The Marquee Volume 36 Issue 5 by The Marquee

The Marquee

Vol. 36 Issue 5 • April 25, 2022 • Edward S. Marcus High School • 5707 Morriss Road Flower Mound, TX 75028

Modeling plays prominent role in junior’s life

Former counselor opens teen girls’ treatment center

Under pressure P . 15

Wrestler gets school’s first state title in eight years

editor in chief Sophia Craig managing and online editor Shriya Mukkavilli design editor Alex Thornfelt sports and opinion editor Hyunsung Na business manager Aishani Raju feature editor Alanna Reed news editor Muna Nnamani entertainment editor Garrison Acree photo editor Avery Jerina reporters Marley Roberson Vanessa Cardoso Harrison Hamre photographer Salma Ali designers Jayla Landou Jennifer Banh Marie Dacunos Saloni Mistry adviser LaJuana Hale principal William Skelton The Marquee newsmagazine is a student-generated publication of Marcus High School. It is produced, edited and maintained through the efforts of the school’s advanced journalism class. The Marquee is designed to serve the school and community as a forum for open discussion and student expression. The Marquee encourages letters to the editor as part of its mission to educate, inform and provide an open forum for debate. All submissions must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit all material. Editorials reflect the opinion of the staff, not necessarily that of the administration. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinion of the author. Advertising rates are $70 per 1/8 of a page, with discounts available. Patron ads are available for $100. Online advertisements are also available. For more information call 469-7135196. The Marquee is a standing member of ILPC, TAJE, ATPI, CSPA NSPA, JEA and Quill and Scroll.

cover Saloni Mistry

Junior June Kim donates blood at the MEDS club-hosted drive on March 24. Photo Avery Jerina

06 22 26

Inclusivity on the field

Bakersfield Park softball field to be made more accessible

Jumping for Joy

Senior breaks career goals, assists, and point records

Fresh finds

Songs you should add to your playlist

Scan the QR code for more stories and photos on our website!

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Marquettes celebrate 40th anniversary story “We have different songs that Aishani Raju represent different things, like the The Marquettes celebrated their 40th anniversary through their Spring Show on April 7-9. The show honored the team’s accomplishments since the second year of the school. Marquettes director Alice Dack has been director for the past 17 years. She said that this year’s show focused on the people behind the team. “It takes a village for a program to be successful,” Dack said. Marquettes captain and senior Holly Stewart said that the team has emphasized celebrating the past over the last year. “This year is all about having a good year and celebrating everything,” Stewart said. “We remind ourselves that this team is bigger than just us.” For this year’s show, Trans40rmed, the Marquettes performed songs and dance choreography from their past shows.

seniors are dancing to something about footsteps and leaving that legacy,” Dack said. To represent the evolution of the Marquettes’ uniforms over the years, A Marquettes mom created six replicas of old uniforms. They were displayed by yearbook pictures of the alumni. Dack said that the purpose of the Spring show was to showcase the alumni and the legacy that they have left behind. “This team is not what it is today because of who we are today,” Dack said. “It’s because of what everybody has brought before us.” Between a couple of dances at the Spring show, organizers showed an alumni-created video in which they interviewed past and future Marquettes. They talked about the legacy that they have left. On April 12, the Denton County Commissioners Court held a formal event thanking the Marquettes for 40

years of service. The judge read an official proclamation honoring the legacy and alumni that have paved the way for Marquettes. “We wouldn’t have had that recognition if it hadn’t been for the hard work of everybody before us,” Dack said. The Marquettes had the opportunity to meet and speak with all the commissioners. Senior lieutenant Vanessa Pueskens said that she is proud to be a part of the Marquette’s legacy. “It was a real honor to be able to be a part of the 40th celebration, because it’s not something that happens every day,” Pueskens said. The proclamation honored the Marquettes’ background and past accomplishments such as performing in the half-time of the 2011 Super Bowl and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 2007. “[We] could not be more just proud of the girls and proud of the concepts and proud of how everything came together,” Dack said. “It was everything we wanted.”

1985-1990

1984-1990 1990-91

1997-2004

1991-1997 2004-present A Marquette mom recreated old uniforms by referencing old yearbook photos to show the evolution of designs. Photo Avery Jerina

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design Jennifer Banh

Academic Decathlon advances to nationals As Senior Shaan Sidhwani sat at the state competition awards banquet with the rest of the Academic Decathlon team,

he mentally assessed his performance over the past two days. He had done well enough, he concluded, to place. Both he and the team had practiced tirelessly and translated their skills well over to the competitions. But the announcer called out the names of kids from other schools for fourth and fifth places. Marcus was called for third but it was his teammate, senior Kaitlyn Williams, another student, was second. It was then that Sidhwani realized he had done either really well or really poorly. He worried that he had been shut out, but then he made eye contact with AcDec co-sponsor David Pike across the aisle. He could see in Pike’s eyes that he had placed after all. “Mr. Pike was giving me the look, and I was just nervous,” Sidwhani said. “Like, no way that happened.” Sidhwani was still in shock when the announcer called his name for first place.

•••

Senior Shaan Sidhwani was the top scorer at the Academic Decathlon state competition. He also won $2,000 in scholarships. Photo Avery Jerina design Alex Thornfelt

The Academic Decathlon team’s accomplishments at the state competition from Feb. 25-27 made it the most successful in school history. The team placed second, beating the previous record set by the 1999 team by 824 points. They are ranked fifth in the country and were the first team in the district to advance to the online nationals tournament on April 21-23. “They’re just a wicked smart group that was ready to work hard,” co-sponsor Katie Walta said. AcDec students are split into three

divisions based on their GPA: story Honors, SchoMuna Nnamani lastic and Var& sity. At comHarrison Hamre petitions, they compete with other students in their division. Senior Nitish Bachala won fifth place in the Varsity division. Seniors Kaitlyn Williams and Shaan Sidhwani competed in the Honors division, Williams placing third, and Sidhwani scoring the highest in the state and breaking the Marcus Honors record by 130 points. In total, the team won $10,700 in scholarships. “It’s a really accomplished feeling,” Sidhwani, who earned a $2,000 individual scholarship, said. However, the team didn’t expect to advance to nationals. When Marcus was announced as second at the state competition awards ceremony, the members stared at each other in silence. “Historically, we’ve been like, ‘Let’s win state, let’s go to nationals,’” Walta said. “And now that we’re actually going to [nationals], it’s really surreal.” According to Pike, the students take on a big workload in preparation for their competitions, studying 20 pages a night during the first 9 weeks and then being tested over that content the next day. “The first nine weeks is brutal, but after that, it gets a lot better,” Pike said. “The ones that don’t want to join always say by the end of it that they wish they had done it sooner.” The students compete in various events consisting of seven multiple

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Senior Academic Decathlon competitors Emma Simmons, Nitish Bachala and Rishi Mishra practice during 4th period for the national competition on April 21-23. Photo Salma Ali choice tests, an essay, a speech and an interview. Pike said the speech portion is often challenging, but the most rewarding part for him is seeing them improve. “They can give their speech to just random people and random students from across the state, and be confident in that and be able to slow down and take their time, that’s always fun to watch,” Pike said. This year’s theme was water, with passages about marine biology and watercolor paintings of the ocean in the study material. The team initially geared itself towards getting to state, their usual goal. But according to Williams, the students this year had an unflinching drive to do well. The team concentrated during their 90 minute class period, quizzed each other outside of class, and came to school during weekends and holidays to practice. “With AcDec, the work that you put in

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studying and preparing and memorizing your speech really comes out in your scores,” Williams said. After a set of scrimmages and district competitions in the fall semester, the team was able to rise in ranks. “We were able to encourage each other to push ourselves to our limits,” Sidhwani said. “And there was the purpose, we knew what we were working towards.” The team hopes to gain more members next year, since most of this year’s team consists of seniors. “We’ll be looking to recruit some good students who are invested and want to come back,” Walta said. Students who are interested in joining AcDec next year can email Pike at piked@lisd.net or Walta at waltak@lisd. net. “I’m really hoping that this next group of students will continue on this legacy and will enjoy AcDec as much as I have,” Williams said.

