Students in the Omaha World-Herald Exploring program visited the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium on March 25, interviewing a trio of zookeepers in a press conference-style atmosphere.
The students then broke into small group interviews with zookeepers and, finally, watched a zookeeper explain how she uses animals such as opossums for education in the Wildlife Kingdom Pavilion.
Students had the opportunity to interview, write a story, take photographs, shoot video and publish to social media as a means of getting firsthand experience in journalism.
The cold did not stop spectators from getting out to support the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The parade is held in order to commemorate St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The event also celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.
Parade chairman Hugh Spellman made sure everything ran smoothly. Spellman recognizes the role the parade plays in keeping the spirit of St. Patrick alive.
“The parade is a way to help recognize St. Patrick and Irish Americans that have come before,” Spellman said.
Spellman says his favorite part of the parade is watching everyone have a good time and seeing the variety of groups registered for the parade.
With curls bouncing, Dowds Irish Dancers stomp on a float at the St. Patrick’s Day parade on a chilly March 11. VANESSA CHAVEZ/EXPLORING
Spectator Brooke Morehead, along with her family, has been coming to the parade for the last five years. She believes it is important to expose her children to other cultures and heritages.
Morehead came to the parade to not only support her husband, who is part of the local fire department and would take part in the parade, but also to support the community as a whole.
“It’s a big community event, a good time to be with the Omaha community and come together to celebrate the community’s diversity,” Morehead said.
For Lori and Chris Rewczuk, this year marks the third time they have attended the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
“It’s always a lot of fun, the kids enjoy it, we like to meet friends here and together celebrate St.Patrick’s Day,” Lori Rewczuk said.
Although the Rewczuks are not Irish, to them, attending the St. Patrick’s Day parade has become a family tradition. They also recognize the importance of experiencing different cultures.
St. Patrick is recognized globally as the patron saint of Ireland, and he is also the patron saint of engineers. Chris Rewczuk keeps that in mind when celebrating the day because he himself is an engineer.
The Rewczuks also have a special reason to celebrate the occasion. On the official date of St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, daughter Brooklyn turned 3 years old.
Temporarily tattooed, Brooklyn Rewczuck celebrates St. Patrick’s Day and an early third birthday at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Omaha on March 11. VANESSA CHAVEZ/EXPLORING
A different kind of rainbow led to the pot of gold Saturday at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Thirty-five to 40 supporters and members of Heartland Pride marched proudly though the streets, a massive rainbow flag trailing behind them.
Heartland Pride is an organization whose mission is “celebrating and promoting the history, diversity, and future prosperity of the LGBTQIA community of the heartland.” It is a non-profit organization that strives to raise awareness of and support for members of the LGBT community. It gives up to $5,000 in scholarships each year and hosts the Tom Mahony Pride Prom, as well as holding its annual pride festival in Aksarben Village
The sun reflects a rainbow on the pavement underneath a large rainbow flag carried by members of Heartland Pride, who marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Omaha on March 11. EMMA WHALEY/EXPLORING
Saturday was Heartland Pride’s first time in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but the organization showed the spirit of seasoned marchers. Participants wore green hats and necklaces. Caleb Edmonson donned a green suit and leprechaun ears while the current president of Heartland Pride, Christina Arellano, wore a hat complete with two ginger braids.
“We are trying to work on our branding,” Arellano said. “People seem to think that Heartland Pride is just one big annual party . . . so we are trying to get our name out there as a non-profit organization and not just our annual festival.”
Scores of people and their children lined the curb of the parade route, which began at 15th and Harney Streets and stretched out for nine blocks. When asked about expected ridicule, Arellano responded, “we’ve had nothing but positive feedback . . . there’s always that fear and the hope that nobody does or says anything like that.”
It seems that the feedback stayed positive. Tina Larson, who was there with her two grandchildren, said she had no problem with Heartland Pride marching in the parade.
“I think they deserve every right to (march),” Larson said, “I’ll be the one cheering for them.”
Members of Heartland Pride march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Omaha on March 11. EMMA WHALEY/EXPLORING
That sort of mindset was found all along the parade route. People didn’t seem to care that a bunch of LGBT people and allies were going to march down the street handing their children candy and necklaces.
Danielle Johnson helped carry Heartland Pride’s rainbow flag on Saturday. She shared why she and her eight-year-old daughter decided to come out in the cold and show pride.
“I think anytime you see kids, adults, older adults that are being accepting,” Johnson said, “it shows the younger generation that they can be themselves and they can be okay. I actually have a five-year-old transgender daughter . . . that’s why we’re here.”
It just goes to show that whether it’s in an Irish flag or a rainbow one, everyone can show off a little green leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.
Freshman Rachel Meyer is not the average teenager. As her peers spend their nights out partying, Meyer prefers to stay home and write poetry.
Born in Milton, Florida, she moved to Nebraska when she was in fourth grade after her father lost his job. Her mother resides in Tennessee and her six brothers, the youngest of which is 18 years old, are spread around the country.
Meyer enjoys writing poetry because it gives her room to move and express. She’s free to write whatever, not what anyone tells her to.
Rachel Meyer lives to be unique. She does it in few words, but all words are meaningful.
Exploring Program 