Senior Spotlight

By Emelia Richling

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Morrow

Lauren Morrow

What are your favorite binge-worthy shows?
“I really like Grey’s Anatomy, Vampire Diaries, Criminal Minds and The Office.”

What are your plans for after high school?

“Currently, my plan is to go to college, get a biology degree and become a PA (Physician’s Assistant).”

What is a fun fact about yourself?

“I broke the same arm twice.”

What advice do you have for underclassmen?
“Go to as many games and activities as you can. They are really fun.”

Photo Courtesy of Tally Creative

Ethan Hansen

What are your favorite binge-worthy shows?
“I work at a nursing home, so I have memorized The Golden Girls. Any game show like Jeopardy.”

What are your plans for after high school?
“They are very different paths because I am either going to go pre-med or into international affairs.”

What is a fun fact about yourself? “I am trying to teach myself to write with my left hand. It isn’t good. I was comparing it to my old kindergarten journals, and it is the exact same.”

What is your favorite high school memory? “Probably Winter Ball last year.”

What advice do you have for underclassmen? “Get involved because, once you start meeting people, it is so much easier to make friends and be confident and comfortable.”

Photo Courtesy of Allison O’Connell

Allison O’Connell

What are your favorite binge-worthy shows?
“Right now, it is Shameless, but it changes often.”

What are your plans for after high school?
“I am going to go to Hastings College and study elementary education. I am going to be either a third, fourth or fifth grade teacher.”

What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I actually can’t hear out of my left ear.”

What is your favorite high school memory?
“Band. The competitions, the bus rides and getting
to perform are so much fun. It is such a rewarding experience.”

What advice do you have for underclassmen?
“Definitely enjoy it while it lasts. Focus on your grades but also focus on having fun.”

Pence works behind the scenes

By Emelia Richling

Throughout the past four years, it seems that Mike Pence, the vice president (VP) of the United States, has remained in the shadow of our current leader. If you take a closer look, however, his behind-the-scenes work includes procuring a supportive base of voters, making changes within the education system and raising large amounts of campaign donations.

When Pence was first added to the ballot as Trump’s VP, his primary purpose was to draw in Christian voters. According to a U.S. News article published in August, Pence’s ability to net votes from the religious right was one of the primary reasons he was selected to share the ballot with the president.

Before 2016, Pence served in the House of Representatives and was the governor of Indiana, providing him with a firm base of supporters and a well-respected name in the political world.

Staunchly conservative, Pence has helped to defend the beliefs he stands for, including defending religious freedom, opposing same-sex marriage and fighting against abortion.

In addition, he is also vocal about using tax dollars to fund religious schools. His influence over the American education system continued when he confirmed the controversial Betsy DeVos as secretary of education. She remains controversial for her belief in privatizing public schools and taking away protection for vulnerable students by blocking emergency funding from the CARES Act and changing provisions that permit rapists to cross-examine victims.

As Trump’s running mate, Pence has managed to secure large lumps of cash from supporters. According to an Indianapolis Monthly article published in 2019, he managed to amass $4 million in funds for the 2020 presidential campaign.

Although many have claimed Pence stands in the president’s shadow, his ability to exercise his voice and advocate on behalf of his beliefs shows that he works in conjunction with Trump to make progress for the nation.

*Photo Obtained from AP News

The icing on top: How a cupcake pulled a class together

By Emelia Richling

On some arbitrary day in the fall of 2019, a funfetti cupcake with white icing and pink roses found its way to Chip Bahe’s desk after a birthday party held in his advisement. During his second period Careers class, the cupcake was left on a filing cabinet. Over the course of six days, it would remain unnoticed.

“Honestly, I just set it up there and forgot about it,” said Bahe, Careers and Introduction to Business teacher.

After about a week, when the second period class noticed the cupcake, it instantly became a class sensation.

“We just started to wonder what it would look like after a month and then two months,” Bahe said.

As the weeks passed, it became a source of amusement for the class in addition to an experiment.