Scholarships won at the state competition: -Shaan Sidhwani, first in Honors for Large Schools $2,000 -Kaitlyn Williams, third in Honors for Large Schools $1,000 -Nitish Bachala, fifth in Varsity for Large Schools $500 -Team, second place Overall Large School Team $10,700 design Alex Thornfelt

Ballpark remodels for a purpose Town Council approves remodel of field for Miracle League story Marley Roberson Every year teams of athletes ages 3-14 form a parade on Field 5 of Flower Mound’s Bakersfield Park as the season’s teams are announced. As each team was announced, players rushed the field to celebrate the start of their season. A crowd of supportive parents whistled and cheered as their kids launched their caps high into the air. Miracle League athletes joined the festivities for the first time on opening night in 2017. This year, one of the fields is undergoing a renovation to make it more accessible for these players. Miracle League is a national organization that creates baseball leagues for people with disabilities. There are over 200 organizations in different parts of the country, one of which was created locally by Jeff Fisher, who is now the Executive Director of Miracle League North Texas. Later that night, Fisher watched as his players swung the bat during their hitting exhibition.

design Marie Dacunos

Many of the other players had never seen a Miracle League before, but were quick to celebrate with the players. “They were out there cheering them on and getting into it just as much as our kids were. We basically just let the kids hit, let them have as much fun as they could and went home with smiles on our faces,” Fisher said. ••• Some athletes, such as Marcus student Avery Harbour, have not been able to play baseball before the local chapter was created. Harbour said she enjoys playing In January, Jeff Fisher and seniors Brynn Hedges and Avery Harbour as they presented the remodel of Field 11 on the team with her to Flower Mound Community Development Corporation. friends. Photo submitted by Jeff Fisher “I am a very competitive person,” Harbour said. “I said, ‘These kids love baseball just Fisher began coaching his son’s select as much as you. They just haven’t been FMYSA baseball team. In 2017 he began given the opportunity or the chance to looking for ways his Rattler team could play it like you have,’” Fisher said. give back to the community, when he The select team volunteered at least learned about Miracle League. once a season, after their first game in That October his team Arlington. volunteered for a Miracle League “The boys on the Rattler team game in Arlington as buddies, absolutely loved doing it,” Fisher said. able-bodied volunteers During their first game, Fisher met who assist their peers two players from Flower Mound. depending on their “I started thinking, ‘Why don’t we needs. have something like that in Flower Before the game, Mound?’” Fisher said. Fisher sat his players Fisher petitioned for a Miracle League down to talk. chapter in Denton county. He filled out

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“

These kids love baseball just as much as you. They just haven’t been given the opportunity or the chance to play it like you have.

- Jeff Fisher his application, and sent it for review. It was approved, and he was on his way with organizing his league. The organization sent him a large three ring binder full of plans and ideas on how he could run the league. Currently, the local chapter is not competitive.

Instead they focus on everyone having a chance to play. “Fun is the basis of it for me right now, and making sure that these kids are enjoying themselves and experiencing the joy of baseball on the field,” Fisher said. “I don’t want anybody winning or losing quite yet.” ••• Their spring season started on March 26 with six teams and 28 new athletes joining. Senior Brynn Hedges is looking forward to playing this season. “I’m excited to play baseball with friends and have fun,” Hedges said. She likes to hit the ball and run the bases during practices and games. Fisher organizes his teams, grouping together kids with peers they’re already familiar with. “When a parent registers … one of the questions is, ‘Do you have anybody in Miracle League that you know, or that you want to play with’,” Fisher said. “I

During Miracle League opening night last year, our baseball players volunteered as buddies for Miracle League athletes. Photo Submitted by Jeff Fisher

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tried to make sure that all those kids are playing together.” ••• Fisher also spoke at the Flower Mound town council meeting on Feb. 7, advocating for the remodel of Field 11 in Bakersfield Park to make it more accessible for Miracle League athletes. He went to the parks and recreation department, community development corporation, and then town council, who approved of the renovation. Fisher expects the construction process to begin early July, and for the project to cost about $150,000. First, they considered building a facility in Glenwood Park, but decided to revamp an existing field in Bakersfield. “For these kids to feel like they’re part of something much bigger is really important to me,” Fisher said. “It’s really important that it’s at Bakersfield Park because they feel included.” Fisher favored this idea because the park has multiple fields frequently used by different leagues. “Bakersfield is basically the heart of baseball in our area,” Fisher said. Currently, Field 11 is a dirt softball field in Bakersfield Park. The Miracle league remodel will add turf to the field making it more accessible for those with mobility devices. This field is also near handicapped parking spaces, restroom facilities, and concessions. Fisher also hopes to expand into other sports like soccer and basketball like the Frisco chapter. “That’s what these kids love, is just being active and being with their friends,” Fisher said.

design Marie Dacunos

Strutting through life Modeling, acting career brings junior opportunities story Aishani Raju As junior Claire Capek glided down the runway at 9, she only had one thought: don’t mess up. The overhead lights shone on her purple orchid frilly dress and multicolored floral top. The seats filled with designers, agents, and parents surrounded the platform with their cameras out looking at the runway, impressed at the young models posing.

•••

Claire was only 6 when her mom, Shannon Capek, stumbled upon a Facebook flyer that advertised an event hosted by an agency scouting for young models. Shannon signed her up and took her to the Highland Village Shops, where the casting was held. Claire said that she strutted down the platform and posed down the runway, while other kids were doing cartwheels and dancing. She had proven that she had what it took to sign with an agency. Claire said that the Kim Dawson agency pulled her mom to the side and praised her looks once she reached the end of the runway. “They’re like, ‘She’s so cute. She has great red hair, which is what really stood

Lenny Wheeler, Claire’s model manager built editorial looks for her portfolio. Photo submitted by Claire Capek

design Alex Thornfelt

out to me,’” Claire said. The agency gave their business card to her mom and asked if she could send in photos to see if Claire was fit for their agency. Three months later, the agency reached back out to Claire to do a photo shoot for a magazine cover. This shoot would determine if Claire would be signed. “After that photoshoot is when I got officially signed in with my agents,” Claire said. Her agency started booking her jobs. Her first job was a photoshoot for the cover of the North Texas Charlotte’s magazine. She was ecstatic, especially since she was only 6. “It was the best thing that could have ever happened to me,” Claire said. “I felt like I was going to be famous.” Shannon was in awe of her daughter the first time she walked down the runway. “She just ate it up,” Shannon said. “I’ve got pictures of that first time she was ever on set and getting professional hair and makeup done. And she just took direction so well from the photographer and stylist, and you just could tell that that was going to be a passion of hers.” Claire continued to get hired for modeling jobs throughout her childhood, including a stream of catalogs for JC Penney, Target and Kohl’s. “I was booking almost every two days,” Claire said.

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Junior Chloe McNeil, Claire’s close friend, said that Claire is very experienced in the industry. “She’s a very confident person and she knows what she’s doing,” McNeil said. “She knows what she wants to do.” As she started getting older, though, Claire started getting fewer modeling jobs. Since she was around 5’8 when she was 15, the agency was looking at different jobs for her in the adult section. However, she was constantly rejected. “They’re like, “You’re too skinny for the adult section,” Claire said. “That was really confusing to me.” She said that even though she has been doing everything she should be to keep up her physique, she still faces rejections. “You start looking more at yourself,” Claire said. “Then that turns into self hatred and self sabotage … it’s just being

“

She’s a very confident person and she knows what she’s doing. - Chloe McNeil, 11

aware that maybe that just wasn’t my time. Maybe I wasn’t showing progress.” Claire said that she has also dealt with being turned away because of her facial features and her body. “In an audition … sitting there looking at 25 girls who look exactly like you,” Claire said. “And then if one of them has a better body shape than you, or they have blue eyes and brown eyes, they’re going to get the job. I can’t necessarily fix that.” She overcomes the struggle of auditioning for different jobs by

