December 14, 2018 Volume 55 Issue 3

changePius X High School 6000 A Street, Lincoln, NE HaydenX Higgins: More than a student manager Kate Linderman and Elise Wilhelm Editor in Chief/Sports Editor

Senior Hayden Higgins is considered to be far more than just a manager to many of the senior basketball players. According to many of the senior players, Higgins has been a positive influence in their lives on and off the basketball court. “He’s pushed me to be a better person because he always has a smile on his face and he just lightens up the room,” senior basketball player Charlie Easley said. Higgins is a boys basketball manager, mainly responsible for mopping the floors, keeping the stats book at JV games, and most importantly, supporting and motivating the varsity players from the sidelines. “He’s always there to give you knuckles,” senior basketball player Austin Jablonski said. “He’s pushed me to be a better person because he always has a smile on his face and he just Photo by emma sutko lightens up the room.” Senior Dominic Pelan fist bumps senior Hayden Higgins after Pelan scored a basket in a home basketball game this season.

-Charlie Easley white Paul George 2.5 Nike ID shoes with green and metallic “I just think he’s the nicest guy I’ve ever met in my life,” gold accents. senior Joe Dworak said. “He’s never said a bad word; he’s Other than basketball, Higgins has always had a passion “It has his number on them and on the tongues one says never sad or mad at anything except me if I beat him at a for designing shoes for all sports. He said he started Pius X and the other has my name since he asked me to,” video game. I think he’s just made me a better person in customizing jerseys and uniforms and soon moved onto Higgins said. “He also had me sign them so I had a gold general.” shoes. paint sharpie. I think they look pretty nice.” Higgins has not only been a supportive friend to these “I’ve always just liked shoes,” Higgins said. Higgin’s signature holds special meaning to Jablonski. players, he has taught them many valuable lessons. At a preseason basketball meeting, Hayden presented his “Right away I had Hayden sign my shoes because it’s “He’s taught me to never take anything for granted and to shoe designs to the team. He said many players expressed like he’s out there on the court with me,” Jablonski said. “I always be thankful for everything you have,” Easley said. interest in the custom designed shoes, and Jablonski and know if he could be out there he would be.” “Things could be going bad, but you just have to keep your Pete Blumenstock decided to order them. Higgins customized a pair of Kyre Low Nike ID shoes head up and keep going.” “I kind of just let Hayden run with whatever he thought for Blumenstock. When Higgins was seven years old, he was diagnosed looked good and they turned out really well,” Jablonski said. “I was pretty excited when I saw the shoes,” Blumenstock with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a group of diseases that But when Jablonski saw his shoes for the first time, he said. “Hayden and I had talked and talked about the perfect weakens muscles over time. Regardless of his condition, he was taken aback. design and he would always keep me posted on how far away still brings positivity into these players’ lives. “As I was opening it, I just see a big grin on Hayden’s they were. So he and I had been waiting in anticipation for “When you see someone who’s going through what he’s face and out comes a pair of blue Air 1 sneakers,” Jablonski weeks. When they finally got here, it was like Christmas going through but always has a smile on his face and is said. “I just tried to keep a positive face because I didn’t came early.” positive every day, it can change your entire outlook,” know if Hayden messed up on the order or something, but While Blumenstock likes the look of the shoes, they carry Jablonski said. it turned out that he was just duping me.” a deeper meaning for him. Higgins has been a role model to many of his friends. Higgins then gave Jablonski the actual shoes, a pair of “I wear these on the court not only out of respect for “To me, Hayden is a really good example of what it means everything Hayden to be a really good friend to everybody and a perfect example does for our team, of making the most of every day,” senior Nick Staab said. but for Hayden,” Senior Holton Harman agreed. he said. “He works “He makes us realize how special everything is and how hard every day lucky we are,” he said. sweeping floors, Higgins has touched the hearts and lives of the Pius X keeping book, and boys basketball team, brightening the gym each and every keeping score. By day with a smile on his face. wearing his shoes on the court, I feel that Hayden can “He makes us realize how take pride and say he contributed to special everything is and the team.” Jablonski and how lucky we are.” Blumenstock debuted Higgin’s -Holton Harman designs against Lincoln Southeast “Hayden is not just a manager; he’s my friend,” on December 7. Blumenstock said. “I’ve gotten to know him over the past Higgins has two years I’ve been here and I don’t think I’ve ever met impacted these someone with such a positive attitude and outlook on life. players in more Hayden is a role model to me and I look up to him every Photo by Kate Linderman ways than just day. I am so glad to have met Hayden and I am grateful to basketball. have him in my life.” Shoes designed by senior Hayden Higgins for senior basketball players Austin Jablonski and Pete Blumenstock. News & Opinion Features Sports Entertainment Building addition update Final exam study tips State volleyball recap Downtown adventure Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 2 News December 14, 2018 Construction continues to move along on new addition Lucy Koenig the addition will be an ensemble to turn off the air conditioner to will add ease to many teachers’ work available. News/Opinion Editor room for the rapidly growing music hear our speeches. We have to give days. At the moment, many teachers Korta is most excited about the department. up our comfort to be able to listen,” have to move from classroom to design of the addition. Progress has been made on the “I am excited for the addition sophomore Alexis Markowski said. classroom to teach. With the new “I think it’s going to be a bright addition construction that was because it will open up more Heating is being installed, causing addition, very few teachers will and open space. There are some announced last September during the opportunities for members of the the upstairs hallway between the 260 have to move around based on design features, that as they are annual grandparents and founder’s choir department,” sophomore and 250 hallways to be closed off. preliminary numbers run with this talking about how to finish the space, day celebration. It is a $5.5 million Emmalee Cockerill said. It is estimated to take up to two to year’s master schedule. I think are really going to reflect our project set to be finished in the The ensemble can be used for three weeks to properly install. This Having a new space at Pius X mission as a school.” summer of 2019. sectionals in choir or for classes like was an expected inconvenience, as may bring new ideas and forms of The addition is fixed to include Music Appreciation that do better in is the parking situation. learning that were not previously

