Viking Saga - January 2022

3 MB·English

by  Northwest High School (Grand Island, Nebraska)

NorTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
The
history of
Northwest:
From a
brick toa
building
By: Haili Luevano
In the fall of 1962 , the Grand
Island Board of Education announced
that students outside of the GIPS district
would no longer be accepted in their
schools.
Continued on pages 4-5 5 ea ee See . er | oy oo
ie ; Bs ae eS toxGourtesy of Northwest Educatior
ILS SS % Wes Nt i NS ae Pew : ene
New Australia A Decade | Show Choir
Classes Wildfires in Review fy -[| Season
— From animals to As 2020 rolls
offering a variety
climate impacts: around, we reflect The Northwest
of new classes
iiiecemectertar here’s everything on all the historic Show Choir
sudants tetahes you need to moments that the [petahselecmeaatcd has started
, know about the previous decade competing!
Australian fires. brought.
oe Page 5 PAGES 6-7 PAGE 10
Students shouldn’t
VIKING SAGA
OPINION be standardized
Northwest High School
By: Emelia Richling 2710 N. North Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68803
Over the past several weeks, education system in order to measure how much a stu-
308.385.6394
Maryland’s congress has been dent has learned. However, there are some people who
www.ginorthwest.org
undergoing a massive education believe that filling in bubbles to answer pre-canned
overhaul, replacing its current questions doesn’t encourage long-term learning.
Epitor-IN-CHIEF
education system with one that is In Finland, there is one optional test offered
Mackenzie Vogt
supposed to significantly improve each year. Instead of using standardized tests, the
students’ scores. government measures the progress of students on an STAFF
The Maryland house speak- individual basis, encouraging students to love learning Emily Krupicka
er, Adrienne Jones, stated that they rather than learning to pass a test. Gabe Lorenzo
“are making education their top priority by nicknam- This is where the United States’ large budget for Haili Luevano
ing the education bill House Bill 1.” However, the its students can come in. By eliminating standardized Hailie Melton
change isn’t just occurring in Maryland. tests, this would leave a gap in the budget that our Emelia Richling
In an article published by The Observer in nation can use to better evaluate students. Instead of Trinity Sossong
2018, Profesor F. H. Buckley spoke out about how our encouraging students to think about what they want to
nation “spends more than any other developed country be when they grow up, we can use our system to ask
on education,” referring to a report published by the students what problems they want to solve. By offer-
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Develop- ing programs that allow students to use their learning
ment conduted in 2017. to solve problems, such as diseases, climate change
ADVISER
In a study conducted by the United States Cen- and government structure, our system can allow
Kirsten Gilliland
sus Bureau, our country pays $150,000 for a student’s innovation to craft our students’ minds into powerful
VSIAKGIANK -G1 2 education, not including the $6 the government problem solvers. The Viking Saga is the official student
spends on lunches for students each day. Another difference between average education publication of Northwest High School in
“We’re running in place, as other high perform- systems and exceptional education systems is what Grand Island, Nebraska.
ing countries start to lap us,” said Obama’s education is required of students. Rather than the average edu- It is printed by the Grand Island
Independent nine times (monthly)
secretary, Arne Duncan, in a New York Times article cation system, which piles homework onto students,
throughout the school year. The paper is
published in 2015. an exceptional education system gives students no
a member of the Nebraska High Schoo!
According to the Program for International As- homework. Instead, it requires students to participate Press Association.
sessment, the United States ranks 31st among the 71 in extracurriculars. This allows students to pursue
countries surveyed in 2018. their passions at school, whether they start a club or Outside submissions, suggestions, or
letters to the editor are welcome and
Over the past decade, the United States’ scores participate in one that already exists.
encouraged. They may be brought to
have remained stagnant; Finland’s scores have also Finally, it is important that our schools create a
room 332, or emailed to Ms. Gilliland at
remained about the same, but their country is at the more relaxed atmosphere. In Finland, the school day [email protected].
top of the list. However, Finland’s education system is is only about six hours long, and it starts about an Any and all submissions must be signed
far different from what we might imagine. hour later than the United States’ school day. In addi- to be considered for publication, and the
editor reserves the right
Finland and Japan, the two best education sys- tion, the time between classes is closer to 10 minutes,
to edit or print any submissions.
tems in the world, are very laid-back. By eliminating giving students time to relax before going back to
standardized tests, providing problem-solving research class. During their lunch break, students are allowed VikingMedia
opportunities, requiring extracurricular participation to go outside and enjoy recreational activities, creating \)
and creating a relaxed atmosphere, the United States a more relaxed, happier environment.
can emulate excellent education systems while also As states across the nation consider reforming
implementing an intellectually-stimulating curriculum their curriculum, there are multiple aspects that we
that Finland and Japan can’t fit into their budgets. can alter to make our education system better than
2P AGE Standardized tests have been thrown into the ever before.
