The FEBRUARY 11, 2011
MARQUEE [VOLUME TWENTY-FIVE] ISSUE FIVE
America’s views on homosexuality evolve over time
[5]
School board selects Dr. Stephen Waddell to succeed Dr. Jerry Roy as superintendent
[19]
Nearly undefeated boys’ basketball faces Plano East tonight after previous win
[22] Staff editorial urges
Republicans to buckle down on economic problems
MARCUS HIGH SCHOOL [5707 MORRIS ROAD] FLOWER MOUND, TX 75028
[table of contents]
the marquee [newsmagazine] editor in chief luke swinney
managing editor carley meiners
photo editor
allison przybysz
graphics editor
nathaniel thornton
news editor luke swinney
feature editor devon miller
in-depth editor lauren rose
sports editor
page 19 news/
contents photo by allison przybysz cover design by maria heinonen
[3] REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE Before the Republicans took control of the House in January, Democrats had only a few weeks to pass five major bills into law. by devon miller and kate o’toole
feature/ [7] LEARNING TO ADAPT Junior Elli Dinkmeyer, former Marcus basketball player, was forced to quit the sport after discovering she has Ménière’s disease. by alex mcginnis
entertainment/
[15] SUPER BOWL The Marquette drill team was chosen to perform at halftime for Super Bowl XLV alongside the Black Eyed Peas and other school drill teams. by alex cain
sports/ [17] GIRLS’ SOCCER PREVIEW New head coach Chad Hobbs has become a central figure in the complete turnaround from last year’s low-scoring girls’ soccer team. by alex cain
jasmine sachar
entertainment editor molly spain
opinion editor carley meiners
business manager allison przybysz
reporters
alex cain, alex mcginnis, sarah sauer, olivia tarlton
designers
maria heinonen, james hubbard, jordan richards, breyanna washington
photographers
kyle anderson, peter iversen, aj lascola, jordan richards, sarah sauer, taylor thomas
adviser
lajuana hale
principal
gary shafferman 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 $34 per 1/16 of a page, with discounts 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.
news
Lame duck period rushes bills
Democrats scramble to get bills passed before Republicans move in story by devon miller and kate o’toole
Some people think members of Congress spend all their time fighting. However, as this session came to a close, Congress passed several bills dealing with everything from shark fin soup to moldy food. The Marquee takes a look at these new bills.
9/11 Healthcare
Shark Bill
In response to belief that some responders to the 9/11 attacks got sick from the pollution in the area, Congress passed this bill, which provides health coverage to workers who helped clear the rubble and searched for human remains at the site. The bill will also reopen the federal Victim Compensation Fund, which provided economic relief to those harmed by the attacks.
As the popularity of shark fin soup rose in Asia, many fishermen began killing sharks, cutting off their fins and then dumping the bodies overboard and selling the fins for a profit. This bill fixes loopholes in previous bills regarding protection of these sharks off the West Coast. The bill requires vessels to land sharks with their fins attached and prohibits non-fishing vessels from transporting shark fins without carcasses.
Food Safety Act Because of recent outbreaks of deadly diseases like E. coli and salmonella in foods like cheese and peanut butter, Congress passed the Food Safety Act. Now the FDA can force companies to recall tainted food and will place stricter standards on imported foods. Additionally, the bill requires producers to follow tougher rules for keeping food safe. Though the bill will protect unsuspecting Americans from tainted dairy and vegetable products, meat inspection regulations are not included.
the marquee |february 11, 2011
Science Bill
Anti-Border Corruption Due to the rampant corruption of border officials, this new law will require all prospective Customs and Border Protection employees to undergo a polygraph test. It also forces the border protection to sort through the backlog of agents with security-sensitive jobs who have not had periodic background checks. The agency will have about six months to do follow ups on these employees. The law was passed in hope of weeding out the constant bribery between border officials and Mexican drug cartels.
Currently the U.S. trails behind countries like Finland and South Korea in science. Out of 34 countries, the United States ranked 25th in math and science skills. To combat this problem, Congress passed a bill, part of the America COMPETES Act, that will increase funding for science education and agencies like the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
design/art by breyanna washington 3
news
Local firefighter named strongest in U.S. 455 pound bench-press wins National Firefighter Olympics story by molly spain
photo submitted Flower Mound firefighter Joe Hnizdo was named the strongest firefighter in America. Hnizdo holds his award that he won in Jacksonville, Fla. “In the fire games, like the nationals, it’s about bragging rights,” Hnizdo said. “Bragging rights for you and your department and you get a medal to bring home. [People are] going to see that Flower Mound won. That feels good.”
Joe Hnizdo slowly squeezes into an upholstered, wooden chair in the living room of the Flower Mound Fire Department (FMFD). The other firefighters casually walk by and lightheartedly tease Hnizdo, who simply laughs at his friends’ good-natured jokes about his recent local fame. Hnizdo’s nonchalance and friendly smile contrast his thick arms and powerful muscles. His local fame came from his success at the Texas Firefighter Olympics last July. Hnizdo competed for the first time in bench-press and after winning was invited to compete in the National Firefighter Games in Jacksonville, Fla. “At the national games, I was hurt when I competed, so my lift wasn’t as good as it could’ve been,” Hnizdo said. “I have a personal best of 550 in benchpress. You don’t always win with your best.” Hnizdo won the title of the Strongest Firefighter in America with a lift of 455 pounds at the national games, which was even less than his personal best lift of 550 pounds. “Sometimes you have a really good day, sometimes you don’t,” Hnizdo said. “It just happened that my bad day was good enough.”
The National Firefighter Games are held in Florida each year and are open to competitors from all states. They hold 26 different competitions ranging from bench-press to marathons to bicycling that any paid professional firefighter can compete in. Hnizdo has worked as a firefighter and paramedic at Flower Mound for almost two years. “I’d like to stay here for a while longer,” Hnizdo said. “As long as they’ll keep me, so as long as I keep winning, right?” Hnizdo shrugged his large shoulders and laughed, while a coworker lounged in the background and smiled. Hnizdo said that even though he competes individually, the medal he brings home is for the whole department. Hnizdo hopes to continue his success this year and plans to compete at nationals again in Orlando, Fla. in the fall and even go to New York to compete in the World Police and Fire Games in August. If he wins there, he said he hopes to upgrade his title to the World’s Strongest Firefighter and bring even more pride to Flower Mound. Hnizdo said he is supported by his fellow firefighters and his friends. Even if his friends can’t travel with him, Hnizdo feels them cheering him on. “When I go, it’s not just me, but the whole department,” Hnizdo said. “It’s pride for Flower Mound.”
FBI
FBI gives Flower Mound top safety honors City shows strength through programs like E-Watch, Stranger Danger story by molly spain
theft of an iPod, Augenstein said he thinks Marcus is a secure school. Flower Mound has recently been ranked by the “I’ve got a camera system that I’ll monitor,” AuFederal Bureau of Investigation as having the sec- genstein said. “I’ll walk the halls and do things like ond lowest crime rate in the nation and the lowest in that during the course of the day. The security guards Texas within their population category. will drive around the parking lots and sometimes I’ll Officer Jim Augenstein of the Flower Mound Po- go out there with them.” lice Department (FMPD) said he is happy about the Other police departments around the area do simreputation that ilar things to keep the police decrime rates low. partment has reSergeant Robert It helps citizens know their money is well ceived. According Doyle of the Highto Augenstein, land Village Pospent and that we actually care about the police offilice Department them. In return, they care about us... cers exert extra (HVPD) relates - Sergeant Robert Doyle time and energy the effects low to keep Flower crime rates have Mound and its on this area. citizens safe. “I think it “Sometimes we do extra patrols and things that builds relationships with the city itself - the police other cities don’t do,” Augenstein said. “We have the departments, the fire departments, whoever,” Doyle availability to put extra people on the streets…to try said. “It helps citizens know their money is well spent to prevent crime.” and that we actually care about them. In return, they Officer Augenstein patrols Marcus during the day care about us, about their city. They want to stay here to ensure the school’s safety. Despite the occasional and businesses want to come here.”