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Claire poses for a photo shoot for her manager, Lenny Wheeler. She started her modeling journey when she was six years old and has since modeled for photo shoots, runways and store catalogs. Photo submitted by Claire Capek acknowledging that not everything is in her control. While Claire’s modeling career was paused, she decided to focus on auditioning for acting positions. Shannon said that even in the acting world, Claire has faced many challenges. She said that she auditioned to be in an upcoming new Netflix show and she moved all the way through the producer sessions, and met the writer and the casting directors. However, Shannon said that at the last minute, they went into a different direction and she didn’t get the job. “There’s so much disappointment when you think … This is it. This is my huge break,’” Shannon said. “And so she thinks, ‘Well, this may be the one,’ and then it just comes and goes. And it is a hard pill to swallow.” Shannon said that Claire uses the rejections to work on bettering herself for opportunities in the future. “[Models] just have to be confident enough with [themselves] to know that everybody has an opinion,” Shannon said. “And it doesn’t mean that you have to internalize it and worry about it. And fortunately, she’s very self confident in that way.”

design Alex Thornfelt

The residents of Roots Renewal take care of animals, like goats, as part of their daily routines. Photo Claire McMahon

Former counselor opens ranch for healing story Shriya Mukkavilli Former student assistance counselor Michelle Schwolert was working at the school in her office on Nov. 11, 2020 when her mother texted her to meet her in the parking lot. She had news. Her brother Nathan Marks had died from an overdose on fentanyl-laced cocaine. Nathan, 33, had struggled with drug addiction for over 20 years. Michelle was crushed. She dropped to the ground, devastated. Her husband Matthew, who also taught at the school, and fellow counselor Kelly Young joined her at her side. Nathan had overdosed several times in years before but had always survived. “When you actually get the call…I still don’t think that you can be prepared

design Jennifer Banh

enough to feel the finality of somebody passing,” Michelle said. Nathan graduated from Flower Mound High School and was a member of the wrestling team. Michelle

“

I cannot watch one more person die from this.

-Michelle Schwolert, Founder

remembers him for his snarky, tell-itlike-it-is personality. He could become friends with anyone in a split second. Nathan checked into rehab facilities multiple times over the 20 years he struggled with cocaine addiction. He was clean for two years and had spoken at the school during Red Ribbon Week the year before he relapsed. “He never blamed anyone for his addiction,” Michelle said. “He always took accountability for it.” A few weeks before he died, Michelle and Nathan were in their parents’ house where they discussed starting a program together to help drug addicts. In North Texas alone, 20 percent of teens said they have used drugs illegally, according to Fort Behavior Health. Michelle was no stranger to teen drug

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and mental health problems in the North Texas area. In the beginning of last year, she remembers referring several students

Michelle credits her late brother Nathan Marks for her starting the ranch. He struggled with addiction for 20 years. Photo submitted by Michelle Schwolert

to inpatient mental health facilities. During the school year, she heard about four school alumni that died from drug overdoses. In March 2021, four months after Nathan died, Michelle decided to put their plan into action. “I was like, ‘I can’t take this anymore Michelle said. “I cannot watch one more person die from this.” With the support of her family, she purchased the land for a ranch in April 2021. Over the course of the summer and fall she built the program up, hiring therapists and other employees. They opened Roots Renewal Ranch on Nov. 1, 2021. Roots can have up to 18 female residents who stay for 60 to 90 days. They currently have six aged 13-17, who are mainly from North Texas, with some coming from LISD schools. While she intended to make a co-ed facility at first, Michelle changed her mind after learning that there was only one mental health facility in the North Texas area for teen girls. Michelle said that her time at the school prepared her. “I can’t overstate the value of my time as a student assistance counselor, and how much that benefited this process,” Michelle said.

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The residents follow a schedule every day, which includes therapy, chores and outdoor time with the alpacas, llamas, rabbits, goats and other animals of the ranch. Michelle said not every resident is receptive to the program at first, but most grow to accept that they need help. “They’re comfortable with chaos,” Michelle said. “But then after they’re here just even a few days, they feel how safe and loved they are.” Out of all the clients she’s had, Michelle remembers Madison*, the very first resident. She arrived at Roots addicted to Percocet laced with fentanyl. She had been in and out of treatment facilities and hospitals multiple times. “Her mom and dad just didn’t know what to do with her,” Michelle said. “She was basically poisoning her body.” She had come in with a broken family relationship, thinking she wouldn’t last the first 30 days. Now, Madison mended her bonds with them and has been clean since Oct. 31. “She’s following the program exactly as she needs to and it’s working,” Michelle said. “I’m just incredibly proud of her.” Some Schwolert family members

work on the ranch. Zoey Schwolert, Michelle’s niece, is the Client Services and Marketing Director. She said that after struggling with her mental health for years, Zoey chose to help girls facing similar problems. Now, she shares her family with the residents. “I just felt really called to help the young ladies here at Roots,” Zoey said. “I have never been able to see some of my family members in this light before. It’s really cool to see our clients start to latch on to my real family as their own family.”

•••

The Friday night before Roots Renewal opened, Michelle stood at the porch of the ranch house. She gazed at the wide landscape dotted with llama and alpaca pens. She took a photo of the scene before her with the fall sunset in the background. Michelle remembers thinking, What did I get myself into? But at the same time, she knew the ranch would be a place for the girls to heal. To change their lives. “The whole process was very Godled,” Michelle said. “I’m sure Nathan had a part of it too.”

*Name has been changed to protect identity.

Since opening up Roots Renewal Ranch on Nov. 1, Michelle Schwolert has six residents from the North Texas area. Photo Claire McMahon

design Jennifer Banh

Last match Senior wrestler makes school history Sports had always been an important part of senior Kadence Baker’s life. And while he had always been part of a team, he never felt at home. “Whenever I started wrestling, it’s like your whole team is right next to you, beside you, helping you out,” Kadence said. Kadence was built to be a wrestler, standing at 6 foot, 2 inches and weighing 260 pounds. “I just picked up wrestling for a workout, just so I can stay in shape,” Kadence said. His coach, Matt Stoeberl, said he could see the potential in Kadence from the moment he stepped on the mat. “You could tell he was a wrestler,” Stoeberl said. “He was hungry. He wanted to be a good wrestler, and that’s when he started really committing.” After only two months of wrestling, Kadence placed fourth at regionals. That in a year not affected by COVID, would have made him a state qualifier. Stoeberl said he had a unique strength and intelligence on the mat, using his background in steer wrestling from rodeo in every match. “If you can wrestle a bull to the ground, you can wrestle a human,” Stoeberl said. “We kept it simple. He had a couple things that he did and he was successful against someone the first time he wrestled them.” The problem with Kadence’s initial wrestling style was that once someone knew how he was going to take them down, they could avoid his moves. Even though he found success with this style at first, he was ready to improve and

design Jayla Landou

grow as a wrestler for his senior season. He trained hard, driving hours away to go to wrestling camps throughout the summer. “If you’re willing to drive across the country to wrestle some really good

“

I just took a deep breath, and took it all in.

- Kadence Baker, 12 kids that are probably going to beat you, you’re pretty serious at that point,” Stoeberl said Kadence went through his senior year with one goal in mind. He wanted to get his name on the school’s wall of state titles. After fighting his way to the top, getting first at district and second at regionals, he was qualified for state and ready to make school history. *** Kadence sat on the bus on his way to the tournament, having fun with his teammates. But the whole time he was getting in the zone. Getting ready for matches that would challenge him in ways he couldn’t imagine. “These are six minute battles,” Stoeberl said. “You don’t have whatever

story Harrison Hamre advantages you might have had throughout the year. You don’t have those advantages at the state tournament because everyone’s that good, if not better.” His first match was a struggle, going against the son of Mark Henry, an Olympic powerlifter, strongman and two-time WWE World Champion. Even though his opponent was a sophomore, Kadence said it was one of the hardest matches he’s ever had. “Once he had a bear hug, he just wouldn’t let me go,” Kadence said. Kadence was able to keep his wits about him for long enough for the match to go into overtime. Henry had him on the line, only an inch from being out of bounds when Kadence turned his hips quickly, getting on top of him and pinning him at the very edge of the circle. “I was on my tippy toes there,” Kadence said. “It was super cool, and that’s how I won that match.” His second match was an even bigger challenge. He was matched up against the number one seed in the state, a 19 year-old senior from Allen. “I don’t think there was another kid in that gym that could have beat him, except that kid,” Stoeberl said. Kadence lost his second match, but he was still in the tournament and still was fighting to place in the top three. His teammates, seniors Sean Payne and Aiden Bednar, weren’t as lucky though. They lost their first two matches and were out of the running. Kadence had to comfort his friends as they realized that their time wrestling in high school was over.

