The HoofbeatMillard North High School Issue 5 | February 7, 2012Sn

eak

Peek Page Three

Check out MN’s results from the firstannual High School

Culinary Throw Down.

Page Six and SevenLearn about the warning

signs of teenage prescription drug

abuse

Page EightGet the scoop on the critters

that occupy the science area

James GeigerOnline Editor

AP exam adjustments:Free testing provided by Millard Public School district

Lurking just around the corner, Advanced Placement testing will soon be upon us in May. AP students will shortly be worrying about purchasing review books, going to study sessions, and remembering information from first semester for their exams.

But this year, there will be one less thing to worry about: cost.

Students wishing to take AP tests will be able to register for their exams this year without having to pay an up-front fee.

In the past, students turned in a check for $86 per AP exam they registered for; those checks were held by MN until scores were received in fall. Students who scored a 2 or greater on the exams had their checks mailed back, while those who scored a 1 had the checks cashed.

“We have always reimbursed our students for doing well on the tests,” administrator Heather Phipps said.

In a district-wide initiative to encourage taking advanced courses, students are being encouraged to register for at least one AP or IB class while

in high school.“As part of taking the course,

students are encouraged to [also] take the exam. Doing so enables high school students to not only increase their knowledge and skills, but they do so while getting the experience of college level course work,” Millard Public Schools Director of Secondary Education Nancy Johnston said.

In order to accomplish this goal, potential barriers that could prevent students from registering for AP classes are being removed, including price.

“It doesn’t seem like the

Casey WaughnOpinions Editor

cost [of the test] is prohibitive, but there are some families who can’t afford to put that money out up-front,” Phipps said.

Because of a grant chartered by the Millard Public Schools Foundation, students this year will not have to pay any money to take their AP tests in May.

According to Gary Steiner, the Executive Director of the MPS Foundation, $148,000 has been set-aside for Millard students to take the tests. That figure is an estimate based on the number of tests taken last year.

In addition to cost, testing

The field of combat lies before you, stained scarlet from blood. Scattered deceased bodies lie around you. Armed with an M-16, you survey the damage. Heart pounding, and adrenaline pumping, sweat drips down

your forehead, and onto the carpet of your

basement floor. For many s t u d e n t s ,

h o u r s

spent playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the closest experience they will ever have to actual warfare.

When President Obama nonchalantly declared the end of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” on Dec. 15, 2011, there was no victory parade, and no major celebration. The United States had been engaged in the conflict since March of 2003, the majority of most students’ lives.

With the close of the war, several MN students and staff members were able to breathe a sigh of relief. Senior Alyssa Clark experienced the effects of the war first hand, as her boyfriend, MN

graduate, Dalton Ridder, was deployed to the

Middle East. “When I found out

he was

getting deployed, I wasn’t happy. My heart dropped to the floor; I felt shocked,” Clark said. “[Having him away] was awful, by far, the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to go through.”

Interacting across thousands of miles proved, at times, to be a challenging task. Communication by letters often took upwards of two weeks to reach the intended recipient.

“In my letters, I wrote everything, from the minute I got to school to late at night I was writing. It was almost like I was talking to him,” Clark said. “He wrote me two letters I keep with me all the time. This way I feel more connected to him. When I’m having a bad day, I pull them out and read the things he writes.”

Even for the members of the military who were not deployed, the war still had an impact and took a toll on their families.

“It’s difficult to pin down my emotions

about having my only child in

the military. [I am]

immensely p r o u d , w o r r i e d , and humbled,” P.E. teacher Vicki Marquardt said.

With the close of the war, people planning on joining the military will be the first to directly experience the changes it is bound to bring.

“My parents are more at ease with me leaving,” senior Jordan Schall, who plans on enlisting in the Air Force, said. “We will be trained possibly differently. My guess is it will be more towards homeland security and protection.”

However, while some believe the military will shift its focus to protection, others remain skeptical that the war is really over despite the promise that all troops would be out by Dec. 31.

“‘The war is not over. We’re out of Iraq, but that may only be temporary. Afghanistan continues to be a hotbed of danger for any American, uniformed or not,” Marquardt said. “I’m afraid that the United States’ military involvement on the world-wide stage may never be

over. War crimes and crimes

against h u m a n i t y are prevalent in much of the Mid-East and Asia, and our involvement will be continual.”

Whether involved in actual combat, in a military family, or simply observing the war from news headlines and stories at home, the war has impacted Americans forever.

“I watch the news with very different eyes now, and I try to be much more aware of students who have family in the military. We have a lot of staff with family in the military, and I don’t think we acknowledge them enough. Every night I thank God for selfless people who are very scared, very hurt, and very alone, protecting my freedoms. I don’t take it lightly,” Marquardt said.

End of Operation Iraqi Freedom:War’s effect on MN students and staff

locations are also being adjusted. Instead of off-site buildings acting as the primary testing cites, the Mustang Center and other rooms in MN will be used.

“We have an AP and IB culture. It’s how we do business, so I’d rather have to find more rooms to fit an excess of students than have a shortage,” Phipps said.

Between review sessions and the stress that comes with testing, Millard students this year won’t have to worry about cost.

For more info on AP tests, go to:

MNHoofbeat.com

Fast Facts:

$148,000 has been

set aside to pay for the

exams

AP exam registration

is due February

24th to the 9-12 office

Photo Permission given by Familymrw at EveryStock Photo.com

2Hoofbeat News Issue 5 | February 7, 2012

InternationalAfter unemployment in the eurozone hit a record high of 10.4 percent in December 2011, 25 of the EU’s 27 member states have agreed to join a fiscal treaty to enforce budget discipline. The two outstanding EU nations were the Czech Republic and the UK.

>> NationalAfter narrowly surviving an assassination attempt, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh recently arrived in the U.S. for medical treatment. Saleh’s rule incited a great deal of unrest and retaliation, which culminated in a civilian attempt on his life last June.

>> LocalOn Jan. 31, the Omaha City Council unanimously voted to support LB 829. Under this proposed state law, “alcohol impact zones,” or geographic areas of chronic public drunkenness and illegal alcohol-related activity, would be targeted to strengthen local liquor regulations.

>> MNThere will be no school on Feb. 9 and 10 due to conferences. Additionally, there will be no school on Feb. 20, Presidents’ Day. Third quarter will end on March 15 and fourth quarter will begin on March 16. Also, there will be no school on March 16, which will be a teacher work day.

>>

Packing boxes: Phipps prepares for big move to Kiewit after promotion

The crowded halls are filled with students rushing off to class and crowding around lockers. Students call out to their friends, and books and papers are accidentally splattered across the hall floors. It’s nothing more than another hectic day at MN for the students, but for Heather Phipps every moment at MN is savored.

Phipps, the 10th grade assistant principal, was recently notified that she had been promoted to be the head principal of Kiewit Middle School. She will be taking up the post this August.

“I am very excited and honored at this opportunity,”

Phipps said.Phipps has been at MN

for two years and this is her 19th year working for Millard Public Schools.

Before coming to MN, Phipps worked at Millard Central Middle School as an English teacher for 13 years and then as an assistant principal for 5 years.

“Dr. Phipps has excelled in her time as an assistant principal, both at MN and Central Middle School. She is widely recognized as a ‘rising star’ within the administrative ranks in MPS due to her superb knowledge of curriculum, instruction, staff development, and student learning, among other important characteristics,” principal Brian Begley said.

The superintendent of MPS, Keith Lutz, recommended Phipps, along with other candidates, to the MPS Board of Education. Phipps then went through an application process before she was selected to be head principal of Kiewit.

As part of the application process, Phipps had multiple interviews with a Kiewit staff team as well as a district team. Phipps interviewed not only for a position at Kiewit, but also for a position at Millard North Middle School; ultimately though, Phipps was chosen to be head principal at Kiewit.

“I was nervous before the interview, but everyone was supportive,” Phipps said.

Phipps also had to do two

writing samples and was given 30 minutes for each sample.

“The writing samples were not difficult because I used to teach English. I think writing is a strength for me,” Phipps said.

After being selected, Phipps has been busy juggling her job at MN while trying to make the transition to a new job.

She is very excited about her new position, but is also slightly melancholic about leaving MN.

“I love MN; it was an incredible experience being here and it will be very hard to leave. I think this is one of the best schools in the state. MN has changed me more than I have changed it,” Phipps said.

Phipps doesn’t plan on

Athira JayanStaff Writer

making any immediate changes to Kiewit at the moment.

“My biggest priority is getting to know the [students and teachers],” Phipps said.

Phipps is well prepared for the difficult task

of readjusting to a brand new school, and undoubtedly, plans to help her new Kiewit students.

“There is nothing I like better than working with students,” Phipps said.