16 new classrooms which will allow a traditional classroom setting. Much of the west parking lot has photo more space for incoming students. Finally, three new art classrooms been taken up by construction, and “Move in dates from a year out are will be added. The previous students can often be heard voicing always kind of sketchy, you never classroom held every type of art their complaints. b y Lucy Koenig know what can happen,” principal class offered at Pius X. Soon, there “We’re pretty accustomed as a Tom Korta said. “A lot can happen will be separate classrooms for school to everybody being able to between here and there to slow it Ceramics and Art Fundamentals get parking. For a long time, this down or speed it up, but we expect to as well as one for Painting and was not the case,” Korta said. be able to move in for sure in time to Drawing. He is referring to the current start using that space for next fall.” At the beginning of the 2018- area of construction before it was The much needed addition will 2019 school year, students noticed bought. At that time, not even be comprised of a variety of classes. some changes. The unfinished A all the seniors and juniors were These include a new industrial Street sidewalk was an unexpected guaranteed a parking space. arts classroom with an adjacent inconvenience. “We knew long term we weren’t computer lab, named in honor of Portable air conditioners had to be going to keep the parking,” Korta the first industrial arts teacher at brought into the school in the early said. “The reason we bought that Pius X, Monsignor Ivan Vapp. A morning hours of the first day to all property was so we could build out new Family and Consumer Sciences the classrooms in the 160 and 260 and keep expanding our building.” area with more storage space will hallways. But with these few inconveniences be incorporated. Also included in “I have Mr. Moser and we have come many rewards. The addition A construction worker puts a piece in place on the new Pius X addition. Santa Celebration brings cheer to Sick students jeopardize public, workers at Southpointe others by staying in class Grace Seeman little area because it is so big,” Peters said. Staff Writer Peters is also involved in helping with the School nurse offers health ceremony. Last year, she and her mom helped make SouthPointe Pavilion’s Santa Celebration was held and hand out hot chocolate to attendees alongside resources for students and staff on Nov. 24 in their center courtyard between Barnes volunteers from First National Bank, the ceremony’s and Noble and Von Maur. They welcomed Santa into sponsor. his station there with a ceremony to light up their This sponsorship allows the event to be put on who are under the weather. real Christmas tree. with no charge to the public. People who come can Having a real tree has been a tradition for participate in juggling lessons, take pictures with Summer Ingham and health education. SouthPointe since it opened, even before the first costume characters like the Grinch or Frosty the Staff Writer On an average day, Dynek sees ceremony in 2000. Snowman, and watch Santa’s sleigh come in on a lift about five to eight students, and “We just believe it’s very important, number one, 20 feet in the air without paying anything. During this time of the year, it’s usually sends three to four of them to have a real Christmas tree…And we feel that it’s According to Lattimer, the biggest group this not uncommon to become sick. home. The students usually come to really important also to share our love of lighting event draws is parents with young children. There Going to school when sick can her with headaches, stomachaches our tree with as many other families as we can,” are also families whose kids have grown up coming increase the chance of everyone else and/or fevers. SouthPointe marketing director Julie Lattimer said. to see the same person who has played Santa for 18 getting sick. She said, “About five students had This year’s tree stands 52 feet tall and was brought years. In a survey of 140 Pius X issues serious enough that the parent to SouthPointe from Lanoha Nurseries in Omaha on “We have many families who literally have students, 82% of respondents said needed to take them to the doctor November 7th. pictures of their children as babies all the they had already gotten sick this right away.” Senior Brooke Peters is well aware of the process way through high school with the same Santa year. 42% of those students said it Even if extreme issues aren’t because of her dad’s involvement. He works at Claus,”Lattimer said. was serious enough for them to go present, Dynek said, “I can provide SouthPointe as a maintenance technician and helps Although Peters is not one of these children, she to the doctor. Ninety-one percent of a place to rest, ice for injuries, with setting up the tree. has made attending the event a tradition since her the sick students claimed that they advice on health issues, Tylenol/ “My dad and his boss and a few other workers dad got involved. went to school anyway. Motrin if a permission form is will help him set it up with a crane and they have “I just like the atmosphere if I’m being honest,” The Pius X Handbook says, “An completed, basic first aid and semis to back up the tree into the courtyard in that Peters said. “It feels like Christmas.” ill student cannot learn effectively general TLC when needed.”

