In the news

By Mackenzie Vogt

On April 24, Bosselman Enterprises gave out free ethanol-based sanitizers to the businesses in the Grand Island community. They had 450 containers of both 1 and 2.5 gallons. By 9:30 a.m. they were gone.

Hall County has 15 times more coronavirus cases than the rest of Nebraska, as of Monday, April 27. Hall County now has a total of 876 cases and 20 deaths.

Annevar, a local festival held in Ravenna, has cancelled the event. This is the first time that has happened since WWII. Highlights of this five-day event would have included rides, parades and tractor pulls.

NebraskaLand National Bank launched a new website to thank frontline workers. They’ve invited the community to post stories and pictures about people in their community that have helped during the coronavirus to help spread awareness.

The Congressional Budget Office says that due to coronavirus aid, the recession will likely reach $3.7 trillion in debt this year.

President Trump has allowed governors to decide when to reopen their states. Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia planned to lift restrictions in April, despite the hesitancy Trump and other officials are showing.

Who would have thought senior skip day would last this long?

By: Mackenzie Vogt

On March 15, Northwest joined the surrounding districts in cancelling school for at least that coming week. Now a month later, it is known that students will not be returning to the normal definition of school. This is impacting the college admission requirements that seniors would normally be subjected to.

From changing due dates to scheduling virtual admitted student days, needless to say, high school seniors this year will have a different experience from seniors in the past. Lori Merritt, one of the counselors, confirms that fact.

“Usually, our office would be busy with seniors asking questions and getting clarification on how to submit things. Seniors need to be advocating for themselves and asking for help, even though things aren’t normal right now.”

Many colleges, though, are doing their best to work around these circumstances. The University of Nebraska, which includes Lincoln, Kearney and Omaha, has announced they will be offering free tuition to in-state undergraduate students with families making less than $60,000. Most other colleges are allowing high school seniors to make the decision to use either their seventh semester or current GPA.

Also, class ranking, ACT and SAT requirements are being waved at most colleges. Many have also decided to extend the due dates of applying for admission, submitting housing contracts and extending the acceptance of admission. Most colleges have even started to move orientation and tours online.

“Every college that I have been in contact with has been extremely lenient working with kids,” Merritt said. “As long as a student receives credit in the classes they are in they aren’t worried about the grade since most schools have gone to a pass/fail system. If a student doesn’t have an ACT, which is rare, many are allowing admission based on GPA and their school records.”

One of the bigger things to consider is the difference between low-income and high-income students. The closure of schools and beginnings of quarantines eliminates support systems. Students who might have been relying on their parents’ income or even their own to help pay for college may no longer have that luxury. Students will miss out on the support systems that high schools offer, such as teachers and counselors.

If any students have questions about college or school in general, they are encouraged to talk to the admission directors at their desired college or contact either Lori Merritt or Andrew Manhart. Counselors also want to emphasize the importance of students checking their emails for updates and information.

*Photo Obtained from the San Diego Community College District

A possible silver lining?

By: Mackenzie Vogt

The year 2020 began with the continuation of the Australian wildfires, the threat of WWIII and the release of pandemic: the coronavirus. As new statistics about this pandemic appear each day, the coronavirus is also seen impacting the environment.

Most of what the media is calling “improvement to the environment” is due to the decrease of carbon emission. China was the first nation to have a case of the coronavirus, so their quarantine restrictions began first. Since then, there has been an estimated reduction of 250 million tons of carbon emission in China, according to Benjamin Storrow in an article in Scientific America. As an extension to that, Martha Henriques in a BBC article says that the air quality in China was up 11.4 percent. Christopher McFadelen also supports this in Interesting Engineering by saying the pollution of air in China has dropped 10-30 percent.

There have also been other notable countries and areas that have experienced similar improvements. The pollution in New York City has gone down by 50 percent. Henriques highlights that a related cause could be that traffic is down, and McFadelen also supports this by saying transportation counts for 23 percent of global emission. In addition, McFadelen also talks about how the waters of Venice have never been clearer. Fish can now be seen. This is due to the grounding of water boats.

