The Marquee Volume 38 Issue 4

Volume 38 Issue 4 - May 16, 2024

- Edward S. Marcus High School - 5707 Moriss rd Flower Mound, 75028

editor in chief

Jennifer Banh

managing editor Raksha Jayakumar

online editor Lex Paull

section editor Kaelen Reed

business manager JC Mays

reporters

Janisha Kesar Mashiyat Khan Jude Soape

designers Felix Oien Arushi Sharma Marie Dacunos

photographer

Anya Jain

Gabe Weaver adviser

Marie Jones

principal William Skelton

The Marquee newsmagazine is a studentgenerated 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 469-713-5196. The Marquee is a standing member of ILPC, TAJE, ATPI, CSPA NSPA, JEA and Quill and Scroll.

cover Jennifer Banh

“The Graduate” by Jennifer

Banh, Editor-In-Chief

To honor the passing of track coach Steve Telaneus, the LISD Board of Trustees approved naming the school track the “Steve Telaneus Track at Marauder Stadium.” The name change was spearheaded by assistant principal Christopher Porter, and the Board passed his proposal during their meeting on Feb. 12.

“Knowing that his impact was just so wide and that he was the first cross country and track coach here, we just felt that honor was due to him,” Porter said.

Telaneus coached from 1986-2020, making him, at the time of his passing, the only cross country coach this school had. During his storied career, he’s led the team to 26 district championships, 15 regional championships and four state championships. He was additionally a five-time Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas’ Coach of the year, and was inducted into the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004.

Telaneus was part of many organizations dedicated to track and coaching, including the National Track Coaches Association and the American Running Association. In 2005, he co-authored the handbook, “Developing a Successful Cross Country Program” with tips and tricks for cross country coaches.

“One of his biggest sayings was ‘Win with humility. Lose with character,’” Porter said. “It’s not just how you compete and win, but also how you lose. We wanted to make sure that we put that out there, that this is what we stand for, and this was who Coach T. was.”

In 2002 during a fall district cross country meet, Teleaneus suffered a heart attack and did not have a heartbeat for 20 minutes. His wife and an athlete’s father performed CPR, all while his entire cross country team surrounded him, holding hands and praying. For 24 hours after, Teleaneus was comatose. In January, he returned a year earlier than his doctors

had predicted. In April 2020, at the age of 60, Teleaneus passed away while riding his bike.

Telaneus coached three state cross country champions, Amani Terrell in 1996, Renee Metivier in 1999, and Craig Lutz in 2009-2010. Both Metivier and Lutz were college All-Americans and ran professionally.

After Telaneus’ passing, Lutz shared

It’s not just how you compete and win, but also how you lose. We wanted to make sure...that this is what we stand for, and this was who Coach T. was.

- Christopher Porter, Assistant Principal

a post on Twitter. “The world has lost an amazing man,” Lutz said. “Coach T was the foundation to any success I saw during my running career. He was a great mentor and a great friend.”

Telaneus was more than just a coach to those who knew him though. With his steadfast commitment and loving care, he molded each athlete into not just strong and fierce competitors, but also into upstanding individuals.

“He’s always been someone that all the students constantly talked about,” Porter said. “They loved how he pushed them, and knowing him as a colleague and just seeing how much he cared for the students, how much he cared for the school, he left a legacy that’s very deep.”

Telaneus gives advice to his varsity girls athletes during their 1999 Lake Park race. Photo submitted by Christopher Porter

Senior defensive linemen part ways as teammates, remain brothers

STORY Gabe Weaver DESIGN Marie Dacunos

Since little league, Jace Bardwell, Matthew Bryant, and Will Upshaw were inseparable. Because the three have played together for so long, they have an unbreakable bond from playing the game and it all started in little league.

“I remember in little league, Jace was on the Cyclones and I was on the Rebels,” Bryant said. “He started headbutting me, and I started to see black for a second. That’s one thing I’ll never forget, getting off the ball and Jace butting heads with me.”

Some people feel that these moments will be forgotten, but every moment the trio shared together is memorable for each of them.

Because of their youth, they did not know what the game had in store for them but one coach was able to pave the way for the rest of their careers.

“We had a coach in Pee Wee named Coach Max that really started our football careers,” Upshaw said.

Playing in Little League, the

Defensive linemen Will Upshaw, Matthew Bryant, and Jace Bardwell holding the Battle of the Mound trophy after their win against Flower Mound their junior year (3021). Photo submitted Jace Bardwell

coaches knew that they were going to be something great so they were held with a certain level of accountability from a young age. Starting so young, many people have coaches that they remember to just be present, but they remembered how special Coach Max made the game for them.

“At Cowboys Stadium during Pee Wee, we played one of the teams from the Friday Night Tykes TV show at the stadium,” Upshaw said, “We also got a tour of the locker room”.

Coach Max wasn’t just a coach to the three, he made the game personal and treated them professionally. Though he may have treated them like older kids while they were in Little League, they began to get a taste of what it took to be great but they still were far from it. As playing in Little League ended, the boys were all ready to take the game to the next level which was middle school.

As they entered middle school together, football became more serious.

As young players who were always top performers for their team, there was an expectation that they all had to be leaders and lead by example. As this burden was placed on the boys, this meant that they had to constantly perform at their absolute best but they didn’t know what their best was yet. As time playing in middle school went on, the challenges the three faced were mainly stress and verbal.

“At Lamar, Matthew was a running back for a play, and Coach Bennet, he was talking trash and saying, ‘Man— you’re sorry. You can’t get 10 yards’,” Bardwell said. “He was talking smack to Matthew,” he said.

As the players lined up and the referee blew the whistle which started the play clock, Bryant realized he had this opportunity to prove that he was able to compete. This was his chance to prove Coach Bennet wrong. The ball snaps and he gets the ball handed off to him, he sees the linemen holding their blocks and sees the gap, hits the hole, and takes off.

“He gets the

ball, and he trucks four kids to go make a 71-yard touchdown,” Bardwell said.

Playing in middle school, the three knew that they faced adversity together and overcame it together and entered high school knowing that the best was yet to come.

As they entered high school, they would continue to grow together and create memories that would stick with them for the rest of their career together. Most would say that playing the actual game is what most would call the most impactful part of the sport but they all agreed that the relationships and bonds they formed are what the game is really about.

“The coach that had the biggest

I know that I’d die for both of these guys. You can’t replace that because it was just years in the making.

Jace Bardwell, 12

impact on me was either Coach Jund or Coach McBride,” Bryant said. “Those are the first people that pushed me, and I feel like they were the first coaches that actually believed in me and pushed me to be better,” Bryant said.

“I remember Coach Jund taking a chance and having me come scout for him my freshman year, and I just got destroyed,” Bardwell said. “He still believed in me, and he knew I could compete.”

Being the young players they were, Coach Jund continued to raise his expectations because he knew that the three had limitless potential and treated them as one of his own. As freshmen, they all knew that he was hard on them. Emotions were high and they butted heads with one another quite often but at the end of the day, what Coach Jund had in store for them only made them stronger.

“He made sure that I knew my purpose and understood that I was there for a reason,” Bardwell said.

Bardwell had self doubts, along with

sports May 16, 2024

the others, but Jund continued to push the three far past their capabilities.

“By bringing me up that year, he told me that I had potential to be something great and that he had believed in me every step of the way. I understood early on that he believed in me and that he had my back,” Bardwell said. But Coach Jund was not the only coach who impacted the players he coached.

“When I was a sophomore, Coach McBride knew I was just a kid, but he understood that I would get the job done if you trusted me,” Bardwell said.

As sophomores, they earned a spot on varsity but didn’t quite feel like they belonged. Playing at the highest level while so young caused them to have doubts about playing with upperclassmen and competing for playing time.

“They understood that we deserved to be there as much as anyone else,” Bardwell said. “They gave us a shot and treated us like upperclassmen.”

As their confidence grew, so did their

skillset. They started for all games as juniors getting a real taste of what it meant to be elite.

The three took that year and put out all of what they had, but somehow, they knew that there was more that they could get from themselves.

They entered their senior year with the thought of playing even better than their junior year. The season didn’t start off the greatest simply because Marcus had one of the hardest schedules in the district and even in the state. The first three games, the trio was up against three teams ranked in the Texas top 15

and lost each one. The boys then took a step back and decided that the losing stops there and took a different approach to the upcoming game which was a rival game against Flower Mound. As the week went on, the intent behind every play in practice, every film session, and every lift was how they’re going to better themselves so they’ll be prepared for the huge rival game. They knew that they beat Flower Mound their junior year so they weren’t going to settle for anything less.

As the clock counted down to zero, they heard the buzzer and everyone cheered as Marcus won the game 35-26.

“Beating Flower Mound senior year was really special,” Upshaw said.

That was the last rival game that he played alongside Bardwell and Bryant. The spirit days during the week, the pep rally, these were all their last rival game traditions and he was lucky enough to experience it one last time with his brothers.