“Students used to go up there every couple weeks to see what it looked like,” said Dani Matrisciano, junior and former Careers student. “It became so hard that you could just hit it on the table, but it always looked the same way it did on the first day.”

Throughout those cold fall months that faded into snowy winter days, the cupcake experiment began to unite the class

“We had a lot of kids in that class who participated in different activities,” Bahe said. “It was a neat way to bring people together.”

Nearly a year later, the cupcake still sits on the same filing cabinet in mint condition, a subtle reminder that friendships can be derived from the unlikeliest of situations and that they never grow old.

Students continue to ask about it, even though they haven’t been in Bahe’s classes for months. During summer weights, on the first day of school and over the several weeks that school has been in session, the cupcake has still been a topic of conversation, an experiment and a way to mold a group of students together, although the cupcake has remained free of mold.

“And who would have thought that you could do it with a cupcake?” Bahe said.

*Photo Courtesy by Emily Krupicka

Saying goodbye to “the good life”

By Emily Krupicka and Emelia Richling

Clara Krabbe

For international students studying abroad in America, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted a sense of normalcy and routine. At Northwest, foreign exchange students were asked to return home with very little time to prepare. Senior Clara Krabbe, a foreign exchange student from Denmark, has felt the repercussions of this.

“Things have changed faster than I ever could have imagined. I never thought that this would happen on such a large scale,” Krabbe said.

In the beginning stages of the pandemic, each exchange student was given the opportunity to continue their learning in the United States or return to their home country; however, soon after, students received an email that prompted them to go back home immediately.

“When I learned that I had to leave, I definitely didn’t see it coming; I was very shocked,” Krabbe said.

Although Krabbe’s departure seemed unexpected to many, the unprecedented news was especially surprising for her host family.

“When we got the news about her going home early, we were heartbroken for sure,” said Sophomore Alexis Julesgard, a member of Krabbe’s host family. “The day that she left was so hard for me; it was like I was losing a sister.”

During her stay in America, although cut short, Krabbe made fond memories in Nebraska. Immersing herself in the culture and meeting new people were among the top highlights from her stay.

As Krabbe adjusts to life back in Denmark, she has hopes of returning to America to visit when the pandemic has eased.

Giacomo Sarra

Before the outbreak of the coronavirus, Giacomo Sarra, a foreign exchange student from Italy, had a lot of plans for the remainder of his time at Northwest. Besides receiving his diploma, Sarra was also looking forward to a great soccer season. During this past year, he has been heavily involved in sports, playing football and working as a basketball manager in addition to participating in soccer.

However, when the news broke that schools would be closing, Sarra’s time in America was cut short. The exchange agency informed their students that they would have to return to their respective countries immediately.

“I felt sad about it because I had a lot of plans for the remainder of the experience,” Sarra added.

Not only would Sarra be unable to walk across the stage at graduation, but he would also be unable to play soccer, hang out with his friends and complete the rest of his experience as a typical American teen.

However, Sarra wasn’t the only person who was disappointed that he would have to leave America. Johnny Bangs, a junior, has been a friend of Sarra’s since he came to the United States.

“I was shocked that he had to go back to Italy early, especially when COVID-19 was pretty bad [there],” Bangs said, referring to the fact that Sarra had to leave the United States a little over a month ago when Italy’s numbers were the highest in the world.

Bangs also added that he will miss Sarra and the many memories they have had together, including watching sports events, like the Super Bowl.

“I wish I could tell him that we miss him and hope he can visit soon,” Bangs concluded.

However, now that Sarra is back in Italy, a return date to America is indefinite and improbable in the near future as COVID-19 continues to stall travel. In the meantime, Sarra has been catching up on school work and spending time with his family. Although he was a senior in the United States, he still has one year left of Italian high school.

Once his high school years are behind him, though, Sarra plans to return to the United States.

“I would like to attend college in the U.S. because I like the American culture, and I’ll have the possibility to play soccer at a higher level,” Sarra said.

