English teacher provides off season conditioning for athletes using Yoga.
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PANTHER PRINTS
Assault Horizon reinvents the wheel with new release of popular video game.
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DUNCANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL www.duncanvillepantherprints.org
OCTOBER 28, 2011 DUNCANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 900 W. CAMP WISDOM DUNCANVILLE, TX 75116 VOLUME 44, ISSUE 1
Briefs
Students named to Scholar lists
In Focus: Stop Bullying
Full Story page 8
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our seniors were recently named to various honors list for the performances on the standardized college testing. Joshua Lockhart, Katherine McElroy, and Zacchaeus Stanton are among 3,100 students to earn this distinction through scores obtained on the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) earning them a spot amont the 2012 National Achievement Scholarship Program’s Outstanding Participants. Shanan Ahmad was recently named a 2012 National Merit Scholarship Commended Student. Shanan is one of only 34,000 high school seniors in the US to receive this distinction.
Band to host DMI Saturday
Stop being a bullly National speaker Tory Gant visits schools around the country where he speaks to students about the issue of bullying. Grant broke down the hard facts about the affects of bullying to the freshman class during an assembly last month. (Julio Munoz photo)
Halloween show leaves audience in suspense BY Tatiana Marceleno | Editor-In-Chief
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he band will be hosting their Duncanville Marching Invitation Saturday in Panther Stadiium. The contest is a contest that began in 1994 and has been an annual event since then. This year’s program features 23 of the best bands from around the state as well as an exhibition show from the Duncanville High School band to close the night out. The contest will have a preliminary round and a final round beginning with the first band at 9 a.m. Those wishing to attend can purchase adult tickets for $8 and student tickets for $4. For more information log on to http://www. duncanville.k12.tx.us/band/DMI.
“You have to first assess your character and figure out their qualities, what they would do, and how they would react to situations hunderclaps crash, lights flash, and screams fill the house in the play,” McCleave said. “Of course, you have to learn your lines, scenes as the advanced theatre students rehearse for their and you also just need to know the flow of the play to keep it going.” In preparation for their performances, the students worked annual Halloween play. This year, the play titled “The Deadly both in class and outside of class. Wilson admits that the constant Psycho High School Field Trip of Bloody Terror,” is centered practices and rehearsals were challenging, but that they were for the around a high school geology class that goes on a field trip with best of the play. their teacher. Suddenly, classmates begin disappearing or turning “I’ve been in the Black Box pretty much up dead and they are left with the mystery of everyday, after school and all day, every the who the killer is. Saturday,” Wilson said. “I’ve put a lot of work Play Quick Facts “This play is based on a skit that some of into this performance.” Show Times: Oct. 30 & 31 7 p.m my students and I wrote about six years ago,” In August, Mr. and Mrs. Russell also began Haunted House: Oct. 30 &31 6 p.m. theatre teacher Lucy Russell said. “I thought early research on how to incorporate the it was a creative idea, so I expanded upon the Tickets: $5 for haunted house & Show haunted house into the play. It was a new way characters and lengthened the plot line.” for their advanced students to get hands on The fifth annual play will incorporate a experience and also have fun. haunted house for students to go through before seeing the show. “We gathered together props and costumes, and finally we had The “Original Comedy of Hilarious Proportions” will be performed to build our design,” Mrs. Russell said. “Mr. Russell, his tech class on Oct. 26, 27, 30, and 31. The haunted house will begin in Alexander and students from the Panther Player’s Drama Club helped with Auditorium from 6-7 p.m. and the play will begin at 7 p.m. in the building the haunted house.” Black Box Theatre. Cost will be $5 for all. For her last Halloween show, Wilson is looking forward to a “Our hope is that people will be frightened by the Haunted great turnout and seeing the audience having a good time. House and then laugh their fears away when they watch the play,” “I’m really excited that this is my last Halloween show, and I just Russell said. want to make sure that the crowd laughs and that we all have fun,” The play involves a variety of characters including seniors Wilson said. Cydni Joubert as the preppy, rich girl, and Danielle McCleave and Joubert hints that to find out who the mystery killer is, “Never Jasmynne Wilson as her stereotypical ditzy friends. Before they underestimate anybody,” but the theatre department welcomes all began rehearsing, the students had to understand their role and to see the show and to get a good scare. learned how to get into character.
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Opinion
OCTOBER 28, 2011 || PANTHER PRINTS
Our Opinion
Friday Spirit Days Clearer Hallways Fewer Tardies Merit Finalists
ZAP policy provides students excuse for late work
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tudents “A” and “B” both have a major assignment due in their in their work on time to earn a grade equal to or slightly less than someone English class. Student A stayed up late, worked hard and turned in who did their work, and for whatever reason did not accomplish it on a their own Mona Lisa. Student B decided to blow off the assignment, high level. Although this policy is making an attempt to force students to watched some television and went to bed early. Student A earns an 80 do their work, it is more likely to encourage them to turn in their work late because they forgot to put their paper in MLA format and made a few if they do not want to stay up late on a deadline. other errors and Student “B” earns a 69 after turning it in five weeks ZAP also does a major disservice to the students who have the later. The new Zeros Are Prohibited(ZAP) policy is not only a opportunity to turn in their work late. By accepting the late work, those slap in the face to kids like Student “A”, but it also does a in charge of enforcing the policy are telling students that deadlines disservice to other students like Student “B”, teaching are optional. In a real world industry, like the newspaper them that it is okay to be lazy. industry for example, if a reporter goes to cover a Sunday Principal Elijah Granger said this policy was night Dallas Cowboys game, the story for that game is designed and implemented this year in an effort expected on their editor’s desk Monday morning, if not Policy allows students to to teach kids that it is better to turn in their later that same night. If that reporter fails to turn in turn work in after due dates. work on time than to have to follow the ZAP the story they probably won’t be hired to cover a game procedures. Under the new policy, students again. Deadlines are not an option in life and they Policy creates extra work are given opportunities past the due date to shouldn’t be in high school either. for teachers. turn in their work for a reduced grade. The Students also have until the last week of the six first day the work is late the student can earn a weeks to turn in late assignments. Teachers with 120 Policy allows students to maximum grade of 69. The grade then decreases or more students are already swamped with papers be lazy. by five points each day the assignment is late. If to grade. If 5% of a teacher’s students wait until the the student still hasn’t turned in the work by the last week to turn in late assignments there is no way fourth day, then they will be subject administrative that teacher will be able to finish grading. The ZAP policy disciplinary actions. The new policy will begin with creates extra paperwork for teachers and it takes them away from freshman and sophomore math and science classes, spreading to spending quality time teaching students that are there to actually learn the rest of the school over time. something and meet deadlines. Although this policy is a good idea in theory, the policy will not work This policy teaches students nothing except that it is okay to be lazy and is flawed. Not allowing zeros only teaches laziness and lack of work and that their hand is going to be held through high school anyway. This ethic to students. also teaches them that there is no reason to worry about deadlines as they ZAP is not only doing an injustice to those who choose to take can just turn it in late if they need to. This policy needs to be revisited advantage of the new policy, it is unfair to the student that does turn so that both students and teachers get the best out of the educational in their completed assignment on time and scores lower than their experience. expectations on the project. While this student may take home a 70 on the Instead of giving students a chance to turn their work in after the assignment, their classmate that was lazy can still makes a 69. Even though deadline, maybe those in charge need to look into having classes that the “lazy student” is being graded down from a 69 while the other student teach the importance of timeliness. After all, if we teach students to just had the possibility to earn a 100, it is not fair for a student that did not turn do things right in the first place, we would not need a Zero policy.
Running in Halls Walking Wrong Way New STARR testing State Budget Cuts
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Editor-in-Chief: Tatiana Marceleno Managing Editor: Allie Peregory News Editor: Tijhan Anderson Features Editor: Taylor Harris Sports Editors: Julio Munoz Entertainment Editors: Maria Sifuentes, Arielle Hackney Multimedia Editor: Mimi Kang Photo Editors: Erika Torres, Ana Monzon, Chase Apperson Staff: Ini Adedokun, Cassidy Doyle, Abigail Padgett, Chrystal Rhone, Nancy Torres, Kristopher Torres, Viara Bradley, Tyra Brown, La’Christian Harbert, Alexis Champion, Taijae Douglas, Gracy Kheshtinejad, Cherokee Polk, Melanie Smith, John Davila, Olivia Davila, Issac Bivins, Romeeka Siddiqui, Anna Schoby, Leslie Perez, Tricia Virtue, Mariah Cuellar, Esther Padgett, Ariana Canchola, Caitlin Lewis, Sarah Siddiqui, Destiny Robinson
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anther Prints, the official student newspaper for Duncanville High School, is published monthly during the school term: Oct. 28, Dec. 16, Feb. 3, April 20, May 25. 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. Panther Prints is a member of the following Associations: Interscholastic League Press Conference, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, Southern Interscholastic Press Association.