New class introduces current events
By: Gabriel Lorenzo
Dylan Nicol’s 4th-period “Current Issues” class is a new addition stand the events that happen at the moment. He also adds that the best Seka
to the courses at Northwest High School. This class introduces students part is that the teacher won't tell you to stay quiet and enjoys the oppor-
to events that are currently happening. This class gives opportunities to tunities to have time to discuss. As he looks forward to the future of the
be able to understand history in today’s terms. class, Nicol expresses his optimism.
“(In this class,] we're just talking about anything that is relevant “T think the exciting part and the nervous part as a teacher is it’s
to today’s culture, today’s society, today’s economy and anything like different every single day,’ Nicol said. “It’s hard to plan for it because I
that,” Nicol said. don't know what’s going to be current today, tomorrow, next week, next
Ethan Bryant, a junior who is participating in the new class, adds month”
on to what Nicol explained about the atmosphere of the class. Today, there are many current issues that most people will talk
“We talk about topics that are happening at the very moment,’ about. The purpose of talking about these events not only tells us how
Bryant said. “Mainly, it’s a class where you talk a lot. If you don’t talk, they happen and why they are happening now, but we can also reflect in
you don't pass. You won't get in trouble if you speak out” order to make the world a better place.
Bryant mentioned a discussion about the government taking
action on cellphone use for adolescents.
As his first teaching year rolls on, Nicol shares his past experi-
ences and applies them to his teaching curriculum.
“T student taught [this class] in Aurora, and Mrs. Jeanette Ram-
sey came to me and asked if I would like to teach it. I said ‘absolutely’
and that’s where it came from,” Nicol said.
Nicol felt positive about spending time talking about current
issues and has a good number of students that joined his class.
“I wasn't sure how interested some of the students would be, and
[I] put up a [survey] on what topics we should talk about,” Nicol said.
“The list was very long and very broad, so that gave me a lot of hope on
WSNSDI A
what to talk about,” Nicol said.
Bryant thinks that there is an importance to learn and under-
Debate class teaches students how to argue
By: Trinity Sossong
Debating is one of the most common parts of socialization, ulum director, Jeanette Ramsey, was really excited that we were offer-
whether it be arguing over your favorite sports team or participating ing it. She, too, thinks it’s a really important skill for students to have.”
in court. Northwest High School has welcomed its first debate class Although it is unknown if Northwest plans to spread the class
this year, and it kicked off with eight kids in the class. Although, Brian or not. As of now, there’s only one class period.
Mobhr ran the class, Bryce Harrington now runs it. “Even today I use the skills I learned from the debate classes
Debate class is used to help students develop skills of forming that I took in college. For example, how to find credible sources, or
logical arguments and being able to logically refute arguments. In the how to make logical arguments. It’s important to know how to refute
class, students will be discussing the fundamentals of debate, then later an argument in a respectful way without resorting to a personal attack.
talk about two main types of competitive academic debate; congres- Right now, in our current political climate, it’s important for students to
sional debate and public forum debate. Towards the end of the year, know how to respectfully listen to each other, even if they have differ-
they will learn how to form public persuasion campaigns, as well. ent opposing viewpoints and how to have a rational discussion even
The idea to introduce a debate class to Northwest was proposed when there is disagreement,” Mohr said.
by Mr. Mohr last year. Overall, debating has some great opportunities for anyone’s
“The professional organization that I am in, the Nebraska future and can also open up skills that can help people’s futures. Debat-
Speech Communication Association, has advocated that every school ing takes place everyday, whether it be “arguing” over the last donut or
€s DWe
in Nebraska should have a debate class,” Brian Mohr said. “Our curric- debating a favorite book.
