November 2016 3 no more long homeroom the voice 7 committed seniors Nebraska German Teacher of the Year goes to GHS German teacher, Ms. Deane after teaching German for 18 years, Ms Deane nominated for award by her peers by Colin Kitson rom 1998 teaching German to high schoolers know and work just as hard as you do,” Ms. Deane said. to 2016 winning the Nebraska German Ms. Deane was moved when reading all the things her Teacher of the Year award, German teacher students and peers said about her. Ms. Kellye Deane earned an award as the “It was only after reading the letters and seeing how I NebraskaF German Teacher of the Year. Her success can be have touched others lives that I felt more deriving of the seen through various trophies displayed in her classroom award,” Ms. Deane said. from past students. Deane had her name on a plaque that was given to Ms. Deane was voted by her peers in the state of her and she also received letters of recommendation from Nebraska. The award would be given out at a lunch. At peers and students. Her students scored high on their first, she was not going to go the lunch where they would National German exam they take each year and that is why be awarding the award. A retired colleague had to tell her she thinks this has something to do with why she received in advance that she won the award. the award. She also has other ideas about why she won “I found out about a week before the ceremony that I the award. was getting this award,” Ms. Deane said. She was shocked “I have a mentor to other German teachers in the district, and could not wait to go to the lunch. I have consistently high achieving students in the National On Saturday Oct. 8, she received the award from the German exam we take each year. I have also worked for Nebraska Association of Teachers of German; she was the Nebraska Student German Convention and hosted this honored and shocked to receive such an important award. convention in 2015. I also have had an exchange program “I was first a little shocked. It is hard sometimes for the past ten years with the Gymnasium Wellingdorf in to receive such an accolade from your peers when you Kiel, Germany, where I take students every two years for a know they worked just as hard as you did,” Ms. Deane month as well as prepare our students here to host German said. “I was shocked to hear I had won originally and had students for three weeks. I am an advocate for German German Teacher of the Year On Saturday, October 8th, not expected the award at all. I felt very honored to put teaching and learning,” Ms. Deane said. Ms Deane proudly accepted her award. This award is forth for this award by so many truly outstanding German Ms. Deane is honored to receive such a prestigious given annually and was given to her for this school year. teachers in the state. It is one thing to win an award but award. Her leadership and love for teaching German All of her many accomplishments are displayed through still another when the award comes from your peers who inspired her to go above and beyond. all of the trophies in her room. submitted photo

GHS senior named National Merit Semifinalist after taking PSAT/NMSQT test his junior year, Ben Rhodes scored in the top 1% by Cassandra Kostal Going beyond becoming a National Merit Scholarship HS senior receives distinguished award: Finalist, 7,500 of the students will receive scholarships Ben Rhodes is named National Merit totaling $33 million. The funds for the scholarships are Semifinalist supported by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation GHS’s 2016-2017 senior class boasts (NMSC), as well as over 420 business organizations and just over 250 students. Of those students, only one has educational institutes dedicated to the pursuit of academic beenG given the honor of being named a Semifinalist in the excellence. 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Senior Ben Scholarship winners are selected based on criteria Rhodes is the sole recipient of the prestigious title. such as their skills, accomplishments and potential success “I am honored and humbled to be named a in rigorous college environments. The NMSC issues these Semifinalist,” Rhodes said. scholarships without regard to gender, race, religious There are over 1.6 million students in 22,000 high preference or ethnic origin. Winners of the NMSC schools across the country that qualify for the National scholarships will be announced through four nationwide Merit Scholarship Program every year. Of those entrants, news releases between April and July. only 16,000 nationwide are selected as Semifinalists. Hoping to qualify for a NMSC scholarship, Rhodes The number of Semifinalists each year is proportionate has remained active throughout his four years of high to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating school. He is currently a part of the soccer, tennis and seniors. For the 2017 program, the state of Nebraska is quiz bowl teams and is the senior class secretary. Any credited with 94 of the 16,000 qualifying seniors. scholarship would go toward Rhodes’ college plans for In order to be considered as a National Merit the fall of 2017 following graduation. Semifinalist, students must qualify through an exam taken “I hope to attend a prestigious school on the East Coast during their junior year of high school. Only those with to major in Political Science and International Relations,” high enough scores are able to qualify. Rhodes said. “To qualify, I had to take the PSAT/NMSQT (practice The spring of 2017 marks the 62nd year of the SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) as a National Merit Scholarship Corporation. If selected to junior and achieve a score in the top 1% of test takers,” receive a scholarship, Rhodes will join more than 323,000 Rhodes said. others who have previously been awarded the title of After being named Semifinalists, qualifiers move on to Merit Scholar. the next step: becoming Finalists. Of the 16,000 students that qualified as Semifinalists, 90%, or approximately 14,500 students will reach this level, with the Finalists Left: being announced in February. Nationl Merit SemifinalistWhile now seen as a “The process for Semifinalist to become a finalist distinguished student based off of his PSAT/NMSQT test includes an essay, letters of recommendation, and a score, life and homework still go on as usual. Ben Rhodes is the only student at GHS to become a National Merit validating score on the real SAT,” Rhodes said. Semifinalist in the 2016-17 class. “To qualify, I had to take Working toward to goal of becoming a finalist, Rhodes the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior and achieve a score in the took the SAT exam on October 1. His score on the test will top 1% of test takers,” Ben Rhodes said. photos by Ben Bickle. help determine whether or not he will be named a finalist. 2 November 2016 News Volume 3 Issue 2 three years has passed since GHS History teacher learned of his heart condition checking in on Mr. Swanson’s current a-fib and well-known soda addiction by Amanda Minckler time. His drive to stay away from soda went away quickly n January of 2013, history instructor Mr. Jon and he gave in. Swanson felt his heart beating to a different “Now, I just drink Dr. Pepper,” Mr. Swanson said. “It rhythm. Since then, he has done his best to fix says doctor so it can’t be bad for me.” this problem and stay away from soda. Three Mr. Swanson is back to his old habit of drinking cans years later, it is time to see how Mr. Swanson is doing and upon cans of soda a day. He has a laid out schedule of how The Evidence Soda cans and bottles can be found all over Mr. rememberI what happened. much he drinks, and when he drinks his soda. Swanson’s room. After leaving Coca-Cola behind, his new “I went to bed one night and my heart was beating “I usually drink a bottle of Coke in the morning and favorite is Dr. Pepper. “It says doctor so it can’t be bad for me,” weird,” Mr. Swanson said. “Then I went to the school follow it up with two cans of pop in the afternoon and one said Mr. Swanson. above photos by Amanda Minckler, below photos by Sophie Anderson nurse before going to the doctor. I had an a-fib and they at night,” Mr. Swanson said. “So probably 50-60 ounces wanted to get it taken care of.” a day.” Taking care of a heart problem cannot be easy. Both of Mr. Swanson is thankful for his mostly fixed heart; the procedures that Mr. Swanson had done required him to however, after the interview concluded, Mr. Swanson be put under, and they do not always work. promptly got a can of soda, so it is easy to say that the “They shocked it back into rhythm and then it kicked only doctor’s orders he will follow is Dr. Pepper. back out,” Mr. Swanson said. “I had to go back and they decided to freeze parts of my heart.” Recovery has gone smoothly for Mr. Swanson over the past few years. There is no guaranteed fix to this problem, how many sodas does Mr. Swanson drink in a week? so he can always count on feeling the different beat. “Every once in a while I feel a little something, but 4% it’s little,” Mr. Swanson said. “It’s not a matter of if it will 1-5 come back, but when.” More came with his recovery. All GHS students knew 10% Mr. Swanson’s love for soda, and his incredible intake 6-10 of Coca-Cola raised concern on whether or not that was 20% causing his issues. 66% 11-15 “I used to drink a lot of pop and my wife asked if that In Action Mr. Swanson found with his typical soda in hand or was the reason,” Mr. Swanson said. “He said no, but I nearby. “I usually drink a bottle of Coke in the morning and should still stop.” follow it up with two cans of pop in the afternoon and one at 15+ Mr. Swanson had to give up his beloved soda. Coca- night,” Mr. Swanson said. This particular bottle is grouped in Cola went out the door, and he did pretty well for some the afternoon category. photos by Sophie Anderson graph by Sophie Anderson B-1 district now different softball and basketball districts change by Katie Stukenholtz ue to the classification changes made by the NSAA, the teams Gretna faces in dis- tricts are different. This comes into effect with the softball and basketball teams. As ofD this year, the softball team has Skutt added and the basketball team will now have Platteview and Waverly in their district. The changes made do not matter all that much to the teams. “It really doesn’t affect our teams,” head softball coach and assistant basketball coach Bill Heard said. “Both teams prepare the same way, no matter what district we are in.” With the softball team almost done with their season, the district tournament has already past. The girls had been steadily preparing all season long. It was uncertain how the changes to district were going to impact their chances of winning. “I’m not sure it helps or hurts our team’s chances,” Coach Heard said. “No matter what, it’s difficult to get to New Schools In Gretna’s softball and basketball districts, new schools have been added. While this may seem like a large difference a state tournament.” within the sports and their competitions, Coach Heard has said, “I’m not sure it helps or hurts our team’s chances.” The softball Despite the district changes, the softball girls won teams season has now come to a close without a major effect from the new district. photos by Katie Stukenholtz districts. They started by winning their first game against Omaha Gross Catholic but then lost to Skutt in their sec- ond game. The girls then had to fight their way through the losers’ bracket. They beat Ralston; after that they proceed- ed to defeat Skutt twice to claim victory. With the end of softball, the basketball season is right around the corner. According to Coach Heard, the basketball teams are sure Yearbooks on sale! to not let the changes affect them as well. If you have any questions, talk to Ms. Baijnauth Prices go up after December 22 Volume 3 Issue 2 News November 2016 3 schedule change for GHS homeroom, club, and organization scheduling in effect in an effort to treat all clubs and organizations fairly, scheduling has been modified to exclude long homeroom Thursday by Amanda Minckler new schedule change was convenient for some, did not Usually policy changes are have to find different ways to meet. has been made at mean it was convenient for all. made over the summer, so they “They’ll have to do some GHS. Thursday Certain clubs at GHS could not do not disrupt the school year; meetings before and some meetings morning’s will no meet during the twenty minute however with the students asking after school,” Mr. Miller said. “The longerA have time for GHS clubs to period, and it was brought to the for the schedule to be fair, the kids will also have to communicate. be held because long homeroom has administration’s attention. change was made in October and It’ll just be a little more challenging.” been removed from the schedule. “The problem that we were long homeroom was no longer. GHS clubs will take a little “This is my 29th year here, so running into is that we had some “We hate to do these things in more organizing. Clubs will also we’ve always had homeroom,” groups who were able to meet the middle of the school year,” Mr. no longer be able to put posters up Principal Mr. Roger Miller said. during that time, and some that were Miller said. “But I think it is more around the school, they will only be “The nice thing about homeroom not,” Mr. Miller said. “So when fair to do that and have clubs meet able to put them on one common is that it was convenient for those some people questioned that a few before and after school.” board in the cafeteria. In the end, groups. I liked long homeroom. It weeks ago, that is kind of where the Some clubs have 100+ Mr. Miller believes it was the right was a time to get homework done, issue came. They were saying ‘how participants, which could cause decision for the school. and if a group was meeting it was come they get to meet during long problems even during long “Truly for all groups it is fair,” nice to get kids here.” homeroom and we don’t?’, and that homeroom. Now with no time Mr. Miller said “I want the school Just because long homeroom was a valid question.” during the school day, clubs will and everyone to know that.”