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“At the very end of the day, they came up to me and said, ‘Is this really it? Is it over? I don’t want it to be over it,’” Kadence said. “It was really hard for me.” After losing that second match, he went to bed that night with even more determination and a greater desire to make his team proud. He woke up somewhat nervous. He knew he was the first person in several years from Marcus to

make it to the second day of the tournament but he wasn’t content with that. Kadence put on his Buc-ee’s hat before he headed off to his next match. He won his first two matches the second day, setting up to win third place if he won his last match. The only problem was his third match was against the same student from Allen who beat him the day before. Kadence and his coach were both nervous, but Stoeberl reminded him that whether or not he won didn’t matter. This was his last match in high school, so he should go out there and give it his all. He warmed up on his own. Taking off his letter jacket, he reminisced on all of his matches. Not just the ones at state but all of the ones that got him to where he was. “Everything went silent,” Kadence said. “I just took a deep breath, and took it all in.” He put on his white, championship singlet for the last time. “I didn’t care what was

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going to happen,” Kadence said. “I was going to have some fun while I did it.” In the first ten seconds of the match, Kadence bull-rushed his opponent, head-

butting him in the nose and going in as aggressive as he could. But the match didn’t last long. While still in the first period of the match, his opponent’s speed was too much, and he took Kadence by the shoulder and pinned him to the floor. He had lost the match. He took off his singlet and threw his head gear as he ran to the showers in tears. “I just cried for about an hour and a half because I didn’t want it to be

over,” Kadence said. He eventually met back up with his coach who reminded him he still made history for the school by placing fourth in the tournament. “To be that after eight years and to finally get a name back up on our state medal winner board is an impressive thing,” Stoeberl said. There were still matches left in the championship so he sat and watched, wishing he was in them. “It was hard for me because I knew I could have gotten there,” Kadence said. After the last match he was called up for the awards. The student who placed second was a rival of sorts for Kadence, but he had torn his meniscus and was unable to get on to the stage. “I wanted to make sure that he had the same experience,” Kadence said. “He worked so hard for it that he should be able to experience it too.” He helped carry the student to his spot on the podium, and Kadence stood on the stage with the other top wrestlers in the state. “I smiled and had fun,” Kadence said. “I didn’t want it to end, but I was happy.”

design Jayla Landou

compiled & photo Salma Ali

60 SE6ONDS

If you could live in another show ,what show would it be and why?

Jean Lundgren, 11

I would probably want to live in Bob’s Burgers because I feel like I would be homies with all the characters. And Jean, we have the same name. We can be besties

If you could be any food, what would it be? Why?

Probably a coconut. So I could be like in the trees and at the beach.

What was your favorite childhood show? Probably Victorious. Drake and Josh and Zoe 101. Because I just loved teen Nick. Because I felt cool watching it.

If you could get pit tickets to any concert, what would it be? Why?

I wanted to go back in time to see Nirvana play because I had a Kurt Cobain obsession.

If you could go to space what would you use to travel ? I would use wings. Because that’d be fun. I would fly.

What would you rather have love or money?

Love, I guess both can be temporary. But I feel like love is more impactful unless I have unlimited money forever.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Yes. Because it’s meat between bread. And that’s what sandwiches are.

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Class rank: Helpful or harmful?

photo Avery Jerina

Fewer colleges consider class rank story Muna Nnamani Especially near the end of the school year, many students work hard for class rank, usually to impress colleges. However, students may be overestimating the value colleges place on ranks during admissions. A 2018 National Association for College Admission Counseling survey of 220 colleges found that only 9.1% placed “considerable importance” on class rank. According to the College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges, the average share of students in public or private colleges who submitted their class rank as part of their application decreased by about 10 points between 2007 and 2017. Along with colleges’ decreasing interest in students’ ranks, other factors have contributed to some schools no longer using the ranking system.

Cheating

The temptation to cheat to keep ranks up prevalently affects schools that rank students. In a study of 70,000 students in 24 high schools, the International Center for Academic Integrity found that 95% admitted to some form of cheating. AP Humanities teacher Debbie Brininstool taught both virtual and inperson classes last year and saw cheating in both settings. “I think what provokes cheating is pressure,” Brininstool said. “Pressure [from] parents, larger societal expectations, teachers, and sometimes it’s internal pressure.” Students who learned virtually last year also had more opportunities to get answers online or use notes on exams. Junior Olivia Witter, who did virtual school, said that the students cheating impacted everybody’s class rank. She had the opportunity to cheat, but chose not to. “Even though it lowered my class rank, it made me feel a lot better as a person,” Witter said. Junior Jianing Lin said that when she sees other students rise in rank dishonestly, it makes her feel worse about the work she did. “It felt kind of awful, because you’re like, ‘Oh, is that time I spent studying for this test basically wasted?’” Lin said.

Relationships

Where students lie on the ranking system can also affect their friendships. Witter, who ranks in the second quartile, said that her friend group changed once she reached high school. “In middle school, I used to have a lot of friends,” Witter said. “And a lot of them have now distanced themselves from me, because they’re focusing on their schoolwork and their class rank.” Ranks can also affect the way students view each other. Junior Olivia Pier, who ranks in the first quartile, said she is hesitant to share her rank because it changes how her peers see her.

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“They’ll be like, ‘Wow, you’re so smart,’” Pier said. “And they expect me to be perfect.” Senior Luke Southwell’s friend group barely discusses their ranks. He said that this makes it easier to get to know other people. “We don’t really compare each other academically, because academics come second to how a person feels and acts towards each other,” Southwell said. Senior Dylan Tran, who ranks in the first quartile, often compares ranks with his friends, because it encourages him to work harder.

Class Rank

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“It’s a very friendly thing in my class, and I think that’s a really healthy thing we’ve had,” Tran said. However, junior Seher Hasan, who ranks in the first quartile, said that too much comparison between students is discouraging. “If you talk to somebody with a higher class rank, you might be like, ‘Oh, well look at that, maybe I should be studying twice as hard now,’” Hasan said.

Stress

Lin said that the versatility of class ranks can weigh on students’ emotions. “If you go up it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m happy now, that’s good,’” Lin said. “‘I feel like all my studying paid off.’ But if you go down it’s like, ‘Oh, ouch. A lot of people have passed me.’”

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When Lin first saw her rank in sophomore year, she was much higher than she thought she would be. This made her sensitive to when it fluctuated in later semesters. “I felt a lot of pressure to keep it up,” Lin said. “And if it went down with every semester, I just felt really poorly about myself.”

Class Rank

Southwell, who ranks in the fourth quartile, was disengaged from his schoolwork during the virtual year. He felt overwhelmed by the amount of work he had to do and focused instead on preserving his mental health. “The pressure was too much,” Southwell said. “It came crashing down on me. It’s like trying to climb a mountain when you haven’t climbed even a tree yet.” When ranks were released, he was disappointed in himself. “It’s a bit crushing to think that many people were better than you,” Southwell said. Witter believes that while ranks can make those who are higher feel good about themselves, it makes average and lower students feel insecure. “When I first looked at class rank, I realized how many people are in our class, and how many people work a lot harder than regular people like me,” Witter said. “I really saw how kind of self-deprecating it can be.” However, Hasan said that ranks should not determine how students feel about themselves.

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“In my mind, there’s always a fear that, ‘Oh, my goodness, I cannot get bad grades, otherwise my GPA will go down,’” Hasan said. “‘My GPA will go down, my GPA will go down.’ And I have to remind myself that it’s OK.”