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PANTHER PRINTS || OCTOBER 28, 2011
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Sister reminisces near death experience of sibling F
ear. Unimaginable, unbearable fear was all my mind could process. I stood shaking and sobbing as I watched my worst nightmare happen before my eyes. I kept saying to myself, “She’s not dead. She’s not dead; I’m too young for a dead sister.” Laura and I had never been the sisters you see in the movies. We weren’t best friends and we rarely got along. We loved each other and we would do anything for each other, but we just had a different view of the world and By Allie Peregory how things work. People know where my church is because it’s the Methodist church next to Sonic. Across the street is a popular park in our community and our weekly small group decided that we would meet there for our final gathering until school started in the fall. My mom decided to drop Laura and I off at the church because our brother, Brad, had an event with the boys; we didn’t mind for the sake of socialization. The boys got ready to leave and our youth director pulled
Personal Column
the church van out into the road to block traffic as he waved us across. Laura and I stepped off the curb, and I remember looking over at her face. She was smiling with her eyes bright and sun shining through her hair. Then I met Hell on Earth. We were halfway across the street. We were so close. A loud beep came from my right where the church van was and I turned my head up. A moment of hesitation saved me. Laura wasn’t as fortunate. In a split second I saw a black suburban 3 inches from my body. I put my hand out and tried to shove the car away, like I was Superwoman or something. It did nothing. I watched my only sister flying through the air and concrete filled my shoes. Everything moved in slow motion. I stood helplessly as Laura landed face down on the pavement 50 feet in front of me. I woke up from my trance and realized I was half screaming half crying. Everything was a blur. People running around me, the smell of burnt rubber, my sister’s screams. It was all more than I could handle. In the hospital I kept replaying the scene over and over in my mind. I remember the shaking, uncontrollable shaking for hours. Finally, I was allowed to see her. I walked down a hall and found Laura lying in a small bed. Her hair and eyebrows were matted with blood and her eyes were closed. She heard me approach and her big blue eyes flew open. She looked up at me and said, “Hey Allie.” We both sobbed.
Laura came out of the accident with a fractured wrist, a bruise on her hip and some cuts on her forehead. The car was driving 30 mph, and the police said that if she had been one step further across the street she wouldn’t have lived. We went home and Laura sat on the side of the bathtub and I washed the blood out of her hair. I watched the blood circle the drain and her trembling shoulders. I laid in bed exhausted, but not sleeping. I couldn’t shake the thought of, “Why hadn’t it been me?” My mom came in and curled up next to me. I finally fell asleep. Other people may have their beliefs about why Laura was virtually unharmed, but I know that God is the only way she was saved. Sometimes when you feel like your feet have left the ground, and do not know how you will land, He will catch you. I realized that day how short life is, and it really can be gone in a second. I was ashamed that I had taken life for granted and even worse I had taken my sister for granted. It’s been exactly a year since the accident, and now I do have a sister like you see in the movies. We gossip and hangout. We laugh and cry. We are each other’s best friends now and it is sad to think that it took one of us being almost killed. Life is too short and too unpredictable to not live it to the fullest, and to cherish every moment you have with the people you love because once they are gone, there is no coming back.
Voices from the Jungle
What is your favorite activity to do on Halloween & Why?
I like to go trick or treating because I am a big kid still. ---- Brian Hampton, 12
I like to go to haunted houses because I love to see all the scary things inside. ----Daviana Jenkins, 11
I always go to Fright Fest and trick or treat, to bond with and socialize with friends. ----Kamaria Davis, 10
I always go trick or treating because I love getting all the different kinds of candies people give away. ----Jesus Castillo, 9.
Twin Tower attacks leave lasting memories in mind of Muslim student
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ept. 11, 2001 seemed like a normal day. My Kindergarten class was sitting in a circle around my teacher, who was reading a book to us as we listened and chuckled every once in a while when she said something funny. It was a typical day for us. We ate snacks together like every other day of school. But the atmosphere quickly changed when someone came in and told my teacher something. She froze like an ice sculpture. By Romeeka Siddiqui As five- year old kids, we were very confused. Then she went to the computer and started looking something up on the internet. She gasped every now and then as she stared at the computer. The principal came over the loud speaker and made an announcement to the entire Elementary school. Before we knew it, we were all heading to the gym to watch something on T.V. All I remember seeing were two big towers falling and smoke everywhere. Later I learned these were the Twin Towers. People were screaming and crying in the video and I did not know why, but it made me cry too. Questions began racing through my young mind. Why did they look like they were in pain? Why were my teachers sobbing? Why were others on the phone making calls? What in the world was happening? Teachers weren’t even able to continue teaching as they were a moment before! It was against the rules! Yet no one spoke because all of us were too busy feeling sympathetic towards the teachers even though we didn’t even know what was wrong. The day went on for what seemed like forever since we didn’t do any work and the teachers tried explaining to us what was happening on that memorable day. I didn’t really understand fully what had happened. All I knew was that the Twin Towers in New York were hit by planes and that thousands of innocent people died. But I remember asking myself the question what was the big deal? Plane crashes happened all the time and people died daily.
Personal Column
So why was everybody acting so different? I wasn’t sure what had happened back then as a five-year old girl, but little did I know September 11th, 2001 would go down in history. I had no idea that our country was under INVASION. When I got home, my parents seemed tense. I remember asking them about the events of the day and why so many people were crying. I told them about what I saw on the news at school. They simply explained to me that many people died and that something bad had happened in New York. I do remember coming home from school that same week and seeing my uncle, who was living in New York at the time, sitting on our couch in our house in Dallas, Texas. The next couple of days were very weird. Everyone was talking bad about Muslims on T.V. and about “terrorism” and the “World Trade Center.” It was as if the whole world stopped revolving around the sun and was now wrapped up with this new talk about the planes crashing into the Twin Towers. I was mad when I heard someone on CNN talking bad about Islam and saying that we were killers. I was raised in a Muslim household all my life! Nobody had a problem with my religion until Sept. 11, 2001. It seemed as if all of a sudden, all Muslims were being degraded. It was a strange concept for me to think that people were saying something mean about our Muslim beliefs. It didn’t seem right to me at such a young age. As I got older, I made it a point to learn more about 9-11 and why people said what they said. During the process I learned about jihad and terrorism. People ask me all the time, “Oh, so how did you feel about 9-11 as a Muslim living in America?” I just simply tell them that like any other American, I am very sad that so many innocent people died that day. I too will remember this day in history forever. I also try to explain that just because the terrorists were the same religion as me, doesn’t mean that I’m going to side with them. Yes, I believe in Islam and will for the rest of my life, but that does not mean that what they did that day was right. This would be like saying a murderer who kills people is okay just because they are the same “religion as me.” It doesn’t make sense. No matter what the religion, if someone does something wrong, it’s wrong and people shouldn’t just place others into a certain group and stereotype them. Everyone should understand that every single person in a group or religion is not the same and believes in the same things.
People make stereotypes all the time and I hope one day, our society will realize that all Muslims are not the same! Rest In Peace to all 2,819 innocent souls that died on 9-11. It only took twelve seconds for the Twin Towers to fall. The actions that a group of people did, made MY religion look bad, and now we have to live with that discrimination for the rest of our lives.
Muslim from birth Romeeka Siddiqui is happy to be part of the Muslim Culture. The week before the nation was morning the loss of those killed in the twin towers, she was with her family at the EID celebration where they prayed for those who lost family and friends in the tradgedies. (Sarah Siddiqui photo)
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OCTOBER 28, 2011 || PANTHER PRINTS
Special Olympics sailing team wins gold at Area contest BY Abigail Padgett | Staff Writer
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ith sails open and wind blowing, the Special Olympics team embraces the tide sailing to the finish line at their Area contest with their unified partners helping guide them all the way. “Sailing with Special Olympics is so much fun, it’s different from my other racing experiences,” unified partner Steve Comen said, “Working with these kids is something I love to do.” The team recently brought home the gold in their Area contest after bringing home the gold at the World Games in Ireland and China. Teacher Sharon Pressley said there is nothing like watching these students compete. “It is so gratifying to see the kids have so much fun and be so successful doing what they love,” Pressley said. Comen said he has been sailing with the team ten years and continues working with the younger kids on the team. “I’ll be sailing with these kids until I can’t sail anymore,” Comen said. Pressley said winning starts with a safety test and practice in the pool at the Natorium where coaches push the athletes in the sail boat around the pool. “This helps them get use to how it feels to fall in the water with their clothes and life jackets on,” Presley said, “They also have to pass a safety test in order to even be on the boat.” Presely said the key to the team’s success is their routine practices every Thursday. “Thursdays are what these kids look forward to every week,” Presley said,”and when they can’t sail because the wind isn’t right or something else I hear their complaints and see their tears.” Sailing not only rewards the students with medals it gives the kids something to do that they are passionate about. “The kids are so happy to have peers now looking up to them because of what they do,” Presley said. “It’s important that they have their own something that they’re good at.” Athlete Robert Syders said he is happy with what those around him have helped him accomplish. “Miss Presley has worked to keep me out of trouble,” Syders said, “but ever since I started sailing she didn’t have to work as hard I just haven’t been getting in trouble. I’m too focused on my sailing to get in trouble now.”
Guiding the Sail Special Olympics athlete Robert Syders guides the sail boat at White Rock Lake as he helps his team win the gold medal during their area contest. He said he owes everything to his teacher and sponsor Mrs. Sharon Pressley who got him involved in sailing. (Abigail Padgett photo)
Stat classes test gummy catapulting BY Tijhan Anderson | News Editor
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tudents in Vicki Peters AP statistics class performed an experiment involving the launching of gummy bears from a catapult. “The students are learning about three different types of experimental designs,” Peters said. “This particular one is called a factorial experiment.” After firing each gummy bear from a makeshift catapult in the main hallway, students took measurement of the distance the gummy bear traveled and recorded their data sheet as part of their class experiment with
statistics. “Even though the gummy bear is being shot from the same angle, you still end up with different outcomes,” junior Randy Nguyen said. “Our job is to measure these differences in each launch.” Peters has done this experiment since she began teaching. She said she has always had a positive outcome and received great remarks from the students when the experiment is concluded. “It is different, fun and educational all at the same time. Definitely more exciting than book work,” senior Timothy Scebold said. “It’s always fun launching stuff from a catapult.”