New Schedule The new scheduling for our clubs and activities will no longer be posted. The only place for these reminders is now on the GHS Club and Organization Information bulletin board in the cafeteria. While many organizations have been removed from meeting during long homeroom and from having homeroom together, Student Council and journalism are still permitted to meet because they are student elected. right photo by Sophie Anderson left photo by Ben Bickle Gretna High School’s hosts unique college fair helping students prepare for college the results and student experiences of Gretna High School’s annual event that has been put on for over twenty years by Brooke Smith

ver twenty years ago, GHS Almost 400 people attended the fair, and received the unique opportunity a majority of the college representatives to host a college fair. The story remarked that is was the best fair that they “It helps me find schools that I am interested in. I behind inheriting this event is had been to all year. wish it wasn’t during football practice, but it was Osimple. The previous guidance counselor Our new guidance counselor, Dr. Melissa of GHS was friends with a college Hansen, was extremely impressed by the cool to have that kind of experience at our high representative from Southeast Community variety of schools that visited Gretna. She school instead of having to go somewhere else.” College. The representative was involved was also thrilled to see how a large number with college fairs, and upon request of our of freshmen and sophomores attended the Caloway Soucek said. counseling department, he decided to hold a fair to get a head start on their college college fair at GHS. planning. The college fair makes a yearly appearance “Coming from a larger metropolitan at GHS. Open to anyone, the fair is a school,” Dr. Hansen said, “it was amazing monumental marker in the high school’s to see the number of students, families, and procession of important and popular events colleges that attended the fair.” throughout the first semester. Yet, the With the tremendous outcome that the college fair was almost cancelled this year. college fair had this year, the GHS guidance Guidance counselor Ms. Carole Carraher counseling department feels encouraged released the scoop on the almost unfortunate that opportunity to hold this unique event “The college fair let me know the possible situation. will continue for many years to come. opportunities I have. I looked at Midland, Nebraska “NACRO, who is the governing board of colleges and in charge of the college fair, Wesleyan, Concordia, and Wayne State. It was a wanted us to host the fair from three p.m. to great opportunity for students and families. It was five p.m.,” Ms. Carraher said. “This would mean that we would have to cancel school a great event.” Trey Brown said. early. We were not allowed to do that, so it came down to us begging to move the starting time to later, like it had been in previous years.” With the inconvenient time change, the guidance counseling department was concerned that it would interfere with athletic practices and parents that were “It allowed me to look at colleges that I was working. This was a concern because if the unsure about so I got to get more inofrmation on college fair did not have a good turnout GHS would lose the unique opportunity of being Colleges All Around Many different them allowing me to see if I wanted to take a visit one of the few high schools to hold a fair. colleges were present at GHS college there or not. I wish there were more out of state “I think that it is a great opportunity for fair this year. The college fair is a great students to be able to see almost fifty opportunity for students to learn more about and bigger universities from other states to look colleges in their school lunch room,” Ms. colleges and better prepare for their future. at too.” Kate Leiting said. Carraher said about the benefits of hosting University of Nebraska at Omaha is only one of the colleges that were representing the college fair. “Most people don’t get to on October 5. art by Brooke Smith do that.” Despite the counseling department’s concerns, the college fair had a great turnout. 4 November 2016 News Volume 3 Issue 2 the population of the schools, but Gretna in general as a city has developed a lot. The neighborhood that I live Gretna’s population increase in used to have a ton of open lots, but there is very few Secret Kindness Agents now.” continuous growth in our town’s future The district is talking about adding more new schools new club at GHS works to do good aside from the new middle school, but nothing is set in by Abbie Wesley by Mckenzie Pavelka stone yet. More schools will be beneficial to everyone retna’s population has grown tremendous- because now that the town is growing so fast, they are ly throughout the past few years. In 2000, becoming overpacked. there were 2,976 people living in Gretna. As of 2013, there are 5,584 residents of Gretna.G The district now has four elementary schools, one middle school, with a second one being built, and one high school. As of right now, Gretna is class B but will soon be moving up to class A. The amount of kids per grade is uprising as new school years continue. Currently at GHS there are exactly 1,123 students. There are 248 seniors, 276 juniors, 290 sophomores and photo by Abbie Wesley 310 freshmen. The parking lot during the school day is completely filled with cars of students and faculty. Soon aking someone’s day just became a there will not be enough parking for everyone at GHS, so little more creative. A recently-found- other parking will have to be created. ed club at GHS is a new opportunity “I get here around 7:20 every morning if I am run- to get involved in order to help others ning on time and the front parking lot is pretty empty, and Mmake them happier. This club is called Secret Kind- aside from a few cars,” sophomore Larry Colson said. ness Agents, and it was started by junior Mazie Larsen. “But at the end of the day, the parking lot is packed and “The club is named ‘Secret Kindness Agents’ because getting out is a mess.” School Population Not only is the town growing in it has a fun spin to it,” Larsen said. “Each group member Gretna Middle School is currently overcrowded; population, but also all of the schools. While the growth is will have an agent name so their acts of kindness can re- more noticeable in the younger schools, it is still evident in there are two portables in the back, every classroom main anonymous. Therefore, we are agents (semi)secretly the high school. As students walk down the halls to their is full and some even share. For example, seventh and next class in the addition of the high school, growth is doing kind deeds.” eighth grade instructor Mr. Smith teaches in a sixth grade apparent. The idea of the club developed over the summer when math classroom. There are currently 361 sixth graders, Larsen and junior Sophie Anderson went to a conference. 350 seventh graders and 339 eighth graders at GMS. The two girls decided that GHS needed a club just like one “I am so excited for the new middle school,” eighth they learned about. grader Katie Schnase said. “Even though I won’t go there “This summer, Sophie Anderson and I attended the it is still exciting because there will finally be room for HOBY leadership conference,” Larsen said. “A speak- everyone and it will not be so crazy” er from Ralston told us of a club in Ralston High School Along with schools growing, the community itself called the Secret Kindness Agents. On the drive home, I has grown tremendously. New housing developments talked to Sophie and said we should for sure get the club have taken over farm land and other areas that used to started in Gretna. She quickly agreed and since then, we Increasing Growth After adding onto our high school, just have grass. other accomidations are in motion to build another have been trying to put the pieces together.” “I have been going to Gretna schools all my life,” high school and middle school. Not only will it affect The club currently only has a few members. Howev- Schnase said. “And I have noticed a huge change in both academics, but also sports imay move to Class A er, it will continue to grow as more people become aware of it. They meet every other week before school, and Mr. Garder is the club sponsor. “Right now, it is myself, Mazie Larsen, Nicole Mar- tindale, Kaelinn Friesen, and Allison Pinkall,” Anderson said. Highway 31 construction Members of the club have many activities planned to make GHS a happier place. They discuss their ideas with the group during their meetings. road closed past Schramm Park “‘Missions’ will include simple acts of kindness such as writing an anonymous thank you letter, smiling at ev- by Katie Stukenholtz eryone you see in the halls, complimenting a certain num- ber of people in a week,” Larsen said. “They will be rela- tively easy tasks that wouldn’t seem like they could make f anyone has ever driven on Highway 31 out past a big difference, but our hope is that each act will strive Schram Park, they would have found the road toward an overall shift in attitude.” ridden with potholes. It was deemed unsafe for The Secret Kindness Agents have many goals that travel by many of the residents in that area. they want to accomplish this year. Making someone’s day I“The road had a lot of potholes and you had to be is a simple way to impact the school atmosphere. By doing extremely careful while driving at night,” junior Michelle so, they hope that others will follow the example and be Weber said. kind to their peers as well. Those who had to drive it every day thought that it “We just want to make the school a more loving envi- was overly dangerous, especially since it was next to the ronment for everyone,” senior Allison Pinkall said, “and Platte River. There was also the risk of animals running just make Gretna into a place where everyone feels like out in front of vehicles. there are people who care about them and that they can “There was a car that drove into the river because turn to if they ever need it.” he hit a pothole and an animal ran in front of him at the Excitement is flowing through the halls because of this same time,” Weber said. new club. The members are eager to turn their goals into That road is no longer an available route since the reality. Nebraska Department of Roads has began construc- “I am probably most excited to hear about what hap- tion on it in order to better improve that section of the pens to people when they’re kind,” Anderson said. “How highway. Although in the end the construction will be they feel and see someone begin to understand that they beneficial, right now it seems more like a hinderance. completely changed someone’s day or even life by doing “It is difficult because it takes away the direct route to something so simple and easy.” my home, so I have to go a longer way,” Weber said. There are countless reasons why everyone should join The project consists of 1.17 miles of Highway 31. the Secret Kindness Agents club. It is simple, fun, and Construction started at the beginning of fall and is fore- valuable. If you are interested in joining the club, you can casted to be finished by the end of the season. The money contact Anderson, Larsen, or Martindale. for this comes from state funding and costs approximate- “It’s a fun opportunity to be really nice to people you ly $1.4 million. Some improvements will include remov- may not have ever talked to before,” Pinkall said, “or to ing and replacing pavement, putting in a new subgrade, make somebody’s day.” which is the material under the road, and the pavement of Even though the club is just starting out, they have parking turnouts. These all should serve to make driving already come a long way in their plans to make GHS a on the highway more secure. happier environment for everyone. Their efforts will ben- “I am looking forward to it because it will be safer to efit the school in many ways and continue to be a positive drive on,” Weber said. Road Closed If you travel on Highway 31, you will now influence in the future. The construction workers have been hard at work encounter road work along the way. After it was labeled “Everyone is welcomed to join the club and encour- repairing the road. Hopefully these improvements will as unsafe for travel, the road work began. While this is a aged to contribute their desired amounts of effort,” Mar- make the road safe once again, so people no longer have welcome change for the residents and all roadway users, tindale said. “Just the smallest acts of kindness in our to be scared to drive on that road. it will interfere with travel plans until the conclusion of the school can go a long way.” work. photos by Katie Stukenholtz Volume 3 Issue 2 Opinion November 20165 is black friday shopping really worth it weighing the pros and cons of the winter shopping holiday by Abbie Wesely eople across the nation debate over when it is cold outside. Black Friday: Is it a good idea to wake I think the people that up in the early hours of the morning, wait in tents for several stand in a long line and practically days outside a store just freezeP to death just for a great sale? I believe there for a single sale are acting is truth to both sides of the argument; Black crazy. I would never have Friday has benefits and disadvantages. that much dedication, There are many advantages to shopping on no matter how much I Black Friday. Obviously saving money is the wanted something. Also, main goal, but there are other parts to this event some people just do not that make it worth the hassle. Treating yourself like to shop, even if the to something you have wanted all year is never item is on sale. Obviously a bad thing, and Black Friday is the best excuse this holiday is not their to finally make that purchase. Furthermore, cup of tea. some places such as Apple have discounts for Overall, I believe the students, which is useful if a person is looking pros outweigh the cons. I think Black Friday once to experience the atmosphere and the thrill to purchase a laptop to use in college. While you shopping is a fun activity and I get excited when of the holiday, even if you do not like to shop. I are out saving money, you also spend time with the annual event draws near. I have never had any suggest going with friends and family and making friends and family. No matter who you go with, it concerns for safety, even when I did not go with a list of some items that you would like to buy. is valuable bonding time during the long waiting an adult. To me, waking up in the early hours Ultimately, if you decide to participate in this periods. of the morning is completely worth it to get in holiday, make it about building memories and Black Friday shopping is not always a pleasant on some great deals. I love to shop, probably bonding with family, rather than just the savings. experience. Getting up early just to wait in long more than most people. Even so, I would still The entire experience can be unforgettable if you lines is not everyone’s idea of fun, especially recommend going Black Friday shopping at least go with an open mind and good people. Art by Brooke Smith why aren’t there home ec classes offered in the district Gretna Public Schools is the only omaha school without a home ec. department By Kiersy Bush fter spending my entirewas at the Gretna Middle School I realized that freshman year at Millard even the middle school had a cooking class, West, my hesitance to come Measure, Mix and Bake, and a sewing class, to a smaller school with a sewing fundamentals. A school that offers Home smaller course list was major. Maintenance, Welding, Small Engines, Woods, One of my biggest concerns was the lack of a and Basic Construction seems to be targeting HomeA Economics class. I had previously taken one end of the “life skills” spectrum. So why don’t a Clothing Apparel and Design class for a full we offer sewing or cooking classes? semester and I had really enjoyed it. Sewing was “We don’t have the money in the budget for something I found fun and it came easily to me, the equipment and we don’t currently have the just as painting or welding come easily to others. staff to teach those sorts of classes,” assistant I had also been very excited to start taking principal Todd Mueller said. “We have the rooms cooking/baking classes as they were not available there we just haven’t taken the steps to fill them to underclassmen. When I arrived at GHS and or hire the staff to teach them yet.” was unable to continue sewing classes and begin With plans to add on to the course list in the learning how to cook I was surprised. I had never future, and the classroom space to do so, the heard of a high school without kitchens or a students of GHS can expect a Home Ec. program sewing room. When discussing my lack of option in the future. I just wish I was going to be around to take these classes with my younger sister who to see it. if GHS offered a home ec Yes class, would you take it? No Hannah Schrek “I wish Gretna had a Home Ec. class. I would

