November 2010 Panther Prints by James Rich

PANTHER PRINTS November 19, 2010

DUNCANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

900 W. CAMP WISDOM

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DUNCANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL www.duncanvillepantherprints.org

DUNCANVILLE, TX 75116

VOLUME 43, ISSUE 2

Looking Inside

Gospel choir inspires congregations with song.

- Page 5

Silly Bandz taking over arms of teens in America.

- Page 7

Band takes third in State contest

Disney Band headed to Dallas for concert.

t 1 a.m in the morning Nov. 2, over 300 band members, 60 chaperons, eight charter buses, ten directors and countless other supporters of the Marching Band arrived in San Antonio. At 10 a.m., with a vast green field in front of them the band took center stage in front of five judges at the 2010 5A Marching Contest to perform their show “Every Time a Bell Rings…” They are welcomed into the Alamodome by thousands of spectators yelling their names and cheering as they march onto the field for their performance in the preliminary round of the contest. “The show is amazing,” senior Elise Villareal said. “We’ve all worked really hard and it’s all been worth it just to be here at this contest.” This is the 32nd year that the band has advanced to the state level of competition and this time finished third out of the 36 bands present. The band also came home with an experience that other bands across Texas dream of. Members of the band don’t take their experience at the contest for granted and feel blessed to have the opportunity to perform at the state contest.

- Page 11

Panthers claim first Bi-district title in six years.

>> See full story PAGE 8

- Page 15 Jazmyn Dixson photo

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>> Opinion

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

Filter software blocking educational websites

tudents hear every day about the threat of sex, drugs, violence and profanity on the Internet. But we would have never thought sites such as our own newspaper website would be blocked because it contains mature content and lingerie. Not that it really does the filtering system just decided that for some reason. Other news sites are also blocked because they are tagged as blogging sites by the new software Network Composer. The filter is a problem for educators and students who just want to use the internet for learning purposes. According to the Director of Technology Vicki Smith, it is not a matter of trying to keep students from learning but it is a problem with tweeking the content filter to work better with the Macintosh labs on our campus. She says that they are working on a solution to try and authenticate the mac labs to help with the filtering system problems. In the meantime we will continue to have problems with getting a message code that says the site has been blocked and needs administrator approval to unblock. Let’s face it, students are going to get the information one way or another. Especially when they are growing up in a technology driven era. Keep this in mind, Restricted sites though that school filters will be absolutely useless before too long because as cell phones become more causing problems advanced and more prevalent they’ll rival any internetenabled computer. This could even being used as an education tool in districts like Burleson who recently approved a cell phone use policy for educational purposes. Filtering and blocking only serve to produce distrust among students. Although not all students are honest, some of them just want to look at sites that help them advance their knowledge. When they go to open a site it disrupts the learning process when they have to see the teacher and get a simple site unblocked just because it was created with blogging software. Let’s be real here, most everything created on the internet today is using a blogging site because that is what is popular with readers and writers. If one were to research they could find many articles about how educators over the

Staff Editorial

• • • •

Homework over the break Out of dress code jackets Pulling fire alarms Skipping class

Pant her Print s

I Want You to Send Your Opinion

Complete the form @ www.duncanvillepantherprints.org Or @ jarich@duncanvilleisd.org

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last few years have integrated Web 2.0 and social media into their teaching. For these pioneers, filtering and blocking has produced not merely an inconvenience to technological integration, but a block to teaching and learning. Most of these educators are teaching their students how to use the internet responsibly instead of blocking the very use of such a great tool. It is understood that schools are going to use some type of blocking system but why not just block the sites with sexual content and somehow make sure that those sites that are blocked really contain what the blocking software says they contain. Students and educators just want to be able to use the internet as the powerful tool it was created to be and not be blocked from sites that are more educational content than the filter suggest.

• Varsity football team going to Cowboys Stadium for playoffs • Thanksgiving Break • Basketball season starting • Band placing third at State

anther Prints, the official student newspaper for Duncanville High School, is published monthly during the school term: Oct. 22, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Feb. 5, March12, April 23, May 26. All signed editorial content is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of other staff members, the adviser, or the administration. Unsigned editorials are the opinion of the staff. Letters to the editor will be accepted on a timely basis. All letters must be submitted in person in room I117. Letters may be edited for length or libelous content. Panther Prints accepts paid advertisements at the rate of $5 per column inch. Ad deadline is 10 days prior to publication. Associations: Interscholastic League Press Conference, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll. Phone: (972) 708-3878 FAX: (972) 708-3875 www.duncanvillepantherprints.org

Editor-in-Chief: Tatiana Marceleno Managing Editor: Lindsay Graf-Juarez News Editor: Taylor Harris & Tijhan Anderson Features Editor: Allie Peregory Sports Editors: Julio Munoz & John Davila Entertainment Editor: Juan Mercado Multimedia Editor: Mimi Kang Photo Editors: Keria Jinks & Ana Monzon Staff Writers: Star Poindextor, Jamia Brooks, Arielle Hackney, Cassidy Doyle Photographers: Esther Padgett, Victoria Sanchez, Javante’ Shanks, Aubrey Blake, Erika Torres, Chloe Knowling, Jazmyn Dixson Graphic Designers: Heather Butler, Thoa Mlo

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Meet the

Staff

Adviser James Rich

Principal Mike Chrietzberg

PANTHER PRINTS || November 19, 2010

Opinion <<

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What is your favorite thing to do for Thanksgiving?