Learning

Brininstool has seen the academic system affect her students’ intrinsic motivation. She said that as students advance further in the academic system, they lose their natural curiosity. “By the time we get to high school, that joy and internal motivation… has been crushed and now it’s all external motivation,” Brininstool said. “And external motivations, we know, do not last.” She said there has been plenty of prioritizing grades over learning because of the competitive nature of her AP classes. An example of this is students reading the Sparknotes the night before a test instead of actually reading the book. “I think with the student population I have, I tend to have students in my classes who are goal oriented, and that goal is for a good grade,” Brininstool said. Tran said that class rank is not a good indicator of how smart a student is, because it depends on other factors like study skills and test taking skills. “It’s not at all a testament to whether you’re a hard worker, or you drive to do things,” Tran said. “Because so many of my friends I know who are lower ranked than me, but put in 10 times the amount of effort I do.”

Class Rank

Positive aspects

However, class ranks can positively impact students in multiple ways, including helping with the college admissions process. Students in Texas who rank in the top 10% of their classes gain automatic admission to all state schools, and the top 6% are automatically accepted to The University of Texas at Austin. Tran said that this helps students without access to SAT prep or college counselors. “That helps them get an edge up in the college admissions process… that maybe they wouldn’t necessarily have the same opportunity to compare to their other applicants who do have those resources,” Tran said. Lin said that the ranking system can still motivate students to work harder. “It can also encourage you in the same way to be like, ‘Oh, I want to aim for maybe a certain percent, like top 10% or top 20%,’” Lin said.

••• Regardless of rank, though, Witter said that every student is equally significant. “I think everybody in your class is important,” Witter said. “Whether they’re in the top 10 or if they’re the last person.”

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More than a number

Senior shares academic struggles

story Sophia Craig & Alanna Reed What is wrong with you? Senior Faith Landis stood in her eighth grade teacher’s room, her face a mixture of disbelief and frustration. She didn’t have an answer for why her homework was never done on time. She tried her best. She spent hours each night and into the morning staring, tears in her eyes, at her homework, sometimes until 3 or 4 a.m. when she eventually had to go to sleep. All Faith wanted was to do well in school, but that seemed impossible. “I would just get so anxious and so upset that I couldn’t do it anymore,” Faith said. Faith’s expectations for herself have always been high. Faith said she feels that students have been pressured to think about college as early as elementary school. “The pressure that’s put on an individual child is ridiculous,” Faith said. “We started talking about college in the third grade… and it was like ‘If you don’t get into a good college you’re not going to be successful.’” Faith has been diagnosed with

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Senior Faith Landis has struggled keeping up with class rank and grades in middle and high school. Photo Salma Ali

naturally, but because she has to be. “I’ve always had to be good at English because my test scores are so bad in [math],” Faith said. According to Faith, math is the bane of her existence. She struggles to comprehend it in a classroom setting and feels forced to teach it to herself at home. Faith ended up seeking a tutor, working through assignments with her parents and her friends, but she still struggled to keep up. “I don’t know how to fix that,” Faith said. “I don’t know, in an actual school setting, how they would change that without specialized teaching for every student, which is very hard to get.” The metaphor that Faith uses to describe the classroom

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anxiety and insomnia. Even in elementary school, Faith said she was stressed as a result of academic pressure. “I was in the fifth grade having anxiety attacks about my math homework, which is just ridiculous for fifth graders,” Faith said. She said she comes from a long line of teachers including her mother who is a special education teacher. Her sister is also an English major at the University of Texas at Arlington. “She’s really good at English… obnoxiously good at English. It makes me angry deep in my bones,” Faith said. Faith’s teachers noticed she was bright. Her English teachers in particular always took notice of her writing skills and high test scores. She said she was recommended for the GT program and took the test four times. She could never get her math score high enough, though. “The teachers kept recommending me and recommending me and recommending me,” Faith said. “I was like, ‘Bro, I’ve taken the test. They will not let me in.’” Faith says that English is her strongest subject, not only

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Faith still struggles with the anxiety, though, including that about class rank. Students have the option to remove their class rank from their senior transcripts. But since Faith missed the deadline this year to remove her rank from her transcript, she sees it every time she opens her portfolio, which causes her anxiety. “[My friends] check it for me because I can’t look at it,” Faith said. “I hate looking at my transcript because it has my class rank on it.” Kennedy believes that the environment created by the rankings adds to Faith’s anxiety. “She’s like, ‘I don’t really want to know it,’” Kennedy said. “Because people here will determine people’s worth based on their class rank.” Faith says she feels unmotivated at times due to the class rank system. She feels some schools are too grade driven and don’t focus enough on the learning aspect. She said she values learning more than good marks, but thinks that the system creates an atmosphere where she worries about her rank too much. “You do what you have to do to get the grade, but I’m not really that interested in the grade,” Faith said. Although she still feels pressure about her future, Faith says she has learned to move forward. She is considering attending community college to improve her academic record. “I’m over caring that much. If we’re talking about college, I can go to NCTC, get my GPA up, and we’ll be fine…So I had to have that conversation with myself because the narrative that’s here is, ‘You’re a failure if you don’t go to college.’”

I hate looking at my transcript because it has my class rank on it. - Faith Landis, 12 setting is an elementary school puzzle. The kind where the circle piece goes in a circle, square in a square. In some areas she’s done well, but in others she feels like she’s never fit in. “They’re like, ‘Yeah, shove the triangle in the circle,’ and it doesn’t work,” Faith said. “I feel like … everything’s made for a circle, but not everyone’s a circle.” Senior Kennedy Taylor, Faith’s close friend, describes her as intelligent and passionate. She says that

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Girls soccer ends season regional finalist story Vanessa Cardoso & Muna Nnamani On April 9, the day of the regional finals, the sun glared down on the bright green stadium turf as the varsity girls soccer players’ names were blared out over the intercom. Still shaking off tiredness from the previous day’s game against Keller, the girls stepped onto the field, excited to play. This game’s rivals, the Carroll High School Dragons, were going to be tough to beat, but the Lady Marauders steeled themselves against the competition. The stakes were even higher for the senior players. If they didn’t win, they wouldn’t have a chance to make it to the regional finals again. “It’s like nerves hit,” senior and varsity captain Nina Mazzola said. “Just knowing what’s at stake after that game.”

Freshman Maddie Hayes dribbles past a Flower Mound defender. Hayes scored the goal to put the Marauders 2-0 late in the regional quarter-final game on April 1. Photo Hyunsung Na

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Going into the season, the girls varsity soccer team had one goal. It was the same one they set every year: state. “Our motivation every year is to try and get to the state championships,” Head Coach Chad Hobbs said. “I don’t think that that’s something that every team can say. But we’re fortunate that we have enough drive and talent in our group that that is a goal for us.” Hobbs knew that the team was talented, and they had been for the 11 years that he had led them into competitions. Out of those years, they had fought their way to the regional finals five times. They were determined to do it again. “Our entire roster is full of club kids, so they play at high levels all around,” Hobbs said. “So when they come together, they’re motivated.” The players spent time outside of normal practice improving their game, sacrificing weekends with their families to practice. “Even whenever we had to do school work, we still went out and did something whether it was shooting skills, speed, agility,” sophomore and varsity goalkeeper Bry Russel said. “Something that helped us get to where we were.” Because the soccer season starts in the winter, the girls sometimes had to play in bad weather. Sometimes, that meant playing in the rain. “It’s challenging because you are getting soaked,” Russel said. “But I feel like it makes us all better. You never know what you’re going to be playing in.” Remaining motivated when they didn’t perform well during a game was another challenging factor they dealt with. If they dwelt on their loss, they would become unfocused and diverge from the path they had built for themselves. “So like a bad game, you’d get down on yourself, but having good teammates helped out,” Mazzola said. The girls kept up the positive mindset, and on March 24, the team beat Guyer 2-1 at the Bi-District Playoff. They were on their way to achieving their first goal, winning district.