As the year went on and the games were counting down, the trio’s time of playing together was also coming to an end, but the bond built over the years of playing will stay between them forever. They knew that they would be parting ways at some point but regardless of where they were, their connection through football will always keep them together.

“We were able to bond together, and [that] allowed us to bond outside of football,” Bryant said.

“I feel like knowing Matthew and Will for so long built a level of trust and accountability between us, and I’ve never had that with any other teammate before,” Bardwell said. “I know that I’d die for both of these guys. You can’t replace that because it was just years in the making.”

Defensive linemen Will Upshaw, Matthew Bryant, and Jace Bardwell preparing for the spring game going into the 2023 2024 season. Photo submitted Jace Bardwell

horoscopes horoscopes horoscopes horoscopes

STORY Jude Soape

DESIGN Felix Oien

In early modern Europe, the occult was a silent but very real fact of life. In the dark halls of Versailles and Vienna, the astrologers, labeled demonic by the church, used to advise kings. In modern times though, if you seek out information on your star sign, you’ll get vague prophecies meant to confirm how

you already feel, so I, a person who knows very little about astrology, have taken it upon myself to provide very specific predictions based on how all these astrology sites say you are.

AQUARIUS (THE WATER BEARER):

The Aquarius sign typically is associated with change, progress, revolution, and is broadly associated with the 60s hippie movement. The sign is also a big part of new age spirituality movements that I can’t begin to understand or explain. Whether the sign represents revolution or spiritual delusion, I think you’re destined to see The Hat Man at a music festival.

LEO (THE LION):

gemini (the twin):

You have a twin; ask your mom about it. If she insists you don’t, she’s lying.

According to what I’ve read, Leos are prone to things like spontaneity, passion and a desire to flaunt their wealth. The problem with these traits is that spontaneity doesn’t necessarily translate to having money, so I think Leo’s are destined to try to flex the fakest shoes anyone has ever

Taurus (bull):

Taurus is said to have both a strong association with nature and a love of material luxury. These conflicting interests signal to me that Taurus are fated to either move to Colorado or scammers.

CANCER (CRAB):

People under the Cancer sign are typically described as being sensitive, home-loving and emotional. These traits seem like the perfect description of a millennial who stays at home and cries over fictional characters, so you’ll probably end up like one of them.

Virgo (the virgin):

PISCES (THE FISH):

According to one article I’ve read, Pisces are naturally gifted in intuition, psychic ability and magic. Though my ability to predict the future is limited because I’m not a Pisces; I do recommend you get a pointy hat and start a collection of ancient tomes.

Aries (the ram):

Astrologers generally characterize Aries as strong, passionate and courageous, so it seems to me like you’d make the perfect warrior to contrast the Pisces mage build.

Sagittarius (the archer):

Sagittarius is associated with boring things like good-luck and optimism, but who cares. Their symbol is an archer so they’d make the perfect long range support for the Pisces/Aries adventuring party.

Scorpio (The Scorpion):

Scorpios are ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto, which means they’re naturally gifted with strength and courage, as well as an affinity for the afterlife, death and rebirth. These innate abilities make Scorpio the perfect necromancer for Pisces, Aries and Sagittarius to fight.

Virgos have been described as being cerebral, detail focused and on a “different emotional wavelength.” These traits lead me to believe that Virgo’s are fated to be just a little weird with it.

Libra (the balance):

When describing Libras, InStyle.com had this to say: “Libra’s north star is to bring balance, harmony, and fairness.” It’s clear to me that I haven’t drank enough colloidal silver to understand what that means, but I think it’s saying they’re destined to be a marriage counselor.

capricorn (the goat):

From what I’ve read, loyalty, tradition and family are all very important to Capricorns, so you’re definitely destined to become either a parent or you’re going to die at 50 on the job site like a real man (let’s hope not!).

entertainment May 16, 2024

District Judge puts hold on Senate Bill 4

STORY Janisha Kesar DESIGN Jennifer Banh

Texas Senate Bill 4, drafted by Senator Charles Perry, was meant to go into effect in early March, but was put on hold by District Judge David Ezra and blocked in February. Opponents of the bill fear that its passing would make migrants who did not come into the US through official means to be targeted for deportation.

Perry told The Texan that Senate Bill 4’s purpose is to target a certain crime. Perry continues to explain the concept of the bill and who it really applies to.

“If you enter through a legitimate port of entry, SB4 doesn’t apply to you, [and] I think that’s gotten lost,” Perry said. “Everybody’s raising all these scenarios where people are going to be arrested. If you come in between those ports of entry illegally, you’re not coming through the port of entry.”

Senator

Perry continues to explain the guidelines regarding the exception when undocumented immigrants cross the border through an illegal port of entry.

“When you have that encounter, it is up to a six-month jail felony. You go through the state magistrate and they will make that determination,” Perry said. “ If you choose to go back, we will take you up to that border and send you

1.6 million undocumented immigrants comprised 33 percent of the immigrant population and 6 percent of the total state population in 2016.

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org

Perry believes that the state’s border security is a serious matter, so there is another aspect of enforcement.

“The second version, is if you come in, you’re deported and then come back and caught, that could be up to a 20-year jail felony,” Perry said. “We’re serious about trying to secure that border through the civil

legal means that we have.”

According to Paxton’s interview with KPRC 2 Click2Houston, the attorney general believes the bill would act as a message to the nation, symbolic of the state’s ability to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and higher crime rates. “We would have never joined the Union had we not had some ability to protect ourselves,” Paxton said.

The protection of the border between Texas and Mexico has been disputed for many years. Perry believes the border has importance and should be used the right way. If it isn’t, SB4 would provide the arrest of those who cross the border illegally.

“It has teeth and it has consequences in it for the right reasons, but it amazes me, we have legal ports of entry,” Perry said, according to The Texan. “And it’s important for people to use those and the reason it’s important to use those, because we have control then of who you are, what you need, where you’re going, why you’re coming and if you’re qualified to come in.”

Lewisville Police Chief Brook Rollins expressed his belief in maintaining good terms with the community regardless of

We really just want people to be on common ground and find a way to have disagreements but still be able to tolerate one another.

-Brook Rollins, Chief of Lewisville Police Department

police department for enforcing the law.

“It’s tough because the police don’t really have an opinion on what needs to be done other than I don’t want the relationship that we have with our community to be soured,” Rollins said.

Rollins wants the community to know that despite the law, every citizen will be treated the same at the police department with their cases or reports of crime.

“If they ran across an undocumented citizen making a report to us, we would take the report and treat them like any other citizen and that’s the thing I want people to know is regardless of what the law is, the citizens of Lewisville will still receive fair and adequate treatment from their police department,” Rollins said.

Rollins hopes for people to be able to live together with tolerance of others. He believes the police department shouldn’t take a stand on the issue.

“We really just want people to be on common ground and find a way to have disagreements but still be able to tolerate one another,” Rollins said. “That’s what

I hope for, you know. It’s really not up to me or up to the police department to have an opinion on that.”

Perry believes that Texas has the fair right to defend the border and he believes that SB4 does just that. According to Perry, SB4 allows the state to protect the border efficiently.

“The states have the right, and it’s very clear the states have the right, to defend themselves and that’s the heart of SB 4, or we’re not challenging federal supremacy,” Perry said, according to The Texan. “We’re saying [the US has] got supremacy, [it] just chose not to do anything with it. We’re gonna take that role for you.”

Yet the federal government generally inspects and processes all immigrants who seek admission to the United States, either admitting or rejecting their admission through the Immigration Act of 1891. United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency that ensures US borders are secure and by overseeing international travel. But Perry believes that federal control at the Texas/Mexico border should be left to Texas.

The Biden administration, however, opposes SB 4 because it interferes with federal immigration laws by giving state police the power to enforce them. This case may return to the Supreme Court of the United States to judge whether it is constitutional. According to the Texas Tribune, Judge Sonia Sotomayor said this bill would invite more chaos in immigration enforcement.

“The Court of Appeals abused its discretion by entering an unreasoned and indefinite administrative stay that altered the status quo,” Sotomayor said.

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org

About one in seven children in Texas was a U.S. citizen living with at least one undocumented family member (1 million children in total).

https://www.migrationpolicy.org

New beginnings

Sophomore reveals experience immigrating from Mexico, views on new state bill on immigration

STORY Mashiyat Khan DESIGN Jennifer Banh

The dining room bustled with conversation as sophomore Dani and her family sat down to eat. Everyone chatted casually, relaxed on their fourth vacation in the U.S.

They continued eating dinner, when Dani’s father left the room for a minute, and came back with a math textbook in his hand. Her father put the book in front of her, the pages filled with a language she didn’t understand.

Confusion filled her head as she scanned the content. She had never learned English because she always had her cousins to guide her. So why did her dad hand her this book? In the middle of summer?

Dani became disoriented as she heard the words come out of her father’s mouth. She sat in shock as she took in the information.

She wasn’t angry, but trying to process what was to come.

“You better be studying,” her dad said. “You’re going to go to school here.” Dani said. “I looked him dead in the eye and said, you have got to be joking me.”