Cooking ManiaThe Home Ec classrooms at Elkhorn South and Millard West High School’s are well used and definitely take it.” always full of students excited to learn these important life skills. Photo by Kai Harris 6 November 2016 Opinion Volume 3 Issue 2 everyone has become phubbers and it is time to change millennials have lost the ability communicate without a screen in front of their face By Amanda Minckler e have become a generation children. Our minds can take a break from the of phubbers. Yes, I said it. constant information firing at it. A break from Phubbers. No, I am not the info dump can lower our stress and give making up words to sound teenagers a chance to relax for once. smarter;W phubbing can be defined as ignoring Our generation of phubbing is also losing our someone to look at one’s phone. Cellular devices communication skills. We have lost the ability to have become a necessary part of daily life for our just sit and talk to a person. When friends go out How many a day do you generation. If a phone is lost, it is like a person to dinner, instead of talking, they just sit on their has lost their family pet. This obsession can be phones. This is not social. There are real people good at some points. Having the news or the right across the booth. Stop worrying about use your phone? ability to contact someone across the country in that social media drama and have an actual one click is amazing, but there is a point where it conversation. We cannot rely on our phones to gets ridiculous. People can no longer be bored. always be there for us. It is just plain rude to be 0-2 hours 2-3 hours 3-4 hours 4+ hours The ability to just sit and stare at the wall thinking ignoring the people that surround us at dinner. has been lost because as soon as a moment comes Conversations can be so much more amazing where boredom could come about, the phone is than whatever is so important on that screen. right there. No boredom leads to less creativity. People learn new things, make new friends and Instead of letting our mind flow free, people go even just feel better about themselves because straight to mind numbing social media or games. they have someone to talk to. Stop ranting on I am guilty of this as well because it is something social media and talk to an actual human being. that we are so used to. Our generation needs to They are so much better at listening than an learn how to be bored again. Maybe then we can iPhone. have groundbreaking inventors, award winning In the end, our phones are hurting us more authors, or just someone who can come up with than we believe. We continue to ignore the world an original joke that has not been plastered over around us for the world that we have created on twitter a million times. Once we can break the the screen. It is time for us to learn the art of bond between us and our phones, we can let our boredom again and stop phubbing the people we imagination flow as much as it did when we were love.

