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verbatim Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School 400 North Happy Hollow Boulevard Omaha, NE 68132 Dec 2013 vol. VI, issue 1

Verbatim January 2014

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Brownell-Talbot student Newspaper

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verbatimBrownell-Talbot College Preparatory School 400 North Happy Hollow Boulevard Omaha, NE 68132

D e c 2 0 1 3vol. VI, issue 1

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Brownell-Talbot Student NewspaperFall 2013 Edition

Staff:Sulagna Sensarma, Christina Fossum, Ian Gaupp, Sarah SetlakCamilo Zapata, Lauren Zimmerman, Ally Washka, Sydney Woods

Editor-In-Chief: Christina Fossum

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December 2013

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December 2013

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“After we played our last game we all huddles to-gether, and it all felt so unreal,” Wellesley Michael describes her final minutes playing as a high school vol-leyball player. Most everyone at Brownell can recall that the fall 2013 Lady Raiders had one of, if not the, most successful volleyball seasons in our school’s history. However, the team was more than just a record 22 wins. The bond these girls have

record breaker was middle Sydney Woods, who led the team in kills and blocks. “It was the best senior volley-ball season I could ask for!” Sydney exclaimed. This was primarily due to how close the girls were off the court as well as on it. Hannah Emery reflects stating, “ I thought it was pretty cool how we all had each other’s back. When someone wasn’t playing their best, we all encour-aged them

formed on the court began as far back as junior high, where Jessica Puetz remem-bers her thoughts joining the team in 8th grade, “I didn’t really feel good about it [volleyball] because we lost so many girls the year before. But, I still wanted to play because I really liked it, and I have re-ally good friends who were playing too.” Puetz ended her ca-reer setting a record in digs. Another indi-vidual

and I think that’s what helped make it a suc-cessful season.” This unbreak-able bond that is inevitably created after hours of prac-tice, games, and hard work often goes un-noticed by the crowd and fans rarely amidst all of the cheering and clamor during games. In the end, team unity trumps the statistics, though they do add a memorable touch. This season is truly one that will go down in the books.

