It was about 7 o’clock at night, meaning GHS’ one act cast had been sitting with butterflies in their stomachs for over four hours waiting to hear the results of the State One Act Tournament. But first, before the overall award, came the individual awards for the Best Actor and Best Actress in the state. All of the nominees were lined up on the edge of the Merryman Performing Arts Center’s stage in Kearney, Neb. After a bit of stalling by the US Bank representative and compliments to all the competitors,

she said, “I would like to congratulate the 2010 recipient of the best actress in the state award… from Gretna…” The entire GHS cast flew to their feet. The anticipatory silence was broken as a roar of cheering and clapping cut in. All eyes were on Taylor White ’11 as the announcer finished her sentence. And what everyone had known was confirmed: Taylor was the best actress in the state. “It was the most unbelievable moment in my life,” White said. “I felt like everything finally paid off and there is just nothing in the world I can compare that feeling to.” White played the part of Chicklet Forrest in this year’s one

Lauren SawyerEditor-In-Chief

act play Psycho Beach Party. Her character had multiple personality disorder, requiring her to master the characterization of an innocent child, sweet teenager, professional doctor and “Empress” Ann Bowmen. The character of Bowmen also required White to perfect a Russian accent. “Taylor was so deserving of the Best Actress Award because as the role of Chicklet she really controlled the pacing of the play and it was as hard a role as I have ever directed,” director Carole Carraher said. “I am glad the judges recognized that.” White has been acting since the first grade and hopes to move to Los Angeles next year to “follow her dreams” in the theater business.

Being able to be someone other than herself is White’s favorite part of acting, saying she can be crazy and insane and it doesn’t matter because it’s just what the part calls for. So a character with multiple personality disorder truly was a superb match, allowing her to have plenty of fun on the stage. The state tournament was made even more perfect when the team finished in first place, earning its 17th state title in the past 25 years. Other nominees for the Best Actress Award included Brooke Arp ’11, Jentry Merriman ’12, Kelsy O’Neill ’11 and Emily Zapotocny ’12. Logan Henning ’11 was also nominated for the Best Actor Award.

the

Voice Gretna High School • 11335 South 204th Street • Gretna, NE 68028 • Volume IX • Issue III • December 2010

An “Incomparable” Experience

December Unsung Hero Page 6

Holiday CheerPages 8-9

New Favorite ReadPage 10

Photo by Nate Olsen

2 newsnovember 2010

Rook,

Bishop, Pawn Mary YagerStaff Writer

News Briefs

TSA Body Scans

Flu shot vaccinations are in high demand this year after last year’s shortage. People are visiting clinics early this flu season.

“This year, so far, it has been a mild season, which is good.” Melanie Ciecior, Registered Pharmacist at Wal-Greens in Papillion said.” We’ve had a lot of people coming in for their vaccine already. This will help with keeping the flu spread down.” Wal-Greens offers a walk-in flu shot service for everyone. People getting flu shots help prevent the spread to those who can’t, like babies.Every year, doctors look at all the different flu strands and choose three that they think will spread the most. Those are the ones the vaccine fight against to help keep everyone healthy.

Flu Shots

Check Mate! Chess Club is now an official extra-curricular activity at GHS. Math teacher Neil Hammond is leading the club. “It didn’t take much to get the club approved.” Hammond said.“I thought it was a good idea and Mr. Miller did as well.” The idea for the club came from students with nothing to do in 7th hour study hall. “The kids in my study hall and I were playing chess one day and I decided to open it up to other students and I made it a club,” Hammond said. At first, only 30 people signed up for chess club when the sign up sheet came out; however, at press time over 50 people signed up. “I was very impressed and excited that many people were interested in joining the club,” Hammond said. For some GHS students, joining the club wasn’t about playing chess. They have different reasons for signing up. “I joined Chess Club because I wanted the T-shirt,” Heidi Wesely ‘13 said. “I thought it would be funny if I walked around school with a chess club T-shirt on.”Shelby Rowin ‘13 joined Chess Club to play chess. She’s played the game for years. Her grandparents taught her how to play when she was younger and her family always plays on Christmas. “I joined chess club because it’s exhilarating,” Rowin said. “ You never know what’s going to happen next.” If anyone is still interested in being in Chess Club, the sign up sheet is in Mr. Hammond’s room. Hammond also says to play in a tournament, a member must compete in at least 10 matches.

Matt Becker‘12 Brandon Jones‘13 practice a competitive game of chess during their free time.

Due to the incline in terrorist threats and potential plane hijacks, airport security has developed a new security systems that enables passengers to be safe and comfortable. But, passengers are skeptical about the new body scanners. “It was weird knowing the could see everything but it didn’t really bother me because I know it’s for security and I don’t want bad guys getting away with anything.“ Bailey Zych ‘13, former passenger, said “I don’t know why people are freaking out about it.” These scanners project an image of the outline of your body onto a screen. Any foreign object that is attached in any way on your body will be posed as a potential threat and you would be taken into a separate room for a pat down. “I saw one lady [sent to be patted down], but she didn’t look too scary, so I’m pretty sure it was just a false alarm.” Zych said. Local broadcasts have had many discussions of people who are against body scanners, one woman pointed out that she didn’t like the idea of her body being on display for people to see. There are many opinions on these new body scanners but as long as they are doing their jobs by protecting the U.S. nation, they will be sticking around and the population will have to manage.

June Bringsled ‘12

“I think you should go through the regular metal detectors and if you beep go through the big one without any exceptions for big international airports.”

Airport Security

Facebook, the s o c i a l networking phenomenon, is set to launch a e-mail service to rival “Gmail” and “Hotmail” e-mail services. Facebook will provide all 500 million plus users with an @facebook.com e-mail address. The e-mail system will replace Facebook’s current messaging system which allows users to privately message one another on their accounts. The accounts are not separate, if logged into chat, messages will show up instantly and then allow an automatic reply as if it were a chat message. “I think e-mail on Facebook is a good idea because I never check my e-mail, but I am always on Facebook so combining the two will be convenient and I can get more done,” Leanna Mathews ‘13 said.

New Social E-mail

Signing at All-State Reached a High Note of the few GHS choir members, Kiley Grandstaff ’11 tried out for All-State Singing where she went through this process. She went into the room with a judge and a boom box. The judge listened to her sing and wrote critiques in his notebook. She was then put into a multi member choir. The choir sings and gets critiqued as a group. “If the judge thinks you’re talented enough, he will accept you.” Grandstaff said. The music pieces were harder than our regular music, but they had quite the variety: from Gospel to a tribal chant and some other pieces. They required good blending and tuning to form the choir. “I’m so proud of how we did.” said Grandstaff ‘11

All State Band

See a Yearbook staff member to buy a team or recognition ad!

