October 2014 - Volume 108 Issue 1

The Horseshoe October 7, 2014 / Denton High School, Denton, Texas / Volume 108, Issue 1 / dhshorseshoe.com Inside this issue: the new assistant principal, three Eagle Scouts, football and volleyball open seasons on fire, and a Bronco Pride poster

The Horseshoe: October Edition

2 / TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 OPINION The problems of banning books and making mums.

4 NEWS

After a highway collision over the summer, a firstyear teacher continues her recovery.

Also: with Paul Martinez named Calhoun principal, Glen Harrison steps up to the challenge as the new assistant arincipal.

5 BORING TO DC

Junior Josh Boring travels to Washington D.C. to get a bill passed requring a RN employed in every school.

5 EAGLE SCOUTS

After ten years of work, sophomore Jack Rayson (left) and seniors Jason Jezek and Gabe Wawro become Eagles.

7 GIVING BACK Faculty and students participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and help in the community. (center)

8 PHOTO MONTAGE A lookback at the past five weeks of school.

11 ENTERTAINMENT Reviews of the action-packed The Maze Runner and Iggy Azalea’s newest album The New Classic.

12 VOLLEYBALL 6-0

Denton in first place heading into second half of district schedule. (right)

14 SPORTS INJURIES Injured student-athletes deal with the physical and emotional pain of sitting on the sidelines.

The Horseshoe 1007 Fulton St. Denton, TX 76201 940-369-2150

Editors-in-Chief: Chandler Elsbecker and Jordan Gill Online Editor-in-Chief: Ryan Carr Entertainment Editor: Brandon Shields Opinion Editor: Shelby DuPont Staff: Mohammad Alshara, Leah Bowen, Rachael Crews, Maggie-Mae Ellison, Rikki Johnson, Zach Karas, Brendan Kimberlin, Ben Lyke, Luke McDougall, Mazzy McPhate, Jonathon Peterson, Sarah Skinner, Cedra Stewart, and Gabriella Webster Adviser: Mrs. Rebecka Frey Principal: Mr. Dan Ford

The student newspaper of Denton High School is published by the publications staff. The ideas expressed in this publication and on the Opinion page are solely those of the individuals providing them, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire staff, adviser, faculty, administration, or the Denton ISD Board.

Find us online at www.dhshorseshoe. com, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Horseshoe is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, Columbia Scholastic Press Conference, and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Letters to the editor can be submitted to The Horseshoe at dhshorseshoe.com/submitaletter

3 / OPINION

Book-banning a waste

Mohammad Alshara Staff Writer

Last week, Highland Park Independent School District banned seven books after hundreds of parents complained about mature content and religious biases.

While all seven were originally on approved high school reading lists, after parents objected the board decided to temporarily remove them from the list. This is only one of the many districts, such as Riverside Unified School District and San Antonio ISD, where books are being banned because of mature content.

These books do have slightly more mature content, which some students would grin and chuckle at, and parents think they shouldn’t be exposed to yet.

It is obvious to see that there are some provocative moments.

Some people see it as sheltering or insignificant because of how much kids see on the internet nowadays. Again, it is easy to see

how both of these arguments could also be made.

I think banning these books is a little over the top because of content parents don’t think their children should see. In our society, students are exposed to these inappropriate themes in every which way. We see it on every social media website and watch it in many of the shows and movies on TV, so, in their eyes, it really isn’t sheltering them from anything they don’t already see or hear.

Banning books also shows a lack of trust between the parents and their children. They don’t think minors will be able to handle the adult subject matter, when, in reality, many were already desensitized by the time they got to high school.

Parents are failing to see that by banning these books from schools, they are not really addressing the issue. If preventing students from exposure to adult content is the reason, banning books fails because students will

see far more than what those books are saying in society every time they use their phones, computers, and TVs. It makes sense that parents are trying to lessen the amount of mature content or religious biases, but they should realize the harder they try to hide these topics, the more enticing they become.

The banning of books should not be as big of a deal as it is being made out to be. Banning these books is not really protecting students, because even if one disregards the sexual content, the internet is full of people who are constantly expressing their opinions about any controversial topic.

In the end, this banning of books is failing to address any of the real issues that Highland Park parents are worried about.

There is no point in trying to stop high school teenagers from reading these books because of the far greater content they are seeing outside of school.

#DHSPOTM

Submitted by seniorTaylor McClintock, (@Tay_Mic17) her little ball of sunshine enjoys chewing on shoelaces and ominously staring into the sky #ModelStatus.

Congratulations, Taylor!

Your darling puppy has won Pet of the Month!

To enter your pet in the competition, follow us @ dhshorseshoe and upload a picture of your pet on instagram with the hashtag #DHSPOTM and may the cutest pet win!

Less mum for your money Gabriella Webster Staff Writer

As homecoming approaches and the aisles of craft stores fill with every possible variant of glitter, ribbon and adornment, students are reminded what making and giving mums really is: students competing to see who’s willing to spend the most money on themselves. While it began as the sweet and simple gift of a chrysanthemum from a boy to a girl before homecoming, the concept of mum making has now become a profound display of vanity in our generation, and reflects the egotistical atmosphere the media has created for Generation Y. While most students will say their efforts are strictly out of

A student displays her oversized mum at last year’s homecoming carnival. (staff photo)

school spirit, the gaudy amount of knick-knacks, stuffed animals, and cowbells tied to ribbons and stuck on flowers in Texas proves to show the tradition of decorating mums has become more of a way to show off, and is detracting from what Denton High School stands for, especially on an occasion that honors the values and character of such a historical school.