photo By grace seeman and is unable to participate in Every year the flu shot is classes in a meaningful way. available to help reduce the chance Keeping an ill student home of getting the flu. prevents the spread of illness in the Dynek said, “I am not sure how school community and allows the many students have gotten a flu student an opportunity to rest and shot but we did coordinate with the recover.” Hy-Vee pharmacy and provided Pius X has a school nurse from flu shots for staff. A flu shot is not 8:00-11:00 am. After 11:00, nurse only to keep you from getting sick Jennifer Dynek goes to St. Joseph but also for others who have a Catholic School and remains on call compromised immune system.” for Pius X. Most of the time a flu shot is free, Dynek has been at Pius X for but in rare cases the most it costs is two years. Some of her jobs include $30. Dynek said “My motto is ‘It’s tending to students who are sick, not all about you’, do it for those and/or injured and maintaining around you.” medication for students, including To prevent getting sick, Dynek those with life-threatening said, “Hand washing is the best conditions. thing you can do. If soap and water She also teaches CPR to staff are not available, hand sanitizer is and, hopefully soon, students. She your next best option. Cover your constantly watches for trends in cough and sneeze into your elbow. illness throughout the school. She Shower daily, eat a well- balanced supports inclusion of students with diet and get enough sleep! Your special needs, and serves as a health body can’t fight off infection if it is expert on the multidisciplinary busy trying to stay awake.” team, and provides health promotion The Christmas tree lit during the Santa Celebration sits in the center of Southpointe Pavilions. December 14, 2018 Opinion 3 Editorial: Consider others before coming to school sick As finals week approaches, presence in class seems to responded saying they had been sick this year. A shocking to face this dilemma. become more important. We strive to soak up every piece 91% of the respondents that claimed they had been sick this The pressure to be at school this time of year is immense, of information in order to prepare for our final exams. But year said they still went to school. but it is also important to take care of ourselves. what happens when an unexpected sickness comes along While the positives include not missing important classes, So, if you come down with an end-of-the-semester bug, midweek? Are we supposed to miss out on the crucial days the situation unfortunately has its negative effects as well. it may be better for you and everyone else if you stay home of class? Or, do we say “I’m fine” and attempt to survive the Not only do we put our own health at risk, we do the same and let your body heal. The health and well-being of Pius X seven and a half hour long school day? to the rest of the students and staff in our school. is just as important as our grades. In a survey of 140 Pius X students, 82% of them The spread of sicknesses and germs cause more students Hannah Montana rumored to be coming back to Netflix But not everyone will be rushing to relive childhood memories through show Addie O’Meara the show with my dad and sister that are so Brenna Mazour time. Photo/Graphics Editor immaculate in my mind. Staff Writer Everyone should watch Hannah Montana, Maybe I remember the show as being very but especially the middle schoolers that have Recently, a rumor has been spreading on relatable, funny and having good acting, but “You get the limo out front, oo wa oo” barely heard of Hannah Montana or might Twitter about the Disney Channel show, in reality if I watched it again now that I’m My heart truly goes out to those who can’t not have the privilege of just turning the TV Hannah Montana, coming back to Netflix’s older, it might not be as good. sing the next line to that song. If you didn’t to Disney Channel and watching it as I and selection. I don’t want to spoil all of those memories, grow up with access to Disney Channel, you any others born around the 2000s had. While I do think that Hannah Montana is so I’d rather just not watch it again. missed out on investing into Miley Stewart’s Miley Stewart taught me, an awkward 5th a good show, I do not want it to be added to Another factor that contributes to me being ‘half popstar, half regular girl’ life in the grader, many things including the importance Netflix. against it is that while everyone might want Disney classic Hannah Montana. of trust and best friends. I know these things When I was younger and Hannah Montana the series back now, being able to watch it Rumor has it that Hannah Montana is are drilled into our brain growing up, but I was still airing, I didn’t watch Disney whenever you want might ruin its unique being put onto Netflix, so get ready for some believe she reminds everyone of something Channel that much. I usually watched charm. late night sing-alongs. Not only is this a great that no matter your age you can use, cartoons and regular television. After all, it is possible to have too much of opportunity for someone to watch it for the “Nobody’s Perfect.” However, I made an exception and a good thing. first time, but to watch it a second or third I bet some of you don’t see a point of tuned in for Hannah Montana, especially re-watching a show meant for children, but throughout the first few seasons. My older let me tell you that you will get just as much sister liked Hannah Montana even more than or maybe even more out of it than you did I did, and I liked anything my sister liked. your first time around. Recently I watched I thought Hannah Montana was different a couple episodes and laughed at jokes from the other Disney Channel shows that my ten-year-old self didn’t completely because it was actually funny sometimes. understand and in general just understood The acting seemed better than the other more of the storyline. Disney Channel shows. If by the end of your binge, you can’t But also it was one of the first shows on recite all her songs including getting her Disney Channel that portrayed a family life laugh perfectly at the end of the theme song, that wasn’t perfect. For example, there were then you can watch it again. As a child, I plenty of conflicts between Miley, Billy Ray remember thinking the show was amazing, and Jackson. thought provoking, and hilarious, but was it Also, Miley and Jackson’s mother really? This is your shot to be critical with passed away when they were young. The the show and determine how amazing and Stewarts gave a whole generation of young, beautifully written it truly was. And even impressionable minds an example of a family if you don’t agree with that statement, at they could relate to. However, I am against least you still got hit with that big dose of the series being added to Netflix’s library. nostalgia. I have countless memories of watching Chili and cinnamon roll combo causes controversy Meredith Gamet themselves, but together it’s wrong.” Chandler said. reaction to this grouping of food. Staff Writer Chandler grew up in Kyle, Texas. When he came to “We moved around December because I remember Nebraska he was shocked to this Midwest treat. He it snowing, and I looked out the window and saw this It’s said to be the best combination in the Midwest, recalled the first time he had it was at school lunch. Runza sign adverting chili and cinnamon rolls and I according to the fast food chain Runza. Homemade chili “Half the people of Nebraska make chili with a lot thought it sounded disgusting.” and a freshly baked cinnamon roll, but how do people of beans and it’s just disgusting, at lunch I eat just the Scott went on to explain how she did grow up with really feel about this ‘unusual’ grouping of comfort cinnamon roll because the chili is horrible.” Chandler chili and cornbread, but that cinnamon rolls seemed odd. foods. said. Sophia Duggan, a senior grew up here, she recalls her Junior Aidan Chandler is not a fan of this sweet and Kendall Scott, a senior spent eight years of her life favorite food combination growing up being apples and salty blend. in Texas as well. She remembered moving to Nebraska peanut butter. “Horrible. It’s horrible. They are both great by and her “I remember eating apples and peanut butter with my The Pius X-Change mom.” Duggan later explains her Kate Linderman Staff Writers Preparing parents were from Iowa, Editor in Chief Alex Folbrecht so she never had chili and Features Editor Meredith Gamet Thunderbolts cinnamon rolls at home. She Abbie Russman Summer Ingham had it for the first time at a Front Page Editor Sara Kreikemeier for the ACT grade school lunch. Elise Wilhelm Brenna Mazour “It’s like dessert with Sports Editor Cayden Mitchell lunch, sweet and salty. Lucy Koenig Layla Nguyen and SAT for What’s not to love?” News/Opinion Editor Olivia Parr Chloe Barrett AJ Punteney over 23 years... Entertainment Editor Grace Seeman Addie O’Meara Emma Sutko OnToCollege is the best Photos/Graphics paying job a high school We help families Maddie Ames Nolan DeWispelare student can have. Copy Editor Adviser and schools create