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The team continued on and they played against Arlington on March 29 for the area playoff. They won 5-1. On April 1, they made it to the regional quarter-final against Flower Mound. They beat the team 2-1. This was one of the most anticipated games for the players because of the rivalry. “I feel like that was such a great game for us,” Russel said “We lost last year versus them in the fifth rounds and playoffs. So I feel like [beating] that team, our rivals, was such a great feeling.” When the regional semi-final came around on April 8, the entire student body was clothed in pink for the pink out theme. Many students missed the second half of the school day so they could crowd the student section. “We’re very excited this year because our student section was very supportive,” Mazzola said. “And I’d say like a big thanks to the boys team. Because most of them were always getting groups of people to come out.” According to Russel, the team thrived off the amount of support from students. “Our student section was amazing,” Russel said. “I’ve never seen that many people at a girl soccer game. Like that was a really big thing for us.” The team enjoyed their victory and mentally prepared for the challenge that regional finals would pose — the Carroll Lady Dragons. Russel was excited for the challenge. “The night before I was super excited,” Russel said. “We’ve always wanted to play this team like this.” ••• The bus back to Marcus bumped along the road. The team was silent, thinking over what they could have done to change the outcome. Once they got to Marcus, there was no celebratory dinner. No flurry of excitement. They had lost the Regional Finals 0-2. The amount of talent from all teams competing was so much that Hobbs believed that any team had a real chance at winning. “It’s sports,” Hobbs said. “Somebody has to lose. So I’ve been on both sides of it. I’ve been in those games where we’ve won, and I’ve been in those games where

The varsity team defeated Flower Mound 2-1 in a close competitive game in their regional quarter-finals on April 1. Photo Hyunsung Na

unfortunately the result doesn’t go your way.” While she was disappointed by the end of this season, Russell is looking forward to working toward the same goal next year. “Next season, I would like to make it even farther than the fifth round because we did lose two years and around the same round,” Russell said. “I feel like maybe even making this sixth round, we would be so happy if we did that.” Regardless of the season’s outcome, Hobbs is proud of the team not just as players but as people. “On and off the field, just tremendous kids,” Hobbs said. “They were a complete joy to work with.”

Junior Caroline Castans makes a pass down the field. Photo Hyunsung Na

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Senior breaks career goals, assists, points records story Hyunsung Na After four years of playing on the Flower Mound Marcus Hockey team, Senior Griffin Joy finished his final Flower Mound Marcus FMM Hockey season, as the leader in career goals, assists and scores. With 34 goals, 37 assists and 71 points, points being goals and assists added together, Joy now owns all the top records of the franchise. Junior and FMM hockey teammate Robert Wohlitz says that Joy’s team player mentality and willingness to help the team made him the perfect person to set the new records. “It’s a good person for it to happen to,” Wohlitz said. “He’s always there for the team and wants to help out the best he can.” Born into a hockey family, Joy was introduced to the sport at an early age. In his earliest memories, he remembers running around playing street hockey in the road with all of his friends in Canada. “Something about hockey set it apart from any other sport,” Joy said. “And I guess it’s just in the Canadian blood to play hockey.” When Joy moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin at 3, his passion for hockey grew. There, he began playing ice hockey and still remembers his 6-year-old self, scoring goals in the playoffs on his youth team. Joy said he remembers how difficult the transition to ice hockey was, but also sees how far he’s come since.

Senior Griffin Joy #86 played at the Valley Ranch Starcenter during his final season on the FMM team. Photo submitted by Kate Lapin

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“It’s scary, going around, holding onto those little buckets, going around the edge of the ice rink,” Joy said. “But eventually I just caught on, and now it’s like riding a bike. I could skate backwards with my eyes closed.” Around fourth grade, Joy began getting into more competitive hockey, playing at higher levels of ice hockey like his AAA team, the Green Bay Gamblers. It was around this age that he hit a roadblock in his hockey career. He knew he wanted to keep playing hockey, but the constant practices and games began to wear him down. “It was a couple of weird years where I just didn’t know if I really enjoyed the sport,” Joy said. “I’d say middle school is when it completely separates the top players and people who were just there to have fun and it was just so much practicing.” Joy moved to Texas in his freshman year, when he first joined the FMM hockey team. At the very first game, Joy knew he fit in perfectly. “Everyone was welcoming and it was just great,” Joy said. “I met the coach and he’s really nice. I met my two best friends that I’ll probably have for the rest of my life.” Joy’s first and second years at FMM hockey ended in the playoffs early. But he remained determined, trying to learn from the seniors on the team.

Joy recorded 34 goals and 37 assists which adds up to 71 total points in his hockey career. Photo submitted by Kate Lapin

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“They taught me everything, from organization. And I’m pretty sure one of outside of hockey and inside the rink,” my teammates will break it next year.” Joy said. “I looked up to them, everything This year’s season ended in the they did, like getting ready for games.” quarterfinals in multiple close games Going into junior year, Joy felt his against Frisco. ability reach a point where he could But Joy hopes FMM hockey continues really contribute to the team. having success, years after he leaves. “Junior year is where I realized I was “FMM is just a family and I hope it producing a lot,” Joy said. “My linemate grows,” Joy said. “I hope people will start that junior and senior year, we just fed coming to the games, start recognizing off of each other so well. We were just the players and all the work they put dominating every game.” into their play every night.” That season, the FMM varsity gold hockey team was the last team to qualify for the playoffs. That year’s team upset numerous teams, making it all the way to the state championship against Frisco. Wohlitz says that going into the championship, the team was ready to rely on Joy. “We knew Griffin was going to be one of our top guys,” Wohlitz said. “Not just for his skill but because of his leadership.” Junior and FMM player Cade Venuk says that Joy’s technical skills are what separates him from the rest. “He’s a very smart player,” Venuk said. “He doesn’t make many mistakes.” In double overtime, the FMM team won their first ever state championship winning 2-1. “It was the most fun I’ve had in my entire career,” Joy said. “Just being and playing with that group of people throughout all four years, you get to see everyone grow up and mature,” The following year, Joy was able to become both the points and assists leader in the last game of the season. “Everyone was congratulating me and it felt good,” Joy said. “But I hope someone breaks it soon because we’re a Joy was born to a hockey family in Canada and immersed into hockey culture at a young age. Photo submitted by Kate Lapin relatively new

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Rating Best Picture

Which Oscar candidates appeal to teenagers? story Marley Roberson With the Oscars behind us, I think it’s important to know what best picture nominees are actually worth watching. Those who pick the nominations are certainly not teens. Out of the 10 nominees, which films come out on top for teenagers, and which ones are a waste of time?

“Don’t Look Up” - 2/5 This movie follows two astronomers who discover a comet hurtling towards earth that threatens human extinction. They go on a media tour, urging the world to listen to their discoveries so they can take action. Words cannot describe the disdain I feel for this movie. I will never get these hours of my life back. I was supposed to care about these characters, and I really wanted to root for them. I really tried. But as the film dragged on, I was hoping for the comet to put me out of my misery. There are so many big names in this movie like Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo Dicaprio and Ariana Grande. It felt like a cash grab. This famous cast did not make the movie work. It was clunky and I couldn’t believe a single performance.

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“Dune” - 5/5 This Sci-Fi story follows a young Paul Atreides as he travels to another planet, Arrakis, to secure a valuable spice for his people. Conflict arises as different races compete for presence on this planet. I’d sell my soul to watch this movie for the first time again. There was not a moment I was not invested. This movie does a wonderful job of introducing a complex world and drawing the audience in. Despite the complicated plot, I was never once confused. I will never shut up about this movie, and how I think it should've won best picture.

The story was fantastic, the characters were interesting, and every scene was made with beautiful cinematography. The colors were vibrant and the scenes were dynamic. Not only was this movie worth the time I spent watching it, I plan on watching it constantly. I will eat, sleep and breathe Dune. I was simultaneously on the edge of my seat and not wanting the movie to end because I knew I'd never experience watching it for the first time again.