“It was an incredible experience being here and it will be very hard to leave.”Heather PhippsAssistant Principal

MN scholars strive for presidential success with coveted scholarship

Aubrey Beck, Jackson Gzehoviak, Patrick Luddy, Allen Qui, Emily Reiff,

Aanya Sagheer, Carl Stokes, Erik Strottmann, Jeeva Venkataraman, Caitlin Wilhelm, Cole Wilhelmi

Millard North’s 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominees

Nithya RajagopalanEditor-in-Chief

Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Foundation has been recognizing and honoring the nation’s most distinguished high school seniors for several decades.

This year, among the 3,000 students nationwide invited by the foundation to apply for the scholarship were an unprecedented 14 students from the Millard district—11 of which who are from MN.

“I found out I was a nominee in mid-January,” senior Jeeva Venkataraman said. “I didn’t know what the award was, so I had to read up on it. I felt accomplished because it meant all the ACT prep I did wasn’t worthless.”

Indeed, standardized test preparation scores, academic success, and extracurricular participation were just some of the factors taken

into consideration by this foundation whose aim is to honor student excellence.

“I think that [this high number] is outstanding,” counselor and scholarship coordinator Laurie Stackhouse said. “It speaks to the high caliber of our teachers and students; out of our one little school, we have 11 kids potentially being honored.”

Though the invitation to apply for the scholarship is a coveted honor in itself, there is an additional application process from this point to become one of the 141 students selected to become 2012 Presidential Scholars.

“It feels good to be among such an elite class of scholars, but at the same time, it’s intimidating knowing I’ll have to compete with these students for a very limited number of awards,” senior Cole Wilhelmi said.

Fast Facts:

14 total students nominat-ed from Millard district, 11 from MN

MN has had one Presi-dential Scholar in past decade: Anne Wang, 2009 graduate

3Hoofbeat News Issue 5 | February 7, 2012

Fact not fiction

Nithya RajagopalanEditor-in-Chief

With profound manifestations of compositional genius like “Teach Me How to Dougie” and “Dance (A$$)” topping the musical charts today, it’s hard to imagine that the rap and hip-hop scene could get any better than this.

But while they’re admittedly no “Rack City,” songs like “Coup 2 Gueule” by the Kuergui Crew and “Head of State” by El Général are rapidly becoming the most influential pieces of rap and hip-hop music to ever grace the world.

The Kuergui Crew and El Général both wrote protest songs that culminated in their arrests, while simultaneously inciting massive political movements in their respective countries of Senegal and Tunisia.

On “Coup 2 Gueule,” the Kuergui Crew spits lyrics elucidating African corruption and the destitute social conditions of his nation, such as, “We are drowning in hunger and unemployment” and “No one shall take away the power because he fears the people’s revolution.”

Meanwhile, El Général’s song “Head of State” addresses the now-ousted President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali over an ominous, but undeniably hardcore background beat.

“A lot of money was pledged for projects and infrastructure—schools, hospitals, buildings, houses, but the sons of dogs swallowed it in their big bellies,” El Général flows.

Later, he rhymes in Arabic, “I know people have a lot to say in their hearts, but no way to convey it.”

Indeed, these two songs acted as catalysts for the expression of political and social dissent in their countries that, until then, was being expressed covertly, if at all.

Among the revolutionary waves of demonstrations and protests unfolding in nations including Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Oman, rap and hip-hop music has played a pivotal role in articulating and disseminating the prevalent, yet often stifled, dissent of citizens.

While tear gas and brute force may be employed in order to stifle free political thought and speech, the greatest weapon these governments have utilized for years has been the apathy of their people—and this is precisely what these rap artists are successfully counteracting.

Ever since their origins in the 1970s South Bronx of New York, rap and hip-hop music have always been heralded as the gravitational point of issues surrounding black culture in the U.S., such as racism and poverty—a platform on which social issues could be laid out.

However, now, these genres have expanded even past its bounds in the U.S. and are igniting pro-democracy movements and revolutions in the Arab world, with DJ Outlaw of Bahrain, Deeb of Egypt, Omar Offendum of Syria, and AJ of Yemen all synonymous in popularity to the Jay-Zs and Kanye Wests of the U.S.

From “Teach Me How to Dougie” to “Mr. President, Your People Are Dying,” it’s clear that the face of rap and hip-hop music is dynamically altering across the globe.

Unrapping Revolution

ScienceFor the first time, researchers were able to “cloak” a three-dimensional object, making it invisible from all angles. Efforts to develop a fully functional Harry Potter-inspired “invisibility cloak” are projected to come to fruition in the next several years.

>> HealthIf cooked in olive or sunflower oil, fried food may not be linked to heightened risk of heart disease. The University of Madrid found that, though fried food can raise blood pressure and cholesterol, olive and sunflower oil are the exceptions.

>> Human InterestOn Jan. 26, an Iowa woman gave birth to a boy weighing 13 pounds and 13 ounces—without the aid of surgery. Now two-week-old, Asher Stewardson is believed to be the biggest baby ever born at Mercy Hospital without a surgical delivery.

>>

Culinary clashes:MN competes in first cooking competition

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS: In preperation of his main entrée, senior Jake Leiser begins to arrange his meal into an aesthetically pleasing display. The MN team’s final meal comprised of sautéed fish, roasted cauliflower, and parsnips and chickpea salad. | Photo by Jennifer Newton

On Jan. 31, five students from MN competed in the first annual High School Culinary Throw Down at Millard South, hosted by Sodexo. This competition has been held at the elementary and middle schools, and this is the first year that it was brought to the high school level.

The High School Culinary Throw Down is a cooking competition in which teams of five each have three hours to prepare an entrée, side dish, and a salad. Judges then give scores based on presentation, taste, and knowledge.

MN placed first in the salad portion of the competition with their roasted parsnips and chickpea salad. They each received a medal, certificate, and $10 gift card. The team from Horizon High School took home the overall title.

“If I could change anything, I would try to figure out how

to do the timing a little better when it came to our cold food versus our hot food,” MN competitor senior Brianna Wright said.

In order to compete, each student had to have taken at least one cooking class at school. The MN competitors were Wright, seniors Kellie Johnson, Mikaela Woodbury, Jake Leiser, and junior Ethan Hession.

They chose the theme “Greek” for their meals because Wright was very familiar with Greek flavors and recipes. Wright and Woodbury helped choose the recipes for their sautéed fish, roasted cauliflower, and parsnips and chickpea salad.

Although they didn’t take home first place, Wright is proud of how the team did.

“I think we really showed that even though we’re not a school that focuses on food, we showed a lot of talent. I think we proved that overall,” Wright said.

Jenna PfingstenStaff Writer

After years of housing halls filled with the portraits of accomplished athletes and the academically excellent, MN has decided to officially recognize the achievements of past students, faculty, and supporters through the creation of a Hall of Fame.

“MN has established an impressive legacy and tradition of distinguished graduates since it opened in 1978,” principal Brian Begley said. “The former alumni, teachers, administrators, and community members who have graced our hallways are a key reason for the success of our school. The time is overdue for our school to honor such worthy candidates.”

The committee in charge of both the development and execution of the Hall of Fame is the Millard North Hall of Fame Association (commonly referred to as MNHOFA). It is comprised of nine MN administrative advisors and

MN launches plans to commemorate accomplished alumni with Hall of Fame

faculty; their responsibility is to oversee the selection process of inductees and promote the Hall through the MN community.

The committee has begun to outline the qualifications for potential Hall of Fame inductees. Nominees must

be at least ten years graduated, and have

excelled in the business world, their community, or athletics.

“We’ve just said it’s former students who’ve accomplished something great while they were here, have made an important contribution to the community after they

left here, or are friends of MN, whether it’s people who have been contributors or have just kind of maintained good relationships with MN,” history teacher and MNHOFA member Casey Lundgren said.

Among the list of eligible honorees are retired faculty, students, and parents or community members who’ve

had an i m p a c t on MN culture. The M N H O F A is currently a c c e p t i n g nominations f r o m s t u d e n t s , f a c u l t y , and other m e m b e r s of the MN

community. MNHOFA members

emphasize that one of the largest struggles is simply getting the word out to past graduates, faculty, and the community as a whole.

“There’s been a real push

now about how to get the MN community, people who graduated 20 years ago, to know that there’s a Hall of Fame; [that way,] they can nominate people who were connected to MN 20 years ago and we’re not as familiar with now,” history teacher and MNHOFA member Brent Snow said.

Another goal of the Hall of Fame is to provide students with something to strive for while connecting the accomplishments of past students and faculty with newer generations of students.

“I think that anything like this helps give students a little bit of perspective as to what they’re a part of,” Lundgren said. “That yeah, they may just be a sophomore walking the halls but they’re a part of something bigger.”