The X-Change is a monthly publication of the Pius X High School Sign up for In-Person Classes two- and four-year newspaper staff. Opinions expressed on the opinion page do not or Online OTC Classes at necessarily represent those of the entire school community. OnToCollege.com college graduates Students and staff are invited to share their opinion through a letter to with minimal debt. the editor. The staff reserves the right to edit or reject any letter. All letters must be typed, signed and sent to Room 208 or: Now Offering College The X-Change Pius X High School Counseling for Families! OnToCollege.com 6000 A Street Lincoln, NE 68510 4 Features December 14, 2018 Finals survival guide Students take writing talents Final exams can be stressful, but here is some advice to make this year’s finals beyond the classroom week worry-free. Abbie Russman she got her creativity out until she For Maguire, writing for the Front Page Editor gained more confidence. blog is a “de-stresser from school.” Layla Nguyen Senior Ellen Stephens He got involved with the blog Staff Writer Some students and faculty at completed NaNoWriMo last year through someone looking for Pius X write outside of school as a by writing a full 50,000 words, and writers to help. hobby for blogs or competitions. she participated again this year. “I went to a Catholic camp with “You can keep a folder November was National Novel Writing for something outside of kids from all over the country,” Writing Month, and a few students school was hard to make time for. Maguire said. “Afterwards, in to have all of your study and staff participated in the “I try to find the time and put a Facebook group, someone guides and notes.” competition held by nanowrimo. everything aside. I set a time limit mentioned that she had a blog and org to write 50,000 words in order and dedicate my focus to that,” I was interested so I contacted to get their story published. Stephens said. her.” -Sophomore Madison This took dedication and Stephens’s inspiration came He is inspired by things he Wemhoff motivation. from experiences and everyday reads about or thinks of during English teacher Caycee Hays life. church. was introduced to NaNoWriMo a She got involved with “We [the writers] ask for the few years ago through a writing NaNoWriMo through a poster at Holy Spirit to speak through us group. She participated again this school. Stephens aspires to be an and set the world on fire for love, year. author on the side of her career. hence the name,” Maguire said. “I “I write after I put my son to Besides novel writing, some pray to the Holy Spirit to influence bed when the house is quiet,” Hays students write for blogs and other my mind. Once I get writing, I go said. websites. into a different zone.” To prepare, she stressed Senior Matthew Maguire writes The blog only requires its character development and created for the Fire of the Spirit blog. writers to write one article per a loose outline. “Fire of the Spirit is a website that month. “I don’t want to feel constricted is run by teens, for teens and its Maguire said, “Overall, we just by my outline,” Hays said. purpose is to share the rich truths try to bring people closer to God “Go back and look at She first started writing by of our Catholic faith,” Maguire through writing.” creating fan fiction which was how said. past tests and quizzes if your teachers let you.” Annual fall retreat provides spiritual, -Junior Andrew Kotopka inspiring experience Olivia Parr source of inspiration and reflection time was also spent learning Staff Writer for everyone, including myself. The valuable lessons, and receiving whole event was fun, wholesome, inspiration to act in God’s way. Every year, Pius X students are holy, and all around enjoyable.” This year’s theme was the call to given the opportunity to attend the The students were present for action that each baptized Christian Fall Retreat. This two-day long five talks, given by five inspiring has. event, in which the students of Pius people. Four of them were given At the end of the retreat, students X are given the chance to grow by teachers or other adults, while were given a chance to talk to the closer to God, occurs every fall. the final talk of the weekend group about what they learned There were around 150 was given by a student, Hanna and what they took away from the students,and twenty chaperones. It Hoage. The talk she gave was weekend. was held at camp Kataki this year. an inspirational discussion about “This weekend has given me so The purpose of this retreat is for living in tough situations such much to look forward to in my life. “I go back and re-read students to build their relationships as a serious accident she was in, It helped reaffirm my hope in my notes and parts of the with God and with each other, and relying on God despite the inspirational Instagram account,” through prayer and varied hardships. senior James Kruml said. textbook. I’ll do extra activities. “Because of everything I went Kruml runs an Insaram account problems if there are “The best part was adoration, through, my relationships with called wall_of_sunshine. He said any.” because it really gave me some God and with my brother have that it was a scary thing for him good prayer and thought to bring grown stronger,” she said. to do, and that the inspirational silence into my chaotic life,” junior On the entire weekend quotes he posts every day are a -Senior Gemma Austyn Kreikemeier said. experience, sophomore Sophi source of light to himself and More than half of the students Throener Rodriguez said, “The several of his peers. Volkmer present expressed similar thoughts retreat was really unplanned for Overall, the students who about adoration, saying that it gave me but going felt like a huge breath attended the retreat found it to be a them so much peace, and so much of fresh air and a step back from necessary and welcome break from honest emotion. Throughout the reality. It was a good break, and the life, and a good way to reinstate retreat, students listened to several talks and adoration gave me a very their beliefs and strength in the talks and reflected on each. new view on some things.” faith. Senior Alysha Reinhardt said, The weekend was full of time “The talks were a very important spent with people and God. The photo by Austyn kreikemeier “Cramming is not the best way to do it. Start ahead of time and look through your notes every now and then to sort of keep it in your mind.”