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design by james hubbard 4
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New student junior Ryan Demaagd just moved to Flower Mound from Seattle and said he is happy to discover the low crime rates in the city. “It makes me feel safer,” Demaagd said. “It’s good because it’s a safe community.” The FMPD implements programs such as Neighborhood Watch, or E-Watch, and Stranger Danger, which mainly teaches younger children in elementary schools. The HVPD utilizes similar programs in the area. They have an educational program for children called LETS, Law Enforcement Teaching Students. The program “teaches kids how to make good choices,” Doyle said. However, it is not only the additional programs instituted by the police departments that keep this area nationally recognized for low crime. Doyle said although the police departments do a significant amount of work to keep this area protected, the students and citizens of the town play a major role in making Flower Mound the safest city in Texas. “With the citizens sharing information and working with us, it makes our jobs easier,” Doyle said. “It allows us to do more in the way of prevention. So I want to say thank you to the citizens for working with us and supporting us.” the marquee |february 11, 2011
news
New art center opens in Lewisville
Trains come to town
story by alex mcginnis
The Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater held its grand opening on Jan. 14-16. The 40,000 square foot building welcomed people of all ages with three days of concerts, dinners and guided tours. The $10 million art center’s U-shaped construction has a tree lined courtyard surrounding the main entrance that will be used for outdoor performances. Just beyond the entrance there are ticket and concession booths followed by a traditional theater that seats 296. The art center is located on 100 N. Church St., right across from City Hall in the center of Old Town Lewisville. Facility manager Jim Wear said he feels the center will benefit the city. “This art center was built to provide a place for residents and visitors of Lewisville to appreciate the arts,” Wear said. “Its other purpose is as a stimulus for the revitalization of the historic part of town.” The Grand Theater is projected to attract many visitors this year with over 150 events already scheduled for various music and dance performances.
story by carley meiners
photo by sarah sauer Outside the Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, an iron sculpture of a woman sits near the front entrance. The art center opened their doors on Jan. 14-16 with music, tours and art shows.
Scheduled to open this June, Denton County Transportation Authority’s (DCTA) new A-train will connect Lewisville and Highland Village to Denton and Carrollton. At the Trinity Mills station in Carollton, passengers can transfer to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and travel without traffic to Dallas. With a station located on I-35 and Garden Ridge, the Highland Village/Lewisville Lake Station will be one of five new DCTA stations in the DFW area. The A-train will run 21.3 miles starting at the Downtown Denton Transit Center and ending at the Trinity Mills station. DCTA marketing manager Kristina Brevard said the benefits from the A-train will be the elimination of congestion on I-35 and the postive effects the train will have on traffic. “Our commuters will now be able to take the Atrain instead of driving,” Brevard said. “It will also help the environment because it’s going to get a lot of the cars off the road.”
New superintendent chosen
Birdville ISD superintendent makes move to LISD, succeeds Dr. Jerry Roy story by lauren rose
Dr. Jerry Roy has stepped down from his position and began his retirement after ten years of being the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) superintendent. As a result, the LISD Board of Trustees chose Dr. Stephen Waddell to fill the position. With 30 years of education experience and 15 as a superintendent, Waddell was a prime applicant for the job. Earning his bachelor’s degree at North Texas State University, Waddell later continued his education with a master’s degree at Stephen F. Austin State University and a doctorate degree from the University of North Texas. Throughout his educational career, Waddell has been a principal and assistant principal with Lancaster ISD schools and a teacher and counselor to schools in Splendora ISD. Waddell became superintendent of Birdville ISD in March of 2002 where he served until the LISD Superintendent position became available. With experience as a superintendent, Waddell commented online in an introduction to the community video that a large and diverse school district and community like LISD wants a common goal through out all schools that students are given the best possible education. “Lewisville is known throughout Texas and the nation as a lighthouse district,” Waddell said in the video. “It is a tremendous honor to be able to the marquee |february 11, 2011
serve the district and community. I think (the community) shares the same beliefs, what is best for our kids, everyone wants that. I have confidence that we’re going to build strong consensus about the direction in which we need to go (with our school district).” Applicants to fulfill the superintendent duties were reviewed on Jan. 18 and evaluated on a variety of characteristics. Key factors included being a child-based educational leader, holding a doctorate degree from a national university and having experience as a superintendent in a similar district. LISD also sought a strategic thinker who understood the community’s high expectations for their children’s education as well as someone who considered the collective needs of the student body. According to the LISD Board President Carol Kyer, Waddell was a desirable applicant. “Dr. Waddell’s experience, skills and vision clearly matched the desired qualities expressed by our community,” Kyer said. “He is highly regarded in the education community and has a proven track record of success. His passion for students and knowledge of challenges facing public education make him an exceptional candidate.” Waddell is currently seeking comments and ideas from the community. To provide input or ask questions, the district can be contacted through email at info@lisd.net.
Dr. Stephen Waddell
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named Superintendent of the Year in 2008 by the Texas Technology Computer Educator’s Association has been married for 29 years to his wife Jean and has two children, Jason and Sarah previous superintendent of Birdville ISD, a school district with 23,000 in enrollment and three high schools design by james hubbard 5
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feature
Loss of hearing, loss of dream
Basketball trainer suffers from Ménière’s disease story by alex mcginnis
team prepared for the upcoming season. For three months after the first incident, doctors collaborated Junior Elli Dinkmeyer watched the basketball arc about Dinkmeyer’s condition until an ear, throat and through the air, bounce off the backboard and slide nose specialist in Dallas brought up the possibility of into the net. She had seen the shot countless times, Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s is an ear disorder that but this time was different. She didn’t hear the sound causes extreme vertigo and hearing loss. Dinkmeyer of the backboard or the swish of the net. Though it was believed to have a rare form of the disease bestruck her as strange, she ran onto the court for her cause it was only brought on when her heart rate, turn in the drill. body temperature and blood pressure reached a cerFormer Marcus basketball coach Kit Kyle yelled tain point. Only four people in the world have sympout directions to Dinkmeyer as she tried to dribble toms like Dinkmeyer’s, so the doctors told her the up the court, but her teammates knew something was only thing she could do was quit basketball. wrong when Dinkmeyer didn’t even look up. Her bal“That was basically the worst feeling in the world,” ance was completely thrown off and suddenly Dink- Dinkmeyer said. “Basketball was my life.” meyer collapsed to the floor in tears as she realized Dinkmeyer switched out of basketball and into her hearing was completely gone. sports medicine to become a trainer, which was That practice in September 2009 was the last time something she had always been interested in but Dinkmeyer stepped on to the court as a normal ath- never had time to do. But as she walked down the lete. As her teammates and coaches helped her into hallway for her first day of sports medicine she the training room, they wrote notes to her and tried passed the athletic wing and burst into tears. to see what was wrong. “I didn’t socialize with anyone in the program for “I was so disoriented that all I could think to do a long time,” Dinkmeyer said. “I would go to class was pray that my hearing would come back and that everyday and just think about how I should be playI could walk and play basketball,” Dinkmeyer said. ing basketball.” Dinkmeyer had been playing the sport for almost After a few months of training at different sporther entire life. Basketball consumed her entire sched- ing events, Dinkmeyer began to enjoy her work and ule, and she loved every moment. With her jump shot slowly let go of her attachment to basketball for the and work ethic, her main goal was to get a full ride sake of other athletes. scholarship to college. “I needed to be around sports, and I wanted to After Dinkmeyer was taken to the hospital with help athletes while they could still play,” Dinkmeyer her mom, Eva Dinkmeyer, doctors performed count- said. less tests but still had no answers. The only thing they Now, over a year after Dinkmeyer was forced to did find was that an walk away from baskethour after Dinkball, she has more time meyer collapsed, her to spend on academhearing and balance ics, her youth group came back as sudat Crossroads Bible denly as they had Church and her family. I was so disoriented that all I could left. She felt comThough she still misses think to do was pray that my hearing pletely normal and basketball, her famwould come back. was ready to get ily does their best to back on the court. - ELLI DINKMEYER, 11 keep her thinking posiThis glimmer tive. Mrs. Dinkmeyer of hope for Dinkreminds her daughter meyer’s basketball that her life is more career was unfortuthan just basketball. nately short-lived. “I still find it diffiHer symptoms recult to watch Marcus turned every time she practiced, and after she col- basketball without reminiscing, but I try not to think lapsed at a conditioning practice the coaches forbade about the ‘what if’,” Mrs. Dinkmeyer said. Dinkmeyer from playing until the doctors found out Dinkmeyer is still a trainer and works football in what was wrong. the fall and varsity boys’ basketball in the spring. She “I only made a few laps around the track when requested boys’ basketball to keep her close to the it happened again, and that was the last time I ever game without bringing back painful memories. played with those girls,” Dinkmeyer said. “I knew I couldn’t train girls because I could never Dinkmeyer sat on the sideline as the rest of her sit there and watch all of my friends play,” Dinkmey-
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the marquee |february 11, 2011
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photo by allison pryzybyz Junior trainer Elli Dinkmeyer watches intently as the boys’ basketball team competes against Flower Mound. As a trainer for boys’ basketball, DInkmeyer performs duties from filling water bottles to helping athletes with injuries.