The first class of inductees will include five members who will be honored during the unveiling of the Hall next fall. Plans for financing, location and design for the Hall are still under way.

“MN has established an impressive legacy and tradition of distinguished graduates since it opened in 1978...The time is overdue for our school to honor such worthy candidates.Brian BegleyPrincipal

Emily HefeliStaff Writer

4Issue 5 | February 7, 2012Hoofbeat Opinions

The Hoofbeat staff will publish nine issues of the paper at Millard North High School (1010 South 144th Street, Omaha, NE). Type is set with the use of Macintosh computers. Printing is done by White Wolf Printing, Sheldon IA. The Hoofbeat is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association and National High School Press Association. The Hoofbeat exists for the express purpose of student information and learning. Advertising will be sold at $7

per column inch or by special quarter, half, or full page rates. Information can be obtained by calling 402-715-1404. All uncredited editorials express the view of the The Hoofbeat staff. All columns express the subjective opinions of the writer.

The Hoofbeat Elisha-Kim DesmanglesNithya RajagopalanBridget van BeaumontNithya RajagopalanCasey WaughnElisha-Kim DesmanglesElizabeth MoranElizabeth GrothEmily SeymourJames GeigerBridget van BeaumontKelly BastJennifer Newton

Editors-in-Chief

Front EditorNews Editor

Opinions EditorFocus Editor

Features EditorEntertainment Editor

Sports EditorOnline Editor

Graphic EditorIllustrator

Photographer

Clayton AnnanNick BeaulieuAlan DavisJustin DeffenbacherDavid FamilettiElizabeth GraffBrent GriffithsMarin HartfieldEmily HefeliAthira JayanJenna PfingstenSarah CushmanBrian Begley

Staff Writers

AdvisorPrincipal

Makin’ the Case

Casey WaughnOpinions Editor

Walking into Target or any major retail store between New Years Day and Feb. 15 and taking in the array of pink and hearts that would make Cupid himself cringe from cheesiness has always placed me in a foul mood. While many often look forward to the oversized stuffed animals and cliché greeting cards that Valentine’s Day promises, I have never found it particularly necessary. To me, it has always been a typical “Hallmark holiday,” a made-up holiday for greeting card companies to make money.

For me, in years past, a typical Valentine’s Day consisted of eating my emotions in the form of bags of Dove chocolate and Ben and Jerry’s frozen yogurt, and watching countless episodes of Sex and the City on the couch by myself. You might see where my frustration has started to build.

This year, while stifling my snarky comments, I decided to try to uncover just exactly what about Valentine’s Day I’m not particularly fond of. My conclusion: Valentines Day has become an excuse. An excuse to confess a year’s worth of oppressed feelings to that special someone, an excuse to shower loved ones with gifts and attention, an excuse to take on the persona of a hopeless romantic for the day and feel truly “loved.”

While some find this bombardment of emotion nice, there shouldn’t be the need for one particular day to express your feelings of love and appreciation for the people you love; you should be constantly reminded of that every day.

For example, a few weeks ago, I was having a string of days where nothing seemed to be going my way. Between the stress of a new semester and the pressure from extracurriculars, my head was feeling ready to implode. One of my friends was aware of this, and surprised me one morning with my favorite steaming blend of coffee from Scooters. That moment turned my whole week around, and I felt the need to repay the random act of kindness to someone else feeling glum.

Random acts of kindness, whether small things like holding the door open for someone, or bigger things like buying them a cup of coffee, are the daily occurrences that remind us that we are truly loved, and who really loves us.

I don’t feel the need for one specific day filled with a greeting card’s idea of love to show me that I’m loved. I feel loved by the little things the people I care about most do for me every day.

Challenging Cupid

“It’s a bad thing because a lot of websites would get blocked and there would be nothing left on the internet.”Tyler Williams, 9

StudentsSpeakWhat do you think of the

proposed PIPA/SOPA bills?

“Regardless of your views on piracy, the bills go way too far in trying to eliminate piracy.”

Erik Strottmann, 12

“[Content] should not be banned because it allows us to connect with others and get information quickly.”

Sydney Blume, 10

“I think that it is ludicrous that our government would limit the freedoms of Americans.”Ryan Walters,12

Nutrition act positive, promotes healthy eating

The constant message of food found throughout the media, features promising slogans of why their food tastes better, but the question never addressed is whether this food is healthy.

The endless advertisements constantly bombard us with good-looking food that lacks in nutritional content. However, in between the relentless display, MN’s food staff has developed changes to the current menu to benefit the health of MN’s student body providing a welcome and needed change to the

cafeteria. According to MPS Food

Service Director Justin Wiley, starting next fall the cafeteria will be featuring several new, healthy changes such as limiting fried potatoes to two days a week and changing the breads to whole grains. The district will also limit sodium and calories in meals. Other changes include introducing new healthier entrees, converting chips from fried to baked, and eliminating unhealthy milk options such as two percent milk.

The coming changes arose after the passing of the federal Healthy Hunger-Free Act, which was passed this previous summer. The act focuses on several changes that benefit the nutritional standards and

menu options in all schools across the nation.

But why are these changes necessary? MN already features higher calorie content in their entrees at 435 versus the average calorie content in Omaha Public Schools at 308 according to the nutritional information provided by the districts.

In conjunction with the high calorie content, Nebraska as a whole features a high child obesity rate at 26.9 percent. These coming changes are designed to have lunches not contribute to this growing statistic and will benefit the state as well as the school district by reducing negative options.

Everyone knows the effects that these unhealthy

foods produce. The common response is heart disease, obesity and diabetes, but what these results display are the long-term effects. What is not realized is the short-term consequences that are experienced.

The most common short-term effect is weight gain. Two other effects that were observed in the study are the changes in body composition that increase the difficulty of losing weight and damage on the liver.

The constant message displayed throughout the country featuring unhealthy foods will still be a problem. But in MN’s cafeteria there will be healthy options that provide a break from these messages.

Justin DeffenbacherStaff Writer

Red rating wrong: Teen drivers unfairly targeted

Blaring music and a myriad of distractions are stereotypical thoughts of teen drivers. Their carelessness on the roads leads safety experts to believe that teens don’t deserve the lenient driving laws currently in Nebraska.

Each year, the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety grade all 50 states on the safety of their roads. According to their 2012 report, Nebraska is one of eight states to receive a red rating, “indicating poor performance because of a dangerous lack of basic laws.”

Even though Nebraska scored well for its laws regarding impaired driving, the advocates castigated the

state for not having enough restrictions on teen drivers.

But there is no need to spend the time, effort, and money to change the driving laws when the ones already in effect are working.

The group encourages a minimum age of 16 to receive a learner’s permit, while Nebraska’s is 15. Pushing it back a year really just delays the inevitable as new drivers simply lack experience.

The thought process behind the harsher laws is due to the statistics. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than a third of their deaths.

In 2009, about 3,000 teens in the U.S. aged 15–19 were killed and more than 350,000

were treated in emergency rooms for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes.

According to the CDC, crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teens are eligible to drive. A newly licensed driver, no matter what age doesn’t have the experience yet. Age, whether 15 or 16, shouldn’t matter as long as they learn how to properly drive their vehicle.

At some time, teenagers need to gain real life experience. In Nebraska, certain 14-year-olds get school permits to drive because they live farther away from school, while others need it for transportation to work.

Along with that, the advocates request that the teen-driving curfew should be restricted to 10 p.m. instead of the midnight curfew currently

in place. The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety’s suggestions are unrealistic especially when teens are busy and should have the right to drive when they need to.

Coupled with that, a teen’s parent should be the one who has the say in the curfew based on their level of responsibility; it is their job to know the whereabouts of their child.

Moreover, each state can create their own laws set forth by their legislature, and so far the laws have been effective. According to the state highways safety administrator Fred Zwonechek, the statistics for teens involved in car crashes have generally been headed in a positive direction. The laws don’t need the advocates’ inclusions even though Nebraska received a red rating.

ElizabethMoranFeatures Editor

5Issue 5 | February 7, 2012Hoofbeat Opinions

Editorial Cartoon

Lines snake around the gym as an endless stream of parents file in and wait their turn. This is not registration, but the yearly tradition of parent-teacher conferences.

Last year, this organized chaos was only available in the fall. Spring conferences were focused solely on advisement.

This year, conferences have returned for spring, but only during a narrow

Although it is positive that conferences are being offered with advisement conferences, the time they are offered needs to be accessible to parents.

Conference times inconvenient, change neededStaff Editorial band of time from 1:00

p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 9. For most parents, these conferences are inaccessible—a fact that is unacceptable.

While it is positive that the administration has added spring parent-teacher conferences back, they need to expand the time frame so parents are given ample opportunity to attend. The limited time frame now offered often conflicts with work.