-English Teacher Jennifer Tran

PHOTOS BY LAYLA NGUYEN Father Bernardo celebrates Mass on the final morning of the fall retreat. December 14, 2018 Features 5

Madrigal Dinner: Special tradition P hoto

for choir students, directors B y C a Cayden Mitchell started preparations for this event in the beginning y d en Staff Writer of October and those preparations came to fruition

on December 1 and 2. M it

Every other year, the Pius X music department Not only does this event hold a special place in c he ll puts on what they call “The Madrigal Dinner”. This Krier’s heart, but also in the hearts of his students. magical event takes place at St. Patrick’s School and Seniors Morgan Framke and Raphael Pepino are ushers in the holiday season for people at Pius X. two of Krier’s students who look forward to The The Madrigal itself is an adaption of the sixteenth- Madrigal every other year. century hospitality traditions in celebration of the “When the show is going on the environment arrival of the holiday season. around The Madrigal is so magical and such a The Madrigal comes from the mind of Pius’s different experience than you would get at any other music department head, Todd Krier. normal Christmas choir concert,” Framke said. While in college, one of Krier’s professors had As Framke said, the Madrigal is unique from any his class do The Madrigal and after that moment it other Christmas concert. There is singing, acting, held a special place in Krier’s heart. costumes, decorations and dinner while watching “This professor was the reason I became a teacher students perform. and after that I vowed at that moment that I was going “The only word I can use to describe it is elegant,” to do this when I teach,” Krier said. Pepino said. “There is nothing like it.” Before coming to Pius X, Krier taught at three Krier and his students’ hard work can clearly be different schools. At each one, he had the students shown throughout the night of pure elegance and perform The Madrigal, keeping his vow to perform bliss. This bliss is held by the partakers of the event. it everywhere he taught. Pius X is no exception. “The people are what it is all about,” Krier said. Making his ideas come to life takes months of “We love seeing the joy of people’s faces when they hard work and dedication. Krier and his colleagues walk in and when their name is called.” Seniors Chloe Barrett and Gabriel Clark perform at the Madrigal Dinner. Senior Snippets: What does your family do for Christmas? Kate Linderman Editor in Chief photo From Ju l i a sue l photo From “Back when I was younger “My family has this foot tall, we would always put up a silver Christmas tree with a hole tree but now we don’t put in the middle of it. It’s hollow so up a tree anymore. We don’t it looks like a cone. Each kid has T eres put any decorations up. We the task where one day they can don’t do presents or have a

a trinh put it wherever they want and Christmas meal. On the 24th then you can’t touch it until the we just go to Mass. We have ter very next day when the next kid a huge nativity at church we gets to move it. If you wanted go to. We usually go on a it in the middle of the hallway vacation.” you put it in the hallway and you - Teresa Trinh can’t move it afterwards. It’s there for the whole entire day. On the night before Christmas we take the silver tree and put it by the nativity and say a rosary.” - Julia Suelter

Guidance Office offers resources for students on the student’s last name. The counselors Alex Folbrecht are Shelly Pick (A-Ga), Jan Frayser (Gb-Kr), Staff Writer Connie Freudenburg (Ks-Pl) and Jessica Psota The guidance office is a plentiful source of (Pm-Z). useful resources to help guide students through The counselors connect with students to help their academics and help them reach their them each individually to help them find personal goals. personal success. “School counselors can help with academic “Students can always come in and talk if they concerns, study skills, academic planning, social have issues,” Freudenberg said. and emotional issues,” school counselor Connie The guidance office makes sure that each Freudenburg said.” student has found their maximum achievement Resources provided include scholarships, and is emotionally, socially and spiritually college credits, job shadowing and post- stable. graduation planning. “Parents may let us know if a child has special “Depending on the student’s needs we needs or if something came u over the summer may get resources outside of school,” Connie or the previous school year”, Freudenberg said. Freudenberg said. The resources provided there help students to The resources provided vary among grade achieve their goals and the guidance counselors levels, and different resources and opportunities are always there to help. are provided depending on a student’s grade. “Other students will come in and let us know “We can show students to the writing if something is happening or they are witnessing resource center, math resource center, or help something they are not comfortable with,” tutor them,” Freudenberg said. Aside from Freudenberg said. resources available to all students, the school The resources provided and assistance given guidance counselors are open to visits with helps each student find personal achievement students regarding academic, emotional, or and maintain social, emotional and spiritual spiritual issues. happiness. AD BY GRACE SEEMAN Each student is assigned a counselor based 6 Sports December 14, 2018 Winter sport tryouts bring Bolt bowlers strike out first-time jitters for freshmen at District tournament Sara Kreikemeier definitely prepared me for day tryouts and it is crucial Meredith Gamet beginning of match they were in Staff Writer tryouts.” for success to remain positive Staff Writer the top four, but the second game Not only did these athletes during those grueling days of the didn’t go as well. November 12 was the start of prepare physically but also season. The Pius X boys and girls varsity “The bowling alley was a bit winter sports, and for many it mentally. They tried to be “I tried to give it 110% all the bowling teams played at Districts different than what we were used was their first time trying out for confident in what they were time and was open-minded to in Lexington and Grand Island on to. Every alley is different of a sport. doing and gave themselves little learning new skills,” freshman October 18th. The teams placed course, but this one threw us off,” During the off season, pep talks to boost their spirits in Lexi Zahourek said. fifth and sixth overall and did not Nguyen said. many of these student athletes times of doubt. After the many weeks of make the cut for the Class A state Nguyen explained how the could be seen at conditioning “I kept telling myself it will training and hard work these tournament. expectations were high because of preparing for their debut on the be fine and I’ve been doing students had put in, they were Nate Gibbs, a sophomore, the ranking. The team they had to Pius X courts. everything I can do,” freshman ready to find out if they got to expressed his excitement going beat was only 100 pins ahead. Conditioning involves weight Charlee Hagedorn said. wear that coveted Pius X jersey into Districts at Lexington. “If we would’ve gotten those lifting, agility and endurance When the time came for during competitions. Although “I was feeling pretty good, I was 100 pins, we probably would have drills, and practicing skills tryouts, these students found some students did not make the thinking we were going to win,” made it,” she said. during open gym to strengthen themselves nervous, but also team, they still gave it their all he said. With this being Nguyen’s first their abilities. Conditioning gave excited for the new season ahead in the tryouts and now have the Gibbs described how he was and last year of bowling, she was students the time to become of them. Once the stress of opportunity to cheer for their feeling extremely confident during still happy she did it. more confident in their moves tryouts left them they realized peers during competitions. For the match, even when things didn’t “I think I really improved from and gave them a glance at what that tryouts were just like any those who made the team, they look too good. not being a competitive bowler, the season ahead of them would other day at conditioning and now have the opportunity to “Never lose faith,” Gibbs said. learned a lot of new skills,” she look like. hopefully the coaches saw their make Pius X proud and show the Gibbs admitted that they needed said. Freshman Dylan Kluthe said, potential. fans what their hard work during to work more on spares and other Overall, Nguyen thought State “It wasn’t my favorite but it Most sports had multiple the offseason can result in. things similar to that. He wasn’t was very fun and really easy, along