great freedom comes great responsibility. Tests will no longer be printed out onto the platform of cyber one on one, computers for future generations the printer. Only a few technicians are employed for our school, so questions arise as to how GHS is looking to provide computers to the student body in the years 17-18 network challenges will be handled. Plagiarism, By Jessica Blum that fundamental idea that we learn since middle he mission of GHS is undeniable As of now, no excuses are tolerated for tardy and even elementary school, will be easier to and unconditional acceptance of all assignments and projects; however, with a find and take action against. These expectations students. For years it has consisted computer in hand, no student will ever be able will now follow us to the end of our educational of generations coming to know to use the excuse “my dog ate my homework” or careers. technology,T learning the uses of technology and “I left my homework in my car or at home.” Now, Safety precautions will need to be enforced. sharing it to produce a better teacher-student the excuses will turn into “I left my computer on When finally being trusted with such a grand, relationship. It has been decided that GHS will the car” or “there is no internet connection at my wise piece of machinery, it has to be carried and integrate the one-to-one idea of providing one house.” Situations like these will have their unique transported with the utmost sense of caution and computer to each student. Many advantages and ways of accommodation from the administration respect. More money than ever before is being disadvantages come into fruition with this big and the school staff. The wireless networks and set aside in place for a more substantial way of jump for our curriculum. Overall, there is a very connections may cause questions and obstacles learning and relaying information. For current fine line with success and failure in this project. to come out of the woodwork. At some point in eighth graders to juniors, this adventure will Thankfully, I include optimistic thoughts about high school, a technological obstacle will surface occur as we experiment through every corner and my future, so this project is going to work well and restrict students from progress. Hopefully by loophole that completes the circuit of technology. for me. the time we go one-to-one, more of these wireless For students, being handed a computer that connections will be solved so that the network is filed under their first and last name during the runs clean and smooth. Computers in a literal course of the year would make much of the year sense, when seeking a more meaningful purpose, the voice staff fly by with ease. With no opportunity for worry will be most beneficial for the teachers. The direct to spring into action, every student will know links of communication will be in use more editor in chief: Amanda Minckler for sure where and when their technology will often, and teachers will lean on this equipment copy editor: Abbie Wesely be necessary. Paper and trees will be saved as the for responsibility tactics and learning tools. environment lives on once more in peace. This Notes, tests and homework will all take place on opinion editor: Emily Acker all-knowing piece of technology will throw the the screen in front of my face. My anxiety levels doors wide open for our education to flourish. are through the roof with these new burdens of A&E editor: Jadyn Anderson My classes will be manageable from the same responsibility. However, daunting and exciting origin, the laptop. The time that I have waited to emotions fill my brain and neurons with that sports editor: Jessica Blum own a personal computer able to travel with me brainstorm. wherever I go would be equivalent to my entire At the commencement of the new school year, feature/ indepth editor: Cassandra Kostal high school career. There are prevalent amounts teachers will not only ramble on about classroom news editor: Sophie Anderson of time that I deem as awkward after a test, and procedures once more, but a new system will computers would eliminate that awkward, lazy be instituted with this one-to-one basis in our video editor: Dylan Roberts part of my school day. I am strongly looking high school. This new addition to the “first day staff writers: Shelby Bartram, Ben Bickel, Jacey Hammer, Mara forward to this new piece of machinery borrowed festivities” will be the expansion of expectations Hjermstad, Mason Hjermstad, Olivia Kahler, Colin Kitson, Mckenzie Pavelka, under my name. that each teacher holds us accountable to. With Brooke Smith, Layne Staley Katie Stckenholtz, Kiersey Bush, Jamisha Robey Volume 3 Issue 2 Feature November 2016 7 student athletes demonstrate no fear of commitment photo by Cassandra Kostal ghs sports stars sign contracts early in preparation to play for college teams By Cassandra Kostal hough it is only October, a quarter into the some, the commitment comes months before senior year 2016-2017 school year, several GHS athletes even begins. have already committed to continue with “I committed early because soccer recruiting starts their athletic pursuits following graduation. super early and if you want to go to a certain school, you TSeniors Mallory Yost, Kamryn Horner and Jaisa have to start early,” junior Lindsey Johnson said. “They Russell have already made their future plans. With Yost only have so many spots and so much money they can and Russell committing to playing volleyball and Horner offer.” committing for softball, all three female athletes know Even though her senior year is still months away, what they want to do and are actively pursuing their Johnson already knows what she wants. She has already dreams. committed to the University of Central Missouri. By Yost committed to the University of Texas at El Paso, committing to play soccer long before her time in high Horner will be attending Concordia and Russell has school expires, she has set herself up for a successful committed to Midland University. future. This future comes both on and off the field, though On Oct. 8, senior football player Patrick Arnold she is still debating a major. also notified his college of choice of his plan to commit. “I haven’t decided yet,” Johnson said. “Probably After graduation, Arnold plans to attend the University of health sciences or kinesiology because I want to be a Wyoming. physical therapist.” Making it OfficialSurrounded by her parents and coach- The athletes considered multiple factors when it came Johnson is not the only one with a plan for what she es, Kamryn Horner (17) committed to Concordia. She time to choose which college would best fit their checklist wants to major in. The senior girls have also made up their will play softball for her college while double majoring in of requirements. Along with the athletic programs, the minds about what career they wish to pursue, along with psychology and sociology. Back row (l-r) Assistant GHS academic opportunities of each school were also taken their hopes to pursue learning adventures outside of the softball coach Todd Mills, Concordia graduate assistant softball coach Naomi Tellez, Concordia head softball into careful consideration before a decision was made. classroom. coach Todd LaVelle, head GHS softball coach Bill Heard. “I chose Midland because it has a really good nursing “I am planning to double major in psychology and photo by Kimberly Bailey program,” Russell said. “Also, the volleyball team is sociology while at Concordia,” Horner said. “I plan on ranked #1 in NAIA right now.” studying abroad or going on a mission trip sometime in Aside from academics and athletics, the location of college.” the school is critical to the decision-making process. When By agreeing to play on their selected college’s sports four years of life are going to be spent at a college, the team, all five athletes are not just committing to the school atmosphere is crucial. and their studies, but to hours upon hours of practice as “All of the people (team, coaches) were really, really well. Juggling it all may prove to be difficult, but they will nice,” Yost said. “The campus was beautiful, and I love the learn to manage it all successfully. city of El Paso.” “As of right now I plan on majoring in nursing,’ Along with spending four years on the school’s campus Russell said. “It will be hard balancing the two, but I think itself surrounded by classmates, as an athlete, each student I can do it.” will be spending countless hours with the coaches and For Arnold, his plan is to major in engineering, most teammates. That team atmosphere in their situation proves likely petroleum engineering. While eager for the new to be just as important as that of the actual college. academic opportunities, practice time spent on the football “I decided to commit to Concordia because of how field will be his first taste of the college life. much it felt like home,” Horner said. “I walked around “I’m most looking forward to the potential of early campus and felt totally comfortable. I love that Concordia playing time next year,” Arnold said. is a Lutheran college and my new softball coach is As the volleyball, football and softball seasons amazing! He is kind and understanding and he genuinely continue into the fall months and soccer looks forward cares for his players on and off the field.” to practice beginning in the spring, all of GHS’s student While graduation for each of these athletes is fast athletes are putting everything they have into their game. approaching and they will be on their new campus before For those who have signed to play college sports, this is they know it, they are not the only ones making plans. For only the beginning. photo by Tonja Jacobsen photo by Lynda Arnold

Branching Out Looking beyond the Midwest, Mallory Yost (17) has committed to the University of Texas at El Paso. The beauty of the campus and the town drew her in. She will play volleyball while studying business. photo by Melanie Johnson

Family Support Senior Jaisa Russell stands with her Tough Decision After weighing his options, Patrick sisters Kaiya (19), left, and Shaina (21), right. Russell Arnold (17) committed to the University of Wyoming. recently committed to play volleyball for Midland University During a campus visit, he posed with Wyoming football next year. Russell also chose Midland for its excellent coaches Scott Fuchs, left, and Craig Bohl. Arnold plans nursing program. to study engineering. photo by Melanie Johnson

Starting Young Junior Lindsey Johnson (18) has already committed to a college. After graduation she will Getting Comfortable Visiting campus, Lindsey Johnson feels right at home on the field of the University of Central play soccer of the University of Central Missouri. She Missouri. Still a junior, she has committed to play soccer following her graduation in 2018. Though her major is still committed early to secure a spot on the team. undetermined, she plans to become a physical therapist. 8November 2016 InDepth Volume 3 Issue 2 is actually having access to cars. Another thing is getting continue improving. Waterman’s dreams may come true parts without the prices amounting to too much. Money someday after he goes to college and studies mechanics cory waterman by Jadyn Anderson management is important because the sum of the cars and and welding. Dreams do not just suddenly come true. They ost eight year old boys are interested parts can escalate quickly. require hard work, which Waterman has been putting in in action figures and comic books, “We just use cars and trucks we have collected since he was eight years old. not mechanics. Sophomore Cory throughout the past,” Waterman said. “There are a couple photo by Cassandra Kostal Waterman’s early found interest in different places my family and I buy parts from, some of mechanicsM set up the building blocks for his future. There submitted photo are millions of different hobbies in the world, including reading, biking, watching Netflix, binge eating, knitting and a whole plethora more. Sophomore Cory Waterman’s hobby is something more exciting. He remodels old cars. It has been a hobby of his for nearly half his life. “I’ve been working with cars since I was about seven or eight,” Waterman said,”always helping with something in the shop.” Waterman had familial influence when it came to getting involved with remodels. The love for cars runs in his family. Family Influence Since the age of eight, Cory Waterman (19) has had a love of mechanics. He has been working “My dad and both of my brothers and myself all work to remodel cars ever since. Waterman’s hobby began af- on our own cars,” Waterman said. “My uncle’s 1960s ter he was influenced by his father, brothers and his uncle. Chevy pickup is what first got me interested in fixing cars.” Finishing touches Obviously, a car needs a good paint Obviously a key factor in having mechanics as a hobby job to really attract the eye. The outward appearance is submitted photo submitted photo the first thing people notice. “This picture is from when I was in the process of painting my Chevy,” Waterman said.

them are Bullet Proof Diesel and O’Reilly’s.” Renovating cars can be hard work. All the years of effort have not been for nothing, Waterman plans to pursue a career in mechanics. “I want to go to college for mechanics and welding,” Waterman said, “and open up my own garage someday.” Waterman’s career in mechanics is just getting started. He has a long road ahead of him. He is currently working on a project. “I am slowly building up a 2002 Chevy S10 that I Putting in work There are always finishing details to add Up to his ears Fixing up cars is not simple work. There have, but I am not sure what I want to do with that yet,” Waterman said. that round off the project. “That’s when I was doing the are many small details that lead to a car running well. “I bodywork on my 02 Chevy S10,” Waterman said. At this This is the kind of hobby that keeps people on their did a front steering alignment and put the new tires on my stage of the project, Waterman begins to see what all of ‘02 Chevy S10,” Waterman said. toes, and there are endless projects to work on and his hard work was for. restoration: bringing classics back to life students find purpose in fixing up their old cars photo by Cassandra Kostal kolton radke by Mara Hjermstad he 16th birthday has arrived: the first car Radke said. “I’ve been working on that for the past two comes into the picture and miles are acquired, and a half years.” but then it breaks down. What happens next? Renewing and repairing takes an extended amount of GHS students have a burning desire to fix time to complete because of buying parts and finding time piecesT of used machinery and turn them into something to do the articulate work. Radke does not sell the cars he new. Repairing old cars and making them run like state-of- works on, they are just project cars. These cars that him the-art vehicles is a skill that many people do not possess. and his brother work on become their first personal cars Senior Kolton Radke is one of those students with this when they are completed. particular passion. He has been restoring cars with his dad “I do not plan on going into a career involving anything and brother for five years. like this,” Radke said. “It’s just more of a bonding thing “I started because it’s what my uncle and my dad did with my dad, uncle, and my brother.” when my dad was about 15 or 16,” Radke said. Getting family involved is a good way to bond and Seeing his family pursue the art of car restoration share experiences. Radke got his first “lemon” (a vehicle was what drove him into the hobby. His family is actively with many problems and severe issues) when he was 13 involved and very supportive of him. and is still working on it today. Restoring cars is a hobby “My dad wanted to keep it going, so my brother got for any age, so Radke can continue to restore cars. Radke Sweet Sixteen For his 16th birthday, Kolton Radke (17) my dad’s old 1970 Trans Am when I was 13, and when I does not want to pursue a career in car repair, but he will received his first car. He has been involved with restoring turned 16, my uncle found a shell of a 1958 Ford Fairlane,” continue restoring because it is something he enjoys. cars ever since. Radke is supported in his hobby by his dad, uncle, and brother, all of whom were instrumental in submitted photo sparking his interest in the trade. submitted photo