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We made it Students in Mrs. Vicki Peters AP Statistics classes celebrate their distance of flight for their gummy bear from their catapult. (Romeeka Siddiqui photo)
WEDNESDAY
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Young Life @ 3 p.m. Play @ 7 p.m.
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Tennis State Meet When: Nov. 4-5 Where: Austin Texas Time: To Be announced Team Bracket will be posted when it becomes available
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Football @ 5 p.m
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Young Life @ 3 p.m
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Young Life @ 3 p.m.
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Thanksgiving Break
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When: Nov. 7-8 Where: East Gym Time: During Social Studies Classes Seniors: Dress to Impress Underclass: Wear Normal Dress Code
PANTHER PRINTS || OCTOBER 28, 2011
Seniors challenged at assembly BY Tijhan Anderson | News Editor
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tudents and faculty organized the first senior class assembly of the school year. The Senior Sunrise assembly was a motivational program to steer young adults in the right direction for their future. “This is the first time Duncanville has had a senior assembly like this,” Senior Class President Hector Sifuentes said. For the opening of the assembly, the elected members of student council opened up with some words of encouragement. Following that, Executive Principal Mike Chrietzberg and senior counselor Terri Vehonn offered advice to the audience. Senior Lizette Guerra said that the assembly challenged her to work hard this year in preparation for the rest of her life. “I have to live life to the fullest my Senior year,” Guerra said. “I need to make sure I prepared for college and the rest of my life.” Soon after the first two speakers, student counsel co-sponsor Dedric Williams took the stage and demonstrated how someone’s “crutch” in life
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should not be an excuse as to why an individual can not make it far in life. He used his personal live to demonstrate how one can make it. “I came from a single parent home,” Williams told the crowd as he held a crutch. “I had to determine whether I was going to use this as a crutch or do something with my life. I chose to do something and here I am today” During the assembly, senior Cydni Joubert said she realized that this is the last year for her and her classmates to enjoy high school. “It really hit me that this is our last year,” Joubert said. “We should all really try and get together and become a real senior class.” The assembly ended with each Senior writing a letter to themselves. The goal was to write a letter telling yourself you can make it and let nothing prevent you from doing so. “I’ve had a number of students come to me and tell me they needed to hear this and enjoyed hearing it, so hopefully it made an impact,” Williams said. “As long as it reached at least one or two, then my mission was accomplished.”
Challenged by leadership The senior class held its first ever sunrise assembly. During the assembly senior class sponsor Dedtic Williams challenged the class to set goals and believe in themselves. At the end of the assembly students wrote down their goals and sealed them in envelopes they will open at the end of the year. . (Julio Munoz/Ana Monzon photos)
Zeros Are Prohibited policy focuses on responsibility BY Allie Peregory| Managing Editor
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he school year began with new changes including a the Zeros Are Prohibited grading policy aimed at changing students’ attitude toward turning in work. The policy begins with freshman and sophomore math and science classes, spreading to the rest of the school over time. “Like anything new, I think some people are going to have some reservations and I think other people will embrace it right off,” principal Elijah Granger said. “We are doing it in phases, starting with math and science because data shows that those are the areas where we are struggling the most as a campus. Granger said the policy was designed to teach students that it would be easier to turn in their work on time than to follow the ZAP procedures. Students are given opportunities past the due date to turn in their work for a reduced grade under the new policy structure. The first day the work is late the student can earn a 69, decreasing by five points each day it is late thereafter. If the student hasn’t turned in the work by the fourth day, they will then be subject administrative disciplinary actions including sitting with the principal after school to finish the work. Sophomore Priscila Leal-Arizpe
said even though she is an “A-B” student she sees where the new policy may help in some situations. “I think that the ZAP policy helps a lot, especially when you’re at the borderline of failing, or for me, just getting a ‘B’. I would definitely rather take a 69 for an assignment than a zero,” Leal-Arizpe said. “I just hope students don’t take advantage of this policy thinking that they could turn in the assignment at anytime and still get a fair grade for it.” Granger said Part of the policy procedure is to pair upperclassmen with those under class students who have not turned their work in for after school tutoring. Granger said he hopes the policy not only helps the high school achieve a higher academic level, but also that students will feel more united as a school. “It’s meant to help the student,” Granger said. “Once the students see we’re really just trying to help them be successful they really appreciate it.” Granger also hopes the new policy teaches more than just academic progress. “We hope that the policy teaches students to be responsible as well as teaching them we care,” Granger said. “I think the policy will bring us more together as a community and a school.”
ZAP Quick Facts
Phase I – Began September 12, 2011 9th Grade Academy Math – Regular Classes only (9th and 10th (Geometry, Algebra, and MMGA) Teachers discretion for mixed classes) Science – Regular Classes only (9th and 10th - Teachers discretion for mixed classes) Phase II – Starts in September 2012 9th Grade Academy Math Department – Regular Classes only (9th through 12th) Science Department – Regular Classes only (9th through 12th) Phase III – Starts in September 2013 9th Grade Academy Math Department – Regular Classes only (9th through 12th) Science Department – Regular Classes only (9th through 12th) Social Studies – Regular Classes only (9th through 12th) English Department – Regular Classes only (9th through 12th) CTE Department Electives
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OCTOBER 28, 2011 || PANTHER PRINTS
Library transforms to pirate ship during theme month BY Taylor Harris | Features Editor
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ressed in her attire of a bandanna and a patch across her eye, librarian Karen McQuaid strolls around with a group of freshman as she teaches them about checking out books and other resources available to them. Her costume is a regular part of her dress code during the first month of school as they use the Pirate Theme to teach students about the resources available to them. “Every time I see those ghost or jack o lantern pumpkins in the window, I’ll know where I am, so it’s helping me not get lost.” Freshman Dulce Dominguez said. McQuaid said the Pirate Theme is all in an effort to acclimate incoming freshman to the library while allowing them to have fun with the process. “We have lots of activities so that students will know how to use the library,” McQuaid said. “We’re glad we can let the students have fun and learn at the same time.” Taking time out of her class schedule, freshman teacher Shannan Conners has her students participate in library activities as well. “Librarians are awesome,” Conners said. “We have to get our students involved here because they’ll be using it for the next four years” After the first six weeks is over and the pirates are gone, freshman Donje Daniels said this won’t be his last trip toward main street. “Library stuff pretty cool,” Daniels said. “I know I’ll probably come back and check out a few books throughout the year.”