Contifrnomu peagde 1
“T don’t think most kids know anything Viking mural in the old gym used to be a stage. “There was a lot of anomosity between
about the beginnings of Northwest -- how much “That’s where they would do their music the farm community and the Grand Island
FEATGUIRSHE played in the role of who could come here productions,” said Sharon Placke, business man- community,” said Mike Saddler, social studies
and who couldn’t,” said Marty Moser, Freshman ager. “The stage was probably eight feet up and teacher and freshman football coach. “I don’t
Academy administrator. was open... That was probably in 1988 or 1989.” think people truly remember how churches
It was then that those students’ parents The old gym is also where the first were split. Family fueds happened because of
formed together to create the Northwest school homecoming was held. the farm kids not being allowed to go to Senior
district. “They did a bonfire in that gym because High anymore.”
“In a matter of 6 months,” wrote Mike it was still dirt floor with no roof,” Moser said. One remaining aspect of this fued is
Shafer, school board member. “We went from “Tt really wasn’t homecoming because there was the everlasting nickname “Cow Pie High.” In
the first meeting to form the district, to form- no graduates to come home.” the beginning, there was no football field for
ing a school board, hiring a Superintendent, Outside of the gym and in several other the teams to practice on, so the parents of the
purchasing ground, hiring an architect, hiring a hallways, the floor is made of terrazzo. This is football kids would load them up in their horse
general contractor to build the school, hiring a a type of flooring that, when wet, the concrete trailers and drive them over to the field by the
staff...” is enlayed with small stones that lock together old veterans’ home. As they passed GISH, the
Every building was constructed from when the concrete dries. It’s then smoothed out Islanders would yell, “There goes Cow Pie
the dirt, and, in its haste to be built, Northwest’s and waxed over, creating its unique look. This High!”
floors stayed this way for a time. It took seven feature is most prominent in the freshman hall- There remains a multitude of interesting
months for the school to be up and running, way and by the chemistry labs. facts about Northwest and its growth through-
although much of it was still under construction Enlayed in the terrazzo by the freshman out the years. Students in 1963 built their own
by the time the first students walked through its hallway is the familiar NW sigil. This sign used desks during class. The shop classes focused on
doors. to be encased in a square wood frame with clear patching up parts of the school that were incom-
Composed of a beam and column frame plexiglass on top, elevated around three or four plete or needed fixing. There used to be an open
and a prestressed concrete roof, much of the inches off of the floor. This was because of a courtyard where the media center is now. It
building’s walls were, and still are, constructed legend that by stepping on the NW, especially wasn’t until 2007 that Northwest became a K-12
in a way so that they could easily be torn down on game days, would bring bad luck. school rather than just a 9-12.
and added on to. This eventually happened in “After the first year that I was here, we There have been more recent additions
VSIAKGIAN1 9G6 7 when a west wing was added to the school. had several students that bumped into this or as well. Art students painted the hallway in the
Today, students know it as the Freshmen Acade- fell down, so we put away the frame,” said Tim media center and the outside wall of the chem-
my. Krupicka, principal. “I hate to not follow the istry labs, and the mats along the lower walls
What some may not know is that this legend anymore, but I think there’s still enough of the big gym were replaced with the school’s
isn’t just a nickname for that hallway, but an stories around that a lot of students don’t walk new, trademarked logo on January 7.
actual program led by Moser that focuses on directly on the NW.” As students, we suffer through the
helping freshmen adapt to a high school setting. He continued by mentioning another drippy ceilings, insane heating and air condi-
“This is the fifth year of it, and it’s been unique trait of the Northwest district. tioning systems and the occassional smells that
doing really well,” Moser said. “I’ve got nine “Most high schools in the state of Ne- waft from the cooking classes or chemistry labs,
teachers that I work with. There’s two in each braska have their high school at the center of but the one thing that will never change is the
area. I have two social studies, two English, two their school district,” Krupicka said. “Our high infamous Viking pride that NW harbors (pun
math, two science and a resource teacher... We school sits at the center, just like other dis- intended).
meet once a week, we keep track of their grades tricts, but right across the street in all directions So, take a closer look at the walls and
and how they’re doing socially, emotionally.” around us is not Northwest district. It belongs to the floor, take into account where the lines end
More reconstruction followed in 1977 GIPS.” ubruptly and the bricks change color or size.
and the late 2000s, in which the newest gym and This is the real reason why Northwest Step back and look at the school from a differ-
auditorium were built, followed by the art room, has so many option students. It’s also why ent angle, tilt your head and contemplate how
alternative education room, drama room and a people who live close to NW are recommended the exterior of the building looks somewhat like
remodeling of both the boys' and girls' locker to attend Senior High even though it’s further a Viking ship.
rooms. away. Northwest has had years to grow and
These aren’t the only changes that Expanding on Northwest’s relation to expand, but it only takes a moment to realize
Northwest went through. Without an auditorium GISH, the rivalry between the two schools has that it was born from grit and determination, just
4PA GEt o start off with, the wall housing the infamous even deeper roots than one might think. like its staff and students.