er said. “It’s been over a year and I still cry about it.” Living with the disease physically has been just as difficult as the emotional toll. Dinkmeyer is still able to work out at the gym, but she has to wear a heart rate monitor and stop whenever it gets around 160, depending on what she’s doing. Even though she can now sense when her flare-ups are about to happen, she still has to work out with a friend who will stop her from continuing. “I can feel this ache in my ears and I know it’s about to happen, but I always want to keep going because I just think I can do it,” Dinkmeyer said. Dinkmeyer’s goals for after high school have also changed as she plans to train through college and maybe pursue it as a career. Basketball might have been taken away, but Dinkmeyer said she has also gained some important insight on how easily things can change. “I’ve learned not to put all your eggs in one basket,” Dinkmeyer said. “I guess if you want to make God laugh, tell him your life plans.” design by breyanna washington 7
feature
Up,
up
from high school y a w a d n a Student uses early graduation to pursue aviation
story by olivia tarlton
The plane’s nose points down the runway. The pilot pushes the throttle forward, increasing the speed. Faster and faster until the ground disappears. The airplane dives nose first into the ocean of clouds. Using its wings, it glides through the sky and leaves the world behind. The pilot is Spencer Sandridge, who is not in a real airplane at all, but a flight simulator. He is working toward his dream of becoming a pilot. Senior Spencer, who just graduated in January, said he decided he wanted to be a pilot in middle school and owes it all to visiting his father’s work. “I saw my dad in his office all the time and I got tired of seeing the same thing every day,” Spencer said. “I said ‘I want to do something different. What’s something different that would change every day? Well, being a pilot would.’” Soon after, he bought his first flight simulator computer game. “I was flying from wherever to wherever, doing whatever I wanted,” Spencer said. “It was pretty cool. I figured if I liked the simulator, I’d like the real thing too.” Years later, Spencer is still flying airplane simulators, only now they are located at Central Texas College where he is working towards earning his pilot’s license. In about two years, Spencer will receive his commercial license and fly in real airplanes, but he’s not stopping there. Spencer plans to transfer to a four-year college af-
8 design by nathaniel thornton
ter flight school to obtain a degree in business. He calls this his fallback plan for any situation where he may get laid off, such as what happened after 9/11. Because of the country’s uneasiness after the terror attacks, many pilots lost their jobs. Spencer said if this does happen he’ll be ready with plan B. Though he is creating a back-up plan in order to save his job, Spencer said he doesn’t worry too much about actually getting into an airplane crash. “I look at the numbers and say that’s not going to happen to me. But if it does, it’s just what’s meant to be,” Spencer said. Spencer’s sister, sophomore Shannon Sandridge, said that she isn’t concerned about her brother crashing. However, she and the rest of the Sandridge family are familiar with airplane crashes and the tragedies that can come from them. Many years ago, Shannon and Spencer’s grandfather was killed in a plane crash after accidentally flying into a tornado. “(Spencer’s) pretty level headed so hopefully he wouldn’t freak out if the plane burst into flames or something,” Shannon said. Spencer said that aviation weather technology has improved a lot since his grandfather’s death. Both siblings believe Spencer is right for the job as a pilot because of his knowledge of airplanes and his passion for flying. “I think he’ll be a pretty good pilot,” Shannon said. “I don’t see him being anything else really and I think I’d trust him to fly me somewhere.” Spencer said he plans on becoming a flight aviation teacher later on in his life. Out come the landing gears. The wheels touch
down on the runway. The flight is over, but Spencer’s passion remains. He is achieving his dream, one practice flight at a time.
photo submitted
Early 2011 graduate Spencer Sandrige is getting a head start on his aviation career by attending Central Texas College where he will earn his pilot’s license in about two years.
february 11, 2011 | the marquee
feature
t s i t r a c graphi story by alex cain She walked down the halls of the U.S. Capitol Building, soaking in the presence of famous pieces depicting figures like Columbus and Martin Luther King Jr. As she turned the corner, she saw her artwork on the wall amongst the renowned pieces, and smiled, amazed that it had made it so far. Senior Natalie Runnels traveled to Washington, D.C. last summer to view her piece, “America’s Ballgame,” which is on display in the U.S. Capitol. The piece won the 8th Annual 26th Congressional District “An Artistic Discovery” Competition, which is held for high school artists nationwide. She received two tickets to fly to Washington, D.C. to see the art on display. “I thought mine was good, but there were so many good pieces that I was caught off guard,” Runnels said. Runnels’ piece was entered into the contest last year after her teacher, Jim Neiswender, selected it from a still-life patriotism assignment. He has assigned the project every year since Sept. 11 so that his students could better relate with their nation and have a sense of patriotism. He said he entered her drawing because it was relevant to the competition dealing with Congress. “I think that it was just that drawing, at that place, at that time, and it got in,” Neiswender said. Under the influence of her grandmother, Runnels has flourished into the artist she is today. She started taking her basic art classes with every other elementhe marquee |february 11, 2011
s l e n n lie ru
nata
tary school child, finger painting and playing with Play-Dough. But she has always had a love for art. Her high school career started with Art 1 freshman year and Drawing 2 and Drawing 3 her sophomore year with Neiswender, where she drew “America’s Ballgame” and other pieces. This past fall, Runnels took Graphic Design at the career center. There she learned about and created a variety of artwork from photography for advertisements to vectoring, which is a complicated graphic design technique that involves layering colors and shapes to create images. It took Runnels days to complete her vector of musician Travis Barker. Designs were drawn on the computer and shapes were cut out to match every intricate line of his tattoos. It took 1,342 layers to complete this masterpiece. Runnels is unsure of where her art will take her, but she has a few plans that involve possibly becoming an art teacher with a photography business on the side. “I love photography but I don’t want to go in it because it is really competitive and I wouldn’t want to just rely on that,” Runnels said. “But I may want to go into advertising and use some of the graphic design skills that I have learned through the class.” Wherever she goes with her artistic ability, Neiswnder said Runnels is sure to be successful. “She always works hard, takes her work home and goes beyond normally what kids do,” Neiswender said. “She is a willing learner and that is going to make her successful in whatever she chooses to do.”
photos by taylor thomas Top left: Runnels works on a piece. Right: Runnels’ national award winning piece, “America’s Ballgame.” Below: A vector Runnels created of the famous musician Travis Barker.
design by nathaniel thornton 9
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in-depth
The Gay Rights movement has gained national attention over the last couple of years as more people have demanded equal marriage and military rights. Some have even compared the movement to the Civil Rights movement. The Marquee examines the cultural shift in regards to homosexuality. compiled by molly spain
1779
Thomas Jefferson introduced a law punishing gay men and women with castration and mutilation of nose cartilage. However, at the time this was better than the popular penalty for homosexuality - death.
1973
Sigmund Freud called homosexuality, or in his words “invert,” a psychiatric disorder in the early 20th century. However, in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association decided that it was homophobia, not homosexuality, that was the disorder. Homosexuality was then officially removed from the list of mental disorders.
1977
Harvey Milk became the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
2008
On Nov. 4 voters ruled in favor of banning samesex marriage in California, Arizona and Florida. Arkansas also passed legislation that blocked gays and lesbians from adopting children.
compiled by molly spain
1993
The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy for the U.S. military was enforced. Although the policy permitted gays in the military, it banned any open displays of homosexuality.
2010
Recently, celebrities have been joining the campaign for gay rights. Lady Gaga, made a speech in Maine on Sept. 20, that supported for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. In December, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was officially repealed so gays can now openly serve in the U.S. military.
photos by kyle anderson
“I think they’re pretty fairly treated. I haven’t seen any real discrimination for the most part. I think it’s accepted more.” – Hunter Brickey, senior the marquee |february 11, 2011
1951
The first national gay rights organization, theMattachine Society, was created by Harry Hay. He is considered to be the founder of the gay rights movement. At this time it was illegal and dangerous to have a pro-gay association.