All these impacts of course are not due to the coronavirus directly but indirectly. The impacts are due to self-quarantines and travel restrictions that haven’t been this extensive since WWII. The restrictions that are in place to reduce the spread of disease are also impacting industries that can be linked to carbon emissions. Industries that have been impacted and also have an effect on carbon emissions are airports and the gasoline industry.

Experts at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research are also discussing the lasting impact that the pandemic will make on the future. They predict that carbon emission will go down a projected .3 percent globally. To put that in perspective, Storrow talks about how during the Great Recession (2008-2009), emission went down 1.3 percent due to the economy. After the economy restored itself, though, emissions then rose to 5 percent.

Carbon emission could bounce back after normalcy returns to daily lives. The when of that will help determine the impact on the environment, but also some believe that behavioral changes could happen. Behavioral changes occur when an outside force changes the way one lives their day-to-day life. So, due to the coronavirus, new daily routines may form, and even after the new routine isn’t necessary, it may stick.

For now though, the improvements to the environment may be a little bit of good in the bad.

*Photo Obtained from BBC

Trinity’s top five: Social media

By: Trinity Sossong

Social media has saved many people’s social lives during this time of quarantine. From Instagram to Snapchat, people use many different apps to stay in touch with their friends and family, since they can’t see each other for the time being. Although staying inside can be boring, social media has the advantage of passing time, too. Here is a list of my top five favorite social media apps and why I rate them as I do.

Snapchat, ranking at number five, is one of the most popular apps on the app store. Snapchat includes all aspects of keeping in touch with friends and family, such as being able to send pictures and videos, texting, video chatting and calling, playing games with friends and it even includes Photomath (an app that helps with solving math problems) in the filters section. Although most social media apps allow you to do these things, Snapchat does a good job of compressing everything into one simple software. If you’re looking for a simple app to keep in touch with friends and family, I recommend Snapchat.

Instagram, ranking at number four, is one of the best ways to update people on how your life is going. Simply, Instagram allows you to post pictures to your account, allowing people that follow you to see, like and comment on your picture. Along with this, there is a “safari” side of Instagram that gathers information on posts you like and draws similar posts to one main page. Along with posting pictures, you can contact friends and family through text messaging, video chatting and calling and sharing posts you like.

YouTube, ranking at number three, is popular for one main reason: entertainment. Passing time is easy with YouTube since you’re able to watch videos based on your interests and likings. Along with this, it is also easy to start an online life and make a YouTube account, allowing you to post videos you make and share your interests with the world. YouTube is one of the most popular videos-watching apps. Passing time is simply easy with YouTube.

Messenger, ranking at number two, is one of the most popular communication apps. Messenger is made purely for communication, although it is technically part of Facebook. With Messenger, you can call, video chat, message, play games with friends and post to your story. If you have WiFi, Messenger is one of the best forms of communication out there.

TikTok, ranking at number one, is my favorite social media app. With TikTok, you can view short, creative videos made by the TikTik population. Along with this, you can create your own account and make short videos to post to the public or keep private. You can gain followers and likes and save certain videos. Passing time with TikTok is easy.

Social media is one of the most popular things out there, and it makes communicating much easier than it used to be. With the apps I stated above, communicating with friends and passing time is made easy.

*Photo by Haili Luevano

Looking at COVID-19 through a different outlook

By: Gabriel Lorenzo

Today, we all have to stay at home and follow what the authorities say when it comes to practicing simple steps to defeat a big virus. As the outbreak continues to impact more and more communities, that hasn’t stopped them from giving and receiving hope amidst what is going on. Despite hearing those big numbers of cases in our county, state, country and even the world, there are people who are doing acts of kindness, making a greater impact on others. Being positive during these harsh times will light in us hope at the end of the tunnel.

There have been good things that happened because we have to isolate ourselves. The first is school standardized testing. On April 7, many students across the state were going to take standardized tests. The freshmen don’t have to take MAPS testing. Sophomores and juniors don’t have to take the ACT.

The second is being with family. Family is something that should be valued, but sometimes we think there is no importance in spending time with them. As many families have to stay in their homes, family relationships are positively impacted by spending time together.