Times have clearly changed in education as a simple glance into a classroom will confirm. Online grades and email are stark contrasts to the old paper grade books. While these tools are helpful to students,

parents, and staff, they should not serve as a substitute for teachers and parents meeting face-to-face.

T r a d i t i o n a l conferences allow for personal communication where concerns can be answered quickly.

In a district that values developmental assets, parent-teacher conferences are the best method to uphold the sixth developmental asset of parental involvement in their student’s education.

Advisement and registration should remain the focus of the spring. Yet, parent-teacher conferences should not be mutually

exclusive to this focus and should be offered during times conducive to the average parent.

A concern is that spring conferences have not been as well attended in previous years as fall conferences and, therefore, should not justify a similar schedule.

“In the fall, there is high attendance as it’s the first time parents get to talk to teachers. [In previous years], there was lower attendance in the spring,” assistant principal Susan Marlatt said.

However, without spring conferences parents would not have an opportunity to meet second semester

teachers. This creates an unfair system where first semester teachers are able to meet parents and address possible concerns, but not second-semester

teachers .Parent-teacher

conferences remain an integral part of parent and teacher communication.

Regardless of technological advances and lower turnouts, MN needs to focus its efforts on expanding conferences.

“In a district that values developmental assets, parent-teacher conferences are the best method to uphold the sixth developmental asset of parental involvement.

Creation of “super teams” destroys NBA spirit

Tears are held to the farthest point of breaking. Commentators Grant Napear and Jerry Reynolds, struggle with emotion, as they believe they are giving the last broadcast for the team they have so dearly cherished. This is a scene from the documentary, Small Market Big Heart, and it tells the story of the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings’ financial woes have broken the hearts of their community, as they risk the possible forced transition from Sacramento to Anaheim.

This story has showed the love, passion and spirit that small market teams posses.

In today’s culture when superstars join one another to create super teams, as with the Heat and Knicks, the small market is spoiled, which is one of the greatest parts of the NBA. Although super teams look appealing, they are no substitute for the patience and work ethic that is formulated in a small market environment.

One prime example of this was the Stockton and Malone era in Utah from the 1980s to the late 90s and the birth of a new culture in Salt Lake City.

Years before the Stockton/Malone era, the Jazz struggled to sell tickets, and had to play many games in Las Vegas to get any recognition. When John Stockton and Karl Malone’s presence arose, they started making it to the Western Conference finals regularly and the buzz caught on in Utah, giving birth to one of the best basketball cities in the country.

This is something that can’t happen in big market cities. Big markets don’t get the kind of support and love from fans as cities like Oklahoma City and Salt Lake City get because NBA basketball is low on the list of entertainment. In Los Angeles one can go to the beach and visit Hollywood, in New York City you can go to Broadway show or visit Times Square, in Oklahoma City, the Thunder are the spotlighted event in town.

It is true that at times small markets can provide for sad stories, like the hardships within the Kings organization, but the beauty in those stories

is that the ugly can always get better. The

Grizzlies had a heroic turn around last year after horrid attendance in the regular season and ended up beating the one seed San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs. The team gave hope and excitement to thousands of people in Tennessee hit by the floods.

Small markets represent more than just the size of cities. They represent the love fans have, how values like patience and loyalty can translate into success, and how sports can build a culture and community within a city.

At the end of the day in the NBA, it comes down to winning. The small market San Antonio Spurs and their beloved star Tim Duncan have four title rings. How many do the Knicks and the Heat have of late? Ask Lebron James.

Nick BeaulieuStaff Writer

“In today’s culture when super stars join one another to create super teams, it spoils the small market, one of the greatest parts of the NBA.

T h e Political S m a c k d o w n Santorum Who is your

pick in the Republican

primary elections?

15 35 55 * Based on a survey of 50 people

Romney 24%

Gingrich8%

45255

Paul18%

Undecided48%

2%

6Hoofbeat Focus Issue 5 | February 7, 2012

“If you’ve never experienced these things and you don’t call on the right people to help you get through that, then you turn to other things. It doesn’t mean they’re a bad person, it just means that they didn’t make the greatest choice.”Peggy Breard MN Youth Services Coordinator

A prescription for disaster:

Clayton Annan Staff Writer

Growing up is difficult. Everyone experiences it at one point in his or her life. It’s a time for adolescents to branch out, try new things and find their niche, but a growing majority of young teenagers have been making the decision to try prescription drugs.

“The CDC [Center for Disease Control] did a nationwide study in 2009 that said 20 percent of teenagers abuse prescription drugs, which basically means they’re taking prescription drugs that aren’t prescribed to them by a doctor,” MN youth services coordinator Peggy Breard said.

Even though the study was dated back three years ago, it is still a growing problem in high schools and colleges throughout the world. Many adults are often clueless as to why more teenagers are trying prescription drugs now days.

“It’s thrill seeking,” counselor Jodi Therkelsen said. “It’s what if and how is it going to affect me, and it might be fun to find out.”

For most, thrill seeking is the case, but for a handful, it’s a different story. While growing up, most teenagers don’t possess the coping skills to bear through a break-up or handle the loss of a dear friend. They see prescription drugs as an easy fix to their problems.

“It’s self-medicating. If they think ‘well, if she’s on that medication because she’s depressed I think I’m kind of depressed, too. I can just take that medication and it’s going to make me do the same thing that it makes her do,’” Breard said.

Through this, teenagers don’t have to deal with unneeded stress like seeing a doctor or being labeled and diagnosed. They want to avoid that difficult conversation with their parents too. Another plausible reason for why prescription drugs have been the main drugs that teenagers use is the availability of them.

“Teenagers go to a party at people’s houses and the kids

raid their medicine cabinets,” school nurse Karen Horton said.“It’s very easy access for students such as stealing from parents’ medicine cabinets or selling them on the streets.”

Generally, risk taking comes with a lack of family support. Having that support from parents and individuals that teenagers turn to are major determining factors of whether or not an adolescent is a risk taker.

“A lot of it comes down to home support and other support too,” Therkelsen said. “Not to

say that someone who has a lot of support would never make a mistake and wouldn’t try it. Obviously, that happens.”

Another source of support that teens can turn to are the

40 Assets that MN offers here at school. When somebody shows weaknesses in the 40 Assets, it shows a lack of support within their family and friends.

“We make the 40 Assets sound corny, but if you really look at what they are, they’re confidence and self-esteem,” Therkelsen said. “They’re time fillers. It’s the support we have at home and it’s

the support we have and feel for ourselves.”

Oftentimes, teenagers transitioning into high school carry anxiety. There’s a constant worry about making friends or finding a group to sit with at lunch. Instead of choosing an extracurricular activity such as a sport or a club, some teenagers try prescription drugs as well as

other illicit substances to fit in with friends that they see as ‘cool.’

“ T h e friends they hang out with is huge,” Therkelsen said. “I would say that’s probably the single biggest factor. As parents, you have to be aware of who your kids are hanging out with.”

In the end, it all boils down to whether or not a teenager has the right people to confide in and whether or not they have enough motivation and confidence in themselves to pave a pleasant path for themselves.

“We’re called the microwave society, we want it fixed like this so that we can move on to something else.” Breard said. “If you’ve never experienced these things and you don’t call on the right people to help you get through that, then you turn to other things. It doesn’t mean they’re a bad person, it just means that they didn’t make the greatest choice.”

Teen use of prescription drugs due to friends, accessibility

HYDROCODONE: This capsule, tablet, and liquid are used to relieve moderate or severe pain, as well as coughs. It is in over 200 products from ibuprofen to Tussionex. In the process to relieve pain, hydrocodone changes how the brain and the nervous system respond to the pain. This drug is considered to be, in all respects, morphine-like. The behavioral effects of any dosage last up to five hours. Abusers take this drug orally, chewed, or crushed.

HARMFUL EFFECTS: Blue shade to skin, cold and sweaty skin, nausea, vomiting, slowed heart rate or breathing, and severe sleepiness.

VICODIN: Vicodin is amongst the top most commonly abused prescription medication used. It also is taken to relieve moderate to severe pain. When abused, Vicodin is taken orally, chewed, or crushed. The drug reduces pain, but is extremely addictive and the symptoms of withdrawal of addiction to Vicodin are similar to the pain being relieved.

HARMFUL EFFECTS: Bone and muscle pain, appetite loss, nausea, irritability, involuntary leg movements, diarrhea.

OXYCONTIN: An opium by-product is intended for use by terminal cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers. Similar to morphine, oxycodone is a very strong narcotic pain reliever. The design of the drug is released slowly over time. OxyContin is an opiate agonist; it provides pain relief by acting on opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and in direct tissues. It is used to fight extreme pain.

HARMFUL EFFECTS: Respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, headaches, dry mouth.