“Nobody came out, so I don’t know how they were treated because we didn’t know about any.” – Rayce Cooley, Math
“Actually, that wasn’t a word anybody or used. It had a whole different meaning, and if people were homosexuals nobody knew about it. It was kept in a closet.” – Chery Rayome, English design by maria heinonen 11
in-depth
I’m straight & against hate
stitutional by a federal judge last year, gay rights activists have continued to gain momentum for their goals. Some have even begun to equate the move towards gay When AP U.S. History teacher Debbie Brininstool rights to the Civil Rights movement. was in high school in New Mexico nearly 40 years “Thirty years ago, these discussions would not have ago, she said it was socially acceptable to bully gay taken place,” Brininstool said. students. Even 10 years ago, according to Richey, the discus“They were ostracized and very much encouraged to sion of gay students was a taboo issue on campus. keep their sexual preferences in the closet,” Brininstool “When I first started at Marcus, I had a boy who said. was gay and it was all very hush-hush,” Richey said. Now, five states allow same-sex marriage. Support for “We didn’t talk about it outside of the office, and he same-sex marriage has risen to 45 percent nationally, more than certainly didn’t tell anyone. ” double what it was in 1994 according to a recent poll by The New One of the observable patterns, Richey notes, is the York Times. In December, the senate voted to repeal Don’t Ask push on the part of TV companies to build acceptance Don’t Tell, a policy that outlawed openly gay people from servof homosexuality. Several prime time TV shows ining in the military. cluding “Modern Family” and “Glee” feature gay charHead counselor Cheryl Richey has seen a significant shift acters as a part of American society. in the way homosexuality is viewed in the school commuAccording to Brininstool, acceptance of homosexunity over the last decade. When she first arrived at Marcus ality is a large change in 2001, she said bullying of from just 13 years ago gay kids was a problem. when the sitcom “El“There was still a shock len” was immediately value in knowing, ‘Really, ...every passing period there were like 20 taken off the air after he really is?’” Richey said. people who would constantly shout (gay its star Ellen DeGe“Now, I do think that stuneres came out as a dents are not shocked by it slurs) at me. lesbian. anymore. It’s just something - JAKE SINGER 12 “(The show) was that you see now.” very clean and it cerSenior Jake Singer, who tainly wasn’t inapprois openly gay, came priate or edgy at all,” out to his friends Brininstool said. “Someone goes out there and gets when he was in eighth grade. He said he extheir head chopped and then slowly the media pushes perienced most bullying his sophomore year. for more tolerance.” “That’s when I stopped caring what Homosexuality was also looked down upon in the people thought,” Singer said. “Eventually typical work place. Richey said once it was known that it got to the point where I was walking an employee was gay, employers would find a way to through the hallway and every passing let them go quickly. period there were like 20 people who “Nobody talked about that at work,” Richey said. would constantly shout (gay slurs) at “They’d fire you real fast. I don’t think they understood me. I started wondering if it was really it. It’s all about ignorance.” worth being myself openly.” Now, Brininstool notes, people in society have cerBut things are different now, Singer tainly become more sensitive to homosexuality. said. From his observations, people “I think there’s more outward tolerance towards have become more accepting of his students with alternative lifestyles,” Brininstool said. choice or at least less vocal about it. “Whether or not that’s a genuine sensitivity or a rules“(They’re) not necessarily willing to based sensitivity, I couldn’t answer that. But certainly talk about it but not easily offendthere’s not the outward disdain that I think gay stued,” Singer said. dents experienced when I was in high school.” Last year the fight over Singer said though most of his friends accept his California’s Proposition 8, preference and social views, it’s not a topic debated in which would ban sameclass. While some of his friends’ parents don’t approve sex marriages, made naof him, he’s hopeful for the future. tional headlines. After “It’s definitely moving in the right direction,” Singer it was declared unconsaid.
embrasctey diveri
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An in-depth look at how community attitudes towards homosexuality have changed over time story by lauren rose and jasmine sachar
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graphics by kyle anderson, maria heinonen and olivia tarlton the marquee |february 11, 2011
in-depth
In an effort to serve as a public forum, The Marquee asked two students to write guest columns and explain their views on homosexuality. compiled by devon miller
Lauren Naples,12
Why you sippin’ on that Haterade? The class is full of noise and chaos. You’d be lucky if you could hear yourself think. But through the sea of noise I manage to hear the three words I hate most when put together to form a disgusting excuse for a sentence, “I hate homosexuals.” Instantly, anger fills my body. The students carry on, unaware of the words just uttered, but everything around me falls silent. Time stops. I just sit there, shocked beyond belief, but I don’t know why this kind of unnecessary discrimination surprises me anymore. It’s a daily occurrence to hear someone so nonchalantly
Jocelyn Isais,11
Secrets, Secrets are no fun. A room full of new army cadets wait patiently as their new dog tags are being distributed. Half-way down the second row everyone notices a hand fly up in the first row. “Yes, Cadet Johnson?” the sergeant asked. “Sir,” he replied, “I was wondering if on my dog tag, I could write ‘heterosexual’ on it, sir.” The other cadets look around, confused. “Why would you write that, Cadet?” “Sir, I just want everyone to know that I am a heterosexual, just in case I am awarded a medal or something, sir.” The story above is fiction. That would never happen. Mostly because the question of “why” would be brought up, “Who cares if you’re a heterosexual or not?” A lot of controversy has been brought up lately due to the repealing of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, policy, the policy restricting openly gay or lesbian from serving in the armed forces. But who cares? Who cares if you’re a homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual or asexual? This isn’t E-Harmony with little name tags and character surveys. It’s the Armed Forces. And the Armed forces are a nameless, faceless, religionless, sexualityless organization. Because being the marquee |february 11, 2011
throw around hatred for a group of people who did nothing to deserve it. Every time I encounter this, it’s always the same conversation: I say, “Why? Has a gay person ever done anything to you?” And usually one of the answers are spat back at me. “No, I just hate them. They gross me out. It’s how I was raised.” The fact this excuse has no legitimate reasoning or justifiability makes the person drop lower on my respect scale. People say it as if “being raised that way” is a good reason to expel hatred to those who are different than themselves. Then there’s the ever-so-popular excuse, “In the Bible it says homosexuality is a sin.” I always follow this “argument” with the question, “Then why did God create gay people?” I can guarantee that one person didn’t wake up one day and decide to be gay. Not once has my competitor given me an answer. It may be odd to some that I have such a strong opinion on this matter. It might be because my gay, straight, black, yellow or white gives neither an advantage nor a disadvantage when it comes to serving your country, why bring it up? If you want to serve your country, serve it. All the Armed Forces ask is for you not to advertise your sexual preferences. Before I continue, I feel it necessary to state my opinion on homosexuality in general. I was brought up in a Christian family who believes that a marriage should be between a man and a woman because it can be interpreted like that from the Bible and because it just makes sense, as the majority of America will agree with me. Now that doesn’t mean I hate gay people or throw Holy Water on them; I accept them for who they are, but it just means that when it comes to openly advertising homosexuality in the Armed Forces I would vote against it because I feel it’s unnecessary and because it makes others uncomfortable. Take school for example. School is a place for learning, not for controversy. Shouldn’t we use the same motto in the Armed Forces? In my opinion, asking recruits not to advertise their sexuality is not disrespecting who they are but, instead show respect to the majority who grew in families like mine who believe it’s not right. No one can determine if being a homosexual is right or wrong. Just like no one can prove if God truly exists or not. If I know that God exists, why would I need to wear a sign stating the fact? Someone once said “See me for what I am - me.” And that’s what I strive to see, not a sign that says, “I’m Gay,” but a dog tag that says what matters, “United States Armed Forces.”
aunt, one of my favorite people in the world, is gay, or maybe it’s because I believe no one should be told what they can or cannot do based on what sexual orientation they have. Even when discussing why gay marriage is wrong with adults I’ve heard such things as, “It ruins the sanctity of marriage.” It just doesn’t seem fair to me that you can’t marry the one you love because it’s looked upon as wrong yet it’s almost socially accepted for most marriages to end in divorce nowadays. The only remotely new thought on this topic would be to do something to stop the hatred. But, what can be done? Discrimination has been evident forever, not just concerning homosexuals but also Jews, African Americans, women and the handicapped. Why are individuals looked upon with hatred because they don’t have the same sexual orientation, religion, skin color, gender or abilities as those around them? It’s neither a contagious disorder, nor something that was decided upon, so why can’t it just be left alone?
