The Student News Site of Gretna East High School

The Wingspan
In April Martins CP Geometry class, student teacher Connor Grant goes over notes from the lesson. In addition to being a Gretna alum, Grants sister, freshman Morgan Grant, is in Martins CP Geometry class.
Student teachers to receive stipend in GPS
May 6, 2024
Chipping from the fairway, junior Cole Edwards looks to finish the hole strong against Arlington High School.
Golf team places high against wind, Barth secures second win
May 3, 2024
Counting down, sophomore class officer Natalie Kraaz assists with the class competition during the spring pep rally on March 12.
Class officer applications, duties as deadline approaches
April 30, 2024
Donations piling up, the football boosters collect more items from donors.
Football Booster Club leads efforts to aid tornado-affected families in Griffin community
April 27, 2024
Smiling on stage, Gretna East Media poses with their Championship trophy.
Gretna East Media named State Champion in first year
April 22, 2024
Best last-minute Mothers Day gifts
Best last-minute Mother’s Day gifts
May 5, 2024
The North Park pickleball courts located at East Angus Street.
‘Staycation’ ideas for fun spring break
March 22, 2024
Say ‘aloha’ to the new Hawaiian Bros Island Grill: superb service, poor pricing
Say ‘aloha’ to the new Hawaiian Bros Island Grill: superb service, poor pricing
March 18, 2024
Last minute gift ideas for teens
December 22, 2023
Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 4 Season OG. was available for one month and brought millions back to the free, web-based game.
‘Fortnite O.G.’ nice while it lasted
December 21, 2023
Preparing for first pitch, juniors Tyler Cox, Easton Leahy, Nolan Green and Curran Boswell along with sophomore Carson Herrmann give out fistbumps on the first-base line.
Let the Players Play
April 17, 2024
Students call for real guidance in “Career Week” over redundant “tests”
Students call for real guidance in “Career Week” over redundant “tests”
March 18, 2024
Chatting with friends, sophomores Addilyn Nikodym, Laci Smith, Seth Milne, Madisyn Wisnieski and Madilon Sedillo-Dougall (unpictured) enjoy their respective lunches together. The group ate together on Feb. 27 during first lunch.
Time to think about open-campus lunch
March 7, 2024
New rules create high school transfer portal similar to college, causes unfair advantage for open-enrollment districts
New rules create high school transfer portal similar to college, causes unfair advantage for open-enrollment districts
February 20, 2024
Time to show up, show out for Nebrasketball
Time to show up, show out for Nebrasketball
February 17, 2024
Preparing for first pitch, juniors Tyler Cox, Easton Leahy, Nolan Green and Curran Boswell along with sophomore Carson Herrmann give out fistbumps on the first-base line.
Let the Players Play
April 17, 2024
Chatting with friends, sophomores Addilyn Nikodym, Laci Smith, Seth Milne, Madisyn Wisnieski and Madilon Sedillo-Dougall (unpictured) enjoy their respective lunches together. The group ate together on Feb. 27 during first lunch.
Time to think about open-campus lunch
March 7, 2024
New rules create high school transfer portal similar to college, causes unfair advantage for open-enrollment districts
New rules create high school transfer portal similar to college, causes unfair advantage for open-enrollment districts
February 20, 2024
Work piles up, causes stress after snow days
Work piles up, causes stress after snow days
February 9, 2024
Counting the days; Gretna’s amount of school days compared to other districts
Counting the days; Gretna’s amount of school days compared to other districts
January 26, 2024
Students call for real guidance in “Career Week” over redundant “tests”
Students call for real guidance in “Career Week” over redundant “tests”
March 18, 2024
Staying connected: Proposed student Wi-Fi would benefit more than students
Staying connected: Proposed student Wi-Fi would benefit more than students
October 31, 2023
Editorial Cartoon
Homecoming court replacement, Griffin Student Leaders, needs to be more inclusive
September 21, 2023
Before the second half, the team huddles on the side line.
Girls’ soccer team wins first round of State Championship, plans for next game [Photo gallery]
May 9, 2024
Embracing after their game on Oct. 28, juniors Stella Stockstill and Nyah Potoff jump surrounded by the team.
Pre-season for volleyball team in full swing
May 7, 2024
Before the opening pitch, Teammates Tyler Cox (11), Curran Boswell (11), Nolan Green (11), Nolan Iverson (10), and Colton Nicholson (10) share fist bumps while lining up for the National Anthem.
Boys’ baseball State bound after 3-1 victory over North Platte
May 7, 2024
Holding the plaque up high, the Griffins celebrate their victory.
Griffins defeat Plattsmouth 10-0, head to State [Photo gallery]
May 4, 2024
Chipping from the fairway, junior Cole Edwards looks to finish the hole strong against Arlington High School.
Golf team places high against wind, Barth secures second win
May 3, 2024
On stage, Zoey Zarling practices her role as Spongebob. Zarling is on the Sponge team as the lead.
ACMS’ ‘Spongebob: The Musical’ takes unique approach with help of GEHS students
April 20, 2024
Guiding her seventh grade son, Cara Sillman weaves her way through the beeping egg hunt. Drew Sillman won scented putty, tactile/braille books and a free kids meal coupon from Canes.
Boys Town hosts beeping egg hunt for visually impaired children
April 15, 2024
Directing his first period band class, student teacher William Holke has students play Lightning Field. He had students play different notes by section as the class came to a close.
Former band student, current student teacher composer of school fight song
February 22, 2024
GPS Director of Curriculum to retire after 25 years
GPS Director of Curriculum to retire after 25 years