COUGH SYRUP: Prescription cough syrup contain codeine and promethazine which cause a euphoric high when cough syrup is abused. Abusers find it appealing because it is cheap, but is very dangerous when taken in large doses.

HARMFUL EFFECTS: Nausea, pain, anxiety, diarrhea, insomnia, and irritability

XANAX: Xanax depresses areas in the brain that regulate alertness. It is similar to the effects on ones brain through alcohol.

HARMFUL EFFECTS: Quickening heartbeat, insomnia, anxiety

5 most widely abused prescription drugs

Information compiled by Elizabeth Graff

Sources: clearhavencenter.com, choosehelp.com4troubledteens.com

Myth vs. FactMYTH

Prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs.

FACTSince prescription drugs

require a prescription they are much more

powerful and need to be closely monitored.

Overdose risks need to be avoided.

MYTHIt is acceptable to take

larger doses.

FACT Never okay. You are at higher risk for problems when directions from doctor are not followed.

FACT Prescription drugs are monitored closely by doctors because the drugs are more addictive

than street drugs.

Infographic designed by James Geiger

Infographic designed by Elisha-Kim Desmangles

MYTHStreet drugs are more addictive

than prescription drugs.

MYTH It is okay to take prescription

drugs once in a while.

FACT The drugs become addicted and it is no longer “once in a while.”

7Hoofbeat Focus Issue 5 | February 7, 2012

The growing trend of using prescription drugs seems harmless. The pills are prescribed by a doctor. They are easy to access. There seems to be no danger in using a few extra pills.

When individuals take pills that aren’t theirs, whether because of self-diagnosing or experimenting, they risk creating chemical imbalances in the brain.

“If you don’t have [a certain] condition, [the medication] affects you differently. It’s all about the chemistry in your brain and how that all works,” youth services coordinator Peggy Breard said.

Further, the inclination that doctor-prescribed drugs are risk-free plays down the serious side effects of improper

prescription drug use.“[Mixing different pills]

could lead to death,” nurse Karen Horton said. “You have no idea how those counter. Watch for this side effect, watch for that side effect, and then when you combine a whole bunch of medications, all of those side effects could make something totally worse.”

While death is the most extreme of the side effects, other side effects should not be glanced over due to their long-lasting impact on an individual.

“[Prescription drug abuse] could cause heart problems, blood pressure issues, [and] stroke. All sorts of things could go wrong if your body chemistry doesn’t match what

you’re taking,” Breard said.To combat the issue of the

teenagers having access to medications that are not their own, companies have begun marketing products to keep pills

and pill bottles secured. While these products are a helpful tool, many parents do not think their child may be abusing

prescription drugs.“They sell all kinds of stuff

that basically says, ‘lock up your meds,’ but no one thinks it’s going to happen to them. No one thinks their kids are going

to do that. No one thinks their kids’ friends are going to take it, but it’s being sold like illicit drugs are,” Breard said.

The truth of the matter is, that whether or not someone wants to admit to the problem, possession of prescription drugs can be considered a crime.

“ [ P o s s e s s i n g ] prescription drugs

that aren’t yours is a felony; it’s not a misdemeanor. It’s possession of a controlled substance, controlled in the fact

Prescription drug abuse poses health risks, legal issues

“[Possessing] prescription drugs that aren’t yours is a felony; it’s not a misdemeanor. It’s possession of a controlled substance, controlled in the fact that the doctor prescribes it to a person, which is a felony in Nebraska, if it’s not yours.”John Martinez MN Resource Officer

Emily SeymourSports Editor

that the doctor prescribes it to a person, which is a felony in Nebraska, if it’s not yours,” MN Resource Officer John Martinez said.

Despite the legal dangers, Breard feels that it is not about students receiving punishment for their drug use.

“It’s not about getting caught. It’s about what it’s doing to those that aren’t being noticed,” Breard said.

The key is to not have the drugs in the first place. For those who have succumbed to addiction, that is easier said than done. Quitting prescription drugs takes more effort than just giving up the urge to take more pills.

“[Quitting] is just a matter of how you can adapt your behavior so that you’re not in a position to use those things. You have to deal with that chemical imbalance; you have

The dangers of pill popping

5 most widely abused prescription drugs

Painful problem:

• Strong drug tolerance is built up, the drug is needed to get same effects as you previously got from smaller amounts.

• Taking the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Nausea, depression, and anxiety are experienced when the drug is not taken.

• Life is based on the drug usage. The abuser constantly thinks about the drug, how to get the drug, and when to take the drug.

signs and symptomsof addiction

• Call the 24 hour Safe Schools Hotline at 1-888-809-4754

• Talk to an adult such as a teacher or guidance counselor and get

Getting help

8Hoofbeat Features Issue 5 | February 7, 2012

Alan DavisStaff Writer

Gliding with the Lancers:Sophomore skater performs at halftime show

As tension fills the air, sophomore Lauren Birkentall takes the ice. Her blades begin gliding on the ice as she picks up speed. She gets ready to do a spin. Taking one skate off the ice, the other twirls. She allows gravity to take her skates back to the ground and sticks a perfect landing.

“When I skate, I feel really happy. I like skating because it’s one of the things I’m really good at. It’s hard to put into words,” Birkentall said.

On Jan. 6, Birkentall put all of her talents to the test when she and her figuring skating club, Blade & Edge Figure Skating Club, performed an ice dancing routine at an Omaha Lancers hockey game. She was able to perform in front of one of the largest crowds that had ever seen her skate.

“There weren’t actually that many people there for the hockey game, but it was more than a performance,” Birkentall said. “You felt famous because everyone was cheering for you, and it was actual people and not just your parents.”

The performance at the Lancers game featured an ice dancing routine with 11 other girls. They started preparing for the performance a month before the game.

“There were more skaters on the ice [than any of her other performances] and

almost looked like a dance routine. It wasn’t as much of a high stress performance either. It was just plain fun,” Mary Birkentall, Birkentall’s mother, said.

During their practices, they worked on tweaking the performance to the best of their abilities. Birkentall and her coach worked on making the performance as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

“[During the performance], everyone out on the ice looked like they were having a blast and doing what they wanted to be doing in that particular moment,” sophomore Kelsey Hansen, who was at the game, said.

Birkentall specifically competes in a variation of figure skating called ice

dancing. This is where

a skater performs to the beat of the music rather than the melody or phrasing of music. Ice dancing doesn’t allow jumps, so skaters are mostly focused on turns.

“Ice dancing is all about edges. It doesn’t include

jumps or spins. Every move is on a specific beat,” Birkentall said.

Birkentall and her fellow skaters had put in numerous hours of preparation in order to get ready for this show. She practices three days a week for one hour each day at 5:00 a.m., and it shows on the ice.

Skating, for Birkentall, has been a near lifelong passion. It all started when she had a rollerblading birthday party in the second grade. Her father then took her to skating lessons. From that point, her skating career took off.

“When I started, I liked the idea of skating. I enjoyed the general idea of it, and I liked the artwork of it,” Birkentall said.

She was able to hone her skills, and she got to work on the moves in figure

skating that she really enjoys spins and edge work. However, skating can sometimes be stressful for Birkentall, especially in front of judges.

“It is hard to skate in front of the judges. They watch your every move,

and they have it on tape. It is nerve-racking,” Birkentall said.

Figure skating isn’t just about the lessons that are learned in the rink. Birkentall has learned many lessons that help her in everyday life.

“[Skating] has helped a lot with winning and losing. I’m skating against my friends, and it can get really catty. Skating helps me deal with girl drama,” Birkentall said.

Whether she’s in the rink or outside of it, Birkentall is able to use the lessons she has learned through skating in almost any situation. She

ICE DANCING: Sophomore Lauren Birkentall is pictured in her ice dancing costume before a performance. On Jan. 6, Birkentall and her figure skating club performed their routine at the halftime show for the Lancers hockey team. | Photo contributed by Lauren Birkentall

is able to balance school with her passion of figure skating. The struggle of the balancing act teaches her everyday life lessons.

“In a nutshell, skating is an emotional sport. It takes lots of muscle and strength, but even more so, it takes a lot of courage and willpower,” Birkentall said.

MN’s prized pets:

“In a nutshell, skating is an emotional sport. It takes lots of muscle and strength, but even more so, it takes a lot of courage and willpower. ”Lauren BirkentallSophomore

ZeusJouleUlga

This female Russian

tortoise, age 18, was donated by a student.

Larger than her counterpart, she spends her days eating typical

tortoise food like romaine lettuce, mustard, turnip greens, and the rare strawberry. Ulga keeps Zeus in check, after he sat on the food

bowl, leading to the death of the tortoise before Ulga.