Hunting for Treasures Mrs. Alison Jian’s freshman English classes searched for treasures in the library using a pirates’ map. Librarian Blanco Patlan assisted the students with their endeavors as they completed their daily log of things they learned about the library. (Caitlin Lewis photos)
Annual college night offers students variety of options
Sign me up East Texas Baptist University was among the colleges present at the annual college night this year. Some universities were available this year to make admissions decisions on the spot. (Cherokee Polk photo)
Artist on hand Those students interested in attending a local art university were able to get information from the Art Institute of Dallas and see what they have to offer. (Melanie Smith Photo)
Division I college visits This year’s college night featured several Division I schools. One of the schools to visit this year was Texas A&M. Senior Stephen Solis visits the table for more information from a Texas A&M representative. The college night this year posted the highest turn out from both colleges and universities as well as students. The night was open to all grade levels to come and begin preparation for the colleges they wish to attend. (Nancy Torres Photo)
PANTHER PRINTS || OCTOBER 28, 2011
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English teacher teaches conditioning to teams using Yoga BY Maira Sifuentes | Entertainment Editor
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er heart is calmly beating and breaths are exhaled out evenly as a drop of sweat slowly falls down from her face like a tear. Freshmen English teacher, Ms. Alison Jian stays in her Prasarita Padottanasana position with no complaints, unlike the giant basketball players around her that were moaning and resisting the urge to break loose of this painful yoga position. “You have these big boys that are doing these poses and stretches that are very foreign to their bodies,” Jian said. “It’s enjoyable not only for the sake of what it is doing for them, but it is also fun to see them struggling with these basic poses and really trying get it right.” After basketball coach Eric McDade learned about Jian’s desire to teach yoga to the basketball team, he made it a routine for the team every Thursday. McDade said when it comes to athletes, yoga is a major aid to three main points: breathing, concentration, and less injuries. “Yoga can be a major help with athletes’ breathing, concentration and also helps us cut down on injuries,” McDade said. “She is a great teacher and she knew what the boys needed and it is working great for us so far.” McDade said he wants more in a performance than just improved concentration and is looking to Yoga to assist the players with these areas. “My goal is for my boys to have higher jumps and better flexibility,” McDade said. “These yoga stretches are going to give these boys the ability to be able to stand in their positions firmly and quickly move around the court.” McDade admits that the team was open to anything that will help them on and off the court. “They trusted my wisdom and encouragement to take these extra hours after school for Yoga classes.” Although the players said they didn’t know what to expect after taking the classes, junior Jerami Grace said he knows it is helping him on an off the court. “I could feel the improvement in my body as the days went on,” Grace said. “I have been sleeping better lately and doing better on concentrating on my school work.” Senior Alfred Peterson said he thought Yoga was going to be an easy thing to participate in however, he has a different opinion after a few Thursday afternoons. “Boy, was I wrong,” Peterson said. “This is tough training.” Jian said that pro sports such as the NBA and the NFL have embraced Yoga as part of their training methods as well. “What they have found is that the players that practice Yoga do not get injured at all or nearly as much,” Jian said Jian didn’t start yoga just for fun. She said she was a
triathlon fanatic who always signed up for strength consuming events as if they were a daily routine. “It seemed like nothing could stop me from my hobbies,” Jian said. “Until I had my a knee injury.” After she injured her knee Jian said she went through several sessions of physical therapy that she said were not very satisfying to her. Searching for different ways to get back on track, she soon found a yoga website. She said she did research and started to use yoga as physical therapy. “When I hurt my knee I wasn’t in a good state of mind at the time,” Jian said. “I went through so much pain just to do what I love which is being fit. Yoga was a very life changing experience for me. It made a big emotional impact on me to be able to do something I love to do again.” Jian remembers a time when she wasn’t able to walk up stairs without feeling pain from her knee “Yoga has saved me, ” she said. “Now I am able to run another triathlon” Yoga didn’t just fix her physically, Jian felt it fixed her mentally. “Yoga has helped me look at things in a different way,” Jian said ” Now I want to share my positive-energy boost with everyone.” Jian said the impact of Yoga on her life Stretching out This year boys basketball head coach Eric McDade is using a new kind of off season conditioning for the team. He is partnering with freshman English teacher Alison is one that she will always remember. “I am in a very different state of thought Jian to teach the tam Yoga as a way to help them with flexibility. Miss Jian is also offering than I was three years ago,” Jian said, “and the classes for staff as well. (Maria Sifuentes photo) I feel everyone should do Yoga.” Although Jian said she has given some were done, ” Ramsey said. “It’s really convenient, because private lessons and now is working the team, she said she is next door.” she wants to expand her clientele. She even talked to new Jian said her passion for yoga is so strong that she principal Elijah Granger about offering Yoga to the staff and decided not to stop with basic lessons. She said that in the student body. future she wants to raise enough money to open up her own “He received me really well and he felt that it was really yoga studio and give private lessons to pro athletes in major something we could do,” Jian said. colleges. After taking one of Jian’s faculty yoga class, Freshman “This is a dream that seems possible to me,” Jian said. Algebra I teacher Liz Ramsey said that she has taken yoga “My passion for teaching yoga is much more powerful than classes before and that she was excited about it. teaching literature or grammar. I want to share the hope “I loved how yoga gave you that zen feeling when we and inspiring achievements that yoga has given me with
Muslim students share personal perspectives on Sep. 11 attacks BY Tatiana Marceleno | Editor-In-Chief
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unior Ala Ismail remembers being in first grade when suddenly her class was interrupted with a quick trip to the gym Sept. 11, 2001. She was only six years old, confused about what she was hearing and didn’t exactly know what was happening. Ismail sat next to her classmates on the gym floor and watched a projection of the Twin Towers slowly toppling over in New York City. Teachers began crying and cell phones were dialed frantically, but Ismail and the other students had no idea about the affects of the terrorist attacks on their lives. Today, Ismail looks back on that day in first grade and understands how that day will affect her for the rest of her life. She walks through the halls today with friends, eats in the cafeteria and is just like other students except for a few things that she said brings about stares from others at times. “People look at me different and sterotype me because I wear the Hijab every day,” Ismail said. “I do not have a traditional American name and I practice my Muslim faith
Examining Heritage Senior Sara Siddiqui attended the Islamlic EID celebration this year with her sophomore sister Romeeka and her family. The two continue to remain loyal to their religion and to their home county of America. (Romeeka Siddiqui photo)
everyday because that is my religion.” Ismail and the Siddiqui sisters, senior Sarah and sophomore Romeeka, were all born in America and were taught to practice the Muslim faith. Through experience, they have learned what it’s like to be judged and stereotyped as a Muslim after the attacks on the World Trade Center. “After I found out that the terrorists were Muslim, I knew right away that people would start stereotyping us because they were Muslim and we are Muslim too,” Romeeka said. All three girls admit that in the Muslim religion, they are not taught to bomb buildings or disrespect other cultures or countries. They say they were taught that they should practice peaceful ways of living and follow the faith their parents taught them. Sarah said one of the most difficult views that Muslim students deal with is that those who attacked America claimed to be of their faith. “People in America tend to believe that because the terrorists were Muslim, all Muslims are bad people,” Sarah said. “People tend to look upon all of us as threat to American. Sarah said this is not the case because what the terrorist on 9-11 did was far from what they teach in their religion. “It is hard to believe that someone of the Muslim faith did do this because it is not what we were taught. We learned about peace and non-violence,” Sarah said. “We are not all like that, there are extremists in every religion and race and just because a group of extremist from our religion chose the actions of 9-11, doesn’t mean that all of us are the same way.” All three girls say that no Muslim should be judged for the actions of the terrorists, but they do understand there are stereotypes everywhere. They’ve experienced instances in which they were looked at suspiciously because of their name, or because they looked like they were from the Middle East. “When we go into the airport wearing our Hijab and we have an ID with a name like ours, we go through much more security,” Ismail said. “They check our belongings closer just because of the way we appear.” Despite the negative views, Ismail finds that some people are coming to realize that all stereotypes are not true. She said that ten years later American’s attitude toward them is getting better. “Today many Americans have an understanding of what happened and have a better perception of our religion,” Ismail
said. “I’m thankful that there are people who understand it more so there’s less stereotyping.” If there was one thing the girls wish Americans knew about the judgements against Muslims, they say it is not necessarily that the terrorists were of the Muslim faith, but that it was their actions that proved their wrong-doing and that their religion had no part in the destruction of the Twin Towers. “On TV, if a man does something bad and he is of the Muslim faith, then the media adds the fact that he is Muslim in there. But for any other practice of religion, from Jews to Christians or Buddhists, they just say ‘This man did…’ not ‘This Christian or Jew man did…,” Sarah said. “If it is a Muslim person, they say ‘This Muslim person did this…” and the media just brings us down.” The way the girls deal with the every day views of Muslims is to ignore it and continue living their life. The girls say to lessen the harshness of the stereotypes, they inform people of their faith and help them understand that what happened on 9/11 wasn’t what all Muslims believe or practice. “We tell them that all Muslims are not the same and that the terrorists are just one small group of people that do not represent all the Muslims of the world,” Romeeka said. “Another thing that most people don’t realize is that there were Muslims who died in the Twin Towers and it was sad for their families too.” As America remembers and respects the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Ismail and the Siddiqui sisters remember those who died and those who served their native country of America. “I’m still really remorseful for them and I pray often for those victims of 9/11 and their families,” Ismail said. Getting past the judgements and stereotypes of the Muslim religion is a big part of living with the effects of 9/11, but Ismail and the Siddiqui sisters continue to live as Americans. They all three say they stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, respect the moment of silence and carry on practicing their faith, which they say is an important aspect of the diversity of America. “We were born here, so by birth this is still our home country. We love living here,” Sarah said. “We wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
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In Focus
OCTOBER 28, 2011 || PA
Attacking the bullying is
Support staff of continued
BY Allie Peregory | Managing Editor
*Note the names of the students in this story have been changed in an effort to protect their identity from their bullies.
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Targeting the bullying problem National speaker Tory Grant spoke to a full auditorium of freshman about his life experiences with bullies. Grant shared stories about losing his brother and how bullies has affected his life. He encouraged the students not to be a part of bullying and not to be a bully themselves. (Julio Munos photo)
old pavement presses against freshman Jake Duncan’s* cheek. A couple of teeth lay in front of him in a puddle of blood. His tormentors walk away laughing and Duncan* feels relief. Relief that will last until tomorrow, where he will be greeted by his bullies again. “I feel like I’m nobody, “ Duncan* said. This torture becomes routine to Duncan*. He tries tells his mom, and he starts feeling more protected, but the bullies seem like they are everywhere. “My heart starts beating really fast,” Duncan* said. “I keep on wondering in my head what is going to happen.” Junior Derek Pantherpaw* admits that after being bullied by his fellow teammates he had suicidal thoughts. “It feels like a nightmare,” Pantherpaw* said. “Bullying leads to destruction.” According to a 2010 survey, Pantherpaw* and Duncan* are part of the 1 in 7 students across the nation that are victims of bullying each year. In the first national survey on bullying, 30% of students reported being involved in bullying, whether as victims, bullies or both. And the “People who were bullied as numbers are children are more likely to suffer rising. “People from depression an low self esteem who were later in life and bullies themselves bullied as are more likely to engage in criminal children are more likely activity as adults .” to suffer from depression Duance Alexander, M.D and low self esteem later in life and bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal activity as adults,” Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, said. Duncanville High School has a zero tolerance policy that is enforced through the administration. “The bottom line is bullying is a discipline issue,” counselor Tijuana Hudson said. “The bullies need to know there are consequences for it.” Victims are referred to Hudson by teachers noticing unusual behavior or personality changes. Teachers send Hudson an email or give her a call, so the situation can be
National speaker addresses freshman cla Julio Munoz | Sports Editor
F
or many kids, freshman year is a new start. They are in a new building and an opportunity to befriend students from other middle schools in the area. It’s the beginning of memorable high school moments. But for some students, it can very well be a nightmare they have difficulty getting out of. A bigger school to them only means more kids, and more potential bullying. That’s why the school invited national speaker Tory Gant, to talk to the freshmen class about the dangers of bullying during a recent assembly. “He taught us about self respect, how to treat others, and to take life seriously and not take it as a joke,” freshmen Donald Young said. There were nearly 1,800 freshmen present at the meeting and Gant kept the auditorium alive by making students laugh while addressing important issues about his life and bullying. “It was good and understandable,” freshmen Le’Diamond Burns said. “I liked it because I’ve been through some of the stuff he’s talking about and it helped me become a better person.” Gant also stressed that it is important for the freshmen to understand when they can learn to use their voice to help people instead of hurting them. “If I can get you to just think that, as a freshmen right now, because you got something we don’t have, you have time,” Gant said. Grant not only talked about important actions and steps the students could, but also addressed
teachers and how they can help stop bullying. “The basic thing is to confront it,“ Gant said, “kids need someone that will step up ‘hey I believe in you’.” Gant has been to many schools all over the country, but he had never seen so many s “This school is amazing, I’ve never been to Duncanville before,” Gant said, “For 1,80 graders to sit and listen to an hour and ten minute speech, that says a lot; the character the ability is there.” After the main presentation, Gant took extra time out to speak to a large group of A kids to give a bit of extra support and motivation. “He opened up his mind and heart just to speak to us,” freshmen Hector Medina sai really meant a lot to us.”