In May of 2021, Dani, along with her parents and younger brother, traveled to the U.S. For her parents, it was a business trip, but for Dani and her brother it was a vacation with her cousins. It was her fourth time visiting the U.S. from her hometown, Mexico City. She never needed to learn English while she stayed with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. They understood her, and that was all she needed. Four months into their “vacation,” Dani’s parents told her they would be staying for good.

He told me that it was from my own happiness, and he was correct. I think this is one of the best decisions my parents have ever made in my life.

- Dani, 10

really stressful and confusing.”

Upset by the abrupt news, Dani stormed out of the dining room. After taking time to herself to calm down and process, Dani sat down with her dad and got the full explanation. Because her parent’s job allowed them to work here in the U.S., they had the opportunity to stay permanently. Although they love Mexico, Dani said she and her parents believed the opportunities and safety in the US would provide them a better life.

“He told me that it was for my own happiness, and he was correct.” Dani said. “I think this is one of the best decisions my parents have ever made in my life.”

Leaving Mexico meant leaving behind all that Dani and her family had built. Routines, friends, how she acted –- everything would have to change to

adapt to this new life. It was also the height of the pandemic before Dani moved, which meant she couldn’t go out much during her last few months in Mexico.

“I lost a lot of friends, and I didn’t have a lot of family in Mexico, to be honest.” Dani said. “I wasn’t sad, just nervous. Starting a new life here meant new people, places, and new memories.”

Over numerous visits, Dani’s parents became fond of the environment, education, and diversity that the U.S offers. They believed it would give them more opportunities and allow Dani to make new friends, embracing her extroverted personality.

“They were kind of pressured,” Dani said. “But they were really relieved by the fact that we were going to be in a new, better place.”

Soon after the news was revealed to her, Dani got to work studying English. The language barrier was going to be her biggest obstacle adjusting to American school.

“I had mixed feelings,” Dani said. “Yes, I wanted to see how school is in the United States. However, I was nervous because I didn’t want to be bullied because I didn’t speak the language.”

Dani’s positivity helped her stay afloat during this rocky patch of change. She was always manifesting that things will go okay. While it was tough at first, her hope kept her strong. Every day after school, Dani worked long hours watching shows, studying vocabulary, and doing homework to get adjusted.

“The first three months of school were really tough,” Dani said. “Because I didn’t speak English, my classes were just very hard, and even more because the teachers tried to communicate with me, but I couldn’t understand.”

Moving to the U.S, Dani and her parents both expected safety. Safety regarding simple things

such as walking home from school, or going out alone. Nonetheless, she still missed the community and connectedness in Mexico. She missed the comfort of being able to converse with anyone. Even just waiting in line at the store, people would talk to total strangers, no judgment or discrimination.

“I love the environment in Mexico,” Dani said. “Even though I was from a really dangerous place, I knew how to take care of myself.”

However, the security Dani and her family feel might be rescinded soon. Senate Bill 4, passed in 2017, has been on the verge of going into effect these past few weeks.

SB 4 makes crossing U.S.Mexico border through Texas without legal documentation a misdemeanor. According to the Texas Tribune, people who officers suspect of having crossed into Texas from Mexico a place other than a legal pace of entry can be charged. They can then face up to six months in jail if they are found guilty of entering the U.S. illegally. Regardless of country of origin, detainees can be sent back to Mexico.

based laregly on stereotypes of Hispanic people. She said since it will affect everyone differently, even throughout her family.

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“It’s the fear that you get,” Dani said. “It wouldn’t affect my family, but it could if we’re not careful.”

Dani believes this bill is unfair, and

They were kind of pressured, but they were really relieved by the fact that we were going to be in a new, better place.

- Dani , 10

“I think a lot of people know that Hispanic people help a lot with the American economy,” Dani said. “By doing this, it is going to hurt not only people but the country in general.”

Following the controversy of this bill, protests have begun to take place around Texas demanding that it does not to go into effect. Dani is hopeful that it will not be put into place.

“Some action has to be taken in order for this law to either disappear or to be lowered, or not as harmful as it is right now,” Dani said. “I think that if people keep doing this, there might be a change.”

Dani and celebrates her brother’s fifth birthday together in Mexico. Photo submitted by Dani

A class above the rest

Boys wrestling team advances to regionals

STORY & DESIGN Kaelen Reed

Beginning a rough journey in November, lasting to March, the boy’s wrestling team took several blows this season with perseverance, scraping by their various meets with a payoff that landed them at regionals.

A team cannot grow without guidance, and the one to lead them is Coach Matthew Stoeberl. Eleven wins out of 13 dual meets, consistently having four to five wrestlers out for one reason or another, the premature advancement of freshmen in place of JV or even Varsity wrestlers. Every sacrifice, loss and victory had placed them at the top, but the effort it took to get there had been building for far longer than the 2023-2024 season.

Stoeberl’s love for wrestling was nurtured at a young age, and his passion for the sport only grew with him. The actual action was worth it, of course, but the mentality it gave Stoeberl was the glue towards his current position as a high school wrestling coach.

better version of yourself,” said Stoeberl. “I look at wrestling as a gift in my life, and I look at it as a gift in my wrestlers.”

This gift is one that Stoeberl has been able to utilize for many years. Throughout his time at Marcus, Stoeberl has enjoyed seeing his talented team rise to the top continually, but the accomplishments didn’t come without struggle.

“For three years in a row, we advanced and led them to regionals. And this year we advanced five because we had a lot of guys injured,”

The challenges didn’t just hurt because of physical injury, but also knowing that the team had fought to earn the titles they won throughout this season.

“We had a very good wrestling team,” said Stoeberl. “But we never could get the team that was in the practice room to get out. In our competitions, whether it was due to injuries or illness, or kids having to move away because of a family situation or concussions.”

With so many players out of commission, the rise of the younger wrestlers came with more

“I started wrestling when I was five years old and as I got older, I appreciated how it helps forge you into a better human being – a I

nerve than excitement with the sudden jump of their positions.

“There were plenty of times I put first year freshmen out there that had no reason, no business to be on varsity at this point,” said Stoeberl. “The frustrating thing is knowing you put all that work in. We were never full string.”

But even when their efforts turned sour, it didn’t lead them to upend all the energy they put into a victory. At every fall, they rose once again, ready to take the next hit thrown their way.

“You know in your heart that it’s going to be very, very difficult to win,” said Stoberl. “Looking at that as an opportunity, we’re not going to walk away from it just because it’s difficult.”

In a split second, all the work one dedicates their time to was put to the test, presented to either spur them forward or drag them down.

“It’s one-on-one combat with another guy that’s trying to beat you up. There are rules, but you’re trying to beat the other guy up. That’s got anxiety on top of it,” said Stoeberl. “Coach can’t really help you, your teammates can’t really help you, your parents can’t help you.”

These high pressure situations ended

Sophomore Austin Hughes pins a wrestler from the opposing team.

sports

Photo Isabel Suarez Rivera

up being worth the trouble with almost every meet allowing the team to advance. But the only way to win is to have a loss for another. A coach will bear witness to both.

“It’s a mixed bag. You’re really sad for some that worked really hard and deserve to try to get to regionals. When they don’t, it hurts,” Stoeberl said. “And you’re very happy for your district champions because they were district champs. They achieved what they wanted to achieve there.”

This year’s season allowed many wrestlers to rise above and become more than the underdogs they seemed fated to become. Senior Gavin Garcia had major knee surgery in October which was expected to put him completely out of competition for his final high school wrestling year.

“He came back to the team two weeks prior to the district championships, and he actually entered the district championship,” Stoeberl said.

Senior Eric Solberg was another one of Stoeberl’s big highlights for the year, with his wins proof of his skill and incredible progress. Starting wrestling as a sophomore, he began with little strength in the sport but dedicated himself to improving.

“He’s the true self-made man. He was a JV wrestler in his sophomore year,” said Stoeberl. “But Eric believed and I never saw a wrestler work harder.”

May 16, 2024

The individual wins of the wrestlers were felt across the team, but their true aptitude, Stoeberl noticed, was in competitions that meant victory for all members. It seemed that there was always a bit more to their strength when there were people they could fight for.

“The thing I really liked about this team is they wrestled their best in doing it versus individual tournaments” Stoeberl said. “They always seem to

They always seem to wrestle a little harder for their teammates than they did just for their own glory.

-Matthew Stoeberl,

Wrestling Coach

wrestle a little harder for their teammates than they did just for their own glory. I always thought we got our best matches, and our best performances at those oneon-one competitions.”

Even with the strain on the team since the start, the rise of beginners was a brilliance that shone through the dark.

Stoeberl stating he’s proud of all the surprising good that came out of a time that seemed destined for failure.

He especially appreciated the power the freshmen were able to bring to the team.

“I really enjoyed my freshmen, and the freshmen don’t get a lot of attention, but they brought a lot of joy to me because they worked hard,” Stoeberl said. “The improvement they went through really gives me hope in the future.”

That hope was something that was worth more than any shining medal or grand title. It meant what was to come had grounds for believing in the players, the team and the victories they can gain.