This homecoming, I encourage students to apply the upward of $50 they would be spending on over-priced ribbons and plastic, elsewhere, as this money would be much better put to use changing someone’s life than decorating a vessel of our own ignorance and pride.

The week of October 6-10, Key Club will be providing all

students with the opportunity to donate their mum money to Carry The Load, a charity whose aim is to support the families of soldiers who never got to come home after sacrificing their lives for our country.

The student body has the opportunity to make an impact. If we start analyzing our choices, we have the chance to make an incredible statement about what students really value and for what THE Denton High School stands. Be an example of the word seen on many DHS football jerseys this season: SELFLESS. Keep your eyes, ears and heart open to this opportunity, and gain a renewed understanding of what a homecoming really means.

4 / NEWS

First Year Bronco’s Fight Inspires Forgiveness Leah Bowen Rachael Crews Staff Writers On August 14, new teacher Loressa Pecoraro was on the way home after her first teacher work day when a teenage driver fell asleep at the wheel, hitting her head-on, causing severe injuries.

The accident occurred on U.S. Highway 380, causing back-ups for several hours. The student, from a different district was uninjured, but Pecoraro suffered a punctured lung and many broken bones. In September, she moved from the intensive care unit at Parkland Memorial Hospital to a rehabilitation unit in Frisco, where she undergoes treatment.

On her www.gofundme.com page, James Barfield said doctors expect it will be three months before she can put any weight on her more damaged right leg and she will be in a wheelchair for some time. He also reported it will be close to a year before she recovers fully.

Denton I. S. D. granted Pecoraro a temporary leave of absence.

Pecoraro graduated Texas Tech last spring, and had accepted a position at Denton High teaching Family and Consumer Science, as well as coaching the freshman cheerleaders. Barfield said her desire was to be a godly influence to those young girls just starting out in high school with all its pressures. Pecoraro has helped to lead worship since she was 13 and most recently helped to lead worship at Redeemer Church in Lubbock, TX. Even though Pecoraro was only here for one day, she is still considered part of DHS. “She is a part of our Bronco family,” head principal Dan Ford said. “Bronco Nation consists of the students, the parents, the staff, the community, and the alumni. That’s all part of it. For us it is kind of like a parenting situation. Being the principal of the school, you sometimes get called ‘Dad’ and Ms. Koontz will get called ‘Mom’. But when some-

thing like this happens you take them in like family and you wrap your arms around them and you love them and support them.”

Many DHS organizations have donated gift cards for Pecoraro and her family. Denton High organized a fundraiser on Sept. 25, at Genghis Grill. Genghis Grill donated 20 percent of proceeds to Pecoraro when diners mentioned they were there with Denton High School. Additionally, Gofundme.com has a page for Percoraro where people can donate money towards her medical bills. In the first month the site was online, donations totalled $28,000 out of the $50,000 needed for medical bills.

There isn’t much information about the student who hit Pecoraro. His record is protected since he he is a minor. According to the Denton Record Chronicle, he visited Pecoraro at Parkland to apologize. Pecoraro forgave him without hesitation.

“How many of us, in the same situation could say that we would

do the same thing?” Ford said.

“We simply get pushed in the hall and get upset. Here this lady has gone through probably one of the most traumatic accidents she has ever been through and she is all ‘I forgive you’...wow. We should all aspire to be like her.”

Looking at the situation, Pecoraro was someone no one one really knew yet. She came for training one day, then her life suddenly took a wrong turn. People handle an event such as this in one of two ways - optimistic or pessimistic. Pecoraro choose to deal with her accident with forgiveness. The amount of optimism and compassion she has as person is inspiring.

“When she comes back we’ll welcome her with open arms,” Ford said. “And say, ‘Welcome home’ home - is the key. This is her home and we want to make her feel like that. And I know she is excited to come.”

To donate or receive updates about Pecoraro, visit http://www. gofundme.com/PrayForLoressa.

Harrison named new assistant principal Brendan Kimberlin Staff Writer Former head baseball coach Glen Harrison accepted the assistant principal position left vacant by Paul Martinez.

“I’m excited,” Harrison said. “It’s a challenge at the administrative level. The position requires a lot of sacrifice. They have one of the most difficult jobs, aside from teachers, since they’re dealing with so many things during school. I think it comes with a lot of responsibility. You really get to see the whole gambit.”

This is Harrison’s eighth year at Denton High. For the later half, he has assisted teachers, not students directly.

“I’ve been an instructional technologist the last four years so I haven’t been inside the

classroom, but in that position, I’m mentoring more towards teachers,” Harrison said. “But with this position, I’m getting back to helping students.”

Harrison will juggle the new position while pursuing a doctorate degree.

“I’m in a part of my career where I know that it’s a time to go a different direction,” Harrison said. “I was ready for something new as well.

Going the administrative route and mentoring teachers and students - that’s the next progression. I’m looking forward to it.”

Martinez accepted the head principal position at Calhoun Middle School on Sept. 4. Harrison’s official first day as administrator was Sept. 24, and he will oversee students with last names beginning with letters A-D.