Briefs by First Semester Journalism One Students

3newsnovember 2010

Ashley Zajac

New Winter Guard and Drum LineArts and Entertainment Editor

1,2,3 Twirl…1,2,3 Twirl…1,2,3 Wave Left Wave Right. Color Guard, Flag Team or whatever else one prefers, each name refers to one team until now. GHS Color Guard has become quite a hit over the past few years as students have become involved. Starting this season, color guard has transformed into two separate teams. Winter guard, also known as Algeria, has become a new addition to the GHS band and will begin practice in January. Also a winter drumline known as Kaotic, has been added as well. “They were added to help prepare color guard and drumline members for next marching season by reviewing and improving performance and playing fundamentals and techniques,” band instructor Alex Wimmer said. “It’s like off season work out programs that sports run but for color guard and drumline.” For some time color guard instructor, Megan Roth, has been discussing a winter guard team with Wimmer. Until now the team wasn’t added because there was a belief that the interest from students was too low due to involvement of other activities. “Most of the guard members are busy with show choir, speech, sports and academics during the winter,” Wimmer said. “Before the end of the marching band season, we proposed the idea to the guard and they said they’d commit to it.” One must wonder, what is the big difference between the two teams? Winter guard is going to be held during basketball season and play inside at halftime while color guard plays outside on the field for the GHS football season. Also the winter guard will not participate in competitions this year. “We’re just going to try running it [winter guard] this year and we will make a decision if it will continue next year and if we will compete,” Wimmer said. Captains of both color guard and winter guard are Jentry Merriman ’12 and Brittany Jeary ’11. This year there were 13 girls on the color guard during the marching season and now they are

on the winter guard as well. Wimmer did not make auditions for the team ‘public’ but if the guard exists next year, Wimmer would like to open the audition to anyone in the school. “Auditions were pretty entertaining, but what do you expect when you put 13 girls together in one room,” Mandy Ogg ’13 said. “It started with everyone running through the routines, but quickly turned into a ballet lesson.”Practices for winter guard are held on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 and Thursday mornings as well. The practices usually start with a warm ups. The members also learn new routines, clean routines they are currently running, or the captains run the songs and help correct any errors being made. During marching

band season, color guard practice usually takes about three to four hours a week at school, while winter guard takes only about two hours of practice. This doesn’t include the student’s individual practices. For junior, Georgia Hadley, the transition from color guard to winter guard has become quite easy. “Our instructor makes the routines easy to understand,” Hadley said. “During band camp in the summer it’s kind of like a transition period so when we get to the real marching season, it’s fairly easy.” Winter guard has yet to perform in front of the GHS crowd, but Wimmer has no worries. When asked what his thoughts were about the two teams he stated both are an art form that combines music and dance in a way that most people would not expect. “Expression of art, especially physically and live, is always a good thing for the mind,

body and soul. This is something that is quickly getting lost with the accessibility of technology,” Wimmer said. “Guard gets people moving and challenges the body physically and mentally. The more we can challenge ourselves in that regard the better.” As the season winds down from color guard, winter guard is soon to take on the action. The GHS students shall be surprised to see what comes next with basketball season. Wimmer hopes that both winter guard and color guard will grow and in the end feed each other to become stronger and is not planning to add another team any time soon. “Too much of a good thing can be bad,” Wimmer said, “I do not want to ‘overkill’ it.”

In the past, GHS Art Club has participated in numerous activities such as the Sarpy County 150th anniversary showcase. In this project, students painted a buffalo bench that may be seen on the west side of the building near the English hallway. The buffalo are a western version of the J-Doe statues displayed in the 2000’s. This year the GHS art club is currently working on a back drop for the Volunteer Fire Department in Gretna. This background will be used for when Santa comes to visit the children. “The community of Gretna has many needs and I feel that the Art club could serve as a positive part in filling the needs of the community,” Michael Moore, art teacher said. The club consists of around 10 students and meets on the second Thursday of every month during long homeroom.Moore said that he hopes members come in after school; but he prefers that they work in the mornings, when he has more free time. “Once we get some projects under our belts I’d like to get more people involved,” Moore said. “I also would like to do some murals down by the gym walls.” The year-long club has no deadlines and is always looking for more talent and creativity to add to GHS. “We have room for everyone. Just show up and be ready to create,” Moore said.

BriefArt ClubKelsey Charrlin News Editor

Winter Guard Band director Alex Wimmer demon-strates a move for the upcoming Winter Guard, Algeria. Auditions for Winter Guard and Drum Line were in No-vember.

4 opinion and editorialdecember 2010

Advisor: Gretchen Baijn-auth

The Voice The Voice is a monthly publication sponsored by Gretna High School. The office of The Voice is located in advisor Gretchen Baijnauth’s, room 400. Reader response is welcome. Any student, faculty or staff member wish-ing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within deadline restrictions; however, final publication is at the discretion of the staff. Letters should not exceed 400

Staff Writers:Ethan DawesPaige DuinAshley JosoffGabriella MontemaranoCourtney MurcekChelsea Pote Trey Russell Mary Yager

Editor-in-Chief: Lauren SawyerPhoto Editor and Sports Editor:Lexi BuschFeatures and In Depth Editor:Kennedy HealyArts and Entertainment Editor: Ashley ZajacNews Editor: Kelsey Charrlin

words. Editorials are solely the opinions of the authors and do not necessar-ily reflect those of The Voice staff or Gretna High School. Advertising will not be accepted for all products or services that are illegal for minors to possess or uti-lize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space may call 332-3936 or email gbaijnauth@gretnadrag-ons.org

Holiday Spirit The Staff’s Opinion

Could Improve Once Thanksgiving was drawing near, it felt like the whole school was getting more into the holiday spirit. The food drive brought out giving spirits in GHS and the school worked together to help the Gretna food pantry get to its current state: “overflowing,” as Secretary Nancy Turpin said. But it wasn’t always this way. Two years ago, the entire senior class only managed to bring less than 10 items on the first day of the drive. Turpin spoke with all of the students that Monday at lunch to remind them that while many people in our community are well-off, there are poor ones as well and encouraged everyone to lend a helping hand- or can. This year she is pleased with the 44,732 ounces the high school total. “You guys did better this year than you did in the last two,” Turpin said. “I don’t know if there are more people who see a need, or more people who are empathetic, or if the student council were better cheerleaders, but I’m proud of the kids.” Mrs. O’Neill was “tickled with the results” as well. However, the staff of The Voice feels that

at the end of the week, the tables piled high with food, cleaning supplies and paper products does seem impressive, it is actually just a fraction of the out-of-this-world results GHS students could produce. How do we know? In most homerooms, except for the winning ones, under five students donated items. And even less donated regularly. Ideally, there should be about 700 cans on that stage, nearly one for each student. People wouldn’t even need to go to the store, but to just ask to use that can of corn Mom forgot last week for Turkey night or the can of green beans hidden in the back of the pantry that Dad just might remember to cook if its not donated soon. Bringing more ounces is possible; the middle school’s total ounces donated to equaled over 183,000 and there are only three grades in the middle school. Remember to keep the giving spirit even as the years go by. While the pantry may be full now, sadly, it won’t last until next year’s Thanksgiving. And that’s where that simple, single item donation finds its importance.