“If you’re a coach, there’s nothing better than having hope in your future. I think we’ve got a great freshman group, and I really enjoy coaching them,” Stoeberl said. “I thought my freshmen were a big highlight to my season and a lot of things were going wrong. My freshmen are going right.”

While this wrestling season has come to a close, seniors who gained so much will be leaving room for new talent. Stoeberl is ready to make the upcoming season just as strong.

“I’m really excited that we’re gonna take a bunch of kids nobody’s heard of, nobody’s expected to do anything,” said Stoeberl. “I think that’s exciting to me because I think if they work hard, we can be very successful next year.”

Sophomore Will Currey takes an opening and manages to wrangle his opponent into a headlock.

Photo Isabel Suarez Rivera

What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve done as a kid I cut my dog’s whiskers

Netflix, Youtube, or Hulu Netflix, because it has no ads

What is something pointless you lied about

If I had gum when people ask me

If all your clothes had to be one color forever, what color would you pick and why?

Light blue, because it’s a flattering color

If you could only play one video game for the rest of your life, what would it be

Among us because it’s fun and dumb

What animal makes the weirdest sound and how do you think that sound is spelt

A dinosaur, rawr

As a kid, what is something you managed to pin on your siblings? That they cut my dog’s whiskers

What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten

Gator tail, it taste like chicken

What are you really terrible at?

I’m really annoying

If you went to jail, what would it be for?

Mass arson

2023-2024 staff

Jennifer Banh

Felix Oien

Jude Soape

Raksha Jayakumar

Anya Jain

designer Jennifer Banh

Arushi Sharma

Kaelen Reed

Gabe Weaver

Mashiyat Khan

Janisha Kesar

designer Jennifer Banh

Lex Paull

JC Mays

My Secret Crush

Ava Novotny Spencer Puckett

Manuella Petrunko Rachel Sturton

Manuella Petrunko Gabby Zazenski

Griffin Lewis Marissa Mittz

My sophomore year ex-boyfriend

Braylen Murth

Naeem Cornett

Anna Manley

Madie Smith

Nichole Grogan

Mia Patterson

. . Ainsley Kelleher

Dominick Harris

Danied Limon

I don’t keep secrets

Ava Harbour

Ellie Maclin’s mom . Harrison Childress

Martin Gibison Benjamin Shurtleff

Jadyn Suarez Caleb Ward

Chloe Heeter Iliana Ananda

Why would YOU want to know??

Jennifer Banh

Harsh Singh Jake Bridges

Yang Jungwon Dawtcer Lian

Babymonster (kpop girl group)

Reeae Annaratone Ethan Karatzis

Coit Willis Donavin Leyons

Seo In-guk (pls don’t tell him ><)

Caroline Ranieri

My boyfriend Isabel Suarez

I can’t say because she goes to Flo Mo

No

Han Jisung

Uh? Never had one

Caden Goad

Ella Gu

Walmart cashiers Ruth King

Kasey McNatt Solane Burpo

Corban Worthington

Ava Harbour

Giuseppe Bevilacqua

Spiderman

Andrew Gregory

Kenna Stow

Ava Montgomery

Kasey McNatt

Akunna cos-okpalla Jace Baedwell

AB Martin Gibson

Mae Rademaekers

Juan “Alex” Almaguer

No one, I hate all Marcus boys

Alex Stankiewicz

Ava Harbour Nichole Grogan

John Buckholt Kalyn Gautreaux

Maya McBride

Caden Goad

Daniel Jaworski

Sarah Claire Tatum

Diya Roy

Matthew Stubenazy

Madison Davis

Van Beveren, my fiancé to be (and Dev Patel) Kaelen Reed

Natalie Young Isabella Anderson

Sloane Drake Peyton White

Mary Hanneman Shubha Mayer

Goes to CHHS Samuel Bulmer

Jace bardwell Brayden Scott

Spencer Diermeier Trevor Myrick

Camila hernandez Jack McCollum

Rishi Chapati Vincent Nguyen

Reese Annaratone Alec Phan

I don’t keep secrets Madie Smith

That one tall Chick Fil A worker

Maanu

Cam Canady

Cooper Smith

Ava Harbour ;)

John Buckholt Abigail Myersc

I am dating Briana Fleming Adair

Drake Izzy Jaynes

Shanti Mayer Suzy Lundgren

Iphone Landon Salgado

Gavin Kurkowski

Madison Davis

You Zachary Uranga

Emma Bennright

Rishi Chapati

Myself lol

Rishi Chapati

Corban Worthington

Aaditya Ragam

Ava Harbour

. Aaditya Ragam

The dude that rides around on the golf cart in the parking lot . . . Olivia Fouratt

Chapstick

Omar Abi Khalil

Josh Ogden Jude Garcia

My boyfriend Autumn Russell

nobody at this school Rachel Garay

Sam Higginbotham

.Rachel Noble

Dakota Pope

Hannah Kraft

Nichole Grogan you <3 Sarah Stevens

Ella Dunn Anika Shareef

Molly Kemery Patton Morgan

Aidan Maddox Joey Ford

Stephanie E-Zeoke Matthew Richoux

Jace Bardwell Jacob Wolgamott

Ryan Lovejoy Mackey Masterson

designer

Diya Roy

Friend I’ll Miss the Most

None, I’ll stay in contact with everyone

Josh Wynne

Karis because we have been friends forever Hannah Kraft Jamori because he’s funny

Matthew Richoux

Everyone I have met in my classes because they made school worth going to Jacob Wolgamott

Samuel Bulmer, he seems to be sane and a leader like me Matthew Stubenazy

Jennifer Banh. She’s been with me through a lot and I could not be more grateful Diya Roy Violet Snyder. She has always brightened my day and made me feel welcomed. We’ve become closer every year at this school and she has never had a dull moment Madison Davis

All of them because they are the best

.Ruth King I’ll miss Ava Novotny and Ava Luceros because they’re going to college far from me. I will also miss all the juniors

Zosia Westman

Rhea Chacko! always makes me laugh . Anika Shareef

Matthew Lungren, he’s my guy

Mason Schultz

Olivia Fouratt because she makes me laugh

. Alex Stankiewicz

Jasmin because she is so considerate of others Sophie Webster

James Simmons, Karic Grennan, Ben Shurtleff, Charlie Bergeson, Drew Trentham, etc. I grew up playing football with them Caleb Ward

Jadyn Suarez Nicollette Tucker Iliana Aranda, she is my BFF

Emily Thomas Emily, she was my ride or die during basketball season Iliana Ananda

Diya Roy cause she is the sweetest most patient kind soul Isabel Suarez

All my teammates of Team 39 and 40

Daniel Jaworski

Law, Don, Hayden, and Caz because they are family Joshua Webb

Diya Roy cause she’s the best, and my junior friends Eshanvi Bangera and Grace Nguyen .

Jennifer Banh

Abby cuz she’s my pookie

Sarah Claire Tatum

All my theater friends

-Rachel

Noble

Manuella Petrunko, she has been my friend since I moved to the US and we made a connection since day one for being from different countries

.Mariangel Parra

Kyha Aubry Bryanna Russell

My whole XC team we are a family so it’s hard to say ‘bye’ but they’ll still be great

Samuel Bulmer

Van Beveren because he’s my best friend/ personal driver and I love him more than I can say Solane Burpo Dawtcer lian, because we’re not gonna be in the same college

. . Ella Gu Willa Pampling and Zoraya Hyer because they truly understand me and care about me Kalyn Gautreaux Hayden because he’s always been by my side and I’ve always got his back . . . . . . Gavin Kurkowski

Everyone from my first period class because everyone there were angels. Instructional Practices was the best class Leo Reichenberger

Camila Cortes - Pinedo We did track/ cross country together and she’s become one of my best friends . Dakota Pope Madison Burks, my other half is going 8 hours away Rachel Sturton Manualla Petrunko because I spend almost every day with her

.Gabby Zazenski

Kyla Steffans because she is a good friend who’s always positive and encouraging Marissa Mittz

Marissa, I’ve known her the longest and she’s going to school far away . . . . . . . Kathryn Parsons

Jada because she is my best friend

Naeem .

Ainsley Kelleher

. Dominick Harris

Van Beveren because he’s my best friend/ personal driver and I love him more than I can say Solane Burpo None, I’ll stay in contact with everyone

. Josh Wynne

Karis because we have been friends forever Hannah Kraft Jamori because he’s funny

. Matthew Richoux

Everyone I have met in my classes because they made school worth going to Jacob Wolgamott

Abbie Myers because she’s awesome and kind! . . . . . . . . . . . Mackay Masterson

Samuel Bulmer, he seems to be sane and a leader like me

Matthew Stubenazy spiderman to my batman, because we have to save the city . . . . Kaelen Reed

Samantha, my best friend

16, 2024

Zachary Uranga

Jack M he was always there with me . . . Brayden Scott

Jake Bridges Trevor Myrick Caroline Eads because we’re besties

. . Sam Higginbotham

The Batman to my Spiderman cause we have to save the city Kasey McNatt

My old friend group because that was the highlight of my high school years .

