grip on success. Personally, Halloween is personally I don’t think that these are for you, but I still don’t strung them around the kitchen, the apple than you would think. one of my favorite holidays, so it would keep most people up at recommend them. I haven’t heard using my microwave to hold A couple other of our friends is important to take advantage of night. of anyone actually enjoying these them up. were successful, which honestly every opportunity to celebrate the My next category is horror movies, they are mainly just The party started where all impressed me. spooky season. classics. These ones are not gross. good things start: in the kitchen. Then, of course, we took necessarily ordered by how scary My top picks from these Seniors Abbie Russman, they are, but their reputation as categories (excluding the shock Brianna Morris, Mary May, being some of the most defining category) are “The Shining”, Addie O’Meara, Maggie Barie, movies in the horror genre. “The Conjuring”, and “The Brenna Mazour, Macy Majerus, Rosie Reese and junior Lucy This would include “The Amityville Horror”. Koenig pause for a picture in Exorcist”, “The Conjuring”, Horror movies are fun; their costumes before bobbing “The Shining”, “Scream”, everybody loves a thrill. But if for apples. “Halloween”, “The Silence of the horror movies don’t affect you, Lambs”, “The Texas Chainsaw then they’re just something Massacre” and “Friday the 13th”. interesting to watch. There When the horror genre comes is a type of horror movie for to mind, most people would everyone, even if you think you list one of these as either their hate the whole genre. Which scary movies do Pius X students prefer? We surveyed over 200 Pius X students about their favorite horror Movie Review: movies and here are the top choices. “Joker” POLL AND GRAPHIC BY ADDIE O’MEARA

Brenna Mazour “Joker” was about the life of the Arthur Fleck Entertianment Editor before he became the infamous villain Joker. The storyline was both engaging with Arthur’s I couldn’t find people to go with, so I went great dance moves and disturbing with Arthur’s to the 4:20 showing of “Joker” on a Tuesday sudden violent outbursts. afternoon. I don’t think this was the goal of the movie, but I When I bought my tickets on the app began to sympathize with the Joker when learning beforehand, a popup came up saying no masks his background of dealing with a mental illness. or face paint were allowed while watching the Going to a movie, especially this movie, by movie. I was confused by this at first but I did myself was sad. I felt like I couldn’t react to any some research. The theaters wanted to avoid any scene without looking crazy to the other people violence during the viewing of the movie after the in the theater. But nonetheless I am glad I saw the movie theater shooting in Colorado during “The movie. Dark Knight Rises” in 2012. I can’t compare “Joker” with any other DC I wasn’t too worried about that happening at the movies but it was not at all what I expected. It 4:20 showing, so I bought my ticket. is not a movie for the whole family; kids should I don’t think I have seen any DC movies, so I definitely stay home. was worried that I would not understand all the Before picking “Joker”, know that it contains lingo. I would say that the movie stands on its talk about depression and a lot of violence. own and doesn’t require understanding the Batman Overall, “Joker” was a well-produced movie franchise – which was perfect for me. with an engaging, yet twisted storyline.