February 13, 2024
Playing through their campaign on Feb. 1, Katelyn Clayton (9) and Abigail Sullivan (9) laugh with the rest of their campaign group.
Rolling the dice: Dungeons and Dragons Club sparks imagination, connection among students
February 8, 2024
Before the second half, the team huddles on the side line.
Girls’ soccer team wins first round of State Championship, plans for next game [Photo gallery]
May 9, 2024
Holding the plaque up high, the Griffins celebrate their victory.
Griffins defeat Plattsmouth 10-0, head to State [Photo gallery]
May 4, 2024
Donations piling up, the football boosters collect more items from donors.
Football Booster Club leads efforts to aid tornado-affected families in Griffin community
April 27, 2024
Preparing for his first throw, sophomore Connor Sams holds the shot put in his hands before attempting his first throw of the meet.
JV track competes against Ashland Greenwood in home meet [Photo Gallery]
April 4, 2024
Stealing the ball from the attacking opponent, junior Timothy Thang prevents a goal early in the first half.
Griffins fight back after being down 0-1 at halftime for 2-1 win
April 3, 2024
Four recognized with Educational Excellence Awards
Four recognized with Educational Excellence Awards
April 19, 2024
Gretna East Media goes to Nationals
Gretna East Media goes to Nationals
April 15, 2024
Griffins defeat Vikings, head to semifinals of NSAA Class B Girls Basketball Championship Tournament
Griffins defeat Vikings, head to semifinals of NSAA Class B Girls Basketball Championship Tournament
March 1, 2024
Taylor Swift songs galore
Taylor Swift songs galore
December 6, 2023
Griffins State trip ends after one game
Griffin’s State trip ends after one game
November 2, 2023
Taylor Swift songs galore
Taylor Swift songs galore
December 6, 2023
Griffins State trip ends after one game
Griffin’s State trip ends after one game
November 2, 2023
Jumping up, junior Hayden Heart returns the ball to Grand Island Northwest during the second period. The girls would end up winning the point, but losing the set leaving the score 1-1.
‘It’s Griffin Season’
October 28, 2023
Performing to an arrangement of Skyfall by Benjamin Hilton and Adele, the Griffin Pride Marching Band performs at their debut competition at Papillion-La Vista Souths Titan Marching Invitational on Sept. 23.
Griffin Pride Band debut competition performance earns 4th place
September 25, 2023
Cast members of the schools first production, Matilda the musical perform at the opening ceremonies of the Gretna Crossing YMCA on Sept. 16.
Community leaders, GEHS, GHS student groups part of Gretna Crossing YMCA grand opening
September 16, 2023
The Press Box: Week 4
The Press Box: Week 4
September 29, 2023
The Press Box: Week 3
The Press Box: Week 3
September 15, 2023
The Press Box: Week 2
The Press Box: Week 2
September 1, 2023
The Press Box: Week 1
The Press Box: Week 1
August 24, 2023
Play by Play: Homecoming Game GEHS vs. York Varsity Football Sept. 29
Play by Play: Homecoming Game GEHS vs. York Varsity Football Sept. 29
September 30, 2023
Play by Play: GEHS vs. Plattsmouth Varsity Football Sept. 8
Play by Play: GEHS vs. Plattsmouth Varsity Football Sept. 8
September 8, 2023
Play by Play: GEHS vs. O. Buena Vista Varsity Football Sept. 1
Play by Play: GEHS vs. O. Buena Vista Varsity Football Sept. 1
September 1, 2023
Play by Play: GHS vs. Bellevue East Varsity Football Sept. 22
Play by Play: GHS vs. Bellevue East Varsity Football Sept. 22
September 24, 2023
Play by Play: GHS vs. M. South Sept. 15
Play by Play: GHS vs. M. South Sept. 15
September 15, 2023
Play by Play: GHS vs. O. Burke Varsity Football Aug. 25
Play by Play: GHS vs. O. Burke Varsity Football Aug. 25
August 25, 2023
In their season opener on March 15 against Omaha Benson, sophomore Carson Herrmann runs to first. Herrmann had two runs and four runs batted in, contributing to the Griffins first shut-out, defeating the Bunnies 30-0.
The Press Box: The Wingspan talks Griffin Baseball with head coach, captain
March 19, 2024
NFL Conference Championship Overview 2024: Podcast
NFL Conference Championship Overview 2024: Podcast
February 7, 2024
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 9
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 9
December 15, 2023
Fantasy Football Fridays Podcast: Episode 8
Fantasy Football Fridays Podcast: Episode 8
December 8, 2023
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 7
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 7
November 18, 2023
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 9
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 9
December 15, 2023
Fantasy Football Fridays Podcast: Episode 8
Fantasy Football Fridays Podcast: Episode 8
December 8, 2023
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 7
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 7
November 18, 2023
Fantasy Football Fridays Podcast: Episode 6
Fantasy Football Fridays Podcast: Episode 6
November 10, 2023
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 5
Fantasy Football Fridays: Episode 5
November 3, 2023
Recent Scores
  • May 4 / V. Boys SoccerGretna East High School - 0, Elkhorn North - 2
  • May 4 / V. Girls SoccerGretna East High School - 10, Plattsmouth - 0
  • May 3 / V. BaseballGretna East High School - 3, North Platte - 1
  • May 2 / V. BaseballGretna East High School - 5, Ralston - 2
  • May 1 / V. Boys SoccerGretna East High School - 2, The Platte - 0
  • Apr 30 / V. Girls SoccerGretna East High School - 5, Skutt - 0
  • Apr 29 / V. BaseballGretna East High School - 6, O. Northwest - 0
  • Apr 29 / V. Boys SoccerGretna East High School - 5, Conestoga - 1
  • Apr 29 / V. Girls SoccerGretna East High School - 10, Waverly - 0
  • Apr 24 / V. Boys SoccerGretna East High School - 3, O. North - 1
The Student News Site of Gretna East High School