Hunter Townes

Matthew Lungren. He will be in Austin, which is the farthest he’ll be from me since first grade. It will be weird to get used to

. . . Shubha Mayer

Emily Hanson because she’s chill like that Jake Bridges

Van Beveren because he’s my best friend/ personal driver and I love him more than I can say . . . . . . . . . . . . Solane Burpo Dawtcer lian, because we’re not gonna be in the same college Ella Gu Z Kegler because they are a good artist

. . Kenna Stow

Willa Pampling and Zoraya Hyer because they truly understand me and care about me Kalyn Gautreaux

designer

Diya Roy

What I’ll miss the most...

Savannah Wylie’s Mom

Harrison Childress

Food science and my friends .

. Caleb Ward

Seeing all of my friends in one place

Nicollette Tucker

Gossip during lunch Iliana Ananda

Lunch with my friends before cosmo . .

Isabella Anderson

Football Peyton White

Looking at the cars in the parking lot

Hunter Townes

Seeing my friends every day . . . . . . . .

Shubha Mayer

Being constantly mistaken for Josh Evans Solane Burpo

Attending school and seeing all my friends

Andrew Gregory

John Buckholt Kenna Stow

Late night joy rides with my friends

Gavin Kurkowski

I am going to miss the days we come to a class and have no work to do

Madison Davis

All my friends Zachary Uranga I will miss the atmosphere and the teachers I’ve had during my four years at Marcus Corban Worthington

I’ll miss seeing my friends every day and living near each other

Donavin Leyons

Lunch with my friends

Caroline Ranieri

Yearbook Isabel Suarez

homecoming and prom (i want excuses to dress up)

Sarah Stevens the art classes Ana Martins Cruz

I will miss the atmosphere and the teachers I’ve had during my four years at Marcus .

. . . . Corban Worthington

AFJROTC Nichole Grogan

No I’m okay Avery Clinton

Teagen and her choreography

Kasey McNatt

Alec Phan Aaditya Ragam

My best friend Nichole!

Alec Phan

Ava Harbour

Aaditya Ragam

Seeing my friends beautiful faces in commons Olivia Fouratt

Food science with my friends .

. . Martin Gibson

The pack Juan “Alex” Almaguer Track Matthew Richoux

Being surrounded by my childhood friends Patton Morgan

Zosia Westman

Mashed potato bowl Suzy Lundgren Cheer .

I’ll miss seeing my friends in the halls and talking to them Joshua Webb

The football field and friends

Brayden Scott

Spencer Diermeie

Trevor Myrick

Learning Vincent Nguyen

“ Mashed potato bowl - Suzy Lundgren

Aaditya Ragam

Alec Phan

Marquettes Sam Higginbotham

Playing games in class Rachel Noble

Seeing my boyfriend (he’s my whole personality)

Dakota Pope

Ms. Hal and Ms. Dack’s class

Leo Reichenberger

My Waterpolo team

Hannah Kraft

Leaving at 1:30 Joey Ford

My best friends and me being at the same school

Rachel Sturton

Seeing my friends in the hall every day Gabby Zazenski

My fun tables from classes that I’ve had

Megan Kerns

Getting to be in high school and not having to be an adult with responsibilities Marissa Mittz

Marquettes

Spirit days

My friends in theatre

Kathryn Parsons

Natalie Purvis

Sarah Claire Tatum

Spirit Days Mariangel Parra

Marcus soccer

. Bryanna Russell

Track meets, watching pep rallies, or football games Mia Patterson

Naeem Dominick Harris

I’ll miss so many people, too many to list - it’s not even funny Diya Roy

The family I made in ROTC

Ava Harbour

Cross Country team

Matthew Stubenazy

The days we come to a class and have no work to do

.Madison Davis

Field trips for fun classes, lunch table discussions, and tech & newspaper shenanigans Kaelen Reed

Being able to see my friends every day

. Dawtcer Lian

Lunch with my friends before cosmo Isabella Anderson

My best friend Nichole! Ava Harbour

Alec Phan

Aaditya Ragam

Seeing my friends beautiful faces in commons Olivia Fouratt

Mashed potato bowl Suzy Lundgren

I’ll miss hanging out with my friends during 4th period and wandering around the school Isabella Martinez

My junior friends Omar Abi Khalil Football

Peyton White

Looking at the cars in the parking lot . .

. Hunter Townes

Seeing my friends every day

Shubha Mayer

Being constantly mistaken for Josh Evans

. Solane Burpo

Attending school and seeing all my friends Andrew Gregory

John Buckholt Kenna Stow

Late night joy rides with my friends

. Gavin Kurkowski

I am going to miss the days we come to a class and have no work to do

Madison Davis

All my friends . . . . . . . Zachary Uranga

I will miss the atmosphere and the teachers I’ve had during my four years at Marcus Corban Worthington

My friends and caring teachers

. Danied Limon

AFJROTC Nichole Grogan

No I’m okay Avery Clinton

Teagen and her choreography

Kasey McNatt

Alec Phan Aaditya Ragam

designer

Isabel Suarez Rivera

What I’ll miss the least...

School lunch

Spencer Puckett

Windowless classrooms, dusty humid rooms, busy work and volleyball offseason

Rachel Sturton

The suffocating halls and the dusty school - Gabby Zazenski

Having to come to school at 8:20

Abby Venvertloh

The homework Megan Kerns

Tests Ben Perlmutter

Running into everyone I hate at Marcus

Mia Patterson

Being away from Naeem

“ Waking up early and seeing my opps

Sitting in school for 8 hours a day

Rachel Noble

Having to ask to use the restroom

English

Joey Ford

Matthew Richoux

Having to study for tests or work on projects Jacob Wolgamott

Homework Mackay Masterson

Having D lunch

Patton Morgan

Yearbook deadlines Diya Roy

The homework and tests every other week

Madison Davis

The post AP econ mental breakdowns and tech week Kaelen Reed

All the homework and actually having to learn… Dawtcer Lian

English

Peyton White

Having to go through the very crowded hallways

Hunter Townes

Waking up early, school lunches, tolerating annoying people everyday

Shubha Mayer

Homework Jake Bridges

Paradoxically, also being constantly mistaken for Josh Evans Solane Burpo

- Dakota Pope “

School…IDs Andrew Greory Calculus Gavin Kurkowski

Dominick Harris

Jeff Sherman Juan “Alex” Almaguer

Doing tests Valentina

English class Benjamin Shurtleff

Not being able to leave campus during lunch

Sophie Webster

Almost everything about Marcus

Nicollette Tucker

The commons bathroom toilet that I dropped my phone in

Basketball

Jennifer Banh

Emily Thomas

The crazy car drivers in the parking lot who think they’re playing gta

Caroline Ranieri

Wearing ID’s Mariangel Parra

The long days Bryanna Russell

STAAR Tests

Samuel Bulmer

School work Brayden Scott

TG Barwa Trevor Myrick

Waking up early

Vincent Nguyen

Waking up early and seeing my opps

Dakota Pope

I will not miss the homework and tests every other week Madison Davis

The early mornings and the food Corban Worthington

Waking up at 6 a.m. Danied Limon

Walking through W hall and commons Kenna Stow

I will not miss being forced to sit down for hours

The smell

Tech week

Nichole Grogan

Avery Clinton

Kasey McNatt

The monotony of classes . . Ava Harbour

Daily grades

Cooper Smith

The gross water fountain taste Olivia Fouratt

Sitting in a room for hours with fake, fluorescent lighting that gives me a headache Abigail Myersc

Taking practice AP Bio tests every monday Isabella Martinez

Detentions Omar Abi Khalil

Having to ask to use the restroom - Joey Ford

May 16, 2024

designer

Isabel Suarez Rivera

In 20 years__will be__

Akunna Cos-Okpalla will be a famous New York baker Rachel Sturton

Akunna Cos-Okpalla will be a famous New York baker Gabby Zazenski

Ethan Karatzis will be living in my basement

Kate Parsons will be a business woman

Kate Parsons will be a CEO

Ainsley Kelleher will be a therapist and married and rich

Naeem will be the face of Bollywood

I will be playing basketball (with) Lebron

James

Jeff Sherman will be without a state championship

Jonathan Banh will be taller than me

iPads will be phones

All cars will be electric

All cars will be self-driving

Tackle football will be banned because people these days are babies

Iliana will be a furry

Lily will be deemed griddy master

I will be playing roblox

President will be president

Megan Kerns will be living in my basement

A pilot

My dad will be 72

One Piece will be still ongoing

I almost 40 years old

.