P h oto by Maddie aert the only one who agreed with that with a great coaching system. statement.

Freshman Alex Folbrecht, talked PH OTO BY M EREDIT H G A ET about how spares were the biggest issue after his first year. “We were told at the beginning of the year it would come down to picking up spares, and we couldn’t do that all year,” Folbrecht said. However, Folbrecht said he s wasn’t going to let this past season influence the next. Senior Layla Nguyen, spoke about going into Districts at Grand Island for the first time. “At our conference the top four get to go to State, and we were ranked fifth going into the tournament so we had a pretty good chance,” she said. Sophomore Henry Gengler talks Nguyen explained how at the to one of his coaches between bowls. Freshman Charlee Hagedorn dribbles away from a defender against Lincoln Southeast.

Bolts volleyball finishes second in Class A state tournament P h oto by Maddie A ert Emma Sutko South in three sets, 25-21, 25-11, 25-17, advancing the Bolts to the Class A state Staff Writer allowing them to advance to the semifinals final. of the state tournament against Omaha The championship game was played at The varsity volleyball team only had Marian. the Bob Devaney Sports Center, a place one goal this season: changing the school’s “I think going into that Marian game we senior Emma Gabel always dreamed state championship banner. With five knew it was not going to be easy at all, but about playing in. senior starters, the team knew they had a once we dropped the first set we were not Gabel, the team’s libero, verbally good chance of making it to State. about to let that game be our last,” senior committed to the University of Nebraska The girls won their first round of games Delaney Humm said. “We really came for volleyball and will eventually be s on Thursday, November 8 against Millard together as a team but we didn’t win that playing in the complex much more over