Seka
WSNODWISA
1) Hall County Superintendent Eldon Cunning-
ham, left, and Merrick County Superintendent
Emil Friesen break the ground in the first con-
struction of Northwest.
2) The first layout of the shop class.
3) Ralph M. Carthart, grand master of the Masons
of Nebraska, addresses a large crowd before
placing the cornerstone, shown suspended.
4) President of the Class 6 Board Education,
| Eugene Seier, invites grand master of the Masons
of Nebraska, Ralph M. Carhart, to officially lay the
cornerstones.
5) Student Council President Harris “Butch”
Wahl, Seier, Cox and Board Secretary Mrs. Vivian
Aschwege (from left). SEIS
WEE]
Decade in review
FEATURE 2010 20l? sk
By: Emelia Richling
Inthe first month, thew orst natural disaster of thed ecade struck when a
Over the past 10 years, the world has experienced achievements, tragedies and memorable moments that will define the way InA ugust, ana we-inspiring totals olar eclipse passed overt heU nited.
10 magnitude earthquake shookH ispaniola It killedn early2 60,00a0n d
we will look back on this decade in our history books. States. Then extt otal solare clipse willo ccur on April 8,2 024.
‘impacted3 m illion people. Throuthegr eshto oft hued teca de, thei sland Although ColinK aepernick firstc hoset ok neeli n2 016,t hem ovement
has continued tor epair itself, bringing about oneo ft heg reatest humani-
Teached itsp eaki nS eptember of 2017. Whole teams chose tos ito uto r
tarian relief effoofra ltltsi me .
e018 A015 kneel on the 50-yard linei na demonstration of solidarity,
The past decade wasm arked byi ncredible technological advancements
InO ctober, the# MeToo movement took offa fter a report of Harvey Wein-
‘when thef irsti Padc ame outa sw ella st hei Phone 4. Thisp ropelled the
Ind une, same-sex marrwaisl egaaligzed ein a ll5 0 states when the Su- stein’s assaults against famous actresses became public. Harvey Weinstein
next decade intoi ncessant improvienmt eechnnoltogy , leadtioni tgem s Ind uneit,w a sd isctohavt oeurg roveernmdent , specifitcheaN altlioyna l
was a famous American filmp roducer. Int hea ftermath oft hed iscovery,
Security Agency, actively hackedi ntot hed atabases ofbigt echc ompanies preme Courtr uled on the court case Obergefell vs.H odges. Thisl andmark
such ast heP layStation, Xbox, Amazon Echo, Apple Watches and Pokémon
decision would helpt heg ayc ommunity int heU nited States, butt here are millions ofp eople came forward tod iscuss their owns imilar incidents,
G0, to steal user's personal information. Thisi ncidweasng itve n the codename
‘many countries inw hich gay marriage iss tillo ppressed.
“PRISM.” After PRISM andt ot hisd ay,i ti ss tillh ardt ob elieve thato ur
InO ctober, Google leta blind man drive ina completely driverless car.T his
private datai sr eally private.
sparketdh em ultibillion-dorlalcaer t oc reate safe, driverless cars,
‘When North Korea broke allp eace pactsw ith SouthK orea, itin flamed
InD ecember, theP aris Climate Accord wass igned, requiring countries
tensions between thet wo countries andt her esto f thew orld. Then, Kim
tol imit their greenhouse gase missions. Although it wasn't successful, it
dJong-un, theN orth Korean leader, staratn uecldea r weapons program. The 2018
all prompted government efftooh roldtc lsima te chanagteb a y, ani ssue that
resotfth e decade would bem arked byt ension across theg lobe,
has continitot nheun eewd edca de,
InM ay,t hes econd major Ebola outbreak oft hed ecade began int her egion
On May 2,O sama binL aden, them astermind behind the9 /11 terrorist of Kivui nt he Democratic Republic oft heC ongo. It ledt om oret han 3,000
attacks, wask illed.S adly, thisd idn othing tod iscourage terrorist attacks deaths, making it thel argest Ebola outbreak int hec ountry. It wasn't near-
ast hey continued over thed ecade, Terrorism continued att he Boston Mar- Tyas destructive ast heE bola outbreak that occurred earlier int hed ecade
2014 2016
athaon inght,clu b inFl orida and numerous othera ttacks arouthneg dlob e, thaletdt on early 30,000 cases. The second epidemic showed that our
VSIAXGIAN G InS eptember, 1,000 people marched under a banner thatr ead“ Occupy international effortst os olve problems cand om ore thanj ustf ixe pidemics.