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entertainment
The Games head to the big screen
The Marquee reviews Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel and examines the upcoming 2012 Hunger Games movie review by luke swinney
Twenty-four kids enter the arena. Only one gets out alive. And the other 23 die while the entire country watches from behind their TV screens. This oddly morbid plot of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel “The Hunger Games” takes place in futuristic Panem, the area once known as North America. At the heart of the nation is the Capitol, a rich and shining metropolis with a dark hobby – forcing the outlying 12 districts to send their children into a televised fight to the death with only one victor. The novel’s protagonist and narrator is Katniss Everdeen, a strong-willed 16-year-old resident of District 12, who volunteers to take her younger sister Prim’s spot in the 74th Hunger Games after Prim was selected as a participant. This act of selflessness is the first major insight into Katniss’ complex character, but definitely not the last. Collins’ writing is concise and addicting, making it perfect for her young adult fan base. The pacing of the book follows Collins’ previous writing style – 27 chapters split into three differ-
ent sections. This format expertly moves the story along and makes the book nearly impossible to put down. Still, the most impressive aspect of the book is the character development. Even though it’s obvious that many characters will die in the arena, Collins doesn’t retreat from making them as likeable as possible and getting the reader attached. When the Games begin, the reader realizes that many characters they’ve grown to love might not survive the bloodshed, which takes the book’s emotions to a whole new level. Completely helpless to the Capitol’s evil game, Katniss and the other 23 tributes are forced to confront a scary reality – kill or be killed. Collins manages to make the characters so relatable to her teenage audience that the terrifying Hunger Games arena turns into a nightmare. The novel is unbelievably realistic for a science fiction story. “The Hunger Games” isn’t a literary masterpiece but is one of the most entertaining and addicting books written in the past decade. By weaving together intricate sub-plots, tear-jerking scenes and an ending that will leave you dying to get your hands on the sequel, “The Hunger Games” is a must-read.
Who will play Katniss?
compiled by luke swinney
Even a great plot and dazzling special effects can’t save a movie from box office disaster if the casting isn’t perfect. With a main character as complex as Katniss Everdeen, her casting will be key to the movie’s success. These are the names currently floating around Hollywood, but a final decision still hasn’t been reached on who will play the Hunger Games heroine.
Lyndsy Fonseca “Nikita”
Kaya Scodelario “Skins”
Alexandra Daddario “Percy Jackson”
Emma Watson “Harry Potter”
14 design by breyanna washington
Director Gary Ross has spoken about the importance of casting the right person for the role instead of hiring a well-known actress. An unknown actress could easily land the job of portraying District 12’s tough-asnails heroine.
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february 11, 2011 | the marquee
entertainment
School energized for Super Bowl XLV
Marquettes perform in half-time show with Black Eyes Peas story by alex cain
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Flower Mound, not a Marquette was stirring throughout the whole town,” Marquette coach Alice Dack recited to the dancers, patiently waiting to hear the message that the classic Christmas story would reveal. A hundred thousand people traveled to Arlington this year for the anticipated game on Feb. 6 when the Packers defeated the Steelers 31-25. While the Dallas area made history hosting their first Super Bowl, so did the Marquettes as they performed in the half-time show with numerous other high school drill teams. “We (didn’t) really know much about it,” junior Officer Kaitlyn Warner said. “We are just performing at half-time with a few more drill teams.” The Marquettes were selected through a competition earlier this year by the Dallas recruiting manager. The premises were actually so secure that the Marquettes were not allowed much time to warm-up in the stadium before they danced. Instead they practiced at another location during the first half of the game. With tickets selling for $200 just to stand outside of the stadium on Super Bowl Sunday and watch the game from a screen, the Marquettes were not
granted the luxury of tickets to watch the game. Breaking the news to the Marquettes was an event within itself. Dack and assistant director Murry put a spin on a traditional Christmas classic to let the team know that they were performing at half-time. “It was really fun,” Dack said. “Ms. Murry and I rewrote the Night before Christmas and had all of the lines talking about drill team stuff. We tried to come up with what was the biggest present that we could get them. And that’s what we gave them, the chance to have the biggest performance ever and in front of the biggest audience.” The girls looked at Dack and Murry in confusion when they started reading the story. They videotaped her reading, which made them more eager to discover what the story was all about. “It was kind of really random that she was reading this story,” senior Captain Rachel Hutto said. “I was nervous it was something bad.” “On national television, you’ll be seen live, performing with the Black Eyed Peas in Super Bowl XLV,” Dack told the anxious Marquettes. Once the news was broken and the Marquettes pieced together what the story had been about, they were all very excited. “The whole team was happy,” Hutto said. “Some people were crying and
Super Bowl Experiences
photo submitted
During the Super Bowl half-time show, junior Ashley Thomas and senior Ria Romano can be spotted dancing with the Marquettes in front of the Black Eyed Peas.
screaming, but I just sat there in shock and glazed over.” But the Marquettes faced a twist this past week with the ice storm that swept through Dallas. Because the ice prevented them from going to the practices, there were doubts as to whether they would still perform. “We didn’t get to go to the Wednsday practice, and they were saying that we might not be able to perform in the Super Bowl,” Hutto said. “But because of the ice and everything, it was a special circumstance so they let us perform anyway.”
compiled by alex mcginnis and olivia tarlton photos by jordan richards
Ashley Thomas, 11 “The best part was seeing all the people there watching and taking pictures. It was really cool. I was really close to the Black Eyed Peas and I could almost touch one of the guy’s hands in the band.”
Colin Nicholas, 12
As the Black Eyed Peas came down from the jumbotron, numerous dancers dressed in white crowded around the stage. There were over 100,000 fans in the stadium alone watching the performance and a little over 111 million households tuned in to watch the game live, which made Super Bowl XLV the most watched TV program. The vast amount of fans amazed Hutto. “When I got out there it was a daze, it just went by so fast,” Hutto said. “There were so many people there and I don’t think any other performance I do will ever be the same.”
Super Bowl Fun Facts compiled by alex cain
Thirty-five percent of the people who go to the game write it off as a corporate expense.
“This was my first time at the Super Bowl and it’s something everyone should do.”
On Super Bowl Sunday, 8 million pounds of guacamole is consumed.
Santiago Santos, 12
Super Bowl fans spend 50 million dollars on food four days prior to the game.
“I worked outside (selling lemonade). There were big screens so we got to see the game, but I thought that I would be working inside the stadium.” the marquee | february 11, 2011
source: yumsugar.com
design/art by nathaniel thornton 15
Top ten ways to break up Valentine’s Day is approaching fast and just around the corner. While most people are all about being in love on Feb. 14, The Marquee decided to list the top 10 ways to break up with someone. Sarcasm is intended.
1.
For the lazy people out there, our number one spot just takes a click of a button. Go to your Facebook account and simply change your “in a relationship” status to “single.” After all the likes, frowning faces and broken hearts on your new status, your significant other is bound to find out. Possibly even after the whole school knows too.
story by carley meiners graphics by nathaniel thornton
2.
If you’re really fed up with your current fling, you could always publicly humiliate them. When you’re at your favorite basketball game have the game coordinators put both of your faces on the jumbotron with the words “it’s over” underneath it. With a sympathetic face and a simple shrug you’re sure to get a happy ending to your relationship.
3.
4.
5.
Always have a back-up plan. When your current relationship gets old and boring, start talking to the cute person in your second period class. As you get to know your back-up, keep trying to make things work in your actual relationship. Once the sparks fly with your new crush, ditch your current one. Out with the old, in with the new.
7.
8.
If your significant other is really muscular or has a scary parental unit you could always use technology to your advantage. A simple “this isn’t really working out :/” text message will work. Or you could always make a 27 second phone call. That seemed to work well for Joe Jonas when dumping Taylor Swift.
This is, no doubt, the best way to show someone you care. When you want to break-up but can’t find a way to do it, just cheat on them. People gossip so they’re likely to find out what you did. After they find out, they’ll more than likely dump you. Mission accomplished. Unless they decide to give you a second chance, then you’re doomed.
You could always just blurt out the break up randomly, for instance after they say “My dog died,” or “I love you.” Maybe if you tell them a secret like that they’ll be okay with the break-up. In return you can open up to them about things that annoy you about them like the way they eat food or how they walk like a horse. Honesty is always the best policy.
9.
Sometimes people just get really annoying and you’d rather not associate with them anymore. In this situation you never really have to formally break up with anyone. Just stop replying to their wall posts, texts and phone calls. It’s as simple as that. Hopefully they’ll eventually take a hint and stop trying. Now all you have to do is avoid them for the rest of your life. Or at least until they get over you.
Disclaimer:
16 design by nathaniel thornton
Sometimes things just don’t work out at the worst times. But hey, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. On holidays, whether it’s the day of love, Santa coming to town or a day for being thankful, it’s all about timing. You could whisper in their ear as they’re blowing out their birthday candles that they should wish for a new boyfriend.
6.
If all else fails you could use the infamous saying “Let’s just be friends.” It reassures them that you’ll still be a part of their life and barely anything will change. You don’t even have to say anything else because most people know where the conversation is going after those words. Now all you’ll have to do is keep them happy by really being just friends.
10.
If you really can’t face them then have someone else do it for you. In the passing period, where you and your significant other usually meet, have your friend stand there waiting for them instead. Then while they walk up with confusion all over their face, have the friend say “____ says he’s sorry but things just aren’t working out.” Maybe have them throw in a considerate hug to make things okay. Then have your friend run away. Fast.