On his first day on the job, new assistant principal Glen Harrison speaks on the phone at his desk. (photo by Ryan Carr)

NEWS / 5

Junior Josh Boring poses with Congressman Michael Burgess in Burgess’ office (left), as well as IB coordinator Beth Hughes, principal Dan Ford, and Ford’s daughter Madelynne, a sophomore. (courtesy photos)

Junior earns recognition in Washington for essay Maggie-Mae Ellison Staff Writer Learning how a bill becomes law is taught in School House Rock and government classes alike, but seldom do high school students get to be a part of it, until this year when the Bill of Rights Institute started a civics renewal contest. Josh Boring, a junior IB student, entered the competition with a topic that directly affected his life as a public school student. Boring went to Washington D.C. to advocate for a bill that would require public schools to have registered nurses on campus.

“A couple of years ago, during budget cuts, Denton ISD was considering getting rid of school nurses,specifically registered nurse, and replace them with someone like a physician’s assistant who don’t have the same skill level and aren’t trained to do certain things,” Boring said.

“So, I went and fought that and I managed to get it overturned and they kept registered nurses in all schools,” Boring said.

Boring changed the minds of the district board and thought he was done until IB coordinator, Beth Hughes, found a competi-

tion that would allow Boring to have his cause recognized at the national level.

“I found out about the opportunity through the Bill of Rights newsletter and the objectives are similar to the IB program’s Creativity Action Service hours so I wanted to know if anyone had a project going on that met those objectives,” Hughes said. “Josh was the only one that came forward.”

Boring filled out the application and wrote a few paragraphs about his project. After waiting for a response Hughes and Boring received the exciting news that he would be representing Texas in Washington D.C. on Constitution Day. “I was excited,” Boring said. “I thought I did well on the paper I wrote, but I didn’t think I was going to win because I kind of just threw it out there, so it was shocking.”

Over the summer Hughes and Boring continued to work on his project, something Boring is very passionate about.

“I can relate to kids who have medical issues because I grew up with an allergy and spent a lot of time in a hospital and I understand their want to feel safe at

school, it’s really about safety for students,” Boring said.

While doing the project Hughes also became impassioned.

“I have a son who is severely autistic so I’ve dealt with school nurses quite a bit in the past and I really didn’t understand what a great resource we had,” Hughes said. “School nursing is a specialty and they can do more than just send you home.”

After completing the presentation and creating a public service announcement, on September 17th Boring and Hughes were scheduled for a meeting with Congressman Burgess to present Boring’s project.

“We were supposed to meet with Michael Burgess at 5 PM but had to reschedule due to a voting, so Josh could get one on one time with Burgess instead of having an aid listen to his project,” Hughes said.

In the meeting Boring presented his project and was pleased with the congressman’s reception of his work.

“When I finally talked to the congressman he tried to pick apart my project,” Boring said, “Which makes sense because if he’s going to promote a bill he

needs to make sure it’s credible, but I was glad he treated me like an adult instead of just some teenager.”

Now that Boring has proposed his idea, Burgess will write a bill to introduce to Congress.

“I know he is going to propose it as a bill but I don’t know when he’s going to propose it,” Boring said. “I won’t know the outcome of it for a long time so I’m kind of just laying in wait.”

There is no promise that the bill will become a law but with school district’s budgets getting cut all over the country the problem of whether or not to keep school nurses continues.

“Its an ongoing problem because RNs are a large part of school district’s budgets,” Boring said. “So if the bill doesn’t succeed at the federal level I might then take it to the state congress.”

Boring enjoyed his time in politics but plans to help people through medicine rather than legislation in the future.

“My experience was very enlightening and politics was fun but I definitely still want to be a surgeon when I’m older,” Boring said.

6 / FEATURE

Three achieve Eagle Scout recognition Jordan Gill Editor-in-Chief Three Denton High students have achieved the Eagle Scout ranking, an accomplishment obtained by less than three percent of all Boy Scouts.

“To be an Eagle Scout it takes everything you’ve got,” junior Jack Rayson said. “It takes your commitment, time, and every ounce of courage you have.”

Rayson joined Boy Scouts at age seven, interested in making new friends and trying new things. After years of participation and over 1,000 service hours for the Boy Scouts, Rayson has been awarded with the rank Eagle Scout this year in September.

“It is a long process to earn the title,” Rayson said. “You start off going through different ranks and you complete a certain amount of things to gain merit badges. There is a lot of paperwork involved and a huge project at the end.”

Rayson built a Gaga Pit for Sam Houston Elementary school for his final project.

“What is Gaga?” Rayson said.

“It’s basically this octagon that’s about three feet high off the ground with long panels, and the kids play the game Gaga in it, so we built that for them to enjoy.”

Rayson has made many friends and memories on his journey through Boy Scouts.

“My parents are mostly my inspiration,” Rayson said. “I am proud of the things my dad has done and I hope to be like him one day.”

Senior Gabe Wawro achieved the Eagle Scout Ranking on Wednesday, August 6th.

“I joined Boy Scouts when

Senior Jason Jezek replants gardens at the ICCS (left) and junior Jack Rayson poses in his scouting uniform. Jezek, Rayson, and senior Gabe Wawro all elevated to the level of Eagle Scout this year (courtesy photos) I was eight years old, as a Cub Scout,” Wawro said. “They run scouting through my church, so I was a part of my church’s troop.”

Wawro’s final project was collecting canned food for the Denton Food Center. He donated a total of 646 pounds.

“It definitely takes time,” Wawro said. “It took me nine years to gain all of the required merit badges and other things that I needed to finally submit.”

As Scouting is popular in the United States, it has proved to open up opportunities for jobs and scholarships.