VolleyballVerbatim

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Senior Spotlight

Hannah

Wellesley Jessica

Sydney

Page by Sarah Setlak

December 2013

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Raider Football 2013

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December 2013

Raider Football 2013 Undefeated SeasonDistrict ChampionsState Playoffs

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Victory

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October.Themonthbringsaboutimagesofswirlingleaves,blazingbonfires,andofcourse,theinexplicableexcitementofreceivingthathandfulofcandyonacoldautumnnight.However,forBrownell-Talbot’sfootballteam,thisOctobermarksthefirsttimetheRaidershavewontheDistrictChampionshipinyears.Notonlythat,butwithanoverallrecordof9-0,theteamqualifiedforstateplayoffs,andarebringingforthwavesoftalentandteamworkthathasthecrowdupontheirfeetateverygame. However,despitetheimpressiveperformancesbyeachplayer,theRaidersarefocusedmorethanever.Theytraineverydayanddevotecountlessamountsoftimeandenergyintothisfieryefforttotaketheteamasfarastheycango–andtheworkpaysoff.TheRaidershaverackedupanincredibleaverageof275.6rushingyardspergame,withseniorArlieMyersleadingtherecordatanaverageof168.2rushingyardspergame.Theteamhasanaverageof63.0receivingyardspergame,alongwith64.1tacklespergame.JuniorJohnnyVranaandsophomoreBrandonDeaconmaintaintherecordoftacklespergame,7.4and7.9respectively.Theteamhasatotalof11.0sacks,eightinterceptions,and46touch-downs.Althoughthestatsmayseemimpressive,afootballteamisn’tjustabunchofnumbersandstatistics–it’saboutsomething much more than that. Inaninterview,CoachMikeMancusowasaskedwhatmadehimbelieveinhisteam.Atthis,heleanedbackinhischairandtookoffhishat,thinkingforabit.Whenheanswered,hiswordswereshortandhonest:“It’swhotheyare,andwhothey’vebeenovertheyears.Theyarenoaccident.”Hewentontotalkabouthowpeopleonlyseethe“sport”sideoffootball.Onlythecoachesandteammembersknowwhatgoesonbehindthescenes,howmuchworkandef-forttheboysputin.Fromthesummerhoursputintotrainingatthegym,torainy,muddypracticesthatseemtolastaneternity,thissportnotonlycreatesabondbetweeneachmember,butalsopreparesthemfortherealworld.“Itteachesthemresponsibility,”saidMancuso.Hewentontoexplainhishighstandardsfortheteam,andalthoughtheymayseemstrict,theprinciplesareultimatelypreparingthemfortherealworld.If,forexample,oneofhisathletesdoesnotturninanassignment,thentheywillnotplayinthenextgame–justlikeifoneshowsuplatetowork,ormissesadayofworkwithoutpriornotification,thentherewillbeappropriateconsequences.“Footballshapespeople.Itdemonstratesmoralsandvalues.”Leadershipisoneofthesevalues,andwhenaskedwhohethoughtledtheteamthisyear,hereplied,“WillHaskellwasourvocalleader,andTrippSkuttwasoursilentleader–the‘leadbyexample’type.Ourgoalsforthisseasonweretogo8and0,winthedistricttitle,andmakestate.”Hegrinnedashesaid,“Andweaccomplishedallthree,butonlythroughteamwork,hardwork,andleadership.”TheRaidersareproudoftheirachievements,butalookintothefuturehastheteampreparingtofacewhatevercomes.“Ithinkthisteamcanbeasgood,orbetter,thantheteamwehavenowinthecomingyears.It’swhoweare,thewaywedothings.Yeah,wemaynothavethesamerecord,butwe’resetupinapositionwheretheprogramshouldhavecontinuedsuccess.”Theseniorshelpedleadtheteamthisyear,andthoughtheywillbemissed,Mancusobelievesthattherearegiftsoftalentstillwaitingtobeopened.Theinterviewendedwithoneofthehardestquestionsacoachcouldget:“Whatwasyourproudestmomentasacoachthisseason?”Needlesstosay,ittookMancusoacoupleofminutesbeforefinallymusteringuponeofhisproudestmomentsoutofacollectionofmany:“WeranatwentythreeisoversusLouisville,andJohnnyVranacompletelyterminatedtheirSAMLB.Acoupleofyearsago,therewereseveralpeoplewhothoughtthatJohnnywouldn’tbeaverygoodfootballplayer,butwithhisincredibleworkethic,Ialwaysknewhewould-andnowheisaphenomenalplayer.Whateverhehits,hedestroys.” Thisteamhascomefar.Theyhaveovercomedauntingendeavors,brokenrecords,andhavebroughtanewmeaningtoOctoberforstudents,teachers,andfamiliesalikeatBrownell-TalbotSchool.BTcouldn’tbeprouderoftheirfootballteam.GoRaiders!

-PagebySulagnaSensarma

HeadCoachMike Mancuso

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On Monday October 27th, Ennio Emmanuel, a singer from the Justo La-mas Group, came to Brownell-Talbot School starting his 2013-2014 tours in the States. Ennio Emmanuel is a Puerto Rican singer that sings pop songs in Spanish that are mostly aimed at the younger Spanish students. His new tour Ojalá, meaning hope, is aimed at showing students Spanish

songs and telling his story about how he got into music. Even though many people in his life disapproved about him singing, he couldn’t get away from it and eventually, he started producing music. At a point of his life, he was going down the wrong path, and he decided that if he was going to do what he wanted with his life, he should at least work to succeed.

Justo Lamas noticed Emmanuel when his started recording mu-sic and recruited him for the program. The concert itself is very interac-tive with lyrics that are shown so that every-one can sing along and Emmanuel’s jumpy attitude. He sung many songs about hope and that nothing is impos-sible and the students were very attached to the songs.

Emmanuel even pulled up some students to say tongue twist-ers, sing along, play instruments, and even dance. The concert was packed with peo-ple and it was a really energetic way to start the week. His inspira-tional words motivated many people and everyone got involved in the concert at some point. He taught many people that nothing is impossible.