I will be asleep probably

Sarah Claire Tatum

In 20 years I will be remembering the impact Marcus had in my life

Taylor Rayne will be a successful artist

Shubha Mayer

Trevor Myrick will be with some beaver

Don will be a pilot flying me and my friends around

Joshua Webb

Van Pui will be a well known singer

. Natalie Purvis

washer and bajillionaire

Madison Davis

Kasey will be the leader of a cult Kaelen Reed

designer

Arushi Sharma

Jake Bridges

Kaelen Reed

ASM Fergie will be a famous broadway director, having climbed her way up the ranks and finally moving on from Marcus theatre to get the recognition she

Sloane Burpo

In 20 years my parents will be traveling

Ella Gu

Andrew Gregory

Kenna Stow

John Buckholt will still be in high Nichole Grogan

Kalyn Gatreaux will be in Louisiana

Kalyn Gautreaux

Pierceson Buckholt will be desperate for

Gavin Kurkowski

Corban Worthington will be in a house with a family being happy and Corban Worthington

Danied Limon

John Buckholt will still be at Marcus . Nichole Grogan .

Giuseppe Bevilacqua

Kasey McNatt

Jace Bardwell

This school will still be here and hopefully will still be doing good and helping students have resources to achieve their Ava Harbour

Tristan will be designing a NFL stadium

Aaditya Ragam

Olivia Fouratt

.

Harsh

Senior spotlight Senior spotlight

How has it been juggling your clubs and band together?

It just comes down to prioritization I had to pick my battles pretty carefully. Ultimately it did just come out to working long nights into the early morning, but it was all worth it I wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything

What is something you did in High School that, if you could, go back and change?

The organization I founded, Nightingale Advocacy, I would’ve created that a little earlier and tried to push out more innovative and unique initiatives so that we could maximize our impact But I don’t think there are a whole lot of things I regret or that I didn’t put my full effort into. Otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am today

What is a core memory from your entire High School experience?

I went to the International Science Engineering Fair, and my chemistry teacher Mrs .Frisella was a super big supporter of that . It was really fun to represent Marcus in that way, at an international stage

What advice would you give to upcoming high school students?

I would tell them to not stress out, but to definitely always be working on something It’s easy to get stressed out to the point where you’re paralyzed, but there are infinite possibilities. If you have something that you’re passionate about and are pursuing, you’ll really reap the results later on

Class, elective or extracurricular define your high school experience?

Being on the Red Cross National Youth Council. The communities that both I’ve been a part of and helped, they were a huge part of my high school experience . It was something I made a significant investment into during high school

What are you going to do post-grad?

I’m going to Stanford University and planning to go into computer science At Stanford you’re not admitted by major so there’s a lot of flexibility in terms of exploring my options So for the first couple years I’m just going to put myself out there in all the different fields and then narrow down into what I want to do for the rest of my life .

What is a core memory from Theatre? Choir?

When we found out we got first place in our zone(for UIL) . Once we heard we were going to region it was the best thing in the world . We all got so excited, and I’ve never seen such big smiles

What is the biggest thing you learned from your high school experience? It’s okay to lose and it’s okay not to be the best at everything

What was your favorite/most impactful role from theater?

Letters to Sala when I was playing a girl who lost everything We got to learn more about our characters, about what they lost and gained from that experience.The closeness that they gained from losing everyone, it was very emotional .

Favorite Choir event?

Madrigal . Madrigal is a core memory, I love it so much Best thing in the world and I cry every single year

How do you think your freshman self would feel about your highschool journey?

I didn’t think I was going to get this far, be this competitive, or learn what UIL was UIL has been such a struggle but also a learning path and I loved it so much

What is something you did in High School that, if you could, go back and change?

Being confident in myself. If I just had confidence in myself and asked for help, I think it would have had more opportunities to do stuff.

What is the biggest thing you took from each program?

Having good friends who actually care about you and want to be there for you through everything, good and bad

designer

Jennifer Banh

Tatiana Miranda

Singh

In 20 years I will be...

Making and selling my art

A sports broadcaster

' 3 b 3 b ‡

Jennifer Banh

Caleb Ward

Happy! Because I won’t be here

Rich, happy and married

Still gossiping

A hospice nurse Natalie Purvis

Married and traveling

A Nurse

Emily Thomas

.Iliana Ananda

. Lily Geter

Living in a dumpster . . Ethan Karatzis

Alive and thriving sis

Old and sad :(

Mariangel Parra

Samuel Bulmer

Making bank as an engineer

A nurse with a family

Married with kids

Isabel Suarez

. . Caroline Ranieri

A United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Jaworski

Gabby Zazenski

Megan Kerns

Marissa Mittz

Rich and have kids and a wife

Benjamin Shurtleff

Ana Martins Cruz

Married, working with something that I love

A Teacher

Leo Reichenberger

Dakota Pope

Traveling the world

Rachel Noble

Trevor Myrick

Vincent Nguyen

Alec Phan

Sam Higginbotham

Spencer Puckett

Working for an NFL team

Rachel Sturton

Making movies! Kaelen Reed

Working in a salon

. . Isabella Anderson

Ranching . . . . Peyton White

Living somewhere secluded, working with books, owning lots of cats, falling in love

Shubha Mayer

The president Jake Bridges

Hopefully alive Solane Burpo

An engineer making bank

Diya Roy

An esthetician with a family in a

Madison Davis

Marrying someone rich Madie Smith Kaelen Reed

Peyton White

Kathryn Parsons

Living in a house with my sexy husband and pet rats . . Mia Patterson

Married to a millionaire in Utah or

. Ainsley Kelleher

Living with Naeem Dominick Harris

. Martin Gibson

I will be an entrepreneur and have an outdoor fishing company

Jack McCollum

Juan “Alex” Almaguer

A CPA for my mom’s company

Danied Limon

Financially Successful

Marrying someone rich

A teacher

Hector Gonzalez

Madie Smith

Kenna Stow

I will be in the Air Force as a commissioned officer

Nichole Grogan

A lawyer Avery Clinton

having a family hopefully Giuseppe bevilacqua

Running a cult Kasey McNatt a black belt in Jiu Jitsu

Aaditya Ragam probably still in Med School lol Ava Harbour

Graphic designer and animator

Valentina Cavazos-Flores

An NFL wife

Married to Ellie’s mom

Alex Stankiewicz

Harrison Childress

In 20 years I will be working the Texas Parks and Wildlife in their wildlife management department

Corban Worthington

Rich and have kids and a wife

Benjamin Shurtleff

Married, working with something that I love

Ana Martins Cruz

designer Felix Oien

Canada, annexed by the United States .

Living on the lake

Mason Schultz

Hannah Kraft

Old with knee pain Joey Ford

Hopefully a PT Matthew Richoux

Mechanical Engineer

Jacob Wolgamott

A pilot for the southwest Mackay Masterson

An airline pilot Patton Morgan

Working in a salon

Isabella Anderson

Living somewhere secluded, working with books, owning lots of cats, falling in love

A beauty blogger

Shubha Mayer

Hopefully a Registered Nurse

On my yacht

Ella Gu

Dawcter Lian

. Andrew Gregory

In the U .S . Air Force . Nichole Grogan

Working with kids Kalyn Gautreaux

Flying jets on Naval Carriers

Gavin Kurkowski

38 Zachary Uranga

Financially Successful

Hector Gonzalez

Marrying someone rich Madie Smith

Living with the Kardashians

In debt

Doing the Lords work

Probably rich

senior edition

May 16, 2024

Olivia Fouratt

Autumn Russell

Abigail Myersc

Dyson dudley

Married with kids and working as a surgical physician’s assistant

Fashion designer .

Isabella Martinez

. Omar Abi Khalil

Living in a nice house with my pet bulldog

Rachel Garay

Running a homesteading cult out of a 8 acre property

Sophia Carney

designer Felix Oien

What got me in trouble

Griddying non-stop Lily Geter

Freshmen being devious

Ethan Karatzis

Having a twin . . . . . . Autumn Russell

Get iss for id’s

. Donavin Leyons

Too many tardies . . . Caroline Ranieri

Throwing ice at a teacher.

Talking when I shouldn’t

Joshua Webb

Rachel Noble

My friends Jacob Wolgamott

No one, I don’t get in trouble

Mackay Masterson

Procrastination and not turning work in on time

Patton Morgan

Parking Matthew Stubenazy

Coming into school through the S-Hall doors Diya Roy

Not coming to school . . . Madie Smith

Walking the halls during senior out

. Ruth King

Driving people in my trunk across the Marcus parking lot

TPing people’s houses

Talking too much

Megan Kerns

Ben Perlmutter

Marissa Mittz

Losing my ID Mason Schultz

Skipping summer football workouts

My tardies

—REDACTED—

Jack McCollum

Ainsley Kelleher

Daniel Jaworski

Naeem Cornett (bad boy)

Fighting Izzy .

Dominick Harris

Nicollette Tucker

Not being able to read social cues

Kaelen Reed

Shooting hand sanitizer at people off the second floor on the freshman campus

Hunter Townes

Skipping my student aide period to poop at home

Jake Bridges

Walking the halls during senior out

Ruth King

Leaving school to go get food and getting WNS ;) Mia Patterson

Throwing a Cheeseburger on the wall in Mrs. Napolitan’s class

Juan “Alex” Almaguer

Leaving for lunch to go to CFA

. Alex Stankiewicz

Lighting off fireworks in the house . . .