“Boy Scouting is pretty big in the United States, so a lot of big businesses and business owners know about the Eagle Scout rank,” Wawro said. “Being one sets me apart from everyone else.

It shows I have determination, experience working, and being a leader.”

Scouting has influenced Wawro’s life greatly and he is grateful for the experience.

“My parents are proud,” Wawro said. “I’ve been doing this for most of my life so they’re glad to see me finish and see it through.”’

Senior Jason Jezek joined Boy

Scouts in first grade, as a Cub Scout. He has received the award alongside Wawro in August.

“Each rank has certain tasks,” Jezek said. “You have your scouting book with a list of requirements and you have to get them all signed off before you can advance to the next rank. This could include camp out requirements, knots, all kinds of stuff.”

Jezek was inspired to join scouting because his three older brothers and his mother, a Den leader, were involved. In his 10 years of scouting, Jezek has put in well over the minimum requirements of service towards Boy Scouting and it has become one of his passions.

“Scouting is very important to me,” Jezek said. “My brother and I started a lawn business to go to the National Scouting Jamboree in 2010. The year before, my brother and I started raising money to afford the trip. We raised $2500 each through our lawn business. I remember when we knocked on one lady’s door, she didn’t want us to mow her lawn but she gave us money simply because we’re Boy Scouts.”

Attending the Jamboree with

his brother, Jozey, remains one of Jezek’s favorite Scouting memories. The brothers have been involved in each other’s Scouting careers in the past. For a service project, Jozey created a school garden at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School which created a segway for Jason to find his own way to help.

“My project was for my old Catholic school and church,” Jezek said. “There’s a school garden my brother created. He put in irrigation systems and crushed granite beds a while ago.

I replaced 10 beds and added 15 more. I went in and spent from November to July, weekends, working and replacing all the beds.”

After years of hard work towards Scouting, and with his project finally complete, Jezek presented his work to the board, and received the honor.

“Boy Scouts taught me life skills,” Jezek said. “It taught me how to be patient and how to be kind. It showed me how to be a leader and how to understand other people. I grew so much just being in Scouting; it taught me how to find a goal and reach it.”

FEATURE / 7

Broncos take on Ice Bucket Challenge Gabriella Webster Staff Writer The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge flooded social media over the summer, as people around the world--including North Korea-doused themselves in debilitatingly cold ice water and posted the results on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The concept was simple: when nominated, one chose to accept the challenge or donate a minimum of $100 to the ALS Association--though many who accepted the challenge also chose to donate--and nominate somebody else. As a result, the challenge and awareness of ALS spread exponentially, and the overwhelming amount of social media posts and donations made to the ALS Association proves it.

In the month that the challenge drowned the internet, the ALS Association received $100 million from three million donors.

Last year over the same time period, they raised a mere $2.8

million.

Considered one of the “most viral philanthropic social-media campaigns in history,” by Time. com, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge made a splash as a way to raise awareness and money to find a cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease, casually known as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that directly attacks the nervous system by a progressive deterioration of motor neurons, which eliminates the brain’s ability to control muscles in the body, and eventually results in paralysis and death.

The rarity of this fatal neurological condition has kept it out of the spotlight for decades, however, since the development of the Ice Bucket Challenge, millions of dollars have been raised to support people living with ALS, encourage awareness of ALS personally and politically, and find a cure for this terrifying disease.

As the visibility of ALS in-

#DHScares Ben Lyke Staff Writer

Giving back to the community has been a long-standing goal at Denton High. This fall, principal Dan Ford created a hashtag #DHScares to bring recognition to Broncos for their ongoing contributions.

“We came up with #DHScares as a symbol we could use all year long to emphasize how much our staff and students care about our community,” Ford said.

Faculty and staff have already put #DHScares to use by participating in a schoolwide community service event.

“At the beginning of every year the DHS staff gets together to do some sort of team building activity,” Ford said. “So we signed up to help multiple organizations like Keep Denton Beautiful, Habit for Humanity, and

Principal Dan Ford, associate principal Renee Koontz, district athletic director Joey Florence, and superintendent Jamie Wilson fulfill their nominations for the challenge. (photo by Gabriella Webster) creased and the challenge reached more and more people around the world, an outpouring support of the ALS Association encourages research and development in a field previously stalled by a severe lack of funds, and sheds a whole new light on

Denton County Friends of the Family, and used #DHScares.”

Ford wants students to use this hashtag for any community service activities in which they participate.

“We have so many students who are incredible people and do amazing things,” Ford said. “I want our students to start using #DHScares for every community service project they do. All they have to do is take a picture of them helping the community and tag.”

Ford’s goal is to advocate and give thanks to those who contribute; whether it be at school, in the community, or even on a larger scale.

“Too often, the negative is emphasized at our school, and we plan to change that,” Ford said. “We want people to use #DHScares to promote the positive things that go on in our school.”

this devastating condition. Most importantly, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has demonstrated how powerful the human race is when it becomes passionate about something, or maybe when it is staring hundreds of expecting social media followers in the face.

Stopping for a selfie to post on Twitter, DHS Faculty join United Way and AmeriCorp volunteers in building raised beds for the Evers Park Community Gardern. Evers Elementary students and local community will plant vegitables in the beds. (staff photo)

WE ARE BRONCOS

ENTERTAINMENT / 10

Williams’ and Rivers’ deaths like losing family Brandon Shields Entertainment Editor 2014 has been spastic from an entertainment perspective.