Sibling bond A 1979 Trans Am under repair in Radke’s shop. The car was originally given to Radke’s older Finished product The completed Trans Am sits outside of Radke’s garage. After a car is fully restored, Radke does brother. It was passed along after Radke worked to help not resell them. Instead, he keeps them and uses them as project cars. repair the car. Volume 3 Issue 2 InDepth November 20169 restoration genes submitted photo projects become family affair the schulte family by Mara Hjermstad Family Favorite The 1957 Chevy two door is a particular favorite of the Schulte family. This car is their favorite be- ll families try to spend time together, cause it is the first car they worked on together as a family. Since finishing, the Scultes have restored several more whether it be watching a movie or going cars together. submitted photo on vacations. Our very own English electrical and mechanical work and their friend does the instructor Mrs. Michelle Schulte and her body work for them. familyA spend their spare time restoring cars from the early “Prices of the cars to restore vary greatly due to the 1900’s. Mrs. Schulte, her husband and son sophomore type of car or truck desired and the condition it is in,” Mrs. Nathan Schulte have been restoring cars since Nathan was Schulte said. “Prices can be between $1,000 and $20,000.” little. The parts prices also vary on what kind of car it is and “My dad was really the one to get me hooked on it,” what kind of part they need. Car restorations take about Nathan said. “I haven’t really turned my back on it because two to four years to complete depending on the time you it is really cool.” have to work on it. Occasionally it takes an extra 1,000 Nathan is currently working on a 1956 Ford F-100. hours to complete. In the end, all the work is worth it Family Bond Standing beneath their lateset project, Mr. Schulte is the source of the car love in this family. He because the restored car can now be sold to make a profit. Nathan and Mrs. Michelle Sculte are proud of their work. The Schulte family has been restoring cars since Nathan has been restoring cars for 35 years and has been sharing The Schulte family is not in it just for the money, they was a toddler. The cars that the family restores often take the experience with his family for the past 20 years. restore cars for the experience. 2 to 4 years to complete. “My husband pursued a career in the automotive submitted photo industry,” Mrs. Schulte said. “He was a fully certified ASE mechanic before he pursued an engineering degree specializing in automotive electronics.” The first car they built together as a family was a 1957 Chevy. It was a two door with a hard top. The Schulte family has been restoring cars for so long that their family calls them with questions. They have taken to calling themselves the resident experts. “I do not want to have a career in automotive,” Nathan said. “I do not like that all the new electronic stuff. I like mechanical because it is straightforward.” Even though his family has been restoring cars as far as he can remember, Nathan will not be following in his father’s footsteps. The Schulte family also has a friend Red Hot A cherry red two door convertible sits parked in front of the Schulte’s home. Mr. Schulte is the source of this that they work with on their cars. They do more of the car passion in this family. He pursued a career in cars and became a fully certified ASE mechanic.

Once his father passed away, he kept fixing the cars with Depending on the last owner, they have to scrub down the the pinkall family his oldest son Lance, and later his other children, Allison interior and vacuum and touch up and paint the exterior. and Luke. Lance typically works on cars for two weeks They steam clean all of it and fix all the rusty parts too. by Layne Staley at a time. Luke has been working on a 1974 Camaro with “I have definitely gotten closer to my dad while he restoration of cars is fascinating to his dad for about a month now, and Allison does not know working on cars, so have my brothers. It is something that many people, and the Pinkall family is no how to do much, but she helps out whenever she can. we can work on and accomplish together and enjoy,” A. exception. GHS students senior Allison “We like flipping cars,” L. Pinkall said. “ [It’s] Pinkall said. Pinkall, sophomore Luke Pinkall, and kind’ve like houses. We buy them for cheap, fix them The Pinkalls have been working on cars for a long alumniT Lance Pinkall (2014), are a part of a family and sell them for more. It can sometimes be frustrating time and hope to keep doing it in the future. They are able continuing a tradition of restoring cars. Allison and Luke if something goes wrong but it usually brings us closer to work as a family while doing something they all love. have been helping their dad with cars from a very young together.” It is also satisfying for them to see how their hard work age. The Pinkalls work on all types of vehicles, such as turned out in the final product when they are finished. “My dad has been doing it for as long as I can trucks, convertibles, Mustangs–new, old and more. When The restoration of cars is interesting because people can remember,” L. Pinkall said. “I started doing it because I they first get a car, they take out all the trash and broken see how a vehicle transforms from start to finish. For the enjoy spending time with my dad and my brother, and I glass. Then they look at what is broken and fix it or order Pinkall family, restoring cars is a family tradition that they like the feeling when we finish that car and then look at new parts. The next step is to clean the car inside out. can all find entertainment in with each other. pictures when we got it and seeing it look like it’s brand new.” photo by Lona Pinkall photo by Eric Pinkall The Pinkalls’ father was taught by his father when he was young, and he has loved fixing things ever since.