Food Drive Results

Freshman1st place: Oliver-3,021.10 oz2nd place: O’Neill/Koch/Ribar-1,922.43rd place: Haun-1,725.87

Sophomore1st place: Depue-2,815.82nd place: O’Neill/Koch/Ribar-2,511.23rd place: Hammond-1,393.1

Junior1st place: Suhr-6,557.82nd place: Odorisio-4,043.43rd place: O’Neill/Koch/Ribar

Senior1st place: O’Neill/Koch/Ribar-3,138.522nd place: Craig- 2,138.73rd place: Ockander-1,729

Art by Ethan Dawes

5opinion and editorialdecember 2010

I was in a rollover accident once. I would say it was pretty scary and something I would not like to be involved in again. Many of the students at GHS have been in accidents recently as well. I knew what to do and yes I did the following steps.

This is one of the scariest encounters someone could go through. What is the best thing to do in this moment? The best thing to do is try to remain calm, and follow these steps:

1. Call for Help First call 9-1-1. The operator will ask what has happened, and then the accident should be briefly explained. The operator will ask where the scene is located and if injuries are present. They will stay on the phone until help has arrived.

2. Safety First If involved in a minor accident with no injuries, move cars to the side of the road out of the way of moving traffic. Leaving your car in the middle of the road can cause further accidents and injuries. If the vehicle cannot be moved driver and passengers should remain in the car with their seatbelts on until help arrives. Turn on hazard lights and place cones and warning triangles out to alert other

drivers. This step was best for me. In my accident I stayed in my car upside down in my seatbelt until help arrived. The responding EMT’s said that if I would’ve moved that I would have caused more damage to my neck and back.

4. Exchange Information After being in the accident, exchange this information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate numbers. Also write a description down of each vehicle involved such as year, make and color. Be sure to write down what happened, therefore, if you need to look back in the future you would have the full story. If there are witnesses be sure to also get their information. Be polite to the other drivers and do not tell people it was your fault, even if you think it is.

5. Photograph and document the accident Take pictures of the overall accidents. You want to show the overall content of the accident.

6. File an Accident Report Although law enforcement does not always response to accidents if there are not any injuries, you need to be sure to file an accident report, which are located

In Case of an AccidentEasy Steps to RememberCourtney MurcekStaff Writer

at any police station or courthouse. This will help speed up the insurance claims process. An accident report is due 10 days after the accident and needs to be mailed in.

I think that it is wise to Keep an Emergency Kit in your glove compartment. In your vehicle, carrying a cell phone would be easier in case of an accident; however, do not text or make phone calls while driving, a pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicle at the scene, and a list of all medical conditions that may require special medical attention if a serious injury occurs. The DocuDent Auto Accident Kit is supported by insurance companies. It offers a flashlight, camera, a set of cones, warning triangles and emergency flares. This kit should be kept in your trunk.The next time an accident is seen or one happens while in your presence be sure to follow those steps. It is easy to lose your mind and forget everything that needs to be done, but everything will be okay so try and stay as calm as can be. I think these steps will help many students in case of an accident.

Above: Lee Stevens ‘13 was recently in an accident. He was hospitalized for 13 days but has since been dismissed.Below: Courtney Murcek ‘12 was in-volved in a rollover accident. She is also doing okay now.

Art by Ethan Dawes

Submitted Photo

Submitted Photo

6 featuresdecember 2010

Special Education Teacher Amanda Siemers’ son Dylan described his mom as having brown hair and glasses and that she is a good math teacher. Her student Cassandra Hernandez ‘11 said she loves her. Her student helpers and four para’s respect her work and believe she does an amazing job. Siemers, however, won’t say there is anything special about herself, but she will say that she wouldn’t be able to do her job without the help of others.

Volunteering at a 4-week day camp for children with special needs, at the age of 15, started out as a way to placate her parents by following their request to “stay busy.” But helping children at the local city park quickly turned into a love.

“It was fun and very rewarding,” Siemers said. “I felt like I was really doing something.”

Siemers wanted to continue to help. And she did. Until the age of 21, she was an employee of the camp, only

resigning to move on to teaching children for a year in Millard before teaching at Gretna. At GHS, Siemers starts each day by helping six students off the school bus. Once inside, notebooks filled out by parents are read to check if any new medications or care is required. Classes include language, social group, vocational class and Life Skills.

“The days are just ever-changing,” Siemers said. “The kids can always act or react different than you expect... and there are always little things to do in the day.” One activity in Life Skills is a trip every other week to the grocery store where students practice making grocery lists, finding items, checking out and paying. These supplies

Lauren SawyerEditor-in-Chief

Unsung HeroStudents inspired by

“Mrs. Siemers works really hard, and she puts a smile on all of her students’ faces. I think she’s an in-spiration.”-Jenna Hannibal

Senior Student Peers Love Siemers

“She has such a big heart for kids and she is also an awesome mom. The kids just light up when they see her.”

-Cindy Sedlacek

“Mrs. Siem-ers is one of my idols... she is in-credibly patient and Gretna is very fortunate to have her.”

-Kiley Grandstaff

are used to make the meals during Life Skills at GHS until the next shopping day. Teaching a class where each lesson is delivered one-on-one to a student who may not be able to speak, or see or has limited physical ability could become taxing. Siemers said it is hard on her when students are having trouble understanding a new concept but looks to herself to find a new way to teach it- she certainly doesn’t blame them. When a student achieves something he/she has been working on for a long time, she said it calls for a “pretty big celebration.”

“It’s really hard to get to that stage because they [BASE room students] all have a different disability,” Carrissa Burkart ‘11 said. “Mrs. Siemers just works really hard and encourages them to make it happen.”

C o o r d i n a t i n g paperwork, lesson plans and providing health care each day is not as easy as Siemers implies, according to Burkart. The students themselves have shown her a new way to look at life, she said, and the combination between this and witnessing Siemers’ work has inspired the recent change in her career plans; instead of becoming an occupational therapist, she would now like to become a special education teacher. “I look up to her,” Burkart said. “The job is so rewarding because you get to see how the kids progress and I respect her for doing it.” Even though some of her students cannot verbalize their appreciation for her, it becomes clear through smiles and laughter, and as her student Nick Schmidt ‘10 proudly displayed the words on a Thanksgiving Turkey craft which showed what he was thankful for: “Mrs. Siemers.”