Just recently we lost two big comedians, Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. They were both on opposite ends of the spectrum from a comedic standpoint. Joan Rivers was better known for her talk show ‘Fashion Police,’ where as Robin Williams was recognized through his acting career.

What made these two unique was their distinct ability to turn the most simple things into a laugh; they were also cherished and well known by many people around the world and especially the United States. Both Robin and Joan passed away too soon and still leave behind heartache to many.

I will never forget the feelings of anguish my family felt when we heard of Robin Williams passing away. We were watching the evening news; and at the end of the broadcast it was announced very quickly that Robin had passed away. Our very talkative family fell silence as we all sort of stared blankly at the screen.

It was almost as if there was a death in the family. My father’s night came to an abrupt end as he was saddened by the news.

The impact on my own family was so large the news left us all sick to our stomachs for the rest of that evening. Immediately I went onto social media to see that it was not just my own home affected and that many were upset about this tragedy.

Robin Williams was someone truly magical and gifted in every sense of the world. His ability to take and uplift the hearts and moods of many people across the globe was amazing. What made Robin Williams a legend was that his presence was international.

He himself embodied what it meant to be a true entertainer.

He took boundaries that many would draw and completely erase

them. Instead of crossing a line, there wasn’t one. Often he spoke about his troubles as if his entire life were a joke; however we know it was far from it.

There are very few people in the world that believe that Mr. Williams was pure hype, and that he really wasn’t funny. The best argument against those few would be his résumé. IMDb shows he won 66 awards and was nominated for 75. Awards such as an Oscar for Good Will Hunting, a Golden Globe for Mrs. Doubtfire, and three Academy Awards; it just goes to show that Robin wasn’t hyped. His death is heartbreaking to me because he was one of the most reliable comedians to make me laugh. He was a comedian that the entire family could enjoy and you could watch any time of day. It wasn’t necessary to hide him on late night television, or turn him off when the parents came into your room. No, Robin Williams was someone truly special and had plenty of years left to inspire,

and make many around the world have a brighter day.

I hadn’t known about Joan Rivers until ‘Celebrity Apprentice’s’ season eight back in 2009.

The show took a deeper look into her life and showed who she was as a person. That year she won that season by earning over a million dollars in donations for her charity God’s Love We Deliver. They provide food to those who are too sick or unable to cook for themselves. From that point until this day I respect all that Joan has done.

Joan was another prime example what it means to be an entertainer. She began in 1965 as a guest on The Tonight Show. No woman has ever broken so many barriers comedically for women.

Rivers was the first woman to ever host a late night television talk show. She even won a daytime emmy for being and outstanding talk show host.

Many have forgotten all that Joan Rivers had to topple in her time. Sexism was huge back in her

day. Mainstream media was dominated by males, even more so in entertainment/comedy.

Joan was remarkable because she had the courage to say what many did not. She spoke her mind, as intuitive as she was. She also added a new perspective to things that were once taken for granted. A prime example was her most recent show, ‘Fashion Police.’ It took a comedic and different perspective on people’s clothing. We often make fun of peoples attire, but none of us could do it better than Joan Rivers. As a true entertainer Joan remained to be very opinionated. Joan Rivers was an exceptional comedian, who was groundbreaking for women.

Both Joan Rivers and Robin Williams were remarkable. Even though their lives have passed, the content they created and the lives they affected will continue on for ever. Generations will be reminded of these legendary comedians and I hope that we can forever preserve their image.

Poll conducted among 35 random students

11 / ENTERTAINMENT

‘The Maze Runner’ provides thrills Brandon Shields Entertainment Editor

The Maze Runner is the next attempt at a teen-style book stepping into theaters. Series like Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games have proven themselves worthy of the big screen so much, that other book adaptations have been flooding theaters.

I personally haven’t read the book series, so I had expectations based only on what was displayed in the trailers. From what I first saw, it just appeared to be about a boy who was placed in a world with a maze that changed frequently and his objective was to escape.

However upon seeing the film, it was much more clear the entire situation itself was a maze. The narrative was hard to maneuver around or understand. Like the maze, the narrative constantly changed instead of following something broad and narrowing it down. Jumping into the movie from the beginning there is plenty of confusion as to where the characters are, and why they are there. Throughout the film questions are raised constantly, yet they are never answered directly.

Instead they follow a circular pattern.

Where The Maze Runner delivers is the action and immer-

sion. It’s thrilling and intense from the start of the film to the very end. However, for a PG-13 rating, it was very gory and liberal on cursing. I wouldn’t actually advise 13-year-olds to see the film because the themes are beyond that of a high school student, let alone a middle school student.

However, if you prefer a less dynamic experience, this is more your type of movie.

The cast is mostly male, with only two females noticeably, so there isn’t really a romantic angle on this specific title in the series. It is hinted, however, that the main characters’ relationship with each other grows over time,

but we will have to see. At the end of the film, a character explains there will be a sequel. The idea is that hopefully there will be more development in areas unexplored in the first film.

Where in my mind The Maze Runner did not deliver was the storytelling aspect. The film is very fast-paced and hardly slows down, not letting your mind adjust enough to grasp all that is going on. Numerous plot holes are left throughout the movie, most noticeably, the fact the character who solves the maze had only been inside for days.