I enjoy Thanksgiving because I get to see my grandmothers who I only get to see during the holidays. ----Miles Malone, 9

I enjoy spending time with family and giving thanks for everything I have. ----Carlos Ramirez, 10

I enjoy being with my family who lives in Louisiana and eating wonderful dinner. ----Malcom Mckenney, 11

I enjoy cherishing our family and giving thanks for the people we love. ----Alexandria Traylor, 12

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News

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

Yearbook staff offers personalized pages BY Lindsay Graf-Juarez | Managing Editor

nnovation, creation, and customization are available for students who participate in buying this year’s Panther Tale yearbook as they will now have the opportunity to add their own personal pages to their book. “People have to remember that the yearbook really isn’t for right now. It’s for ten, fifteen, twenty years from now,” yearbook advisor Mary Pulliam said. “When you’re in school you think ‘Oh I remember everybody, I remember the scores of that game’ but you don’t remember it, even, really, when the book comes out.” This year students will be able to keep all of their special memories as the yearbook team introduces “Personal Pages,” where students can design four pages of their own in the yearbook for an additional $15. “Our book is probably the least expensive book, of its size and quality, in the nation,” Pulliam said. “There are schools where it is over $100 each. For $55 you’re not going to find a better price for the size. Even junior high books are approaching that price, and they’re maybe 80 pages, and ours is 300 pages plus.” Students are now able to add on to the amount of pages by registering at www.yearbookyourself.com. There is no cost for signing up and having fun with the pages. When students order the yearbook, the pages can be added to their book if they complete them by April 18 to complete them, giving you plenty of time to include those Spring

memories as well. Students can also invite friends to add photos to their pages. They also have the option of placing photos from flikr, facebook and other photo sharing sites on their pages. “It’s cool that now we’re able to make the yearbook more of our own,” junior Austin Blevins said, “Plus, it makes the yearbook more interesting now that you can say you designed pages in it.” The website, hosted by Jostens, allows students the option of browsing through pre-made layouts, backgrounds, photo boxes and “stickers” yet there is still an option to personalize everything. Students can even make their own photo a background on a page. “It’s so awesome that we have the opportunity to put ourselves and friends in the yearbook,” senior Abiel Sifuentes said. “We can customize the pages the way we want to and now we have that chance to put that creation in our yearbook.” By registering for their personal yearbook pages students can keep their personal memories of family, friends and teachers for many years to come. “Things change. People move, people change, get new interests, but you will have one tie there, Duncanville High School.” Mrs. Pulliam said, “I had taken tons of pictures with my friends, we had a Polaroid camera, I took tons of pictures of my friends at parties and all kinds of stuff as a kid. I don’t have a clue where any of that stuff is now, but I have my four yearbooks.”

Personal Touch This year, students can add four personalized pages to their yearbook. The option is available by going to http://www. yearbookyouself.com.

19 Playoff game Round 2 vs. Coppell @ Cowboy Stadium 8 p.m.

“Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will” Double Feature in Performance Hall

Thanksgiving Holiday..... NO SCHOOL 28

Picture retakes for seniors and underclass in East Cafeteria/West Seminar Room

Swim meet vs. Cedar Hill @ home Boys Basketball @ home

Swim meet vs. Martin/ Sam Houston @ home

Girls basketball vs. Cedar Hill @ home

Girls basketball vs. Holiday Play in Audi- Cedar Hill @ home torium

PANTHER PRINTS || November 19, 2010

Features <<

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R I O H C L E P S GO

Group shares positive message with others BY Allie Peregory | Features Editors

f you walk into the Orchestra room Monday after school, you will hear rich harmonies and strong voices. These voices make up a group of diverse

students that use their talents every week to praise God and share their faith by singing in the student led Gospel Choir. “My goal is to minister to someone and to bring people to Christ,” student leader junior Cedric Jackson

“I would love to have a concert this year,” junior Brittany Walker said The gospel choir doesn’t have an adult director. Adults are at rehearsals for supervision. However, the choir is completely led by Jackson who loves his role as

the choir’s leader. “I was trying to find a place in life,” Jackson said, “and music was calming and something I enjoyed.” And so the gospel choir was born, bringing with it a group of diverse students all committed to the same goal

At their first meeting there were nearly 20 people present. Jackson admits however that only those who love what they do will stick around. “We start out with a big group,” Jackson said “but only the people that are committed and that really have a passion will stay.”

The gospel choir is looked at as a sort of sanctuary for some students. However others just enjoy sharing their faith with others. “I like the idea of getting to worship God at school,” junior Ashanti Cox said. The gospel choir gives students the opportunity to use

said. “That’s why I started the gospel choir.” Jackson started the gospel choir last year, and had a total of twelve people at the end of the year. This year he is optimistic that the choir will be bigger. Jackson is even hoping to have a concert for the student body this year.

worshiping God with their voices. “I like how it isn’t a specific group of people,” senior Ki’shara Fisher said. “There isn’t any discrimination due to talent.”

their talents no matter what their level of understanding music may be. “Come join!” Fisher said. “It’s different from other choirs, and it’s a lot of fun.”

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Features

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

Martin Schroter

oming from the fourth largest city of the Swedish nation isn’t too big of a matter for junior foreign exchange student Chris Vikinge who admits he is settling into American life quite well. “I travel a lot from Berlin, France, Norway and Finland,” Vikinge said. “This is however my first time in the U.S. and the first place I visited was New York for orientation camp,” states Vikinge. Most foreign exchange students are seeking education and looking for life-changing experiences, but for Vikinge, it’s all just a vacation. “This experience is just me being me,” Vikinge said. With parents, two younger siblings and a feline companion named Vilma back home, Vikinge feels like this is all a break from his life back home. “I have to admit though I dearly miss my cat back home,” Vikinge said. From grades six through nine, Vikinge attended an English school in Sweden where he learned other languages such as Norwegian, Italian and German, along with being able to speak Swedish fluently. “Now I’m working on my Spanish with help from the house maid here in America and Alex, another foreign exchange student he lives with,” Vikinge said.