P h oto by s game from the next four years. amazing “I have been looking forward to volleyball, playing in Devaney since I was a little we won girl playing YMCA ball,” Gabel said. that game The championship match was played ara h a l bin because against Millard North. The teams shook we played hands and the game began. Although as a team Pius X fought long and hard, they ended and trusted up losing the match in three sets, 21-25, each 18-25, 20-25. other.” It was a hard loss but the team knew The girls they did all they could. stormed “I knew everyone tried their best but Senior Delaney Humm and junior Alexis the floor getting to the state championship and Markowski embrace after losing in the after that losing was not the way we wanted it to championship. last ball go,” sophomore Alexis Markowski said. hit the With the season being over, several of Delaney Humm (Fort Hayes State), Morgan floor and the seniors have collegiate careers ahead of Christiansen (Fort Hayes State), Emma signaled them they are now preparing for. Gabel (University of Nebraska at Lincoln), the 24-26, This preparation will include a new Caitlin Vancura (Benedictine) and Anna 25-21, 25- season of club volleyball this winter to McClain (Queens University of Charlotte). 20, 25-19, work on honing in on certain skills before Gabel said, “Even though we lost I win over college. wouldn’t have traded that first experience Senior Morgan Christiansen tips the ball over a Marian blocker in the Bolts’ five- Omaha There are currently five seniors for the world because I got to play with set semifinal win, which sent Pius X to the Class A championship game. Marian, committed to play in various colleges: some of my best friends.” December 14, 2018 Sports 7 Hockey player finds place in Thunderbolt family Schlaht follows hockey dream to Lincoln, earns college hockey scholarship AJ Punteney of football. However, Schlaht does not enjoy they would like him to leave school early, nice and accommodating so they have made Staff Writer football as much as the rest of his family. move to Lincoln, and immediately join the the transition easy. “Ultimately I knew I would not be big hockey team. Schlaht currently takes four classes in the Wyatt Schlaht, a senior at Pius X from enough for football, but I like hockey because Schlaht said, “It was a big change for me morning at Pius. After fourth period, he leaves Needham, Massachusetts, came to Lincoln, it is basically football on ice and it is way but I am super happy to be here. The transition school and goes to his afternoon hockey Nebraska to play hockey for the Lincoln Stars. faster.” Schlaht said. “I enjoy the competition has been nice. Everyone at Pius has been super practice. Schlaht was born in Englewood, Colorado, hockey brings. There is no out of bounds so Schlaht said, “I like Pius a lot. It is obviously but moved to Needham when he was just you are always getting hit and hitting other “I like Pius a lot. It is a big change coming to a new school as a 11 years old to play hockey for the Boston people. It is just a really fun sport to play all obviously a big change senior, but all the kids have been very friendly Jr. Eagles. At around.” and outgoing. I appreciate how welcoming the time, the During high school, Schlaht attended St. coming to a new school everyone has been.” Boston Jr. Sebastian’s private school. It was a fairly small as a senior, but all the Schlaht plays left wing, a type of forward, Eagles were a school of only about four-hundred students. for the Lincoln Stars. He committed to Brown top five club in He played on the hockey team at St. Sebastian kids have been very University to play college hockey there. America. through his junior year of high school. friendly and outgoing. Schlaht said, “I love the campus and the Hockey is Schlaht said, “It was an awesome experience city of Providence is great. The school has a very unique for me because everyone there had a purpose I appreciate how great academics and a really strong hockey thing in the whether it was sports or academics.” welcoming everyone has program.” Schlaht family. Schlaht was drafted in the fourth round by Schlaht is dedicated to the sport of hockey Wyatt comes the Lincoln Stars in 2015 (hockey players are been.” for life. He intends to continue the sport from a family often drafted after junior high). He attended -Wyatt Schlaht throughout college and hopes to one day that plays a lot the Stars camp in June and was informed that compete in the National Hockey League. Varsity boys basketball team ready to take on 2018-19 season This week at Pius X Elise Wilhelm “My personal goal is to con- departed seniors, the team will Check out the schedule for this Sports Editor tribute to the team as best as I also have to overcome a tough coming week’s athletic events Winter sports are just getting can and to lead my team and help schedule this season. The team into full swing and one team in the younger players develop their is classified as Class B this year; particular got a little extra atten- game,” senior Austin Jablonski however, their regular season Saturday, December 15 tion this fall before the season stated. schedule is primarily Class A Freshman Girls Basketball vs. Norris even started. Jablonski’s goal is especially matchups. This can help the boys 9 am @ Pius X The varsity boys basketball important as one of the biggest with wildcard points if they play team was ranked #1 in Class B obstacles the team will have to to their highest capability. Swim & Dive at Elkhorn Invite this preseason by the Omaha overcome this year is attempting Spicka explained that if the 9 am @ Elkhorn World Herald. The boys earned to replace their two seniors who team plays mentally and physi- this title last year with all the cally tough enough to grind Varsity Wrestling huge strides the program made through the tough times, they 9 am @ Wahoo High School in Class A. “At the end of the will come out ahead and pre- JV Wrestling However, the boys agree pared for the state tournament. that the ranking that truly mat- day, nobody has One thing that will really 9 am @ Wahoo Elementary School ters most is the one that comes proven anything help the team is their chemistry Boys Freshman Basketball vs. Norris out after the season. together. 10:30 am @ Pius X “Preseason number one until the games start “I think our team chemistry honestly doesn’t mean much,” this year will be really good Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Lincoln Northeast senior Charlie Easley said. “I happening.” because everybody likes each 3 pm @ Pius X mean it’s good to have people other and we all bond together respect us, but at the end of -Charlie Easley really well,” Easley shared. Boys JV Basketball vs. Lincoln Northeast the day nobody has proven “It helps that everyone knows 3 pm @ Pius X anything until the games start we are all here to win and get happening and we know that we are out on injury. Seniors Joe better. Even with the tough loss Girls JV Basketball vs. Lincoln Northeast will have to work to prove our- Dworak and Nick Staab both tore of Joe and Nick they are still part 4:45 pm @ Pius X selves every game.” . their ACLs this fall during foot- of the team and are a huge part of Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Lincoln Northeast When it comes to practice, head ball season. Dworak was a starter the chemistry aspect.”. coach Brian Spicka shared that last year and ended the season The Bolts are currently 3-1 with 4:45 pm @ Pius X nothing changes the game plan with lots of points in the district wins over Millard West, Millard for this year. The team is hoping and state tournaments. South and Lincoln Southeast and to build off last year’s success “One of our biggest challenges a tough loss to Lincoln East. The Tuesday, December 18 and continue to improve each and we will face this season is going season continues this Friday when every day. to be replacing departed seniors the boys take on Lincoln North Girls Freshman Basketball vs. Lincoln East The team is focused on achiev- and finding how each player fits Star and then Saturday against 5:45 pm @ Lincoln East ing their collective goals, as well and executes their role on the Lincoln Northeast. Girls Reserve Basketball vs. Lincoln Southwest as each player striving to achieve team,” Spicka said. his own. Along with replacing the 6 pm @ Pius X P h oto by Emm a Sutko Boys Freshman Basketball vs. Lincoln East 7:15 pm @ Lincoln East Boys Reserve Basketball vs. Lincoln Southwest 7:30 pm @ Pius X