“Licorice Pizza” - 1/5 Licorice Pizza tells the “love” story of 25-year-old Alana Kane and 15-year-old Gary Valentine. Gary pursues Alana on picture day at his high school. She works for the photo company, while he is in high school. They both fall for each other, while Alana considers whether or not she can pursue the relationship. This plot made me horribly uncomfortable. I just couldn’t root for this couple. I had no idea what was happening during any part of

the hours I had to spend watching this movie. It felt like I was watching an inside joke that I wasn’t a part of. The plot was jumpy, none of the characters were remotely likable and there was no real resolution. The writers tried too hard to make this movie different, and the message they sent was horrible. I would do anything to forget the plot of this movie.

“CODA” - 3/5 The Oscar winner for best picture was “CODA.” This movie followed the Rossi family as Ruby navigates high school. She works on her family’s boat, and interprets for her three deaf family members. She is faced with the difficult decision of staying at home to work with her family, or going off to pursue a

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music career. I don't necessarily think this movie should have won best picture, because I was not blown away by this story. It was predictable but heartwarming, a sweet and fantastic family movie. The plot and structure are simple and classic. This is the kind of movie to watch on movie night, and is such a comfort movie. Your time will not be wasted by watching this movie.

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Discover music based on your favorites story Alanna Reed

One of my favorite things about music is making new discoveries. That moment when I fall in love with a song is magical. It’s like my heart bounces up and down with joy. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way about music. That’s why I’ve decided to make mini playlists based off of popular artists. Whether you go for modern or retro, mainstream or underground, these are the artists for you.

Artists that sound unique always capture listeners’ attention. Kevin Parker of Tame Impala is one of those artists. His synth-heavy music, laden with boppin’ grooves can be as wild as a storm and calm as a breeze. There are plenty of musicians out there whose catalog emulates Tame Impala’s wide obscurity of sound. Gorillaz in particular have songs that could have been produced in a futuresque spaceship.

Conan Gray has blown up over the past few years. He began as a singer whose bedroom pop production attracted a cult following. Now, he’s pop’s shiny, edgy prince. His musical influences range from alternative to acoustic. These artists encapsulate that variety. Groups like THE DRIVER ERA are like a scene in a teen rom com. Phoebe Bridgers reaches into our hearts with her ethereal vocals and haunting acoustic guitar.

design Jennifer Banh

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If you love groovy music, then you might be a fan of Silk Sonic. The power duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak reminisces on 70s funk and soul with a twist of modern production value. It’s obvious in their songs that they grew up listening to artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. The aching emotion in the little known gem “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Jackson 5 can be heard on some of Silk Sonic’s ballads.

If you listen to Doja Cat, you would totally dig these empowering artists. Doja Cat is loved for her fresh take on rap, combining the elements of pop, hip hop and R&B. Fans find the flow of her songs with her knack for clever lyrics one of her defining artistic characteristics. She is also admired for her unfettered confidence, inspiring young women everywhere. These female singers have similar vibes.

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design Jennifer Banh

things we like New mural in art hallway:

Prom is back: After 2 years of no prom, the juniors and seniors this year finally got their chance to celebrate this event. The Met Gala themed dance at the Hilton was filled with fun, food and music and it was truly a night to remember.

There is some great new artwork on display in the art hallway between A and B hall. Next time you’re down there, make sure to check out the beautiful murals done by the art students.

Girl’s soccer: Our girls soccer team has killed it this season, becoming district, bi-district, area champions and regional semifinals champions. Even though their season has come to an end, we are so proud of what they have accomplished.

I am not a snail story Garrison Acree

Growing up with the name Garrison, I often got called by the same name as Spongebob Squarepants’ pet snail, Gary. People found the comparison funny, often playing the song “Gary Come Home” on their phones or meowing at me like Gary does in the show. From elementary school to high school, my friends, extended family, and even strangers made me the butt of the joke through that comparison. I’ve always been ok with the identity I was given at birth. My parents chose the name Garrison because my mom thought it fit. I feel that this identity fits me like a snail shell. However, being a cartoon snail doesn’t fit anywhere in

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that identity. I never saw myself as Gary. I never saw myself as a cartoon snail. But that was what people saw in me. And when I resisted that name, people would use it against me to get a reaction. In the years after elementary school, the name Gary became less of a rude joke and more of a weapon that was intentionally used to hurt me. Being called Gary brings back memories from middle school. Memories of being relentlessly harassed in the halls. Memories of being endlessly humiliated, being told that I was worth nothing because of how I looked. The people that

And for me, that identity always has and always will be Garrison. did this used the name Gary to assign me with the things that they saw in me. The name Gary became synonymous with running at snail speed during football

practice. Synonymous with all the horrible things that they saw in me. I am not those things, and I am not Gary. For a long time during middle school and a bit into high school, I accepted the title of Gary. With people being so persistent on calling me by that name, there was little I could do to resist that label. However, I’ve grown back into the name of Garrison, and at the beginning of junior year, began to wear that identity like a badge of honor. Having people continuously try to shorten my name is, unfortunately, probably going to continue. But the fact that people continue to call me Gary, knowing my history, is not right. A person’s name is a big part of their identity, and is often one of their most defining qualities. And in high school, a lot of students want to change their names. That could be because other people have trouble pronouncing it, they don’t like the spelling, a change in identity or any other reason. Having their choices called into question can be painful. People are set in what their identities are, and there’s nothing that anyone can do to change that. People are not what others see in them, they’re entirely who they actually are. Having their identities respected is basic decency. And for me, that identity always has, and always will be, Garrison.

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things we don’t like Locked bathrooms:

High schoolers may do bad things in bathrooms but punishing all bathroom users for the behavior of only a few patrons is unnecessary. Running out of class with a DEFCON 1-level bathroom emergency is only made worse when you have to go running around the entire campus to find the nearest usable toilet.

Hallway etiquette: It’s surprising that both students and teachers at the school somehow still don’t know how to walk on the right side of the hallway. It’s really not that hard to stay to the right and not hug the corners so people can get to class without getting into a head on collision with their 3rd period teacher.

Stepping back story Aishani Raju

I sat in the cold gym as tears welled up in my eyes while my burning cheeks kept me warm. As students shuffled into the gym for the 6th grade awards ceremony, I heard people say “___ is definitely going to get picked for Ms.____ award.” I was hoping they would mention my name. I had received multiple awards for my academic achievements throughout elementary school, so I expected myself to do the same in middle school. I was bobbing my leg up and down. My stomach tied in knots. Petrified that I wouldn’t receive an award. I had to get an award. Otherwise other people wouldn’t think I was smart or perfect. The gym was filled with students on bleachers chatting away, across from families waving to their kids trying to catch their attention. I then saw my mom walk into the room. What if I didn’t get an award? I wasn’t afraid that I would disappoint her, but I didn’t want to disappoint myself and face the judgment of my peers. My adrenaline rose and I blocked out my friends chatting and the teachers ushering their students into the bleachers. I was on the edge of my seat, lip quivering, waiting to hear my name as the teachers handed awards to students. Thirty minutes later, students were still getting called up for teacher awards. I still hadn’t heard my name. When the teacher awards were finished, I thought the ceremony was done. I felt disappointed in myself. But,

opinion April 25, 2022

there was one more award, the most prestigious award. Teachers selected three students that demonstrated noteworthy leadership qualities. Two students were called up for the award and only one was left. The last award of the ceremony. I had almost accepted defeat already, but I had a glimmer of hope. But I thought to myself, “What are the odds of me getting called

up out of the hundreds of students?” “Aishani Raju,” the speaker announced. I jumped from my seat to claim my award. Instead of being giddy with excitement of receiving that honor, I felt my shoulders relax. That was my expectation. I didn’t see it as an award, I saw it as something that I was supposed to receive. The panic and fear of not getting called up lasted much longer than the couple minutes of excitement. I have felt like this for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was the golden child. I was always showered with compliments regarding my intellect.

Pick up your trash! If there is a trash can nearby, why would you not just take your trash and set it in the trash can? It may be a nuisance to you but it’s a real nuisance to our custodial staff who have to deal with your water bottle and lunch tray that you tried to flush down the toilet.