Listening intensly National speaker Tory Gant was brought in by the district administration to speak to about the affects of bullying. The district is attacking problems with bullying early by holding assembl freshmen class. Gant also spoke to students in the freshman academy in a smaller setting about the affect ing on students both as a bully and as a person who is bullied. Gant travels around the country speaking students of all ages about his experiences with bullies in his life. Students said he made his message fun a standable for his audience. (Julio Munos photo)
ANTHER PRINTS
ssues in schools
In Focus<<
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Quick Facts
ff helps students face fears torment from classmates dealt with and the student can get help. Hudson admits that going to peer mediation with their bully to solve the problem. each case is different, but in every situation, the bullies are “We have a peer mediation program, and a lot of the given appropriate punishments. Assistant principals have lists time teachers feel that, ‘Well, I can just send them to peer of different behaviors and the consequences corresponding to mediation.’ and I try really hard to make sure that the kids those misbehaviors. Since the word understand I’m not going to put them in “bullying” covers a wide variety of that situation,” Hudson said. “If they feel “I think each school should have like someone is bullying them, I’m not abuses, each case is unique with it’s own consequences. Punishments a safe environment where students going to sit them face to face with their can go as high as getting the police bully to tell their bully that they are hurting won’t feel bullied or picked on and their feelings. Because 9 times out of 10, if involved. “I first try to validate their where they can learn effectively in the kid is a real bully they want to hurt your feelings,” Hudson said. “If they are feelings. Peer mediation is not the thing to in a situation where they feel like, the classroom .” solve a bullying situation.” Alan Lockhart, Mentor Coordinator ‘I’ve told my mom, she’s ignored The Turn Around Agenda is offered me’, I feel like the first step for me at the high school and to other students is to tell them ‘I believe you’. If you from different areas. The program provides feel like it is happening, it is happening.” students with the opportunity to confidentially speak with Hudson tries to help students gain the inner strength to adults about their situation for one hour once a week. stand up for themselves and put the bullying to an end. “I present myself as an open person,” director of the Turn “I try to equip them with the internal abilities to fight back. Around Agenda Allen Lockhart said. “ I assure students that And when I say fight back, I don’t mean physically fight back, their names won’t be leaked out and no further conversation but what things we can do to get it solved,” Hudson said. “I will be shared about them.” try to assure them that there is Lockhart said that bullying can cause an adult in the building who is insecurity not only socially, but also listening. Who does care. And and academically. “Everybody has a weakness of behaviorally who is going to take steps to do “It makes me very angry,” Lockhart some kind. Everybody has feelings said. “I believe that we can work together something about what is going on.” a team talk to the bullies and help and I feel like if you have gotten as Hudson says that victims them understand the destruction they are to the point that you are going to causing.” handle bullying in a variety of ways. While some become more Lockhart gets parents, administrators bully somebody else then there is withdrawn, others may start and campus security involved in hopes something going on inside of you .” that the victimized student will feel more making excuses to their parents about why they shouldn’t go comfortable and safe with the support Tijuana Hudson, Support Counselor to school or skipping classes. from other adults. Hudson says that bullying can “I think each school should have a safe also lead to depression, depending environment where students won’t feel on the severity and the amount of time the bullying has been bullied or picked on,” Lockhart said, “and where they can happening. She also admits that bullies do not care about learn effectively in the classroom.” their victim’s feelings because the victim is insignificant in Duncan* has found strength and reassurance through his their life. mother’s support. “Everybody has a weakness of some kind. Everybody has “I feel protected,” Duncan* said. “I feel like she’s the only feelings, and I feel like if you have gotten to the point that person that loves me.” you are going to bully somebody else then there is something Speaker Tory Gant came to Duncanville to give a speech going on inside of you,” Hudson said. “I try to get to the to the freshman class about bullying. Gant said there becomes core of humanizing the victim to the bully. I tell the bullies a point when lives are threatened and kids commit suicide ‘They have feelings just like you, or your mom, or your little because of bullying. brother. This is a person that has feelings, and would you “I don’t want to see kids as trouble makers, but I do want someone doing this to them?’” see kids having trouble making it,” Gant said. “Whatever There is a peer mediation program available to students at happened around you, whatever happened in front of you, the high school level, but Hudson tries to keep victims from whatever happened to you, you have the right to keep it from
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Arts & Entertainment
OCTOBER 28, 2011 || PANTHER PRINTS
Duncanville
Panther Prints.com
Creative stitching An F-18 Super Hornet patrols the skies in Ace Combat Assault Horizon game. This is one of the flight missions in the new game that was recently released for gamers. The game features arial acrobatics that can be performed during combat. (Game Screen shot)
EVANSCENCE >> By Maria Sifuentes Evanescence returns with new band members and a new single. After Amy Lee fired John LeCompt and the rest of the members quitting afterwards. Amy comes up .. [more]
GIRLS GENERATION >> By Ariel Hackney South Korean pop group, Girls’ Generation, are making their stateside debut with The Boys. Girls’ Generation teamed up with former Blackstreet member Teddy Riley, Snoop Dogg. [more]
Ace Combat offers ariel acrobatics BY Tijhan Anderson | News Editor
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ny fan of the Ace Combat series is well aware of the basics of the game play. You’re given your mission orders, a plane, and thrown into a very unrealistic storyline to spend the next 40 minutes firing missiles until it’s time to repeat the process over again. However, a new game hit the popular console series, and it brings a whole new method of game play along with it. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, developed by Project Aces and published by Namco Game Quick Facts Bandai Games, Price: $60 completely Number of Disc: 1 revamps the series Key Features: Arial flight combat of the game. The story line is no longer completely far fetched. The flying dynamics are more realistic, and the graphics are more believable. The story line, instead of using fake countries and impossible scenarios, is presented in a way that is actually possible in the real world. This game features a faction known as the NRF (New Russian Federation) and their coup on Russia, as part of their plot to take down and replace the Russian government. Although the story does not progress as smooth as it is capable of, it will come as a fortunate change to any fan of the series. As gamers first play the opening scene, players are immediately thrown into the middle of a dogfight. During the course of this dogfight, the game walks you through a tutorial
system that introduces the new combat and flying system of the game. Typically in the previous games of the series, combat consisted of the player flying in circles for five minutes until they finally inch themselves behind the enemy to take a shot, only to have it completely miss the target. But now, with the introduction of the new DFM (Dog Fighting Mode) system, combat couldn’t be more exciting. Not only can you finally stay on target as you fire at the enemy, now players can accurately give chase and perform amazing feats of aerial acrobatics, giving them the feeling of actual fighter pilots in a Hollywood film. New types of aircraft are also introduced to the game opening up players to different roles and strategies they can experience during game play. Previously, players could only take part in missions that were nearly similar to one another. Now, however, with the introduction of new missions, come new aircraft. Such aircraft include attack helicopters, bombers, and the AC-130u. All these new aircraft are included with the standard fighter jets previously seen. Graphics are seriously improved in this version of the game. The landscape and buildings, which used to resemble what looked like muddy water, are now extremely well designed. Thanks to satellite imagery added to the game play, buildings look like buildings and trees look like trees. Considering the much improved flying system, graphics and tolerable story line, this game aces above its previous titles. Fans of the previous games may be a little edgy at first adapting to the new controls, but they will find themselves attached to this release in no time. As for players new to the series, this game is an excellent place to start playing.