Fo r e i gn Ex l o o h ch Sc

D u n c an v i

den St u

ll e H i

Chris Vikinge

Hometown: Linkoping, Sweden Age: 17 (18 in December!) Grade: Junior

Hometown: Vejby “Roadtown”, Denmark Age: 16 Grade: Senior f all the things to miss about home, Senior foreign exchange student Martin Schroter declares his longing for Danish licorice. Although, being from such a small town like Vejby “Roadtown”, Denmark there isn’t much to long for. “Most people don’t even know where Denmark is so they just think I’m from Dutchland. I don’t know why they assume I’m from these random places,” Schroter jokes. But despite wrong presumptions, Schroter is enjoying himself here in the States. Being active with the swim team, Media Tech, theater arts production, and attending many of the school football games keeps him busy for the most part. “I even played guitar for the See You @ The Pole gathering,” Schroter explains as he expresses a great interest in rock music. Some of his favorite artists are Jack White and Patrick Vaughn Stump. Here in America, he agrees to gaining much rock music experience. He only wishes however to drop in at an American party similar to the ones portrayed in typical American movies. “You know like a house party!,” Martin said. Though this remains among all of the tasks of his todo list, Schroter still leaves time open to chat with his parents once every month, and can’t wait to receive his package of sweet, Danish licorice in the mail.

Student share their experiences with U.S. culture BY Jamia Brooks | Staff Writer

Emmanuella Nwokonka

t’s only the second six weeks and junior foreign exchange student, Mona Orschmann finds herself busy wit various organizations such as yearbook, dance, German club, and multicultural society. Most recently she attended Oktoberfest with the German Club. “It’s a big event in Munich, the biggest festival in whole Europe where people normally drink beer and have fun, but with German Club it was just to have fun,” Mona said of her American experience with the event. Like many of the others, Orschmann arrived in America during late August and is quickly adjusting to everything. She still leaves time open through all the commotion to keep in contact with loveones back home though. “I talk to my family and friends once a week, not much because of the time difference, it’s difficult,” Orchmann said. Despite being away from friends and family, Orschmann says that all the people she has encountered have been friendly, “This is all like in a movie, just like in a typical American movie!,” Orchmann said.

Hometown: Dublin, Ireland Age: 17 Grade: Senior

Mona Orschmann

Hometown: Berlin, Germany Age: 16 Grade: Junior

s a last year high school student in a totally different country, a typical A m e r i c a n teenager would be ready to lose their minds, but not senior foreign exchange student Emmanuella Nwokonko. “It’s a challenge, adventure. It’s exciting!,” Nwokonko said about her experience so far. Her family recently moved here in the last four months, and she has often been mistaken for a teacher or an over-age student. “Someone asked me if I was 23-years-old. I told them no, I’m a student in high school!,” laughs Nwokonko. She says that the other common mistake is when people try to guess what country she is from. “Others have thought that I’m Canadian, people are really funny,” Nwokonko said. But she doesn’t let things like this worry her. She’s making sure everyone knows her as she is becoming a part of student council and guitar club in which she says she has enjoyed connecting with new people and making friends. “I feel really comfortable and 100 percent happy! Back home everybody keeps to themselves, but here [in America] people go out of their way to make you happy,” Nwokonko said. She has especially enjoyed meeting such a variety of people, since she herself is a diverse medley of culture. Coming from an Irish family of African descent, Emma is inspired by an assortment of things such as music, debate and philosophy. “Everyone’s experience is my philosophy. The most random people inspire me and don’t even realize it,” Nwokonko said. With much philosophical knowledge and hard work, Emma hopes to possibly attend NYU or medical school. As most seniors, she is still undecided, but has no doubt that she will go far with her new life in America.

Features <<

PANTHER PRINTS || November 19, 2010

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Bandz

Si l l yPopular fad taking over arms

Banded up Students at DHS have jumped on the band wagon and are buying bands of all kinds to wear to school on a daily basis. They never take them off. (Chloe Knowling/Allie Peregory Photos)

of students around country

BY Taylor Harris | News Editor

iggiling it’s way onto wrist around the world are Silly Bands. Just like skinny jeans, Uggs and Myspace, Silly Bands are becoming another teen trend for the 21st century. Celebrities such as Mary Kate Olsen and Sarah Jessica Parker have been seen sporting silly band bracelets at red carpet events this year. Even Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa have worn them on their show. The trend has made its way from the red carpet and the schools as well. “I started with about four of them now I have like 18 different kinds,” sophomore Shaklavian Jones said. The variety of the bandz may also be the reason for their popularity. Silly bands even has its own Facebook page. Grocery Stores, gas stations, and clothing stores are selling a 24 pack of fashion bracelets for $5.00. From cute pets and wild animals, to big and small letters spelling out your name, to your favorite cartoon characters, there is a silly bandz for anything. “You never know what someone has on their arm,” senior Emily Villareal said. “So it’s a fun way for people to interact with other people.” As with any other fad or trend, there are hazards and warnings to those who choose to be participate. There are students at the high school that have their arm covered in silly bands and other bands as well. “If left on for a really long time, and the bands were tight enough, it could begin to compromise the arterial blood supply going into the limb,” Dr. Gregory Simonian told Fox 4 in a May 26 report. “Whether it is tight bracelets or a ring on your finger, anything that is constricting could cause the blood flow to be altered by an external force.” School districts such as McKinney have banned the bandz in elementary. Duncanville has yet to do so, but cell phones weren’t banned ten years ago when they first became widespread. “I really don’t see a good reason to ban the Silly Bandz,” junior Joel Gullet said. “Sure the little kids play with them in class and sometimes put too many on, but us older students should have better sense than that.”