For a maze that changes constantly and hadn’t been solved for three years, it seems impos-

sible one person could figure it out so quickly. The movie never really develops on how he has all this knowledge, just that he has it. The nature and purpose of the maze trials are never fully explained. Whenever a question is raised or seems odd to the viewer, something dramatic happens to try to erase it from your mind. However no matter how hard the movie tries to wipe the questions away they keep coming back. Why are these people in the Maze? What exactly is the Maze?

Why won’t this movie answer anything specific? Instead, The Maze Runner leaves you questioning more and more as the film progresses and the answer to it all is that there will be second part.

I will, give the sequel a second chance based on how much potential this series has as a whole.

Hopefully part two will trim the fat and get to the real guts of the story. I hope the second film answers some of those key questions I had as a viewer. More attention should focused on character development, instead of just the special effects. That way the scenery will allow the story to take over, and some of those questions to finally be answered.

C+

Good, but not truly ‘The New Classic’ Cedra Stewart Staff Writer She’s Australian and as her popular song states, fancy.

Whether the infectious single ‘Fancy’ (featuring UK singer Charli XCX) played constantly in summer playlists or fell victim to another overplayed single with a catchy chorus, Iggy Azalea’s song was number 1 on U.S. Billboard Top 100 for seven weeks. The achievement made her only the

fourth solo female rapper to ever top the chart.

Another female rapper rising to fame, Iggy is not just some rookie. She actually began rapping at age 14. She managed to save enough money cleaning houses and hotels to move to the United States at age 16 by herself, which she felt would bring her closer to where hip-hop was born and to the music she wanted to create. She lived in Miami, Houston and Atlanta before get-

ting encouraged to go to Los Angeles by Interscope Records.

She released her freestyles on YouTube and went on to release her first mixtape Ignorant Art, her first full-length project in 2011. With the help of rapper T.I., Iggy went on to create her first EP, Glory, and her latest album, The New Classic. The 24-year-old has become one of today’s hottest artists with hits like, Fancy, Black Widow, Work, and Change Your Life. She’s been

featured on Ariana Grande’s hit, Problem, T.I.’s No Mediocre and most recently Jennifer Lopez’s Booty. She also has a starring role in Fast & Furious 7 in 2015.

Though maybe not as well-known until now, Azalea is quickly becoming a media superstar, and a household name across America.

Either way she is earning big fame in the music world and one can only imagine what else is in store from Iggy Azalea.

12 / SPORTS

For up-to-date scores and updates on Bronco sports, including freshman and JV, visit dhshorseshoe.com/sportscenter

Volleyball off to hot start Jonathon Peterson Staff Writer

The varsity volleyball team started the season running as they are off to 6-0 in district and hold first place by three games.

With the team playing well on both the offensive and defensive sides, the team still thinks they can improve.

“I think we’ve been doing well every single game,” senior Hannah Altman said. “Each game we just keep improving and adding on to everything that we’ve already learned and coming together more as a family and more as a team.”

Varsity has been winning all of their games, but they think they can play even better from where they are now.

“I think we have been playing well but not as good as we can,” senior Kody Jones said “We’ve obviously won all of our games but that doesn’t mean that doesn’t mean we’ve played at our highest potentials.”

Pleased with their 6-0 start, coach Danielle Kading doesn’t want the team’s wins to get in their heads.

“She’s proud of us but she won’t let up,” Altman said. “She’s going to keep pushing us harder and harder.”

With a tough schedule ahead of them for the next two weeks

Junior Kenzie Dozeir spikes the ball past a Rider player during Denton’s close 3-2 win over the Raiders. The victory put the Lady Broncos in sole possession of first place. (photo by Chandler Elsbecker) playing second place Boswell and fourth place Wichita Falls the team knows that they still have a lot to go wo win district.

On the offensive side, senior Jade Akins has 323 kills overall and averages 4.09 per game.

Leading the defense, Junior Emily Curtis has been saving the ball numerous times with 423 digs, averaging 5.79 per game.

“Emily Curtis always puts her heart and soul and body into this

game,” Kading said after Denton’s win over Rider. “Our blocking [is] a little bit off, so she [has to work even harder to earn the ups for her team, and she sacrifices] herself all night.”

Even though they have been playing great, there are still some things the players think they need to work on.

“Right now I think we need to work on not getting too anxious about the game, and just focus on

winning, and really work on playing together as a team,” Jones said.

The team has a tough two weeks ahead of them, playing second place Boswell and fourthplace Wichita Falls.

“We just have to keep doing what we do best,” Altman said “We have to play our best volleyball game that we can play.”

McFarland nabs national roller hockey awards

(courtesy photo)

Jonathon Peterson Staff Writer State Wars is a tournament where the roller hockey elite of all fifty states and some Canadian provinces compete to be the best in the nation.This year Texas brought a new young squad that Sophomore Cole McFarland had the opportunity

to play for in the tournament.

“I was very happy to hear that I was going to Indiana, but I also knew that our team had to play our hardest because we were a young team.” McFarland said.

Find the rest of the story at dhshorseshoe.com

SPORTS / 13 Broncos 4-0 for first time since 2003 football season Chandler Elsbecker Editor-in-Chief In 2013, it took the Broncos eight games to win four games, and their season would end a pair of weeks later without them winning a fifth. This year, however, it’s taken just half the time, outperforming any Denton football team through their first four games in ten years.

Each of the Broncos’ four wins have been by two touchdowns or more, most recently a 50-14 thrashing of District 5-5A opponent Chisholm Trail on the road.