Just a warning. None of these examples are good ways to break up with someone. If you do actually use one of these ways, you might get slapped. The best way to break up with someone is in person. Be respectful and considerate. Happy Valentine’s Day. february 11, 2011 | the marquee
sports
The new kid on the block In his first year at Marcus, Chad Hobbs wants to take girls’ soccer to state again story by alex cain photos by kyle anderson
This year’s girls’ soccer team is full of changes. New coach, new girls, new team. Soccer is looking forward to this season with an altered appoach, following the example of their new head coach: Chad Hobbs. Hobbs has brought with him a completely different mindset in coaching the girls. After playing for the Texas Tech team and a semi-professional indoor team, he started his coaching career at Wayland Baptist University in West Texas. “The Wayland Baptist experience was different because it was a brand new program,” Hobbs said. “We came in playing against established programs which is always difficult to do. We struggled a little bit the first year, but against the other first year programs we were successful.” For the past three years he has been the head coach at North Garland High School. Under his care, the school set records for wins and made it to the second round of the playoffs. Now at Marcus, Hobbs said he is excited to be coaching such a prestigious team. “Having come from the college game, I was used to working with a certain caliber of athlete, and that is what you’re going to get here,” Hobbs said.
Ultimately, he hopes to help the team win state again. “It was the reason I applied,” Hobbs said. “They have done it in the past, and that’s what we are looking for again.” This season the team has already started learning new plays and techniques that Hobbs has brought along with his training. The district this year is competitive with Allen and Plano schools in the mix. Still, the team is ready for the competitive matches according to Hobbs. Only four out of the eight district teams make playoffs. Another change that Hobbs has brought to the team is size reduction. The teams originally held 30 players each, which has been cut down to 26. The training environment has also changed a lot as well. This year, the team is young. Only two seniors are starting players--Haley Anderson and Reilly Fetzko. Seven out of the teams’ 11 starters are sophomores and freshmen. “It’s going to take a few games to get used to each other, but it is only going to be positive for the future,” Hobbs said. “They are going to gain that experience for the next year and bring in the new kids.” The girls are also excited to be working with Hobbs because he is easy to relate to, according to senior captain Taylor Mitchell.
“He can really get down on our level and motivate us in a different way,” Mitchell said. The team is currently 8-0-1 at presstime. They have made over 11 goals and over 17 saves. District play began this week against Plano West. “If Coach Hobbs thinks that we can do it, so I think we can too,” Anderson said.
Junior Molly Weeks takes possession of the ball in the game against Northwest on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011 at Marauder stadium.
““
Reilly Fetzko, 12
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Speed. And we all have good chemistry on and off the field.
the marquee |february 11, 2011
Kaitlyn Mountjoy, 10
Natalie Schmuttz, 9
What is the team’s biggest strength?
““
How we get along together. We are all one big family.
“
A lot of (the team) is sophomores and juniors, and we have good chemistry and get along well.
design by breyanna washington 17
sports
Hockey recovers from long losing streak story by devon miller The player slapped the puck as the seconds on the clock ticked away. Five seconds. Four. It flew across the ice, headed straight for the goal. Three. Two. The puck landed neatly in the Highland Park goalie’s glove as the buzzer went off, ending the game in a 4-2 loss for Marcus. The loss to
photo by peter iversen Sophomore Niko Jansen takes a shot on goal during the Marcus hockey game against Mansfield on Jan. 13. Marcus lost the game 5-2.
Highland Park, who is ranked first in the AT&T Varsity Silver-East conference, brings Marcus’ record to 8-8. Marcus is ranked second in the conference. “We were going 7-0 up until about a month ago and now we’re kind of on a dry spell,”
senior captain Connor Shurkey said. “We started out really strong. Now we just have to get back to it.” Alternate captain senior Zac Engel said the jjjjjjteam’s winning streak at the beginning of the season caused the team to get cocky and stop performing as well. “We thought we were too good,” Engel said. “Everyone started playing individually and stopped playing as a team. We got lazy.” The team also lost four players to injury in the course of a month: one had a broken collarbone, one had a broken ankle, and two had concussions. “We had to pull up a lot of JV players so we had a lot of newer players who weren’t used to the level of play and were kind of lost,” Engel said. Coach Tim Madigan said he agrees that the loss of players hurt the team, but also said there were other factors contributing to the team’s losing streak. “We’ve been trying to find team chemistry,” Madigan said. “We’ve been trying to find a lineup that works. It’s been a combination of different things. But we’re going to get a couple of people back shortly, and I think we’re going to be fine once we win a game and get some confidence.” Shurkey, Engel and the other alternate captain, senior Mikey Dumlao have used their positions to set an example for the other players and keep their spirits up despite their recent losses. “At first we would just play our hardest to show the team that that’s how our team needs to play being seniors and all,” Dumlao said. “Now that we’ve been losing it’s really hard on the team because they get down on themselves but even when we’re losing
we have to step up and play our hardest.” Through the losses, the team has held on to high rankings in the conference, which Madigan said is due to the equality in skill among the players. “We’re a pretty well-rounded team,” Madigan said. “We’ve got a strong lineup all the way up and down. I think our balance is our strength. We’ve got many kids on our team who could play high school hockey at high levels in any part of the country.” Still, Madigan says the team still struggles to keep their focus from game to game. “Our weakness is our inconsistency,” Madigan said. “One game we can play great and the next game we can play not so great. We’re looking for a consistent effort, but finding that consistency is one of our biggest challenges.” Lately the team has been skating for punishment and working on teamwork drills during their Monday and Wednesday practices. However, Dumlao said some of the drills have been unsuccessful. “We mess around too much and don’t really pay attention to the coach too often,” Dumlao said. “Our coaches tried to change the way we’re playing, but that didn’t work because we’ve been playing together for five years and we all kind of know who we should play with.” Because of their rank, the team will advance to playoffs, where they hope to defeat Keller who beat them in a 6-0 game on Dec. 2. The team will face Richardson/Rockwall (8-8) on Feb. 17. “It’s a very competitive conference and a very competitive league,” Madigan said. “We still have hopes that we’re going to advance to the state tournament this year. That’s been a goal for our kids all along. We’ve certainly got the talent to do it and if we start getting some breaks and healing the players who are injured I think we’ve got a real chance.”
A narrow shot to playoffs This week was make-or-break for girls’ team story by jasmine sachar
Pressure was building this week on the Lady Marauders (15-16, 6-6 at press time) about the District 8-5A playoffs. The team faced Allen, Hebron and Lewisville in back-to-back games on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They needed to win all three to be guaranteed a spot in playoffs or win two games in order to be tied with Flower Mound for a potential spot. On Monday night, the Lady Marauders beat Allen, 56-43. The scores of the last two games of district play were not available at presstime. Head coach Pam Owens said that her team’s record is not where she wanted it to be at the beginning of the season. “It’s just growing pains,” Owens said. “It’s just fig18 design by jordan richards
uring out the new system and learning how to compete in this district. Pretty much everyone was right on, because it’s definitely a very tough district.” The team is young with three freshman and two sophomores. Freshman Ashley Jones said she knew that their youth combined with a new coach would make the season “hectic”. “I thought we were going to do better than we have,” Jones said. “If we get some confidence, we should win these games. Going into the years when we become sophomores and juniors, then we’ll know the material better.” Owens said the team had a good chance of making it to playoffs if they continued to work on the fundamentals like they had been doing. “I think overall the morale is good,” Owens said. “We’re keeping our heads up.”
photo by jordan richards
Freshman Ashley James dribbles down the court on Friday Jan. 21 in a game against Flower Mound.
february 11, 2011 | the marquee
sports
the
SPORTS
UPDATE
Turning to team effort story by alex mcginnis
After facing off against teams from in and out of the district, the boys’ soccer team ended their January preseason with one loss against Coppell in the Marcus Cup. Gall’s focus for the preseason was teamwork, and with the loss of senior veterans the team is looking at the spring season with a fresh approach. “We weren’t the team I wanted us to be last year,” Gall said. “We relied too much on individuals and that cost us in the end.”
The team has been working hard in the weight room and working on the team’s cohesive element. “The team is made up of a lot of seniors this year who all want to win state,” senior captain Aaron Fitzgerald said. The new district zoning will also expose Marcus to unfamiliar teams such as Allen and remove Coppell from regular season play. “We take every game as they come, but ultimately our goal is to be state champions,” Gall said.
photo by allison przybysz Senior Aaron Fitzgerald takes the ball down the field at the Marcus Cup against The Highlands on Saturday, Jan. 29.