Family Ties The Pinkall family poses together. (l-r) Alli- Accident Repair Working side-by-side with her dad Eric, son, Lance, Lona, Eric, and Luke Pinkall. Patriarch Eric Allison Pinkall works to repair a bumper. The bumper Piece by Piece This old car went through a vigorous established a love for cars while working on them with his belongs to a car owned by her older brother, Lance. A. process to get restored. L. Pinkall (19) cuts out rust, welds father when he was young. Allison, Lance, and Luke have Pinkall accidentally dented the bumper as she backed out in new metal, fixes the engine if necessary, and paints all gained a love of cars from their father. of their driveway as she was so focused on not hitting her the car when working on cars. The goal is for the final dad’s vehicle. product to looke as good as new. 10 November 2016 Feature Volume 3 Issue 2 two friends, two state titles photo by Faye Zmek horse and rider claim consecutive titles by Kiersey Bush enior Cassidy Bartenhagen and her horse Blue are widely known in the horse riding community for their winning streak in the state horse show. Two years in a row the Quarter HorseS lead them to victory. After six years of practicing and getting to know each other, the pair is inseparable. Although Bartenhagen is busy managing the GHS volleyball team and basketball practice, she always makes sure to find time to go out to the barn and practice before a competition comes around. “Preparing for the shows I go out and ride at the horse barn and usually my horse trainer is out there helping me,” Bartenhagen said. “The class I won state in is based on my horse not me as the rider. They look more at how my horse can perform those gates rather than how I am riding my horse.” In order to qualify for the state competition, you have to compete at districts and receive either a blue or purple ribbon. You can only qualify for state in two performance classes and two speed classes. “I go into an arena with multiple other people and their horses,” Bartenhagen said. “We ride around the rail in the arena and the judge will have a gate (walk, trot, lope) called out and everyone has to do that. The judge looks at the consistency of the horse and the way that they move.” Winning state once is quite a task but two years in a row is almost unheard of. It requires a very strong bond between the horse and rider. Bartenhagen trains hard, as does Blue. “I don’t really think I personally do anything that sets me apart because it is my horse that is the one winning for us,” Bartenhagen said. “I am lucky enough to have such a nice horse that is really good at doing what we do.” With plans to continue on in their horse riding career, the pair will be competing in all the necessary qualifiers and hope to make it to state next year, and of course win. Who knows, maybe a third state title is just what they will get. Two Time Champs Cassidy Bartenhagen sits atop her horse Blue after their second state championship title win in the summer of 2016. The excited duo happily poses for a picture identical to one they took last year after their first state championship win. dynamic duo: softball coaches have a history together photo by Kat Yates a former basketball coach is now working alongside a player he once coached by Brooke Smith hree years ago Mr. Bill Heard became the Both are in agreement that when it comes to coaching head coach for the GHS softball program. softball they can count on one another to be dedicated, Joining him on the coaching staff was dependable, focused and loyal. Mr. Jake Jadlowski, a first year instructor to “I feel pretty lucky to be coaching alongside GHS,T yet a familiar face to Coach Heard. The relationship Jadlowski,” Coach Heard said. “Not just because he’s a between coaches Heard and Jadlowski is extraordinary great coach - and he is a great coach - but also because of considering the unique past that they share. how hard he works to help kids. It’s really cool and a great Before Coach Heard began teaching at Gretna, benefit of coaching.” he taught and coached softball and boys basketball at Together Coach Heard and Coach Jadlowski have Ralston High School. Coach Jadlowski attended Ralston earned three district titles and a state championship. They High School and played basketball under Coach Heard’s dedicate their successfulness to the compatibility and hard Watching Closely During the first game of the state tour- instruction for three years. Mr. Jadlowski can recount work of every coach and player. Not only has the coaching nament, softball coaches Bill Heard and Jake Jadlowski many memories and lessons he learned from his seasons staff changed, but because of the dedication from Coach observe the field. The girls varsity softball team finished playing for Coach Heard. Heard and Coach Jadlowski, so has the entire GHS softball second in the tournament, reaching their goal of making it to the championship game. The two coaches have “As a coach, he made me a lot more tough,” Mr. program and the community that surrounds it. worked together for the past three seasons. Jadlowski said. “He made me work harder and taught me about how important preparation is. Heard always submitted photo expected a lot, but that never stopped me from wanting to compete and play hard for him.” Mr. Jadlowski mentioned that although Coach Heard’s expectations are the same as when he was being coached, his methods and demeanor are different. The unique situation of now coaching alongside his previous coach has provided Mr. Jadlowski with a chance to work with someone who he had always respected as a player. Although their relationship is different now than it was in the past, Mr. Jadlowski and Mr. Heard both agree that the previous player to coach relationship has never impacted the coach to coach relationship that they have now. “Having known each other and been through competition and the ‘fight’ together means that we are already familiar with and trust each other,” Coach Jadlowski said about Coach Heard. “It helps that we already had a relationship before coaching together because it gives us the capability to be honest with each Back in Time Coach Jake Jadlowski kneels (front row, third from right) with the rest of his Ralston High School other when making decisions.” basketball team. Coach Bill Heard (far left) smiles proudly over the team’s successful season. The team finished The two colleagues think very highly of each other. second in the state tournament two years in a row. Volume 3 Issue 2 Sports November 201611 Volleyball and cross country are on opposite sides of the sport spectrum. Cross country involves running bonding removes barriers and improving personal times while volleyball is a sport of extreme communication and participation from every family and team, we are together as one member on the court. When freshmen are initiated into the sport of volleyball, they already understand the idea by Jessica Blum of cooperating with one another efficiently, but with upperclassmen, there will always be that age barrier. Team espect, and trust, and relationships, and bonding erases this uncertainty and replaces it with a robust friends, and teammates, and sportsmanship, bond among teammates. and communication and fun. These “Every year there are always a couple of new faces components and many more produce an that have the opportunity to play on the varsity and experienceR that help female GHS teams perform at a higher the upperclassmen and I have always done our best to level in competitions against other schools. Team bonding make them feel welcomed and accepted as part of the is a creation intended to produce a more comfortable team,” senior Cameron Scott said. “So, gaining a better atmosphere for teammates to build comradery as one on relationship with the new players gives them the comfort the field, court, diamond and course. With our school and ability to play competitively, rather than being timid.” by Ben Bickel district growing every year, our little class B school is not Team bonding and dinners take place sporadically. t GHS we take pride in each and every considered so small and unnoticeable anymore. With our Whether it be once a year, once a month, once a week, or one of our sports. A sport that is not talked dedication, our female teams have improved to be victorious whenever availability works itself out, team bonding has about as much as football and basketball is in recent years. These relationships have worked wonders one “soul” purpose. A “team family” is essentially what is cross country. This season GHS has more for our overall performances in our teams, especially for truly formed between the girls. runnersA out than they have ever had in the program. They junior Lexi Burkhardt and the GHS softball team. “Team bonding plays a big role in us calling each also added one more coach to the staff. The season has “Before team bonding, I didn’t know any of the girls,” other family,” Scott said. “Team dinners every other week been in full swing coming up on the state race in Kearney. Burkhardt said. “Since then, I talk to all of them and have a and the occasional sleepover on the weekends instate A big part of running is setting goals and doing good relationship with them. I have a lot more respect from an environment that makes it effortless to build strong whatever possible to reach those goals. Senior Ashley the girls and can take constructive criticism from them.” communications with one another.” Husing set the bar just right for herself this year. “I’ve Burkhardt has a newfound confidence in her teammates’ Most female teams would not have the success and reached the goal I’ve set for myself this year, which was performances and in her own because of these experiences. passion for the sport they perform in without these events. actually to just PR. Now the goal is to just push myself From playing in front of fans to the classroom, team There are no downsides to building new relationships with each race to continue to get better,” Husing said. bonding has generated this friendship and belief in one people who share common interests. Breaking barriers Junior Mazie Larsen feels the same way about her another outside of time designated to solely practicing. through bonding is the experience that leaves a lasting season so far. “I have broke my own personal records “During cross country practice, it is more focused account in high school memories when putting a team for each race I’ve been in compared to last year. This is on working to improve your time and skills,” sophomore together each year with new recruits. amazing for me as it means all my hard work is paying Kelly Arnold said. “There is little to no time to socialize. off,” Larsen said. Larsen finished first place at the state The people that I would not normally have seen as social I cross country meet in Kearney last year. got to know more as they came out of their shell when they Another part of the sport is having the will to run two weren’t in a practice state of mind.” to three miles everyday and that it is going to be okay and Arnold hosted her own team bonding experience at her that it is going to be enjoyable all season. Senior Emily house for the cross country members. She wanted no one Romano is entering her third season running cross country to be left out, so planning and convincing her parents were at GHS. After not running last season, she has decided the most difficult parts of the event. to come back to run her senior year. Her background “Coaxing my parents to have 60 plus people over so no motivates her to run. one was excluded was what I had to accomplish to create “My family is big on running,” Romano said. “My dad a successful location for a team bonding,” Arnold said. “I Breaking From Shell Through practice and improvement, cross country still manages to make time for each other, and my uncles ran, a couple of my cousins and my sisters assigned people to bring food while I gathered the drinks, strengthening bonds between teammates. Kelly Arnold all run. It’s something I can share with my family.” and it worked out well.” held her own team bonding event at her house where her Senior Trysten Whitted also shares that the teammates played outside activities in her backyard for determination he uses to run helps him get in shape for hours. “The people that I would not normally have seen as other sports. Whitted is heading into his last season of cross social I got to know more as they came out of their shell,” country and has felt that it is been a mediocre season and is superstitions put in action Arnold (19) said. photo by Kelly Arnold seeking individual improvement. Whitted is a multi-sport devoted his talent to God. Right before he plays, Mattley athlete and he says it helps with other sports. “It keeps me pregame rituals, spooky superstitions thanks God for everything He has done for him and thanks in shape for soccer in the spring,” Whitted said. Trysten is by Jacey Hammer Him for his tennis abilities. entering his fourth season running cross country. But, this “I also try and read some of the Bible before a match,” season has been one of Whitted’s toughest as he is facing hrough hours of practice and hard-work, Mattley said. “I do these things because God deserves all an ankle injury and doing what he can to nurse it back game time has finally arrived. Game days call the glory and I play to represent Him in everything that I to health. “I haven’t met my expectations because I’ve for a routine that some players develop on do.” been fighting injuries, and trying to get back to a hundred their own. Pre-game rituals and superstitions Mattley is not the only athlete who focuses their time percent,” Whitted said. “That’s taking a lot of time.” controlT the way some athletes treat game days, no matter on the court toward God. Sophomore Jadyn Makovicka Larsen expresses her role model in the sport that what the sport may be. puts a cross necklace in her right sock before competing in encourages her to run her hardest everyday. “I have “I do not wash my cross country uniform,” sophomore a volleyball match. always looked up to Kaci Lickteig. She is an amazing Will Kratina said. “I feel like it washes away all my hard “I want to make sure that I am thinking about the right ultra marathoner who just won the Western States 100 work and good luck. I have not washed it at all this season things before I play,” Makovicka said. mile run,” Larsen said. “I have known her and ran with her or last season.” Superstitions develop naturally. Most players do not since I was a little girl. If I could have half the talent she Many cross country runners have developed realize they continually repeat the same motions before does when I grow up, I will be proud of myself,” Larsen superstitions throughout their running careers. Whether it is competing. They affect the mind of the athlete and change said. not washing their uniform or eating a certain meal before a the way the players think. Growing up having a role model to motivate someone meet, most pre-meet superstitions are different than others. “I have done some of these things since freshman is fulfilling because it pushes people to do what they love “I wear my uniform to school the day of a meet,” junior year,” Bernal said. “They just randomly started like a bad everyday. For Larsen this person is Kaci Lickteig. Mazie Larsen said. “I also always sleep in my uniform the habit.” So far this season there have been eight races and there night before.” When game day calls, players have their own pregame are two more left in the season, and maybe even three if Cross country runners are not the only athletes that rituals and superstitions to get ready for the big game. These they qualify for the state meet. As of now the GHS cross have superstitions. The varsity softball team recites the superstitions make athletes believe they will compete to country team is cruising toward what could be another “State of Mind” poem that coach Mr. Bill Heard taught the their full potential while competing. team. They hold hands and senior Kamryn Horner recites year at the state meet, and possibly another state medal a softball prayer without coaches. The team also writes CLC on their arms, which means “compete like crazy” along with an encouraging word. That word symbolizes something they want to play for. “It is a softball prayer asking God to look over us and to play our best,” junior Olivia Leathers said. “It also asks to leave our worries off the field. Then we are ready to play.” The GHS tennis players have developed many superstitions throughout their tennis careers. Senior Noah Bernal hugs his mom before a match, ties his right shoe, then ties his left shoe and listens to his tennis playlist. Bernal always wears an undershirt and puts his hat on backwards. He also spins his racket before serving. Mind Over Matter Repetitive motions create a soft spot Passing On to Future Generations Running for most cross country members has “run” in the family for years. This little “There was a time when I ate food before I played, and to releave stress and anxiety for many athletes before competitions. These superstitions reveal a human side fact motivates runners to keep on through the agony during I am super-superstitious about what I eat before I play,” each meet each season. “My dad and my uncles ran, a Bernal said. “It was my first and only loss of the season.” to the talent Gretna has within school walls. This cross necklace places Makovicka right where she needs to be couple of my cousins and my sisters all run. It’s something I Another tennis player, senior Matthias Mattley, has photo by Ashley before a game. photo by Jadyn Makovicka can share with my family,” Romano (17) said. Husing 12November 2016 Sports Volume 3 Issue 2

causing one big “racquet” concluding the last chase running like the wind summary of the varsity tennis season summary of the varsity softball season summary of the cross country season by Abbie Wesely by Brooke Smith by Shelby Bartram oys tennis had another successful season. retna High School’s varsity softball team n past years, the cross country team has been In the fourth year of the program, the had an outstanding season for the third year very successful. This year is no exception. The boys earned second place overall at the in a row. In the past two years, the Dragons entire boys’ cross country team is going to state. state tournament. Individually, junior won 2 district titles and qualified for the The runners on the boys’ team are senior Jordan JacobB Weber finished second place in one singles, senior stateG tournament. The 2015 Dragons won the school’s first Lorenz,I senior Trysten Whitted, junior Nate Harmon, Noah Bernal finished second place in two singles, senior ever softball state title. This fall, expectations were high junior Drew Correll, freshman Aidan Furley and freshman Matthias Mattley and sophomore Zach Weber finished and the team was intent on chasing another. They started Kellen McLaughlin. second place in one doubles and senior Ben Rhodes the season 14-0 before losing games to Elkhorn South “It’s awesome that we qualified for state this year, it’s and sophomore Evan Beran finished fourth place in two and Skutt. However, the Dragons responded and finished a huge privilege and being able to say that I have ran at doubles. Throughout the season, each varsity member had the regular season with a record of 22-3. The B-1 District state 3 consecutive years is something I am super proud very few losses in duals and tournaments, and the boys are tournament resulted in a third consecutive district title and of,” Whitted said. proud to have achieved the best in school history at state. a third straight appearance at the state tournament. At The girl runners that will be competing at state are state, they lost their second game to Elkhorn South and juniors Mazie Larsen and Nicole Martindale. The feeling battled through the loser’s bracket for the second straight of running at state is unforgettable, and all the GHS year to get to Championship Friday. Just like the previous runners will have many people cheering them on as they year, the Dragons defeated York in the semi-finals game to cross the finish line. set up a title rematch with Elkhorn South. Gretna won the first championship but fell in the deciding game, 9-2. The Gretna lady dragons ended the year 31-6, winning their third consecutive district title, and getting second place at the state tournament.