This fiesty, seven-

year-old bearded dragon resides in an elegant $500

glass cage designed and built by the school’s Industrial Technology

students. Joule enjoys feasting on live crickets and superworms with the occasional health boost of

cauliflower and broccoli.

Zeus, the ruler of all

the Olympian Gods, is also the ruler of the tortoise

cage. The tortoise cage was also built by the Industrial Tech kids

with a $400 grant from the Booster club. Zeus, a Greek tortoise, is in his prime at the ripe young age of 15.

Both tortoises are expected to live up to 75 years.

Infographic design by Bridget van BeaumontInformation compiled by Elizabeth MoranPhotos by Jennifer NewtonReptiles roam the science hallways

Fast Facts:

$250 is the a v e r a g e price of her ice s k a t i n g costumes.

The best way to begin ice skating is to attend “Learn to S k a t e ” l e s s o n s at the Tranquility Ice Rink.

Birkentall started ice s k a t i n g in second g r a d e and now practices three days a week for one hour each day at 5:00 a.m.

Birkentall skates for the Blade & Edge F i g u r e S k a t i n g Club.

9Hoofbeat Features Issue 5 | February 7, 2012

?Guess Who?

Answer: Mr. Salberg

When I was 16... I was 16 during 1973 and attended Platteview High School.

I worked with farm labor, bailing hay, shelling corn, and construction with a local cement company.

My father taught at the school I attended. We were closer during school than I cared to be.

Ranting with reason

Elisha-Kim DesmanglesEditor-in-Chief

Let it snow

Nithya RajagopalanEditor-in-Chief

“All You Need is Love:”

My father once gave me a dis-ciplinary dissertation on pay-ing attention in math class.

I participated in the junior class play, the Letterman Club, football, wrestling, and track.

I really wanted to continue my football career.

“All you need is love.” The Beatles sang it in their

iconic song, Ewan McGregor belted it in Moulin Rouge, and the Netherlands titled it as the name of a local television show.

Every year in the Netherlands, in fact, this very show airs a holiday special—an event that is the most watched Dutch program every Christmas Eve. During this annual event, friends, couples, and entire families that would otherwise not able to spend the holidays together, are united as an on-air surprise.

On Dec. 22, to an audience of over one million viewers, senior Aanya Sagheer and her boyfriend, former MN foreign exchange student Erik Schapendonk, who she met at MN last year, participated on the show.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Sagheer said.

The opportunity began several months ago when Schapendonk’s mother composed a letter to the “All You Need is Love” producers, asking them if her son could be reunited with Sagheer, as a surprise for him.

After being contacted by the show’s producers, the only task that remained for Sagheer

was to sneak halfway across the world, to the Netherlands, without the knowledge of her boyfriend.

“I concocted a fairly basic but decent long-term lie,” Sagheer said. “My phone started acting up and I got super stressed over finals. This allowed me to blatantly lie to Erik until he believed that my phone was going into the

shop and they needed to order a new one

because nobody carries the iPhone 3 anymore.”

During this time, however, Sagheer was actually boarding her first class, all-expenses-paid flight to Amsterdam. Schapendonk’s mother played a key role in orchestrating the surprise for her son as well.

“At some point, my mom had admitted to me that she had written a letter, but she told me that I didn’t get lucky and that I wasn’t able to get reunited,” Schapendonk

said. “She [said that she] did, however, win tickets to the “All You Need is Love” concert in Amsterdam, which is where the surprise happened.”

After arriving in Amsterdam, Sagheer was secretly taken to the television and concert studio where Schapendonk was unknowingly waiting, just yards away.

“It was crazy because I got to see him on the big screen

before he could see me,” Sagheer said.

Under the bright lights, Schapendonk looked confused as the show host continued to press him about his love for Sagheer in Dutch. But nothing was more genuine than his confession of “immensely” when asked,

“You’re in love with her?” With that, realization

spread across Schapendonk’s face, just as Sagheer appeared in the crowd. The audience parted as she ran into his arms, in a moment that put every long-lost love movie embrace to shame.

“Of course I had been secretly hoping to see her as soon as my mom told me that we won the tickets to the concert,” Schapendonk said. “[But] you don’t make yourself

count on it happening though, because I guess you are somehow protecting yourself like that. When I got to see her again, it felt as a great relief.”

Although the two text with the use of the internet, the seven-hour time difference between the U.S. and the Netherlands puts a strain on their relationship.

“Being geographically challenged is the biggest [struggle],” Schapendonk said. “For half of the day that Aanya is awake, I will be asleep and vice versa. You can’t hang out together, go out to dinner, celebrate each other’s birthdays in person, and give or receive an embrace if times are being a bit difficult.”

Yet the two maintain their relationship with the unwavering support of their families and friends.

“Erik is a wonderful young man and I am most anxious to meet his family,” Sagheer’s mother, Kael Sagheer, said.

The couple is planning a road trip through the United States along with Schapendonk’s parents and brother next summer.

MN senior and boyfriend from Netherlands reunited on TV show

Yearbook photo caption: “Recite the Gettysburg Address! But I’m Jeff Salberg not Abraham Lincoln.” Mr. Buza’s American History class takes on many challenges.

Disappointment. This sole word sums up my opinion of my senior year so far. No, it’s not because of the copious amounts of homework that I procrastinate on. No, it’s not the never-ending scholarship applications I need to fill out. And no, it’s not because of my overworking, underpaying retail job. My disappointment germinates from what some may call a trivial phenomenon, but what I call a glorious snow-day, or in the case of this school year, a lack thereof.

In my opinion, a snow day is the opposite of a trivial phenomenon, but a necessity for a senioritis-stricken senior. To my misfortune, Mother Nature has not been on my side during my senior year as she has not graced us with the presence of even one snow day. Instead, she has been meddling with my senior privileges, a task that she is certainly not welcome to do. Mother Nature needs to cut the class of 2012 some slack and give us some snow.

During the past three years that I have been a MN Mustang, I have dreamed of the day where I could take a hold of my rights as a senior. Open hours and going out for lunch were just a few of the things that I was looking forward to as an underclassman. But the most appealing thing to me as a freshman was being able to enjoy unlimited snow days, without having to worry about a longer school year.

No matter how many snow days come up throughout the school year, MN seniors can be sure that they will proudly walk down the aisles of the Civic Auditorium to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance on the same day that is decided upon at the beginning of the year. So hail the snow days, or so I thought.

The privilege to have extra days off from school in the form of snow days is one that we as seniors have waited three years to obtain. The Class of 2012 has watched as the seniors before us enjoyed their penalty-less days off from school. We bitterly accepted the make-up days added to the end of the school year, knowing that one day it would be our turn, our turn to get away with a shorter school year scar free. It’s time that Mother Nature backs off and gives the class of 2012 some snow.

For the record, 2012 is already being dubbed as the last year on earth. So why doesn’t Mother Nature let us enjoy these last days of our existence at home drinking hot chocolate instead of sitting at a desk at school? It’s the least she could do if she’s going to end the world as we know it.

Mother Nature needs to become a little more motherly and look out for the best interests of the 2012 high school seniors. We could use a few snow days before May 26. So stop stepping on our privileges and quit disappointing us.

As busy high school students, we always complain about how there’s never enough time to do the things we want to do. Well, Feb. 29 is here to fix that. 2012 is a leap year meaning that it is 366 days instead of 365, with the extra day being Feb. 29. Leap years happen to keep our calendar in alignment with the Sun’s revolutions. It takes about 365.2 days for the Earth to revolve around the sun, but the calendar only has 365 days in a year. Therefore, if an extra day wasn’t added to the calendar every four years, almost six hours of sun would be lost every year. So what will you be doing with your extra 24 hours?

Leap into 2012

“I’ll probably just spend time with my family, but if I had the chance I would go bungee jumping.”

“I think the best way to celebrate leap year and leap day is with a competitive game of leap frog.”

“I’ll probably go on a really long, one mile bike ride. That’s really long for me.”

“I’ll walk the dog. I never walk the dog. I have a Chihuahua. It looks weird if you walk a Chihuahua.”

“[I will sulk and eat ice cream] because Feb. 29 makes my birthday fall on Passover. Even if it didn’t, that’s my usual schedule for a Wednesday afternoon. “Becca Bartlett, 11

Larissa Knudson, Spanish teacher

Leah Schmidt, 11

Kevin Adler, 12Keith Neth, Social Studies teacher

Infographic by Elisha-Kim DesmanglesPhotos taken by Jennifer Newton

Source: timeanddate.com

To watch the video of the television show, visit:

MNHoofbeat.com

“Being geographically challenged is the biggest struggle. For half of the day that Aanya is awake, I will be asleep and vice versa.”Erik Schapendonk

10Hoofbeat Entertainment Issue 5 | February 7, 2012

Praises in tinsel town for rock and roll and the silver screen

Chick-fil-A caters to a new crowdFast-food chain opens its doors to the public in Omaha

AWAITED ARRIVAL: The Chick-fil-A in the Mutual of Omaha opened it doors to the Omaha public in November of 2011. Though it doesn’t serve its famous milkshakes, it does serve many other signature dishes. | Photos by Jennifer Newton

Elizabeth GrothEntertainment Editor

Justin DeffenbacherStaff Writer

When entering into a new year, people think of moving on from the old—of setting their sights on what is to come rather than what has already happened. However, a tradition near and dear to our society is the time-honored entertainment award shows that insist on celebrating and commemorating the past.