VSONWDSI A
‘Wall Street.” They were advocating fori ncome equality andt oo verhaul After a tense andb itter yearo fd ebates andp residential campaigning, InN ovember thed eadliest andm ost destructive firesi nt heh istory of
InM arch, a MalaAyirlsineis paassennge r jet disappFeoary reaers,d i.th as
what they sawa sa f ailing financial system. This caused similar protests ‘Donald Trump clinched the 2016 presidential election. Trump capitalized California ravaged itsla ndscape, causing destructtoai lmoosnt 2m illion
‘een ther ooto fm any conspiracies. Onlya few months ago,i tw asd iscov-
ind ozens ofo ther cities across then ation. Ina ddition, activists tookt heir eredt hatt hep lanew asm ostl ikelyi ntentionally crashed by thepi lot. his campaign on eliminating political correctness, solving discontent for acres. Many credit thisi ncident to climate change, so it caused a surge of
message tos ocial media, using thep latform inn eww ays. ‘working-class voters and targeting the Washington establishment. Over activists to rallya round a solution.
OnA pri2l5 ,t heF lint Water Crisis broke out,k illing1 2 peoapndlm aekin g
the next several years, Trump lowered theu nemploynummbeernst a nd
80 others dangerously ill.T hew ater wasd iscovered toh ave leadi ni ta fter
allowed the economy to prosper.
thec itys witched from treated , safew atert ot heF lint River. Asar esult,
In mid-2016, Britain held a vote to determine whether they should leave
Tead from aging pipes leaked intot hew ater supply. Its parked national
the European Union. It passed byo nlyt wop ercent. Since then,B ritain has
sympathy fort het housands ofc hildren whow ills uffer fromt hee ffects of
postponed deadlines for withdrawal, and, as it enters into the new decade, e019
ale Tead poisoning fort he resto ft heirl ives,
still has notl eftt he European Union.
InA pril, thef irst-ever picture ofa black hole wast aken. With amass of
‘You maya llr emember the“ Gangnam Style” videot hat became them ost-
6.5 times thato f ours un,i ti sd ifficult toi magine, especially sincei t is8 5
‘watched video. Itt ookt he world by storm, andi t evenb roke YouTube's
million light years away from Earth. Itw asa ni ncredible advancement for
play counter, exceeding them aximum number of views. It heldt het itlef or
science, Thei ncident opened upt hed iscussion foro ther black holesa nd
fivey ears untili tw ass urpbayt shesm useicd vid eo for“ See YouA gain,”
leaves questions for scientists to explore over the next decade.
‘writbteyWn i zK halifa andC harlie Puth,w hich became them ost-requested
InD ecember, they earc onclwiutht dhee d impeachment of Donald Trump
op songa tf unerals,
byt he House ofR epresLeedb yna Dt emoacrattici mavjoriety, sth.eH o use
In November, President Obama wasr e-elected fora second term. Hea dvo-
impeached the4 5th president on theg rounds ofa buse ofp ower and
catefdo rs ame-sex marriage, attemtpotpr eesedrv e the environmentb y
obstruction of Congress. In2 020, theS enate willh olda ni mpeachment
‘vetointgh eK eystone XLp ipeline and promoted ObamaCare.
Survivors’ march
hearing, pulling problems fort he previous decade intot hen ew decade.
Photdig diirtes/BithalWashingtan Post
6PA GE
ZEDWe
the burning impacts
Australian bushfires:
NEWS
By: Emily Krupicka
For the past few months, Australia has been choking under a entirety of 2019; there is no evidence that the current bushfires were
blanket of thick smoke due to blazing bushfires. The Australian fire caused by arson.
season has always been dangerous, but, compared to the last decade, Instead, lightning has been deemed the most plausible cause,
the recent severity seems unprecedented. but scientists have called out climate change for exacerbating the harsh
Although the Australian fires began in early September, they conditions. The Indian Ocean Dipole, a climate phenomenon, has
did not gain sufficient social traction until mid-December. In the past pushed rainy weather away from Australia. This occurrence, combined
month, however, prominent media influencers have spoken out regard- with wind, has contributed to Australia’s severe drought and dry condi-
ing the raging effects. tions.