My middle school science teacher once told my mom at an open house that she wanted to adopt me. I grew to crave this praise. I wanted people to think I was perfect. Then, a huge shift happened: the pandemic. It was both a blessing and curse in disguise. It was a great break from the chaos of balancing school, extracurriculars, and my social life. As I continued to quarantine, the loneliness grew. Assignments piled up. I went from being a kid who was praised constantly and was always on top of my work to drowning in work and fighting unmotivation. The feeling of control over my achievements started to slip away and it was difficult for me to do the smallest tasks. After feeling like this for several months, I decided to start doing little things for myself. I took walks in the neighborhood and listened to the soothing sounds of nature and my footsteps as I reflected on my thoughts everyday. I prioritized self care and speaking out about my emotions. I started living life more slowly and intentionally. I still have high standards and goals but don’t chase after them endlessly or spiral into thoughts like 6th grade Aishani did. I learned how to acknowledge that I have done my best work and let the results follow. While I still have perfectionist tendencies and fear the judgment of others, I have learned that it’s okay to fail sometimes. The end goal is not always about the result, it’s about enjoying the experience and the process.

design Jayla Landou

NFL makes Giant mistake story Hyunsung Na As I watched the last seconds tick off the clock in the 2022 Super Bowl and the Rams were crowned champions, I remembered how I became an NFL fan about a decade ago. The 2011 Super Bowl. Giants versus Patriots. Palisades Park, New Jersey. My family and I were all on our couch huddled around our television, when the Giants, who barely made the playoffs, upset the undefeated Patriots 21-17. Since then, the Giants have been actual football garbage. I love them but they’ve been awful. By the playoffs, when they’re no longer playing, I began paying a lot more attention to the rest of the NFL. And what I’ve noticed year after year is that no matter how popular Odell Beckham Jr or Tom Brady is, the NFL has always prioritized image over players. It isn’t shocking that a league owned by billionaires only cares about its bottom line. But while the NFL has continued to promote inclusivity by stenciling cookie cutter messages like “End Racism” onto endzones and helmets, I catch myself needing a reminder that this is just one long performance. In 2016, former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made headlines when he took a knee during the national anthem. League Commissioner Roger Goodell took the safest route, claiming that he supported every players’ right to use their platform, but that the NFL believed strongly in patriotism. Flash forward to today and you can find Goodell’s 2020 apology where he backtracked his statement, admitting that he should’ve listened to Kaepernick sooner. But the reality is, when the NFL found it most convenient to support Black Lives Matter, they sucked every penny they could out of it. Goodell issued his apology and the NFL went under a complete rebranding to make it clear that they, as a multi billion dollar organization, were taking a courageous

design Jayla Landou

stand against racism suddenly during the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement while coincidentally appealing to its 57.5% Black player base. The NFL did create a 10 year pledge of $250 million towards social justice, which will nationally help Black communities, but to believe they did this out of the kindness of their loving hearts is ignorant. This charitable donation is another form of advertising. The Giants aren’t safe from this either. When they’re not losing game after game, they’re masquerading as a

picture perfect organization. Up until NFL Coach Brian Flores’ recent lawsuit. While Flores had grievances with multiple teams such as the Broncos and Dolphins, the accusations against the Giants were the one that caught my attention. It began with his firing from the Dolphins even after two consecutive winning seasons, a feat last accomplished in 2001. After the Giants’ head coach was fired, the team interviewed Flores for the position. I was hoping they wouldn’t mess this up. Flores took the sad loser Dolphins and brought them to a position where they were actually winning. Something the Giants have not done in years.

But they messed it up. Days before his interview, Flores received a congratulatory text from BIll Belichick, the Patriots’ head coach who worked with Flores from 2004-2019. Belichick has had ties with the Giants since his time on the staff back in 1979. Belichick spoke to Flores as if he’d already been hired, until he finally realized that he had gotten Flores confused with another candidate, Brian Daboll. Since the decision had already been made, it made the upcoming Flores interview a formality to meet the league’s Rooney rule. The Rooney Rule, implemented in 2018, forces all teams, including the Giants, to interview minority candidates for front office and coaching positions. Clearly the rule has not worked since only 5 out of 32 head coaches are minorities. Three of those coaches being Black, including Mike McDaniel who is biracial. The Giants completely denied the accusations. But it’s clear what happened. My team’s White owners and White general manager brought in a Black head coach to fill a quota rather than treat him like the overly qualified coach he is. The NFL attempts to appear progressive but the White men at the top continue to control all the strings. They hide in the shadows, while shoving players and coaches in the spotlight. After all, it’s a nicer image for the NFL to be represented by a charismatic Tom Brady than old men surrounded by piles of cash. Now when I sit down to watch a NFL game, I still enjoy it. But during those games, when that camera pans over to the owner box, I really feel nothing but a complete lack of respect for those men. The NFL is an amazing league made up of some of the incredible athletes. Yet at the same time, it’s a corrupt league where the owners rule over everything. Over its players. Over its staff. Over the entire league.

opinion mhsmarquee.com

compiled Alanna Reed photos Salma Ali & Avery Jerina

How does class rank affect your life?

Matthew Pecoraro, 11

Maria Zielinski, 12 I guess I base my self worth off of it. If it's good, it's good. If it’s bad, it’s very negative.

Not much. There’s other programs like SAT that you can take. I think there’s other ways you can get into your dream school.

Riley Tittle, 10

Sophia Florence, 11

My parents care about it a lot so that makes me care about it, and I want to do well.

When I see first how low I am, it’s just that I could do better. So I guess it kinda pushes me to do better.

Class rank doesn’t define success staff editorial Despite many colleges relying less and less on class ranks for admissions, our student body continues to place unnecessary importance on rank. Sophomores frantically share ranks after opening them for the first time, anxious to see where they rank among their friends. Juniors compete to get into the top percentages before college applications. The school halls are littered with groups of kids comparing transcripts, and the day they’re updated is pretty much a holiday. But while class rank can foster healthy competition, plenty of people on campus act like the number on their transcript defines who they are. In reality, class ranks are not an accurate representation of how smart students are. Students’ grades are affected by not only intelligence but the amount of time they can dedicate to

opinion April 25, 2022

studying each day. Only a few kids have the time and focus needed to study as much as the top of the class does. It’s natural to assess the abilities of others and gauge whether we’re “better” or “worse.” This leads to elaborate, complicated discussions about rank and academics, with everybody in a friend group usually knowing each other’s ranks. However, this can create a toxic environment where nobody feels good about themselves. When students base their sense of importance on their rank, higher ranked kids feel like they are expected to keep up academic perfection, piling unnecessary pressure on themselves. And students who are ranked lower feel as though they aren’t smart. However, so much more goes into being a good person and student than academics—implying otherwise invalidates the hard work of people who aren’t naturally good at school. Some students who rank near the top

can subconsciously look down on their peers, because they assume they didn’t work hard. Assumptions are wrong to make and can do severe damage to other students’ mental health. It’s common for students to overhear or even be part of the group of kids who gather in classrooms and hallways to discuss their grades, or bombard their friends with texts the night new rankings come out — and there’s excitement that comes with seeing where they lie. But insecurity sets in when they realize that they aren’t as high as they thought they would be. Their hard work feels less meaningful, because even though they worked hard, other people worked harder. The conversation is not enriching, because they walk away from it feeling worse than they did before. Between early morning alarms and late night study sessions, students are trying their best at school. It’s up to them to not let a number determine if they’re satisfied with their hard work.

design Jayla Landou

Marquettes dance through decades during Spring Show photo Avery Jerina design Saloni Mistry

Junior Presley Penn leaps alongside fellow Marquettes returning members in their dance “I Am Here”.

Senior Lexi Cowen executes a split jump alongside junior Ellie Lowery. The dance was military officer jazz, “Show Off.”

Marquettes strike a final pose at the end of their contemporary piece, “Love You Like I Love You.”

Sophomore Kate Parsons performs in a lyrical piece named “Hero.” The dance honored the heroes who have been part of the drill team’s 40-year-long journey.

Clapping in unison, the Marquettes join together to begin the final dance of their spring show. Traditionally, the dancers wear a different uniform for each performance’s finale.