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IN-

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

Marching band finishes season with br Will Pitts, it was a completely new opportunity. He hasn’t had previous BY Allie Peregory | Features Editor experiences at the state contest like the other directors. t 1 a.m in the morning Nov. 2, over 300 band members, 60 chaper“That was my first experience in Duncanville at a state marching ons, eight charter buses, ten directors and countless other supporters contest so I do not really have anything to compare it to,” Pitts said. of the Marching Band arrived in San Antonio. At 10 a.m., with a “But I felt like we were extremely prepared for this contest.” vast green field in front of them, the band took center stage in front of five Members of the band went into judges at the 2010 5A Marching Contest to perform their show the performance remembering “Every Time a Bell Rings…” They were welcomed into the AlI almost passed out waiting on the the countless hours they put in to amodome by thousands of spectators yelling their names and results of the preliminaries. It was make it to this level of competicheering as they march onto the field for their performance in some really intense moments tion. the preliminary round of the contest. ---- Lauren Effiom, “At first with all the nerves “The show is amazing,” senior Elise Villareal said. “We’ve all Sophomore it was hard to focus. Then the worked really hard and it’s all been worth it just to be here at adrenaline started rushing this contest.” through me because I wanted This is the 32nd year that the band has advanced to the state level of com- to win,” sophomore Elena Elliott said, “I was more focused petition and this time finished third out of the 36 bands present. The band than I had ever been because I was doing something I had also came home with an experience that other bands across Texas dream of. worked really hard to achieve.” Members of the band don’t take their experience at the contest for granted After a short rehearsal the band returned to the Aland feel blessed to have the opportunity to perform at the state contest. amodome to watch other “I think we’re very lucky to be part of such a wonderful bands perform and band program that excels in marching and concert playing,” wait for the results Even if we didn’t medal I honestly felt junior Eric Ludwig said. “It’s been proven over the years and from the prelimilike Area competition demonstrated that it was proven again this year.” nary competition the band got everything I wanted them to The underclassmen in the band had never experienced which came in afget out of this year. a State Marching Band Contest. The acoustics and turf in ter 5 p.m. ---- David Brandon, Assistant Director the Alamodome are different than that of Panther Stadium, “I almost where they are more acpassed out waiting for the results,” sophomore customed to playing in. Despite Lauren Effiom said. ”It was some really intense moments.” these differences the underclassmen Clenching each other’s hands and waiting for the final verdict, the stutried to stay focused. dents were overcome with anxiety. Hearing name after name called, none “I watched the drum majors a of which being Duncanville, the students held tighter to each other. After lot more and tried harder to keep waiting through the announcements of every other band to advance to ficount better than I usually do,” nals the marching band was the last band to sophomore Alan Becerra said. be called to advance to finals. With hugs This wasn’t a new and some tears of experience for only the celebration, the underclassmen of the Band felt reband. Every experilieved they ence at the contest were one of is different, but the top ten for direcbands in the tor State of Tex-

Congratulations New Head Band Director(left) receives a congratulatory high five from assistant director David Brandon(middle) as former band director Tom Shine looks on. (Keria Jinks Photo)

And it’s kids. That’s The band r contest. The d performanc forward to “I felt v because w rector Jeff nal show.” After learn had time to rest and eat in the ch next performance. Members of t fident going into finals. “We were a more close knit g ”We had a lot more confidence

-DEPTH

PANTHER PRINTS || November 19, 2010

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ronze medal at State

as finishing fifth in the prelims. “I was extremely relieved when they finally announced us as finalists. Waiting to hear the results felt like forever,” sophomore soloist David Daniels said. “I was happy that we were going to preform in finals, especially since we were the last band to perform.” The directors knew the results from the preliminary contest before the students. They made the decision not to inform the students of the results and to enjoy the students’ reactions to their placement in the marching finals. “There are benefits and negatives in telling the kids the results. We all talked and decided that it really wasn’t important to tell the kids,” Brandon said, “The main goal of prelims is to get the top ten. great to see the reaction on the faces of the the reason I do this job.” received the last performance time of the directors of the band were pleased with the ce time that the band got and were looking o the advantages of playing last. very good. Going last is the best place to be we will be the last thing everyone hears,” diKing said. ”I was very excited about our fi-

ning of their advancement to finals, the band harter buses at the Alamodome before their the band said they felt comfortable and con-

group this time,” junior Nick Nickerson said. in ourselves and in our band than the last

year we went to the finals.” The directors weren’t stressed going into finals, claiming they were prepared and the band had already achieved their goals for the season. “All my goals were met before we even went down to San Antonio. This group really demonstrated the work ethic in order to create a product that is of that quality,” Brandon said, “Even if we didn’t medal I honestly felt like Area competition demonstrated that the band got everything I wanted them to get out of this year. ” After their finals performance, members of the band came off the field with tear streaked faces and smiles spread wide across their face. Some students got in a line to embrace Brandon to thank him for his work and dedication to help make them the best they could possibly be. “That’s the reason I do all of this,” Brandon said, “There’s nothing more satisfying.” The band went straight This whole experience was bitoff the feild from their pertersweet. Looking back at how hard formance into the stands to we’ve worked and seeing how the hear results from the finals show impacts the audience is more performance. Although satisfying than getting a first place the band did not win the vote from the judge. contest, members of the ---- Liz Kenworthy, Band President band were happy with their 3rd place finish and so were the directors. “I shot up in the air. I was just elated. There were probably ten to fifteen bands there that could have been in finals, and out of those there could have been five or six that could have been in the top three. To finish third in that competitive of a field is just a huge accomplishment,” Brandon said, “I’ve been there when our name hasn’t been called and it’s not fun knowing how much work you put in. But to hear your name called in recognition of all the work you’ve done is just great.” Members of the band took more from their experience at state than getting a gold medal. Although the band placed third, members are satisfied with their results. Seniors of the band were sad to be done marching, but happy they ended with a good experience. “This whole experience was bittersweet. Marching band has been my life for the past four years and this was a good way to end it. Looking back at how hard we’ve worked and seeing how the show impacts the audience is more satisfying than getting a first place vote from a judge,” band president Liz Kenworthy said. “That’s just one person, when we see our parents, and even people we don’t know, and parents from other bands in tears from our performance that’s better than any judge’s comments, or any rankings, or any first place medal. This year’s show was something else.”