The receiving tandem of senior Key’andre Hearvey and sophomore Chris Miller tore through the Ranger defense, racking up 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns on a combined 12 receptions. On the other side of the ball, the Broncos forced a pair of turnovers and blocked a 23-yard field goal attempt, bringing their season total for turnovers to 12.

“I can’t express how impressed I am with Coach [Ty] Pattrick and his defensive staff,” third-year head coach Kevin Atkinson said after the game. “They’ve done such an outstanding job. They’re believing in our system, and they’re flourishing in it.”

Junior running back Xavier Scott has led the offense in

Seniors Key’andre Hearvey (right) and Joe Gloria celebrate after Hearvey scores a touchdown during Denton’s 42-23 win over Carrollton Creekivew. (photo and cover photo by Chandler Elsbecker) rushing, averaging 202.5 yards per game and scoring 13 touchdowns. However, Scott is quick to note that his offensive line has been a vital contributor to his success.

“I have to give [credit] to my blocking,” Scott said after his 211-yard, two-touchdown performance versus Carrollton Creekview. “Without my blocking, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing.”

The past couple of weeks have seen the Broncos struggle to keep their penalties to a minimum,

Next up on the schedule Football October 2-3: vs. Boswell 9th: Home, 5:30/7:00 Thu JV: Away, 5:30/7:00 Thu Varsity: Home, 7:00 Fri

Volleyball October 3: vs. Boswell 9th: Home, 5:30/6:30 Fri JV: Home, 6:30 Fri Varsity: Home, 5:30 Fri

October 9-10: vs. Brewer (Homecoming) 9th: Home, 5:30/7:00 Thu JV: Away, 5:30/7:00 Thu Varsity: Home, 7:00 Fri

October 7: at Wichita Falls 9th: Away, 5:00 Tue JV: Away, 5:00 Tue Varsity: Away, 6:00 Tue

Tennis JV: Home, 4:15 Fri

October 3: vs. Northwest Varsity: Away, 4:00 Fri

the two games combining for 23 penalties for 213 yards. Atkinson knows that his players need to cut down on those mistakes.

“The ugliness is the penalties,” Atkinson said. “But I’ll say this: our penalties weren’t malicious.

They were effort driven. But we’ve got to learn from that.”

Penalties aside, this year’s team is making a new name for the program. Senior linebacker Kyle Panter, who transferred to Denton his sophomore year, is particularly amazed by the change.

“The last season before I came here, we were 1-9,” Panter said.

“To be 4-0 now – it feels awesome.”

With also undefeated Boswell coming Friday, Atkinson feels the time is right for a successful second half to the regular season.

“We’re charting a new territory, and we’re excited about it,” Atkinson said. “The kids are hungry, and they’re motivated, and they’re focused, and the coaching staff is motivated and focused.

It’s an exciting time.”

Great Scott Junior Xavier Scott (left) has been a force out of the backfield for the Broncos, racking up 810 yards (8.4 per carry) and 13 touchdowns over the first four games of the season. at Wilmer-Hutchins: 27 carries, 160 yards, 3 TD at Granbury: 34 carries, 294 yards, 5 TD vs. Carrollton Creekview: 18 carries, 211 yards, 2 TD vs. Chisholm Trail: 17 carries, 145 yards, 3 TD

(photo by Chandler Elsbecker)

14 / SPORTS

Subhead

Athletes cope with injuries Gabriella Webster Staff Writer

The blood, sweat, and tears many student athletes pour into their sport is a physical demonstration of the sacrifices they make every day. However, scars and bruises only represent the surface damage that accompanies sports related injuries. At closer look, the effects of sports related injuries are more than skin deep, and just like physical scars, the emotional scars can last a lifetime.

Head volleyball coach Danielle Kading knows the long-term effects of sports related injuries, as not only a dedicated coach but a lifetime player whose career was interrupted when complications with a shoulder injury took her out of the game her sophomore year in high school.

“At the time it was really tough and really hard because volleyball was my life and I had always dreamed of playing in college,” Kading said. “I was depressed when I wasn’t able to play volleyball anymore, so when

volleyball was taken out of my life because I physically could not play at a competitive level, I turned to other things to fill that void.”

Kading’s response to the absence of volleyball in her life is extremely common. According to a 2000 New York Times article, post-injury depression occurs in over 50 percent of student athletes with sports related injuries.

Volleyball coach Mary Wendell relates to struggling after giving up her sport due to numerous concussions.

“Once my career ended and I was done, I kind of became a bit of a mess for a while, because I didn’t have that structure I had built my life around,” Wendell said.

The life-altering effects of these injuries weren’t limited to physical and emotional.

“There are certain things I can and can’t do anymore because of the mental blocks,” Wendell said.

The effects of concussions include struggles with short and long term memory loss, facial recognition, depth perception,

reaction time and headaches.

“Concussions are pretty scary,” Kading said. “They’re probably the most terrifying sports injury I’ve ever experienced or seen happen, ‘cause it’s your brain.”

Senior Madi Palasota, a concussion victim and player on the varsity soccer team, agrees.

“The first time you have a concussion, you’re more likely to have a second concussion,” Palasota said. “After you have four, you’re done. You can’t play sports ever again, so it’s scary to know that once you have one, you’re more likely to have another one.”

Wendell ended her career after her fourth concussion as a college sophomore, two weeks before nationals.

“They take it very seriously in college, and they’re starting to in high school as well,” Wendell said.