I give this game
New book brings out emotional feelings BY Maria Sifuentes | Entertainment Editor
D DAVID GUETTA >> By Maria Sifuentes David Guetta is a known DJ that brought out funky beats and fun. Now he is back with a new album called Nothing But The Beat. It’s fun and original. It was similar to his songs like Getting Over You and Sexy Chick. This album had the same jumping beat that makes you want to jump.. [more]
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is Utopian societies are all the rage these days. Just like Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Game Series. Fresh new writer Tahereh Mafi debuts with Shatter Me. This book is about paranormal romance that brings out the tears from my eyes. The book releases Nov. 11. Mafi has earned herself the title “Best Author of The Year” because of this book. The book presents itself beautifully with dramatic characters. This book is emotional. Mafi wanted emotions from the book and she gets it. Juliette hasn’t seen the outside for seventeen years. Given away at fourteen, Juliette was confined by the Reestablishment for a curse she was given. Just like Rogue from the X-Men. Juliette has a destructive touch that keeps everyone away from her. She has been alone for a long time. Until, the Reestablishment starts making unusual changes. They give her a cell mate that seems to have trouble keeping his eyes off her. To make things even more confusing the Reestablishment releases her. Now free. Juliette soon learn what has happened to the world while she was gone. And she also experiences a new urge that she hasn’t felt for a long time. The urge to touch. Drama, action, and romance. These are the main ingredients that create a beautiful story. This book has characters that make me express so many emotions. I would cry over Juliette’s life. I would curse over Warner’s possessiveness over Juliette. I am going mad over this book. You would be cold-hearted if this book does not touch your heart. Emotions is what drove my attention. And emotions will not stop until the end of the story.
I give this book
PANTHER PRINTS || OCTOBER 28, 2011
Arts & Entertainment <<
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Taylor Swift delivers top hits for concert attendees BY Mariah Cuellar | Staff Writer
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hat an absolutely AMAZING concert Taylor Swift put on at the Cowboy’s Stadium this month. The place was a sell out crowd of 55,000. Girls from all across Texas came to show their love for such a lovely and talented pop singer they all admire. I can assure you no one left that night without feeling like a princess. Taylor Swift definitely knows how to put on a show and entertain her fans. Though she didn’t hit the stage until around 9 p.m., the concert kicked off around seven and her opening acts were well chosen! An up and coming country band that has been number one on GAC for the past couple of weeks and ‘Need To Breathe’ with the second performance gave the show a good introduction. They really had the crowd pumped up before Swift took the stage. I’d give a thumbs up to both of these opening acts. I’m sure everyone was pleased since there was a little bit of mixing of genres, from country to rock alternative and even some pop. With the anticipation and dying suspense for Swift to finally come out, I examined the large stadium and could not resist snapping pictures of all the adorable little girls decked out in Taylor Swift fan wear and all the awesome signs being waved in honor of their role model. TAYLOR! TAYLOR! Everyone began to say as the anxiousness rose throughout the crowd. The lights dimmed and the beautiful nineteen year old finally came out from under the stage. “Drop everything now. Meet me in the pouring rain…” Taylor sings from her hit song ‘Sparks Fly’ off her new album. I don’t know about everyone else but I was definitely singing from the top of my lungs. From song to song, wardrobe change to wardrobe change, I felt like I was at a musical with such wonderful settings and prompts. It was like I was in a fairy tale. “Taylor Swift! You sang my life!” I read on one of the posters a girl my age was holding up. I’m sure one of Taylor’s songs has hit home for every girl, that is why we all adore Taylor Swift so much. She sings about real things, real life things girls go through from heartache and break ups to falling head over heels for a guy. As the crowd continued to sing along to her songs, its as though we wrote them. Girls feel so connected and drown out everything going on and find themselves with their hands up in the air, dancing ridiculously because it feels so great to hear Taylor sing her songs in person. I am sure I can speak for all the other 54,999 fans in the arena and its okay to say that the experience was one like no other. For many of us Taylor Swift is a major role model and such a great young artist. As the concert went on and we continued to sing our hearts out, the crowd begged for more screaming out her name. Never letting us down she came back on stage with an unforgettable goodbye. As fireworks set off, the band took a bow and Taylor sang the last song for the night leaving us more then grateful for an amazing Saturday night. The red curtains closed as Taylor walked off stage and everyone roared, still applauding her for the impact she made on their lives that night Screaming and singing our hearts out the whole time, this concert was definitely worth sitting in traffic for an hour with my friend waiting to enter the stadium parking lot.
From outfit to outfit Taylor Swift’s October concert at Cowboys stadium was a sell out. Girls from all generations attended the concert to see just what makes this star so famous. Throughout the concert Swift changed outfits, guitars. She was also accompanied by flashy lighting and stage designs. She sang from her new album the hits that are toping the charts already. (Ana Monzon photos)
Fashions by Mariah: 1 outfit 4 ways Ever find more than one way to style a piece of clothing? Maybe its your favorite item and you just can’t get enough of it. Well here’s some great tips to keep in mind when deciding a look for any time of the day.
For a casual day out: Throw on some high waist shorts tucking in the blouse and your already halfway there! Now just complete the outfit by wearing a cardigin of a soft pastel color or softer hue compared to your choice of shorts. Oxfords and boots are definitely in for the season so try wearing some brown leather lace up boots. Last but not
For a date night: Don’t be afraid to own that blouse! Knee high boots and leggings dress the look up and you’ll be sure to have your date’s eyes glued to you! Here I wore thick black leggings and copper leatherette boots. Try wearing your hair down and full of volume for a mature edge.
Dress it up: In a hurry to a somewhat formal event? Here’s a way to still be comfortable. Put on a pair of dark denim jeans, leaving the tunic out as seen in the date night look. Add a black or navy blazer and heels the same color which are what’s going to give your outfit a more professional look. Pull back your hair into a messy but tight bun and your ready to go! Try putting on some studs or even dangling earrings as long as they don’t clash with your necklace, it might be do much. (Hint: you don’t wanna over do it.)
Wear it down: Alas, for a chilly night out to the drive-in or late dinner with your girlfriends, try this look, it’s the perfect evening essential. A great way to dress down your tunic is by putting on a dark brown leather jacket and dark colored army boots giving it an edgy touch. If you go with scarf, be sure to pick one that stands out in Autumn hues. Avoid bright and neon colors. Well there you have it. The perfect trick to dress your favorite item anytime, anywhere.
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Sports
OCTOBER 28, 2011 || PANTHER PRINTS
Jenkins brothers stand beside mother through cancer battle BY Taylor Harris | News Editor
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enior offensive lineman Samuel Jenkins steps up to the line of scrimmage and looks over his shoulder to see his sophomore brother Aaron by his side. Then his next look goes beyond the field to his mother in the stands adorned in her Panther spirit attire ringing her cowbell yelling for her sons. Every time he takes that look into the stands, he said it is special for him because his mother is now free from her battle with cancer and can attend every game. “I was just in shock when my mother first told me she had cancer, because I really didn’t know what to do,” Aaron said. “It was hard at first, but I talked to my mother, brother, a couple of family members and prayed a lot” April 24, 2008 one year after moving to Dallas and taking a new teaching job, Ms. Lisa Jenkins was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mrs. Jenkins said the hardest thing was telling her sons about the cancer. “It was difficult because I really didn’t know how I would break it to them,” Mrs. Jenkins said. She said she began exploring her options. This included calling her brother from Austin and consulting her physician about how to break the news to them. “My brother came up and “My relationship with my brother we took them did get stronger because he was the out to dinner broke the only one there for me at the time and news to them,” my mother was going through her Miss Jenkins said. “I also battle with cancer .” took them to Aaron Jenkins, sophomore the doctor with me and had my physician discuss the seriousness of the cancer with them.” Time didn’t wait for the family to adjust to the news. Miss Jenkins said it was less than a month after the news came that she was scheduled for her first surgery. She said prior to the surgery she just held onto one thing. “I just knew I had to get through this for my sons because they needed me, especially as a single parent,” Mrs. Jenkins said. There were different stages that the family lived through. There was her first surgery, then chemotherapy, then Walking Hand in Hand Sophomore Aaron Jenkins and senor Samuel Jenkins are escorted on the field by their mother Lisa Jenkins during the parradiation. Miss Jenkins said these spanned over about a year ent night at a varsity football game. They have stood together with their mother through her battle with breast cancer. Now they play side by from the first diagnosis and kept her from being a part of her side on the varsity football team as offensive lineman. (Chase Apperson photo) boys activities. Miss Jenkins finished her treatment protocol in March “I just kept telling myself that I was all my sons, had is exactly what I wanted.” Though fighting for her life in the hospital, Miss Jenkins of 2009 and her and the boys returned to life as they knew because they had no one else,” Miss Jenkins said. During the surgeries and her battle with cancer, Samuel still maintained a mother son relationship with her two sons. it before. She now attends all the boys school functions and “We talked a lot about what I was going through when encourages them to become the best. said he had to step up and take care of things his mother was I was in the hospital, but I tried not to scare them,” Miss “These two young men are men of character and are very unable to do. Jenkins said. “I still wanted them polite and well mannered,” head coach Jeff Dicus said. “Their “I tried to be as much of a mom as I to know how serious things were. “ mother takes a lot of pride in what her two sons are doing.” could be,” Samuel said. ‘Every now and “Although she is well now, I‘ll Miss Jenkins said talking Coach Dicus said the family is close and are shining stars. then I tried to cook.” “They love life and all it brings,” Dicus said. “I am very Samuel also said that his biggest task was still be worried about her when I together took most of the worry away. proud of both her and her two sons for looking out for each making sure his younger brother was being leave because I’ve been the man of “Even though this time in our other and the unity they have as a family.” taken care of. Both boys say they enjoy every game as varsity Panthers “I had to police my brother and make the house since I was born. But I will life was difficult, I was glad the boys were there most of the time and are happy to have their mother back in full force. sure he was doing what he was supposes to “I thank God that my mother is healthy again, and I’m be doing in school while mom was sick,” keep praying that everything goes to see what I was going through,” Miss. Jenkins said. “This was better glad me and my brother are on the same team for the first Samuel said. right .” than them being worried every time since we played Little League back in Austin,” Aaron Both boys agree that during their day at school about what was said. “I’m glad he’s by my side because together, the two of mother’s battle with cancer they searched Samuel Jenkins, senior happening.” us just dominate.” for a positive in the midst of everything. While she was managing her Samuel said he is happy his mother made it to his senior “My relationship with my brother did get stronger because he was the only one there for me at the time my mother was cancer in the hospital, Miss Jenkins said she was happy with year after all she has been though. He did however say that the boys during the whole ordeal. she will remain in the back of his mind as he takes the next going through her battle with cancer,” Aaron said. “Proud would be an understatement. They did a step of his career as a player. Sam looked to his coaches and teammates for support “Although she is well now, I’ll still be worried about her during the ordeal since he said he had no one else to turn to. tremendous job of taking care of me, because there was a time I really couldn’t take care of myself,” Ms. Jenkins said. when I leave because I’ve been the man of the house since “I remember I went out and got a card for my mom, and “Through faith in God and him answering my prayers we I was born,” Samuel said. “But I’ll still keep praying that all my teammates, coaches and some of my teachers signed made it. All I wanted was to be able to see both of them everything goes right. I want to continue to be a good big brother, a good teammate, good student and good son.” it,” Samuel said. “This put a smile on my mom’s face, and that graduate and to see both of them play.”
