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The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
Girls with disabilities show off their talents and dreams at the 2021 Miss Amazing Amplify event. They are given a chance to show the world that they are no different than any other girl and are on the path to do great things. “The Amplify Event is an annual event that gathers girls and women from across the state of Nebraska (and even a gal from Wyoming this year) of all different abilities,” volunteer director Sydney Ferrara said. “Its purpose is to encourage confidence, leadership and friendship.”

Amplifying chances

Alexis Bahensky, Opinions Editor
November 22, 2021
Explaining directions and the designated rooms each Forensics and Debate student will compete in, Forensis coach Jennifer Jerome wraps up her directions. Starting off the season with an in-person tournament the GOLD tournament was held on Nov. 12 at Millard West High School. “Im excited to finally get back to in-person competition,” Jerome said. “We wanted to start with our GOLD tournament so that our novice members could get the swing of things before we jump into the busy season.”

The pursuit of dispute

Riley Kramolisch, Managing Editor
November 18, 2021
Showcased in Millard West’s main hallway posters and informative displays were viewed by students and faculty to gain knowledge about the injustices experienced by Native American cultures. After spending weeks preparing the display, Justice and Diversity League students were prepared to shine these injustices into the spotlight. “Our goal with the display was to engage people in something as small as a story or journey of a Native American leader,” Justice and Diversity League sponsor Bryant Bull said. “Perhaps if just one student reads something about a Native American figure on that wall, it will spark their curiosity. It is not intended to be a thorough look into Native American culture because there are hundreds of them, but if we show you a little bit during this month it promotes a sense of inclusion and acknowledgment among students and faculty.”

Native American Heritage Month: spreading awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women

Quinn Burton, Staff Reporter
November 18, 2021
Pen in hand, athletes sign their letter of intent to compete in athletics at the next level. The athletes were excited to make their decision official. “The signing day experience was really fun,” senior Sam Novotny said. “My favorite part was just being able to sign with a lot of my friends/teammates.”

Pledging for the future

Camille O'Neill, Sports Director
November 18, 2021
The musical’s cast members gather around the auditorium’s center stage to begin their performance. After spending weeks preparing they were reading now more than ever for their moment of showtime. “This was a really exciting experience getting to be in front of a crowd again,” sophomore Mars Zekpa said. “Having past experience performing in front of large crowds made it not really scary or nerve-racking. I was really just focused on getting to show everyone what we worked so hard on.”

A memorable performance

Quinn Burton, Staff Reporter
November 11, 2021
Placed on tables in the library among several other rows sits a crafted tombstone. Made by higher level French students, these headstones were made to signify famous people who have passed and provide background or significance to the person and their life. “We did a tour on Monday of the cemetery after it was all set up, and the students created questions to ask their classmates about their headstone,” French teacher Sara Karst said. “My other students created headstones for their ‘alter egos’ or ‘spirit animals.’”

Bonjour French Week

Samantha Vojslavek, Feature Story Editor
November 10, 2021
As the winter season nears, a large percentage of teens start to show signs of seasonal depression. It’s important to recognize these feelings and talk to a loved one.

Changing seasons, changing moods

Brielle Wilson, Staff Reporter
November 10, 2021
Nine students pose for a picture at the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Chuck Hagel Symposium on Public Service. The symposium introduced them to different paths within the public sector and started a conversation on the importance of civic engagement. “I already wanted to go into social work, but the symposium helped me extend my knowledge on public service,” senior Alexis Bahensky said. “I barely knew what other opportunities were out there, and going to the symposium and hearing Chuck speak about how important it is really piqued my interest.”

Symposium on public service

Morgan Weir, Editor-in-chief
October 29, 2021
Performing in Minnesota at this year’s BOA Championships, senior Preston Ward plays the trombone. Besides playing his instrument, Ward is one of the Majors and is in charge of monitoring the band as a whole during performances. “One thing I found challenging while performing was making sure the band stays in tempo at all times,” Ward said. “Throughout the show, some sections were not in sync with each other, and it is my responsibility to bring them back together.”

Loud and proud

Samantha Vojslavek, Features Editor
October 27, 2021
Sophomore Sophia Mason decided to dedicate her Sunday morning on Oct. 10 to be a personal shopper for Operation School Bell (OSB). She spent the four hours keeping track of families’ balances and helping them find affordable clothing for their children. “I decided to get involved with OSB because I needed community service hours and my grandma has been a part of the organization for years and has always told me I should get involved with it,” Mason said. “I will continue volunteering because it is a good cause and I enjoyed being a shopping assistant because I enjoy helping people.”

Operation School Bell in action

Alexis Bahensky, Opinions Editor
October 25, 2021
Former Education Academy students Carly Pederson and Jessie Reyes present to the current students. They talked about a variety of topics including college, scholarships and student teaching. “I told students to not be afraid to jump in,” Pederson said. “Dont sit back and watch — get up, walk around, ask questions. This is the way that they will learn.”

Return to educate

Camille O'Neill, Sports Director
October 20, 2021
Due to COVID the student section had been gone for some time. In its return they’ve made national headlines, being featured on many verified sports accounts like ESPN, Overtime, the Checkdown and USA Football. “It is nothing but school spirit in the student section,” senior Brooke Sliva said. “Sometimes it gets a little crazy, you bump into the person next to you and by the end of the game your voice is completely gone.”

Back and better than ever

Miguel Paredes Reyes, Co-Broadcast Editor-in-Chief, Co-STRIV Executive Producer
October 12, 2021
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