An Unique Thank you Among many friends, Special Educa-tion teacher Amanda Siemers was chosen by Nick Schmidt ‘13 as something he was thank-ful for this year.

A Change of Heart Helping Alex Lynch ‘10, Carissa Burkart ‘11 sees the joys of giving time to students. Minutes later she announcd that she would like to become a special education teacher.

Lending a Hand By spelling out each item Cassandra Her-nandez ‘11 wanted on a craft, Siemers completed the final touches on the special project.

Overcoming Obstacles Communicating with Alex Boeka ‘13 be-comes easy as Siemers and her student have mastered using an electronic device that allows words to be chosen with a tap of the head. Siemers said her job is one where jeans and other comfy clothes are more appropriate as she is so involved in activities and learning with them.

Photos by Lauren Sawyer

Siemers

7featuresdecember 2010

Imagine riding around on wheels all day. Imagine trying to reach one shelf higher and needing assistance. Imagine the struggles of being handicapped. On Nov. 19th, three GHS staff members earned the chance to spend one full day in a wheelchair to experience the life of one who is disabled. Junior, Kennedy Healy, was the main student associated with the idea. Healy put together a small fundraiser involving the GHS staff and students. Over the time span of a few days, students were asked to drop any extra change into ice cream buckets in order to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Each bucket had a teachers’ name written on the side and the teachers who collected the most money were to spend a day in a wheelchair.

Roger Miller, principal, Kristy Schweitz ,math teacher, and Brian Hoffman, gym teacher, were selected after collecting the most money during the lunch hours. Although the participants spent one day in the wheelchairs, it seemed to add up on the experience. Each teacher had his or her own troubling issues during the day.

“Doing regular tasks took much longer to complete. For example, I would go over to my cart, get a book, forget something on my desk and go to get it, then go back to my cart because I needed something there,” Schweitz said. “Walking back and forth is no big deal, but it took five times longer in the chair.”

Even GHS’ own principal came in contact with his own kryptonite. Being in the wheelchair kept Miller from fully completing his daily tasks. When it came to working at the desk, the only thing Miller managed to accomplish was smacking his kneecaps.

“Every time I wanted to go to a classroom or go through the lunch line, it was tougher because it was so crowded. It would have been much easier without the wheelchair,” Miller said.

Schweitz was greatly affected by the wheelchair. Being a traveling teacher left Schweitz in a bind, especially during passing periods.

“Prior to the experience, I thought people in the hallway were rude

when I go class to class with my cart. Students quickly cut in front of me and are sometimes disrespectful,” Schweitz said, “It was all amplified when I was in the wheelchair.”

Hoffman was the final participant during wheelchair day. Just like Miller and Schweitz, Hoffman stated that getting around all day was very difficult and it was worse as the day continued. Also, because Hoffman’s office is located in the locker room, if he forgot anything during they day he had to go through three or four doors just to get it. Minimal tasks seemed to take forever to accomplish for Hoffman.

“I’m not tough enough to handle that experience on a daily basis, I take too much for granted,” Hoffman said. “It is easy to take things for granted, be thankful for what you have. Your problems are never that bad.”

Throughout the day, the participants received a numerous amount of curious looks and giggles from the students. A day in a wheelchair seemed to affect the teachers more than expected.

“Going down the hallways was awkward because you’re so much lower than everyone else,” principal, Roger Miller said, “You just feel kind of isolated, that’s something someone in a

wheelchair goes through everyday.”During the experience, the

participants continued through their daily activities with trouble. As the personal difficulties added to the teacher’s normal routines, the experience also turned out to be a worthy one.

“Being in the wheelchair showed me how often I take my life for granted. I can walk, I can dance, and I have no physical limitations,” Schweitz said, “I have a great deal of respect for people who are in wheelchairs. This was a very humbling experience and I’m glad I got to be apart of it.”

As the day came to an end, the teachers were released from the wheelchair to return back to the normal ways of life for them. Each one left with different views of the day and the importance that it held.

“This made me more considerate and empathetic towards the students in wheelchairs, we often forget what they have challenging them,” Miller said, “This is not getting into a car and going to the mall.”

MDA Fundraiser Gives More Insight Teachers Experience The Struggles of Being DisabledAshley ZajacArts and Entertainment Editor

Roger Milller (right) drove a purple wheelchair. Miller connected with Alex Lynch ‘14, a student who uses a wheel-chair, as they sped down the hallway.

Kristy Schwietz had an extra chal-lenge of pushing her cart while in the chair. Passing periods were tough for her.

Brian Hoffman works on his laptop while watching his study hall. He said his muscles ached by the end of the day, but he had a good experience.

Photos by Paige Duin

98 In-depthdecember 2010

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and what better way to spend a frosty winter afternoon than baking cookies? Lauren Frink ’12 partakes in a tradition that has been going on in her family since before she was born. “We make everyone in the family’s favorite cookie,” Frink said. “We make every cookie you could possibly imagine and [then] some!” Pineapple cookies, star cookies, cherry cookies, sugar cookies, M&M cookies, pretzels enclosed with almond bark and M&Ms, peanut butter balls, chocolate truffles with powdered sugar, peanut brittle and salted nut rolls are just some of the delectable treats prepared at the Frink household on the annual cookie-baking day. “It takes almost a good, solid twelve hours,” Frink said. They start at eight in the morning and usually bake until seven in the evening. Though it is a long process, Frink says it is entertaining. “It brings all the women in the family together to enjoy some good cookies,” Frink said. Lauren’s favorite part of the ritual is putting the M&Ms in the middle of the pretzels with almond bark. Another tradition Frink enjoys about this special day for her and her family is that every year her grandmother gives her an ornament to place on the tree. The ornament relates to the baking that went on that day. “It’s pretty legit,” Frink said. “We will do this forever and ever.”

Family Traditions: Holiday Baking for the Frinks

Recipe for Pretzel Treats1/2 lb. mini-pretzels1 large bag of M&Ms1 package of Almond Bark or 1 bag of Wilton candy melts (white)

Line 2 cookie sheets with waxed paper. Lie pretzels flat on the waxed paper. They can be very close to each other.

Melt almond bark/candy melts according to the directions on the package. Using a spoon, scoop some of the melted almond bark into the holes of the pretzels OR using a squeeze bottle, squeeze melted candy into holes of pretzels.

Place M&Ms in the center of the candy filled pretzels.

Let sit, then enjoy!