James Simmons

Shooting fireworks off in a person’s toilet

Caleb Ward eating in mr Tipp’s class

designer Kaelen Reed

Sarah Claire Tatum

performing an apparent “demonic ritual” during a theatre warmup?? i guess you can’t link hands in a

Sarah Stevens

hats and parking

. Brayden Scott

Not having a parking sticker . . .

Trevor Myrick

Being late . . . . Vincent Nguyen

Rishi Chapati . . . . . . Alec Phan

2023 Texas relays (Coach Reinberg and Wales would

Dakota Pope

Having a breakdown in the bathroom for an hour

Joey Ford

Talking in class

Solane Burpo

Nothing - I am an angel

Andrew Gregory

Sleeping during class

Spencer Puckett

Truancy, borderline wasn’t going to have credit to graduate . . . . . . . Rachel Sturton

Freshman year when I was caught cheating on a test and I got a zero and my parents were called

. . . Corban Worthington

I haven’t gotten in trouble

. Nichole Grogan

trying to be funny

Giuseppe bevilacqua

Teagen Reed Kasey McNatt

My mouth, and my lack of tolerating disrespect Jace Bardwell

Probably boys to be honest

Ava Harbour

Going to chic fil a during lunch

Olivia Fouratt

Not doing homework Abigail Myersc

Other students Mason Adair

Failing an online class . . Izzy Jaynes

Procrastinating every assignment . .

. Abby Venvertloh

Door dashing food because I’m big back

. Iliana Ananda

I cart-wheeled and kicked someone in the face

Nichole Grogan

When me and my friends were leaving the senior sunrise we had too many friends in her car and Mr. Porter saw us and yelled at us Kalyn Gautreaux

Playing manhunt in my neighborhood

(cops were chill, though)

Gavin Kurkowski

Walking the halls during senior out with friends Isabella Martinez

Embarrassing moment

I fart a lot in class Spencer Puckett

(1.) Senior season record being 2 - 12 and (2.) being Lewisville Volleyballs (0-14)

senior night . . . . . . . . Rachel Sturton

Sitting on the bench my senior year .

. . Gabby Zazenski

Falling up the stairs many times

. Abby Venvertloh

Walking with my backpack open

Solane Burpo

Face planting on the stairs, tripping on my mum sophomore year and everyone looked at me

Megan Kerns

Scoring a 20 on a Stats quiz

. Ethan Karatzis

Getting awarded the “never stops talking” award in freshmen humanities (it was a joke because i didn’t talk apparently)

. Sarah Stevens

Slipping outside 9th grade campus in my garfield slippers

Mason Schultz

When my AirPods fell in the toilet after I pooped and became PooPods (patent pending). Then I wrote a short story describing the events for 12-ish pages and sending it to my freshman English teacher

Jake Bridges

Tripped 3 times over and over again in front of a class

Autumn Russell

A lot of the jokes I told that I had to spend 20 minutes explaining

Daniel Jaworski

I was put on the Marcus bad parking instagram page once for parking at a 45° angle but at least I was within the lines (-_- ;)

.Caroline Ranieri

Not knowing the answer to some questions because of language barriers

Mariangel Parra

During a presentation when I realized I forgot to delete some inappropriate photos off a slide show, but…got a 100

. .Corban Worthington

When I walked into the men’s restroom on accident and someone saw me .

. . . Nichole Grogan

When I first tried to make an Instagram page Gavin Kurkowski

My most embarrassing moment was when I was racing my boyfriend to his truck and ended up in a boot with a stress fracture for about 4-5 months

Madison Davis

Being late to class because I had to go to the bathroom and then explaining why I was late in front of the class

Danied Limon

When I walked in the men’s restroom and got caught . . . . . . . Nichole Grogan

Senior assassin humbled me

Falling asleep in class . . Marissa Mittz

Crying in class . . . . . . Kathryn Parsons

When Naeem farted and blamed it on me Dominick Harris

Being cooking partners with AB Martin Gibson

Posting a TikTok of Steph and I being big backs Alex Stankiewicz

Losing to my sister in the pep rally

Harrison Childress

Farting out loud in a quiet class

James Simmons

My cleats breaking during LaCrosse Benjamin Shurtleff

Fainting in the cafeteria from a 2,693,000 Scoville hot sauce as a challenge, ate it on an empty stomach and was wheeled out of the lunchroom in front of everybody by the nurse, and went back to class like nothing happened

Jennifer Banh

Asking if there was dairy in cheesecake Emily Thomas

My shorts falling down during basketball practiceIliana Ananda

The time I pee’d my pants

Lily Geter

senior edition March 16, 2024

Losing 5th round of playoffs freshman year

Bryanna Russell

I don’t get embarrassed

Dakota Pope Commons bathroom Shenanigans

Matthew Richoux

Getting in a crash on my way to school

Hannah Kraft

Not me, but Maanu falling in the A hall stair way, that was pretty embarrassing for her

Broke my hip

Algebra 2

Rachel Noble

Jacob Wolgamott

Patton Morgan

A certain Interview from Nike South on the Internet

. . Matthew Stubenazy

Stalking a Plano East band kid from the football fieldDiya Roy Racing my boyfriend to his truck and ended up in a boot with a stress fracture for about 4-5 months

Madison Davis

Talking about my passion for cannibalism a little too loudly

Kaelen Reed

Slipping on throw up on the bathroom floor

. Hunter Townes

Blowing up the bathroom

. Shubha Mayer

Falling out a chair while giving a preSpongebob speech . . . . . Kasey McNatt

When I broke my foot walking down stairs Jace Bardwell

When I laughed so hard I peed myself haha Ava Harbour

Missing kahoot questions

Cooper Smith

The volleyball record being in the yearbook Olivia Fouratt

Getting a 0 on a final Mason Adair

When I just started wearing makeup bro I once pulled up looking orange like the shade match was not it yk

.Omar Abi Khalil

. . Avery Clinton designer Kaelen Reed

Teacher I’ll miss the most

Miss Wilson, Coach Baker, Miss Vara

Isabella Anderson

Coach Lawrence Peyton White

Ms Hale because she’d take the time to talk and listen to me .

. Hunter Townes

Ms . Regent because she is really funny and is a good English teacher who made my love for literature even stronger .

Shubha Mayer

Mr. Fletcher; he was the most helpful and fun teacher I had Gabby Zazenski

Mrs Sullivan because she always supported me and always listened to me

Megan Kerns

Coach Wales He’s my guy

Ben Perlmutter

Mrs Courtney and her beautiful smile

Marissa Mittz Popp; She truly made class enjoyable ad grew me immensely as a senior or Coach Dibo; he was my rock during the hard times

Rachel Sturtoh

Hinsley because he is the best teacher here Juan “Alex” Almaguer

The sub with the Hawaiian shirt

Harrison Childress

Coach Baker, that’s my guy

James Simmons

Mr Aquino Caleb Ward

Debo, I’ll miss stressing him out with the details of my weekend

Nicollette Tucker

Mrs . Talley because food science is fun with her

Emily Thomas

Mrs. Talley because she is so sweet

- Iliana Ananda

Mr Hood, Coach Lawrence, Mr Buksa, Mrs Napolitan, Mr Kelly, Mrs Hightower, Mr Wagner Daniel jaworski

Mrs House and Coach Lawrence

Coach Lawrence

Joshua Webb

Natalie Purvis

Mrs Regent Sam Higginbotham Brininstool she inspired me and she taught my favorite class ever

Mr. Crump .

Rachel Noble

. Hannah Kraft

Chief Salinas . . . . Mackay Masterson

Mrs Courtney because she is alway helpful, fun, and puts a smile on my face

Coach Baker .

Patton Morgan

Samuel Bulmer

Coach Jund, Coach Lawrence, Coach Antle, Mrs Sistrunk, Dr Green

Jace Bardwell

Chief and Major, they made this class really knowledgeable and fun

Nichole Grogan

Mrs Bass You’ve helped me grow so much as a person and I’m happy you were my you were my adviser

Mrs

Talley

Jack McCollum

Mrs . Dion, because she allowed us to have fun with all our friends while in class

Lily Geter

Mrs Talley because she is so sweet

Iliana Ananda

Ms Hale cause she helped me gain confidence in myself and Mrs. Jones cause I could always rely on her Jennifer Banh

Mrs. Joykutty because she was incredibly nice

Mr Ward or Mrs Sistrunk

Ethan Karatzis

Izzy Jaynes

Mr. Pike because he is funny and a great teacher

Ms Day, fun teacher

Isabella Martinez

Landon Salgado

Ms Curaine omg she’s so precious I love her

Omar Abi Khalil

Mr DePauw Brayden Scott

Chief and Major, they made this class really knowledgeable and fun

Nichole Grogan

Mrs Bass You’ve helped me grow so much as a person and I’m happy you were my you were my adviser

. Diya Roy

Mr. Fletcher he made sculpture class and art club really fun .

. Caroline Ranieri

designer Arushi Sharma

Diya Roy

Coach Conrad Matthew Stubenazy

Coach Jund, he always has such a good attitude and a smile on his face. He makes this school a better place

. Madison Davis

Mrs Sulllivan . . . .