1. Headed to finals Freshman Daniel Barrios, Rocky Pena and others celebrate the bands advancing to the final round of competition as the fifth place band. 2. Kodak moment Freshman Jazmin Yuen is given her medal during the Cedar Hill football game halftime. All of the band members received a bronze medal for their performance at State. 3. Solo part Sophomore David Daniels plays a solo part in the bands show this year during the preliminary round of the State Marching contest. 4. Lining up Senior Zack Villereal lines up in the front of his row of trumpets as the band takes the field at an early morning practice. 5. Exhausted Sophomore Kirsten Lamen and Derron Hollingsworth take a break in between practice times. (Photos by Erika Torres & Keria Jinks)

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>> Entertainment

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

James to play special concert after winning 92.5 FM contest BY Allie Peregory | Features Editor

noisy arena surrounds senior Kevin James. Students ready for the Duncanville vs. Cedar Hill football pep rally are getting excited for the evening’s proceedings. But sitting on a small stool on the basketball court, behind a drum set, gripping drumsticks in both of his hands, James is ready to perform. “Kevin had talked down about his skill level and he said he needed to work on some stuff. But when I first heard him play, he could just flat out drum,” Guitar Club sponsor John Tahaney said. James recently won radio station 92.5 KZPS’s contest for an opportunity to play in concert with Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeplins drummer John Bonham. He will now be able to not only attend a special concert in Dallas with the drummer, but will also receive a private lesson with him as well. James is excited for his private lesson and is looking forward to this once in a lifetime experience. “I don’t really get nervous about many things,” James said. “I think that first time nervousness went away the first time I hit my beginner bell kit in 6th grade. I’m just really excited to be playing with Jason Bonham in concert .” James plays the drums for his church’s contemporary worship service. He enjoys worshiping through drumming. “I usually play by what I feel. I just let it go and what comes out, comes out,” James said. James drums for the guitar club and also is a member of the golf team. Although both of these hobbies may seem different, he has found similarities between them. “I sat down and thought about how I golf and how I drum, and I realized the only thing in common is the feeling, “ James said. “When you hit a golf ball just right your whole body feels it. It just feels great. When I hit a drum just right it feels the same, just great.” James has his own style of drumming, but plays alot of different genres of music. His favorite, however, is music by Led Zepplin and Red Hot Chili Peppers. “He’s willing to play anything,” sophomore and fellow drummer Jayden Fitzpatrick said. “He’s up for anything anyone wants to play.” This contest brings new experiences to James. Although James is accomplished in his drumming, he has never been trained by a professional. “I’ve never had a lesson. This will be my first lesson,” James said. “You could call it self-taught, but I consider my talent a gift from God, a blessing, and all glory goes to Him. I’m using my talent for fun and to worship Him. So it’s great.”

Drummer Kevin James will be playing with the son of Legendary drummer John Bonham from Led Zeplin next week in Dallas. He was the winner of radio station 92.5 KZPS’s contest. (Keria Jinks photos)

Entertainment <<

PANTHER PRINTS || November 19, 2010

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Duncanville

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‘Suddenly Yours’ album DR. DRE STUDIO PROS>> By Lindsay Graf-J uarez The Dr. Dre’s Pros are something amazing, definitely outranking the beats of the past and adding more noise-cancellation and comfort than before. [more]

Allstar Line-up (Left to right) Michael Martinez-Drums, Zachary Porter-Lead Singer, Cameron Quiseng-Bass, and Nathan Darmody-Guitar, Backup Singer

BRIGHT RELEASE >> By Ariel Hackney The Japanese girl group, Bright has released their third studio 2-disc album aptly titled, “In Harmony.” This album is a very peaceful and dreamlike with the climax of strings, harp and piano [more]

‘A DAY TO REMEMBER’ >> By J uan Mercado It’s been a quick turn arond for Florida Based band, “A Day to Remember. Their last album, “Homesick” was released in February of 2009. The album sold over 21,000 copies and not their back again.[more] Want more?

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Disney band rising to top of teen listeners’ music lists BY Cassidy Doyle | Staff Writer/Photographer

“S

uddenly yours” is the debut album of the freshly famous boy-band Allstar Weekend. These guys are pretty young and are sometimes compared to the Jonas Brothers, but baby they’ve got talent! Lead singer Zachary Porter has an amazing melodic voice that makes all the girls swoon. Not-to-mention the band sings mostly songs about, you guessed it, LOVE! Ah the one and only thing on the minds of teenage girls 24/7. No wonder they’re such a hit. The biggest song on the album is “Come Down With Love” and it’s really adorable. The song has moments with a bit of a techno beat, but also has some total rock out moments that really balance it out. Over all it’s pretty good, easy to memorize lyrics make it an instant classic to the band, it will probably be one of their most memorable songs. You can go watch the video on the band’s web site www.allstarweekendrocks.com. My favorite song on the entire album is “Hey Princess”. It features mostly keyboard and drums as the backbone to this fun song, but it also has some great guitar

pieces in Concert Quick Facts there that really give Show Date: December 14th it that final Location: The Door in Dallas U M P H ! Ticket Prices: $15 of a great song. There’s something about Allstar Weekend’s music just makes you want to jump up and “Dance Forever”. Maybe that’s why that song is the second most popular on the album? It’s got the perfect jump around and dance beat that keeps your head bobbing the entire time it’s playing. The drums on this track could make your heart melt just listening to them they’re that intense it’s amazing. One of the greatest things you can say about Allstar Weekend, is that they’re a band that’s directed at the high school age group, AND they’re not inappropriate, they DON’T promote drugs, nor do they talk about sex in every song like most bands. They’re a great break from all the mainstream bands that ONLY sing about sex, money, drugs, and beer. Not-to-mention, they actually sound good and they are people to look up to. Another major plus to the guys, your parent’s might actually let you go to one of their concerts because the people there aren’t going to be drug dealers, they’ll be teenagers just like you.