Gabriella MontemaranoStaff Writer

With mistletoe hanging from the doorway and twinkling lights hanging from almost every house in the city, the holidays come to life with cheery smiles and piles of food. The holidays tend to revolve around families and their traditions. Most people can recall at least one family tradition that they participate in, eat or decorate with on the holidays. “On Christmas day, my uncles and I always go hunting,” Eric

Bridgmon ‘12 said. “It’s late season so we go deer hunting.” For Nancy Turpen, secretary, it’s a family affair. On Christmas Eve, her family comes over and has friedens, which according to her are a German pastry; much like a doughnut.

“We don’t put baby Jesus in the manger until Christmas morning,” Turpen said. “My whole family comes for Christmas. There are about 50 of us. We open presents from youngest to oldest so everyone can watch.” As for Jessica Tejral ‘12, her Christmas morning is similar to many GHS students’.

“We get up around 9 and open our big presents from youngest to oldest,” Tejral

said. “Then we eat breakfast, and then we open stockings.” In a few years, the current students at GHS will be on their own. Maybe they’ll keep the traditions practiced by their family when they were kids or maybe they’ll start new ones.

But remember, it’s never too late to spend the holidays with family.

Holiday Traditions Bring Families Together Mary YagerStaff Writer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...

What is your favorite part about the holidays?“I like it because the food. My mom makes these cheesy potatoes they’re really really good.”

- Derek Jacoby ‘12

“Celebrating Christ’s birthday. My fam-ily and I make him a chocolate double stacked cake every year.”

-Elaine Kramer ‘12

“Decorating the tree, because you get to be with your family.”

-Brooke Martin ‘11

Nancy Turpen and her family gather around the Christmas tree. A total of about 50 people in her family get together for Christmas. submitted photo

Photo by Courtney Murcek

10 arts and entertainmentdecember 2010

Winter Fashions At GHS 2010 - 2011Tis’ The Season To Be TrendyGabriella MontemaranoStaff Writer Fashion trends surround us. We see them in magazines and on TV. Here are some examples of what’s hot during the cool winter months at GHS.

Olivia Gahan ‘11Favorite Sweater from the Giving Tree - $5“I LOVE moccasins!”Scarves, jeans and really big sweatersGAP, anywhere she can find clothes she likes

“Cozy and Chic”

Taylor White ‘11Big sweaters, boots, jeans and tights“I wear hats all the time in the winter.”Thrift stores or Francesca’s

“Thrifty and Unique”Kade Hollendieck and Andrew Jensen ‘12“I like being out of the ordinary,” Jensen said. “They’re pretty sick [his socks].” “Startin’ trends, ya know,” Hollendieck said.Kade’s mom buys his socks for him.

“Trend Setters”

Eric Smith ‘11Likes wearing cardigans, skinny jeans and a big jacket“Scarves. I love scarves.”Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and PacSun

“Urban Eric”

Zach Spale ‘13Shorts and a T-Shirt“I like the chill of the breeze. I like to feel cold.”Scheels

“Cool and Collected”

“A few hours later, the stampede of feet shakes me from slumber. I look around in bewilderment. It’s not yet dawn, but my stinging eyes can see it.

It would be hard to miss the wall of fire descending on me” The Hunger Games (171).

With such awards as being named one of The American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults in 2010, USA Today Bestseller and New York Times Bestseller, it’s no wonder GHS students read and rant about The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

The Hunger Games, is set in an unidentifiable future time period in the country of Panem, where North America once stood. Panem is divided into 12 districts, with a powerful government located West of the Rocky Mountains, called the Capitol. To get revenge on the citizens of Panem for a rebellion that happened over 70 years ago, the Capitol holds an annual competition called the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are held every year to show citizens of Panem that no matter what citizens do, the Capitol can do worse: kill your children. The Capitol wants to instill a fear of the government’s power in the minds of citizens.

Each year, one boy and one girl from each district ages 12 to 18 are randomly selected by the Capitol

to compete. The rest of the country watches on national television as the 24 contestants or “tributes” fight to the death until only one remains.

“A girl goes from having nothing to being a national symbol of freedom,” Erin Miller ‘13 said. “It’s inspiring.”

Teens at GHS have mostly positive comments about this New York Times Bestseller. A majority of students agree that The Hunger Games is a gripping novel with loads to enjoy.

“It’s intense,” Emily Rickers ‘13 said. “Boys and girls can enjoy the series because it’s action-packed and romantic.”

Most GHS students interviewed said the series is not just one for girls. However, the action and

suspense appeals to the male mind as well as to females.

“The series is amazing,” Trace Mannewitz ‘14 said. “There’s violence but there’s also deep thinking involved so it appeals to both genders.”

Not only do GHS students rave about The Hunger Games, authors such as Stephen King, Stephenie Meyer and John Green also think the series is addictive and breathtaking.

The series, written by Suzanne Collins, has become such a phenomenon the first book is in the process of being transformed into a movie. Production is expected to begin in 2011 and be in theaters later that year.“The Hunger Games is easily one of the best series I’ve ever read,” Mannewitz said. “More people should read them.”

Hunger Games: GHS Students Can’t Put it DownMary YagerStaff Writer

11arts and entertainmentdecember 2010

Harry closes the door behind him and heads away from the burrow. It’s not long before Ron comes after him. “No one else is going to die. Not for me,” Harry said. “You think Mad-Eye died for you? You think George took that curse for you? You may be the chosen one mate, but this is a whole lot bigger than you. It has always been bigger than you,” Ron replies. ThenewmovieisthefirstpartofthefinalbookinthelongandlovedseriesofHarryPotter.Harryisfightingthewarof saving the good left in the wizarding world. After accepting the fact others will get hurt he embarks on what seems like a never-ending journey to destroy Lord Voldemort with only the help of his two best friends Ron and Hermione. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is possibly the darkest chapter in the tale of the young wizard’s life but is, however, complete with: love, loss, fear, betrayal and action sprinkled with bits of humor. The decision to make the final novel intotwo movies was a needed addition. The movie was released on Nov. 19th . The action packed film serves to set up the