Chris Dickman, a scientific expert at the University of Sydney, According to a 2020 BBC article, over 24 million acres have
estimates that over a billion animals have been killed in the bushfires; been set ablaze. With severely decimated forests, many question how
many, however, claim that a billion is a modest number when taking long recovery will take. As of now, there are approximately 4,000 fire-
into account how rapidly the fires are spreading. fighters working to control the flames.
The threat to biodiversity has been the main ramification dis- This year’s fierce and premature fire season is only “a harboring
cussed in the media. Photographs depicting the suffering of Australian of what is to come,” as mentioned by Dr. Kolden, a scientist and mem-
wildlife has captured the heartstrings of many, sparking numerous ber of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
GoFund me pages and a call for action to protect the unique Australian Scientists predict that the devastating fires are only a glimpse
fauna, shedding a light in the smoke. into the future effects of climate change and urge influential leaders
As for the cause, arson has been blamed. However, a statement to take action. They ephasize that the dramatic photographs and high
by the Victorian police, of Victoria, Australia, contradicts this state- death toll should be enough to spark social concern and warrant action.
ment. A misleading figure suggested that 183 arsonists were arrested In the words of Kolden, “We must ask ourselves: If these fac-
for starting the bushfires, but police claim that those figures covered the tors aren’t enough to create a change, what is?”
VSIAKGIAN G
World War III?
By: Trinity Sossong
Many people know about the WWIII memes floating around guard American troops and nobody was hurt.
social media, but many don’t know what caused all the WWIII talk. However, an Iranian missile defense officer, thinking the United
President Donald Trump launched several attacks against Iran States was striking back for the Iranian retaliation, shot down a Ukrain-
on January 2, the most successful being the American MQ-9 Reaper ian civilian airliner. All 176 people aboard the plane were killed, most
Drone that shot missiles into a convoy that was leaving an airport in of them being Iranians bound for China. The Iranian government then
Baghdad, Iraq. The missile killed one of the passengers, Maj. Gen. Qa- went on to deny all accusations for three days.
ssim Suleimani, who led the powerful Quds Force of the Islamic Rev- On a separate note, not many people are worried about the out-
olutionary Guards Corps, along with several other officials from Iran. break of war. Quite frankly, many are making jokes out of WWIII.
Although the reason for this act is unknown, it has become increasingly “T don’t really think Trump is stupid enough to start something
clear that this was an act of revenge for the death of hundreds of Ameri- we can’t pay for,” said Madison Crystal, a student of Grand Island Sen-
cans in the past. ior High. “If Trump does start a war, I don’t think it will be a big deal.”
After the death of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, the Iranian gov- “Tn my opinion, there’s not much to worry about. I don’t think
ernment attempted to avenge the death of their leader, sending missiles WwWIIL is going to start, but if it does, I don’t think we’ll have to worry
streaming into two Iraqi bases where Americans were located. Since about much,” stated an anonymous source.
8PA GE Iran warned Iraq in advance, the U.S. took prudent measures to safe-
Mental health How do you celebrate
SAEIN
matters New Year’s?
By: Hailie Melton
By: Haili Luevano
*Student names have been changed to maintain anonymity.
The beginning of a new year is a fun time to reflect on past accom-
Mental health. It is important to most people. Nineteen
plishments and set new goals, but not everyone celebrates the same way. In
point one percent of U.S. adults experienced mental illness. That
a poll released on January 8, students were asked to describe what they do to
represents one in five adults. Four point six percent of U.S. adults
celebrate the new year.
experienced serious mental illness. That represents 1 in 25 adults,
“Every year, I invite some friends and my mom books a hotel room,”
while 20 percent of adolescents (ages 10 to 19 years old) have a
said Ashley Scott, senior. “We stay up until the hotel serves breakfast. Then
diagnosable mental health disorder. Fifty percent of all mental
once we’re done eating breakfast, we sleep for the rest of the day. There is
health conditions develop by the time you are 14 years old.
also the tradition of drinking apple cider once the clock strikes midnight. It’s
Many people believe that they cannot speak out about their
a great time I spend with my friends.”
mental health because it is “controversial” and that it is not fully
Out of the 32 respondents, 19 said that they celebrate on New Year’s
accepted to talk openly about such things.