I give this Album

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>> Entertainment

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

3 5

11. Dinner party Elected officals join Thompson. 2. Lucky day Portrain of ‘Lucky’ Thompson 3. Dark Ally Henchmen conspire to bust Thompson. 4. Friendly Flappers A night out on Thompson’s dime 5. Speech! Thompson gives speech for the people. (MCT campus photos)

‘Boardwalk Empire’ joins top ranks of television dramas BY Juan Mercado | Entertainment Editor

‘B

oardwalk Empire’ is a welcome addition to the roster of top-notch television dramas, not just because every person involved (including Martin Scorsese, who directed the pilot) has done a magnificent job of making the 1920s relevant and compelling. Frankly, this complex and entertaining show is the kind of things that the networks -- cable and broadcast -- just don’t make anymore: It’s a grand, handsome saga about a whole slice of society, from shop clerks and showgirls to fixers and Feds.

In a TV world increasingly filled with cookie-cutter dramas filmed on the cheap, there’s no other televison series that comes to mind of any other network that would commission a series with this kind of historical scope and then spend the money to make that world come to life. HBO subscribers will be getting their money’s worth with this one. Of course, ‘Boardwalk Empire’ wisely doesn’t try to tell the entire story of America as it transitions into the modern age, but it breaks off a significant chunk of that tale and examines various changes through characters that manage to be both symbolic and specific.

And though I’m an enormous fan of ‘Mad Men,’ -which, like ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ is the work of a former ‘Sopranos’ writer -- the new HBO show is not as enigmatic and elliptical as the AMC program can be, nor is it as distancing as the fine ‘Breaking Bad’ or as brain-melting as the much-loved Lost.’ ‘Boardwalk Empire’ is a classically told, unrepentantly linear tale about a man (and a nation) dealing with unintended consequences. For viewers who love history retold in uts purest form, they won’t be leaving Atlantic City anytime soon.

I give this movie

‘Skyline’ epic failure of a monster movie BY Juan Mercado | Entertainment Editor

“T

his can’t go on forever,” one of a handful of survivors of an alien invasion reasons about a half hour into “Skyline.” And so it doesn’t. Only about 92 minutes, as it turns out. I would say this latest venture from the “Brother Strause” is mercifully short. But mercy or pity doesn’t figure in the ambitions of the siblings who shared credit (blame?) for “Alien vs. Predator - Requiem. A bunch of attractive 20 something party all night and wake up to an unearthly light. Vaporish fireballs fall all over Los Angeles. And then people sucked skyward into beast-ships where, we can assume, they’re dinner guests -- the main course.

The wrinkle here is, you look into the light, you’re drawn to it. The survivors of those first abductions bicker over whether to hunker down or make a break for it. Time passes through time-lapse photography as they hide out. They watch a lot of what transpires through a spotting scope through the windows of the character’s penthouse. That’s indicative of why “Skyline” is an epic fail of a monster movie. There’s no urgency, no close-contact immediacy to it. The group stars as a sextet, shrinks to a quartet, adds a couple of people, loses a couple more. And we don’t care for an instant about any of them, don’t identify with them and don’t try to reason their way out of this hopeless mess with them. The characters, like the viewer,

are simply bystanders -- observers of special effects battle between stealth fighter bombers and Predator drones as well as alien squid ships and their offspring. Thus, “Skyline” plays like an effects guru’s resume reel, not a movie.

I give this movie

Entertainment <<

PANTHER PRINTS || November 19, 2010

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‘Daddy’s Dyin’ Whose Got the Will’ The Theatre department will be performing their play for the last times tonight at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 2:30. Tickets are $5 for all showings. Sp;ecial Performance Kid Cudi (right) makes a special appearance with Kayne West singing the early release of “Erase Me” (MCT campus photos)

Kid Cudi introduces releases new album You have

the talent. We have

the information.

PLAN AHEAD FOR COLLEGE.

CMY

Sears Holdings Corporation (SHC) celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by introducing the PRIMERO Hispanic Heritage bilingual social network site for students and parents. Visit www.shcprimerobeca.com and receive helpful tips via blogs from current college students and learn how to plan, apply, fund, and the value of education. Encourage your parents to visit the site with you, it will help them understand what the college process is all about and how they can help you. Giving back to the communities where SHC lives, works and does business is important to us. SHC’s Sears and Kmart stores are dedicated in supporting the continued growth and development of its Hispanic neighbors, employees and customers. For more information on Sears and Kmart, visit www.sears.com or www.kmart.com.

BY Lindsay Graf-Juarez | Managing Editor

“M

an on the Moon Volume Two: The Legend of Mr. Rager,” is truly a masterpiece that brings you back to times of Woodstock and Jimmy Hendrix with a mix of modern beats that keep the entire album fresh and original. Finally released \Nov. 9, it’s time to reopen the imagination of Kid Cudi by plugging into his music. From the early release of the single, “Erase Me” featuring Kanye West, and the music video that then proceeded, it wasn’t hard to see that the album would be laid back and reminiscent of what some would call, “the good old days.” Kid Cudi introduces in his new album something that hasn’t been seen in a long time without being completely manufactured by a computer… talent. As in “Erase Me,” Kid Cudi isn’t afraid to use guitars, drums and other instruments that would otherwise have little association to rap. Kid Cudi introduces a sort of progressive hip-hop that hasn’t been seen in the public eye. His albums are like listening to rap mix tapes. They weren’t made to please the masses; they were made to provide purpose and to allow creative freedom. Kid Cudi isn’t representing a label, and isn’t being forced into conformity. His song, “We Aite (Wake Your Mind Up)” is really what his album does. He allows you to open up your imagination. In fact, Kid Cudi is doing what artists should do, allowing people to see into his soul through the power of music. The hypnotic techno beat in “Scott Mescudi vs. The World” featuring Cee-Lo Green is just part of what makes Kid Cudi’s music unique. The feel of the song is reminiscent to “Memories” a single released by him and David Guetta. With the added talents of Ceelo Green, “Scott Mescudi vs. The World” the progression of the song leads right into several others, like “Marijuana” which opens with a strong piano and fast paced computerized back beat. In fact, Kid Cudi seems to be bringing old school back to the table, as his song “Maniac” featuring Cage & St. Vincent is similar to the Beatles and their later more experimental album, “The White Album,” seeing as the drawn ghost like sound of Cudi’s voice as he says “Maniac” is like John Lennon’s voice in the song, “Number Nine.” Yet songs like “Trapped in My Mind” mix several different elements together to create a highly original sound. Each song featured on the album is a classic, bringing something new and rather “chill” to the table. The deluxe edition of the album contains 17 tracks, 1 music video, 1 short document, and a digital booklet for $15.99.