The third good thing is the reduction of air pollution. There are graphs that show how big of a change has happened over China and Italy, including some cities in the United States like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Atlanta.

There are many positive results, and people are also giving that same positivity to others. Many communities are starting to spread love. Some neighborhoods are coming together with teddy bears in windows, music, Christmas lights and birthday celebrations. Local photographers are offering family portraits free of charge to show life during these difficult times.

Another point that is good to mention is generosity. People have been generous with their time spent with family, friends and the community. Also, many celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Taylor Swift have donated money and created fundraisers to help facilitate tests and a cure.

When we experience tough times, each one of us has to contribute in order to work together. We can be thankful for the people that are at the front of the battle, like doctors, nurses, farmers, employers and many more making a big contribution to mankind. Working together will enable us to help others with kindness that will make a greater impact to every one of us.

The oh-so awesome nerves of quarantine

By: Hailie Melton

Recently a poll was sent out asking students “Who is getting on your nerves the most?” during this historical quarantine. The options given were pets, parents, friends, teachers, significant others, siblings and other.

The poll was sent out April 17 and closed April 24. Out of 54 responses, most people said that their siblings were the ones bothering them the most because they know how to push each other’s buttons a little too well (Sophomore Kathleen Spiehs).

The runner-up option was other. Senior Alex Levering said he’s getting too much schoolwork, which doesn’t help when working full-time. Senior Dominic Luevano explained that Cody from the gym is charging him when he hasn’t been there in over a month, and he wants to “throw hands.”

In third place was parents. Freshman Autumn Graczyk said she is an only child, so she is stuck with her parents 24/7.

However, the least picked option, friends, may be the funniest. Senior Skylar Ruhe said her friends are “acting like the world is ending.”

Overall, this time in history is very stressful, but it will pass, and we will survive it together because Vikings row together.

Sorensen resigns after five successful years

By: Emelia Richling

 

In the past five years, it suffices to say that Northwest’s athletes, coaches and students have done an amazing job of coming together to win three state championships, two state runner-up championships, 19 district championships and four sportsmanship awards, a distinction Michael Sorensen, the athletic director, is especially proud of. After several years of helping student-athletes and coaches earn a long list of accolades, Sorensen is resigning.

Since the fall of 2015, Sorensen has served in a position in which he directs and organizes primarily athletic events, but he has also worked with other extracurriculars, including the music department. Although some students may not directly interact with him, Sorensen is a large part of many of the activities that students participate in, working behind the scenes to schedule activities, supervise events and facilitate policies.

However, after his wife was offered a position as a principal in Grant, Sorensen had to make a decision about whether the couple should stay in Grand Island or move.

“We had planned on living apart next school year,” Sorensen said. “She would live in Grant, and I would live in Grand Island and continue working at Northwest.”

Near the end of March, however, the plan changed.

When a principal position opened up at Chase County, a school closer to where his wife will work, Sorensen understood it was an opportunity he should seize. After applying for the position, he was offered the job.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity,” Sorensen commented. “The best part was not being separated from my wife by 175 miles.”

After five successful years at Northwest, many students and teachers will be sad to see Sorensen leave because of the impact he has had on the school and the athletic program.

“He wants the best for each program in the school,” said Alex Hull, the golf coach. “He wants coaches to think big and push their students. He doesn’t tolerate people expecting less than the best out of their student-athletes.”

Sorensen concluded by thanking Northwest for five wonderful years, encouraging students to always appreciate their teachers and reminding staff members to continue doing their best.

“I will always have a special place in my heart for Northwest High School, and I will continue to cheer for you from a distance. I want Northwest to be the best in Class B in everything!”

*Photo Courtesy of Tally Creative

 

COVID-19 makes both hashtags and headlines

 

By: Haili Luevano

In recent months, COVID-19 has not only affected 500,000+ people in the U.S., as of April 12, 2020 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but has also spread across the news and social media.

With quarantine allowing more time for media, news networks have received a rapid increase in attention, as well as various other media platforms. 

“The most influential social media platforms at this time are Facebook, Instagram and TikTok,” said Eli Flodman, a junior from GISH. “With so much free time, one always has to scroll through their phone.”