Eve, and three said that they celebrate on New Year’s Day. The remaining
“There is such a big stigma surrounding mental health,
10 chose both days.
which makes it difficult for people to open up and be honest about
When asked if it was traditional for their families to make New
it. You have to make it known that everyone has mental health, and
Year’s resolutions, 16 answered “sometimes,” 14 said “no” and the last two
mental health is so important. There needs to be more resources for
chose “yes.”
students. There needs to be more honesty. There needs to be more
“My new year’s resolution is to keep my grades up and to be a better
people making it known that someone is there for you and rallying
friend,’ wrote Freshman Lily Aundrea Salyers.
behind you every step of your way,” Jones said.
There’s a definite mix between people when it comes to celebrating
The topic of suicide is a sensitive one, but is one that must
the new year. Some welcome it with friends and family, some make res-
be talked about in order to help prevent it. Suicide is the second
olutions while others don’t, but everyone enjoys the chance to make new
leading cause of death in adolescents. According to Suicide WSONWDSI A
memories and have a good time.
Awareness Voices of Education, it takes the lives of 44,965
Americans every year, 123 every day, one every 12 minutes. Only
23-33 percent of adolescents with mental disorders get the help
and care they need. That leaves out 70 percent of people who are
hurting or suffering.
Many believe that mental health disorders have become
overly romanticized, saying that they have been played off as
something you need to have to look cool or quirky.
“Things like mental breakdowns are mainstreamed as Automatic Car Wash
trendy or quirky and people are saying that feeling upset for
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15 minutes is a ‘mental breakdown.’ Mental health sneaks up
on people, and even the happiest people can be sad, and that is
not something to be ashamed of or to sweep under the rug. We
shouldn’t hide when someone feels depressed or anxious. Your
mental health is not shameful,” said Fitz.
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Mazie agrees. “Things like depression, anxiety, OCD and
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Mental health disorders may be fun for some to joke about, as
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not take kindly or think that your joke is funny. 6E DWe
The season of singing
By: Mackenzie Vogt
A new year of Northwest show choir has started this past month, on in the competition again. Bella
From their debut on Premiere Night to their first competition at Papio Voce also reached third in Prep.
South. Northwest’s Show Choir is composed of two groups: 14 Karat Jeff Vyhlidal, the new director,
Gold and Bella Voce. Both groups contain around 50 students. explains the uniqueness of this
ENTERTAINMENT
Show choir as a whole has gone through many changes this year accomplishment.
such as a new director, but also in their growth. Senior Abby Schneck- “Bella Voce, our JV
loth a member of 14 Karat, remarks on how she feels the groups have group, our prep group, got third igi :
changed. place. Which is the first time The Bella Voce choir perform on
“There is just a different feel in that’s happened in eight years.” Premire Night (2020, January 9)
the group, like [being] okay with ___ This group isimmensely —p rgte Courtesty by Ashten Psota
working hard,” Schneckloth said. dedicated to what they do and has
“There used to be this feeling like demonstrated this through their practice schedule. During third period,
"> people didn’t want to work hard. they have a class where they rehearse in addition to Thursday night prac-
Y People are way less entitled and tices. There they learn different skill sets to reach their audience apart
they understand that hard work is from just the singing aspect.
needed for there to be an achieve- “We have activities where we work on vulnerability and emo-
ment.” tion,” Schneckloth said. “If your show has no emotion, it means nothing.
On a more statistical side, 14 If you can’t reach audiences, then what’s the point?”
The 14 Karat group performs on
Karat Gold reached fifth place As the full swing of show choir season approaches, Vyhlidal
Premire Night (2020, January 9)
at their first competition. This remarks on what a great year they've had so far.
Photo Courtesty by Ashten Psota
allowed them to compete later “We've made] the alumni proud, and so far it’s been awesome.”