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1Setting the SceneKennedy HealyFeatures/In-Depth Editor

final movie of the phenomenon andleaves the audience begging for more. The special effects, varied scenery, sound effects, loved characters, and the memorable orchestrated music makes the movie the best one yet. Fans have watched actors Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) grow as characters and as actors throughout all the movies. They continue to exceed standards in this movie. None of the parts seemed fake or “cheesy”

because the acting was handled so well, despite the fact that this was possibly the hardest of all the movies to do given the seriousnessofthedarktimeinthefilm. Throughout the movie, the group moves from place to place to avoid being found. Each different scenery is unique and beautiful and shows viewers how isolated the characters mustbe.The set, asalways,wasfittingto the story and enhances the feel of the movie. The special effects exceeded those in previous movies and make

viewers think the magic on screen is actually happening. The theme of the musicfrompastfilmsisheldthroughoutthis movie and follows the feel of each scene to add suspense, sorrow, fear and even happiness. The sound effects fit in perfectly and tied with what ishappening on screen will make you jump. The movie follows the book well but leaves out small details as always. Viewers may have thought they couldfitmoreofthesedetailsinbymakingthebookintotwofilmsbutthescreenplaywas not always completely following the book. They did, however, include enough to keep the story going and stay true to the author’s intent as they have in previous movies, which can’t be said for many movies that are based on novels. As a Harry Potter fan, this installment of the series was compelling and does a great job setting up the end to the Harry Potter series.It is criticized for ending abruptly and not having a complete story, but what people are forgetting is that is the first half of a bookwhichserves to build until the end of the story. The abrupt ending indeed leaves people wondering what is to come and wishing there was no 8 month wait. The forever anticipated final film will besure to make a boom as big as this one.

Paige’s Top Picks For Winter “Ickys”

In winter, many of us have problems such as dry skin, frizzy hair, cracked heels and pale skin. If you are like me, I can’t stand having these problems so I use the following products to help with these unsightly issues.

Dry Skin-Nivea Smooth Sensation Body Lotion (Walgreen’s, $7)-Dermatologicaly tested-This is healthy for all skin types; it leaves your body feeling healthy. I can’t stand having dry, itchy legs; I apply it to my legs when I get out of the shower and I have shiny, healthy looking legs all day. Also apply it to elbows where skin tends to get dry and it will save your skin from the freezing cold of the winter.

Frizzy Hair-Paul Mitchell Quick Slip (Wal-Mart, $8)-It’s like a lotion for hair. If you have frizzy or static hair, this is perfect for you. Whether you have fine,medium,orthickhair,applya dime size amount and work it through your style. It’s amazing for all hair types.

Dry Face-Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub (Wal-Mart, $5)-After using this scrub, it leaves me with a deep, clean feel with no residue. The beads in the scrub, remove dry skin and keeps it feeling clean and fresh all day and night. Don’t use this product if skin is easily irritated.

Dry Hands-Look Ma, New Hands Hand Cream (Bath and Body Works, $15)-Even though it is a bit pricey, this cream does wonders for dry hands. Dry hands can be irritating and who wants a lotion that will keep you from doing what you need to do? This lotion revives hands leaving one with soft hands and no mess.

Dry Lips-AquafinaHydratingLipBalm (Wal-Mart, $3)-This is the best lip balm I have ever used. I believe it’s better than plain Vaseline. It’s hydrating without having that waxy feeling. It has a cool sensation as you apply and thevalue isdefinitelyworthyour while.

Pale Skin-Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (Wal-Mart, $7)-Apply evenly throughout skin, for a great, natural looking glow. After using for a few days, the color gets deeper and skin looks firming and revitalized. Becareful of over-application.

Cracked Heels-Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Toe (Bath and Body Works, $8)-Everyone gets cracked heels in the winter, and it can become extremely painful. Once again, this is a product that is a little on the expensive side, but it is defiantly worth it. Using this refreshesyour feet and makes them feel healthy again.

Paige DuinStaff Writer

Late Night Adventures

Juniors Jordyn Wol-lenburg and

Meghan Dennis

stop for a quick photo

before the show. Both

students attended

the midnight premiere

Nov. 19th.

Students Test Consumer Products

12 sportsdecember 2010

Err. Err. Err. The alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. and the day begins for many winter athletes before the sun has even risen. It’s usually off to morning practices, which start at 6 a.m., or weight room at 7 a.m. but as athletes drag themselves half asleep through these morning practice they realize their day is not even close to being over.

“I hate morning practices because that means I’ll be at the school for around 12 hours,” said Connor Shedeed ‘14.

Once school starts its seven long hours that seem to drag by for everyone as the homework piles up. For most of the GHS students the final bells lets them relax knowing their day is over but for some athletes know that the sound just means that it’s off to practice. The players drag themselves through repetitive drills until the coach finally decides to blow the whistle and calls for everyone to bring it in.

“I have basketball till about 6:30 then I shower at school and have my paps bring me some food.” Andrew Jensen ’12

Early to Rise Late to Bed The life of an athlete and actorTrey RussellStaff Writer said. “Then we have practice till about

9:30 or 10 depending on what kind of mood Ms.Carraher is in.”

Even though the extra curricular activities become overwhelming for some most wouldn’t give either sports or one act up for anything.

“The extra time would be nice,” Zach Stover ’13 said, “But I like being apart of both one act and hoops its fun and a great experience I don’t regret it.

Not all athletes and one actors share the same view with Stover. It would be hard to blame them though considering the immense effort and time put into the play as well as their respective sports.

“When I’m at one act practice I always think, ‘Why am I doing this?’” Jensen said.

Sports and their role on the stage isn’t all these teens have to be worrying about they also have to worry about all the homework they accumulate during a typical school day which is more important in most teachers minds.

“I’ve used the good ole I was busy excuse before,” said Shedeed, “it’s better

than the dog ate my homework.”A typical day for a wrestler during

two-a-days and one act is a ridiculous schedule. Morning practice starts at 6 a.m. then it’s off to school. After school it’s another brutal practice closely followed by one act practice, which usually lasts till about 10. That leaves valuable sleep hours as the only time to get work done and study for tests. This lack of sleep put together with possible test anxiety could lead to problems many would think, but the is not the case.

“Yeah it is stressful,” Jensen said. “But Ms.Carraher lets us do homework during practice and I have a study hall.”

Basketball players aren’t the only athletes that have to worry about keeping up with these ridiculous schedules. Wrestlers, in fact, may have it worse off especially on days of two-a-days. Imagine spending more than 12 hours at the school in one day.

“My day is pretty hectic from laying the smack down in wrestling and signing autographs for one act,” Connor Shedeed ’14 said.

The High School’s Dance team “bedazzled” their new uniforms. According to Coach Kristy Schweitz the idea was mainly the team’s.

Rhinestones are very popular on dance team uniforms. At the team’s first competition about one in 20 teams did not have rhinestones. However, the quantity in them always varies. Schweitz thinks that the number of rhinestones on their uniforms are just right.

“We added the rhinestones to our uniforms to make them more of a costume, and more of the other schools have them,” Schweitz said. “We have to keep up with the Jones.’”

It took about three solid days to add the “bling.” The girls came in after school, during study halls and some even in the mornings during practice.Even though adding the rhinestones took some time Schweitz and the dance team plan to sparkle again next year.