Playoffs inch closer story by luke swinney
photo by allison przybysz
Junior AJ Luckey blocks a pass from Lewisville junior Ryan Bowie on Friday, Jan. 10.
The boys’ basketball playoffs are rapidly approaching with only two games left in district play. The Marauders face Plano East tonight at home and play away at Flower Mound next Tuesday. With the upcoming playoffs as their main focus, junior center Nick Banyard said the team isn’t doing anything specific to prepare for tough state competition like South Grand Prairie. “Playoff teams haven’t watched as much film of us playing as the teams in
our district, so they’re not prepared for us,” Banyard said. “There’s some amazing teams in the state and they’re looking up to us. We’ve set the bar.” Junior guard A.J. Luckey said the student body has become a key part in the team’s undefeated district record. “Playing with our crowd makes it seem like a college game,” Luckey said. “The student body’s going at it with chants and everything. When they’re chanting “D-FENSE” it just pumps you up and makes you want to get a defensive stop.”
Victorious at Lone Star story by olivia tarlton
The weekend of Jan. 14- 15 marked success for senior Tarsis Gabriel, who went undefeated in his five matches at the Lone Star Duals at South Grand Prairie High. Coach Michael Prado said he believes Gabriel’s success at the Lone Star Duals was due to the intensity at which he wrestled. He compared this to last year when Gabriel was a regional qualifier. This intensity was necessary for the
february 11, 2011 | the marquee
team who competed in varsity districts on Feb. 7. The team did not place in the top two at district and therefore will not be going to state at the end of the month. Senior Dylan Powers placed second and will be going to regionals this weekend. Prado describes this year’s district as one of the toughest they’ve ever had. “FMHS finished state runner-up at last year’s UIL state meet and are the clear front runner for this year’s district title,” Prado said. “They have seven wrestlers ranked in the state rankings.”
photo by aj lascola Sophomore Josh Hood pins down an opponent on Wednesday, Jan. 19 against Hebron.
design by jordan richards 19
opinion
#based
Nathaniel Thorton
Egyptian riots motivate learning
Go home. Turn on your computer. Open your internet browser. Research as much as you can. A major world-changing event is happening at this very moment. You may not know all of the details, due to limited coverage, but I assume you have at least heard of the riots occurring in Egypt. The beginnings of a revolution are happening. The economy, diplomatic relations and other international factors have the potential to be affected. Only a few of these world-altering moments happen during a lifetime, so I find it necessary to learn everything about the situation. Not only that, but I also believe that it is important to take a side in the matter. Whether you support the revolutionaries or “the state,” you should take a side so you can remember where you stood on the conflict after its outcome. And, since this is an “opinion” column, I might as well state my opinion. I completely support the current revolution. The people of Egypt have reason to have be opposed to their current tyrannical leaders and just cause to rebel. And, if I was able to from my current location, I would help them as much as possible with this conflict. So, I will be rooting on these brave revolutionaries in their fight for justice and will be closely following the progress of the whole situation. Hopefully their victory will be as memorable of an event for Egypt as the pyramids of Giza. This “revolutionary” attitude that I have doesn’t only apply to this one conflict in Egypt, but to any conflict involving opposition due to the corruption of a government. If a government has to exist, it shouldn’t control the masses, but instead give a small amount of guidance and regulation. If they do anything other than that, they should be protested and overthrown if necessary. Honestly, though, an established government isn’t even necessary to a functioning society and the sooner people realize that, the sooner that there will be no need for conflicts like these. Then again, these are just my radical beliefs being awakened further by these international current events, and people are welcome to disagree. To end this column, I am going to write out a quote that I feel suits this situation and my opinion on the matter: “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of its people.” – Alan Moore. 20 design by jordan richards
Clean locker rooms
Art is awesome
Office ladies rock
The new girls’ locker room is a joy for all. No longer will girls change in public restrooms or cry because the floor is flooded. Having a clean locker room with functioning sinks, dry floors and more than one soap dispenser is a blessing. Thanks construction workers.
Art is one of the many creative things that Marcus prides itself on. We would like to thank the people who change out the art case next to the front door. Newcomers, students, teachers and other staffers love to stop and take time to reflect on the talent of Marcus.
The Marquee would like to thank the office ladies. For all of those who are late or lost, these women will gladly rescue each student and visitor from confusion. Let’s not forget the the visitor ball that holds past name tags of visitors. We love it.
iCreep
Carley Meiners
Choice of words need to change
Lewisville vs. Marcus. Thousands of parents and students enter the small gym on a Monday night. The seats are filled. It’s a typical night at a Marauder boys’ basketball game. The opposing schools look at each other up and down and then continue walking. Tonight the town rivalry will be taken to a new level. The whistle blows. The sound of squeaking tennis shoes comes from the gym floor. The game of basketball is played as each team fights for every point. The ball shoots towards the basket. As it rotates throught the air student eyes go with it. The ball swooshes and the stands vibrate on the home side. Lewisville shakes it off as if it’s only another point. There’s still a chance for comeback. Both sides of the gym think they’re the best. As we barely take the lead, egos grow even more as the chants begin. Back and forth both sides toss painful insults after insults. “Welfare babies.” The words echoed in rhythm and filled the room. An elderly lady with two children glanced back and forth at the student section as they all chimed in with the chants. Laughter comes out of the student’s mouths. They’re barely even concentrating on the actual game. They’re too busy coming up with their next hit, in hopes to have the best comeback. What all seems like mindless school spirit, to me, is the exact opposite. *** Sunday morning. The CNN headline flashes
Do you
the
THINK
W hall changes
have helped traffic?
compiled by shannon mccauley photos by jordan richards
across the screen, Congresswoman shot in Arizona. My shoulders tensed as I listened to the news anchor list the facts and discuss the reasons that could have possibly caused this disaster. The words hatred, politics and tragedy rang through my ears. Politics can cause anger, and anger caused disaster on Saturday Jan. 8, 2011. It’s no question that for the past two years political battles have become bitter than before. Democrats vs. Republicans. One party is always trying to tear down the other. Just like Marcus did with Lewisville. But why is this a problem? Because sometimes the way we say things affect different people in different ways. That day, a guy with a mental disorder took the words that are spoken in politics into his own hands. As he pressed the trigger to the gun I bet he couldn’t fathom what he was about to do. And it’s hard for people to understand why he would do such a horrible thing. An attempted assassination has caused our nation to come together. Political parties have set aside their differences in order to compromise. *** Our boys’ basketball team is amazing and we should be proud of all their accomplishments. But we’re not showing that we’re better than anyone by trying to bring another school down with personal attacks. The gym grows quiet as students file out. Marcus 61, Lewisville 51. We may have won in numbers, but we lost in sportsmanship.
“Yes, it is not as crowded. I have to use the backstairs to go to lunch, but I don’t like that.” Melissa Mowery, freshman
“Yes, it helps out a lot because not as many people are running into other people when coming from the S Hall.”
Alex Wright, sophomore
february 11, 2011 | the marquee
opinion
Learn your manners
Lame school motto
Spice up the graffiti
We’re pretty sure that the students were taught manners. It would be great if they would use them. For those who drive, leave space when you’re parking. Let people out into the line. Don’t freak out if someone isn’t driving as fast as you want. Manners—let’s try them.
“Pride in Excellence” What does that even mean? Does Marcus have pride in their excellence, or do we put the pride in excellence? If Marcus has to have a motto, it should have a point. It should display how awesome our school is and all of our accomplishments.
It’s clear to everyone that our school has graffiti in the bathroom. But for those who decide to bring a sharpie into the stall while doing your business, why be so cliche with it. Writing junk about failed dreams isn’t cool. Keep your thoughts in your journals.
i’m watching you
Devon Miller
Cricket phobia still haunts today
I still remember them creeping into my room late at night after all the lights were off. They’d silently stalk across the floor and slip under my sheets, tickling my legs and waking me up screaming. For five years they slowly traumatized me. My name is Devon, and I have a cricket phobia. When I was younger, I lived in California. My room had a door that led outside with a crack just large enough to allow crickets through. They would creep into my room almost nightly. They were everywhere, and they instilled in me a fear I still haven’t shaken. Maybe it’s their thick, meaty hind legs that rub together in a completely unnatural way. It could be the way they walk, with all their freaky little appendages moving in different directions. It definitely has something to do with their crazy antennae that have minds of their own. The worst part about crickets, though, is how stupid they are. Most insects with half a brain cell know to avoid the dangers that humans pose. Crickets, on the other hand, don’t scurry away at the sight of a person. They’ll jump straight at you, going in for the kill. Some freaky people keep crickets as pets because they bring “good luck.” They even give food and water like a puppy. Why anyone would ever want to keep a pet that has ears on its knees is baffling to me. I’ve tried to get over my fear of crickets, but it’s never really worked out. In seventh grade, my friend ripped the legs and antennae off a cricket and told me to touch it. Thinking it was dead, I did. The second
“No, it takes forever to get through. Also, it takes people longer to get to class now that they have to go another way.”