The Wingspan
The Student News Site of Gretna East High School

The Wingspan
Madeline Petrick

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief

Madeline Petrick, otherwise known as Madie, is a sophomore at GEHS. She was on the Gretna Media staff at Gretna High last year. This year she is the GEHS Wingspan's Editor-in-chief.

Madie has wanted to be a journalist since she was in fourth grade. She loves finding stories to tell and sharing her creativity with the world. As a freshman, Madie won first place for entertainment review writing at the NSAA High School State Journalism championships for Class A.

Outside of the journalism world, she devotes her time to writing, swimming and being involved at school. She has swam competitively for the past nine years and continues to swim for the Gretna Swim team which is the joined swim team of GEHS and GHS. Along with journalism and swimming, Madie is a member of the Student Council. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, her dogs and blasting music, mostly Taylor Swift. 

All content by Madeline Petrick
Before the second half, the team huddles on the side line.

Girls’ soccer team wins first round of State Championship, plans for next game [Photo gallery]

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
May 9, 2024
Hoping to kick it into the goal, junior Kendall Doberstein runs to the ball but the Scotus goalie grabs it.

[Photo]

With the ball in the air, the girls track it to see where it will land.

[Photo]

With eyes on the ball, junior Libby Hegge focuses on stealing the ball.

[Photo]

Running down the sideline, sophomores Alexa Pine and Addyson Moore and freshman Morgan Grant prepare before going into the game.

[Photo]

Smiling, sophomore Alexa Pine and freshman Madison Shelburne run down the field.

[Photo]

Kicking past a Scotus player, junior Sonora DeFini takes a shot at the goal. She did not make it.