. . . . Madie Smith

Mrs . Frenzel because she is the best and helped me through the college process

Ruth King

Ms Popp, she truly cares about the lives and her students and has an unmatched passion for teaching Kaelen Reed

Mrs Tolbert from TECC W because she keeps me entertained while learning Dawtcer Lian

Mrs Dack she is the best director ever and always there for me

Kathryn Parsons

Ms . Talley . . . . . . . . Martin Gibson

Mrs .Neapolitan because she help me a lot in English and other stuff that I’m not familiar with, she is really sweet and kind

Coach Rod

Ella Gu

.

. Zachary Uranga

Ms Bellevue because she is nice

Mr. Ward .

. . . Isabel Suarez

Kenna Stow

Mrs . Sullivan because she has helped me so much and been there for me through a lot Kalyn Gautreaux Chief because they’ve helped me since the first day of school

Gavin Kurkowski

I am going to miss Coach Jund the most He always has such a good attitude and a smile on his face He makes this school a better place Madison Davis

Mrs. Dack she is the best director ever and always there for me

-Kathryn Parsons

I will miss Mr. Gilliam the most because being in his class and the atmosphere he brings is great

Corban Worthington

Mr Ward because he is the coolest teacher out there Danied Limon

Headline

STORY Kaelen Reed DESIGN Raksha Jayakumar

I’m listening to the conversation around me, carefully noting the tone and topic . I think of a response that should seamlessly fit in, but once it leaves my mouth it’s followed by an awkward silence and judgemental stares. They move on, I move back . I’m not sure why it didn’t work, but now all I can focus on is how the pit in my stomach feels worse and the fact that it was another mistake among many I’m sure that participating in basic socializing isn’t meant to be this difficult, but everytime I slip up it feels like I’m trying to shove a puzzle piece into the wrong spot

This less than normal pattern has been a practice I’ve repeated since fifth grade, and yet it seems that nothing about me has changed I remember being told I was too loud the first time I went to a friends house and feeling a deep shame settle inside my 11 year old mind . I vowed that I hold my tongue and

Mr. Pike because he is funny and a great teacher Isabella Martinez

Ms Day, fun teacher

senior edition May 16, 2024

Landon Salgado

Ms Curaine omg she’s so precious I love her Omar Abi Khalil

Mrs Popp and Mrs Regent, they made class interesting and I have good memories from taking both classes!

Rachel Garay

Mr Kelley, he may not know but he gave me hope when I needed it I felt alone and he made sure I got the help I needed . . .

Sophia Carney

I will miss Ms . Sims because even though she has only been at Marcus for a year she has always been kind and supportive of her students even if (like me) they weren’t in her class Her new ideas and willingness to take risks is what has made the theatre department so successful this year Solane Burpo

Chief and Major they made this class really knowledgeable and fun Nichole Grogan

watch my volume but every time I tried, it was lost to an uncontrollable volume or too many words spilling out of me As I grew, so did the flaws I had. Occasionally speaking out of turn

became never having the right words Being nervous about talking in groups became a search for the seat in the back of class and a prayer that I wouldn’t be called on Everything about myself seemed at combat: I was personable but would never speak to someone I didn’t know I was excited to be around friends but felt drained in the middle of it Any

objective fact that could be put to me could easily be unreliable when another fact was introduced. These conflicting patterns have made existing with other people one of the most difficult parts of my life Worrying about what I say, if my facial expressions are “correct”, if the tone of my voice is appropriate for the mood of a conversation .

designer Arushi Sharma

Language Barriers

STORY Jennifer Banh

DESIGN Raksha Jayakumar

Walking through the bustling streets of Vietnam for the first time, thick smog emits from the hundreds of motorbikes and beeping vehicles. The humid air lingers in the night, and the warm streetlamps lighten Ho Chi Minh City. Our first stops are to visit relatives my dad hasn’t seen in years, separated by thousands of miles, oceans apart.

I flushed with nervousness as I saw my cousins and extended family for the first time. They welcomed us with bowls of Bun Bo Hue, and I groggily finished my meal because of the jetlag. With natural curiosity, my cousins asked about my life in the US. Avoiding their questions, I smiled awkwardly. I waited for the words in my mouth to respond, but the mixed emotions of embarrassment sealed my lips shut.

Gathering the courage to speak, I stuck to the “reliable” broken vocabulary I’ve had since I was six years old. I introduced myself with inaccurate tones and terrible grammar, mumbling my words, making sure to enunciate the tones as accurately as possible so I don’t sound “too Americanized.” My cousins didn’t let my flimsy pronunciation go unnoticed, laughing when I accidentally cursed out a family member by using the wrong tone.

“It was a shame that she didn’t learn to speak Vietnamese,” my grandma

would say while talking to my dad. I’ve seen her frustration as she tries her best to communicate to her English-speaking granddaughter. And I don’t blame her for the criticism she threw at my dad for not speaking Vietnamese at home to me.

Back in America, my parents tried

sending me to a Vietnamese school when I was younger. Their efforts resulted in me only understanding the spoken language, not to read or speak it. I was in an environment where there were few opportunities to improve. I wasn’t surrounded by a community of Vietnamese people or friends that I could interact with. Over time, the fluency I had became worse as I grew older and stopped taking those classes.

There’s guilt knowing that I couldn’t connect to my relatives as I would with talking to someone in English. I wouldn’t have been able to talk to them without my dad translating for me. It’s not only humiliating, but it’s heartbreaking to see someone like my grandparents try their best to talk to me. The language barrier itself felt like I was restricting myself from truly expressing my enjoyment spending time with them while in Vietnam.

Despite that, the late nights out where we go out to eat ice cream at Times Square, go window shopping at the bustling markets, and watching fireworks together are memories I will treasure with my family forever. Being around with my cousins and having fun outweighed initial anxieties I had from the beginning of the trip.

I’ve come to realize that I’m not proficient in speaking Vietnamese, but that doesn’t invalidate my identity as a Vietnamese American. Although my embarrassment was due to the barriers, I found other ways to connect to my extended family. I can always seek comfort through the culture that my parents raised me in, assured that there’s a part of me that will treasure my family that surpasses those barriers.

The girl in the mirror

STORY Lex Paull

DESIGN Raksha Jayakumar

I look back at the girl in the mirror and see my 10-year-old self staring back. She’s shorter, with choppy dirty blonde hair and peppered freckles. Her bright blue eyes twinkle dully as she flashes a gap-toothed smile, but there’s an air of deep loneliness that looms over her.

Growing up, that younger me didn’t understand social cues. I couldn’t make direct eye contact. I was constantly overstimulated. Anything that required socialization, I was incapable of doing. All of these -- symptoms of my autism.

I was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 5 and started receiving treatment almost immediately. Instead of playing outside during recess, I often stayed indoors with a therapist. I was shown photo after photo of different facial expressions so that I could learn to show and spot emotion. My afternoons were filled with flashcards, therapy sessions, and constant practice of eye contact.

All of the little things that neurotypical people may take for granted, I had to learn for almost my entire life. Because of this, making friends was almost impossible. From an outside perspective, I was “the weird kid,” but inside I was suffering. No one really wanted to be around me, and I was lucky to even have some people to call friends. Those early friendships meant everything to me though, and helped put me on the path of my personal acceptance.

As I grew up and became more vocal about my disorder, I started to hear stupid statements from my peers. Statements like, “But you don’t look autistic” or “Don’t vaccines give you that?” had no grounding in science or basic intellect. I’ve even been called the “r-slur” a couple of times. Out of all of these dense and outdated comments,

there was only one that made me stop and think.

I was asked by a classmate, “Why are you proud to have autism?” As she asked me this, I paused to consider an answer.

Never once was I proud of my condition. If anything, I was embarrassed. My entire life I’ve made it a point to not let anyone know I was autistic. If I met up with my Special Education counselor, it was discreetly, and if someone asked me what I was receiving counseling for, I

would simply make up a lie or deny what I was doing altogether. I continued this cycle throughout elementary, middle school, and halfway through high school. Only when I entered my junior year did I have an epiphany.

Why was I so afraid of what others thought of me? Why did the opinions of strangers and people I didn’t even like matter so much? Why did I let their thoughts control my life for so long?

From that point forward, I stopped being ashamed of my autism, much to the dismay of others, it seems. No longer will I try to hide my accommodations, my therapy, and my past self. And if that makes me proud to have autism, then so be it.

Now, when I look in the mirror, I still see her: my younger self, but through a new lens. I wish that I could go back in time and give that little girl a hug and let her know that no, nothing was wrong with her, and no, she’s not broken. The bullying, the self-loathing, the isolation, all of that will soon go away; she’ll meet others who will truly love her for who she is.

But most importantly, I want her to know this.

w“You are not a piece in a puzzle box. You are not incomplete and you do not need to be solved. What you are is an infinity sign. You are infinite in your possibilities. You are vast and complex. You are you. And that is the best thing you can be.”

senior super stars