-PagebyCamilloZapata

2013EnnioConcert

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Ennio -PagebyCamilloZapata

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If you’ve ever had the chance to walk into Ms. Carrie Rise’s room during one of her free periods or after school, there’s a good chance you have got-ten to see the 3D printer in action. With a noise similar to a normal printer on steroids and looking like an easily breakable few slices of lightweight wood, Brownell Talbot’s 3D printer can be a bit understated. Bought for BT’s Robotics team with team funds and arriving in May of 2013, the 3D printer from Printrbot was built by hand by members of the

student body. Joshua Zhu, senior, Robert Goetschkes, junior, and Ried Rise, sophomore, worked for four weeks everyday after school to build the printer. The company sug-gested the printer takes two weeks to build, but because of some issues it took a bit longer. Goetschkes mentioned that the first setback was due to a misplacement of motors causing the triforce to have to be taken apart and be rebuilt. Mrs. Rise caused another setback while the group was put-ting things back.

This led, unfortunately, to a day of scram-bling. Zhu chuckled as he recalled the rush to determine a pos-sible problem with a misplacement of mo-tors. “Mrs Rise thought we put them wrong…we put it right.” Once it was all said and done the printer worked per-fectly. More or less. As with any recent technology, not everything is going to be perfect right off the assembly line. The first few times pieces were printed, Mrs. Rise stood ready with a nail file to file down

Zhu laughed as he recalled the second setback of the project. “Mrs. Rise says, ‘I will kill anyone of you if you broke a piece of the printer,’ then she broke one of the switches.” There were some downsides to not buying the printer preassem-bled. “The kit didn’t even come with directions, so we followed someone else who put his building of it online, which was still incor-rect,” commented Goetschkes.

BT Robotics goes 3-Demensional

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any slight deformities. As time has gone on, the small bumps and dips have been ac-cepted as students and teachers alike fawn over the 3D projects. Among the creations that have been built up from Rise’s child are TARDISes, a sea turtle, Brownell-Talbot dog tags for participants

in the summer robotics camps, and two busts of Ried Rise. Using an ap-plication she found online and a few dozen photos of the youngest Rise, Mrs. Rise was able to make 3D busts of her son. Any of the her min-ions in robotics would assume this to

be her personal crown-ing achievement by how much she enjoyed showing it off. But, Mrs. Rise enjoys showing off all of her 3D printer. Using it at Open House and other events draws people to see what new technologies the school is offering.

And as Brownell is one of only two high schools in the city to have a 3D printer, even a small one, it is something to be proud of. So next time you pass Mrs. Rise’s room, maybe stop in for a second to see some of the many projects the robotics students have asked her to print.

- Story and photos by Lauren Zimmerman

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PromZombie

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Brownell Talbot hosted the musical production of “Zombie Prom”. twelve bright and young talented stu-dents from Brownell Talbot were offered roles in “Zombie Prom.” Amongst them was senior, Jessica Puetz, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing. Jessica played the role of Delilah Strict, the principal of Enrico Fermi High. “Delilah Strict likes to keep the kids in order and doesn’t really like Johnny, who later becomes a zombie. She also has a fling with a character named Eddie Flagrante, and the story is later revealed in the show.” says Jessica. Jessica relates to Delilah in many ways. They both have two sides, a serious side that likes to stay in control, but also a fun side. Jessica was inspired to audition for the musical because she really likes to sing and loved working with everyone in the past. Her passion and enthusiasm for music along with Zombie Prom’s amazing music and plot drove her to audition. Her friendship with everyone on the cast makes the experience for her all the better.

Prom

-ArticlebySulagnaSensarma

Meet the Lead...

Zombie

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best of omaha... Winter is a great time to explore new places and culture in Omaha. From new areas to add to your morning routine, to the best restaurants around for a night out, winter in Omaha is never dull.

ElfNew to the Omaha stage, Elf the Musical is making its debut appearance at the Or-pheum Theater. Based on the Will Ferrell comedy, the musical is based on a quirky young “elf” trying to make it in the real world. Elf is one present everyone will enjoy this season.

-PagebySydneyWoods

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Ice Skating “One of my favorite activities during the holiday season is ice skat-ing,” says senior Mercedes Kent, “especially down at ConAgra. The lights and trees get me in the mood for the holidays!” The atmosphere of the ConAgra outside skating rink is one of a kind, and the ideal place for a fun winter evening. Placed directly in the Old Market, the ConAgra ice skating rink is the center of culture in the downtown area. With great restaurants such as Stokes, Twisted Fork, Spaghetti Works, and Vivace, a trip to the ConAgra ice skating rink would be a prefect night out.