[Photo]

After placing the Gretna East sticker on the board, the team jumps and cheers.

[Photo]

Running down the field, junior Sonora DeFini chases the ball next to a Scotus player. DeFini successfully took the ball but she did not score.

[Photo]

In April Martins CP Geometry class, student teacher Connor Grant goes over notes from the lesson. In addition to being a Gretna alum, Grants sister, freshman Morgan Grant, is in Martins CP Geometry class.

[Photo] Student teachers to receive stipend in GPS

Onnika Moore, Editor
May 6, 2024
Donations piling up, the football boosters collect more items from donors.

Football Booster Club leads efforts to aid tornado-affected families in Griffin community

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
April 27, 2024
Placing snacks into the donation pile, junior Colton Knott makes his contribution to the cause.

[Photo]

Taking donations, Matthew Shrader and Cory Allan take donations from a community member.

[Photo]

ACMS math teacher Matthew Shrader accepts donations.

[Photo]

Having a conversation with the football boosters, freshman Avery Kelsay drops off donations.

[Photo]

dont know this kid

[Photo]

Donating on behalf of the softball team, Andrea Husen and Jeremy Husen drop off multiple bags of items.

[Photo]

Wanting to help the cause, sophomore Caden Annis and his mother donate items to the drive.

[Photo]

Waiting for cars to drive by with donations, ACMS math teacher Matthew Shrader and football boosters Cory Allan and Brian Gunn talk.

[Photo]

Helping to load the cars full of donations toward the end of the drive, juniors Mason Gunn, Joseph Costanzo and Grayson Fisher laugh.

[Photo]

Smiling on stage, Gretna East Media poses with their Championship trophy.

Gretna East Media named State Champion in first year

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
April 22, 2024
Placing the medal around her neck, sophomore Leena Macklin places seventh in Editorial Writing.

[Photo]

With smiles and silver, junior Natalie Hayhurst and sophomore Kate Gudenrath and Laci Smith smile for their second in Yearbook Theme Development.

[Photo]

After making top two in Yearbook Theme Development, sophomore Kate Gudenrath grabs her fellow award winners, junior Natalie Hayhurst and sophomore Laci Smith

[Photo]

Realizing he received first place, sophomore Brayden Hansen looks at the Gretna East Media team in shock.

[Photo]

Taking first place in Editorial Writing, sophomore Brayden Hansen stands on the podium.

[Photo]

Accepting her medal, junior Natalie Hayhurst takes sixth place in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing.

[Photo]

For Sports Feature Writing, sophomore Reese Beery sports silver on the podium.

[Photo]

For News Writing, junior Drew Rhoades receives his medal for sixth place.

[Photo]

Four recognized with Educational Excellence Awards

Brayden Hansen and Madeline Petrick
April 19, 2024
Here comes the sun...kinda

Here comes the sun…kinda

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
April 6, 2024
The North Park pickleball courts located at East Angus Street.

[Photo] ‘Staycation’ ideas for fun spring break

March 22, 2024
At the State quarter finals, coach Wade Coulter yells from the sidelines.

[Photo] Coulter honored for commendable season

Drew Rhoades, Reporter
March 22, 2024
Focused on the ball, freshman Morgan Grant maneuvers it around the Benson player.

Girls soccer scores first win of season against Benson, 10-0 [Photo Gallery]

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
March 19, 2024
Outside of the library, a leprechaun is taped on a beam for students on the hunt.

[Photo] Leprechaun hunt sparks craze, competition ends tomorrow

March 14, 2024
Outside of the library, a leprechaun is taped on a beam for students on the hunt.

[Photo] Leprechaun hunt sparks craze, competition ends tomorrow

Drew Rhoades, Reporter
March 14, 2024
GEM Leprechaun #2 is hidden in a place where news lives.

[Photo]

Inquiring about the process, Justin Haberman talks with Brandon Shostak and a Red Cross nurse about the Power Red proccess. According to the American Red Cross, a donor can give almost twice as many red blood cells than a regular donation while doing Power Red.

Drip by drip, students, staff, community members unite to exceed expectations, save lives

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
March 7, 2024
Supporting their friend and brother, juniors Calvin Zabloudil and Benjamin Morgan along with sophomore Elliot Reece give a thumbs up before junior Charles Morgans donation.

[Photo]

Listening, Brooklyn Baldwin hears the Red Cross nurse explain the blood donation process.