The Grammys and the Oscars celebrate the art of music and film by recognizing the best of the industry from the year prior. These three televised events make up one award season—one time period rooted in remembering the best of the past.

The Grammys award musicians for outstanding contributions to the music industry. Marked by some of the most coveted awards of the music world, “Record of the Year” and “Album of the Year,” the Grammys strive to honor exceptional artists.

The Grammy’s “Record of the Year” and “Album of the Year” titles are likely to go to the same woman, the British pop-sensation, Adele.

Winning a Grammy can establish a musician’s career. It can guarantee a new musician a successful future in the music industry. The “Best New Artist” award is handed out to one up-and-coming artist, and marks the night they went down in history as a Hollywood A-lister.

Nominated for “Best New Artist” are The Band Perry,

Bon Iver, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, and Skrillex. Likely, Bon Iver will be walking out with head held high, and this particular award in hand.

The Oscars highlight the success of the film industry over the last year. Celebrating their 84th anniversary, the Oscars have nominated a few clear-cut favorites on their ballots. Among these favorites are “The Help,” “Midnight in Paris,” “The Artist,” and “The Descendants.”

This year, nine films are featured on the ballot for “Best Picture.” Among these nominees are “The Artist,” “The Descendants,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” “Midnight in Paris,” “Moneyball,” “The Tree of Life,” and “War Horse.”

“The Artist,” has a nearly flawless formula for bringing home the Oscar for “Best Picture”. Set in the glory days of Hollywood, “The Artist” pays homage to Hollywood’s silent, black and white roots by portraying the story in a silent, black and white fashion.

Omaha’s own Alexander Payne is likely to leave the award show with the “Directing” Oscar in tow. Payne’s film, “The Descendants” attracted attention for its directing, and is almost guaranteed an award.

In addition to looking ahead to a new year, our culture has created beloved traditions for reminiscing about years passed. Each January and February, the stars in Hollywood bask in the glory of days gone by, much like the nominees of this year.

I sit on the edge of my seat, my mouth watering, eager to taste the first bite of food. In front of me sits the source of my ecstasy. As I take the first bite I am greeted with an unfamiliar but pleasing taste. Supposedly a monumental occasion, my first bite of Chick-fil-A was exactly that.

For months many Omaha residents, myself included, have waited for the appearance of the Georgia-based chain in Omaha. Now that it’s in Omaha, it couldn’t be more popular. Currently located in the lobby of the Mutual of Omaha building, the company plans to expand to the Papillion and Omaha areas.

As I entered the building, I was greeted by none other than the trademark Chick-fil-A cow. This particular restaurant featured a conventional setup with a twist. I ordered at the front counter, however I was able to watch the staff cook food in front of me rather than

receiving food of questionable freshness.

The setup is only one of many perks of eating at Chick-fil-A. The menu features a wide variety of options that, for a first-timer, made it hard to decide. I found options ranging from the common chicken nugget to the, new to-fast-food, lemon pie.

I opted to get the standard chicken sandwich, some of their trademark waffle fries, a new fast food experience for me, and finally their signature lemonade. The menu featured reasonable prices comparable to any other fast food eatery, averaging at about five dollars for a meal.

Once I was past the counter, I reached the paramount part of my trip: tasting the food. My first bite, as previously mentioned, was fantastic.

The chicken featured Chick-fil-A’s trademark blend of spices topped with Chick-fil-A’s signature sauce. This combination of spices and sauce provided a taste that was entirely its own.

Following the delectable sandwich came the waffle

fries. These fries, topped with ketchup, provided a great taste without being overly salty. Then came the sweet freshly squeezed lemonade that tasted incredible, to finish my meal. The lemonade had a unique taste, combined with a sweet tang that made it stand out. My only complaint was how greasy the food was.

To make the meal even better, Chick-fil-A has a relatively healthy menu with only one entrée that breaks the 500-calorie mark. Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwich, analogous to that of Burger King, contains 340 calories less than its competitor. So, in the end, not only did I get to enjoy a better sandwich, but a healthier sandwich.

An hour later, I was finished with my first successful experience at Chick-fil-A. Aside from my one complaint, the restaurant features great service and fantastic meal options, combining to form one of the best fast food restaurants in Omaha. Overall, this made eating at Chick-fil-A a unique dining experience.

Oscars

Midnight in Paris

The Artist

Art Direction Harry Potter

and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Hugo War Horse

Song of the Year

Rolling In

The Deep

(Adele)Holocene

(Bon Iver)Grenade

(Bruno Mars)The Cave(Mumford

and Sons)

All Of The Lights(Kanye West)

Grammys

Film Editing

MoneyballHugoThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

The Descendants

The Artist

Oscars

Best Pop Vocal Album

Loud(Rihanna)Doo-Wops

and Hooligans

(Bruno Mars)Born This

Way(Lady Gaga)The Lady Killer

(Cee Lo Green)21(Adele)

Grammys

Writing (Original Screenplay) A SeparationMidnight in Paris

Margin CallBridesmaidsThe Artist

Oscars

Infographic by Elizabeth GrothThe 54th Grammys: February 12, 2012The 84th Academy Awards (The Oscars): February 26, 2012

11Issue 5 | February 7, 2012Hoofbeat Sports

The Big PicTureThe Big PicTureTIED IN KNOTS: Sophomore RJ Quandahl wrestles his opponent during a duel at Millard North. Quandahl is a member of a wrestling team that has one senior and one returning placer at the state wrestling duel. | Photo by Amber Baesler

shoot a free throwHow to...

Step 1. Line up with my right foot on the center line.

Step 2. Take three dribbles.

Step 3. Use my right hand and put the ball in my shooting pocket.

Step 4. Bend my knees to get momentum and then shoot the ball.with junior

Taylor Bahensky

MN wrestlers relentless on and off the matsMarin HartfieldStaff Writer

Bridget van BeaumontFront Editor

While a majority of us spent the hot summer days of our childhoods ‘swimming’ in a neon pink plastic kiddy pool filled up with four inches of water, siblings and MN varsity swimmers sophomore Mary Kate and senior Patrick Luddy were already mastering their butterfly and breaststrokes. Immersed into the world of swimming at the young ages of three and four, the Luddys have been swimming together for a majority of their lives, whether it was for lessons or a competitive team.

“Our mom swam and was a lifeguard in high school so it was pretty important to her

that we learn how to swim,” M. Luddy said.

After learning to swim, they were instantly signed up for a neighborhood swim league while living in Virginia. From then, the siblings were both involved in leagues all year round, including 5:00 a.m. practices before heading to a day of elementary school.

“The early practices helped keep my energy levels down and actually focus on school apparently,” P. Luddy said.

After years of recreational leagues and summer clubs, the two have grown into award winning swimmers, even placing at state swimming. In 2011, both Luddys placed within the top ten places of at least one event; Patrick

winning fifth in the 4 by 100 free relay and Mary Kate winning second in the 500 freestyle and third in the 200 individual medley.

An abundance of coaches have helped the Luddys along the way grow into the superb swimmers they currently are, encouraging the siblings to use their talents to give back by coaching a kid’s league together in the summer.

“I am most proud of both of them when I see them using their talents and abilities to reach out and encourage and build up others; be it teammates, younger kids they coach, [or] even their own younger siblings,” Mary Kate and Patrick’s mom, Kathy Luddy said.

While the two might be able to put their differences aside while coaching together, their own practices mean rivalry. While the two aren’t actually competing against each other in real races, they have managed to become major opponents in practice.

“The coaches always put us in lanes next to each other so we can race during practice. It’s a huge motivational tool to compete against your sister. You don’t want to get beat by your sister. Even though I’m not a long distance swimmer, I have to make sure my times are as good as hers,” P. Luddy said.

Having a sibling on the team isn’t just an incentive for the Luddys to swim their

Phot

os b

y Br

idge

t van

Bea

umon

t

The CenturyLink Center may be regarded as home of the Bluejays, but from Feb. 16 to the 18, it will be home to the MN wrestling team for state wrestling. With promising individual records, MN is looking for a performance to match the size of the venue.