Even though his time in America was cut short, Sarra has not been deterred about returning to the United States. He hopes that he will be able to come back to America soon and continue creating memories and building friendships.

*Photos Courtesy of Clara Krabbe and Giacomo Sarra

Toilet paper shoppers are on a roll but students shouldn’t be

By: Emelia Richling

Within the last few weeks, our lives have changed considerably. New challenges have arisen as our coveted two-ply toilet paper disappears from the shelves and quarantine restrictions are enforced upon us. As difficult as these measures are, it is important that we continue to follow them.

Going out with friends and leaving our houses for nonessential activities are luxuries that we will have to sacrifice in order to stay safe. Although there are exceptions to the quarantine measures, such as working or shopping, many students shouldn’t be leaving the house. In order to protect ourselves and others, it is essential that we understand how important staying at home really is.

However, sometimes the pressure of a situation can seem far away, distant and unlikely to pertain to us. Even though this situation is an awful reality, the nonchalant attitudes many people are demonstrating proves that we think this situation is too far away to bother us. Despite this mentality, this disease is hitting close to home, as awful as it is to have to say that.

A local article published by the Grand Island Independent on April 28 shows how our community’s response to COVID-19 is lacking in terms of people following the orders, wearing masks and staying home. Danny Lemos, a Grand Island man who had a successful fight with the disease, stresses the importance of following guidelines.

“I don’t know what it’s going to take for this town to realize that they have to quit going out,” Lemos said. “People need to stay home and stay inside and get this under control.”

Lemos isn’t the only person who is stressing the importance of staying at home. In order for the medical community to emphasize the importance of flattening the curve, the Mayo Clinic published an article on April 6, detailing how staying home is one of the most effective steps to protect yourself, those you care about and the stranger who is six feet away from you.

In the article, Dr. Nipunie Rajapkse, an infectious disease expert, stated that it is difficult to give a defined endpoint for when the restrictions will be lifted, but quarantining and other preventive measures are essential to contain the spread of the disease.

“The things we are asking people to do are not easy,” Rajapske states. “They are definitely disruptive, they’re definitely challenging, but they do have evidence to show that they work when implemented broadly, widely and followed by everyone.”

Until these measures are lifted, students need to stay home. Hanging out with friends is a luxury that we may have to give up but only temporarily. Sacrificing in the short term will make for a better long term. If people choose to properly follow the guidelines, they will be lifted sooner. Simply put, we have to stay home to stay safe.

However, for those who do have to leave their home for essential activities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided helpful guidelines for leaving the house, including choosing to wear a mask and avoiding even small gatherings. They also discussed how to properly practice social distancing, advising people to stay “about 2 arms’ length” from other people.

Exchanging in-person contact for digital contact is difficult, staying home all day is not always fun and switching from two-ply toilet paper to one-ply is a challenge that we will have to undertake if we want to keep ourselves and others as safe as possible.

*Photo Obtained from KTIV Television

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

 

The isolation diaries: Taking a look at our lockdown lifestyles (teacher/administrator edition)

 

By: Emelia Richling

The switch from physical classrooms to Google classrooms is a transition that is more than just difficult for students. Teachers and administrators have constructed an online schooling system, facilitating the shift in the way learning is amassed by the masses of students who feel like they are now attending Zoom University.

Melanie Haith, an English and French teacher, weighed in on the recent switch to online teaching, describing some unique challenges she has faced as a foreign language teacher.

“French is a special challenge,” Haith said. “I try to find short, effective YouTube videos to help explain new concepts, so it’s more like having a mini class with a teacher presenting the information.”

In addition to the education aspect, Haith also discussed how the quarantine has been difficult in other ways. With no definitive end to the pandemic, she described how there is a lot of uncertainty about when life will resume.

“There is no timeline,” Haith commented. “That’s been one of the hardest things to wrap my head around. I want a quarantine countdown!”

Haith concluded by reminding students that, although this is a time of great sacrifice for many, she hopes we learn that life can change in an instant, so “don’t take anything or anyone in your life for granted.”