I give this cd

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>> Sports

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

Memories of Jackson-Houston live on after tragic accident Of course, there are things that his father and coach, Mr. Houston, will miss from his son too. “I remember after every huddle he would look s the 2010 Panther basketball season begins, up to be in the stands, point to me, and then point to players line their lockers with jerseys and per- God before he got back in the game.” Houston said. sonal items. Among the clusters of lockers, From Houston’s point of view, there’s not much there’s one that stands out from the rest. It’s built of a void to fill as far as basketball aspects, but rather just like every other locker and has a letterman’s in another aspect. jacket proudly hanging up with the number 11 on “I was coaching before Deion was born, God it. Setting it apart from the rest are the articles and gave me that passion.” Mr. Houston said. “I will conpictures posted all around it. However, what makes tinue to coach, but the void is filling in that fatherthis locker so special is not the decorations, it is son aspect.” the deceased player it belonged to, Deion JacksonThose affected by Deion’s death weren’t just his Houston. coaches and teammates. On July 5, students, teach“I came up with the idea of decorating his locker ers, parents, and those in the at the beginning of the seacommunity came to a special son because I wanted us to Deion was a soldier. If there candle light ceremony held have something to rememin front of Sandra Meadows was one thing he taught me it ber him by,” senior CamerArena, where he was schedwas to keep on and play hard on Lenzy said. “So I asked uled to play a tournament the Coach, then I took pieces every game. same weekend. The event was of the obituary apart and planned by Deion’s close friend ---- Sean Evans, Senior put them up.” from South Grand Prairie, J.R. A teammate, student-athlete, son and cherished Wildly. loved one, Deion was struck by a train while re“I really organized this for all of us who knew turning to his extended family’s home July 3, 2010 Deion to be here so we could be with one another in Duncan, Oklahoma. He was later flown to OU after his death,” Wildy said. Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with Wildy created the Facebook page titled “Rest in his father Stacy Houston who stayed by his side. De- peace DEION JACKSON-HOUSTON” to get the ion never regained conscienceness from the crash word out about the event. The page quickly gained and died shortly after 11 p.m. Mr. Houston still re- over 2,000 fans prior to the candlelight and is still mebers the event like it was yesterday. receiving comments today. With the impact of “We just thought it was the plane shaking, but I Deion’s life heavy on their heart, individuals in the grabbed his hand and started talking to him and he crowd took turns speaking about their experiences squeezed it real tight for a couple of seconds and I as his friend. just continued to hold his hand,” Mr. Houston said. “Deion was a soldier. If there was one thing he “I told my wife later that I think he was telling me taught me, it was to keep on and play hard every goodbye at that point.” game,” senior basketball player Sean Evans said. When news of his death hit home, the boys “Duncanville Boys Basketball, if you all don’t do it basketball team had to cope with one of their own for yourselves do it for Deion.” teammate’s tragic death. Tony Jones, a family friend of Deion’s also had an “I was devastated when I heard the news, and it’s encouraging message for the students in the crowd still hard dealing with it now,” junior Keric Wynn during the candlelight service. said. “Even though he was one of the younger play“My challenge to you all is to make sure that you ers, he still got along with everybody, and was a have a relationship with God,” Jones said. “It may leader on this team.” seem like you’re young and you have a while to get As the Panthers take the court this week to begin that part of your life straight, but let Deion be the their 2010 season they will all enter the year think- example that even at 17 years of age you can lose ing about the person that was sitting beside them on your life in a quick moment.” the bench last year and making a difference on the In a short amount of time 9 p.m. faded away, and court as well. with 10 p.m. quickly approaching, the candlelight “Sometimes I would get frustrated and Deion service neared a close. Suddenly the wind picked up would tell me to keep my head in the game,” senior putting out the fire coming from over 200 candles Luke Mergerson said. “This season I’m going to re- in the crowd. The word traveling through the crowd member that as I play.” was that the spirit of Deion was assuring them that Head varsity basketball coach Eric McDade re- he was in a better place. members the day of Deion’s death like it was yesterJust before everyone disassembled and went to day. He shares a clear message with those who still their cars, Dawei Austin, a family friend, stopped have the opportunity to play the game they love. Mr. Houston before he left the memorial and “I told them that each day is not promised,” Mc- brought the ceremony to a close with his final words. Dade said. “Deion will be one of our focal points “I asked him if he was alright,” Austin said. “Mr. this year in that we have to go hard and do our best Houston’s only comments were, ‘I’m good. Look every game this season.” around. Deion was loved.’”