Making Improvements This season marked the best year for GHS boys tennis in school history. Coaches Bret Consecutive Successes With Kearney being about a two Kohles and Jordan Barrett led this season to a strong and a half hour bus ride, several thoughts and critiques finish, coming away proud. “We were solid in all divisions stand between Gretnas’s state qualifiers and the course. For many runners this year, it marks their third opportunity as a ban of brothers and going into state we all knew what Charging On With high expectations, Gretna’s softball to represent GHS. “Going to state is the dream every cross we needed to do to get up to the top. The day before state team came out to be accomplished after Championship country season. I’ve been blessed to go all three years of our coaches held a meeting to show us what we needed Friday. Elkhorn South and Gretna met once again, only to high school so far,” Larsen (18) said. photo by Ashley Husing to get the spot we all wanted,” Mattley (17) said. photo by have the Dragons to fall short in the deciding game. photo Jacey Hammer by Kiersey Bush golf ball. Her Papa selected a different method and drove away. voicing an athletic update “Uncle Paul goes to jump in the cart and my dad presses the gas… which causes Uncle Paul to not only junior varsity/reserve team highlights get hit... but then run over and dragged, all while my dad by Olivia Kahler thought he was just moving away from the ball,” Mrs. ross Country: At the Platteview Invitational Chryssi Zeleny said. Cross Country Meet, the boys took 1st After the excitement of the approaching golf ball had through 7th place while the girls had six subsided, there were many laughs about the whole ordeal. places in the top ten. Then, it was noticed that Uncle Paul was injured. CJV Softball: The girls on the JV softball team finished “Paul was on the ground hurt, dad was clueless the season with seven wins. In conference play the girls and Steve and I were belly laughing until we see blood had six wins and just two losses. Coach Mrs. Channon pouring down Paul’s face and an eyelid unattached,” Mrs. Oseka considered this the toughest competition for Class Zeleny said. B. by Sophie Anderson From Sami’s perspective, she couldn’t see much and Reserve Softball: The reserve team had four wins and unior Sami Zeleny, number two on the girl’s after a while she stopped watching them because she just one loss in their Class A competition. They also scored golf team, played at a tournament at Indian thought they were fine until they drove past her. two wins againt Elkhorn South, a softball powerhouse Creek in Elkhorn on September 21st. During “Paul was a bloody mess to say the least. He was program. one of her tee shots, she hit a ball straight for her holding a shirt up to his eye and after such a short time JV Volleyball: Currently the Gretna JV volleyball team is 12-3 winning their home triangular on September papaJ and uncle sitting in a golf cart. Their reactions made it was already drenched with blood; the white cloth was 24th over Ralston and Grand Island High School. the situation quite a comedy, until stitches were necessary. completely red,” said junior Sami Zeleny. Reserve Volleyball: The Gretna reserve program is 2-2 Her Papa, Joseph Green, and Uncle Paul Green The pair traveled to the Women’s Methodist Hospital this year. They have wins over Elkhorn South and Millard are only two of the people that support her each time where her Uncle Paul received eight stitches above his South. They will finish their season against Westside High she golfs. She has a group that she calls her “fan club” eye, but within an hour of the whole ordeal they were School on October 20th. which includes her parents Steve and Chryssi Zeleny, her found back at the course watching Zeleny finish her papa, and Uncle Paul her Papa’s brother. This specific tournament. tournament got interesting and a bit more exciting at the second hole. “On the 2nd hole, I don’t know why they thought it was a good idea to drive ahead and “camp out” at the 150 marker, meaning they were about 200 yards away from my group and I when we were about to hit,” Zeleny said. The rest of Zeleny’s group hit before her, leaving her last. While the rest of her group hit, her ‘fan club’ was safe, until Zeleny stepped up to the tee box. “I walked up to the tee box , picked out a target, and Beating Blair and Bounding From Blair on, Gretna’s swung,” said Zeleny, “Well, my ball went a little left and JV team won five of their seven wins that season against opponents like Waverly, Westside, Plattsmouth, and went directly at my fan club.” Nebraska City. Coming into the game, GHS rode on the The two “camping out” in the golf cart recognized the All Stitched Up With passion and support, Uncle Paul Green stops at nothing to see his great niece, Sami Zeleny wave of victory from wins over Skutt and Norris. Overall, incoming threat and reacted accordingly. Her Uncle Paul play golf. Tustles with golf carts now make up his history, with six wins and two losses in conference play, Gretna jumped out of the cart and got on the ground to avoid the but he remains proud of Zeleny and all her efforts. photo by overcame the obstacles to outplay the toughest conference Chryssi Zeleny competition in Class B. photo by Cecily Jones Volume 3 Issue 2 A&E November 201613

Photo by Emily Acker Photo by Emily Acker Photo by Emily Acker

Off to a Good Start Shortly after I sat down, my server The Decor The building is very spacious. They had many A Picturesque Atmosphere All around the resturant were brought out chips. They were warm and I could tell that they tables and booths which were very comfortable. Televisions beautiful paintings. One is of a seahorse and a fountain. were freshly made I was impressed by their good service. were hung throughout the restaurant playing football. They also have exposed brick all around the resturant. after a long wait the new mexican restaurant named El Vallarta opens up in Gretna a fun atmosphere, beautiful wall murals, delicious food and good service all add up to a great eating experience at El Vallarta By Emily Acker s we all know, Gretna had very little variety The restaurant is spacious and has room for many groups also did the create your own, but he got the beef enchilada, for going out to eat. For example, if I was of people to eat. I was immediately greeted with a smile beef taco and Mexican rice. He too enjoyed the authen- in the mood for Mexican, I would have to by the woman behind the front counter. Shortly after I was tic flavors and low prices. He was also impressed by the drive miles upon miles to get to any place seated in a booth, my server brought chips and a glass of amount of food was given and how filling it was. that is worth my time. But now, I’m in luck. water. The menu had various options. I chose from the “I like how they put so much beef in the tacos,” AEarlier this year a new Mexican restaurant opened called create your own menu: a cheese enchilada and mexican Essink said. “They have such big portions sizes, which is El Vallarta. When I went, I had wonderful experience en- rice. I was pleasantly surprised when the food came out in awesome.” joying their food, service and prices. less than ten minutes, thinking I was going to have a long With the delectable food, friendly service, cheap When I walked in the front doors, I was greeted by the wait. The enchilada was not as spicy as I expected, which prices and being easily accessible, El Vallarta is a great op- smell of fried chips and taco meat. On the walls are beauti- I enjoyed because I personally do not like my food to be tion to go to when you are looking for a quick but delicious ful, bright murals. There is one of a fountain with dolphins too spicy. The rice also had a good authentic flavor. The place to eat. I will definitely be returning and bringing my spouting out, which is my favorite. They also painted ex- enchilada cost $2.75 and the rice cost $2.25, so my final friends and family. posed bricks onto the walls to give it an authentic feel. bill was only $5, not counting the tip. Junior Jake Essink funny snapchat filters are all the rage in social media students participate in the craze and share experiences with their pictures By Olivia Kahler ocial media has become a huge phenomenon in on a roller coaster,” junior Tyler Harpenau said. “With a recent years. Millions of people use social me- moving background.” dia sites such as Snapchat every day. Snapchat Currently the app has sixteen different facial fil- is one app that people all around the world have ters to choose from. However, there have been a few that taken to. Just about everywhere out go, you will have been removed in order to add new ones and give us- Ssee someone snapping a selfie using the app. With such ers a bit of a change. The makers of the app update the a wide fan base, the makers of Snapchat added features filters fairly often. and filters that make the app even more enjoyable for their “It is a great way to bond with friends and fami- Mirror Image Snapchat filters are a great way to users, and continue to create more. ly,” Ames said. “There are so many memories made laugh- entertain yourself and your friends when there is nothing “I don’t even remember how we dealt with Snap- ing over the hilarious and crazy filters.” better to do. This snapchat, featuring Carissa Wilson, chat without the filters,” senior Abby Ames said. “The fil- Even though Snapchat is fairly new, people of all is like a human kaliedoscope. It shows not only two of ters rock because they change every single day and you ages like to partake in the pictures. Many people snapchat Wilson, but four. never know what to expect.” their parents or grandparents as well as their friends. Snapchat launched in September of 2011 and has “My mom sends me Snapchats all the time,” increased in popularity within the last couple of years. Ames said. “It’s so funny because she hates some of the With every update, Snapchat adds new features to the app, filters and loves other ones. Sometimes I screenshot them such as double- tap reply, a friend finder feature and filters. and next year when I am living across the country I will Such filters include dog ears, flower crowns, face swap have those snaps of my mom.” and many others that distort one’s natural complexion. Apps like Snapchat are not just a way for students “I use filters pretty often,” junior AJ Spainhower to waste time. Social media gives kids opportunities to said. “Almost every time I snapchat.” have fun with their friends and share funny pictures with Each Snapchat user develops their own individu- their families. With the filters and the app itself becoming al style for the pictures. The creators of Snapchat work to so popular, there is sure to be more fun surprises from its make sure there is a filter that everyone finds amusing. makers. “I want a filter that makes you look like you’re

Game Day Fun Snapchat is not just for crazy weird filters. There are fun stickers and emojis available to add to any picture. At this football game friends used stickers to capture this memory.

I’ve Got Your Nose Lauren Eby laughs as she snaps Cherry Bomb “I love the snap filters that make you look The Dog Days are Over Some of the filters go beyond this photo of Ames. She used the “no-nose” filter on this crazy or weird, but my mom hates them,” Ames said. just changing facial features and take it to the extreme. picture, capturing the goofy moment. This is just one of Ames loves to take pictures of her mom on snapchat, Eby took this picture while laughing at what the app had many pictures that will keep the laughter going. including this wacky picture. morphed her into. This is very different from the typical dog-filter. 14 November 2016 A&E Volume 3 Issue 2 GHS students remember halloween costumes and fond memories from childhood a blast from the past: halloween fun By Layne Staley ost people can recall dressing up in silly costumes on Halloween with friends and family. It is a tradition valued in many households and taken to an extremem by Msome. Children love Halloween because they get to be whoever they want to be for a nigh; of course, the candy is also part of it. Nowadays people can see little kids running around on that cold night dressed as Elsa from Frozen, Harry from Harry Potter, and other characters from recent films. Not too long ago, students at GHS were doing the same thing. Kids dressed up as whatever their latest obsession was. It is fun to look back and see the costumes students have worn in the past.

Busy Busy Bees Lauryn Eby (17) and Corbyn Ayer (17) Howdy Danny Ott (18) loved everything about cowboys have been best friends for years. One Halloween, the two when he was 5 years old. He did not hesitate when deciding were twinning in their adorable bumble bee costumes. what costume he wanted that year.

Sibling Love Patrick Arnold (17) was a spooky clown and Kelly Arnold (19) was dressed as argtoath.