Brief: Boys golf Team finishes strong at Maypearl invitational tournament The Duncanville golf team participated in the Maypearl invitational yesterday this week and brought home two of the top three places at the tournament. “I am very proud of both of the young men who placed at the tournament since they posted personal best scores,” coach Rob McQuaid said. Outstanding performances were turned in by Brad Peregory and Bradley Bowden. Peregory placed 3rd overall with a career best 90. Bowden also with a career best 90 finished 2nd! The team’s next tournament will be Oct. 31 in Burleson.
PANTHER PRINTS || OCTOBER 28, 2011
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Athletes cope with injuries, focus on return to game BY Taylor Harris | Features Editor
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t was during the middle of the big game against Colleyville Heritage. Panther linebacker Travonte Wheaton entered the huddle with his team like he always does. He left the huddle and ran to the line of scrimmage to face his opponent. He back peddled, turned in and back out and that is when he said he heard a pop in his knee. Wheaton went down. Holding back tears, he held his knee as the athletic trainers rushed to the field. At that point he said he thought it was over. “When I was laying on my back I was in pain, but in the back of my head I was thinking this is it,” Wheaton said. “Right now it is really hard dealing with my injury, sometimes I kind of feel depressed because this is my last season, but I am dealing with a season ending injury.” Along with an estimated two million other players in the country, “This is now part of my life and I Wheaton suffered just have to deal with it and face the a sports reality that I may or may not return injury during his to the game I love .” high school career. Travon Wheaton, senior Wheaton admits this is not something he wanted to deal with his senior year. “This is now part of my life and I just have to deal with it and face the reality that I may or may not return to the game I love,” Wheaton said. Panthers athletic trainer Alex Hawkins said he has seen many injuries. His job as a trainer is to get the players back to the game. “The most important thing for players to know is that there is a light at the end of a tunnel,” Hawkins said. As an athletic trainer Hawkins said he always dwells on the positive. He said it is a process from being hurt to rehab and then to recovery. “Recovery is inevitable. You will recover,” Hawkins tells the athletes. “That’s one of the best parts about being an athletic trainer. Seeing how players can overcome those trials as an athlete.” With injuries to starting players such as Wheaton, coaches are forced to make adjustments in their game. Head football coach Jeff Dicus said he has had to adjust to not having one of his players on the field. “It’s a really sad part of the game, especially because he was one of our key players on defense,” Dicus said. “He’s now got to become a coach just like myself and everyone else on staff and figure out what he can do to contribute to the team because when we win, he wins.” Although football is usually referred to as a sport that tops the injury list other sports are not immune to
injuries. Senior volleyball player Paige Young said she had to come to terms with a season ending injury to her ACL her sophomore year. “I cried a lot at first because I couldn’t play, and I really wanted to do more for my team than just sit on the bench,” Young said. “The sport of volleyball itself is what motivated me through rehab, and even though some things still hurt now, being able to play is what keeps me going.” The athletic department has a process in place to help players with recovery. Coach Dicus said he encourages his players to go see the trainers if they have an injury even if they think they are alright. “The bottom line is we have to trust the three athletic trainers we have on staff to do their job,” Dicus said. “As a coach we can not interfere with what they say a player can and cannot do.” Although some injuries can eliminate the athlete from any competition, senior cheerleader Lauren Sturman said she can still participate but is limited after tearing one of her ligaments. “The fact that I can’t tumble or jump anymore is hard on me because it’s my senior year and I want to cheer the team to the top,” Sturman said. Although Wheaton said he will never put his Panther helmet back on and play he is hoping for a full recovery and said he wants to return to the game he loves. “I plan on doing rehab and becoming a walk on at Prairie View,” Wheaton said. “As for now, I still want us to win, and to go all the way as a team.”
Creative stitching Senior defensive tackle Montell Baree injured his ankle during a game against South Grand Prairie. There are trainers on hand at every game to assist players who are injured with returning to the playing field. (Chase Apperson Photo Season Ending injury Senior linebacker Trevonte Wheaton was injured during the first game of the season against Colleyville Heritage in the Cotton Bowl. He will not return to the field to play as a Panther this year (Chase Apperson Photo)
Derek Holland lives lifelong dream on mound for Rangers BY Allie Peregory | Managing Editor
the team’s work ethic.
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“We have swagger. We carry ourselves very well, and we have unbelievable chemistry,” Holland said. “I don’t think there’s a team in the league that out hustles us. We really try to out perform you no matter what.” Holland’s grandmother had never seen him pitch except on the television. She was able to attend a game in Cleveland and Holland said that he pitched one of the greatest games of his life. “That was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had,” Holland said. “I would like to relive pitching in front of my Grandma again, just to see her reaction throughout the game.” Holland wants to make his way to the Hall of Fame and wants people to recognize his character not only as a great baseball player, but also as a well rounded person. “I want to make a name for myself as a person who’s great on and off the field,” Holland said. “I want people to recognize I care about my fans, and that I care about my teammates.” Holland said that Ranger fans are amazing and the players feed off of the energy from the crowd. He admits that the team doesn’t like when the stadium does The Wave, but they appreciate the support. “The louder it gets the more amped up we become. You get that great feeling of the fans behind you. It feels real good,” Holland said. “We love what the fans are doing; we don’t want to change anything. Just stop The Wave.” Holland said that a lot of people get caught up in the fame and forget to stay humble, but he believes that staying humble is the key. “Stay humble, that’s the main thing,” Holland said. “You just need to relax, stay humble, remember where you came from and always give back to the people that have been there for you.” Being a professional hasn’t changed the way Holland feels like he should act. Holland said that he never wants to act like someone that he’s not. “I want people to see who I really am,” Holland said. “I’m just a laid-back guy trying to have some fun.”