BY Taylor Harris | Features Editor

2 3 4 1. On the court Deion Jackson-Houston was a standout on the court for the Panthers last year. He was viewed as one of the top college recruits in his class. 2. In Memory of Deion During the summer, friends and family gathered in front of Sandra Meadows Arena to remember Deion with a candlelight vigil. 3. On the court Friends and family signed several posters that still hang in Deion’s locker today. 4. Tear filled eyes Friends and family shared hugs and tears at the candlelight vigil this summer.(Photos by Keria Jinks, Heather Butler and Lebria Roy.).

PANTHER PRINTS || November 19, 2010

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Swim team overcomes

obstacles, moves forward for early season wins BY Tijhan Anderson | News Editor

he swim team has a new head coach this year, and the team is reaping the benefits as they have been winning swim meets. “My role changed from just being an assistant to now being the head coach,” Coach Margaret Thomas said. “The team now has to see what I can bring to the table for them.” The swim team is also facing a new district, which could mean tougher rivals that they will be facing. “We go with the cards we are dealt and be the best we can be,” Thomas said. “We can’t worry about who gets into the pool with us.” So far the season there have been a few obstacles. The team had to change their practice times and have had a full coaching The team admits that the key to winning is working harder throughout the year and becoming stronger as they overcome the obstacles. “There are a few complications here and there but we’re getting stronger altogether,” sophomore Catherine Bartosh said. The team has set some high goals for themselves and they are looking to conquer whatever comes their way. “This team needs to see that you take one day at a time and try to figure out what is good for that day and then build on it,” Thomas said. “I believe we have seen some great improvements in and out of the pool.”

The kiss of joy Senior defensive end Sean Evans kisses the Bi-District trophy after a 31-24 overtime victory over Irving Nimitz at Mansfield’s Vernon Newsome Stadium. The win give the Panthers a chance to show Coppell how well the defense can stop offenses in their matchup Saturday at Cowboy’s stadium. (Jazmyn Dixson photo)

Panthers set to play Coppell

Moving forward Sophomore swimmer Catherine Bartosh knows what it takes to move beyond obstacles and swim to the top. Last year Bartosh was one of the top swimmers on the tam as a freshman and worked with Coach Margaret Thomas. (Javante Shanks photo)

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ts been six years since the Panthers were in a posi- maxed out its potential in a tion to win an Area title game. But this year they’ve way. Either way this should got a shot at it after weeks of good football and give the Panthers a feel of concentration and a 31-24 overtime win over Irving how they can convert some Nimitz last week. of those mistakes by CopNobody expected the Panthers to accomplish what pell into points on Saturday. they have so far, after the first two games of the season. The players don’t seem to With that said, It’s been a good run for the Panthers. be too intimidated by CopThey have been able to rebound after the few losses they pell’s stats and are aware of have had and finthe conditions for ish as Co-District Saturday. About the Game Champions. Even “We’re serious with a tough loss Records: Duncanville 10-3 Coppell 11-0 about this game,” Sports Column to Cedar Hill they Location: Cowboys Stadium sophomore run- By Julio Munoz, Sports Editor bounced back into Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ning back Aaron the win column. Piper said. “Our coaches have posted some “We’ve made notes on our lockers about this game. Everygood progress this year,” junior wide receiver Malcolm one is saying that Coppell is going to keep us to 14 McKenney said. “We’re real excited about this Saturday points, but we’re going out to win.” and I think we can perform well.” Coach Dicus knows they have a tough challenge With the win over Nimitz the Panthers claimed their ahead of them on Saturday, but he’s going in with the first Bi-District title in six years. They will now face intention of winning. Coppell at Cowboys Stadium on Saturday for a chance “There 11-0 for a reason, and they are ranked top 10 to move even further in the playoffs. Coppell is without for a reason, but hopefully our kids understand that we a doubt the heavy favorite for this game, and with good are going to this stadium to win a game,” Dicus said, reason. They are undefeated so far this year (11-0) and “Don’t ever underestimate the Panthers.” they dominated Plano last week defeating them, 23-6 in If the Panthers can get the upset at Cowboys Staroute to a Bi-District title themselves. dium then there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able But Plano isn’t exactly a power house and that score to continue in their success. After all, upsetting a big should of been double for Coppell. So either Plano team like Coppell wont be easy and if they do, then they was playing some pretty decent offense or Coppell has certainly gain those dreaming rights for the State title.

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>> Photo Story

November 19, 2010 || PANTHER PRINTS

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After school club offers positive environment for students BY Allie Peregory | Features Editor

here’s always a weekly announcement for Young Life, flyers litter the hallways with the big YL logo, and people are always talking about it. Students meet for worship and fellowship, but the group still remains a mystery to some students. “It’s like my getaway. I love everything about Young Life,” junior young life leader Jazmine Harper said. “Young life is now an extreme part of my life.” Young Life is a club where students can go to hang out in a positive enviornment after school on Thursday afternoons. “It is great to be part of a club that presents a positive message to students,” club sponsor James Rich said. “ We just want students to have the opportunity to be part of

something positive at the school.” Although Young Life is a club for everyoine to join, the club specifically targets students that may not be members of a youth group at church or involved in another club at school. “I feel it is important to have Young Life in school because students can still learn about Christ in a school setting,” Southwest Dallas Young Life director Cassandra Shed said. Members of Young Life find themselves growing closer to old friends, and making new ones at the same time. “The most important thing about Young Life is the relationships you build with the kids and the leaders,” Shed said, “which will then lead to a relationship with God.”

Top: Dancing to the Beat Southwest Dallas Young Life leader Cassandra Shed leads a slide dance during music time at a young life meeting. Students take time to dance and sing prior to hearing a message at the club. (Ana Monzon photo) Left :Pumpkin Bowling At the last Young Life meeting, students were given the opportunity to bowl. This is just one of the games that students can participate in as membrers of the afternoon club that meets at 6:29 p.m. (Ana Monzon photo) Right: Feeding time During Young Life meetings, students are given a hot meal to get them started. This year Taco Bell has donated food to help with feeding students who attend the meetings. (Javante Shanks photo)