Trick or Treat Kylie Otto (17) and Josh Otto (20) went for a Winnie the Pooh theme. K. Otto dressed as piglet at age 3 and J. Otto as Tigger at age 1.

MOOOOO This sassy cow posed for a quick pic on Party Time. Timmy White (17), Josh Meyers (17), Patrick Arnold (17) and other classmates having a good time at their Halloween night. Amanda Purintin(17) wore a cow costume class Halloween party. made by her mom. Volume 3 Issue 2 A&E November 201615 giving reading a purpose again with an exhilarating battle between good and evil judging a book by its cover yet again successfully saves the reading careers of high school students with a new twist By Mason Hjermstad

ecently, I have had the displeasure of reading power, or so it seemed, and I made the decision that this main character, whose point of view controls most of the book after book that I have not enjoyed. These was the book I was going to read. chapters, is a rare immune named Ciere Giba. She is part books are the kind you read to pass the time, After reading this book, not only did it reach my of a band of immune criminals that have become her only but you would not recommend them to a friend. expectations, it flew past them. This book was a breath of family. Her point of view counterpart, Daniel, is also a part RI decided I was done reading books that just occupy my fresh air after the mountains of boring books. The whole of this band of trouble makers. After Daniel disappeared, mind for a little while. I am too busy as a high school stu- plot of the story was thrilling and exhilarating with a the gang goes on one of their missions before they look for dent to read a book with no purpose other than to quench strong female lead and chapters from two characters dif- Daniel but things go awry. The gang has to find a way to my boredom. With this in my mind, I walked into the li- ferent points of view. The story takes place in 2034 af- get Daniel back while fighting against a gang of criminals, brary and found Illusive, a novel by Emily Lloyd- Jones, ter something called the MK plague hit America around a special government group of immunes called the UAI, resting on one of the bookshelves. 2017 and the population had been vaccinated with a sup- and the FBI. It is a thrilling adventure and an aspect of At first glance cover of this book immediately caught my posed cure. This cure was created by the Fiarce family friendship that will pull at your heartstrings. attention. The title is white and bold in contrast with the and quickly approved by the FDA with little to no testing Overall, this book was an amazing read with an dark background. It is also slanted away from the reader because of the amount of fatalities. If they had tested it abundant amount of twists and turns that will keep you reminding me of an old comic strip. With some closer in- properly they might have discovered the life changing side guessing. I did not want to put it down and it has now be- spection there is a shadow of a girl against the side of the effects which gave some people various different abilities, come one of my favorites. I would highly recommend this blocked first letter “I.” I made the connection between the sort of like superpowers. People with these abilities were book if you are looking for an exciting read. It is an AR girl and the word Illusive as she seemed to be hiding from then known as the immune. The creator of the cure after book with a reading level of 5.4 and a point value of 13. If the helicopter with the spot light flying above her. I grew seeing the damage it caused locked himself and his family you are stuck like I was, this book will pull you out of your curious about why this girl was hiding from such a higher in a warehouse with the rest of the cure and blew it up. The rut. gretna marching band marching into second place LINKS competition results are promising as the season comes to a close for the band by Sophie Anderson

he Gretna Marching Band had a successful night Within every sport and activity, there are on October 8th. Through their hard work, the highlights. There are memories that are made that achieved a great deal. The band received runner- contribute in great part to our high school experience. up overall with the percussion getting first with “I have a memory that we had a competition get Tseconds in music and visual. The color guard also was also rained out this season and instead of practicing our parts in ranked first. Considering all of these great awards, their warm up we gathered all of percussion together and sang success was overwhelming. them in the middle of a Papio south hallway” said Petty. Warming Up The band performed the beginning of their There is not only an aspect of achievement and While these moments are experiences we will not season on the football field. After these performances, hard work within the marching band, but also of comradery quickly forget, there are many occasions which let the hard they traveled to State and placed at sixth, which is the best placing they have achieved at state. photos by and friendship. These aspects shine through the music and work come to light. These situations are not always our Pamela Johnson make the performance even stronger. fondest memories of our sport or activity, however, they “My favorite part about marching band is that make the successes so much better and meaningful. I get to make powerful music with some of my favorite “I am most proud of us making a breakthrough people. Our personalities make the music unique.” junior this year, because we don’t have a single senior in the Noah Petty said. section we have at least 50% freshman in Percussion and There are many groups and friendships within they all learn so quickly.” said Petty. band. The many different sections and color guard. As is similar with every activity, there are the “My favorite part of color guard is getting to good years which are filled with successes and victories, dance, spin flags, and perform with the sweetest and however, there are always bad years filled with defeat and kindest group of people I have come to know,” said junior setbacks. Just by looking at the victories of the LINKS Paige Miller, “Color guard is more of a family then a group competition, there is no doubt that this year will be one of to me. They are always there for me whether it is guard the good ones. related or not and I know I can always count on them to be The GHS Marching Band ended up placing sixth at state there for me. and are looking forward to a sucessful next season

Marching Into The Best Year Yet During GHS’ band’s third competition, the drum majors and color guard captains step forward to proudly accepted the second place award. On October 8th, the percussion climbing to the top. Color guard captains, drum majors, and two percussion members pose for a photo with the band’s hardware from LINKS. left photo by Deb Scheer right photo by Pamela Johnson 16November 2016 A&E Volume 3 Issue 2 from juicy thanksgiving turkey to sugar-filled halloween treats, fall food is the best

putting seasonal fall treats to the test or anyone like me, October marks the beginning The next group was chocolate based. I started By Jadyn Anderson of a rapid decline into weight gain. Fall foods are with white chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Ghosts, just so irresistible, and there is nothing like an which were white chocolate covered and literally shaped overload of carbs to keep warm on a brisk fall like ghosts. They were somewhat reminiscent of ghosts, Fevening. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving feast is not a and they tasted all right, but white chocolate is not my daily occurrence; however, there are many fall themed favorite. I would much rather spend my limited funds on snacks to satisfy the craving. Pumpkin spiced versions of normal peanut butter cups. I followed up the ghosts with normal foods are very popular items and a pumpkin spice Halloween Oreos. I have definitely eaten my fair share variation is available for basically every food. A huge fall of Halloween Oreos already this year, but like the candy time staple is, of course, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. There corn, I chose to buy more anyway just for the fun of it. are millions of fall foods that I have eaten for years, but I was down to just a few items. With an already there are also some new additions that I have not tried yet. full stomach, I slowly peeled open the bag of Halloween I began my feast with a typical autumn treat that candy containing Lifesavers Big Ring Gummies. I took has managed to turn me into a sticky mess since I was two: a small bite of one and quickly devoured the rest of the candy corn. This was not my first time trying candy corn, gummy. I then proceeded to unwrap another. They were but I just could not pass up grabbing the bag. Candy corn delicious. is one of those foods that I have to be in a mood for and it The last item on my list, and the one I was looking always makes me sick, but I eat it anyway. In the spirit of forward to the most, were the Little Monsters fruit snacks. Halloween. I absolutely love fruit snacks, and these juice-filled, The next course consisted of pumpkin spice baked monster shaped fruit snacks were no disappointment. They goods. The first to go down the hatch were the Tastykake were a great way to round off my taste testing and I am Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts. They were a definite no- immensely glad that I have a huge box of them. Fall is Here The changing season has brought upon us all go for me. They were uncharacteristically chewy and I The message of this food review can be taken in kinds of seasonal snacks. I was surprised to find pumpkin began to dread tasting the sprawl of food in front of me. one of two ways. Either fall snacks are, for the most part, spice varieties of all kinds of foods, such as Cheerios. Begrudgingly, I opened up a pack of Little Bites Pumpkin delicious, or I will basically eat anything. Well, anything Anything pumpkin spice or Halloween themed is a big Muffins. I was pleasantly surprised by these packaged besides Tastykakes Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts. Those seller during the fall season. muffins. The pumpkin was not overpowering and they have no place in my pantry. Seasonal foods will always were actually enjoyable. I tried just a few pieces of the hold an esteemed place in my heart, and these foods were Pumpkin Spice Cheerios and they were not all that bad, but no exception. Disclaimer: after consuming such vast I probably would not eat a whole bowl of them. The future amounts of pumpkin spice flavoring, I almost puked. I was beginning to look brighter for my stomach. 0/10 do not recommend trying it.

A Big Win for Lifesavers The big ring gummies were a A Major Hit and Miss The baked options were on complete A Classic Snack Fruitsnacks are one of my favorite things definite favorite of mine. They are the type of treat that I other sides on the spectrum of tasty. After the donuts of all times. That may or may not make me sound like a five constantly munch on. While they are not in the best interest I expected to completely hate the mini muffins, but they year old, but I do not care. The fact that they are shaped of my health, I still enjoyed them. ended up being just fine. Not all pumpkin spiced goods are like monsters makes them even better. fit for snacking.

Raimy Sullivan’s father died 20 years ago, and she This revival show is still struggling with the new tv shows airing follows Angus MacGyver pain of his death that she who has an amazing talent believes was caused by of solving problems in his corruption. She hears the most unthought-of a voice coming out of an of ways along with his old radio from 1966. She is this fall are definitely vast scientific knowledge. able to tell her father about With his rare talents, he his death, which allows him is given the duty by the to avoid it. This decision U.S. government to tackle causes consequences in the missions around the world. worth the watch This show airs Fridays at 7 present. Raimy and Frank must figure out how to fix p.m. on CBS. what they started. This airs Fall is time for pumpkin spice lattes, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on This show follows the CW. an overprotective mother colorful leaves, pumpkin patches and The San Diego Padres and her family; however, have a new pitcher in town, there is a twist. J.J. has a new tv shows on almost every channel. and she is not backing condition that causes him down. That is right, she. to have certain mobility Ginny Baker makes history and communication Check out these programs to find your by becoming the first struggles. The mother’s woman to play in Major overprotectiveness causes new show obsession . by Amanda Minckler League Baseball. Ginny some issues in the family, is determined to prove but they do their best and her worth to the baseball to find someone to give J.J. Check out these networks for more shows: team. Some players do the voice he deserves. This not approve of a woman show airs Wednesdays at pitching for their team. 7:30 p.m. on ABC. ABC The CW Fox CBS Others are in support of Ginny. This show airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.