Jena BurnsGuest Writer

GHS Dance Team “Bedazzles” Their Uniforms

Senior GHS dance team members pose for a picture before be-dazzling their uniforms. The girls came up with the idea mid sea-son.

The GHS dance team added a little sparkle to their rou-tine by rhinestoning their uniforms. The expensive jewels were worth the appearance of the finished product. All of the dance team girls agree that the new addition to their uniforms looks amazing.

Photos by Jena Burns

“I have both on every day except for Wednesday, after bas-ketball I am pretty tired but I know

that I have to go to one act for about three hours and then do homework.” Zach Stover ‘13

“It’s pretty much like having 3-a-days be-cause being a wave is so physical ly challenging.”

Connor Shedeed ‘14

13sportsdecember 2010

Goodbye Royals, Hello Stormchasers

The name change has been a controversy around Omaha and in surrounding

As we finally are coming to the sad end of Rosenblatt we think back to all the good times we’ve had there: Hot days walking around tent to tent during the College World Series. Spring afternoons spent at the Royals’ game with classmates. Crisp fall nights cheering on the Nighthawks. Almost every student at GHS has been to a Royals game sometime in their life. Most during 8th grade for their D.A.R.E. field trip others with family and friends. Either way the Omaha Royals have been a pretty big deal in Omaha which probably wont change as they make their move into Sarpy County. At these games many great memories have been made. “I remember one time I was there I caught two foul balls during one game,” Caleb Koch ’13 said. The change in venue to Sarpy County just off of highway 370 isn’t the only change. The Royals are now the Storm Chasers, which many students dislike.

cities. “ I liked the Royals more than the Storm chasers… It just sounds dumb,” Cole Samuelson ’13 said. T h e memories will fade as new ones are made with the Sarpy County Storm Chaser and some students are looking forward to new experiences out off 370. “I like the change in venue because since it is closer now I think that

I will probably make more games,” Koch

Trey Russell Staff Writer said.

The new stadium will be available for use at the start of next spring and a new season. The change also means no more Omaha Royals merchandise now it will be Storm Chaser tee shirts and hats and some fans are not looking forward to this change either. “The new logo is too childish,” Samuelson said, “ It looks like a cartoon.” The new stadium will hopefully be more convenient for Storm Chasers fans now that its not way down town but it will also offer a variety of new jobs for high school teens. “I think I might try to get a job there next spring just so I can have some extra cash,” said Alexis Snell ’14. The new season begins at home on April 15th as the triple A Storm Chasers (affiliated with MLB KC Royals) take on Nashville. As the new season opens new traditions will be made as well as new memories. The new stadium will be host to all the new memories.

Now that basketball season is starting, the infamous sweater vests are also making their star appeal. I wonder whether they’re doing it for the laughs and they think it’s funny, or that they actually think it looks good. I mean, I don’t judge guy’s dress appeal or their style. In fact, I think it looks fine. It’s just the sweep of the sweater vests across the school leaves me perplexed and curious on what started the whole trend. The whole classy look makes me think they’re very formal. But, some students who wear them look goofy and look like they’re just trying to do it for the laughs. In fact, I think the students who do it

Basketball Team Starts Sweater Vest TraditionEthan DawesStaff Writer and Artist

share a very strong team bond if they can all dress up with sweater vests for a game. It’s a tradition in motion and it’s not even recognized as one. At least the basketball team has a tradition that they can wear, because the football team can’t even wear their jerseys at all except for game day. In all, the basketball players who wear the sweater vests are tradition starters who make the school light up with originality and flavor. In my opinion, students should continue making more memories that students will carry on with them to remember. In all honesty, I won’t be able to forget the sweater vests that the students wear, as long as I see someone wearing a sweater vest in public, I’ll be reminded of the Gretna High School basketball team. I think that it would be cool if all of our school’s other sports team or clubs would start a tradition like the boy’s basketball team has done. I have to give t hem credit for doing something like this and I think it was a cool idea to do.

Art by Chelsea Pote

14 sportsdecember 2010

“On the line!” Those three words are heard daily at a boys’ basketball practice, and it means

one thing: coach is not happy and the result is another day of hard conditioning. “We usually condition throughout practice by running

8’s and occasionally 16’s,” Robert Schram Martin 11’ said. “At the end

of practice we usually do different types of sprints that require blood, sweat and

tears.” Practices are Monday through Saturday

and are normally around two to two and a h a l f hours at the beginning of the season, and they are cut down to an hour to an hour and a half by the end.

Despite the hours athletes put into practicing, they don’t feel it’s a waste of time.

“[Conditioning] allows me to go longer and harder than my opponents,” Schram said. “It takes time and energy from school, friends and family, but it will all be worth it in the end.”

Every practice includes different kinds of work-outs, but when players don’t hustle to a drill or don’t

make a time, it’ll result in more. However, there are also some behaviors they can do that cut it back. “Not giving 100% effort and concentration always

leads to extra lines.” Schram said. “Bringing energy and lots of effort to drills sometimes cuts it off a little

conditioning.”

Compared to the amount of hours put into practices and the time actually spent on games, there’s no question where the majority of time is spent. Practices always result in lots of sweat and some of the athletes have even thrown up, but coaches don’t feel that’s a reason to “go easy” on the team. “Our goal is to be the best conditioned team we can be,” Coach Brian Hoffman said. “You can’t execute as well when you’re tired.”

Ashley JosoffStaff Writer

The running, the screaming, and the countless hours spent improving your game, are all a part of Gretna’s basketball program. Sadly, this isn’t for everyone no matter how great the love of the game.

“I’m doing intramural basketball because I’ve always had such a strong passion for the sport deep in my soul,” said Kory Hurtz ’11, “I’m also playing to learn many of the life lessons that basketball can teach a young chap.”

Before if you weren’t part of the team you were pretty much out of luck, of course there is always YMCA leagues, but those cost money and you had to get signed up in time with your whole team. Starting this year though is an intramural basketball league, which allows students

to create a team with their friends and classmates or join an existing team. This will provide GHS the opportunity to enjoy the game they love while joking with friends and teammates and not have to worry about a coach breathing down their necks.

“I love to play basketball. Its just that the high school basketball program wasn’t really my thing,” said Andrew DeBolt ’13, “With intramurals, I get to do what I love, but with a lot more fun involved. It’s going to be a great time.”

Not all students just wanted a more fun experience others thought that the high school program didn’t offer enough of challenge for them.

“I didn’t try out for the basketball team because I felt as if the varsity level of play wasn’t competitive enough for me,” said Kory Hurtz ’11.

Students will start their pursuit of perfection in January. It’s not exactly win at all cost, but the score does matter to almost everyone out on the hardwood. Some teams more than others will be sure to give that extra effort to win.