Ranger fans will find that Holland is not shy to give out an autograph or take a picture. He said that he loves his fans and wants to give back to them any way that he can. he scent of peanuts and hot dogs float up the stands, red “I give back to my fans in any way possible- autographs, and blue shirts surround him as Texas Ranger’s fans charities, anything I could possibly do to give back to the put their hands up high and do The Claw. This is when fans,” Holland said. “Anything I can get my hands on; I’ll do starting pitcher Derek Holland has tunnel vision. Everything it.” around him is tuned out except for the mitt in front of him as Holland doesn’t stop with just autographs. He is currently he lifts up his leg to send another pitch to the plate. working to promote awareness of the dangers “Baseball is so awesome; there of texting and driving after losing a friend are no other words to describe in a car accident. Holland also built a it,” Holland said. “It’s America’s park and did a camp for children with pastime. It’s a great game to watch Down syndrome in Ohio. and just to be a part of.” “They’re so funny and they love to be Holland picked up a baseball around people. It’s so neat to be around bat at age three and has been those kinds of people and to give back playing since then. Holland was to them,” Holland said. “That’s one drafted by the Rangers in 2009 and thing I wish everyone could experience, pitched in the World Series with just to see how much love they have for the team in 2010. Holland said everything and just to see that smile on that pitching in the World Series their face.” was one of the greatest experiences With a cross around his neck, Holland of his life. said that he is very religious. Holland said “I couldn’t even believe it. I was that fellow teammate Josh Hamilton has Taking the lead Texas Rangers starter Derek in shock. I didn’t even know what been a big inspiration in his faith and has Holland (45) pitches against the Detroit Tito do, emotions got me and it was helped him a lot. gers during Game 6 of the American League unbelievable,” Holland said. “It’s “You have to be close to God. He’s the Championship Series in Arlington, Texas, just something you work all your one that has brought me here and given Saturday, October 15, 2011. (Max Faulkner/ life to do.” me the talent,” Holland said. “I give all my Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT) Holland knew from an early success back to God because that’s where age that baseball was something it came from.” he wanted to do professionally. Holland said that after an At a game there was a fan’s sign in the left field that read army recruiting officer told him that he would never make “Dutch Oven: Bring the Heat”. The name stuck. The nickname it to the big leagues he became even more motivated to play spread from the fans, to Ben and Skin and even ESPN, now major league baseball, using a poster that he drafted in his the nickname is recognized throughout the league. own handwriting. “It’s a pretty funny nickname,” Holland said. ‘I thought “I made a poster that stated ‘The Army Says You Can’t’ it was perfect for me because I like to have fun and be goofy, and put it on my wall,” Holland said. “It was probably one of and it’s just a goofy nickname.” the greatest things I used to motivate me and get me going to The Dutch Oven said that the Texas Rangers set themselves where I am now.” apart from other teams in the league by their character and
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Regional Qualifiers Junior Kris Vasquez qualified for Regionals in boys singles. Junior Cedric Ambulo finished undefeated in singles and will be competing in singles at the Regional meet as well. Jocelle Rudicco will be competing again this year in the top spot from the district in girls singles. The tennis team remained undefeated in district play this year. (Tatiana Marceleno/ Maria Sifuentes photos)
Tennis team finishes district undefeated, heads to Regionals BY John Davila | Features Editor
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fter finishing as district champions, the tennis team is headed to the regional competition this week as the top seed from district 5-5A. “I’m really proud of our kids,” head coach Trent Sellers said. “They played some of the best teams in the state and they held their own.” The team finished with an overall 14-5 record and was 8-0 in district claiming the district championship. In order to win district the teams had to go through Mansfield who they had only beaten once in the past nine years. Sellers said this was the toughest battle for a district title the team has faced. “If we could beat Mansfield , I knew the players would find a way to win the rest,” Sellers said. Jocelle Rudico once again went undefeated in district for the third straight year, but the real story was how ell the boy’s team performed. They combined for a 62-1 record in district. Juniors Cedric Ambulo and Weston Hill were undefeated at the #1 spot. “Every time I play I just go out and try to dominate the court,” Hill said. The team has no plans on slowing down their momentum as they head into Regionals, but might have a few obstacles in their way on the girl’s side. “We still have a young girl’s team and finding the right balance in doubles has been tough,” Sellers said. The teams are in what some say the toughest region in the state, and are working harder than ever to be sure to have a successful regional tournament. “We’ve stepped up our conditioning to prepare for the rigors of playing four matches over two days,” Sellers said. Both teams have no plan to stop their momentum that they are carrying form their district season into the regional tournament. They are going to continue their “Refuse to Lose” mentality and plan on making a big statement at the tournament. “We plan on putting Duncanville on the tennis map this weekend.” Sellers said.
Teamwork Juniors Cedric Ambulo and Weston HIll finished undefeated in doubles during the district season. They both will be competing together in doubles at today’s regional meet . (Tatiana Marceleno photo)
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Panthers face must win game against Mansfield Legacy
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he district season is now into its last two games. It’s all very close in the middle of the 5-5A district standings, and some teams need to win both of the last two games just to secure a playoff berth. The Panthers will play the first of their last two games against Mansfield Legacy who is sixth in the standings. Legacy lost their last two games and the Panthers shouldn’t have too much trouble getting a win. But the season has proved otherwise a few times. A few of the Panthers’ close games have been against teams they should have, at least on paper, easily beaten. But their resilience has been key to making those close games, wins. “I think our kids will respond well,” Coach Jeff Dicus said. “I’m looking for us to head over to Mansfield again and hopefully get our first win in that stadium.” It is a must win game for Duncanville. They need to set up some momentum for their last game against Cedar Hill, who could possibly go into the game undefeated, if they beat South Grand Prairie this week. Not only that, a loss could heavily reduce the chances of the Panthers making the playoffs. The Panthers are currently fourth in the standings with a 3-2 district record. They are just below Timberview, who also sits at 3-2. Timberview defeated the Panthers last week in close and emotional game that put the Panthers in a tough position. “We still need a lot of improvement,” junior running back Jaquan Cole said. “We’re not playing like we are suppose to be playing, how everyone expected us to be playing.” No doubt the Panthers will need to be in top form to finish the season well, and they have the talent to do so. They certainly know how to score and defend the ball. But they have lacked a bit of consistency that they will hopefully develop in these last two games and carry into the playoffs. “We need to start fast and finish fast,” Dicus said. “We just haven’t pushed the right buttons yet, but I think you’ll see a complete game from our kids this Friday.”
Reason to celebrate The Panthers last celebrated a win against South Grand Prairie at home. The game ended with a close score of 20-16. the team faces another must win game tonight as they face Mansfield Legacy. They will have a reason to celebrate with a win tonight that will secure them a spot in the state playoffs. (Ana Monzon photo)
Cross country teams finish fourth in tough district meet BY John Davila | Staff Writer
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Push to the finish line Coach Beale Tolbert cheers junior Guillermo Tobar on as her rounds the corner during a meet at Ennis prior to the district meet. Tobar will return to the team next year looking to advance to the Regional meet. (Tricia Virtue photo)
he cross country team finished their district season this week on a familiar course at Midlothian’s Camp Hoblitzelle park. The girls team finished fourth with Ana Salazar advancing to the Regional meet later this month. “I am proud of Ana for becoming the first Duncanville cross country runner to compete at the Regional meet for four consecutive years,” coach Beale Tolbert said. “Her team also did well finishing in fourth in a tough district.” On the boys side several of the boys finished in the top 25 but failed to make it to the top of the pack. Tolbert said most of the runners on the boys side are dual sport cross country runners that are just part time on the team. “They give it all they have but this is very hard on them since we are in a district where the other schools have athletes that are only cross country runners and train in one sport all year long,” Tolbert said. “Although we appreciate other coaches sharing these kids with us, it is hard on them as athletes to be competitive in multiple sports.” On the boys side sophomore Terrance Mitchell finished the course with a top time of the season. “The boys made some improvements and we are making plans of returning them next year and getting to the Regional level with them,” Tolbert said. Going into the meet this week the team was familiar with the course and knew what they needed to do to compete in Midlothian. “Last time we ran here we didn’t have the best outcome, but we are looking to better this time around,” junior Guillermo Tobar said. Last year’s district meet was also held at Camp Hoblitzelle. Neither of the teams advanced to Regionals except for senior solo runner Anna Salazar. Salazar is the top girls runner and went into the meet expecting to advance to Regionals again. “This is my last district meet, so we have been training extra hard in order to advance all the teams to Regionals,” Salazar said.
The runners have been practicing nonstop from working on their hill work to working on getting a good start. “One of the tough things on this course is that it does have a lot of hills and we need to be ready for that,” Tolbert said prior to the district meet. The junior varsity girls team also finished fourth in a tough pool of runners. Tolbert said this leaves a ray of hope for the future. “All of the runners utilized the tools they have for a course like this and they are looking to finish even stronger next year,” Tolbert said. “We will look to pick up more runners next year and be even more competitive.” Overall Tolbert said she was proud of the runners for the effort they put in all season and at this weeks meet. “We faced some tough obstacles in the beginning of the season with the extreme heat keeping many of our runners from practicing and that was difficult on the team,” Tolbert said. “When they only get to train basically half the season it is tough on these athletes and I think they gave me everything they had with the amount of training they were able to put in.”
Finishing strong Senior Anna Salazar pushes through the finish line at a non district meet hoping to improve her time prior to district. Anna will compete in the Regional meet later this mont for the fourth straight year. (Tricia Virtue photo)
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OCTOBER 28, 2011 || PANTHER PRINTS
Fitzgerald to debut on Next Great Baker show Nov. 28 BY Taylor Harris | Features Editor
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ust like Emmitt Smith, Dustin Diamond, and Bobby Brown, Math teacher and owner of Cake Guys, Charles Fitzgerald, will have his chance at reality television Nov. 28. Along with 13 other chefs in the country Fitzgerald was chose to participate in the reality TV show The Next Great Baker. The show is a spinoff of the show Cake Boss. “I have a really crazy background as a chef, plus being a teacher among other things, so I guess the judges really like me.” Fitzgerald said. During the first six weeks of the year, Fitzgerald was gone to New Jersey for the taping of the show. “It was really like being treated as a celebrity,” Fitzgerald said. “With all the limousine rides and five star hotels it was amazing but the 10 to 16 hour days were very stressful.” The show did more than give fame to just Fitzgerald. He said as the owner of The Cake Guys bakery his business will benefit from the show as well. “I really did this to get some exposure for Cake Guys, and it worked,” Fitzgerald said. “We were chosen to make a cake for the Rangers, and I was able to get all my staff to deliver and serve at the event we made it for. I’m glad I was able to show them I appreciate them.” Even though the show has already been filmed, Fitzgerald is still tight lipped about whether or not he won the shows $100,000 grand prize. “I can’t say anything exactly about the show yet, except I think I did really good,” Fitzgerald said. “All I can say was being on the show was physically and emotionally stressful. This was the hardest thing I have ever done but was one of the best experiences I ever had.”
The icing on the cake Shortly after returning to Duncanville after his appearance on the Next Great Baker show, Chad Fitzgerald was back to business at his shop on Camp wisdom. He and his crew from The Cake Guys were selected to create a special cake for the Texas Rangers organization’s gala event in Arlington. The cake featured all edible materials including a rotating baseball as the centerpiece. The team spent two days creating the cake prior to the final delivery which took the whole crew as well. (Ana Monzon, Ini Adedokun, Ariana Canchola, Erika Torres photos)