Delice

After a nice dinner, a funny show, and eventful ice skat-ing, you must be look-ing for a nice bite of something sweet or some hot choco-late. Look no further than Delice Bakery in Midtown Crossing. The French bakery also serves breakfast and lunch food as well as fantastic pastries. Eating biscotti, bread pudding, or cream puffs, and drinking a nice warm hot choco-late sounds like the perfect way to end your winter Omaha day.

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StudentsatBrownellTalbotaresaidtohaveanimmenseandsometimesinsatiablethirst.Whetheritisintheclassroom,onthefield,oroutinanyareaoftheirlives,Brownellstudentsarealwaysdrinkingtheirfill.Whetherit’ssmoothieswithenergyboosts,hotlattesinacozycafé,oranexotic,vibrantlycoloredtea,ourstudentshydrateinavarietyofdifferentways.Itookituponmy-selftotalktosomeofmypeersandfindoutwheretograbagooddrinkandhangout.FirstIchattedwithabeverageaficionado,seniorGraceBydalek.OneofherfavoriteplacestograbadrinkisCraneCoffeeonCassStreet.BydalekrecommendstheIcedVenetian,anicedlattewithdarkbrownsugar.ShealsosaysthatCraneCoffeeisagreatplaceforalatenightstudysessiontoo.“It’squietandverycozy.Everyonerespectsthesilenceandit’sagreatplacetoreallyfocusongettingsomethingdone.”FollowingourcozymotifIspokewithjunior,AmeliaWood.HerfavoritehangoutisStoriesCoffeehouseonSouth180thStreet.Woodrec-ommendstheChaitealatte.WhenaskedaboutwhyshelikedStories,sheheldnothingback.“Mymother’sfriendownsStoriessoit’snicetosupportalocalbusinessandafriendatthesametime.OnereasonIlikeitisbecauseit’ssocozy.It’salmostlikeeveryone’sfavoritenichewasthoughtof,thedécorsomehowspeakstoeveryonethatcomesin.” Localityisabigfactorforsenior,AustinTaylor.Inhissparetime,TaylorcanbefoundintheBlueLineCoffeeonUnderwoodAvenue,justupthestreetfromBrownell.HeordershissignatureChaiIcedTeaandBananaChocolateChipMuffinalmosteverytime.“IlikegoingtoBlueLinebecauseIreallyenjoytheenvironmentandcommunity,”Taylorsays.“Ienjoysupportingsmallandlocalbusinessesandgivingmymoneytothem,insteadofbignamecompanies.”NowtakeitfromaBrownellTalbotstudent,wedon’talwayshavetimetositandsavorahotdrinkintheembraceofaleatherarmchair.Moreoftenthannot,studentsstoptograbsomethingquickinbetweenextracurricularactivitiesorevenbetweenclasses.Speakingtothatendissenior,WillGustafson.DuringhisfreesWilloftenheadsovertotheTeaSmithonNorth78thstreet.HeordersaPassionfruiticedteatogoanddrivesbacktoschool.“TheTeaSmithnotonlytastesamazingbutit’sinexpensiveandcrazyquick.ThismakesitperfecttosnagsomethinggoodbeforeIneedtogotoclass.” SomeonewhocanattesttoabusyscheduleisthelastpersonIspoketo,seniorWellesleyMichael.ShelikestograbaJabStep,asmoothiecomposedofraspberries,pineapple,strawberries,andraspberrysherbet.“IlikeJuiceStopbecauseIcanbeinandoutlikethat.AndifIgotalongnightofcheerandhomeworkIcangetthemtothrowinanenergyboostwhichhelpsmepowerthroughitall.” Sowhetheryou’relookingforaplacetositwithfriendsandstudywithsomehotdrinks,oraplacetograbaquickpickmeup,BrownellTalbotstudentsknowallthebestplacestogo.BeitEastO,WestO,orevenfromCouncilBluffs,there’salwaysaplacetoreplenishandgetbackinthegame.

-StorybyIanGaupp