“Honestly, there is not a doubt in my mind that we’ll be in the ship. It’s going to be a long and tough road but I’m confident in our talented lineup,” said Hurtz ’11, “All the pre-season preparation seems to be paying off.”

Some teams will rely on their veteran players, as some of the younger teams are confident with their own team of young guns fresh off “retirement.”

“I think my teams going to be pretty good,” said DeBolt ’12, “We have a solid line up of retired basketball players. I’m sure we will do work.”

Teams got to put together their

Intramural Basketball Gives Students

Trey RussellStaff Writer

Their Time to Shineown rosters and decide on a team name as well as their uniforms. They also got to choose a team captain.

“My team name is TaylorGang (Wiz Khalifa).” Said DeBolt, “We chose the name cause we’re all fans of Wiz Khalifa and we thought it would be funny. Our jerseys are going to be black and yellow; you know how it is.”

“It’s a tradition, my team & I played for the Y and we had to find a new league.”-Zach Hadden ‘11

“My friends signed me up.” -Alicia Olson ‘13

“I joined because my friends were on it. I like basketball but I didn’t think I could make the actual team.”-Brian Anderson ‘13

Basketball’s Path to Perfection

Why are you playing?

Our goal is to be the best

conditioned team we can be. You can’t execute as well when you’re tired.-CoachBrian Hoffman

Jared Blume ‘12

15sportsdecember 2010

Sitting in newspaper class, the clock ticks, minute by minute and the bell finally rings. I’ve been dreading this moment the whole day. Basketball practice starts in ten minutes. I grab my notebook and camera and make my way across the school, to the gym. I walk into the gym and look around at all the other girls. I have no idea what is going on as I look around. They are doing drills that involve bouncing the balls between their legs and around their bodies. My mind is in a twist trying to understand how to do this. The whistle blows and the couch yells. The girls toss the balls to the side and start to jog around the gym. As I look with a blank stare, I almost get knocked over. I walk over to Coach Skdlra and I ask what the girl’s are doing today. He explains to me that the girls have a game tomorrow so they will be working on some defensive drills. They continue to run for what seems like forever. The horn blares and they all stop and walk over to the coach. He talks about the first game and what the girls will do today. The girls start off doing stations and breakfast club. I take notes as I watch the girls run back and forth and scream at each other: “Faster!”; “Nice job Dub!”; “Come on ladies!!” The sounds of yelling, shoes squeaking, and balls bouncing are

overwhelming throughout the gym. I look over and see the coaches conversing in the corner; they don’t look happy. “ON THE LINE!” Haun yells. He blows his whistle and the girl run back and forth, one line at a time. By the time they are done, the girls are breathing heavily and cursing under their breath.Starting the drill over again, I can see determination rushing through the girl’s bodies. You can see they do not want to run anymore. As practice is ending, Haun calls the girls over. He gives the ladies a pep talk for their game the next day and says we had a good practice. He tells the ladies to drink water, get some rest, and don’t forget to stretch. He dismisses us and the girls talk about their plans that night and all the homework they have; however, I am going home for the night. I said goodbye to Coach Haun and the team and drag my feet out the door. Being at a practice for a day, I can see how stressful it is for the girls playing basketball. The players wake up early in the morning, go to school, practice, and still have their homework and a social life. The players have to be in amazing shape to continue to go hard throughout the entire two-hour practice with limited water breaks. To suffer through this every day would be impossible for me, this gives me new respect for the team.

A Day in the Life of Girls B-BallPaige DuinStaff Writer

Fighting for the ball Meghan Dennis ‘12 and Jor-dyn Wollenburg ‘12 are both determined to not let go. Dennis and Wollenburg are both starters for varsity this year. They have been play-ing together since elemen-tary school.“Practices can get pretty competitive and we go all out all the time to make each other better,” Dennis said. Photos by Paige Duin

Looking for an open team mate Nicole Andrews ‘11 fights off Jordyn Wollenburg’s ‘12 defense. The girls both play varsity player this year and they are both excited for this season.

Going in for the lay-up Brooke Arp ‘11can not be stopped by Jordan Meadows ‘12 during a scrimmage at practice. Arp is out for the season due to injuries on her knee.

Looking for drive Jordyn Wollenburg ‘12 pivots back and forth as Nicole Andrews ‘11 tries to steal the ball. The girls practice everyday except Sunday or days that they have games. Their practices are usually three hours long.

Senior pictures due Jan 5th!Bring to Room 400!

16 photo storydecember 2010

In the Shoes of a GHS DancerEthan DawesStaff Writer and Artist

Imagine waking up early in the morning, dancing and doing routines, going to school, balancing homework and then finally having to perform in front of hundreds of people. That’s what how I pictured myself when I stepped into the shoes of a dance team member. At 5:45 a.m., I rolled out of bed and put on some work out clothes. I didn’t eat anything and didn’t bother to shower at all. The feeling of waking up so early without any energy and my daily routine out of whack made me feel out of place and disoriented. First, we stretched to get loose and flexible. In this case, stretching was a difficult task and I couldn’t even do some of the stretches such as the splits or anything else that needed flexibility.

Following that, we did an exercise called ‘cross the floor’, where I did a different maneuver across the stage like back kicks. I struggled here as well because it was my first time doing them,

but with more practice I eventually got better. After our water break, my feet started to throb and ache from jumping and landing on the hardwood floor. I told one of the dance members that my feet were hurting a bit and they told me that their feet eventually callus over

and become tough as nails. I thought to myself that the continuous beating of my feet would soon be too much for me.

As for awkwardness, I didn’t feel that bad about it. The only time I started to get embarrassed was when people started showing up for school and sat

down in the commons and watched. Next, I attempted to do turns. Emphasize on the word ‘attempted’. I kept getting dizzy and losing my balance and couldn’t even do three spins in a row. I felt somewhat out of place and imagined the amount of balance that dancers had to have in order to do some of the actions they do.

Then we got to the good stuff, the school fight song dance. I messed up a bit, and had to follow a lead that had me somewhat off on all the counts but overall I understood what to do. Finally, we cooled down and did an abdominal routine to end the morning practice. They pick a different way to do sit-ups every time.

In the end, I was a bit stiff in my legs and sore in my abs but I was more awake throughout the day. I feel as if the dance team has it just as hard as any other sport or activity and should be recognized as an equal to basketball or football.

Step 1: Stretching Step 2: Kicking Step 3: Jumping Step 4:Leaping

Step 5: Fight Song

Step 6:AbsStep 7:

Turns

Photos by Lauren Sawyer

Listening carfully, both the GHS dance team and Dawes prepare for group streches. This is Kristy Schwietz first year as the dance team coach.