Wendell and Kading serve as examples of the consciousness and awareness that high school coaches now have in regards to concussions and other sports related injuries.

“You see kids that just sac-

rifice everything,” Kading said.

“It’s just a lot of stress and a lot of impact put on your body, so we gotta make sure that we’re taking care of ourselves.”

With knowledge of the physical, emotional, and mental effects of such injures at hand, Wendell and Kading have structured their coaching technique to prevent injuries and their long term effects.

“We do a lot of rehab training,” Kading said. “We try and teach our girls to be proactive instead of reactive. Be proactive about taking care of ourselves rather than ‘now I hurt so now I have to do something.’”

Kading and Wendell admit to feeling the affects of their dedication to their sport years after ending their careers.

“I think as coaches as we get older and as former players, we start to realize that our injuries are pretty severe and they’ve affected my entire life,” Kading said. “I wouldn’t change playing for the world, but I would have taken care of myself better, which is what I try and teach our athletes.”

In addition to rehab training to prevent injuries, Wendell and Kading promote self-motivation to establish a healthy lifestyle for each individual, so that the athletes can maintain athleticism long after the end of their career.

Palasota, who tore her ACL, in addition to having suffered concussions, now takes protective measures with her knee, and regrets not taking care of herself sooner.

“We do a lot of exercises that strengthen our knees to prevent injuries now,” Palasota said. “I feel like if I would have done that before, that injury wouldn’t have happened.”

That proactive well-being extends to the whole student, not just during athletics.

“To me it’s not just right now,” Kading said. “I wanna train these athletes to be healthy. I wanna teach them how to take care of themselves. I wanna teach them how to eat right, how to design an exercise. And so when we run our workouts we encourage them and motivate them and get them to motivate each other and self motivate so that way when they do stop playing, they can still continue to workout.”

The goal is to help student athletes create and maintain that health, long after high school.

“That feels like something that will help our athletes in the long run in taking care of themselves,” Kading added.

Balancing the physical, emotional and mental health strengthens the athlete as a whole. Kading supports counseling to cope with the emotional distress that can accompany the emptiness of not playing, loss of scholarships, and possible ending of a career.

“I think counseling, hands down, is the best thing ever,” Kading said. “I think if it’s to the point it affects your life, counseling is just something you need to get you back on track. It doesn’t mean you’re crazy. It’s just something to figure out: ‘how do I cope, how do I survive now that something that I love is no longer there?’ Because a lot of people turn to other things like drugs and alcohol, and that’s not good.”

Kading’s solution to prevent-

ing depression after developing a sports related injury was clear.

“Find other things to fall in love with,” Kading said. “My whole life revolved around volleyball. Volleyball was my life, so I never fell in love with something else. Have other things to fall back on. I think that probably would have helped when I quit playing if I was actually good at something else.”

Kading reflects on the end of her volleyball career with a gracious heart.

“Coping with losing volleyball was kinda difficult,” Kading said.

“But now as I look back it was kinda God’s plan to put me into a coaching position and help me to help other girls not to have a sports related injury.”

Working through an injury now is senior Rowdy Clark, whose position as starting left tackle on the varsity football team was sacrificed when a cyst underneath his kneecap cracked, requiring a bone graft and six months out of the game he’s played for six years.

“It takes a pretty big affect on you, you know?” Clark said.

“You’re putting all these years in, your heart’s invested into it, and then all of a sudden, you get injured, and it’s taken away from you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

While missing the opportunity to play his senior year has been hard on him, Clark also exemplifies a gentle, appreciative attitude as he brings attention to

SPORTS / 15

Senior football player Rowdy Clark is given a standing ovation by his teammates as he approaches the microphone to speak during a pep rally. (photo and photo on 14 by Chandler Elsbecker) course—but, I mean, I’ve got all of the support,” Clark said.

“You’ve just gotta get over it easily, and support your team as much as you can.”

Clark has chosen to approach his situation with optimism and an open mind.

“You shouldn’t really spend a lot of time moping around about it or anything,” Clark said.

“It’sgonna hit you at first for sure. It hits you pretty hard. And then, after a while, you gotta realize you’re still there and you’ve still got everything and you’re lucky to still be around.”

Clark has only missed one practice since his surgery, for a doctor’s appointment.

“We try and teach our girls to be proactive instead of reactive,” volleyball head coach Danielle Kading said. his concrete support system: his teammates.

“I really wanna play this year—it’s my senior year, of

“You’re on the sideline and you feel like everything’s over, but it’s not over,” Clark said. “You’ve got everything in your life. You’ve

still got friends and family. You keep working on healing and trying to earn your scholarships, but if not, you’ve still got your teammates and you’ve still got life.”

Palasota attended every soccer practice and game for the 14 months she was out with her injury, maintaining her position as team captain.

“When you’re sitting out watching your team, it’s really frustrating you can’t be with them and you can’t help your team throughout the season,” Palasota said. “As far as how I coped with it, I didn’t really. Everyday it was a struggle to go watch my team play when I couldn’t.”

Her teammates served as a strong support system.

“Right after I had surgery, I had friends coming over almost every day,” Palasota said. “It’s good to know they’re there, and they care about you, and they support you.”

Regardless of treatments and rehab regimens, the support systems that sports bring are perhaps the best remedy.

“We’re working on becoming a family everyday,” Clark says about his Bronco football teammates. “As much as we’re around each other and we know about each other, we are a family, actually.”

While the scars of sports related injuries are more than skin deep, blood seems to run even deeper.

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