Friday, December 21 Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Lincoln East 5:45 pm @ Lincoln East Boys JV Basketball vs. Lincoln East 5:45 pm @ Lincoln East Girls JV Basketball vs. Lincoln East 7:30 pm @Lincoln East Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Lincoln East Senior Dominic Pelan goes up for layup against Lincoln Southeast. 7:30 pm @ Lincoln East 8 Entertainment December 14, 2018 Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas X-perience Box: Chloe Barrett Entertainment Editor Christmas movies play 24/7 to around love and giving. What get their watchers into the spirit can we expect from the 2018 new Black Friday fails Every year, Hallmark puts of Christmas with the story realeases? on their 31 Days of Christmas. lines of their movies often based Meredith Gamet working on Black Friday at Shopko Staff Writer and one of my coworkers had a cart full of things to put away. All of our With every Thanksgiving there carts happened to be gone including are Black Friday’s sales. Certain the ones in the parking lot. This students of Pius X decided to get lady wanted a cart so she took their early Christmas shopping on. everything out of my coworkers cart However, things didn’t turn out and put it on the floor, continued to as planned for some of these early put her stuff in it and said ‘I needed birds. a cart.’ And walked away.” Dawsyn Barnhill, junior: “We Rachael Mild, senior: “I planned were in Kohl’s at the back of the on going Black Friday shopping at store because we were looking for 10 in the morning, but my friend a PS4 that happened to be closer was like, ‘I wanna go earlier’ so I to the bedding department. There got up at six instead. I got up really was this lady going to get her early man, six in the morning, and pillowcases or something like that, I was ready to go. I call my friend, well they were completely out of asking if she was on her way, stock. I think she was just trying because I didn’t want to wait for to cause mayhem, but we see her her. She answers and says, ‘well my knock over a vase off the top shelve. sister won’t give me a ride so it’s It was honestly so funny.” probably going to be an hour.’ So I Rachel Fleeman, junior: “I was got up early for no reason.” Review: wows arena with new, old hits Maddie Ames “Nico and the Niners” is one of Copy Editor my favorite songs from the new album and hearing it live was Twenty One Pilots recently spectacular. Tyler had made his visited Pinnacle Bank Arena for way down to the B-stage during their Bandito Tour which featured this track and having him sing their album “Trench”. right in front of me was such a Just stepping into the arena, surreal experience. there was an atmosphere from After this they wanted to honor people’s costumes as well as their their dads, and I assumed they overall vibe of excitement. would sing a song that held some and ’s sort of significance. However, entrance was phenomenal. There they had everyone sit down. Tyler was suspense in the air, and the told the crowd it was what their Adventure: We went exploring crowd was screaming at the top dads would want. Since I had been of their lungs. When the curtain jumping and dancing most of the fell the excitement was almost night, I was relieved to have some downtown, so you don’t have to tangible. time to sit down. Besides Tyler Lucy Koenig for not only two hours of fun, after two hours of skating the “Jumpsuit” was the opener for and Josh being an amazing duo News & Opinion Editor but also exercise. I’m not joking. ice began to get a little roughhe the show as Tyler Joseph rose atop musically, they added comedy to Something about ice skating zamboni only runs before and a burning car holding a torch. I the show as well which I enjoyed. For this month’s adventure, completely wipes you out. My after skating. found it strange that since he was While the crowd was sitting, the Addie O’Meara, Brenna Mazour, knees are still sore. The only other negative thing on top of a car and was holding a duo played “Taxi Cab”, which is a Abbie Russman and I wanted to “I love that we sound like 60 we could think of was that it torch that he didn’t sing “A Car, song from their first album. It was do something Christmasy. We year olds complaining about our didn’t seem very festive. There A Torch, A Death” but it was also a nostalgic moment for everyone decided on ice skating at the John aches and pains,” Addie said after were no decorations to be seen highly unlikely that they would who remembered the early days of Breslow Ice Hockey Center and we left the rink. and they played pop music start the show with such an old the band. exploring downtown Lincoln. The John Breslow rink is the instead of Christmas tunes. song. Finally, they made their way I got to the ice rink, paid the perfect place if you aren’t used Other than these two things, The yellow lights faded into back to the mainstage and “Car $6 of adult admission and $3 for to the ice. A wide variety of ages it was a great time. The day we purple and the mood changed Radio” was the next track they skates and met up with Addie and can be found skating, all with went was rainy and cold so it as Joseph began singing “Fairly sang. I was shaking from the Brenna. varying abilities. was a great way to be active and Local” from the “” moment Tyler started singing. Public skating is only scheduled For the hour and a half that we have fun, even with the terrible album. When Tyler sang it was easy to for two hours on most Saturdays were on the ice, not one of us fell, weather. Already with only two songs tell that he was really feeling in the afternoon. The rest of the which is a huge accomplishment Afterwards we headed to the played, I was completely something. He had so much time the rink is used for skating since we are pretty clumsy in our Haymarket which is just a short engrossed in the show. I was emotion when he was singing and and hockey practice and figure day-to-day lives. drive from the John Breslow rink. singing as loud as I could along rapping. skating clubs. We don’t have very many We met up with Abbie at The with my best friend Sophia I have at times been at concerts Nine dollars is a pretty low cost complaints. That being said, Mill and Addie, Brenna, Abbie Throener Rodriguez. There was where there wasn’t a real all got drinks. I did not because I a possible chance we seemed connection with the artist, and that spent my last $9 at the rink. obnoxious while we sang alone, was not the case with Twenty One After that we went to some but we didn’t care. We were both Pilots. There was a presence of Photo by Lucy Koenig small shops including Licorice so happy about being in the same the fans coming together not just International where Addie room as Tyler and Josh. as people who share a common proceeded to buy a bag of black Suddenly while Tyler was still interest in the band, but as friends. licorice. We were all horrified. singing “” he death- At the end of the show, Tyler Next we went to a store dropped on the stage to reveal that gave thanks to the crew for all called Ten Thousand Villages, it was a decoy on stage, and the their hard work. After this he was which is a fair trade, non-profit real Tyler Joseph appeared in the talking to the crowd about us. He organization. It was very festive upper bowl of the arena. told the crowd that they wouldn’t and had great customer service I thought that in that moment be where they were today without with lots of small, unique items I might burst into tears from us, and suddenly it felt personal. It that could make for a great gift. amazement. The tricks these two didn’t just feel like he was talking Finally, I insisted we stop at had up their sleeves kept the whole to thousands of people but rather Indigo Bridge bookstore. It has crowd on the edge of their seats just to me or any fan. He made us a great atmosphere where we the whole night. a part of the show, and a part of the could talk and look at books and The duo played a few more band. just hang out. It was the perfect songs from “Blurryface” before He concluded the show with, ending to a great adventure. they started playing “Nico and the “We are Twenty One Pilots and so Juniors Addie O’Meara and Brenna Mazour hold hands while skating. Niners” from “Trench”. are you.”