Most apps and websites offer a complementary warning about COVID-19 when you first log in or open the site, such as TikTok and lesser-known forums such as Sufficient Velocity and SpaceBattles. Pinterest even restricted the search of ‘Coronavirus memes’ in an effort to stop the spread of misinformation and instead replaced all results with posts about how to effectively wash your hands and prevent the growth of the virus.

Even with these restrictions, people are still finding time to make light of the situation in humorous ways. A quick scroll through Tumblr shows the many memes being posted about the coronavirus. The same can be said for TikTok and other YouTube channels that upload content pertaining to the pandemic. 

In addition, the majority of ads of YouTube have been overtaken by various celebrities declaring their support for quarantine and urging others to stay home to lessen the spread of the pandemic. The hashtag #withme has also increased by 600 percent since March 15, according to YouTube. Videos with titles such as “work at home,” “craft with me” and “cook with me” have received an ever-growing amount of views.

“I’ll admit, a few of [the jokes] are kinda funny,” said Autumn Graczyk, a sophomore. “But we could probably stand to dial down the amount of them. I understand that some people cope with situations through humor, but I think the humor should be respectful because for some people this situation is absolutely terrifying.”

Contrasting this, news channels are providing real-time, hard facts over COVID-19. Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNN, referred to as the “Big Three,” continue to cover this topic the most. They tell of the rapidly-climbing number of cases, as well as the face mask shortage that hospitals and clinics are trying desperately to solve. 

With the mix of content being distributed to the public, it’s easy to confuse humor with horror. 

“I’ve seen some news articles saying how hospitals are needing supplies,” said Beau Studley, art teacher. “Other people are saying everything’s okay and we’re going to be over this in a couple weeks … No one’s really sure how to take it.”

While jokes may help alleviate the tension and help pass the time under the restrictions of quarantine, it’s important to remember that while the threat of COVID-19 is avoidable, it’s still dangerous.

Whether you pass your time watching the news, scrolling through social media posts or doing something else, remember to keep a safe distance from others and take the necessary precautions to keep the community as healthy and safe as possible.

*Photo by Haili Luevano

Lights! Camera! Postponed…

By: Emily Krupicka

Northwest High School’s long-anticipated production of “Hairspray” has been moved back to an undetermined date due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. 

When school was first called off, many worried about the future of the musical. When an announcement was made to postpone the show, many students expressed distress and disappointment.

“Honestly, I was really looking forward to the musical,” said Sophomore Sydney Fisher. “I obviously understand the decision, but it’s sad because everyone was so dedicated. I hope that we can still do something!”

“Hairspray” the movie first was released in 1988 and later went on to inspire the Broadway show of the same name, which became an instant success after its debut in 2002.

Senior Abby Schneckloth, Northwest’s female lead who was set to play Tracy Turnblad, said that “Hairspray” takes place in a 1960s Baltimore, Maryland.

The plot centers around Turnblad, a quirky teen who auditions for “The Corny Collins Show.” After her unexpected win, she becomes an instant celebrity. With her newfound spotlight, she uses her fame to incorporate ideas of racial integration into the show. 

“The musical had a really great message of acceptance and understanding,” added Fisher. “It’s really too bad that people won’t get to see that just yet.”

To the students participating in the musical, the show also had a profound message of hard work and resilience. Cast members spent countless hours in after-school rehearsals to perfect their lines and their singing, each person dedicated to crafting a seamless performance.

Despite the show not being able to go on as of now, students have still expressed gratitude and understanding of the situation.

If spectators will not be able to view the show in person, there is still hope for a livestream event.

Carter Levander (Link Larkin) and Abby Schneckloth (Tracy Turnblad) rehearse their choreography for “Hairspray.”

“I’ve enjoyed working with all the cast members; they made the long rehearsals worth it.” -Carter Levander

“This whole experience has been absolutely amazing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the cast.” -Abby Schneckloth

“Even if the show can’t go on, you really can’t stop the beat! I’m proud of everyone!” -Sydney Fisher

*Photos by Gera Baltasar-Salinas