[Photo]

3-7-24 Blood drive by Madeline PetrickIMG_3897 (1)

[Photo]

Smiling while donating, junior Kendall Logan shows Sierra Arnold a photo of her donating.

[Photo]

While checking donors in, juniors Jackson Windeknecht and Maggie Pfaff laugh.

[Photo]

Griffins defeat Vikings, head to semifinals of NSAA Class B Girls Basketball Championship Tournament

Madeline Petrick and Brayden Hansen
March 1, 2024
Celebrating the win against Crete on Saturday, head coach Wade Coulter cheers with the student section.

[Photo] Administration sets rules for student fans attending tomorrow’s game

Brody Heidemann, Sports Editor
February 28, 2024
Getting ready for the start of the second half, junior Tyler Cox starts the Roller Coaster.

[Photo] Girls basketball wins Class B District Championship

Drew Rhoades, Reporter
February 28, 2024
Student council, American Red Cross coordinate blood drive amidst shortage

Student council, American Red Cross coordinate blood drive amidst shortage

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
February 2, 2024
After a unanimous vote, the Gretna Public Schools Board of Education announced Travis Lightle as the next Superintendent of the district on Jan. 20.

New GPS Superintendent announced

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
January 20, 2024
Search for GPS Superintendent narrowed, School Board plans to announce new superintendent in near future

Search for GPS Superintendent narrowed, School Board plans to announce new superintendent in near future

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
January 12, 2024
In September, 2017, six months after Ava Reinerts cancer diagnosis, Reinert hugs her mother, Amanda Reinert, at Sammys Superheroes Foundations Glow Gold event. Sammys Superheroes is another childhood cancer non-profit group who raises money for pediatric cancer research.

Gretna family, non-profit, inspired by personal experience, create beacon of hope

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
December 1, 2023
Attempting to block the ball, Hayden Hart (11) and Hailey Levinson (11) jump in front of the net. The play ended in a point for the Badgers.

[Photo] Griffins’ State Journey Ends in Quarterfinal Defeat

Reese Beery, Reporter
November 7, 2023
While the design is the same, each grade level has been assigned a different color of shirt. In addition to freshmen, sophomore and junior colors, the Griffins Nest has a light yellow shirt for staff and parents and a grey shirt for middle school students available for purchase.

Entrepreneurship class launches ‘The Griffins Nest,’ plans for expansion, physical store underway

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
November 4, 2023
Now that fall has officially begun and it gets darker earlier, sophomore Adelaide Brosh captures a photo of the full moon on Sept. 28. I like Halloween because I like scary stuff. Im not easy to scare so I enjoy spooky things. I took the moon picture during a walk the other day. I hadnt realized it got so dark till I saw the moon Brosh said.

Scare up the perfect Halloween movie night with these top horror film picks

Madeline Petrick and Leena Macklin
October 30, 2023

‘It’s Griffin Season’

Madeline Petrick and Brayden Hansen
October 28, 2023
Impressing Ms. Honey, played by Brianna Wozniak (11), Matilda multiplies difficult numbers.

‘Matilda the Musical’ draws standing ovation on opening night [Photo Gallery]

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief
October 7, 2023
Playing When I Grow Up, on the piano, director Pat Ribar leads the cast in a warm-up before the show.

[Photo]

Before realizing his hair is green, Mr. Wormwood, played by Colton Knott (11) lectures his son, Micheal, played by Josh Chase (11), about how his hair is good for a businessman.

[Photo]

Before leaving Matilda with Ms. Honey, Mr. Wormwood calls Matilda his daughter for the first time.

[Photo]

At the very end of the show, the cast poses as the lights dim.

[Photo]

Scaring Nigel, the older students tell him about the chokey.

[Photo]

Upset about her reading, Mr. Wormwood yells at Matilda before slamming the door shut.

[Photo]

Performing The Smell of Rebellion, the students complete many different exercises while singing.

[Photo]

During intermission, Colton Knott (11) interacts with the audience.

[Photo]

Making a surprise entrance, Trunchbull appears on the balcony of the theater.

[Photo]

After finishing a cake, Bruce, played by middle schooler, Quinn Balcer , is cheered for by the students.

[Photo]

Community leaders, GEHS, GHS student groups part of Gretna Crossing YMCA grand opening

Madeline Petrick and Brayden Hansen
September 16, 2023
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The Student News Site of Gretna East High School
Madeline Petrick