Passion, pose and public speaking
By: Emily Krupicka
VSIAKGIAN G For most high school students, the thought of presenting a speech fact, Sophomore Ann Smallwood, =| “\gr" = or"
is unnerving. For members of Northwest's forensics speech team, it’s the a varsity competitor, has been ini | oor“
standard. As public speaking season begins, students are working dili- working on her events since last
gently on polishing, perfecting and presenting their hard work. summer and is very excited to see
Speech at Northwest has had a long history of success. In her jun- them grow.
ior year, Senior Ashley Scott qualified for state in persuasive speaking. In “T really love speech.
her speech, she discussed blind advocacy and the implications of people Through competitions in different
funding corporations that are using donations dishonestly. events and being around different
“Sadly, I was the only person who qualified for speech last year. people, ’'ve made so many new
Although qualifying for state isn’t everything, I hope that more people friends. It’s honestly a really great
can go this year. It was a really great experience.” experience.”
With numerous first places at competitions already, there is a Smallwood’s active involve-
high possibility of numerous members qualifying this year. So far, it is ment with forensics this year has
evident that the Northwest Speech Team is off to a great start. contributed greatly to the team.
Brian Gibson, the new head coach, has had previous experience With all of the changes that mem-
instructing speech. Last year, Gibson operated as the assistant coach. bers have endured throughout the year, both Smallwood and Scott have
“T stepped back from coaching last year, and now that I’ve stepped stepped up as impactful leaders.
back into the coaching position, I am more excited than ever," Gibson Although the speech season has already started, it’s not too late
said. "I have such great members on the team; they’ve all been working to join. If you or someone you know would like to join the team, contact
so hard this year, and I am extremely proud of them” Brian Gibson as soon as possible.
1P0A GE
Everyone has shown immense elation for this year’s season. In
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
By: Mackenzie Vogt
KAYLEE JONES AYDEN RUZICKA HAILEY SPELLBRINK
UALS
What middle school did you attend? What middle school did you attend? What middle school did you attend?
“Westridge.” “| went to Westridge.” “| went to Walnut Middle School.”
What are your lans for next year? What are your plans for next year? What are your plans for next year?
“Im going to CCC and [to] get my RN [Registered “| plan on going to Hastings College to study “| plan on going to Hastings CCC and start focusing
Nursey" Psychology.” on photography.”
What advice would you give freshmen? What advice would yo give freshmen? What advice would you give freshmen?
“Don't stress out too much about grades.” “You don’t have to study, but make sure to do your “Don't doubt yourself. Even if you think something is
What is your favorite part about being a senior? homework because that is your studying.” going to be hard, ust keep pushing yourself.”
“That | get to leave in a couple of months.” What is your favorite part about being a senior? What is your favori e part about cage a senior?
What is a fun fact about yourself? “The thought of almost being done, like it's almost “Honestly, the excitement that | have to ook forward
“| have a tattoo.’ over. to for next year. It’s different. I’m ready to leave. It's a
What is a fun fact about yourself? good feeling.”
“| read way too much.” What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I know how to play the piano.”
..
rape
L 4 :
Photo Courtesy of Kaylee Jones Photo Courtesy of Ayden Ruzicka Photo Courtesy of Hailey Spellbrink WSoNDwIsA
In the news
By: Haili Luevano
e¢ Grand Island locals will raffle offa e Seth Lookhart, a dentist in e lran threatened to secede from a
bike at Harley-Davidson on November Anchorage, Alaska, was convicted of global treaty if European countries
14, in an attempt to raise money for 46 felony and misdemeanor counts continued to tell the U.N. Security
veterans attending Central Community on Junuary 17 after sharing a video of Council that they were allegedly
College. Referred to as Operation him removing a patient's tooth while violating the 2015 nuclear agreement,
Zero, this is part of a bigger attempt to riding a hoverboard. He was also which Trump withdrew the U.S. from
raise awareness about the suicide rate charged with fraud for diverting funds in 2018. France, Britain and Germany
for veterans. As of 2017, this number of over $25,000 by billing Medicaid for responded by formally sanctioning
averaged about 28 a day. unnecessary procedures. Iran.
e Two members of the Northwest e Thousands of citizens hit the streets e¢ China has confirmed a human-
school board, Dan Leiser and Robin on January 11 in honor of 2020's first to-human transmission of a new
Schutt, were under threat of being Women’s March. Many signs sported coronavirus. It's speculated that the
removed through a petition by the rest disapproval of “Trumpism,” a term virus originated from a food market in
of the board. The effort fell through dedicated to the support of President Wuhan and spread to Guangdong after
when not enough signatures were Trump. They also advocated for a family members visited relatives there.
obtained by January 15. growth in numbers. So far, 217 people have been infected.
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