However, it isn’t just the teachers who have had to adjust. The administrators have also been working hard to ensure that the transition occurring in education is as seamless as possible.

Tim Krupicka, the principal, discussed how the recent events have been extremely difficult to adjust to, adding that he has been following the lead of many people around him who have been doing a good job of making adjustments to the way education is delivered and received in the era of the coronavirus.

“I still go to school almost every day,” Krupicka said. “I am not at school for as many hours, so I try to organize what I need to do at school so I can be more productive.”

When he isn’t at school, Krupicka said that he has been staying at home, working on projects such as mowing the lawn and walking his dog. However, he added that he is definitely a people person, so he has missed seeing students and teachers, getting the chance to have conversations with them and building relationships.

With social distancing and quarantine restrictions, building relationships and having conversations is more difficult than ever, but Krupicka also offered some valuable advice for the tough times that we are currently going through.

“We can choose to complain about it and do nothing, or we can make positive changes from this experience. Out of struggles can come opportunities. Those who best utilize these opportunities are the ones who will be well-rounded individuals when the pandemic is over.”

Lately, we have all faced unprecedented struggles, but taking a chance to look at the lives of our teachers and administrators is one way we can be together while we are apart.

*Photo Courtesy of Emily Krupicka

The isolation diaries: Taking a look at our lockdown lifestyles (student edition)

By: Emelia Richling

Across the country, schools are being shut down and self-quarantining is becoming the new norm. Even just a few months ago, none of us could have ever imagined such extreme measures. However, now that the measures are in place, people are reacting to the quarantine restrictions differently, from those who are using the extra hours for sleeping to those who are trying to be more productive.

Sydney Fisher, a sophomore, said that she has actually been more productive, managing school in the mornings and working on her business, Sydney’s Scrunchies, in the afternoon.

“Whether it’s posting on Instagram or sewing scrunchies, it keeps me busy almost every day,” Fisher said.

For some students, including Fisher, the challenge isn’t necessarily being productive but finding a quiet place to work. With siblings home from college and many parents working from home, a lot of families are now under the same roof again, creating a louder and more distracting atmosphere.

“I’ve walked in on a Zoom call more than once,” Fisher added. “It can be tough to stay focused and not get distracted.”

Amidst the challenge of staying productive and focused, there have also been a different set of challenges that some students have had to face. Activities, such as cheerleading, generally hold tryouts during this time of year, but, with the quarantine restrictions in place, they have had to find a different way to give students the same opportunity.

“This year, we had to do virtual cheer tryouts,” said Lauren Morrow, a junior. “It was difficult because we weren’t able to work with other people on the stunting and cheers.”

Morrow also discussed how she has been less productive, adding that she has definitely spent more time on social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, but she also mentioned how she has been trying to stay productive by working on homework, spending time outside and completing household projects, such as cleaning.

The past several weeks have been difficult as we adjust to the new era of uncertainty settling around us, but getting the chance to take a look at the lockdown lifestyles of our peers can make us feel more together, even if we are miles apart.

*Photo Courtesy of Sydney Fisher

Miss Americana: Looking at fame in a different limelight

By: Emelia Richling

In the opening scene of Netflix’s biographical documentary that aired on Jan. 31, Taylor Swift seems completely comfortable, sitting at the piano as her cat lazily crawls across the keys. However, from that point on, the artistically-crafted documentary is packed with a raw honesty that Swift has previously not shared because of how uncomfortable and vulnerable she feels when exposing her opinions and the way she truly feels.

As the audience follows Swift’s story from the first song she wrote to the present day, the documentary does an incredible job of exposing how the media makes an everyday person into an icon, stripping them of their emotions and allowing them to be judged by other people while only showing one side of the star’s life.