While this is the second year The CenturyLink Center will host state, for almost all of the wrestlers, this will be their first time at state. The MN varsity team is led by one senior, Adam DeVries.

“The only returning placer we have is Devon Rupp, but overall we placed outside the top ten [last year],” assistant wrestling coach Brad Edmundson said.

Fresh faces have led to a fresh outlook on state with team expectations high and goals that go hand in hand with those expectations.

“Getting into the top ten would be a good achievement, and we always want to beat Millard South and Millard

West,” Edmundson said. The coaches are not the

only ones aiming high, and after working hard for months and attending summer workouts, wrestlers are looking to reward themselves with victory as well.

“Wrestling at state means your hard work and reward come hand in hand, and with state, it’s what you have been working for all year,” junior Phillip Brunetti said.

Preparing for state may begin the day practice starts, but difficutly increases as the meet approaches. MN wrestlers now have to attend three hour practices, five days a week.

The MN wrestling team has placed as high as second, as the South Sioux City Invite, but the level of competition at state will be much higher.

“We’re heavy on the technique and more importantly we focus on the conditioning aspect. We want to be the strongest wrestler in the third period,” Edmundson said.

Their team motto is

“relentless” and reflects the amount of time spent on the mat. Relentless means to be oppressively constant or incessant.

“We want to be relentless on the mat, every match, everywhere we go,” Edmundson said.

Finally, for the wrestlers who make state, they will have reached the pinnacle of wrestling in Nebraska. MN hopes to take 10 to 12 wrestlers on their state team, and for those who make it, their work will reward them with an incomparable atmosphere, and a much larger fan section.

“It [state wrestling] shows that all the effort I’ve put in has paid off and helped me reach my final goal,” junior Conner Matthew said.

For MN’s wrestling team, it is not about winning overall, but winning the battle with themselves to be relentless every second they are on the mat.

“We have the potential to have several placers, but it’s up to them to show up,” head coach Scott Loveless said.

fastest, but it also ensures they have somebody watching out for them.

“I hate swimming behind him when I have to because he doesn’t kick. I see him dragging his feet and it drives me crazy. He holds me accountable so I do the same for him,” M. Luddy said.

While they may act like the typical set of siblings pointing out each others weaknesses, at the end of the day they are just happy to have someone going through the ins and outs of practice with them.

“It’s helpful to have a sibling on the team. They’re going through the same thing as me. If I’m complaining he gets it because he’s experiencing it too,” M. Luddy said.

Sibling rivalry stirs competitiveness in poolBUTTERFLY BASICS: Sophomore Mary Kate Luddy completes the butterfly leg of the 200 individual medley. Luddy and her brother, senior Patrick Luddy, have been swimming together since they were toddlers. | Photo by Courtney Cain

12Issue 5 | February 7, 2012Hoofbeat Sports

Sip on that haterade

Emily SeymourSports Editor

Norwegian Marte Gjefsen’s gold medal in the Winter X Games seemed improbable. The 22-year-old skier’s glide across the finish line of the Women’s Skier X made it seem easy. Once the excitement of the race died down, Gjefsen revealed two casted arms, one due to a broken wrist and the other from torn ligaments in her thumb, which made it extremely hard for Gjefsen to hold her ski poles. On top of that, she almost failed to qualify for the finals until a four-athlete pileup allowed Gjefsen to glide from fifth place to an easy first.

Feats like these seem impossible, improbable, and even superhuman. But in the world of sports, particularly on the professional level, impossible, improbable, and superhuman is the reason they are in the business.

Take for instance the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. From 1948, former Soviet Union gymnasts took home the gold every Olympics except for the one they protested. In a near tie, the United States had one event left before the competition was over: the vault.

After a fall from the top American gymnasts, Kerri Strug, a quiet underdog, was last to perform. On her first vault, Strug landed painful on her ankle, snapping ligaments in the process. Unable to walk, Strug still went on to miraculously complete her second vault, landing perfectly and damaging her leg further in the process. Strug’s scores were enough and the United States took home the gold over the gymnastics’ powerhouses.

When this happened, everyone was speechless. How could someone with so many injuries in one leg complete this vault? It was basically impossible.

Or when American Heath Frisby landed the first ever front flip on a snowmobile during the 2012 X Games. Yes, you did read that right: a front flip on a snowmobile. Oh, and he landed it perfectly. Not only was it impossible and improbable, but I would even classify it as superhuman.

Time after time, we see these miraculous accomplishments on television, in the paper, and right before our eyes. It’s almost second nature to expect to see action worthy of the ESPN highlight reels at every single sporting event.

A normal touchdown is not acceptable anymore. We watch to see players like Jerome Simpson stick the landing in the end zone after a front flip from a tackle. We want to see plays like Swiss tennis player Roger Federer’s between-the-legs hit during the US Open. We hope for jaw-droppers like David Tyree’s catch with assistance from his helmet.

Would Gjefsen’s win have been impressive if she hadn’t had both of her arms casted? Highly doubt it.

Would the United State’s win have been as remarkable if a high-profile gymnast, who was able to run, had been the one to complete the vault? Yes, but it probably wouldn’t

Would people just say it was impossible if Frisby didn’t stick the landing? As a skeptic to the trick at first, I would say yes.

Nothing athletic is no longer supposed to be a little great. We’ve taken it to a whole other level. When watching the big game, we yearn to witness history in the making; a feat everyone will be talking about the next day.

We want the impossible.We need the improbable.We expect the superhuman.

Impossibly possible

Cheesiest love song.

Describe Valentine’s Day in one word.

Which two teams are in your dream Super Bowl?

What is the most boring sport to watch?

Jock Talk MN athletes share their interests in and out of the sports world.

Dylan Roth

Chiefs vs. Anyone

Basketball11

Fun

Anything by Justin Bieber

Bowling

Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore

Ravens

Passionate

“Beethoven’s 3rd”

Frisbee golf

Don’t care as long as it’s a good game

Exciting

“Never Going to Let You” by Rick Perry

Curling

Vikings vs. Packers

Awhh

“I Love You Like a Love Song”

Tennis

Green Bay and New England Patriots

Love

“Grenade” by Bruno Mars

Golf

Emma HrlevichSwimming

10

Aric NielsenWrestling

09

Jess RandsBasketball

11

Andrew ReicksSwimming

12

The MN boys varsity basketball team is known to have many time-honored traditions such as hustling every play, playing tough man-to-man defense, and having at least one starter with the last name Gustafson.

However, for the people who attend varsity games, there is one tradition that more and more are becoming curious about.

Why are there so many assistant coaches on the bench?

Head coach Chip Bahe, now entering his tenth season at MN, stressed the need for all 11 of his assistants.

“They do so many valuable things in practice. We have mountains of station work such as guards, mids, and bigs,” Bahe said.

Some of the assistant coaches who put their time and effort into the program aren’t paid by the school, and are just volunteering on their own time.

“Some of the coaches are here two or three years and make zero dollars and zero cents. If they assist with

varsity, they can sit the bench,” Bahe said.

John O’Connor, brother of fellow coach and science teacher TJ O’Connor, is one of the volunteer coaches that are currently involved in the MN basketball program.

“I volunteered because I was interested in the teaching perspective as well. Coaching was a great avenue to teach and coach at the same time,” O’Connor said.

Despite having so many coaches on staff, O’Connor has made a smooth transition into the coaching ranks, which he attributes to his brother.

“We get along well, it was good to have a familiar face around, and we’re both very competitive,” O’Connor said.

The MN coaching staff however, is not just comprised of volunteers. Many of the coaches have been involved with the program and sitting on the varsity bench for years.

Keith Maly, a special education teacher at MN and head coach of the freshman boys’ team has been a part of Bahe’s staff for his entire tenure at MN.

“With Coach Bahe, it’s kind of like a family. He won’t deny anyone a spot. If there aren’t enough chairs, he lets them sit behind the bench. Each coach has their own role and responsibility,” Maly said.

Despite the seriousness that comes with being a coach, it hasn’t stopped Bahe and his staff from having good times along the way.

“What we’ve tried to do is have two coaches for reserve, three for freshman, but we try to have fun too. Someone has to bag the balls and someone has to hold the keys,” Bahe joked.

David FamilettiStaff Writer

Bahe’s BunchThe truth behind the 11*

Phot

os b

y Co

urtn

ey C

ain

Info

grap

hic b

y Em

ily S

eym

our

From top to bottom: Michael Etzelmiller, Jermaine Foster, Jeff Gustafson, Andy Hahn, Jake Hirz, Kyle Jurgens, and TJ O’Connor

*Due to head coach Chip Bahe needing coaches to “bag the balls” and “hold the keys,” the following coaches were unavailable for pictures: Nevin Conlon, Keith Maly, John O’Connor, and Derek Spooner.