Sophia Richards, junior
the marquee |february 11, 2011
my finger touched its papery skin, it moved. Cue the screaming and waterworks. I’m thinking a reconciliation between me and crickets is not in the cards. The California crickets I grew up with were small and, though still freaky as ever, they were manageable. Louisiana is known for its 3-inch crickets, but I never saw one while I lived there. But the gigantic crickets here in Texas travel in massive black packs, festering under lights, waiting to attack unsuspecting passersby. And, oh yeah, they fly. I used to think the carpet at school, a perfect hiding place for creepy crawlers, was bad, but football stadiums with low stadium lights have become my own personal hell. Every football game is agony for me as I constantly check my clothes and the floor around me, making sure there are no crickets in a ten foot radius. Any closer is unacceptable. I’ve been made fun of my entire life for my fear. Just because crickets are supposedly “harmless” people think it’s oh so funny to pick them up and shove them in my face, chase me with them or even throw them at me. Yeah. Hilarious. Okay, maybe it’s really irrational. But I’ve given up on trying to get over this problem. I’m always going to be cricketphobic. Now I know I can’t avoid crickets. They’re too big to be vanquished with a tennis racket, too fast to be stopped by bug spray. And just when fall ends and I think I’m safe, the crickets are replaced by something even worse: grasshoppers. Don’t even get me started on grasshoppers.
“Yes, I never get clogged anymore. I am more focused now when I walk down the hall and when I get to class earlier, I get my homework done.”
Michael Boeschenstein, senior
“I would say so because there are 3,000 students in this school and traffic flow is much smoother.”
Josh Fuel, teacher
you’re not my father
Luke Swinney
Pick your words wisely, children
The word rang through my 11-year-old ears like a shotgun. For some reason, I could tell this one was different. I’d heard my fair share of dirty words most of them originating from my sixth grade lunch table where anything and everything was fair game for conversation – but this wasn’t just a dirty word. It was an attack. And I didn’t like it. The “N word” has transformed from a simple description into an offensive racial slur, something my sixth grade self wasn’t able to fully grasp. Sure, I could tell my black friend was being made fun of by the other boy’s choice of words, but the gravity of the situation went completely unnoticed by me. But my black friend noticed. I could read it in his eyes that he was hurt, that his identity was being attacked. Not his intelligence, his maturity or anything else an 11-year-old boy could be made fun of for, but his very identity. His race. Nothing he could have responded with would be an acceptable retort to the six-letters already spoken. There wasn’t a proper defense besides walking away, looking like a coward to the other boy. The way most middle school arguments end up if they’re not settled by an after-school fistfight. Slowly I began understanding the “N word” and what it represented 100 years ago and what it represents today. Times have changed and so have words. In the 13th century, calling someone nice was a fullon insult. Pretty used to mean clever or shifty. Hot used to simply be a vague measure of temperature. Whether people like it or not, definitions constantly change, and our vocabularies have to change with it. But people are set in their ways. I’ve heard people in their sixties use the word in everyday language, not realizing the racial connotation associated with it in modern time. Old habits die hard. Not only did they grow up in a period where it was socially acceptable to use the “N word,” but most don’t understand the word has changed connotations. It’s not a simple description of another race. It’s an offensive racial slur. And its usage is spreading rapidly. The frequent use of the “N word” in everyday conversation worries me. People now use it towards friends and enemies, black or white. Sure, it’s not always meant to be offensive or racist, but the overtone is still there – a racial slur against African Americans. To me, using that word is a slap in the face to anyone hurt by racial discrimination. Rosa Parks. Martin Luther King, Jr. And even my sixth grade black friend.
design by jordan richards 21
staff editorial
Republicans need to buckle down and focus It was a strange scene at the President’s State of the Union address when both Republican and Democratic Congress members sat undivided in the pews of the Capitol building. It’s a theme of unity that hopefully carries over to the next year, where a Republican majority in the House of Representatives must learn to work together with the Democrats to shave the $14 trillion deficit, and even more so when tackling the delicate issue of health care reform. Most teenagers will brush off this news as boring and irrelevant. However, they must realize that if left unsolved, the deep financial troubles of this country will rest on their generation’s shoulders. The deficit has grown to a record high. Both parties agree that program cuts need to be made but time is limited, and Republicans need to get specific real soon. What they should be doing instead of churning out attacks at the President is working with Democrats to create plans for job creation and paving clear-cut ways to move forward. Republicans also need to get serious about which programs to cut. It’s a bit impractical that Republicans don’t want to touch military spending, even though last year defense spending rose to $700 billion. They are also hesitant to cut money from social programs, such as social security, which make up two-thirds of the national budget, according to The Washington Post. These are big chunks to leave untouched, especially in a country that’s inches away from reaching the debt ceiling. Since Republicans have presented no specifics as to where they will make their “cuts,” perhaps the two biggest iron weights on the national debt are the best places to start.
22 design by james hubbard
Republicans in the House must also make some concessions when it comes to health care. They made it a point to repeal the health care law passed in congress last year, an act more symbolic than anything else. Reform of the health care law is an area where working with Democrats is a necessary procedure. Democrats still control a delicate lead in the Senate, so wasting time battling over a repeal in the House is not going to go anywhere if it does not contain compromises that Democrats will find appealing. There are good aspects of the bill that should be kept, like the fact that kids can stay on their parent’s insurances until they’re 26, and the inability of insurance companies to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. The fiscal parts of the bill do need to be addressed, including ways to pay for extending coverage to more Americans since Congress refuses to touch Medicare. Republicans argue that their victory in November was a mandate from U.S. citizens to stop the dominion of big government. If it was a mandate from the people, it was a mandate for actions that produce results, not actions like the “symbolic” repeal of the health care law, which will no doubt be defeated in the Senate. Voters and future voters like us need Republicans to stop dawdling around and show some economic responsibility. Either that or the teenage generation’s future will be drastically different than the current reality of their parents. Washington politicians on both sides find themselves in an increasingly violent, bitter battle. It’s been a month since the assassination attempt on Democratic Representative Gabrielle Giffords that
killed six. Both the public and public officials were reminded about the consequences of heated, angry rhetoric. Therefore, working together is key in this next year. Pointing fingers and hate mongering will get the national debt nowhere. Instead of bowing to the pressures of the far right, Republicans need to move to the center. If they hope to redeem themselves now and possibly win in 2012, they must unclench their fists, reach across the aisle and make some compromises.
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Marcus High School musical theatre has been informed that we are in jeopardy of losing our program next year. As a student from another country, it was difficult to find out where I fit in when coming to the United States. America is so different from Scotland that it took me awhile to adjust to the different customs. Musical theatre welcomed me with open arms. Theatre doesn’t care if you’re “popular” or “weird.” If you have the talent then you’re welcomed in like family. For all those “triple threats” out there who don’t want to socialize, musical theatre is home. This letter in no way reflects upon Mr. Shafferman or LISD. We are not trying to point fingers at anyone; we just simply want to get our point of view across. We need the support of the student body to help us save our program. As our director Mrs. Rita Powers says, “There is magic in the theatre and the theatre is magic.” -Natalie Allen, 12
february 11, 2011 | the marquee
B owling F H P or
umanity
1
hotos by taylor thomas
2
1. Junior Celeste Stickney searches for the perfect bowling ball during the Habitat for Humanity bowling event on Jan. 13. Bowlers collected sponsors that would donate a certain amount of money for every pin knocked down.
2. Rob Doyle, sponsor of the club
and US History teacher, smiles as the club members bowl.
3. Junior Sanchita Malik executes perfect bowling form as she wins money for the club.
4. Sophomore Zoey Pierce cheerfully awaits her turn to bowl.
the marquee | february 11, 2011
3
4 design by breyanna washington 23
A second
SHOT
atVICTORY
1
3
2
photos by peter iversen
1. The Marcus Alumni soccer game took place on Saturday, Jan. 8 at the
Marcus stadium. Senior Duncan Backus blocks a pass kicked by an Alumni. 2. Sophomore Victor Villarreal receives a pass and scores the only goal of the game for Marcus FC. 3. Sophomore Andrew Evans blocks a shot during overtime. Marcus lost the game 5-4 in the shootout. 4. Senior William Sloan kicks the ball up field to clear the defending zone. 24 design by jordan richards
4 february 11, 2011 | the marquee