Many “Swifties” feel as if they may know a lot about Swift, but this documentary reveals how little we really know about the lives of famous icons. Swift reveals a vulnerable side of herself, expressing her insecurities, fears and political viewpoints. For so long, Swift felt as if being a traditional “good girl” meant that she had to seek validation through praise and couldn’t express her political viewpoints; however, “Miss Americana” shows Swift coming to terms with herself and what she believes. Anyone can relate to Swift’s story as we all struggle to come to terms with our opinions in a hyperjudgemental world.

Before watching “Miss Americana,” I only saw Swift as a famous musician. In 2018, when she didn’t receive a Grammy nomination, I didn’t think twice about the incident, but I didn’t realize how much it hurt her until I saw a clip of her struggling to contain her tears on the couch. This isn’t just the story of Taylor Swift; this is the story of the superstars that we judge, even though we don’t truly know who they are.

“Miss Americana” documents the story of someone discovering herself and her opinions while being influenced by a world that wants her to be perfect. Just like how Taylor Swift won’t be stepping out of the limelight anytime soon, “Miss Americana” won’t be leaving Netflix for a long time, profoundly impacting everyone who watches the empowering documentary.

Taking Shots at Gun Control

By: Emelia Richling

Advertised as a panacea for the mass shootings heard around the world, gun control is widely advocated for by those who believe that guns don’t have a place in our society. For many years, the topic of gun control has been under fire because it fails to provide citizens with the safety they seek.

If gun control actually stopped criminals and made the world safe, there would be no controversy. However, the reality is that gun control laws will not prevent criminals from obtaining guns illegally. If someone is already committing a homicide, the minor gun control laws will have no significance to them.

According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics study, in the 62 mass shootings in the United States from 1982 to 2012, 49 of the guns were obtained illegally through means such as the black market or from stealing the firearms from friends and gun stores.

There is a problem, but it isn’t what we think it is. Many citizens have no knowledge of the massive black market that has allowed criminals to easily obtain guns. The black market is the exact problem that we need to address.

The problem is not the guns themselves but how the users obtain the weapons. Controlling the mass majority of citizens by implementing gun control isn’t the answer; we need to address the few citizens who are illegally obtaining firearms and murdering people with them.

Statistically, however, it may appear that states with the harshest gun control laws have the least number of deaths per 100,000 people, as a study from the World Population Review found in 2019. If the statistics are dissected, it proves that the numbers are very misleading. The study considers suicide death rates, which account for more than two times the homicide death rates.

If just the homicide death rates per capita are considered, states with the harshest gun control laws, such as Nevada, New Mexico and California, suffer from high rates of homicides. States with less strict gun laws, such as South Dakota and Maine, have lower rates of homicides. To support these statistics, a study from the Applied Economics Letter, an academic journal, found that “assault weapon bans did not significantly affect murder rates.”

However, if these statistics are used to disprove gun control, it is imperative to note that states with loose gun control laws and high rates of homicide deaths by a firearm have other factors that influence the alarming number of deaths.

Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi follow the atypical trend of high homicide rates and less strict gun control, but their numbers are influenced by socioeconomic factors, such as lower-income households and worse education. Therefore, the high number of deaths by firearm are not related to relaxed gun restrictions, meaning that gun control is fairly ineffective.

For so long, we have been taught that gun control is the solution to the staggering gun violence rates in the United States, but the problem is deeper than what we have been told. Our freedom and our rights don’t need to be taken away in order to solve this issue. If we focus on the root of the problem, it becomes apparent that the solution does not involve taking away the people’s means of protection.

An article published by The Atlantic, entitled “A Case Against Gun Control,” stated that we continue to blame “an inanimate item instead of the user.” In the simplest terms, the argument against gun control is derived from the fact that guns aren’t the problem, so placing restrictions on the object won’t stop the people from being the issue.

Since such a large number of people who commit homicides are obtaining guns from the black market, change has to happen at the source. A federal program needs to be funded that undergoes further investigation into the black market. Putting an end to this market is the only way to control homicide rates.

Implementing gun control doesn’t control guns and certainly doesn’t control criminals. If homicide rates are going to fall, the black market has to fall first.